The Pen Noobs Podcast
By Jika and Ryan
The Pen Noobs PodcastAug 13, 2021
Pen Noobs 29: D'/The Motivation
We've been gone for a while and it really isn't surprising at this point, but we do have our reasons and we talk about them in this episode. Other than catching up with each other after our respective literal and figurative moves (Ryan to another country and job, Jika to another employer), we go into our newest finds, what we're excited about, and our most recent learnings too about what makes us do what we do or do not in this happiest hobby of ours. Yes, everyone, we're demotivated and that's actually been a good thing. :)
Here are the usual links relevant to the episode:
- Leonardo Memento Magico Primary Manipulation 1 unboxing on Pen Venture
- "The Science of Motivation" on The American Psychological Association
- "Missing Your Motivation" on Psychology Today
And for our Pen Noobs Podcast Links:
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 29 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/b5Nq-7KBWFM
Pen Noobs 28: QUEERky
So it's Pride Month and we'd thought that it'd be a right enough time to celebrate not just queerness in the now-conventional sense, but also queerness--the characteristic that distinguishes, sets apart, makes special--the habits and things that we know and love in the hobby. This isn't an episode about buying yet another thing, but really, just celebrating the innovations and aspects of pens and stationery that are not so conventional but oh-so attention grabbing.
* Apologies for the audio flitting in and out in the end because, as it turns out, our mic's USB was loose in its port.
Here are some links of note:
- Pilot Tsuwairo Inks and Swatches on Reddit
- Fountain Pen Companion, a database for cataloguing Inks and Pens
- A walkthrough of the Fountain Pen Companion Website care of The Pen Addict
- A Platinum Glamour Review on the Estilofilos Blog
- The Pilot Murex (Myurex?) on The Tokyo Fountain Pen Scene Site
- The Dante Alighieri: Inferno Fountain Pen on the Montegrappa Site
- The Conklin Crescent Filler Fountain Pen Review on the Write Experience Blog
- The Best Retractable Fountain Pens of 2021 on Unsharpen.com:
- A TWSBI Go Review from The Pen Addict
- The Wearingeul Fried Chicken Ink Set on Hamilton Pens
- Ishimarubun Pickled Ginger Scented Ink
- Sylvester Stallone's Chaos Line Fountain Pens on the Nibs.com
We support local LGBTQIA+ organizations that you can look up or help out via the following links:
- Metro Manila Pride, the organization in charge of the annual Pride March in Metro Manila
- Love Yourself, an organization giving out Sexual and Mental Health Aid to the LGBTQIA+ community
And our usual Pen Noobs Podcast Links:
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 28 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Vlfd67sVqxU
Pen Noobs 27: PolitICKY
So we're a spot out of sorts in this one but we showed up regardless because we want to talk about current events but, technically, cannot talk about it given the current climate in our country. Thus, we resort to talking about the issues relevant to our circumstances through pens and stationery controversies as of late. There aren't any noob discoveries in this one but we do cover the Noodler's Ink Volcker Green and Bernanke Red controversy, harken back to the Hobonichi Michael Jackson line recall, and update you about the Esterbrook-Skybambi property rights thing (which we hinted at previously in ProperTEA talk).
Anyway, LINKS!
- Noodler's Ink Volcker Green Controversy information on Reddit
- Noodler's Ink Facebook post showing Volcker Green Bottle Design
- Noodler's Ink Apology on IG
- Noodler's Ink Announcing Renamed Products on IG
- Hobonichi Michael Jackson Line Preview
- Benu Pens moves Operations from Moscow to Armenia from Luxury Brands of America IG
And our usual Pen Noobs Podcast Links:
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 27 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/e2NtXpT4SRg
Pen Noobs 26: Not-So Noobs with Alden Castaneda
If you're part of Fountain Pen Palengke (FPP), the Philippines' Facebook marketplace for fountain pen and stationery lovers, Sir Alden Castaneda would be no stranger despite being largely an enigma. Ryan and I only met him recently for this episode, after two years of buying our pens/half our pen collections from him. He's a "power seller" with a remarkable manner of penabling. His posts are reliable and always attention-grabbing in their selection and composition. He'd pick a theme to tie some 5 to 10 pens together with the caption (often a story that's rooted in real life or, other times fantastical; sometimes an allusion to poetry and other times a relatable anecdote).
