

The Pen Addict
Relay
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

Sep 25, 2025 • 55min
684: The Montblanc Cloud
Join Brad and Myke as they recap their lively time at Podcastathon and the positive impact of their fundraising for St. Jude. They dive into the intriguing world of Montblanc Digital Paper, comparing it to competitors like reMarkable. Discover their live pen reviews featuring favorites like the Lamy Safari and Jetstream. Plus, they dissect The Strategist's unconventional '10 Favorite Pens' list and share unique DIY tips using DVD security shims. It's a pen-filled adventure with plenty of surprises!

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 7min
683: It’s Jammie Day!
Brad has the pleasure of being joined by Ana Reinert this week. The Chair of The Well-Appointed Desk has had a busy year, including starting to work for herself. They talk about that, pen shows, and 2026 Planner Season.
This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PENADDICT.
Enigma Stationery: Unique items, top brands and hard-to-find imports. Get a free gift and free US shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code penaddict50off
Guest Starring: Ana Reinert
Links and Show Notes: Support The Pen Addict with a Relay Membership Submit Feedback The Well-Appointed Desk The Well-Appointed Desk Shop The Well-Appointed Desk on Patreon Sterling Ink Aura Estelle Effin' Birds dwdrnet Stationery Feed on YouTube Ana Answers the #12PenPersonQuestions List

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
682: The Second Page Is a Bag of Coffee
Brad talks filling notebooks today, but not before he and Myke issue a follow-up mea culpa, and praise Sailor for what they have been cooking on.
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.
HelloFresh: Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life!
Links and Show Notes: Support The Pen Addict with a Relay Membership Submit Feedback 🎗Relay for St. Jude – Donate Today Relay for St. Jude Podcastathon 2025 - YouTube Brad's Relay for St. Jude 2025 Fundraiser Spoke Design S1:P9 — Flossing your tines — mnmlscholar Orlando Pen Show The Dallas Pen Show LAMY balloon fountain pen – Fontoplumo 'Glassy' Sailor Tuzu – Instagram Sailor TUZU Adjust Fountain Pen Review — The Pen Addict Pilot FriXion Ball Knock Zone Erasable Gel Ink Pen Review — The Pen Addict 2025 Sailor Tea Time Series – Instagram "World's Tea time #5 Cha-no-yu" | Sailor fountain pen

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h
681: A Great, Great Pen… Well, I Don’t Have It Yet
Join the lively discussion about the new recording schedule that leaves the hosts feeling a bit discombobulated. Dive into the rising popularity of the Uniball Signo DX pen and the delightful features of the Pentel Calme ballpoint. Enjoy insights from the recent San Francisco pen show and the challenges of international shipping tariffs. Plus, discover community-driven fundraising efforts for St. Jude and the importance of connecting with fellow pen enthusiasts. Finally, get tips for resolving ink leakage issues in ballpoint pens!

Aug 27, 2025 • 54min
680: Very Specific May or May Nots
Brad wants to talk about what he is currently using. Can he finish before the episode ends? Tune in to find out!
This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PENADDICT.
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 The Pen Addict #400: Pen Addict 101 - Relay The Pen Addict #401: Can I Touch the Pen? - Relay Esterbrook Estie Funkytown – Instagram Sailor Ink Studio Fountain Pen Ink – Pen Chalet Leonardo Magico SE Fountain Pen - Peacock Springs | Galen Leather Van Diemans Ink Natura Dualis 40ml Fountain Pen Ink – Pen Chalet Mistress Model – Little Hollow Customs Sanctuary Blue – BUNGUBOX NOBLE NOTE Ayame | Hachimonjiya Online Store Uni-ball One P Gel Pen - Bath Bomb - Savon Body | JetPens Shawn's Special Prospector Designs – Instagram Benjamin (@benjamins_collections) – Instagram Mark One – Studio Neat The Pen Addict #599: When Clip Why Clip Where Clip - Relay Keen – Studio Neat Sidekick Notepad Sidekick Pocket Drehgriffel Nr. 2 | LEUCHTTURM1917 Uni Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Disney Donald | JetPens Retro 51 Tornado Rescue Ballpoint Pens – Pen Chalet Esterbrook x BUNGUBOX Kachofugetsu Kingfisher Fountain Pens – Pen Chalet Limited Edition Esterbrook x Bungubox Kachofugetsu Flower Fountain Pen Now Available – The Well-Appointed Desk Pentel EnerGel RTX Gel Pens | JetPens Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pens: Vibrant, Skip-Free Ink | JetPens Pilot Precise Rollerball Pens | JetPens Sakura Pigma Micron Pens | JetPens Uni Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Clear Smoke (Black) | JetPens Uni Mitsubishi 9850 Pencil with Eraser - HB | JetPens Maruman Spiral Note Basic Notebooks | JetPens Doughnut Pen Cases | JetPens

Aug 20, 2025 • 60min
679: Brad's Big Day Out
Brad shares his adventures at a bustling sidewalk sale in Chicago, discussing memorable finds and his excitement for unique stationery. The critique of Lamy's customization options sparks lively debate, while ink drying times are examined for their commercial significance. Delving into recent tariff changes, the impact on local businesses is a hot topic. Personal stories from a Cubs game and a concert add a fun twist to the stationery discussion, weaving together a day filled with creative connections and pen passion.

Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
678: Where Forth How You Been?
Brad shares his excitement about a unique stationery sale while reminiscing about a pen pal. The conversation dives into the world of sticky notes and their creative designs. Listeners are treated to insights about the evolution of the Pilot Decimo pen and the impact of Canopus paper on fountain pen users. Upcoming stationery events in Chicago are highlighted, emphasizing memorable vendor interactions. The hosts also explore the dynamics of pen shows, encouraging fans to engage with products hands-on for an enriched experience.

Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 13min
677: I Don’t Do Ratings. 9/10
Join the hosts as they dive into the excitement of the Washington D.C. Pen Show, sharing standout experiences and new product reveals. Their comedic take on planner launches for 2026 captures the quirky essence of stationery enthusiasts. They tackle Hobonichi's paper quality debates and the importance of transparency, while also exploring the joys of culinary adventures with HelloFresh. Enjoy tales from engaging workshops and the bustling atmosphere of the pen show, all wrapped in light-hearted banter that highlights the community spirit of pen lovers.

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
676: A Giant Sized Pen Show
Dive into the lively chaos of preparing for a pen show as the hosts gear up in Washington D.C. Discover the latest trends and newly launched stationery products. The conversation dives into Kickstarter's impact on the pen industry, separating established brands from newcomers. Exciting special editions and beginner-friendly pens take center stage, alongside quirky insights about the Curidass brand. Finally, learn effective strategies for making the most of a pen show, including building connections and sharing stories amidst the bustling atmosphere.

Jul 23, 2025 • 51min
675: It's Already Discontinued
This episode dives into the quirky world of discontinued stationery, highlighting the sad fate of Grafilo paper. There's a charming discussion on the beloved children's book 'The Gruffalo' and its unique illustrations. Listeners are treated to insights on emerging products like Canopus paper and the impact of rising gold prices on the industry. Postcard sending is explored with a twist on privacy and aesthetics. Plus, the hosts debate the balance of ink beauty versus practicality, adding humor with a dive into irrational fears related to fine pens.