Best Paper Fold Podcasts (2026)

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Rachel Kroh of Heartell (2 of 2) 49:04

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7d ago49:04

49:04

In the Part 1 of our chat, Rachel took us behind the vibrant, woodblocked Heartell Press design curtain, now we delve into its ethos of sustainability, and the many challenges it poses to a stationery brand. For example, shoppers absolutely loves seeing cards printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper — but it drives up costs, and brings a bevy o…

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Stationery Advent Calendars, SmartPlanner Time Blocking & getting ready for 2026 (Stationery Freaks) 43:24

10d ago43:24

43:24

It’s the last Stationery Freaks episode before Christmas, and after a slightly chaotic month we’re back with a free-form catch-up full of notebook temptation, planning experiments, and advent calendar joy. Helen reviews two very premium stationery advent calendars — Martha Brook(s) and Tom’s Studio — including what you actually get, which one feels…

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A Five-Year Grant Promise Cut Short: What’s Happening to Idaho’s Community Schools 19:38

8d ago19:38

19:38

Send us a text Last Friday, Idaho school and community leaders were notified that a major federal education grant already awarded and already supporting students is being cut short. The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant, awarded to Idaho through the United Way of Treasure Valley, was designed as a five-year investment suppor…

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When Policy Meets a Viral Moment: Inside Idaho’s HB 41 (Flags & Schools Bill) 1:21:32

9d ago1:21:32

1:21:32

Send us a text How does a bill actually move through a legislature — not in textbooks, but in real life? In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis takes a deep dive into House Bill 41, Idaho’s 2025 “flags and schools” law, a bill that unexpectedly became tied to the now-viral West Ada classroom incident and sparked national debate about patriotism…

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The Assassination That Rewired American Government 43:01

25d ago43:01

43:01

Send us a text What do a disappointed office-seeker, a presidential assassination, a reform act from the 1880s, and an academic essay from Woodrow Wilson have to do with your life today? More than you think. In this episode, Alexis traces the surprising story of how the U.S. moved from a full-blown spoils system—“to the victor belong the spoils”—to…

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Rachel Kroh of Heartell (1 of 2) 51:08

1M ago51:08

51:08

Greeting cards have the nearly impossible task of connecting us with loved ones when we don't know what to say — so we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to makers like Rachel Kroh of Heartell Press, who have made it their life's work to help others give and get the emotional support they need. Today we travel behind the vibrant Heartell design curta…

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Human → AI → Human: Navigating AI with Integrity, Clarity & Curiosity 54:13

1M ago54:13

54:13

Send us a text Alexis sits down with Will Goodman, Chief Technology Officer for the Boise School District and a central voice in Idaho’s statewide conversations on AI in K–12 education. Will and Alexis serve together on an AI in K-12 Education Workgroup in Idaho, and in this episode, they dig into the real questions Idaho is navigating right now. T…

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Live From Brick Lane: Mark+Fold’s 10th Anniversary & The Stationery Freaks Origin Story 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

In this special on-the-road episode, Rob and Helen meet in person for the first time in almost six years — to celebrate Mark+Fold’s 10-year anniversary at their Brick Lane pop-up. Recorded between a noisy East London bar and the beautifully minimalist Mark+Fold shop, this episode is a blend of celebration, nostalgia, and stationery-fueled creativit…

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Who Runs This Town? Local Government & the Art of Folding in the Cheese 1:10:13

2M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Send us a text Most people can name the President—but not their local city council members. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to unpack what local government actually does and why it matters. From who really decides where roads go (hint: it’s not your Eagle City Council members) to how c…

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Lauren & Liz of Wolf & Wren 52:25

2M ago52:25

52:25

What goes into a Louie Award-winning Card of the Year? In the case of Wolf & Wren Press, every design grows from the 30-year friendship of co-founders Liz Wolf and Lauren Stapleton. That precious connection, born in middle school, is the kind where one finishes the other's sentences ... and the other picks right up on the story! I's at the core of …