In this episode, Sir Alden shares his stories with us and, by extension, with you. Sir Alden is a maker of stories and, as will be revealed in this episode, a keeper of them too. This episode may have taken a while to churn out, but trust us when we say that this is one of the more heartfelt, earnest, and endearing ones too. You'll surely feel warmth after this episode.
Anyway, here are some Sir Alden Castaneda seller highlights for you to get a sense of why he's one of our favorite--maybe our actual favorite--seller and "tito" in FPP.
Here are our usual Pen Noobs Podcast links:
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 26 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/SOEzeNnTE7Q
Pen Noobs 25: ProperTEA Talk
Pen Noobs 24: UNAversary
Happy anniversary to us and thanks for being here to tune back in. Ryan and I have been on a month-long hiatus, not to take time off, but really because work has been relentless. However, we're back and happy to catch-up with each other and with you. In this episode, we cover our personal highlights, look-forward-tos, and leave-behinds, and close things off with the quickest "fast talk" rounds we can muster for each other. Keep listening till the end for our giveaway mechanics, where we're to send off one of Jika's bespoke leather 2-pen cases by the end of April. :)
Anyway, that's all and, well, THANKS so so much for being here and being here for the past year.
PS: Ryan and my political allegiances in the upcoming May 2022 Philippine Elections are quite transparent, so if you want to learn more about the candidate we vouch for and help out in her campaign too, go to: https://www.teamlenirobredo.com
The Pen Noobs Podcast Links
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 24 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/fxezy0-W7sI
Pen Noobs 23: The Big CON
Before we get to the description relevant to this episode, Ryan and I thought it important to dedicate a space to important current events and the things we can immediately do to address them: inform and encourage. We want to emphasize that, despite the leisure-related topics this podcast covers, we still are educators and citizens and humans at core; as such, we cannot be impartial.
You are all likely aware of what’s going on in Ukraine right now, what with war befalling them over the past two days, so here are a few credible organizations where we and our audience can extend our help:
- UNICEF aid for Ukraine: https://help.unicef.org/ukraine-emergency
- Red Cross aid for Ukraine: redcross.org.ua/donate/
Regarding what we can do closer to home, Ryan and I both support the presidential candidate and current Vice President Leni Robredo, and if you do as well or want to help out, you can volunteer or help out in any way, shape or form via: https://www.teamlenirobredo.com
Anyway, onto the episode description! :)
You might have noticed that we are fascinated with the mechanics of purchasing and selling—essentially, consumerism and the greater cogs that make it so—thus, we talk about the big CON[sumerism] in this one. We digress a bit into vacations and skin care but also go through different interesting theories regarding why the heck we like and buy what we like regardless of the price of a product or the hassle of purchasing it. In what ways is a sticker pack the same as lipstick in economics? Are you a challenge consumer or a convenience consumer? Do our pens increase in value?
PS: Thanks to our economist colleague, Angel, for helping us with the economics of things. :)
Again, here are relevant links covered in this episode:
- Block 77 Leather Crafting on Instagram
- Kahn and Selesnick’s “Tarot of the Drowning World”
The Pen Noobs Podcast Links
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 23 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/zrx8dj22NM0
Pen Noobs 22: ValenTIMES
Jika took one for the team by being a guest alongside her one and only, Paulu (pronounced "paul-oo"), an artist and film scholar. In our desire to discuss consumerism and love, there was no better way to celebrate and critique these two themes than through an interview of a pen couple. Ryan prepared the cheesy questions, and Jika and Paulu willingly and honestly answer all of them.
