Celebrate creativity as new pen and pencil releases are unveiled, delighting stationery lovers. Reflect on the podcast’s journey and the impact of social media on well-being. Discover innovations in fountain pen design, including exclusive refills and custom nibs. Exciting collaborations emerge, merging knife and pen communities. Explore Tactile Turn's latest offerings and a variety of colorful notebook options. Engage in a discussion about the evolving ink landscape and the art of thoughtful online connectivity!
The hosts celebrate their 650th episode by discussing the significance of podcast milestones and their evolving approach to celebrations.
One host emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in navigating social media, advocating for kindness and personal connection over negativity.
Deep dives
Transition to Relay
The show emphasizes a significant transition to a new identity as they officially adopt the name Relay, dropping the FM from their branding. This rebranding process includes a fresh visual update, simplifying their show artwork to make titles clearer and more direct, like showcasing the Pen Addict name prominently. The hosts express excitement about this change as it marks a new chapter for the podcast, reinforcing their connection to the Relay network. They reflect on how long it took to reach this point, mentioning an announcement made months earlier and the anticipation leading up to this milestone.
Reflections on Episode Milestones
Amid celebrating episode 650, the hosts discuss the significance of milestone episodes and how their approach has changed over time. They humorously recognize that while initial milestone episodes were a cause for celebration, they now feel that more substantial celebrations may be reserved for rounds numbers like 700 or even 1000. As they reflect on the longevity of the podcast, they acknowledge the saturation of content in the podcasting space and consider the possible shift in focus regarding celebrations. This perspective highlights their evolving relationship with their audience and the podcasting landscape.
Social Media and Mental Health
The conversation shifts as one host candidly addresses the challenges of navigating social media, particularly in a politically charged environment. They urge listeners to practice kindness and self-care, acknowledging the stress and negativity prevalent on these platforms. The host shares personal experiences regarding their own gradual distancing from traditional social media in favor of more comfortable platforms like Mastodon. This discussion serves as a reminder of the importance of mental well-being and how social media can impact relationships and individual mental health.
Observations from Parenting Classes
One host shares anecdotes from attending parenting classes, humorously noting the juxtaposition between parenting discussions and his experience as a podcast host focused on pens and stationery. During the classes, he encountered an instructor who was using a TWSBI Eco pen with purple ink, which delighted him and sparked a desire for connection based on mutual interests in fountain pens. He considers the TWSBI Eco to be an entry-level fountain pen and comments on how it reflects a person's budding interest in the hobby. This encounter illustrates the merging of personal life and professional passion, as well as the ways in which hobby enthusiasts can find community in unexpected places.
New product releases are the talk of the episode, with some of our favorite brands releasing new pens and pencils this week. Also, what do you buy someone for their 650th anniversary?
This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:
Pen Chalet: Check out this week's special offer, and to get your code for 10% off.