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Beyond the Buzzwords of AI + Education: Transparency, Privacy Rights, and What Comes Next... 42:00

2M ago42:00

42:00

Send us a text Do you know that AI is already integrated into nearly everything we do online? From the devices in our kids’ classrooms to the apps on our phones—artificial intelligence is part of daily life. In this episode, Alexis sits down with Dr. Jeff Carlson to unpack what AI in education really means and where Idaho can go from here. Together…

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Household Stationery That Actually Helps: Labels, Whiteboards, Junk Drawers & Kitchen Kanban | Stationery Freaks Podcast 43:35

2M ago43:35

43:35

Household stationery isn’t “our precious pens and paper in our study” — it’s the everyday tools that keep a home ticking. We talk freezer-proof labels, kitchen whiteboards, year-at-a-glance calendars we forget to update, junk-drawer essentials, elastic bands vs Velcro ties for cables, and even a full Kanban wall system that helps a building busines…

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School Boards 101: The Role, The Questions, The Elections 21:26

3M ago21:26

21:26

By Alexis Morgan

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Victoria Kirst of Pouch Studio (2 of 2) 43:50

3M ago43:50

43:50

While journalers and junk journalers exist in this digital age alongside the rest of us, they crave the tactile and in-person elements of the analog world. In part 2 of my chat with Software Engineer Victoria Kirst, we take a deep dive into this non-digital community in the pages of her stationery zine Pouch and beyond. If you are unfamiliar with s…

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Conflict Isn’t the Enemy: But Do You Know What Is? 21:14

3M ago21:14

21:14

Send us a text Conflict doesn’t have to divide us; it can be the wrestle that leads to deeper understanding and stronger communities. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis reflects on her experiences moderating at voucher town halls across Idaho, where dignity has proven essential for meaningful dialogue. (This isn't a convo about vouchers, it…

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Rituals, Routines & Stationery: Why the tactile nature of stationery can help us with rituals 35:08

3M ago35:08

35:08

In this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dive into the world of rituals and routines, exploring how our favourite stationery tools (along with time and space) can transform tasks into meaningful, mindful moments. Helen discovers other writers are now using Blackwing pencils in her writing class. Rob spent so little time choosing which no…

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AI in Education: Golden Ticket or Pandora’s Box? 1:52:20

4M ago1:52:20

1:52:20

Send us a text Is AI the golden ticket for education—or a fast track to unintended consequences? In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis Morgan sits down with Dr. Jeff Carlson, Head of National Education Partnership for Clever, who spends his days at the center of national and state conversations on AI and edtech. Together, they unpack the promi…

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Stationery Hauls, Fountain Pen Finds & Writing Success – Sailor, Tom’s Studio & More 27:51

4M ago27:51

27:51

In this episode Rob and Helen dive deep into their latest stationery hauls — from Japanese Sailor pens and Tom’s Studio Wren to Martha Brooks advent calendars and Zebra limited editions. Plus: writing contest success, notebooks you’ll never dare write in (that are ridiculously expensive), and a new digital note-taking tool that’s winning Rob over. …

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AI in Education & Why Teens Are Disengaged with Dr. Rebecca Winthrop 52:51

4M ago52:51

52:51

Send us a text This episode has been a long time coming—and one I’m beyond thrilled to share. I sit down with Dr. Rebecca Winthrop, co-author of The Disengaged Teen (with Jenny Anderson) and Director of Universal Education and Senior Fellow – Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institution. Dr. Winthrop’s work has shaped my own research…

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Policy Happens. Here’s How to See It 36:22

4M ago36:22

36:22

Send us a text Have you ever thought about your origin story—the moment that sparked your why in your community? And have you noticed we’re living in the future? Listen in to hear what I mean, and how your story connects to the policies shaping our schools, neighborhoods, and everyday lives. From school board decisions in a crowded convention hall …

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When Meta Meets PTA: Partnerships, Policies, & Student Safety 33:35

