The Pen Addict
Episodes
509: All Over the Nib Map
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Dowdy, King of the Needlpoints, Ruler of the Fine Line, First of his Name, bought a stacked nib. And he likes it
508: What Year Is It? Where Am I?
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brad went to the Atlanta Pen Show … or did he? We discuss his whirlwind of an event, and see what it was like to be back home after years away.
507: Hand in Your Badge
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy International Pencil Day! We spend at least two minutes celebrating graphite on what is, ostensibly, an ink-filled episode. Planning and Pen Sho...
506: Chicken Ink
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you take your ink, seasoned or fried? These are the important discussions Brad and Myke have, along with and Elbwood unboxing, hope for the Pil...
505: Aggressively Debossed
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Myke is back, but we are still discussing Jacob this week, as Brad received a special package from Japan. What was included? Tune in to find out.
504: Our Octopus Conversation
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brad is joined this week by Jacob, aka FudeFan, to discuss all things Japanese stationery. This big stores, the small makers, the secret handshakes, a...
503: I’ve Had Perfectly Standard Experiences
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brad gives a planner update in the early stages of 2022, makes glowing remarks about the latest releases from TWSBI, Studio Neat, and Schon DSGN, and ...
502: Throw a Dart at $125 Ten Years Ago
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard? Brad LOVES the Pilot Custom 74. So much so, that he reviewed it this week, and elaborated further on its awesomeness this week. Brad a...
501: The AL-Star Sucks
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it #TeamAL-Star, or #TeamSafari in 2022? The decision is tougher than it seems. Brad and Myke also answer the 500th episode question posed to liste...
500: Pens!
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We did it! 500 episodes of a podcast about pens. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey!
499: I'm Gonna Drink It
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I mean, if you are going to put coffee in your ink name, what else am I supposed to do? Myke talks Brad out of drinking ink this week, but not out of ...
498: Caveats!
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Myke have an idea for Episode 500, and we need your participation. Listen in to find out how to contribute! We also discuss TWSBI’s continu...
497: Here's My Desk Computer, Here's My Desk Cup
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stuff happens this episode, all of it fueled by the mighty coffee bean.
496: Pen TMZ
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Myke go behind the scenes this week and talk about talking with brands, distributors, and retailers. What are the pros and cons of digging de...
495: Parter Jocker
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a new year, so it is time for new themes. And new stationery. And new brand names that Brad makes up on the fly. Happy 2022!
494: The Centre is Twisty
29 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Myke unboxes the Drillog live on the show this week. It goes … well? We break it all down, plus discuss early planning for the new year, and an inte...
493: A Guy Named Dean
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The results of the 2021 Pen Addict Census are in! Myke and I have breaking it all down in this week’s episode.
492: I Can Tell You Don't Like It
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Myke are back together, and they get METAL! Ok, not really, that was just them fawning over last week’s guest. This week, Brad gets into tr...
491: The Symphony
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad is joined this week by special guest Anabelle Hiller. While known for her current work with Appelboom Pen as their in-house nib and repair supers...
490: Orange-Flavored Pens
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad takes us through a first look at several new-to-him products, including the ystudio Revolve, PenBBS 456, and an ink you don’t want to miss.
489: The Radiation in This Pen Is Not Harmful
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Myke are lost during gift guide season without their venerable third podcast host. They make it through a mini-guide this year, plus discuss ...
488: Your Warranty is Voided
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a big follow-up week, with State of Stationary comments, NaNoCoMo updates, and a look at a few recent purchases from both Brad and Myke.
487: The State of Stationery
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is the current state of the stationery market? Prompted by listener questions, Brad and Myke break down what they are seeing across the industry.
486: Write-O
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What are you using? Brad and Myke discuss their current stationary situation, how they will be spending Fountain Pen Day, Tomoe River updates, and how...
485: Every Month Has a Month
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What if you participated in NaNoWriMo, but didn’t write a book? Brad shares his ideas on this upcoming monthly challenge, plus digs in to the candid...
484: Don't Lie about Being in Antarctica
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Big news this week as Brad made the tough decision to wind down Nock Co., at least as it is currently built. He and Myke also break down the latest TW...
