PODCAST · leisure
Stationery Freaks
by Rob Lambert & Helen Lisowski
A podcast for stationery freaks, hosted by stationery freaks. Dedicated to the love of stationery - and the potential it brings to our lives.
Episodes
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The Trouble With Making Everything Easier
The Trouble With Making Everything Easier Is analogue making a comeback? Maybe. But perhaps that isn't quite the right question. In this episode of Stationery Freaks, Helen and Rob wander and meander through notebooks, video games (yes, you read that right), typewriters, old cars, AI-generated...
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Beautiful Japanese Stationery, Typewritten Commonplace Notes and the Return of Analogue
After a few months away — and a very welcome "petition of one" from Stacy in Florida — Rob and Helen are back. Rob has been building a public commonplace: twenty-five years of learning, typed onto index cards (possibly breaking his typewriter in the process) and slowly taking over his studio…
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Scrap Notes & Desk Pads: Capturing Ideas Fast (Post-its, Legal Pads, Apple Notes + Voice Memos)
In this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dig into the messy, essential world of scrap notes: desk pads, Post-its, legal pads, envelopes, voice memos, and the “grab whatever’s nearby” capture habit. They explore the real question beneath the stationery: what’s the process for turning a...
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The 2026 Planning Episode: Painted Pictures, Todoist, Obsidian & Too Many Notebooks
It’s our first Stationery Freaks episode of 2026, and we’re going deep on goal setting, as we usually do for the first cast of the year. Rob and Helen compare two different approaches to planning the year: outcomes vs lifestyle, goals vs systems, and why the “right” method depends on what helps…
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Stationery Advent Calendars, SmartPlanner Time Blocking & getting ready for 2026 (Stationery Freaks)
It’s the last Stationery Freaks episode before Christmas, and after a slightly chaotic month we’re back with a free-form catch-up full of notebook temptation, planning experiments, and advent calendar joy. Helen reviews two very premium stationery advent calendars — Martha Brook(s) and Tom’s…
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Live From Brick Lane: Mark+Fold’s 10th Anniversary & The Stationery Freaks Origin Story
In this special on-the-road episode, Rob and Helen meet in person for the first time in almost six years — to celebrate Mark+Fold’s 10-year anniversary at their Brick Lane pop-up. Recorded between a noisy East London bar and the beautifully minimalist Mark+Fold shop, this episode is a blend of...
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Household Stationery That Actually Helps: Labels, Whiteboards, Junk Drawers & Kitchen Kanban | Stationery Freaks Podcast
Household stationery isn’t “our precious pens and paper in our study” — it’s the everyday tools that keep a home ticking. We talk freezer-proof labels, kitchen whiteboards, year-at-a-glance calendars we forget to update, junk-drawer essentials, elastic bands vs Velcro ties for cables, and even a...
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Rituals, Routines & Stationery: Why the tactile nature of stationery can help us with rituals
In this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dive into the world of rituals and routines, exploring how our favourite stationery tools (along with time and space) can transform tasks into meaningful, mindful moments. Helen discovers other writers are now using Blackwing pencils in her...
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Stationery Hauls, Fountain Pen Finds & Writing Success – Sailor, Tom’s Studio & More
In this episode Rob and Helen dive deep into their latest stationery hauls — from Japanese Sailor pens and Tom’s Studio Wren to Martha Brooks advent calendars and Zebra limited editions. Plus: writing contest success, notebooks you’ll never dare write in (that are ridiculously expensive), and a…
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The Art of Commonplacing : Curating a Life – Richard Barnard on Collage & Commonplace books
In this episode of the podcast, Rob & Helen chat to Richard Barnard; collage enthusiast and commonplacer. Have you ever wondered what a Commonplace book is, and what it's used for? Well, in this episode we explore the origins of the Commonplace book, how Richard uses his, the stationery he uses…
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The Art, Craft & Purpose of Travellers Journals with Frank from Yokogaki
Join Rob and Helen in this edition of Stationery Freaks as they welcome special guest Frank, from Yokogaki, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of travel journals / notebooks! Frank shares a mini masterclass on exactly what traveler's journals are, how they differ from the typical…
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An interview with author Jenny Kane - prolific writer, collector of notebooks, desert island stationery specialist
Stationery Freaks: A Deep Dive into the Prolific World of Author Jenny Kane (and Her Emotional Support Pencil Case!) In this very special episode Rob and Helen are joined by our very special guest, the incredibly prolific author Jenny Kane. We have briefly mentioned Jenny in the past as she is...
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From Paper Obsession to Published Pages - How we write books as Stationery Freaks
How 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...
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When 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…
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Hoarding notebooks and when to use a new one - Stationery Freaks Podcast
In 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...