4M ago33:35

33:35

Send us a text Meta—the company behind Instagram and Facebook—is under fire for the harm its platforms cause kids. But instead of fixing the problem, Meta has launched a sophisticated campaign to protect its image and slow down regulation. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis unpacks: How Meta funds parent and child safety groups—including th…

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Victoria Kirst of Pouch Studio (1 of 2) 40:29

4M ago40:29

40:29

Like me, my guest today is a huge paper nerd who is the founding editor of a stationery publication. Unlike me, Victoria Kirst is also a software engineer who created her fabulous zine Pouch as an offline labor of love to share her passion for analog tools with an ever-growing community. If you haven't seen a zine in a few decades or so, prepare to…

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Vouchers, Tax Credits, and the Fight for Idaho’s Public Schools 44:02

4M ago44:02

44:02

Send us a text Welcome back! In this season premiere, Alexis takes you on a quick journey of one of Idaho’s long-running education funding battles—stretching from the 1960s fight for a sales tax to today’s heated debates over vouchers. She'll revisit the Save Our Schools campaign that united teachers, parents, and school board trustees more than 55…

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The Art of Commonplacing : Curating a Life – Richard Barnard on Collage & Commonplace books 39:10

5M ago39:10

39:10

In this episode of the podcast, Rob & Helen chat to Richard Barnard; collage enthusiast and commonplacer. Have you ever wondered what a Commonplace book is, and what it's used for? Well, in this episode we explore the origins of the Commonplace book, how Richard uses his, the stationery he uses for it and how he searches through the wealth of insig…

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Vicky Barone of Barone & Co. 1:10:26

5M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Just because a maker isn't already a household name, that doesn't mean you're not already a big fan! You have most likely seen (many times!) and possibly even purchased the uplifting, inspiring and heartfelt greeting card designs of my guest today — and not even known it. For the past 24 years, Vicky Barone has been quietly licensing her designs be…

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The Art, Craft & Purpose of Travellers Journals with Frank from Yokogaki 40:17

6M ago40:17

40:17

Join Rob and Helen in this edition of Stationery Freaks as they welcome special guest Frank, from Yokogaki, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of travel journals / notebooks! Frank shares a mini masterclass on exactly what traveler's journals are, how they differ from the typical notebook, and various ways to use them for everything from bu…

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Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. (2 of 2) 34:47

6M ago34:47

34:47

For Anna Bond, being a creative is certainly about generating jaw-dropping imagery to be presented just so on irresistible products — but creativity is also a key to enabling this CEO to navigate Rifle Paper Co. forward as both a business and a brand. In Part 2 of our chat, we discuss subtly evolving the Rifle look to keep it consistently looking f…

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An interview with author Jenny Kane - prolific writer, collector of notebooks, desert island stationery specialist 34:01

6M ago34:01

34:01

Stationery Freaks: A Deep Dive into the Prolific World of Author Jenny Kane (and Her Emotional Support Pencil Case!) In this very special episode Rob and Helen are joined by our very special guest, the incredibly prolific author Jenny Kane. We have briefly mentioned Jenny in the past as she is Helen's writing mentor. In this episode we chat about t…

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The Culture Keeper: Building Schools Everyone Believes In 1:59:39

7M ago1:59:39

1:59:39

Send us a text What does it take to build a school culture that kids, teachers, and families all want to be part of? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Sperber, longtime educator, self-described Culture Keeper, and incoming superintendent of the Lewiston School District. With experience as an administrator at every level: elementary, middle, high…

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Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. 37:41

7M ago37:41

37:41

In 2009, freelance illustrator Anna Bond and her musician husband Nathan debuted Rifle Paper Co. to the trade in a double booth buried deep in the back aisles of the National Stationery Show. They were but one of dozens upon dozens of small (often forgotten) stationery brands showing there, but in Rifle's case, a stationery, gift and lifestyle star…

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What If We Talked Like Everyone Mattered?--The Dignity Index with Tami Pyfer 1:24:08