483: You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We answer all of your pressing #ASKTPA questions this week - from picking out a new fountain pen nib to why color pencil leads are so hard to find. We...
482: It's a Medium Nib, It's Fine
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We have Pen Addict surveys! We have new Lamy collaborations! We even have new Rotring colors! But, did you know we have stacked nibs? Well, Myke does,...
481: Fully Precedented
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Myke chart a path into unprecedented territory this week. Or do they? Listen in and you be the judge.
480: An Approximation of a Color
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the case of one of our all-time favorite Pen Addict products, what is dead may never die. Yes, the Scribble Pen is … back? It’s something, that...
479: Fountain Pen Companion with Urban Hafner
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad is joined this week by Urban Hafner, the developer of Fountain Pen Companion. FPC is an essential site for fountain pen and ink fanatics, and the...
478: 27% More Color Density
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How important is color density in your gel ink pens? Zebra would like you to find out. Brad would like Pentel to find out who besmirched the legacy of...
477: This Notebook Has Rules
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What’s more fun than talking about companies who recycle and reuse old products as new again? We pile on #MONTBLANCGATE this week, before digging in...
476: Particular Thoughts about Particular Products
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You want thoughts about stationery? Brad has them. He breaks down the Uni Alpha Gel Switch and the TWSBI Swipe, and ends up with more questions than a...
475: Butter-Softly
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is going on with Jowo? What is Kaweco planning? What is Pilot recalling? Brad and Myke attempt to break it all down, along with discussing a good...
474: Grippier Grips
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Myke is back, and allows Brad to regale him with tales of stationary wonder. Brad has new pens (shocker,) new ideas (shocker,) and new writers (shocke...
473: Nail Time with the Nib Doctor
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad upgraded this week and connected with Audrey Matteson, Franklin-Christoph’s one and only Nib Doctor. They thoroughly consider test driving the ...
472: Pretty Very Also Good
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We should rename this podcast to Brad Buys Pens, because that is all he has done this summer. We discuss his latest acquisitions, a Pilot Pokemon coll...
471: I Drop Pens All The Time
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The amount of pens being dropped in this community is too darn high! What can be done about that? Brad and Myke discuss that, plus large capacity conv...
470: Fibers in the Groove
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s an action-packed episode this week, as Brad and Myke cover the upcoming Drillog launch, the new TWSBI Swipe, and everything in between. Watch o...
469: Does it BEND?
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a highlighter - does it need too? Brad and Myke discuss these important questions, and others, on this rollicking episode of the podcast.
468: The A's got a Hat On
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad is back from vacation and has big plans. Plans for what? Plans to change his planner, that’s what! We discuss that, Drillog news, and handwriti...
467: You Had One Job
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Remote location Brad had one job this week on vacation, and he couldn’t even get that right. What he, and Myke, did get right was their commentary o...
466: I'm Not Going to Rank My Friends
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad posted an update to his Top 5 Fountain Pens between $100-$200 and he an Myke break it all down. Plus, they discuss fancy pens in this dragon.
465: Skittles Skulls
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Brad is joined by Ben Walsh of Gravitas Pens to discuss his story of the brand. It’s a story of trial, error, and resiliency, and one I h...
464: A Paint Job and a Story
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Myke catch up on what they are using today before digging into Brad’s latest shopping experience, bulky notebooks, and … edible note pads...
463: ABC Generic Pen
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A pen cleaning for the ages, the One pen, and a 55th Edition. What more could you ask for in a single episode? Maybe a couple of pens that will not be...
462: I Know That Sound, I Make It
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do you review a pen that you personally love, but wouldn’t recommend it except to the smallest fraction of pen users? Brad and Myke discuss this...
461: Shimmer is Now an Add-On
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I mean, isn’t shimmer always an add-on? Brad and Myke think so when it comes to pens, and inks. Find out exactly which ones in this week’s episode...
460: Congratulations, You Are Correct
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What are your thoughts on the new Blackwing Palomino? What do you think Field Notes will do for their 50th release? Do you leave stickers on pens, or ...
459: All This to Pay for a Pen
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Business Brad is front and center this week, before discussing a new Platinum limited edition, the first release from the new Retro 51 team, and the c...
