In this SERIES FOUR trailer, producer, Heidi Cullip and host, Laura Edralin, introduce the upcoming series focused on calligraphy, penmanship, and the art of letters. They discuss the exciting guests lined up, including experts in various aspects of letter writing and history. The conversation highlights the importance of rediscovering lost techniques and the community surrounding the love for letters. The host expresses gratitude for the support received and share their enthusiasm for future episodes. Highlights: The series features a variety of guests from the world of calligraphy. David Grimes discusses the history of penmanship and Ingros's script. Michael, the CEO of Kaweko, shares the story of a revived pen brand. Nina Tran dives into Spencerian script and more. Ellie Haywood offers tips on black letters and her journey. Liz McGuire talks about the lost art of letter writing. Dr. George Gazis shares academic knowledge of ancient Greece and extinct scripts. The podcast has received over 7,000 listens from 29 countries. Exciting plans are in store for future episodes in 2026. --- If you’re enjoying The Life of Letters Podcast, it would mean the world if you could follow or subscribe, leave a quick review, or share the episode with a friend. Every little action helps more people discover the calming, creative world of calligraphy and lettering.️ Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✍️ ✨ Want to bring a little calm and creativity into your own life? Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this episode, host Laura Edralin speaks with Maike Preissing, a psychologist and synesthesia artist, about the fascinating world of synesthesia. They explore the different forms of synesthesia, particularly grapheme-color synesthesia, and how it influences both artistic expression and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the emotional connections people have with colors and letters, the impact of handwriting, and the historical context of synesthesia. Maike shares her aspirations for raising awareness and creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals, emphasising the importance of understanding and celebrating the diversity of sensory experiences. To find out more about Maike, visit https://www.maikepreissing.com/, listen to the podcast 'Lets Talk Synaesthesia', or connect with Maike on Instagram @maikepreissing. To find out more about Synaesthesia: The Synaesthesia Tree UK Synaesthesia Association - If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with British calligraphy and lettering designer Rachel Yallop. They explore Rachel's journey in the world of calligraphy, discussing her education, the evolution of expressive calligraphy, and the tools she uses to create her art. Rachel shares insights into the creative process behind branding and calligraphy, the importance of discipline in expressive styles, and her hopes for the future of calligraphy as a craft. The conversation highlights the beauty and complexity of lettering as an art form, emphasising the balance between tradition and innovation. To find out more about Rachel visit https://rachelyallop.co.uk/, or connect with her on Instagram @rachelyallop. - If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.  

