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Stationery FreaksFrom Paper Obsession to Published Pages - How we write books as Stationery FreaksHow do two writers, bound by their devotion to beautiful stationery, actually write books? In this episode, Helen and Rob reveal their individual paths, uncovering the shared foundation of paper-based ideation – the noodling, expanding, and connecting that begins on the page with their beloved notebooks. Explore their transition to digital tools (Rob's a touch more intricate!), their editing journeys, and their distinct publishing routes – Helen to her website, Rob primarily through self-publishing. Expect delightful detours into UK National Stationery Week, Rob's exciting new project requiring more notebooks, and Helen's potential planner evolution. Wa...2025-05-1638 minStationery FreaksWhen did you become a Stationery Freak?In this episode Helen and Rob talk about whether there was a defining moment, or time, when they became Stationery Freaks.They start with Stationery Stories:Helen has an occasion to break out a new notebook - an Atoms and Astronauts one from Vinted. Rob's been watching too much Parisian Agency on Netflix - so is trying to adopt a Parisian style and coolness with a new Folio packed with a Yellow Legal Pad and a couple of Moleskine Cahiers. Helen introduces the (potentially) new segment of the show called "Stationery Freaks in the Wild", in wh...2025-04-2532 minStationery FreaksHoarding notebooks and when to use a new one - Stationery Freaks PodcastIn this episode we explore why we both have huge hoards of unused and partially used notebooks, and what makes us crack open a new notebook.You can find videos, photos and a deeper dive into this topic in the newsletter.In this episode:Helen is still searching for her full collection of mechanical pencils. The Penac Protti goes down well at work, but Rob ends up with pencil all over him at work, and refuses to share his doodles with his work colleagues. Rob describes Helen’s notebook storage unit with remarkable accuracy.Hele...2025-03-2435 minStationery FreaksThe perfect mechanical pencilIn this episode we chat about all things pencil related. We cover:Why Rob has so many notebooks he cannot move his writing deskHelen's latest Vinted stationery haul - and a surprise penThe lovely folks at Penac sent us some free samples - and they are brilliantHow we use pencils and paper for getting unstuck, or in Rob's case, for 99% of his writingWhy the non-permanent nature of pencils lends itself to creative thinkingWhy Rob bought the Rotring 600 pencil but hasn't used it muchAnd much moreGet images and links to everything we discuss in the S...2025-03-0331 minStationery FreaksThe Hobonichi switch revisited - a year of using the systemIn this episode Helen shares how she’s getting on with her Hobonichi system, a year after making the switch from Bullet Journaling. We did an episode on this switch in early 2024 - you can listen to that episode here, where Helen shared why switching over the New Year was a bad idea. And so, a year later, we revisited this topic to hear how Helen is getting on, what’s adapted and whether she still needs a suitcase to carry around her growing sticker collection. I ask Helen about the Hobonichi system, how it...2024-12-1227 minStationery FreaksIn pursuit of the perfect structure - a stationery freaks eternal questIn this episode we chat about why we've been missing for a few months, our stationery purchases and how we're always in pursuit of the perfect structure.You can find images, links and other insights that accompany this podcast on our newsletter - https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/We cover, amongst other topics:1. A YouTube video comment that led Rob to a new pencil purchase2. Helen talks about her Hobonichi and how she's still loving it - although struggling to find time for buying stickers3. Rob talks about keeping a ledger as...2024-12-0129 minStationery FreaksFriction, Reward and Productivity SystemsIn this episode Rob introduces his new productivity system of coloured military-style print out. Rob and Helen ponder why it's hard to find a system that works. And that maybe, they've (well, Rob) has been searching in the wrong place. Maybe, when we try to find a streamlined, slick, frictionless productivity system we're not actually getting much reward. And maybe, just maybe, higher friction system (bullet journaling, Rob's new method, Hobonichi etc) give a more meaningful reward. And maybe even, the reward is in the friction itself. Much to ponder. Find our newsletter...2024-07-0732 minStationery FreaksThe magic of whiteboardsIn this episode we chat about the magic