Here are the usual links:
- Platinum Carbon Black on mountainofink
- Pelikan M200 Cafe Creme 2015 LE review on The Pelikan's Perch
- Trouble Maker Inks x Jim Weaver X Scribe LE Ink "Tarsier"
Guest Links:
- Paulu's Instagram Artist Page: @an.imitationoflife
The Pen Noobs Podcast Links
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 22 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8TmW80MAMFI
Pen Noobs 21: Full Moon Juju
As usual, here are some relevant links:
Platinum x Clamp 30th Anniversary "xxxHolic" fountain pen
Tony Tony Leathercrafting on Instagram
Practical Magic's "Pinoy Practical Magic Deck"
Practical Magic's "PM Diary: A Year of Practical Magic"
Practical Magic's Digital "Your Guide to Everyday Astrology"
Practical Magic's Tarot Stickers
Labyrinthos Website
Labyrinthos Phone App
If you haven't joined ***Jika's Birthday Giveaway*** yet, join here (open to residents in the Philippines, or foreigners with Philippine addresses; open only until January 31, 8pm, PhST)
The Pen Noobs Podcast Links
Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 21 on Youtube: youtu.be/c5NIVndOU6w
Pen Noobs 20: Not-So Noobs with Ronin of pennoob.com
The amount of times "noob" is said in the thumbnail is no joke, but rather a way to impress upon our viewers/listeners that there are, and have been since 2018, more than 2 pen noobs. This episode's guest is Ronin Bautista of pennoob.com, known for their helpful articles on everything from the Troublemaker Inks duo, pen people profiles, the Tomoe River Paper ruckus, and helpful fountain pen related lists for Filipinos to find what exactly they're looking for locally.
We apologize for some lag in both video and audio, but hope that you persist to tune in because there is gold in this conversation. :)
As always,
Jika and Ryan
Again, are some links of note:
- Shibui Ph Website
- Shibui Ph on Instagram
- Practical Magic on Instagram
- Practical Magic.co PM Diary: A Year of Practical Magic (Tarot Journal), available only in their Philippines webshop
- Clem Dionglay on Instagram
- Clem Dionglay's Website, "Rants of the Archer"
- Leigh Reyes on Instagram
- pennoob.com's Profile of the Troublemaker Inks Team
- pennoob.com's Filipino Fountain Pen and Stationery Listicle
- pennoob.com's coverage of Nemosine closing down
- pennoob.com's coverage of the Tomoe River Paper Saga
- pennoob.com's Profile of @thepennoobspodcast
- pennoob.com and @thepennoobspodcast "2021 Fountain Pen Roundup"
The Pen Noobs Podcast Links
- Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 20 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-9cw2TCM1gs
Pen Noobs 19: Breakup SZN
Cuffing season is that period just before or after Christmas/the New Year when people tend to, well, break up with each other. We're hijacking that concept to talk about the things and habits we're breaking up with in preparation for 2022. So, though this is a short one (shorter than most of our episodes, at least), hang tight and keep listening as we cover everything from sheening inks to carbon emissions in this one. Also, happy merry advanced Merry Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Here are some links of note:
- HGTV Handmade's Video on Rajiv Surendra: https://youtu.be/7Uo2nomf4I0
- Muji Carry Case: https://www.mujiph.com/product-page/copy-of-pp-file-box-lid
- Muji Tin Storage: https://www.mujiph.com/product-page/tin-box-with-lid
- Muji Modular Trays for Carry Case: https://www.mujiph.com/product-page/pp-stationery-box
The Pen Noobs Podcast Links:
The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 19 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/5arFELz3CDM
Pen Noobs 18: O, Holy Grail!
Excuse the pun but Christmas season is upon us and we're here to talk about our hauls and grails. We've never had a grail episode and this is our first, thus marking our characters' development from noobs to noobs-with-grails. Other than this, we also cover the latest Take A Note and Nothing Planners and talk about something we haven't experienced in a while: pen peace.
As usual, here are relevant links:
- StationeryCafe.com (formerly WishMnl) on Instagram
- Take A Note 2022 Planner
- Nothing Planner 2022
- Pilot Custom Urushi Vermillion on GouletPens
- Montblanc "Around the World in 80 Days"
The Pen Noobs Podcast Links:
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 18 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-fjKfAj-36g
Pen Noobs 17: Not-So Noobs with Harry of foxscribbler
We know we took a while to come back BUT we still cannot contain our excitement over having Harry of @foxscribbler on the show, because we think it's about time to highlight a particularly dapper approach to journaling and curation. Harry and his instagram feed had come to our attention only in the last few months, but we're hooked on his mindfully-created designs and careful selection of ephemera, words, and captions for each post. If you're interested in vintage-looking spreads and calligraphy, with a sprinkle of encouragement, then tune in and be sure to click the links to his social media.
