Episode 3: We Tour Pilot Pens USA!

Do you ever feel lost talking about fountain pens? Whether you're brand new to this hobby, or are a seasoned user who's simply never explored topics such as pen repair and nib customization, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the different terms and expressions people use. For this episode we thought it would be fun to talk through the different parts of the pen and a basic overview of how a fountain pen functions. Future episodes will revisit terminology and discuss things like pen problems, nib modifications, and more! We also share some last-minute details on the On The Paper Trail Live event coming up this weekend in Nashville. Please note that in this episode, we walk through the parts of a fountain pen and a fountain pen nib. While we have done our best to describe everything for audio listeners, we strongly encourage you to watch the video as well if you would like a visual demonstration.

Episode 17 continues our discussion on Journaling for Mental Health! September is National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness month, so for these two most recent episodes we have been discussing a topic important to both of us: journaling for mental health and self-care. Part II dives into less traditional journaling techniques that we have both experimented with in the past, including creative practices such as doodling and ink swatching, quote collecting, handwriting practice, sticker journaling, and more. Disclaimer: Our discussion here is highly personal and specific to us and our own individual situations. Journaling is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you need help, or feel that you need to talk to someone, we strongly encourage you to speak with a mental health treatment professional. Show Notes and Links National Suicide Prevention Month On The Paper Trail Live in Nashville (October 16-18) New Gentleman Stationer Storefront T.G.S. x Tono & Lims Exclusive Inks Pilot Frixion Waai Pilot Custom 845 Vermillion Urushi Fountain Pen Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen Pilot Juice Up Davinci Raymay 6-Ring Refills Wearingeul Thumbelina Ink Lisa's New Stickers Kaleidocraft Prints Get caught up on previous episodes, and find more information on the main podcast informational page.

September is National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month, so for Episode 16 we decided to talk about a topic that's close to both of us: Journaling for mental health and techniques we both find helpful for self care. Part I discusses our own techniques, and Part II will discuss additional journaling techniques that we may not use all the time but have tried in the past and break out periodically. Of course, we also make time to discuss the recent San Francisco Pen Show, new shop arrivals, and upcoming events!Disclaimer: Our discussion here is highly personal and specific to us and our own individual situations. Journaling is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you need help, or feel that you need to talk to someone, we strongly encourage you to speak with a mental health professional. Show Notes and Links National Suicide Prevention Month Pilot S20 Ballpoint Kuru Toga Wood Mechanical Pencil Mark'Style Tous Les Jours Ballpoint Pen Midori Planners Vinta Ink Pennonia Roterfaden Restock Schon DSGN Lil' Dipper Art of Creation Panel Discussion Dallas Pen Show On The Paper Trail Live in Nashville Get caught up on previous episodes, and find more information on the main podcast informational page.

Join Joe and Lisa as they co-host "The Art of Creation," a panel discussion at the 2026 San Francisco Pen Show featuring a discussion with three independent makers in the stationery industry. We had the opportunity to ask our guests about their creative process, followed by an audience question and answer session. Please note that this was a live panel recording, and the audio may be uneven in parts. We have attempted to optimize it as best we can. If you would like to view the video of the panel session, you can find it at the On The Paper Trail YouTube Channel.

Do you ever feel that some fountain pen and ink combinations work especially well together? Have you found that switching inks can make a pen write better? Today we talk about how to pair fountain pens and inks to optimize your writing experience. We each go through three of our favorite pen and ink combinations, and discuss why we like specific inks in specific fountain pens. While we try to describe everything in as much detail as possible in the show audio, those who wish to view products in real time should check out the video stream or see the show notes and links for additional information. Podcast Video Stream Show Notes and Links Joe's DC Pen Show Recap Vanness Hummingbird Green Ink Platinum Classic Fountain Pen Ink Galen Leather Legacy Collection Leonardo Momento Zero Pura Fountain Pen Leonardo Momento Magico Fantasy Series Lamy x Uni Kuru Toga Inside Mechanical Pencils OnionBrand Leather Notebook Covers Pilot Iroshizuku Ink Joe's Inks from Japan TWSBI ECO Bahama Yellow Kyo-no-Oto Ink Callifolio Ink San Francisco Pen Show Dallas Pen Show On The Paper Trail Live in Nashville