The Pen Addict

Who knew that a single comment on a single ink review could send Brad off into deep stationery thought. It’s the good stuff, and what we are all about, so listen in!

Brad has returned from vacation, and the Atlanta Pen Show. He recaps one of those this week, but which? Listen in to find out!

The Pin is the winning pen! Brad and Myke wrap the Uni-ball Bracket, discuss Brad’s upcoming trip to the Atlanta Pen Show, and answer your AskTPA questions.

Brad and Myke turn the piston on the new Kaweco Sport, and then turn the nib on the Sailor TUZU, a new entry-level pen hitting the market soon. Plus, what do they think about the new LAMY AL-Star releases?

Does LAMY know what they are getting into with Uni-ball? Just this week, Uni has launched a new Jetstream ink formulation, and a new Kuru Toga engine mechanism. And, the Kuru Toga isn’t as popular as the Uni Pin Fineliner apparently!

This episode is full of surprises, the biggest of which is Brad going back on everything he ever said about international paper standards. We also break down the Uni-ball Pen Bracket, and get to the real surprise in the last segment of the show.

Mitsubishi Pencil Co. buys Lamy. Dark Lilac lands in the New York Times. Memes are where you find the true details. What is this timeline we are living in, and how fun is it?

Can we finally put the Lamy Dark Lilac saga to rest? One can hope. Brad does have all of the new Safari releases on hand and gives his first impressions, plus he and Myke do a full draft of Pilot Iroshizuku inks.

But is it really Dark Lilac? Brad and Myke try to sort out what Lamy is up to, which is a sisyphean task. That doesn’t stop them, nor does it stop Brad from a temporary Sailor moratorium lifting. The Ninja’s did it!

Myke and his face computer are back behind the mic this week, with travel updates from both he and Brad. They also catch up on Brad’s Kickstarter backings, Lamy Safari SE release dates, and an interesting release from Nahvalur.

Brad is joined this week by David Parker, better known in the stationery world as Figboot on Pens. It’s been over four years since he last joined the show, so we had a lot to catch up on, including his next fountain pen collaboration.

You’ve made it this far, and it still feels like the beginning. That’s a good place to be! Brad and Myke reminisce about the past, and look into the future in this week’s episode.

Brad and Myke are filled with Orange Delight about AI in the analog space. We discuss that, plus take a look at several new stationary Kickstarters that recently launched.

What are we using? What is Brad buying? Are you keeping up with your Burn Book? We answer all of these questions in this week’s episode.

The new year brings new product teases, and we got hints about one of our favorites this week. Brad is excited about the upcoming Lamy Safari, a new Retro 51, and gives his initial thoughts on the just released Studio Neat Keepbook.

New year, new Theme! Myke and Brad discuss their themes for 2024, and it will come as no surprise that it involves a lot of stationery.

Myke is back from … college? Yes, Myke was expanding his brainpower last week, but most importantly, he had to go school supply shopping. That’s the focus of this week’s episode, along with a few product updates from Brad’s desk.

Brad is joined this week by Arielle Fragassi, aka ToastyTreat to discuss her recent trip to Japan. There was food, friends, and fun, but most importantly, there was stationery. Time to plan a trip!

It’s the Battle of the Abs this week! No, not Brad and Myke, but between our good friends at Montegrappa and Graf von Faber Castell. They also discuss Wisky, a possible rename of the Pilot Explorer, and Brad stationery preps for vacation.

Brad is joined by Ana Reinert from The Well-Appointed Desk to help out with all of your holiday stationery needs. Or maybe they just shop for themselves instead.

It’s Thanksgiving week in the US, and Brad wonders “What stationary are we thankful for?” He and Myke discuss that, why there aren’t more interesting ink cartridge sampler packs, and the next pen Brad must have.

The Uni Kuru Toga Dive is launching a new color. Will you be able to get one? One can only hope! Brad also brings up a new-to-him pen, which Myke quickly derails into madness.

Brad is back from Fountain Pen Day at Atlas Stationers, and, to the shock of no one, has a lot to discuss.

It’s Horror Story time! Did Brad have a nightmare with Platinum Chou Kuro? He goes over his latest review, and gets ready for Fountain Pen Day.

How many different notebooks do you use in a single day? Brad dissects some interesting poll results, creates a business meeting stationary kit, and dips his toes into the world of fude nibs.

