Catching up with Montegrappa CEO Giueseppe Aquila and Doug Rathbun (Inkquiring Minds) | Ep. 72

In this episode of the Appelboom Podcast, we’re excited to sit down with Lori Tata and Luke from Papa J Woodworks to dive into the fascinating world of custom-made pens. From humble beginnings during the Covid era, Papa J Woodworks has quickly become a leading name in the industry. Discover the story behind this remarkable brand, founded by Luke and his wife, Peanuts, who is the mastermind behind the beautiful color combinations that make these pens truly unique.We also learn the heartwarming story behind the brand's name, "Papa J," honoring Luke’s father-in-law, a generous man who helped people with addictions. This touching tribute adds even more depth to the brand’s identity.During the episode, Joost introduces a new pen release: the Visconti Van Gogh Potato Eaters, a stunning writing instrument that combines art and craftsmanship. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek at Andhand, a brand-new addition to the Appelboom family.As always, we love hearing from our audience, and this episode features fantastic questions and insights from our YouTube Live stream viewers. Kari, Lori, and Joost share a truly engaging conversation, making this episode a must-listen for pen enthusiasts and collectors.

In our latest podcast episode, we’re joined by two amazing guests, Lori Tata and Karina Palacio, to talk about the exciting possibilities 2025 holds. As we step into the new year, we dive deep into our plans, creative pursuits, and all things pens! Karina shares her stunning artwork and talks about her love for Wonder Woman, while Lori brings her expert insight into what's coming up for the pen community.This episode is a must-listen for pen enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone interested in creative inspiration. We discuss our upcoming pen show appearances, including the latest buzz around the must-visit events of the year. Whether you're new to fountain pens or a seasoned collector, we’ve got some great recommendations for your next favorite writing instrument!We also showcase two exciting new pen models introduced by Appelboom – the Benu Pixie and the Magna Carta MAG 600 Verde Royale – two pens that are sure to make waves in 2025. If you’re into unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship, this part of the conversation is one you don’t want to miss.A big highlight of this episode is the lively interaction from our YouTube chat audience, who contributed their thoughts and questions in real time. It was a fun, engaging discussion with lots of personal stories, laughter, and, of course, our favorite pens!Episode Highlights:Karina Palacio’s Artwork: From Wonder Woman to creative expressionPlans for 2025: What’s in store for the new year in the world of pens?Upcoming Pen Shows: Which events are we attending in 2025?New Pen Models: A first look at the Benu Pixie and the Magna Carta MAG 600 Verde RoyaleInteractive Q&A: Live input from our YouTube chat communityIf you're passionate about fountain pens or simply love a good conversation about the future, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. Tune in for a fun and informative discussion as we look ahead to the exciting world of pens in 2025!Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and share it with your pen-loving friends. Don't miss the next episode!

We're excited to have Luca Baglione, CEO of Scribo, as our guest in this episode. Our co-host, Douglas Rathbun (Inquiring_minds), asked some thought-provoking questions, and we gained valuable insights from both of these incredible individuals. We reviewed Scribo's releases for 2024 and discussed the exciting possibilities that 2025 holds!We also received fantastic input from our audience during the YouTube Live stream, with many thoughtful questions. This made the conversation between Luca, Doug, and Joost truly memorable.

In this special episode, we were joined by the two legendary penfluencers, Drew and Stephen Brown. It was a particularly unique episode, as they share the same last name (no relation... or is there?)—a surname that’s also a color people either love or hate. We had a blast during the conversation, touching on topics like pens, Drew's future plans, and a few lighthearted discussions.We received fantastic input from our audience through the YouTube Live stream, with many insightful questions. This made the exchange between Drew, Stephen, and Joost even more memorable.

We are thrilled to welcome Brian Gray, CEO of Edison Pen Company, as a guest on this episode. Our co-host, Douglas Rathbun (Inquiring_minds), asked some insightful questions, and we learned a lot from both of these gentlemen. Brian shared the design process behind their latest Elysian release, highlighting some intriguing design challenges.We also received fantastic input from our audience during the YouTube Live stream, with many thoughtful questions. This made the conversation between Brian, Doug, and Joost truly memorable.

We are honored to have Giuseppe Aquila (CEO of Montegrappa) as a guest in this episode. Our co-host Douglas Rathbun (Inquiring_minds) had some very good questions and we learned a couple of things from both gentleman. Giuseppe talked about some recent launches of Montegrappa, but also about the special Montegrappa celluloid and the history of the brand.We also had a lot of great input from the audience on our Youtube Live stream with some very good questions! It made the three-way conversation with Giuseppe, Doug and Joost quite special. Joost also showed some products that just launched at Appelboom: Montegrappa 007 Goldfinger .

In this episode we talked about the newbie fountain pen user, the starting problems, and some good tips from our guests Douglas Rathbun (Inquiring_minds) and Wendi Sue (FountainPenNews). The fanclub of Wendi was in the comment section very active with good questions. If you have a question yourself, feel free to ask them in the comment section.We also had a lot of great input from the audience on our Youtube Live stream with some very good questions! It made the three-way conversation with Wendi, Doug and Joost quite special. Joost also showed some products that just launched at Appelboom: Nahvalur Original Fall, Nahvalur Voyage Cookie & Cream, Platinum 3776 Coffee Jelly and Graf von Faber-Castell Pen Of The Year 2024 Ottoman Empire fountain pens, .

This episode is the start of a new series with our new co-host Douglas Rathbun (Inquiring_minds). He will be our co-host for the upcoming 5 episodes with some very cool guests. The first guest is the former Managing Director of Pilot/Namiki, Frank Schelkens. We talked with Frank and Doug about the Pilot and Namiki pens and we learned a lot of new things!We also had a lot of great input from the audience on our Youtube Live stream with some very good questions! It made the three-way conversation with Frank, Doug and Joost quite special. Joost also showed some products that just launched at Appelboom: Esterbrook King of the Night, and the Lamy Al-star Harry Potter fountain pens, .Please Visit our website for our complete collection of luxury fountain pens, ballpoint pens, inks, and more: https://appelboom.com/ Whether you're a longtime fan of handcrafted pens or new to the world of high-end pen collectors, our latest video is sure to elevate your luxury writing experience.

Together with Azizah (Gourmetpens) and Cary Yeager (Mr. Fountain Pen Day) Joost dived into the special day called Fountain Pen Day. What does it mean? How is it celebrated? Does Appelboom have promotions?We had a lot of great input from the audience on our Youtube Live stream with some very good questions! It made the three-way conversation with Cary, Azizah and Joost quite special. Joost also showed some products that just launched at Appelboom: Nahvalur Halloween fountain pen and Wancher fountain pens, .Please Visit our website for our complete collection of luxury fountain pens, ballpoint pens, inks, and more: https://appelboom.com/ Whether you're a longtime fan of handcrafted pens or new to the world of high-end pen collectors, our latest video is sure to elevate your luxury writing experience.

Together with Azizah (Gourmetpens) and Giles English (Owner of Yard O Led) Joost dived into the world of Yard O Led pens. Especially the new Deco 34 and The Pinstripe models are discussed and we got some nice history lessons about Birmingham.We had a lot of great input from the audience on our Youtube Live stream with some very good questions! It made the three-way conversation with Giles, Azizah and Joost quite special. Joost also showed some products that just launched at Appelboom: Pelikan M910 Toledo White, The Diamine Inkvent Calendar and the Visconti Homo Sapiens Carbon Moiré fountain pen.