of whiteboards. We cover:How we used them at workHow Helen's daughter uses them for learning and revisionHow Rob's son uses them for doodlingThe ephemeral nature of whiteboard contentLong running whiteboard content - and why "do not wipe" is importantIf you'd like to see the images we talk about in this session, head to the newsletter.2024-06-1623 minStationery FreaksVinted - Not just for clothes - our stationery haulsIn this episode Helen and Rob chat about buying stationery hauls from Vinted (other platforms and services are available).We cover:Our surprise at the variety of stationery on vintedThe bargains to be hadHelen's stationery haul for an upcoming workshopRob's stationery haul for no reason other than some bargain Moleskines and a notepad with Yorkshire written on the frontHow Rob makes offers and Helen pays full priceWhat stuff they found on Vinted. Note: We have no affiliation with Vinted - we just thought you'd like to hear about the stationery goodness. Note: We believe Vi...2024-05-2620 minStationery FreaksDomestika - a stationery freaks learning playground for creativesIn this episode Rob and Helen explore the world of Domestika, an online learning platform for creatives. Note: We are not affiliated with Domestika, but Rob is addicted to it. * Rob explains what Domestika is and how it works* Helen is addicted to stickers - and may jump in to Domestika to learn more about calligraphy* Rob explains how he sometimes just watches the "materials" video on each Domestika course to geek out on stationery* Rob is building a list of Domestika tutors to interview for the Stationery Freaks podcast* Helen...2024-04-0224 min
Stationery FreaksGoal Setting - how a stationery freak mixes analogue and digital tools for goal settingIn this episode Rob shares his goal setting process using paper and digital tools. Rob explains what makes a good goal, Helen asks lots of questions and Rob shares how to track goals.We cover:Goals should be measurable and timeboundAn annual review is a positive processPainting a picture of the future and aligning goals is importantThe why is importantPrecious little red notebooksTracking in ToDoistThe power of journalingWhy not subscribe to the newsletter too!2024-02-1134 minStationery FreaksThe world of Hobonichi Planners - and switching productivity systemsIn this episode we explore the world of Hobonichi Planners. Helen decided that January was a good time to switch productivity, journaling and note-taking systems (it may not have been a wise decision). She chats us through the world of Hobonichi Planners and how she is using them to "force" her to develop the habit of journaling. She also needed mountains of stickers. All the stickers. We also cover Midori notebooks (Helen raves about these), Etsy Hobonichi sticker providers and why productivity systems must be hacked to make them work for you. Rob...2024-01-2131 minStationery FreaksMoney is no object - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 4 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into things we would buy if money were no object.Rob breaks the rules on this one, Helen less so. Listen to the end for a magical and amazing idea we'd love to do, but alas, money IS an object. We cover:- Helen - Smythson Soho Luxury Notebooks. About £170 - £250- Rob - Parker Bumble Bee - ebay link so may expire. £5000 for a p...2023-12-1921 min
Stationery FreaksAccessories - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 3 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into stationery accessories that are on our gift list.Helen shares three and Rob shares three.We cover:- Helen - TipEx Mouse- Rob - Firbon A4 paper cutter- Helen - Bookaroo Sticky Tabs- Rob - Rapesco desktop Pencil Sharpener- Helen - Hobonichi Deco Rush Stickers- Rob - Vretti thermal printer (here's the Vretti one I bought...2023-12-1425 min
Stationery FreaksNotebooks - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 2 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into notebooks that are on our gift list.Helen shares three and Rob shares three.We cover:- Helen - Zen Art B5 Dotted Notebook- Rob - Ottergami A5 notebook- Helen - Atoms to Astronauts notebooks- Rob - A4 Yellow Legal Pads- Helen - Midori Notebook- Rob - Plotter Japan NotebookAnd an honourable mention...2023-12-1228 min