The Business Boys are back at it this week, with updates from both Brad and Myke on what they are working on. They also tackle a stationary thought experiment.

The London Pen Show this past weekend was epic, and neither Brad or Myke were there to witness it. Myke has already added the next show in the Spring to his calendar. Brad also discusses pen cleaning, and gives a Top 100 update.

Every tube deserves a home. Brad welcomes Myke back to the show, only to be told where to put his pen tubes. That’s right, Myke gets his payback on Brad’s desk tour!

This week, Brad is joined by correctly-spelled Mike, the one and only Mike Matteson from Inkdependence. We discuss his recent YouTube milestone, his local Pelikan Hub, some of his favorite inks, and what makes for a great pen show experience.

All of the ASK TPA! Ok, maybe not all of it, but Brad and Myke dig into the mailbag and answer your questions. Keep them coming!

Brad is back from Orlando, but did he even go to the pen show? Apparently yes, but he returned with an unexpected haul.

The Raffle for St. Jude is now live on The Pen Addict, and wow, do we have the goods! Brad and Myke discuss all of the amazing community participation so far, and look forward to what is next. Brad also prepares for the Orlando Pen Show

The highly anticipated Pilot nib ranking finally happens on this episode, with Brad counting down from number 15 to his favorite nib in the top spot. Which ones should you buy, and which should you avoid? Brad writes it all out on this episode.

It’s San Francisco Pen Show week, and Brad has all the FOMO. He goes through his “If he were there” shopping list, looks at the new Kaweco EBONIT Sport, and finally begins testing 15 different Pilot nibs.

Brad and Myke break down a slew of new products this week, which include a classic notebook maker, and a brand new one. They also give out a few tips for the upcoming San Francisco Pen Show.

Brad is back from the Washington D.C. Fountain Pen SUPERSHOW, and has tales to tell.

It’s Washington D.C. Fountain Pen Supershow time, and Brad, for once, is prepared! He discusses his gameplan for what will be a busy show, but not before getting ready for Hobonichi SZN.

Brad is back from his Uni-ball talk and spills all the tea. Before that, he and Myke break down the new Pilot Vanishing point Limited Edition, and try to sort out the latest from Pilot’s ILMILY stationery lineup.

We recorded early this week because Brad is off to talk to BIG PEN. Listen in to find out where he is heading and what he will be discussing. We also catch up on news reports from around the globe on the status of the Muji Polycarbonate Fountain Pen.

The social media landscape is disarray … but who cares? Let’s talk pens! Ok, we talk about social media a little bit, but then dig into live reports from Italy, Australia, and Portland, Oregon. What is going on in the wide world of stationery?

Brad and Myke are back behind the mic, and Brad goes behind the scenes to discuss how he gets out of the stationary doldrums. Brad also discovers a pen for the second time before he and Myke discuss what the sale of Pelikan means for fountain pen fans

Video games and stationery are a perfect match, and who better to discuss both topics than Miranda Sanchez. We discuss her prolific journaling habit, get some journaling advice, and break down her relatively new fountain pen obsession.

Myke is back, and he and Brad catch up on his digital travels in our analog space. Brad also follows up on his conversation with Uni-ball over the Kuru Toga Dive kerfuffle, and he breaks down a few new products that have crossed his desk over recent weeks

This week, Brad is joined by Frank Pressentin of Elbwood to discuss his beautifully handcrafted work. From his late start in life to his current meticulous in manufacturing, they cover it all in this episode.

What would bring Brad to say this? Well, it’s an all ASK TPA episode of the podcast this week, and he has thoughts!

In this episode, Brad and Myke ride a Balloon out over the Sea to get a beautiful view of the Horizon. Brad also inks up new pens.

Oh Uni-ball, what have you done? Brad and Myke discuss Uni’s way of “combatting resellers” by price gouging their loyal customers. They also dig into the eternal branding questions, and discuss Brad’s Happy Writing kick.

Brad is joined this week by Bryce Gillett from Luxury Brands of America. Bryce breaks down the role distributors play in the stationery market, from getting products from manufacturers to consumers, choosing brands to work with, and the behind the scenes

Brad is back from the Chicago Pen Show, with tales of deep dish pizza to tell. There were pens, too, as he breaks it all down in this episode. Brad also discusses his grand Jury Duty stationery selections.