Here are some links of note from the episode:
- Bomoarts Budapest Full Leather-Bound Journal
- KWZ Old Gold Ink Review on Mountain of Ink
- Monteverde Copper Noir Ink Review on Mountain of Ink
- Skybambi Stationery on Instagram
- Shinjodu Online Stationery Store
Harry's relevant links:
- Harry's Instagram: @foxscribbler
The Pen Noobs Podcast links:
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 17 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/mAbmCx-Yri0
Pen Noobs 16: Unpopular Onions
We're testing the new Anchor/Spotify function, so try and answer the question for this episode: What are your unpopular pen, stationery, journaling, and/or planning opinions? We promise not to judge. :3
Halloween, onions, and peaches. This episode is one where we cringe, test our friendships, make butt jokes, and have a few lols over each others' opinions. Mind you, they're nothing too controversial, or maybe they are for people in the pen and stationery community. Regardless, we hope this episode makes you think about your own quirks and opinions from what your prefer and don't prefer.
Anyway, that's all. The write-up is short, but the episode isn't. Thanks for coming back and tuning in again, Pen Friends! Oh, and happy halloween! :)
Here are the usual links where you can find us:
The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 16 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/a4PdHky41Kw
Pen Noobs 15: Not-So Noobs with Abbey Sy of abbeysy
With all the Abbey Sy and Paper Society acquisitions as of late, it was inevitable that this day would come when your resident noobs would have Abbey Sy over. In one of our chillest interviews yet, Abbey stops by to talk about her journey, her interests, her businesses, and her community. We might be new to all this pen, stationery, journaling, and planning stuff, but it’s comforting to know that Abbey and her patrons affirm just how open and accepting the community is.
As usual, here are a few links relevant to the episode:
- Paper Society PH’s Paper Book Vols. 1 and 2 on LazadaPH
- Anomalily’s Youtube Video “Inside the weird micro-economics of Planner Consumerism”
- Anomalily’s Youtube Video “Love at first sight... Hobonichi Cousin and why I bought a $120 planner”
- Archer and Olive’s “Guided Journaling Exercises for Each Phase of the Moon”
- Austin Kleon’s Website
- Mason Currey’s Substack “Subtle Maneuvers”
- Jocelyn K. Glei’s Podcast “Hurry Slowly”
Abbey Sy’s Relevant Links:
- Abbey Sy’s Instagram
- Shop Abbey Sy Instagram
- Shop Abbey Sy Online Store
- Always Be Creating Instagram
- Paper Society PH’s Instagram
- Paper Society PH’s Lazada Page
- Abbey Sy’s Patreon
- Abbey Sy’s Youtube
And where you can find us:
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 15 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/AVS4UXjMUa0
Pen Noobs 14: Pen Friends with Unisse of sushi.plans
We finally get around to posting this special episode with a dear friend and fellow-pen friend, Unisse of @sushi.plans. Unisse only started her pen-stagram and her Twitch stream at the dawn of this horrible pandemic, but she's already so visible on different platforms and in different niches of the community.
Some relevant links include:
- Abbey Sy's Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/abbeysy
- Skybambi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skybambi/?hl=en
- Starbucks Planner 2021 Lineup: https://www.starbucks.ph/coffeehouse/promotions/starbucks-planner-organizer.html
Hit Unisse up via her accounts
- Unisse's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushi.plans/
- Unisse's Twitch Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/sushixuni
- Mangata Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mangata.podcast/
- Mangata Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mangata.podcast
As usual, here are some links of relevance to our podcast:
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 14 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/J7UcFrR5lx8
Pen Noobs 13: Hobonichi [1]101
Pen Friends!
Welcome to our 13th episode, a Hobo-How-To or a Hobo [1]101. Though most of you might have already received your orders, it’s only the 17th of September and we thought it’d be nice to give everyone a guide on how to navigate the site and also share our to-buys for 2022.
If you haven’t put in your order yet, we hope this episode gives you confidence to order straight from the source because, honestly, receiving the magical pink box from Hobonichi after days or weeks of waiting is an incomparable annual experience. Also, because we want to give credit where credit is due, here’s a bombardment of links to important Hobonichi website pages and product highlights.