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Raghunita Gupta, founder of the Calligraphy Foundation in India. They discuss Raghunita's journey in calligraphy, the foundation's mission to preserve and promote the art of beautiful writing, and the various educational initiatives aimed at fostering creativity in diverse communities. Raghunita shares insights into the different styles of calligraphy taught, the importance of bridging gaps in education, and the tools and techniques used in the craft. The conversation also highlights the annual Akshar Mahotsav festival, innovative educational approaches for students, and the future of calligraphy in India. Find out more about The Calligraphy Foundation on their website here, or connect on Instagram. You can also connect and follow Raghunita on Instagram @raghunitagupta. - If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin explores the rich history of the Royal Albert Hall and its archives with archivists Alicia and Hope. They discuss the significance of letters, typography, and the evolution of handwriting, as well as the role of archivists in preserving historical artifacts. The conversation delves into personal correspondence, postcards, and the impact of typography on historical events. The episode also highlights the changing nature of ticketing and public engagement through tours of the archives, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in preserving history. Find out more about the Hall and the archives here: https://www.royalalberthall.com/about-the-hall/building-and-history/the-archive. You can send enquiries and book a visit by emailing the Archive team at archives@royalalberthall.com. Listen along with the audio transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y48-CQXr7YcNGY1tEwQsrtUfSIB85cSu/view?usp=sharing Accompanying photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WxfSv9qBTwm7KtTK7MsyDemg7ips5xBr?usp=sharing. Watch the video episode version on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/WpbeCPeIgH8. -  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Jackson Alves, a Brazilian graphic designer and lettering expert. They discuss Jackson's journey into the world of lettering, the evolution of calligraphy in Brazil, and the impact of digital tools on traditional practices. Jackson shares his experiences collaborating with brands like Apple, creating custom brushes for digital art, and his passion for teaching the next generation of artists. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by AI in the creative field and the importance of embracing technology while preserving the artistry of lettering. To find out more about Jackson, visit his website here or find him on Instagram over here. - If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Hunter Saxony III, known as the last black calligrapher in San Francisco. Hunter shares his journey into the world of calligraphy, exploring themes of identity, mortality, and the cultural influences that shape his work. He discusses the intricate process of creating calligraphic art, the significance of ornamentation, and the challenges he faces as a black male artist in a niche field. The conversation also delves into the collaborative nature of his work with partner and tattoo artist, Megan Wilson, the role of color in his art, and his future projects and exhibitions. To find out more about Hunter visit: https://pocketfullaamethyst.com/, or find him on Instagram @death_by_a_1000_serifs. -  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Melissa Sorensen from Speedball Art Products about the rich history and evolution of the Speedball brand, its products, and its commitment to the artistic community. They discuss the significance of the Speedball textbook for calligraphers, the innovations in calligraphy tools, and the establishment of the Professional Artist Network, which connects artists with the brand. The conversation highlights the blending of artistic forms and the future of Speedball in supporting creativity across various disciplines. For all things Speedball visit https://www.speedballart.com/our-product-lines/speedball-calligraphy-illustration/ Watch the brilliant Speedball video we talk about here. Connect with Speedball on Instagram and LinkedIn. - ️If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Paul Antonio, a renowned calligrapher and heraldic artist, about his journey into the world of calligraphy. Paul shares his early fascination with letters, the influence of historical scripts, and the meditative aspects of writing. He discusses the importance of understanding different writing systems, the art of heraldry, and the significance of cadels in calligraphy. The conversation also touches on the legacy and innovation within the calligraphy community, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to the craft and the healing power of writing. Find out more about Paul visit: pascribe.com, follow and connect with him @pascribe on Instagram and LinkedIn. - If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.  

In this episode, Laura Edralin and Heidi Cullip introduce the third season of the 'Life of Letters' podcast, highlighting the diverse range of guests and themes that will be explored. They discuss the concept of synesthesia, innovative conversations in calligraphy, and the global perspectives on the art form. The hosts express their excitement for the upcoming episodes, which will weave together themes of journeys, innovation, and legacy.  

In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Catherine Yvard, curator at the National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum, about the rich history and significance of manuscript illumination and Gothic sculpture. They explore the vast collections of the library, the role of a curator, the tools and materials used in manuscript creation, and the fascinating world of manuscript cuttings. Catherine busts mysths and shares insights into the evolution of manuscripts, their artistic value, and how they can inspire contemporary artists and calligraphers. The conversation also highlights the accessibility of these historical artifacts and the importance of community in sharing knowledge about manuscripts.  To find out more about the National Art Library at the V&A please visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/national-art-library  On manuscript cuttings, see here: About the Fragmented Illuminations display | V&A. May also be of interest: ASMR at the museum | Turning the pages of a medieval choirbook | V&A ----- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Marie Coleman-Johns, a calligrapher and live event artist. They discuss Marie's journey into calligraphy, the evolution of her style, and her experiences with live events. Marie shares insights into the challenges of engraving and the importance of community and diversity within the calligraphy world. They touch on the mindful benefits of calligraphy as a way of reducing overwhelm, and discuss how the art form helps ease challenges with ADHD. Additionally, she introduces her new course, Beyond the Nib, aimed at helping calligraphers and live event artists grow their businesses through effective marketing strategies. To find out more about Marie: Find here @MaidenSeptember on Instagram, visit www.maidenseptember.com, or connect on linkedin.com/in/mariecoleman.  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode, Laura Edralin speaks with Robert Bree, a lettering artist and graphic designer based in Munich, Germany. They discuss the Flourish Club, a community for those passionate about flourishing in lettering and calligraphy. Robert shares his creative journey, the importance of learning foundational skills in lettering, and the various tools and techniques he uses. The conversation also highlights the significance of community and collaboration in the creative arts, as well as the courses and workshops offered by the Flourish Club. To find out more about Robert:  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Sophie Reynolds, Head of Collections, Interpretation and Engagement, at Jane Austen's house, about the life and works of Jane Austen. They explore Austen's early writing, her journey to becoming a celebrated author, and the impact of her novels on literature and society. The conversation delves into Austen's writing process, the materials she used, and the art of letter writing during her time. They also discuss the celebrations surrounding Austen's 250th birthday and her enduring legacy in the literary world. Find out more about Jane Austen's House: Visit https://janeaustens.house/ Follow @janeaustenshouse If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Liane Barker, a pioneering sign writer and gold leaf specialist with over 43 years of experience. Liane shares the story of her family's business, Barker Signs, established in 1964 by her father, Maurie Barker. She discusses her journey into the male-dominated field of sign writing, the evolution of the craft with the advent of digital technology, and the importance of traditional techniques. Liane also highlights the environmental impact of modern signage, her notable projects, and her passion for teaching the next generation of sign writers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community and collaboration in the art of sign writing, as well as the legacy of craftsmanship that continues to inspire artists today. Find out more about Liane and her courses: Visit Barker Signs or connect on Instagram @barker_signs and @masteringtheartofsignwriting. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Athena Cauley-Yu, founder of Meticulous Ink, a letterpress and fine stationery business. They discuss Athena's journey into the world of stationery, the intricacies of letterpress printing, and the various workshops and community events she hosts. Athena shares her passion for creativity, the importance of collaboration, and her upcoming On Paper Festival, which celebrates the art of paper and printmaking. To find out more about Athena, visit meticulousink.com, follow and connect with her: insta & Tiktok: @meticulousink YouTube: @MeticulousInkFineStationery Facebook: @meticulousink