Many new pens crossed the desk of The Pen Addict this week. Which ones survived? Tune in to find out!

We tried to let the ChatGPT conversation be one episode and done, but Lamy had other ideas. We discuss their AI design, praise Pilot’s new pen color, get inky with red inks, and Brad shares his love for the Pentel Sharp.

Since Brad and Myke can’t talk Lamy into making an Orange Lamy 2000, maybe AI can? They give it a shot this week!

There were many recurring themes this episode, including one which sent Brad over the edge. So far over the edge that he has implemented a moratorium for the rest of the year.

The Lamy bracket final is upon us-who do you have taking down the title? The venerably Lamy 2000, or the upstart Lamy Safari? It’s a battle for the ages! Brad also recaps his visit to the Atlanta Pen Show, and then gets back to his vacation.

If Lando Norris used a Lamy pen, which would it be? Maybe one that landed in the Final Four of the Lamy Bracket? Or maybe a Deelite Safari? Let’s find out!

What are we using? Why are we using them? How difficult will Brad make this? Find out this week on The Pen Addict!

Brad is back from the Baltimore Pen Show, and has tales to tell. Also, Lamy has decided it is bracket season, and boy do we have thoughts.

Our recent signature and handwriting talk sparked some great feedback, which we dig into at the start of today’s episode. Brad then heaps praise on Sailor. That’s right. PRAISE! Brad will also be at the Baltimore Pen Show this upcoming weekend

When you have a product named Sweet Juice Milk, you know there is going to be follow up. Brad gets angsty over the latest Pilot Juice release, discusses his Nahvalur Original Plus review, and Myke decides if he needs a signature makeover.

What better feedback than Pilot FriXion feedback?! We get a list of use cases for everyone's favorite erasable gel ink pen, talk about Sailor doing Sailor things, and bring Blue Milk into the show lore.

Brad’s review of the Pilot FriXion Ball Knock Zone has finally been published, so maybe this podcast topic can finally be put to bed. One topic we never hope to put to bed are price decreases, which we saw last week from one of our favorite makers.

Brad breaks down a huge range of new content at The Pen Addict this week, including the latest from Schon DSGN, and his thoughts on PLOTTER. A Top 5 Pens update also happened, and a discussion around selling pens.

There is a spy amongst us! Brad and Myke try to sort it out at the beginning of this week’s episode, before digging into the latest and greatest the stationery world has to offer.

Batman, Tutankhamen, and now this one? Montegrappa has done it again! Brad and Myke talk about their latest unbelievable pen design, discuss the annual Lamy AL-Star release, and one of the strangest pens to cross Brad’s desk in some time.

Sometimes the best laid plans get balled up and tossed right into the bin. That’s how this week’s show progressed, and you know what, it turned out pretty great.

The US Pen Show season kicks off this week, and Brad has begun booking travel for later in the year. Will you be attending any pen shows in 2023? Brad also bows to peer pressure … multiple times.

It’s Theme Season, and Brad brings his interesting take on a simple idea to the show today. How will stationary find its way into this theme? Where there is a pen, there is a way.

Brad and Myke are back to wrap up 2022 in the only way they know how: talking about stationery! Brad catches Myke up on all of the content goodness over the last few weeks, and they wrap the show by cleaning their desks in preparation for 2023.

Over ten years ago, we had Mike Rohde as our first ever guest on the podcast. He is back with Brad this week to discuss all things Sketchnote, and the awesomeness that has transpired over the last decade.

To misquote one of Brad’s favorite singers, Laura Jane Grace, even if his love was unconditional, it wouldn’t save him from questioning their product choices. He questions many of them this episode.

Ana is back, with stationery gift ideas in tow! She and Brad break down all of the fun stationery goods they hope to see this holiday season, and give you some ideas along the way.

Brad and Myke answer all of your #ASKTPA questions this week.

It’s an old school podcast this week, with Field Notes and TWSBI discussion right from the start. Brad then breaks down the new Writewell launch from Good Made Better, plus explains his choices for the updated Top 5 Fountain Pens between $100 and $200.

Hot Takes are the internet’s favorite currency, but are they a thing in the stationery world? Brad and Myke explore what is, and what isn’t, a hot take, and discover-gladly-that we reside in a more lukewarm territory.