Stationery FreaksPens - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive. In this special edition, episode 1 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into 6 pens/pencils/inks that are on our gift list. Helen shares three and Rob shares three. We cover:Helen - The Stalogy Gel PenRob - Sharpie Ultra FineHelen - Glow in the dark ink (Etsy)Rob - Staedtler Norris School PencilsHelen - Waterman Carene Ink Pen (Fountain Pen)Rob - Waterman Deluxe Ink Pen (Fountain Pen)...2023-12-1017 minStationery FreaksStationery Chat with Amy Cooper-Wright: founder of Mark and Fold and fellow stationery freakIn this episode we chat with Amy Cooper-Wright who is the founder of Mark and Fold, one of our favourite stationery companies. Amy talks business, notebooks, gaps in the market, sustainability and shares her desert island stationery!We chat about:Why start a stationery companyWhy Amy was influenced when she was younger by making her own books and running a toy post officeWhy Amy sought out to make the notebook better, not cheaper - and held to her high bar of quality Why Amy was tired of not being able to find decent notebooks to buyLogistics, d...2023-11-231h 01Stationery FreaksZentangle, Mandala Art & Desert Island Stationery - an interview with Sanne VisserIn this episode we do a lovely interview with Sanne Visser, Technologist, Zentangle and Mandala aficionado and bullet journalling fan.We cover:* The Netherlands, bikes, canals and wonderful old libraries that sell stationery* What Zentangle and Mandala Art is, and why Sanne does it* The notebooks, pens and pencils used* Table cloth colouring* Stoic wisdom books* Cellotape, staples and Hobonichi planners* And Sanne shares the 5 items of stationery she would take with her to a desert island* We also muse whether water bottles and handcream are considered stationery2023-11-1636 minStationery FreaksA retreat to Gladstone Library - a stationery freaks paradise?In this episode we discuss Helen's recent retreat to Gladstone Library. The surprising thing about the retreat was that there were no obvious stationery freaks....in a library.Helen explains what Gladstone Library is and the environmentHelen talks about her experience at the retreatHelen explains how everyone had laptops, and very few stationery freaks were thereRob talks a little about his retreat 2 years agoRob remarks that his was like a lads holiday, without the ladsHelen explains why she's rebooked alreadyPlus some hints and tips on doing your own retreatGladstone Library - https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/...2023-11-0929 minStationery FreaksYou're not lazy - deconstructing a YouTube video that resonated with usIn this episode we were super inspired by a wonderful YouTube video we watched, called "You're Not Lazy : How to live a chaotically organised life" by YouTuber Elizabeth Filips. So, given it summed up how we work, or at least how Rob works (that was why Helen sent him the link to the video), we thought we'd deconstruct the video and share stories about how we operate. And of course, although light on stationery talk, how we use stationery to control our own chaos.In the episode we talk about:Stationery S...2023-10-2237 minStationery FreaksThe Travelling Stationery Freak - what do you take with you when you travelIn this episode we chat about what stationery we take with us when we travel. Let us know what you take.We cover:Bookaroo notebook carry cases are Helen's new thing. (affiliate Amazon link)Van Neistat's inspiring Rob again - this time to create ToDo lists and organise himselfHelen waxes lyrical about some new exercise booksRob turned up to a Mastermind meeting with the worst stationeryWe then chat about what we take with us to conferences and when travelling with work.- Notebooks- Pens- Pencil casesAnd we also...2023-10-0535 min
Stationery FreaksOverwhelmed? Lists are your friendIn today’s episode we chat about why we revert to lists when we’re overwhelmed - as well as some stationery storiesStationery StoriesThe man who stuck post-it notes to his tie - Helen recalls the story of a man who used this process to get things done.Rob's using Helen's post-it notesTeachers using iPads to stick post-it notes toRob has sent the Remarkable2 back - and bought a typewriterMain Topic - Lists when overwhelmedWe chat about lists, what we use them for and why we revert to them when thin...2023-09-2235 minStationery FreaksWhat's happening to us? The Remarkable 2, Obsedian, The Brain, Moleskine Balance and blending analogue and digitalIn this episode we talk about what's happening to us - as we find digital tooling becoming more important in our stationery world. We talk about the Remarkable 2, Moleskine balance and how we are still stationery freaks! And Rob is retooling his knowledge management and Helen learned nothing about herself, despite sticker journaling for a few weeks.We cover:Woolsthorpe manor, where Isaac Newton saw the apple fall - and the fact you can buy pens made from the very tree that Newton saw the apple fall fromRob's bought a Remarkable - will he send...2023-08-3140 minStationery FreaksHow we track habits - blending analogue and digital - Stationery Freaks PodcastIn this episode we discuss habits and how we define them and track them using both digital and analogue tracking and documenting. We share our own perspectives of how we develop habits.