

The Pen Addict
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The Pen Addict is a weekly fix for all things stationery. Pens, pencils, paper, ink – you name it, and Brad Dowdy and Myke Hurley are into it. Join as they geek out over the analog tools they love so dearly. Hosted by Brad Dowdy and Myke Hurley.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 4, 2025 • 56min
694: Orange Is the Worst
The hosts dive into the intriguing world of price hikes from major Japanese pen brands, revealing stunning increases and market impacts. Brad critiques an orange pen design and its pricing, while exploring Platinum's strategies regarding special editions. They discuss Sailor's 'shrinkflation' and the changes in nib options, alongside the implications for consumers entering the pen hobby. Plus, they highlight standout Inkvent releases, including a controversial scented ink, and share their latest stationery desires.

Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
693: Get 'em, Ana - Holiday Gift Guide 2025
Ana Reinert, stationery writer and founder of The Well-Appointed Desk, joins to share holiday gifting gems focusing on small makers. Discover must-have pens from unique brands facing inventory shortages. Ana and Brad highlight exquisite paper choices like Yamamoto and Robiki, alongside creative inks from Dominant Industry and The Wet Pen. They recommend essential stationery shops, suggest practical accessories like customized backpacks from Hot Dang Press, and celebrate the charm of local brick-and-mortar stores.

Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
692: Wham! Namiki!
Brad delves into his obsession with the Platinum Curidas, praising its unique traits despite its flaws. He updates listeners on the latest in the fountain pen world, recommending standout models in the $200-$500 price range. The duo discusses Pilot's acquisition of Marks, the elegance of the Mark Style Azabudai Hills Vanishing Point, and a major theft at the Madrid pen show. Spoke's new Model 7 and 8 mechanical pencils take the spotlight, alongside tips for nib grinding to enhance writing quality. A treasure trove for stationery enthusiasts!

Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 15min
691: This Is a Stuff Show
Stationery enthusiasts are in for a treat as Myke and Brad delve into the latest exciting releases. They discuss the value of the Diplomat Viper and tackle the hardcover versus softcover debate. The duo also breaks down the controversy surrounding the Panquet manufacturer dispute. Grab your pencils as they unveil Spoked Design's new lineup and gush over Lamy's striking aquamarine CP1. Lastly, they share insights on vibrant reds in D1 refills and recommend alternatives for discontinued notebooks, keeping the pen community buzzing.

Nov 6, 2025 • 51min
690: More Old-Timey Articles
Traditional media was all about ye olde fountain pen this past week, weren’t they. To no one’s surprise, Brad and Myke have thoughts. Brad also keeps the Top 5 updates coming, wraps up his iA Notebook review, and welcomes a new Pilot fountain pen contende
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.
Links and Show Notes: Support The Pen Addict with a Relay Membership Submit Feedback Wearingul Cheshire Cat Fountain Pen Ink Review — The Pen Addict Sailor Ink Studio Set 3 — Mountain of Ink Ecoqua notebooks original | Fabriano Fountain Pens Are More Popular Than Ever—and Purists Are Fuming - WSJ - Archive.ph Can a bespoke Montblanc pen fix my horrible handwriting? – Financial Times Patti Smith Loves Pens – Instagram Ten Years on YouTube... - Figboot on Pens - YouTube Fountain Pen Day Top 5 Pens — The Pen Addict Pilot Custom NS – Instagram

Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
689: A Platypus Riding A Bicycle
Robb Knight, an artist and podcaster with a passion for all things stationery, shares his latest fountain pen adventures. He discusses his charity art initiatives for St. Jude, highlighting memorable commissions like Pikachu and a London bus. The duo dives into their top stationery picks, with Robb praising the Esterbrook Funky Town pen and Blackwing legal pads. They also explore the joys of journaling, drawing, and connecting through the stationery community, all while celebrating their shared love for writing tools.

Oct 23, 2025 • 49min
688: Fifty Grand on Ebay
Toptober gets intense with the hosts ranking notebooks and inks, sparking some lively debates. A quirky discussion unfolds about Kaweco's Ebonite Sport pen and its name. They dive into the pros and cons of digital versus paper note-taking, exploring e-ink devices like BOOX. Excitement builds as they share new Field Notes releases and treasure discoveries from Brad's notebook stash. The top paper and ink brands for beginners are revealed, making this an enriching listen for stationery enthusiasts!

Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 12min
687: Paper Pro Move Titan
This week features a fun debate over the Kaweco Titan Sport name and its German origins. The hosts reveal their favorite desk setups and pens while discussing the latest trends in stationery. A spotlight on Ink Apothecarian’s innovative pipettor adds a unique twist. They also review the reMarkable Paper Pro Move, diving into its hardware and e-ink behavior. Plus, an updated Top 5 Fountain Pens for Beginners list is unveiled, showcasing top picks for newcomers. The anticipation builds for a fascinating Halloween Inkvent calendar too!

Oct 9, 2025 • 57min
686: The Thing Inside the Liquid Inside the Thing Inside the Liquid
Dive into a world of pens as the hosts discuss listener feedback and the art of tiny writing. Explore the debate on AI vs. human curation for pen recommendations and hear about the Zebra Blen's transition to gel. Learn how to safely use an ultrasonic cleaner, and stay updated on distribution changes for brands like Visconti and Pelikan. The duo also teases reviews of the Monteverde MP1 and Novel Eclipse pens, while recapping a successful charity campaign. Get insights into top-five lists and writing small!

Oct 2, 2025 • 56min
685: Top 5 Clicky Boys
Join the lively conversation about fountain pens as two enthusiasts dive into the latest Retro 51 collaboration inspired by sneakers. Celebrate the success of a recent fundraiser while exploring the significance of Pilot's 20th anniversary Decimo limited edition. The hosts debate how to refresh Top Five pen lists, considering user-driven categories versus traditional rankings. Plus, they discuss the quirky Visconti maze fountain pen and its unique design. Tune in for fun insights on organizing recommendations and the world of pens!