In an episode full of fun and surprises, Myke discovers the biggest one right near the end.

Lamy released pictures of their best collaboration yet, so why is Brad upset? He explains, and also discusses new Kaweco builds and collaborations, and the return of Conid. Finally, he breaks down the Top 5 “Next” Fountain Pens list update.

It’s Horror Story season! Brad and Myke kick things off with two great stories, and an accidental third that needed to be discussed. Then, Brad breaks down his updated Top 5 Beginner Fountain Pens list.

We discussed the launch of the OKB48 vote last week, and this week, Brad cast his ballot. Brad then attempts to explain a traditional eyedropper mechanism to Myke, with varying levels of success.

The most important election of the year is underway, and that is the pen vote at OKB48! Brad breaks down last years list, updates his Top 5 Pen In The Store list, and digs into his first experiences with a group of freshly inked fountain pens.

New Sailor releases! Paper discontinuations! Weird products! Planner changes! It’s an all the great things episode of The Pen Addict Podcast this week.

Myke is back, and boy do he and Brad have some catching up to do! From all the King’s Pens, to an oddly-placed Naruto experience, they cover it all in this week’s episode.

Brad is joined this week by C.Y. from Tokyo Station Pens and the Tokyo Inklings Podcast. They met in person at the San Francisco Pen Show for the first time a few weeks ago, but it took until C.Y. returned to Japan for Brad to record their conversation.

There are always sacrifices when picking the perfect paper for yourself. Brad breaks down how he tests paper, what he looks for, and the pens and pencils he uses to make decisions on what’s good.

Brad is back from the San Francisco Pen Show and has all the tales to tell.

Before Brad heads to the San Francisco Pen Show, we have some important things to discuss. Mainly, Hobonichi’s plan to phase in the new Tomoe River paper in time for 2024 planners.

Brad is on a pen show bender-when will it end? Not for several weeks, at least! Brad has signed up for classes in San Francisco, started updating his Top 5 Pens list, and rails on ink bottle design thanks to an #ASKTPA question. Myke is here, too.

Brad auditioned for not one, but two new jobs this week. What are they, and will he be leaving Myke in the dust? Tune in to find out!

It’s DC Pen Show week-will you be there? Brad and Myke won’t, but that doesn’t stop Brad from being the unofficial hype man for the “Supershow.” What will you find there? Maybe some of the new products we discuss on this episode.

What is the P.A.R.? Brad breaks down the stationery grading system he shares with Pen Addict Members each week, and gives out grades for a few popular products.

Do you have a pen type? Can you define it? Is there a single pen that encapsulates your pen type perfectly? Brad explores what he looks for when buying and selling pens in an effort to make the best decision possible.

International. Paper. Standards.

How much Ultem is too much? We aren’t there yet, according to Brad. In fact, he wants more Ultem in his pens and pencils. He and Myke discuss that, plus and interesting Sailor North America release, National Mechanical Pencil Day, and a hopeful conclusion

What is the ultimate EDC? Could it be the ULTEMate EDC? Brad and Myke discuss a new product from Tactile Turn featuring everybody’s favorite plastic alternative, a wild release from Franklin-Christoph, and Brad’s thoughts on the Kaweco Premium nib

Myke is back! Or is he? Brad talks to some person on the other end of the line about all things stationary, including Lamy making some Vista moves, skulls on a stick, and a decade of greatness that culminates in … something else.

Brad is joined this week by April Wu. April, aka Penguins Creative, is an avid traveller, journaler, and stationery junkie. In short, she is one of us! She also works for DESIGNPHIL…

It’s #ASKTPA time! We are long overdue in answering your questions, and in typical Pen Addict fashion, didn’t get to all of them!

We didn’t simply pick one pen this episode, we picked five each. Brad and Myke updated listeners on the current Top 5 Fountain pens, and Brad went further, detailing plans for the start of his 100 pens project.

This podcast is so hot, we are going to need shades! Specifically, Kaweco branded sunglasses. We also find Cinderella’s Slipper, miss the apex on Montegrappa’s latest F1 pen, and Brad gets what he asks for in relation to the Pilot Custom 912.

Brad and Myke talk about some of their favorite things. Orange Mark One? Check. New Sailor pens? Check. Jony Ive’s favorite pen? CHECK!