Appelboom Bites

Step into the world of fine writing instruments with this festive Christmas edition of the Appelboom Bites Podcast, recorded just days before the holidays and streamed live on YouTube. Hosted by Joost Appelboom, with co-host Douglas Rathbun (Inkquiringminds), this special episode is a must-watch for fountain pen collectors, stationery lovers, and anyone passionate about craftsmanship and heritage brands.🎄 Special Guest: Giles English (CEO of Yard-O-Led) In this episode, we are joined by Giles English, CEO of the legendary British writing instrument manufacturer Yard-O-Led. Together, we explore what lies ahead for Yard-O-Led in 2025, reflecting on their recent achievements and the enduring success of this Birmingham-based brand with over a century of history.✒️ Topics Covered in This EpisodeThe heritage and legacy of Yard-O-Led, proudly handmade in Birmingham, EnglandThe brand’s exceptional all-handmade craftsmanship and traditional silversmithing techniquesA deep dive into the Yard-O-Led Pocket Fountain Pen, one of the most exciting and anticipated fountain pen releases of 2025Discussion of other notable releases, including the Yard-O-Led Ambassador and the elegant Piccadilly Necklace PencilInsightful questions and lively interaction from our YouTube live chat audience🌸 Exclusive Highlight from Appelboom Joost Appelboom also introduces a spectacular new release from Japan: the Namiki Emperor Maki-e Blooming Flowers in Profusion – 2025 Limited Edition Fountain Pen, a true masterpiece of maki-e artistry and luxury pen design.🎁 Why Watch This Episode? Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of fountain pens, this episode offers expert insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and first-hand information straight from the makers. Wrapped in a warm Christmas atmosphere, this podcast blends tradition, innovation, and community in one engaging conversation.👉 Watch the Appelboom Bites Podcast on YouTube and stay up to date with the finest fountain pens, luxury writing instruments, and industry news for 2025 and beyond.

Welcome to a new episode of Appelboom Bites, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of fine writing instruments! ✒️In this episode, we’re joined by Douglas Rathbun as co-host and special guest Frank Zhang, CEO of Nahvalur Fountain Pens. Together, we explore what makes Nahvalur such a standout brand in the fountain pen community.We discuss Nahvalur fountain pens in general, why they offer exceptional quality and design, and how the brand successfully delivers pens across every price range—from accessible everyday writers to high-end collector pieces.A major highlight of this episode is the Vacuum Filling Mechanism. Frank explains how it works, why it’s such a satisfying and practical system to use, and why vacuum fillers are so popular among fountain pen enthusiasts.We also take a closer look at the Nahvalur Ikkaku, featuring stunning urushi artwork, craftsmanship, and traditional techniques that elevate these pens into true works of art. To wrap things up, Frank shares insights into Nahvalur’s future plans for 2026, including what fans and collectors can look forward to.Whether you’re new to fountain pens or a seasoned collector, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most exciting brands in the industry.🎧 Topics covered in this episode:Nahvalur fountain pens overviewPens at every price pointVacuum filling mechanism explainedWhy vacuum fillers are so cool to useNahvalur Ikkaku & urushi artworkFuture plans and vision for Nahvalur (2026)👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment to let us know your favorite Nahvalur fountain pen!#AppelboomBites #Nahvalur #FountainPens #VacuumFiller #Urushi #Ikkaku #PenPodcast #LuxuryPens #WritingInstruments

In this episode, we sit down with Ian Schon, owner and designer behind Schon DSGN, and Azizah (GourmetPens) for a deep dive into innovation, craftsmanship, and the world of boutique fountain pens. We explore the highly anticipated MONOC nib and the upgraded MONOC EVO, with Ian sharing the design thinking, engineering challenges, and performance improvements behind both models. Azizah adds her expert writing impressions and practical insights for pen lovers.One of the highlights of the episode is an exclusive workshop tour, where Ian walks us through the tools, machines, and processes that bring Schon DSGN pens to life. It’s an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at true craftsmanship.We also break down the pros and cons of Black Friday sales, how discounts impact small makers, and what listeners can expect from Schon DSGN’s upcoming Black Friday promotions.The Buzzsprout listeners will also appreciate how amazing the YouTube Live chat was during the recording, contributing thoughtful questions and adding energy to the entire conversation.In This Episode:The story and engineering behind the MONOC nibWhat’s new and improved in the MONOC EVOA behind-the-scenes tour of the Schon DSGN workshopWriting impressions from Azizah (GourmetPens)The realities of Black Friday for small creatorsSneak peek at upcoming Schon DSGN Black Friday dealsCommunity-driven Q&A from the fantastic live chatIf you love fountain pens, maker culture, product design, or behind-the-scenes insights from small creative brands, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable knowledge.Follow, rate, and subscribe for more interviews, deep dives, and conversations with makers and creators!

In this exciting episode of the Appelboom Podcast, host Joost Appelboom is joined by Azizah from GourmetPens and special guest Kate from BENU Pens! We celebrate Fountain Pen Day and dive deep into the brand-new BENU collection for 2025. Kate gives us an exclusive first look at the stunning new Haute Collection release, and we explore the latest updates on the Tessera and Pixie pens.Joost also introduces two incredible new arrivals on the Appelboom website:✨ Montegrappa Sea Shepherd – Caretta caretta✨ Leonardo Cigar LeonArco Mother of Pearl – Authentic CelluloidAs always, the audience contributed amazing questions and insights, making this another inspiring and interactive fountain pen conversation.

In this special episode, we sit down with Francesco Poggesi, CEO of Visconti, and Azizah from GourmetPens to explore the exciting Visconti fountain pen releases of 2025 — a lineup that blends Italian artistry, innovation, and timeless design.Thanks to the incredible contributions and questions from our YouTube audience, this conversation goes even deeper into what makes these unique writing instruments so extraordinary. Your curiosity and passion helped shape a truly inspiring discussion about craftsmanship, creativity, and the future of fine writing.🖋️ Homo Sapiens Full Demo – a transparent reinterpretation of Visconti’s most iconic pen.🌌 Homo Sapiens Carbon Abyssus – where modern materials meet bold Italian design.🌀 Visconti Maze – a stunning creation that celebrates geometry, perception, and art.⚡ Visconti Nikola Tesla Limited Edition – a tribute to the genius of innovation and imagination.Each of these Visconti fountain pens is more than a writing tool — it’s a piece of art, a collector’s dream, and a symbol of creativity in motion.Join us as we explore the inspiration, engineering, and artistry behind Visconti’s 2025 collection — and discover how passion, design, and community come together in the world of fine writing.