458: The Fourth Best Colour
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad may be making another call to the law firm if this continued usage of orange keeps up from unauthorized parties. Until then, he and Myke discuss ...
457: A Literal Banana
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When is a big pen too big? Brad found out almost immediately after last week’s show. The discussion then turns to a new, old notebook that Brad is e...
456: Citrus, Orange, and Tangerine Esq.
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad’s lawyers were active this week, but the situation has been resolved with no further intervention required. Brad follows up on a conversation w...
455: Thumbs Up for Fountain Pens
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some days are rough, and some days are just like “Thumbs up for fountain pens!” Today is definitely the latter, as Brad and Myke discuss making yo...
454: Concerning Your Use of Orange…
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The cases are shipped! The nibs are in flight! The use of orange is … questionable? Brad and Myke discuss all the things, including new stuff from o...
453: What Have You Done?
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Myke received a rare box of goodies from Brad, and then a second right behind that. What's going on in this world where that would actually happen. My...
452: Not Enough Sizing
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We make things! Both Brad and Myke have hot products in the works, including a restock of the Theme System Journal, and a new Spoke fountain pen - or ...
451: Changing the World One Person at a Time
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What if you launched a Collection, but spelled it Sport? Brad has fun at Kaweco’s expense this week before digging into the new Pilot Special Editio...
450: The Friendships We Made Along the Way
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
450 podcast episodes, and nearly 10 years of Kickstarter campaigns! Brad and Myke discuss their personal highlights - and a few lowlights - of nearly ...
449: Retail 9-9-5
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How engineered does a dip pen need to be? Apparently VERY engineered is the answer, and we are here for it. We discuss that very interesting pen, Brad...
448: The Hurley School of Pen Usage
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Adina is back! And this time, she has comics in tow. How is she making them? What pens and paper is she using? How did she decide what colors of Sailo...
447: Global Monetary Markets
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do price increases affect retailers? How about consumers? Are we heading towards a tipping point in a few years? Brad has no clue, but he would li...
446: We Are Now Under New Ownership
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No, not The Pen Addict, but our good friends over at Retro 51 have officially made the transition. We also discuss Brad’s foray back into fountain p...
445: Great Day to Start a New Notebook
20 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s new notebook day for Brad, and there are many great reasons as to why. We also discuss Retro 51 sale news, and dig into a big batch of #ASKTPA.
444: Complex Complicated Colours
13 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
News of a new, old Lamy Safari hit the stationary internet, and Brad and Myke discuss what it is, and what it means. They also break down an 87 pen li...
443: Notes Passing Through the Night
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad breaks down not only his Theme System Journal in this week’s episode, but also his 2021 planner, and his Notebook of Randomness.
442: Instead I Got a Monitor Stand
30 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The holiday break is over and there is stationary to discuss! Brad and Myke do just that this week, with talk around the Theme System, Retro 51, Holid...
441: Riptiiiiide
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Rachael Maddow, we are so sorry! Your pencil choices were a big topic of conversation today, and we broke down a few that may make a good replacement ...
440: Upgraded Vision
09 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hello Kitty. Lisa Frank. Popper-palooza. How much better can one episode get? How about 99,999 times better?
439: Falcon Is An Acquired Taste
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Two of our favorite brands - Pilot and Sailor - have done some interesting things over the past week. Brad and Myke discuss that, plus Brad’s TWSBI ...
438: I’ll Take a Kilt – Holiday Gift Guide 2020
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brad and Myke are joined by Ana Reinert of The Well-Appointed Desk for our annual Gift Guide Episode. We tackle a ton of categories to cover all of yo...
437: That's Not My Handwriting
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brad’s wrist is improving, but is his left-handed handwriting? We discuss other lefty-centric topics, perforated pages, abs on a pen and making bett...
436: Pens Take Precedence
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brad is back … or is he? With a broken wrist in tow, he and Myke try to sort out what is going on with Sailor’s many new releases. Is it all a fev...
435: Fine Fine Medium Line
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brad did some shopping for Fountain Pen Day. Did you? We talk about a couple of new acquisitions, and then listen live as Myke stumbles upon a secret.
