In this episode - and epic finale to the fourth series - of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Dr. George Gazis, an expert in ancient inscriptions and Greek literature. They explore the history and evolution of writing systems, the significance of ancient inscriptions, and the impact of Linear B on our understanding of Greek writing. The conversation delves into the complexities of deciphering lost scripts, the role of digital tools in modern studies, and the cultural implications of writing as a form of expression. To find out more about George, visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/g-a-gazis/. You can also discover more about the work and research he and his team do here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/centre-for-language-and-writing-systems/.  --- 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 Liz Maguire, curator of the Digital Love Letter Archive, Flea Market Love Letters. They explore the significance of handwritten letters, the evolution of letter writing, and the personal stories behind the letters in Liz's archive. The conversation delves into the emotional and historical context of letters, the challenges of preserving personal correspondence, and the importance of storytelling in connecting past and present. Liz shares her journey of collecting letters, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her project, and her aspirations for the future of the archive. Find out more about Liz and the Archive, visit: www.fleamarketloveletters.com, or connect with her on Instagram: @fleamarketloveletters. --- 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 calligrapher Ellie Heywood about her journey into the world of lettering and calligraphy. They discuss Ellie's passion for black letter scripts, her favorite tools and techniques, and her experiences with large-scale mural projects. Ellie shares insights on how to get started with calligraphy, the beauty of different letter forms, and her aspirations to spread the art of black letter further into the world. Find out more about Ellie, her courses and worksheets, visit: https://elettr.art/, or connect with her on Instagram: @elettr. --- 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 calligrapher Nina Tran about her journey into the world of calligraphy, the importance of teaching, and the community that has formed around this art. They explore various styles of calligraphy, the evolution of letters, and the personal significance of the letter G to Nina. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication that drives artists in their craft, as well as the connections formed through shared interests in lettering. View images of the letter G Nina talks about here. Find out more about Nina, visit: www.anintran.com, or connect with her on Instagram: @anintran. To find out about Dr. Joe Vitolo and the Zanerian resources mentioned, visit: http://www.zanerian.com/.  --- 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 Michael Gutberlet, CEO of Kaweco, about the rich history and evolution of the iconic pen brand. They discuss the challenges faced by the pen industry, the innovative DIY experience offered by Kaweco, and the future of writing instruments in a digital age. Michael shares personal anecdotes and insights into the craftsmanship behind Kaweco pens, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection to traditional writing methods. Find out more: Kaweco wesbite | @kaweco.germany and Studiopens @Kaweco.distributor.uk on Instagram. --- https://www.studiopens.com/store/location  https://www.kaweco-pen.com/  To find out about Kaweco collectables, they can find it here: https://www.kaweco-pen.com/accessoires/collectibles/ --- 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 engaging conversation, host Laura Edralin speaks with David Grimes, an American master penman with a deep passion for the art of calligraphy, particularly Engrosser's script. They explore David's journey into penmanship, the history and techniques of Engrosser's script, and the challenges and joys of mastering calligraphy. David shares insights into his notable projects, innovations in calligraphy tools, and the importance of understanding terminology in the field. The discussion culminates in personal reflections on favourite letters and the ongoing journey of learning in the art of writing. To find out more about David visit https://masgrimes.com or connect with him on Instagram @masgrimes. --- 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 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.