* Helen has bought all of the stickers in the whole world (possibly)* Rob is trying to build the habit of not buying anymore notebooks for a while - and instead, using up the mountain of notepads he has* Rob has regained the love of Yellow Legal Pads* Helen spends her life trying to make herself better using structures and systems to try...2023-08-1730 minStationery FreaksHandmade notebooks, Japanese silk and sourcing materials - an interview with Maria Le VanIn this episode we interview Maria Van Le of LeVan Books. Maria makes her own beautiful notebooks - of which Helen has purchased a few. They are exquisite, hand made and use some top notch material.In this episode:Helen talks about her 6 ink pens - and decides she needs more (or not).Maria talks about her passion for glass ink pens, water colour painting and using her own booksMaria explains how she started making books for her daughter and her friends, before making them for other peopleMaria is self taught and a p...2023-07-1637 minStationery FreaksOur Stationery Disasters - The Stationery Freaks PodcastIn this episode Rob and Helen share some of their stationery disasters as well as ramble chat about stationery, including, but not limited to,Helen has a new LeVan notebooksHelen Callaghan Writing Challenges - check out this previous podcast featuring Helen CallaghanStationery Care Packages - Helen sends some beautiful gifts, perfectly wrapped. Rob sends a package with a terrible index card in it. Rob uses his Bella Beso planners.Helen explains to a new team member that she doesn’t use digital tools. Rob uses analogue note taking methods whilst others smirk. Helen explains how she ruined a note...2023-05-1224 minStationery FreaksWriting, learning, dangerous pencil sharpeners & top of the class notebooksIn the first podcast of the year, (I know, we're slack), Helen and Rob chat about recent stationery finds, purchases and goodies. Helen geeks out with a colleague who loves Fountain Pens - and is an expert on paper quality.They head to Gilbert House Pens to spend money. Helen buys a feather resin pen. Brad Herrington from Gilbert House Pens is helpful and guides Helen to the right pen. Helen is now obsessed with inks, especially after we had Urban Hafner on the show. Helen is now using shimmer inks of various colours. Rob is taking out extra...2023-04-0335 minStationery FreaksInterview with Urban Hafner - founder of Fountain Pen Companion and Stationery FreakWe were VERY excited when fellow Stationery Freak and founder of Fountain Pen Companion, Urban Hafner, joined us on the podcast. Urban is a software developer, fountain pen aficionado, host of two podcasts (one of which is about stationery), bullet journal user and fan of nice stationery.In this episode we chat about:Fountain pens, inks and why Urban created The Fountain Pen Companion toolJapanese pencilsLearning handwriting and calligraphyWhy Urban throws away his journals once he's finished with themUrban's paired down Bullet Journal practiceDesert Island stationery - the five things Urban mentioned are...2022-12-1334 minStationery FreaksDesert Island Stationery - what 5 items would you take?In this episode Rob and Helen share the 5 items of stationery they would take with them to a Desert Island. What would you take? Let us know on Instagram - @stationeryfreaksukIn this episode:Helen is obsessed with Rob’s A3 learning management system - a video of the system is here on Rob’s YouTube channel.Rob talks about his new (old) Waterman Fountain PenRob bends the rules of the gameHelen forgets a pencil sharpenerHelen’s 5 items:A Mark and Fold desktop scratchpad (part of the stationery pack)A Mark and Fo...2022-12-0127 minStationery FreaksInterview with Helen Callaghan - Sunday Times Best Seller and Stationery FreakHow excited were we when, Sunday Times Best Selling psychological thriller author, Helen Callaghan agreed to be on the podcast?Helen is a stationery freak, so we dug into her process of writing, typewriters, book soundtracks, choosing colours for books, Moleskines, writing retreats and more. It was a real joy and we’re sure you’ll be inspired and motivated and learn a lot about the world of writing books.Some quotes from the show:“Self-consciousness is the enemy of creativity”On Fountain Pens - “There’s something wonderfully technical about them”On writing retr...2022-11-1742 minStationery FreaksHow to grow your career