- Hobonichi 2022 Full Lineup
- Hobonichi Book Buying Guide
- Hobonich Weeks “MOTHER: Fourside/Moonside”
- Hobonichi Weeks “Shirt Fabric: Class Plaid”
- Hobonichi Weeks “Bow & Tie: Forest Tiger”
- Hobonichi Weeks “Leather: Evergreen”
- Hobonichi A6 Cover “Leather: Into the Forest”
- Hobonichi A6 Cover “Safari 2”
- Hobonichi A6 Cover “Tsuchiya Bag Factory: Starter Techo (Roll)”
- Hobonichi A5 Cover “minä perhonen: jardin (Gray)”
- Hobonichi A5 Cover “Shinsuke Yoshitake: Today’s Adventure”
- Hobonichi A5 Cover “Reflect”
- Shinsuke Yoshitake “Today’s Adventure Stamps: At Home/Outside”
- Shinsuke Yoshitake “Today’s Adventure Stickers”
- Hobonichi Pencil Board “Saul Leiter”
- Herbin Blotting Paper
- Hobonichi Frame Stickers
- Yuka Hiiragi Plain Notebook A6
- Shopping Instructions
Enjoy and happy shopping, everyone!
Pen Noobs 12: Mid-Year Checkin 2021
You've been with us for 12 episodes now, Pen Friends!
Half a year of podcasting and we still feel just as noob-ish as we did 6 months ago. This episode is what the title says: a mid-year checkin where we check in on each other, our progress, acquisitions, and any significant changes since the podcast launched in March of this year. We also hint at several wishes/plans for the remainder of the year.
Point is, we have plans to stay for a while, Pen Friends, but for now, we want to thank you for tagging along and tuning in.
As usual, here are some links of relevance to our podcast:
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 12 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/i38-sLVhEsw
Pen Noobs 11: Pen Friends with our Former Students!
Welcome back, Pen Friends!
As we reach the halfway mark of the year since we premiered, we thought it'd be nice to bring in a few representatives of the youth (a demographic Ryan and I are slowly inching out of). We invited two of our former students, Tots and Franz, who also happen to be fountain pen enthusiasts of various tenures and interests. Tots just got into the hobby and Franz has been in it since 2014 (Yes. 2014! He's been in the hobby for longer than we have). So yes, humbling as it is, we readied ourselves to be taught this time around.
As usual, here are some links to the products and people and sites of relevance to this episode.
- Narwhal Schuylkill
- Ranga Pens
- Fosfor Pens
- Lotus Pens
- Pickled Ginger Ink
- Hongdian 6013
- Cosmos Bazar
- The Pen Habit's "Adjusting Your Fountain Pen"
- Platinum Plaisir Midnight
Thanks for stopping by again and catch you in the next one! And if you want to see where we, The Pen Noobs Podcast, are both active and available, here are some links as well:
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Instagram: @thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepennoobspodcast
- The Pen Noobs Podcast Episode 11 on Youtube: https://youtu.be/0X1kTQrfJTo
Pen Noobs 10: Not-So Noobs with CY of tokyostationpens
Welcome back to another special one!
This time around, we have quite a chat with one-half of the Tokyo Inklings podcast duo, CY. We're sure that, if you're here, you've also already listened to an episode or two or all of Tokyo Inklings. Their podcast gained much traction last year when they gave us insider info regarding Japan exclusive pens and stationery, and Japanese pen manufacturers. We would not have known about the major Sailor changes and, most recently, the Tomoe River Saga if not for the hard work of both CY and his co-host Jacob (@fudefan).
Of course, this episode won't be about just that, because CY is also a nib-grinder--well-known for his stacked gold nibs and his special grinds. So yes, we talk about A LOT in this one, so tune in as you always do, Pen Friends.
Go and follow CY on his and Tokyo Inklings' varied digital spaces:
And if you want to see where we, The Pen Noobs Podcast, are both active and available, here are some links as well: -
Pen Noobs 09: Kaigi-ed
It's been a long three weeks since our last episode, but we're back and keeping with our promise to release episodes right around [Filipino] paydays!
Ryan and I have missed each other very much this school year, since we don't get to hangout much in online school anymore, so we dedicated an episode to catch up with each other and check in on our journaling and planning, well, plans via a mid-year techo kaigi session. This episode is largely inspired by @thestationerycafe's somewhat recent techo kaigi episode and @jobsjournal's #aesthetic youtube video.