434: Trick Ink Window
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The results of the Great Pen Addict Slack Survey are in! Brad and Myke break it all down, plus discuss new, and strange, pens from TWSBI, making Zines...
433: Why would you do that‽
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a business-heavy podcast this week, as we talk about bits of news across the stationery industry. We also discuss the upcoming virtual Detroit ...
432: Blacklight Poster Pens
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sailor pens or Benu pens? Why not both! We dig into the latest Sailor business news this week, and Brad expresses his love for a brand he was indiffer...
431: May I Buy This From You?
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What do you think of the Sailor Pen rebrand? How do you review the King of Pen? Is King of Pen even spelled correctly? These are the hard hitting ques...
430: Better than the G2
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Pilot G2 is a good gel ink pen. There are better gel ink pens right next to it on the store shelf, and Brad digs into the ones you should consider...
429: Name of the Pen on the Pen
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Myke is back after a week on the lam and we have a lot to catch up on! Kickstarter campaigns, pen releases, charity drives - all of the things on this...
428: Stacked Nibs
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Interview time! Brad is joined by Gena Salorino from Custom Nib Studio to discuss all things nib grinding. What has life during lockdown been like for...
427: Nobonichi
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is it Hobonichi season already? 2020 was not the best year for planners, but it’s time to get right back in there for 2021! Brad and Myke also discu...
426: When Am I Gonna Get One?
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Will Brad ever ship Myke his Retro51 Celebration? Will Myke become a pirate? Will Brad re-up his pencil subscription? All of these questions - and mor...
425: The 1911 of Pen
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Packing. Pens. Podcastathon. We talk about all of those things, although not in that order. Plus, what pens would you pair with your other preferences...
424: Keyboard Addict
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What has happened to this show? Are we no longer discussing pens? Of course we are! But Myke has a wonderful digression on how similar the mechanical ...
423: Cute Fun Spooky
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s not Halloween just yet, but that doesn’t stop us from liking cute, fun, and spooky pens when they launch! We discuss all kinds of new product...
422: The Future is Not Fountain Pens
05 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Or is it? Brad and Myke dig deep into the stationery world for answers in this episode. The real question is did they find any.
421: Return of the Tower of Pens
29 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Mega Studio pen situation, explained! We also discussed a new series on The Pen Addict blog, wax poetic on the future of Kickstarter pens, and dig int...
420: The Real Collector's Edition
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate this illustrious 420th episode of The Pen Addict podcast, we talked about the only thing that did this number justice: Pizza pens! We als...
419: That's So Draplin
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brad gets all zen about pen cleaning - again. We also discuss a special Retro 51 anniversary, a virtual pen fair, and dig into recent pen reviews from...
418: Today I Hate Paper
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Changes, they are coming - at least for our beloved Tomoe River paper. We discuss that, new Sailor releases, and try to decide how much Primary Manipu...
417: Barely Cut Hay
01 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is our beloved Sailor Pen Co. about to have a new owner? Brad and Myke discuss all of the rumblings and try to sort out what it means. But first, we s...
416: The Purest Carrots
24 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Want to write your government official? Our listeners came through with all of the tips you need to make sure your voice is heard. We also talk about ...
415: Blender's Choice
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Congratulations, you played yourself.
414: Where Do I Even Write Things?
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How do file-based digital planners work? Brad wants to know, and Myke tries to help. The conversation goes about as well as you would expect. Brad als...
413: Ana Does Best
03 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Myke and I are joined by Ana Reinert of The Well-Appointed Desk to discuss 10 years of blogging adventures.
412: Urushi Safari KOP Magnet Filler
27 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Brad opened the box! We talk about the amazing urushi work found inside the box, plus new event cancellations, Myke’s ink swabbing experiment, and a...
411: Curious Case of the Curidas Cracking
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
So much Platinum talk, so little time! Brad and Myke break into cracked feeds and broken pricing, plus talk about some new pens that are intriguing. T...
410: Albert, Duchess, and Duke
13 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is one big tease of new products from some of our favorite brands like Leonardo, Platinum, and Sailor. Also, if you had to rename the int...