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The perfect mechanical pencil
In this episode we chat about all things pencil related. We cover: Why Rob has so many notebooks he cannot move his writing desk Helen's latest Vinted stationery haul - and a surprise pen The lovely folks at Penac sent us some free samples - and they are brilliant How we use pencils and paper for...
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The Hobonichi switch revisited - a year of using the system
In 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…
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In pursuit of the perfect structure - a stationery freaks eternal quest
In 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,...
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Friction, Reward and Productivity Systems
In 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...
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The magic of whiteboards
In this episode we chat about the magic of whiteboards. We cover: How we used them at work How Helen's daughter uses them for learning and revision How Rob's son uses them for doodling The ephemeral nature of whiteboard content Long running whiteboard content - and why "do not wipe" is important…
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Vinted - Not just for clothes - our stationery hauls
In 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 vinted The bargains to be had Helen's stationery haul for an upcoming workshop Rob's stationery haul for no reason…
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Domestika - a stationery freaks learning playground for creatives
In 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...
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Goal Setting - how a stationery freak mixes analogue and digital tools for goal setting
In 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 timebound An annual review is a positive process Painting a picture of…
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The world of Hobonichi Planners - and switching productivity systems
In 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…
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Money is no object - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
It'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…
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Accessories - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
It'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…
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Notebooks - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
It'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...
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Pens - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023
It'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 Pen Rob - Sharpie Ultra Fine...
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Stationery Chat with Amy Cooper-Wright: founder of Mark and Fold and fellow stationery freak
In 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 company Why Amy was...
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Zentangle, Mandala Art & Desert Island Stationery - an interview with Sanne Visser
In 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...
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A 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 environment Helen talks about her experience at the retreat Helen...
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You're not lazy - deconstructing a YouTube video that resonated with us
In 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...
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The Travelling Stationery Freak - what do you take with you when you travel
In 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 himself Helen waxes…
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Overwhelmed? Lists are your friend
In today’s episode we chat about why we revert to lists when we’re overwhelmed - as well as some stationery stories Stationery Stories The 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 notes Teachers...
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What's happening to us? The Remarkable 2, Obsedian, The Brain, Moleskine Balance and blending analogue and digital
In 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…
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How we track habits - blending analogue and digital - Stationery Freaks Podcast
In 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...
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Handmade notebooks, Japanese silk and sourcing materials - an interview with Maria Le Van
In 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…
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Our Stationery Disasters - The Stationery Freaks Podcast
In 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 notebooks Helen Callaghan Writing Challenges - check out this previous podcast featuring Helen Callaghan Stationery Care Packages -...
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Writing, learning, dangerous pencil sharpeners & top of the class notebooks
In 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…
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Interview with Urban Hafner - founder of Fountain Pen Companion and Stationery Freak
We 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...
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Desert 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 - @stationeryfreaksuk In this episode: Helen is obsessed with Rob’s A3 learning management system - a video of the system is here on Rob’s...
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Interview with Helen Callaghan - Sunday Times Best Seller and Stationery Freak
How 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...
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How to grow your career with the Trinity of Career Development
In this episode: We jump into the topic of career development with a three dimensional approach created by Rob, which consists of: DISC Strengths Happiness Rob explains why he prints out loads of selfies using his new Thermal Printer from Vretti Helen is obsessed with stickers from Spooky Yeti If...
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The power of mind maps and how to create them using stationery
In 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…
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What's been keeping us busy - for 6 months
In this episode: We explain, with poorly formed excuses, why we've been absent for 6 months We talk about consistency, notebooks, etsy and Helen's addiction to stickers We talk about notebook usage, whiteboards for bi-annual planning, bulletjournaling and A5 mind mapping Rob talks about his...
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What happens when things go wrong with your plans - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 12
In 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...
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How to get started with Habit Stacking - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 11
In 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…
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How we track goal progress - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 10
In 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 *…
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The dichotomy of minimalism and stationery buying - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 9
In 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...
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Turning goals into action habits - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 8
In 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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast for stationery freaks, hosted by stationery freaks. Dedicated to the love of stationery - and the potential it brings to our lives.
HOSTED BY
Rob Lambert & Helen Lisowski
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Stationery Freaks have?
Stationery Freaks currently has 73 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Stationery Freaks about?
A podcast for stationery freaks, hosted by stationery freaks. Dedicated to the love of stationery - and the potential it brings to our lives.
How often does Stationery Freaks release new episodes?
Stationery Freaks has 73 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Stationery Freaks?
You can listen to Stationery Freaks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Stationery Freaks?
Stationery Freaks is created and hosted by Rob Lambert & Helen Lisowski.
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