Noob Discoveries cited in this episode include:
- Generic Inkable Rollerball
- Hobonichi Exclusive Uniball Jetstream Multi-Pen
- Pentel Pulaman
- Pelikan M200 Cafe Creme
- Art Oracles
- The Daily Stoic
- Lilian Letter's Instagram Page
Again, we're keeping the write-up short for this one (it'll likely be a permanent move), but here's the link to our faces if you want to see 'em on youtube: https://youtu.be/R6yHCtS_aHM
Pen Noobs 08: Not-So Noobs with David Parker of Figboot on Pens
This episode is one we've been keeping for a while (we recorded it in May!) because we've been waiting for the right time and we’ve been finalizing our formats for our now-upscaled bi-monthly releases. As the cold open shows, we're really really REALLY excited about this one.
Since Episode 7 was about Noobs, this one features experts--an expert: David Parker of Figboot on Pens. We've long idolized David for his dedication to fountain pens and the fountain pen reviews he provides the community with. His ever-dependable format and input make it so much easier to understand the ins and outs of pen or stationery product--so much so that, every time we'd lust over a pen, you'd be sure that we'd go to David's Youtube to get the "intel" on it.
We'll keep the write-up short, but we do want to thank David again for reaching out to us Noobs so early in the podcast game. Support his work via subscribing to his Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/c/figbootonpens) and his Instagram (@figboot11).
As usual, if you want to catch this one on video, here's the youtube link: youtu.be/cj4O4W_bdss
Pen Noobs 07: Pens and Professions (Teachers)
You're back and you're here, Pen Friends!
This episode is special to us (then again, when is an episode not?). We've invited a few of our teacher friends, Nicah and Paolo/Swapee, to virtually sit down with us, sip tea, and share tea about what it's like being a teacher and a pen enthusiast.
We're all somewhat new to this game--give or take an average of 3 years of PENabling across the board--but already have a relative wealth of pens, stories, and advice regarding the hobby. So, as usual, sit back, and maybe flush your pens or journal while listening to this one. Oh, and take notice of how their special English Teaching powers manifest in how vividly they describe their pen collections. *wink*
Here are some of the relevant links for this episode. None are sponsored by the way:
- Pen Chalet Website: https://www.penchalet.com/
- Pen Boutique Website: https://www.penboutique.com/
- Tortoise Chrome Estie Fountain Pen on Pen Chalet: https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/esterbrook_estie_fountain_pen/Tortoise+Chrome
- Sailor 1911 S Kagero Green Pen Boutique Exclusive: https://www.penboutique.com/products/sailor-1911s-fountain-pen-kagero-green-pen-boutique-exclusive
- Esterbrook "The Journaler" Nib Review on the Pen Addict: https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2020/6/29/esterbrook-the-journaler-nib-review
- Kokuyo Campus Smart Ring Binder B5 on JetPens: https://www.jetpens.com/Kokuyo-Campus-Smart-Ring-Binder-Notebook-B5-26-Rings-Blue-Green/pd/23652
- Noodler's 54th Massachussets on Goulet Pens: https://www.gouletpens.com/products/noodlers-54th-massachusetts-3oz-bottled-ink
Disclaimer/s: The noob discovery regarding the memorial day sales have already expired as of the airing of this episode.
Pen Noobs 06: The 1 About Journaling
Since we already covered planning in the last episode, this one was inevitable. As our summer break comes to a close, listen or watch us wax sentimental about the humble and personal beginnings of our journaling journeys and our current journal-specific habits and line-ups. Oh, and we talk about how journaling complements our mindfulness practices too.