with the Trinity of Career DevelopmentIn this episode:We jump into the topic of career development with a three dimensional approach created by Rob, which consists of:DISCStrengthsHappinessRob explains why he prints out loads of selfies using his new Thermal Printer from VrettiHelen is obsessed with stickers from Spooky YetiIf you’re interested in the Trinity here are some recommended surveys (Stationery Freaks has no responsibility for your data from these sites - nor has an affiliation with them. But we use them often).It’s also worth doing an internet search for free versions of the strengths finder - we’ve never used a...2022-11-0323 minStationery FreaksThe power of mind maps and how to create them using stationeryIn this episode:We explain what mind maps are, how they work and what we use them for.For more details on different mind maps we recommend this post.We also introduce our new newsletter!Helen introduces her new learning of choice - Arabic. And how she is using brush pens and a new notebook for it.Rob steals Helen stationery. Video of that here.Rob talks about his new Academic planner that makes him look all sophisticated.Helen talks about NaNoWriMo and how she’s only ever made it to day 3.Helen talks about fine linersRob buys so...2022-10-2022 minStationery FreaksWhat's been keeping us busy - for 6 monthsIn this episode:We explain, with poorly formed excuses, why we've been absent for 6 monthsWe talk about consistency, notebooks, etsy and Helen's addiction to stickersWe talk about notebook usage, whiteboards for bi-annual planning, bulletjournaling and A5 mind mappingRob talks about his countryside productivity retreatHelen talks about colours, pens, moodHelen's cat makes an appearanceAnd Rob talks about the endless nature on digital todo lists like ToDoist (and how it's not always a good thing)We mention:Zen Art SuppliesMoleskineEtsyMark and FoldTodoist https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/episodes/whats-been-keeping-us-busy-for-6...2022-07-0827 minStationery FreaksWhat happens when things go wrong with your plans - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 12In today's episode we cover:* How to pre-empt failure* How Helen thinks through what could go wrong* Why Rob looks at everything as an experiment - and therefore failures are data for moving forward* Why resilience is essential* The old stoic approach of setting a target but not being wedded to the outcomeThe challenge -> Subscribe to the podcast as next year we have some cracking content coming your way2021-12-2412 minStationery FreaksHow to get started with Habit Stacking - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 11In today's episode we cover:* Habit stacking and what it is* Chaining habits together* Forcing your environment to support your habits* Picking one existing habit and building on it* Avoiding leaving gaps between habits* Doing just 15 minutes of habits* How Helen did a PHD is procrastination* Talking to your inner 8 year old* How Helen uses her Bullet Journal to track habitsThe challenge -> Choose a habit you wish to develop and decide when would be best to do that habit. Then find an existing habit in...2021-12-2312 minStationery FreaksHow we track goal progress - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 10In today's episode we cover:* How we track goals once they are in progress* Rob shares how he tracks his videos using a Mark and Fold notebook* Helen shares how she relies on the enthusiasm at the beginning of starting a goal to drive habits* Rob talks about his Fridge of Accountability* Helen shares how she uses her Bullet Journal for tracking goalsThe challenge -> We forgot to set one today!2021-12-2212 minStationery FreaksThe dichotomy of minimalism and stationery buying - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 9In today's episode we cover:* How we got interested in minimalism* Courtney Carver's project 333* The Minimalists - Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus* Stationery Freak -> Someone who tells themselves they can walk past a stationery shop without going in, but they cannot* How lockdowns have stopped impulse buying from stationery stores* Helen's Etsy habit* Maria Kondo* Sort your life out with Stacey Solomon (and why visualising everything in a warehouse is so clever)* Why emptying a cupboard and throwing stuff away is so cathartic* Two recommendations...2021-12-2110 minStationery FreaksTurning goals into action habits - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 8In today's episode we cover:* How to turn goals into action* Triggers that trip your brain into breaking it's subconscious routines* Habits are awesome as you don't have to think about them* Can you replace a bad habit with a good one?