8M ago1:24:08

1:24:08

Send us a text A year in the making, I was fortunate to sit down with Tami Pyfer, co-creator of the Dignity Index, for a conversation that could truly change the way we engage with the world around us. The Dignity Index is more than a measurement—it’s a movement. It’s a tool for self-reflection and public dialogue that helps us recognize the tone a…

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From Paper Obsession to Published Pages - How we write books as Stationery Freaks 38:54

8M ago38:54

38:54

How do two writers, bound by their devotion to beautiful stationery, actually write books? In this episode, Helen and Rob reveal their individual paths, uncovering the shared foundation of paper-based ideation – the noodling, expanding, and connecting that begins on the page with their beloved notebooks. Explore their transition to digital tools (R…

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Tech That Helps Parents Protect & Connect: Rethinking Digital Parenting with the Smartphone Alternative Troomi 49:27

8M ago49:27

49:27

Send us a text Explore how Troomi is helping parents stay connected while setting healthy boundaries—because safer tech leads to stronger families. "Troomi is the kids safe phone for digital wellness and positive mental health." --Bill Brady In this episode, I sat down with Bill Brady, co-founder and CEO of Troomi—a kid-safe smartphone alternative …

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When did you become a Stationery Freak? 32:56

8M ago32:56

32:56

In this episode Helen and Rob talk about whether there was a defining moment, or time, when they became Stationery Freaks. They start with Stationery Stories: Helen has an occasion to break out a new notebook - an Atoms and Astronauts one from Vinted. Rob's been watching too much Parisian Agency on Netflix - so is trying to adopt a Parisian style a…

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Sally Diguette (2 of 2) 29:07

8M ago29:07

29:07

Don't miss Part 2 of my chat with type A über-creative Sally Diguette! In Sally's role as specialty buyer for Anthropologie, the merchandise she painstakingly sources from small, quirky makers are often where the brand's fans find the connection and community they seek as they shop. Sally honed this expertise at Atlanta's Citizen Suppy, an artisan …

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Crowded Classrooms, Cheerful Chalkboards, and a Case for a New Elementary School 52:26

9M ago52:26

52:26

Send us a text What’s it really like to be an elementary school teacher in Idaho? In this episode, I chat with Teri Smith, a dedicated educator from the Middleton School District, about the joy, heart, challenges, and everyday realities of teaching. We talk about what it feels like walking into the classroom on the first day of school versus the la…

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Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA): Exciting Opportunities for Your K-12 Journey 1:01:30

9M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Send us a text Join Alexis as she sits down with Jeff Simmons, Superintendent of the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), to explore the incredible opportunities this online school provides to students across Idaho. From elementary to high school, IDLA offers courses for students at every level, including summertime classes designed to combat th…

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Sally Diguette 34:09

9M ago34:09

34:09

This Type A über-creative wears a lot of hats, every last one of them impressive and fabulous. Sally Diguette is a specialty retail buyer for Anthropologie, tasked with buying in the stationery and related gift and home categories, as well as spearheading collaborations such as Papier x Anthropologie. But Anthropologie is also where many a small ma…

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The Anatomy of a School Bond Proposal 1:03:43

9M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Send us a text BONUS EPISODE! We welcome Jake Dempsey, a dedicated school board trustee for the Middleton School District. Jake joins us to discuss Middleton's efforts to pass a critical school bond in the upcoming May election — a feat that requires a supermajority of 66.67% voter approval, a notably high threshold to meet in Idaho. This won't be …

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Hoarding notebooks and when to use a new one - Stationery Freaks Podcast 35:12

9M ago35:12

35:12

In this episode we explore why we both have huge hoards of unused and partially used notebooks, and what makes us crack open a new notebook. You can find videos, photos and a deeper dive into this topic in the newsletter. In this episode: Helen is still searching for her full collection of mechanical pencils. The Penac Protti goes down well at work…

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Building Community Through Education: Insights from Lewiston Superintendent Lance Hansen 59:14

10M ago59:14

59:14

Send us a text Alexis sat down with Lance Hansen, the Superintendent of the Year, from Lewiston School District #1. Lewiston is a community known for its collaborative spirit, and the school district plays a key role in this dynamic. Recently, Lance and the Vice President of the Lewiston School Board presented to the Senate Education Committee duri…

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Middleton Superintendent's Take: School Bond, Community Collaboration, & Highlights of the Year 1:29:02

10M ago1:29:02

1:29:02

Send us a text Dr. Marc Gee, Superintendent of Middleton School District, sits down with Alexis to dive into the important role of a superintendent and how Middleton is working to support its school community. In this conversation, Dr. Gee provides an in-depth look at the district’s upcoming bond request on the May 20th, 2025 ballot. He breaks down…

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The perfect mechanical pencil 31:55

10M ago31:55

31:55

In this episode we chat about all things pencil related. We cover: Why Rob has so many notebooks he cannot move his writing desk Helen's latest Vinted stationery haul - and a surprise pen The lovely folks at Penac sent us some free samples - and they are brilliant How we use pencils and paper for getting unstuck, or in Rob's case, for 99% of his wr…

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Catherine Hildner of KMB/Shade Tree Greetings 39:03

11M ago39:03

39:03

For many in our community, running a stationery brand turns out to be but a single milestone on an incredible larger journey. That's the case with Catherine Hildner of Kitty Meow Boutique, now a part of Shade Tree Greetings. Over the past several years, this dynamo — also my guest in episode 20 — not only established her own brand, she also helped …

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Professional Learning Communities: Boosting Student Success & Teacher Collaboration 1:03:24

11M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Send us a text Have you heard of PLCs? These Professional Learning Communities are transforming education by improving student outcomes, enhancing teaching experiences, and fostering stronger school cultures. In this episode, Alexis sits down with Emalee Merrell, Coordinator of Professional Learning Community and Tiered System of Supports from the …

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MORE Talk, Measured Action: Social Media Event, Vouchers, & Ed Policy 1:09:39

11M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Send us a text Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to discuss three critical topics impacting education in Idaho. First, they dive into the upcoming More Social Less Media Event—an opportunity for teenagers, parents, teachers, district administration, lawmakers, and school community members to come together on Saturday, Apri…

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Susan January 1:05:16

12M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

How better to kick off January 2025 — and the eighth season of this podcast — than with a visit from this bona fide industry legend? While Susan January has been at the helm of Leanin' Tree, a mid-sized Colorado house of stationery, for over a quarter century, she has also served as president of the Greeting Card Association, from 2011 to 2013. Mor…

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Homeschooling in Idaho: Audra Talley on the Benefits, Challenges, and What’s Next 1:10:31

12M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Send us a text Alexis is joined by Audra Talley, board member of Homeschool Idaho, a homeschool parent, and a passionate advocate for educational choice. Together, they dive into the rich history of homeschooling in Idaho, the good and the ugly, exploring the state's unique approach to this educational model. DID You Know? Idaho has 9 school choice…

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Revamping Idaho's Grad Requirements: Digital Literacy & Future-Ready Students 1:27:17

12M ago1:27:17

1:27:17

Send us a text Alexis welcomes Greg Wilson, Chief of Staff for Superintendent Debbie Critchfield of the Idaho Department of Education, to discuss the proposed changes to high school graduation requirements in Idaho. The conversation revolves around the process and rationale for these updates, which include replacing the speech credit with a digital…

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Michele Ferron of Good Tuesday 33:36

1y ago33:36

33:36

How does what began as a pandemic pastime become the UK's first stationery B Corp? For Michele Feron of Good Tuesday, her sustainable brand came to life in 2020 on Etsy as Once Upon a Tuesday. Her then-eight-year-old daughter Flora created the name, but as this color-driven Cornwall brand grew, Michele realized a big evolution was in order. However…