Again, here are the links to what we talk about in this episode:
Adventure Denali on Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCeATIzBVFBlYmxzZFMNGZAA
Figboot on Pens on Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/figboot11
The Pen Addict Podcast: www.relay.fm/penaddict
Tokyo Inklings Podcast: tokyoinklings.com/
The Stationery Cafe Podcast: www.thestationerycafe.com/podcast/
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: www.amazon.com/Daily-Stoic-Meditations-Wisdom-Perseverance/dp/0735211736
Kokuyo Jibun Techo: A 3-in-1 Planner on JetPens: www.jetpens.com/blog/kokuyo-jibun-techo-a-3-in-1-planner/pt/949
Paperang P2 Thermal Printer: paperangprint.com/products/paperang-p2
Hobonichi 5 Year Techo: www.1101.com/store/techo/en/5year/
Midori 3 and 5 Year Diaries on JetPens: www.jetpens.com/Midori-3-and-5-Year-Diaries/ct/4696
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Pudicombe: www.amazon.com/Headspace-Guide-Meditation-Mindfulness-Minutes/dp/1250104904
Journaling for Mindfulness: 44 Prompts, Examples, and Exercises on Positive Psychology (with credible sources and studies cited): positivepsychology.com/journaling-for-mindfulness/
Morning Pages by Julia Cameron: juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/
The Artist's Way Starter Kit by Julia Cameron: juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/the-artists-way-starter-kit/
Also, if you want to see our actual journal spread, watch us on Youtube by clicking here: youtu.be/BG6NEzusmkY
Thank you so much for coming back for another episode, and we've got a big one for the next one. Catch you then! :)
- Jika and Ryan
#thepennoobspodcast #pennoobs #fountainpen #fountainpen #hobonichi #hobonichitecho #hobonichi5yeartecho #travelersnotebook #tn #journal #journaling #planning #planner #noobdiscovery #morningpages #mediajournal #gratitude #dailypages
Pen Noobs 05: PLANoobs
We're back with episode 5, Pen Friends!
If you've been tuning in to the last 4 episodes, you might now be wondering about what to do with all the gear you just acquired. Of course, we don't #PENable for nothing, so we're here to talk about PLANNING as a regular means of maximizing pen-ink-and-paper usage, and as a means to get ourselves and our days in order.
As usual, here are the links to what we talk about in this episode:
- "Sailor's Sailor Ink Review" by Mountain of Ink: https://mountainofink.com/blog/sailors-sailor
- "Pen Cleaning and Maintenance" by Goulet Pens: https://blog.gouletpens.com/2012/06/fp101-pen-cleaning-and-maintenance/
- "Guide to the Hobonichi Techo Planner" by JetPens: https://www.jetpens.com/blog/guide-to-the-hobonichi-techo-planner/pt/900
- Hobonichi Techo Lineup Website: https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/lineup/
- Hobonichi Techo Download City (you can download special page layouts here; only in Japanese): https://www.1101.com/store/techo/ja/download/
- "Traveler's Company Traveler's Notebook: A Comprehensive Guide" by JetPens: https://www.jetpens.com/blog/travelers-notebook-a-comprehensive-guide/pt/726
- Bullet Journal Method Website: https://bulletjournal.com/pages/learn
Lastly, if you do want to watch this one on youtube instead, click here: https://youtu.be/FvpKLcnE0Dw
Thanks for your support and catch you again on a Friday two weeks from now!
- Jika and Ryan
#thepennoobspodcast #pennoobs #fountainpen #fountainpen #sailorink #pencleaning #penflush #hobonichi #hobonichitecho #travelersnotebook #tn #bulletjournal #bulletjournaling #planning #planner #noobdiscovery
Pen Noobs 04: PINKS (Paper and Inks)
Welcome back, Pen Friends!
This is a bit of a long one but we promise that it's good and meaty. In this episode, we discuss the last two components of a great writing experience: Paper and Inks (PINKS, for short). We get into different paper and ink qualities and quirks, our preferences, and maybe some that could be yours.
Do note that we make a mistake regarding ink capacities in this episode so here are some **corrective links** that could help clear that up:
- TWSBI Ink Capacity Infographic from TWSBI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/-eV5XpzEqa/
- Pilot Converter Ink Capacity from Goulet Pens: https://blog.gouletpens.com/2013/08/pilot-converter-ink-capacities/
- Sailor Ink Capacity from Unsharpen: https://unsharpen.com/refill/sailor-fountain-pen-converter/
- Platinum Ink Capacity from EstiloFilos: https://estilofilos.blogspot.com/2011/02/platinum-converters.html
- Lamy Ink Capacity from Unsharpen: https://unsharpen.com/refill/lamy-z28-fountain-pen-converter/
- Platinum Ink Capacity from EstiloFilos: https://estilofilos.blogspot.com/2011/02/platinum-converters.html
- Lamy Ink Capacity from Unsharpen: https://unsharpen.com/refill/lamy-z28-fountain-pen-converter/
And, as per usual, if you want to see our faces in this one, here's the Youtube link for this episode: https://youtu.be/E4DmbaElN7s
Anyway, that's all from us for now. If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you're back because the last 3 episodes left you hanging, then we're glad you're back!
