The Pen Addict

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. The show also makes a guest appearance on the most recent Office Ladies podcast, which is the highlight of a lifetime for Brad and Myke.

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 to the TWSBI/Narwhal saga.

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 after months of use.

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, the parent company of Traveler’s Company, Plotter, and other well-known stationery brands.

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!

If you could design the wildest ink you could think of, what would it be? And what pens are you using today? And how would you manage your phones home screen? Wait … is this Cortex?

There was a situation in the planner of a certain Pen Addict this week. Or was it last week? Possibly the week before? Brad is distraught, and comes to you for his weekly stationery therapy session.

We have nib follow-up, we have golf pens, we have superhero pens, and, most importantly, Brad finds himself in a very Bear-y situation.

Brad Dowdy, King of the Needlpoints, Ruler of the Fine Line, First of his Name, bought a stacked nib. And he likes it

Brad went to the Atlanta Pen Show … or did he? We discuss his whirlwind of an event, and see what it was like to be back home after years away.

Happy International Pencil Day! We spend at least two minutes celebrating graphite on what is, ostensibly, an ink-filled episode. Planning and Pen Show prep are on the agenda, all before Brad pledges his fealty to the Uni-ball One.

How do you take your ink, seasoned or fried? These are the important discussions Brad and Myke have, along with and Elbwood unboxing, hope for the Pilot 912 lineup, and Ferrari pens.

Myke is back, but we are still discussing Jacob this week, as Brad received a special package from Japan. What was included? Tune in to find out.

Brad is joined this week by Jacob, aka FudeFan, to discuss all things Japanese stationery. This big stores, the small makers, the secret handshakes, and even the throwing away of fountain pens - we cover it all!

Brad gives a planner update in the early stages of 2022, makes glowing remarks about the latest releases from TWSBI, Studio Neat, and Schon DSGN, and calls a listener a liar. So, you know, a normal show.

Have you heard? Brad LOVES the Pilot Custom 74. So much so, that he reviewed it this week, and elaborated further on its awesomeness this week. Brad and Myke also tier-rank fountain pen filling systems, and answer what features separate premium pens from standard pens.

Is it #TeamAL-Star, or #TeamSafari in 2022? The decision is tougher than it seems. Brad and Myke also answer the 500th episode question posed to listeners, and go through a detailed breakdown of the data gathered.

We did it! 500 episodes of a podcast about pens. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey!