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 productivity system we're not actually getting much …

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 If you'd like to see the images we talk about in this…

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 other than some bargain Moleskines and a notepad with Yor…

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 more about calligraphy * Rob explains how he sometim…

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 the future and aligning goals is important The why is …

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 to develop the habit of journaling. She also needed mo…

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 love to do, but alas, money IS an object. We cover: - He…

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 cutter - Helen - Bookaroo Sticky Tabs - Rob - Rapesco des…

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 notebook - Helen - Atoms to Astronauts notebooks - Rob - A…

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 Helen - Glow in the dark ink (Etsy) Rob - Staedtler N…

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 influenced when she was younger by making her own books an…

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 notebooks, pens and pencils used * Table cloth colouring *…

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 explains how everyone had laptops, and very few stationery…

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 thought we'd deconstruct the video and share stories a…

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 lyrical about some new exercise books Rob turned up to a M…

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 using iPads to stick post-it notes to Rob has sent t…

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 about herself, despite sticker journaling for a few weeks…

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 buying anymore notebooks for a while - and instead, u…

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 talks about her passion for glass ink pens, water colour…

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 - Helen sends some beautiful gifts, perfectly wrapped. …

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 resin pen. Brad Herrington from Gilbert House Pens is hel…

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 episode we chat about: Fountain pens, inks and why U…

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 YouTube channel. Rob talks about his new (old) Waterman F…

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 was a real joy and we’re sure you’ll be inspired and …

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 you’re interested in the Trinity here are some recom…

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 for it. Rob steals Helen stationery. Video of that here…

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 countryside productivity retreat Helen talks about colours…

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 to the outcome The challenge -> Subscribe to the pod…

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 procrastination * Talking to your inner 8 year old * How Helen use…

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 * Helen shares how she uses her Bullet Journal for trackin…

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 have stopped impulse buying from stationery stores * …

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 21 days habit building correct? * Traumatic moments h…

In 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…

In 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 Dom…

In today's episode we cover: How to use your journal to reflect on goals, life and behaviours Rob butchers Seneca's journal questions (accidentally) We talk about Benjamin Franklin's two questions to book-end the day And whether Helen really will continue this habit into 2022 The challenge -> Continue journaling - and maybe use the "what good did I…

In today's episode we cover: How Helen uses one notebook and typically has 3 - 6 goals Why too many can be overwhelming Why Helen works to a 9 month goal setting period Why breaking the rules of goal setting can be good Why scratching off goals that don’t resonate anymore is good But also why sometimes persevering is the right thing to do How Rob s…

Welcome to Day 3 of our 12 days of Christmas advent calendar. In today's episode we cover: The basics of goal setting How Helen uses values to test her yearly goals. Why Helen only sets yearly goals How Rob paints a bright picture of the future 10 years out, then sets 5 year goals and then yearly goals We have a cast on goal setting --> How to set …

In today's episode we cover: Journaling and how to get started Why 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 diary The challenge -> Write down three things you are grateful for The Art of Journaling: How To Start Journaling, Benefits o…

Welcome 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 …

In 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 ram…

In 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…

In 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…

In 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 lists To Do lis Editorial Calendar lists Travel lists Work induction checklists Stoic wisdom lists And more They ramble chat about recurring lists in ToDoist,…

In 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…

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 men…

In 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 explainin…

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 important Why some people may avoid making notes…

In 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…

In 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 started What to write about Morning Pages, Prompts and Stoic Thinking When to journal The benefits of journaling Then they ramble on for a little.... Products, supplies and inspiration we me…

In 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 brainstorming Fountain pens and how they slow your brain down to think clearer Mechanical pencils and how Rob's forbidden from using them The legacy of old jo…