- Jika and Ryan
#thepennoobspodcast #pennoobs #fountainpen #fountainpen ,#fountainpenfriendlypaper #ink,#fountainpenink ,#tomoeriverpaper #diamine #inks
Pen Noobs 03: Starter Poké--PENS!
Hello again, Pen Friends!
Due to some demand, we dedicate this entire episode to starter pens--the pens that you, well, start with, whether they choose you or you choose them (Yes. We do lean into the Pokemon analogy very strongly in this one). We go into our own starter pens, and make recommendations about other entry-level options. We also go into the various things to consider in choosing that starter pen because, as we always like to say, everyone's pen journey is different after all.
Additionally, we'll have a giveaway on Instagram within the next few days, so if you want to join and are a Metro Manila resident or have a Metro Manila mailing address, do add us up. We're @thepennoobspodcast :)
Lastly, if you want to peep our real faces and the pens discussed here, you can catch us on Youtube via: https://youtu.be/pWMlhJaKOXc
Thanks for dropping by!
- Jika and Ryan
#thepennoobspodcast #pennoobs #starterpen #starterpens #chooseyourstarterpen #fountainpen #fountainpens #fountainpennetwork #fountainpennetworkphilippines
Pen Noobs 02: NIB-er Enough
We're back this time to discuss nibs and the endless promise of their use. Being the ever-dependable noobs that we are, we talk non-exhaustively about our nib preferences, some nib-related phenomena, the differences between Japanese and Western nibs, and the differences between nib materials.
If you're interested to hear our take on these OR want to inform, correct, or clear some things up for us, then we're glad you're here to tune in!
Here are a few **nib-related resources** too, that helped us in forming our now-stock knowledge:
- Jet Pens "Guide to Fountain Pen Nibs": www.jetpens.com/blog/guide-to-fountain-pen-nibs-choosing-a-fountain-pen-nib/pt/760 and www.jetpens.com/blog/guide-to-fountain-pen-nibs-troubleshooting-tips-and-tricks/pt/777
- Pen Chalet "Fountain Pen Nib Infographic": www.penchalet.com/blog/fountain-pen-nib-infographic/
Thanks for dropping by and catch you on our next episode! - Jika and Ryan
#thepennoobspodcast #pennoobs #fountainpens #nibs #fountainpennibs #stationery #fountainpennetwork #fountainpenphilippines
Pen Noobs 01: Why Even Anything?
We're Jika and Ryan, your pen noobs trying to reclaim the term noob while also doing our best to lift the curtain off some of our favorite things: fountain pens and stationery.
We're by no means experts on either, thus meriting our noob-ish title, and hope that this podcast PENlightens and PENables not just ourselves but also our viewers/listeners. We hope to cover other related topics (nibs, inks, cases, and planners, for example) and catch-up with the scene through the remarkable businesses, business owners, and enthusiasts somewhere down the line. For now, in this episode, we talk about our **pen journeys, our pen collections, and daily drivers** all in the span of some 35 or so minutes (not enough time, really, but it's the first episode). So if you're here, welcome! And if you want more, PENcil our next episode into your calendar.
**Brands and Stores** mentioned (these aren't affiliates, just resources just in case you want to see what we're talking about):
TWSBI: www.twsbi.com
Moonman: www.jetpens.com/Moonman-Fountain-Pens/ct/5757
Jinhao: www.gouletpens.com/collections/jinhao
Kaweco: www.kaweco-pen.com
Platinum: www.platinum-pen.co.jp/english.html
Pilot: www.pilot.co.jp
Sailor: sailorpen.co.uk
Galen Leather: www.galenleather.com
Scribe: scribeph.com
Also, here's a link to the youtube version, if you're curious about what we look like: youtu.be/5uH7m89ch1o
Now, enough with the PEN puns and THANKS FOR DROPPING BY!
- Jika and Ryan
#thepennoobspodcast #pennoobs #fountainpens #stationery #fountainpennetwork #fountainpenphilippines