* Can a certain place trigger habits?* Is the theory of 21 days habit building correct? * Traumatic moments help with building habits (anyone ever forget their gym kit at school?)The challenge -> Pick one goal and think about what routines and habits you'll need to develop to bring i...2021-12-2010 minStationery FreaksBreaking Out Goals - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 7In today's episode we cover:* How to break a goal out into smaller parts, such as milestones or mini sub-goals* Start small - what's the first step or next step* Copy and learn from someone else* Rob shares how he writes a book!* Is there a period of preparation before starting a goal?* And is this preparation a form of procrastination* Make the most of the initial enthusiasm to make progress - before it gets challengingThe challenge -> Pick one of your goals and break it down into...2021-12-1910 minStationery FreaksSetting Learning Goals - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 6In today's episode we cover:* Why Helen is learning how to make Japanese food - and how this is a personal learning goal* Why Rob did a two year HR learning goal for his career - and how painful this was* How Rob uses Meso-cycles of learning and implementing* The difference between Task Acquisition and Information Acquisition* How Rob uses Domestika for personal learning* The "Two Whys" of learning - career and personalThe challenge -> Identify a simple learning goal you could commit to in either your personal and...2021-12-1811 minStationery FreaksReflecting through journaling - stationery freaks advent calendar day 5In today's episode we cover:How to use your journal to reflect on goals, life and behavioursRob butchers Seneca's journal questions (accidentally)We talk about Benjamin Franklin's two questions to book-end the dayAnd whether Helen really will continue this habit into 2022The challenge -> Continue journaling - and maybe use the "what good did I do today" promptBenjamin Franklin's Daily Schedule For Success (addicted2success.com)How to start journaling — Stationery Freaks2021-12-1708 minStationery FreaksHow many goals makes sense? - stationery freaks advent calendar day 4In today's episode we cover:How Helen uses one notebook and typically has 3 - 6 goalsWhy too many can be overwhelmingWhy Helen works to a 9 month goal setting periodWhy breaking the rules of goal setting can be goodWhy scratching off goals that don’t resonate anymore is goodBut also why sometimes persevering is the right thing to doHow Rob sets goals by breaking the 10 year painted picture down to 5 years - and then yearly goal withinWhy Rob has around 15 - 20 goals each year, but some are big and some are smallThe challenge -> Whatever your method for go...2021-12-1611 minStationery FreaksThe basics of goal setting - stationery freaks advent calendar day 3Welcome to Day 3 of our 12 days of Christmas advent calendar.In today's episode we cover:The basics of goal settingHow Helen uses values to test her yearly goals.Why Helen only sets yearly goalsHow Rob paints a bright picture of the future 10 years out, then sets 5 year goals and then yearly goalsWe have a cast on goal setting --> How to set goals (using stationery of course) — Stationery Freaks2021-12-1508 minStationery FreaksGratitude and Journaling - stationery freaks advent calendar day 2In today's episode we cover:Journaling and how to get startedWhy it is therapy. Seneca’s daily reflections, a brief science of journaling, tracking goals, working through problem and the difference between a journal and a diaryThe challenge -> Write down three things you are grateful forThe Art of Journaling: How To Start Journaling, Benefits of Journaling, and More (dailystoic.com)Morning Pages | Julia Cameron LiveHow to start journaling — Stationery Freaks2021-12-1408 minStationery FreaksGetting started with journaling - stationery freaks advent calendar day 1Welcome to the first of 12 mini episodes. In today's episode we cover:The first challenge -> Find yourself some stationery for the next week or so (notebook, pens etc). Write the date on a page and consider journaling. Or leave it blank :)The basics of journaling and an introduction to our prize.If you want to be in with a chance of winning one of Helen's very own Dan Ariely's "Perfect Notebook" then simply use the hashtag #stationeryfreaksadvent on Instagram. Feel free to connect with us over there also @stationeryfreaksukA new...2021-12-1310 minStationery FreaksThe little book of stoicism (for kids) - Stationery Freaks - Episode 16In this episode Helen introduces her little notebook of stoic phrases and ideas that