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, Laura Edralin speaks with Jason Sandy, an American architect and mudlark in London. They explore the fascinating world of mudlarking, where the River Thames reveals its historical treasures at low tide. Jason shares his personal journey into mudlarking, the community of fellow mudlarks, and the incredible artifacts he has discovered, including Roman coins, tokens from the Great Fire of London, and shares the fascinating story of the historic Dove typeface created by Emery Walker and T.J. Cobden-Sanderson. The conversation delves into the history of the Thames, the significance of the artifacts found, and the stories behind them, culminating in discussions about exhibitions and the future of mudlarking. Images to accompany the episode can be found here. To find out more about Jason, follow and connect with him on Instagram @jasonmudlark  Jason's books are available on Amazon (these are affliate links): Mudlarks: Treasures from the Thames Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures Secrets of the Thames Exhbition (May 2025-2026)

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Kestrel Montes, a prominent figure in the calligraphy community. Kestrel shares her late discovery of calligraphy, her journey from a laser engraving business to becoming a calligraphy educator and product innovator. The conversation explores the balance of traditional and modern calligraphy, the importance of foundational skills, and the innovative products Kestrel has developed to support calligraphers. They also discuss the future of calligraphy and the personal growth that comes with learning new styles. To find out more about Kestrel Visit inkmethis.com (boutique and services) and learncalligraphy.com (classes) Or connect with her at kestrel@inkmethis.com or on Instagram @inkmethis

In this episode, producer, Heidi and host, Laura, reflect on the success of Season One of the Life of Letters podcast, expressing gratitude to listeners and guests. They share their excitement for Season Two, which will focus on community themes and feature a diverse range of guests. The conversation highlights memorable moments and stories from Season One, showcasing the unique journeys of various guests in the world of lettering and calligraphy. More about the podcast can be found here | Follow on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast. For more about Laura visit lauraletterslife.com or connect with her directly @lauraletterslife.

In this episode of the Life of Letters podcast, Laura Edralin engages with Lucy Gibbon, an archivist from Orkney, to explore the fascinating world of archival work and paleography. They discuss the history and significance of the Orkney Archives, the challenges of deciphering historical scripts, and the collaborative efforts of volunteers in uncovering hidden stories from the past. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving history through written documents and the evolving nature of language and script over time. To find out more about the Orkney Archives and Library: Visit: https://orkneyarchive.blogspot.com/; https://orkneylibrary.org.uk/   Or connect with Lucy and her team on archives@orkney.gov.uk  / 01856 873166 To find out more about the Looking in from the Edge "LIFTE" Project visit: https://archaeologyorkney.com/lifte/ If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! Connect with me on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. To discover more about my calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. Look out for the next series, coming soon!