she created for her daughter. Helen explains what the notebook looks like, how she made it, why she made it and what it contains. Rob and Helen explore a little more about stoicism and how translating some of the key ideas for kids is a good idea.Rob and Helen ramble chat about a variety of ideas such as:Why saying No is importantHow to control how you respondBook recommendations for those interested in stoicismWhy analogue notebooks can be...2021-12-0826 minStationery FreaksOur stationery heroesIn this episode Rob and Helen talk their favourite stationery heroes. Each of us present three of our top heroes from this last year. Our heroes are those people and companies making useful, beautiful or unique stationery. From big manufacturers created amazing pens that work, to artisan craftspeople making one-off notebooks. We’ve got them covered. Helen talks about Zen Art Supplies. Again :) - https://www.zenartsupplies.coRob talks about Lescargot Papier - https://lescargot-papier.comHelen talks about Papermate Inkjoy pens - https://inkjoy.papermate.comRob talk...2021-11-0926 minStationery FreaksHow to get a grip on lifeIn this episode Rob and Helen talk about derailment, overwhelm, overwork and how they try to get a grip on life when it all becomes a bit too much. Regular listeners will know it’s been over two months since the last podcast - and that’s because life (and our emotional reaction to it) has got in the way.In this episode we share how we’re trying to get a grip on life, and cover, amongst other things:The difference between overwork and overwhelmTo Do lists that look like world domination (too much to...2021-08-1426 minStationery FreaksThe Power Of Creating ListsIn this episode Rob and Helen talk about lists and why they are so powerful. They share what lists they use and how they create and store them.Lists such as:Moving House and House Extension listsTo Do lisEditorial Calendar listsTravel listsWork induction checklistsStoic wisdom listsAnd moreThey ramble chat about recurring lists in ToDoist, bullet journal, old Filofax systems and how lists can save lives.Brands and tools mentioned in this postToDoistPaperchaseMoleskineFilofaxOxford - Red and Black NotebooksT...2021-05-2724 minStationery FreaksThe potential of stationeryIn this episode Rob and Helen talk about why they started this podcast; because of the potential that stationery offers us. Whether that is a new brand, a book, an idea or simply the potential to organise the chaos that can be our lives - stationery offers potential. That new notebook - what magic may it release?That new organisation system - what order can it bring?Rob and Helen talk about:The potential of new notebooksWhy squandering those first few pages can ruin a new notebookFountain pens and why yo...2021-05-0424 minStationery FreaksWhat's in our notebooks?In this episode Rob and Helen grab their notebooks and talk about what's inside. Helen talks about writing in Orange pen, being obsessed with post-it notes and how she splits her notebook 50/50 between work and life. Rob talks about a notebook that won't fold flat, how teachers are using sticky notes and why social media may not be good for his mental health. Helen talks about her:Process improvement notesInterview spiel and questionsTeam Lisowski notes and moreRob talks about his:Travel packing listsKeynote talksEditorial calendar draftsWe do hope you enjoy this ep...2021-03-3127 minStationery FreaksHow to build a personal knowledge management systemIn Episode 10 Rob and Helen talk about how to build a personal knowledge management system using both digital and analogue methods. Helen introduces her drawer full of randomness whilst Rob talks about how this drawer is actually some sort of system. Rob then introduces how we use analogue and digital methods to create his PKMS as well as explaining how we offered the "Free Style Rap” over some loud drumming. He then explains the two styles of learning using learning to play the drums as an example, hence the rapping.Rob intro...2021-03-0928 minStationery FreaksHow to take notes like a pro (using stationery)Note taking may seem quite simple but in reality few people take effective notes, whether during meetings, or in everyday life. Rob and Helen share reasons why note taking is so hard, how to make better notes and which stationery Rob and Helen use. They cover, amongst other things:Why note taking is importantWhy some people may avoid making notes such as not being able to find them or transcribing rather than listening because it’s deemed faster.Why note taking by analogue methods works for Rob and HelenWhy note taking by hand helps to r...2021-02-1934 min
Stationery FreaksHow we set goals as stationery freaksIn this episode Rob and Helen share how they set goals, why they set them, how they track goals and how to build routines to deliver goals.Rob talks about how we uses a Painted Picture to derive goals, and then uses goals to build routines and habits. Helen talks about how she sets goals using her values and then builds routines to deliver on them.They discuss:How to use stationery during goal settingHow to set goalsHow to find the right goalsHow to track goalsHow many goals make senseHow to build routines a...2021-01-1833 min
Stationery FreaksHow to get started with journalingIn this episode Helen quizzes Rob on how he developed the habit of journaling, why it's important to him and how we goes about doing it. They cover:How to get startedWhat to write aboutMorning Pages, Prompts and Stoic ThinkingWhen to journalThe benefits of journalingThen they ramble on for a little....Products, supplies and inspiration we mentionMoleskine A6 notebookTKMax notebooksPapermate FlairMorning PagesThe Daily Stoic book - it's on a bargain basement price on Kindle. Pentel Energel pensChase Jarvis - super inspiring...2021-01-1121 min
Stationery FreaksOur annual stationery must havesIn this episode we discuss what annual stationery we buy each year and why. We cover:Basic stationery stuff like journals, yellow legal pads and the humble paperclip.Training your brain for brainstormingFountain pens and how they slow your brain down to think clearerMechanical pencils and how Rob's forbidden from using themThe legacy of old journals or maybe it's just fire fodder for Rob's kidsAnd moreWe mention or talk about :The 1980's called and they want Helen back - she's into these Filofax clipbooksPaipur notebooks- and how Helen LOVES these, b...2020-12-2119 min
Stationery FreaksHow we track fitness and health (using stationery of course)In this episode we share our own systems for tracking workouts, fitness and nutrition - using stationery and digital tools.We cover Helen's fitness goals and how she uses a "nice little notebook" to track her progress.We cover Rob's fitness goals and how he uses a simple Paper Chase notebook - but spices it up for Instagram by adding silly comments. And how he's trying not to become a robust version of Ryder from Paw Patrol. We cover Personal Trainers, plant based diets, Jerry Seinfeld's "don't break the chain", Kettlebells, Concept2 Ski Ergs...2020-12-0326 min
Stationery FreaksBullet Journal versus Time BlockingIn this episode Helen and I talk about Bullet Journaling and Time Blocking.I'm not a fan of Bullet Journaling, but Helen is. I explain why I'm not a fan, and Helen explains why it works so well for her. We chat about Calendar / Time Blocking, my chosen productivity management, and why that works for me. Note: There is a tiny bit of bad language in this episode. We cover:* Why Rob couldn't get Bullet Journaling to work* How Helen uses Bullet Journaling* Why all...2020-11-2721 min
Stationery FreaksKeeping busy as a stationery freak in lockdownIn this episode we discuss what's kept us busy during lockdown. We cover:Bullet JournalingJournalingZine makingThe compulsion to re-organise unused notebooksBuying stationery from supermarketsStudying and more. We mention or talk about :Todoist for getting things doneMonthly date stickers on EtsiePAIPUR notebooks - Helen's a BIG fan of these. Chameleon whiteboards - looks good for all of those agile/creative teamsJournaling and communication Moles...2020-11-1715 minStationery FreaksPreparing for a conference talk (using stationery)In this episode we walk through what it takes to create a conference talk and how stationery can be used during this process.We cover:Outlining the talk using a combination of digital and analogue tools such as Workflowy and MindmeisterMapping out the talk using index cards or sticky notes. Visualising the talk in arcs and flowsRehearsing and preparing using Powerpoint speaker notes, or, as Rob does it, writing it out long hand in an A4 notebookUsing pointers and guides during the talkFollow us on our brand new LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/c...2019-11-0719 minStationery FreaksHow to run an appreciative inquiry meeting (using stationery)In this episode we walk you through how to run an appreciative inquiry meetings. So what is an appreciative inquiry?- a meeting focused on just the good, the awesome- not for negative problems - shouldn’t avoid these, but this meeting not place- it’s about understanding what is working - shine a light on it and keep doing it- it’s also about designing a brighter future- as a meeting run with your team also a way to build trust and get people engaged in designing their...2019-11-0629 min