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/.

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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.

• (00:01:00) - The Fascination with Ancient Inscriptions
• (00:03:13) - Understanding Ancient Inscriptions
• (00:06:25) - The Evolution of Writing Systems
• (00:09:10) - Bridging the Literacy Gap
• (00:12:24) - The Development of Letters
• (00:15:04) - The Journey of Letter Formation
• (00:18:04) - Lost Scripts: Linear A and Linear B
• (00:22:36) - Deciphering Ancient Scripts
• (00:29:58) - The Breakthrough of Linear B
• (00:36:51) - The Emergence of Greek Writing
• (00:41:02) - Current Studies and Future Directions

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.

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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.

• (00:01:00) - The Birth of the Digital Love Letter Archive
• (00:07:09) - The Significance of Handwritten Letters
• (00:14:05) - Stories Behind the Letters
• (00:17:38) - Future Aspirations for the Archive
• (00:18:18) - The Challenge of Transcribing Voices
• (00:20:57) - The Global Landscape of Letters
• (00:22:12) - Acquisition and Preservation of Letters
• (00:23:37) - The Emotional Weight of Letters
• (00:24:47) - The Art of Archiving Family Letters
• (00:28:31) - Deciphering Difficult Handwriting
• (00:30:24) - The Joy of Uncertainty in Stories
• (00:33:01) - The Significance of Friendship in Letters

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.

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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.

• (00:00:00) - Meet Ellie Heywood
• (00:01:27) - Ellie's Journey into Lettering and Calligraphy
• (00:09:04) - Exploring Black Letter Scripts
• (00:14:34) - Tools and Techniques for Calligraphy
• (00:19:28) - Starting with Black Letter: Tips for Beginners
• (00:24:29) - Favorite Projects and Large Murals
• (00:26:18) - Future Aspirations in Calligraphy
• (00:29:34) - Celebrating the Letter G and Community Building

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/.

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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.

• (00:01:00) - Introduction to Calligraphy and Nina Tran's Journey
• (00:05:04) - Becoming a Calligraphy Teacher
• (00:10:24) - The Hustle Culture and Community Engagement
• (00:13:03) - Exploring Calligraphy Styles and Techniques
• (00:25:24) - The Journey of Learning Calligraphy
• (00:29:35) - Mastering Different Styles
• (00:32:47) - Exploring Stunt Roman
• (00:34:38) - Comparing Spencerian and Copperplate
• (00:39:00) - The Fascination with the Letter G

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.

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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/

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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.

• (00:01:05) - The History of Kaweco: Origins and Early Innovations
• (00:09:27) - Challenges and Transformations: The Impact of World Events
• (00:17:09) - The Evolution of Pen Manufacturing: From Traditional to Modern Techniques
• (00:22:16) - Reviving Kaweco: The Journey of Restoration and Innovation
• (00:25:43) - The Evolution of Kaweco Pens
• (00:34:01) - DIY Experience and Customer Engagement
• (00:39:02) - Future of the Pen Industry

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.

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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.

• (00:00:47) - David Grimes: A Journey into Penmanship
• (00:04:21) - The Art of Engrosser's Script
• (00:12:09) - The Historical Context of Engrosser's Script
• (00:15:24) - Understanding the Differences in Calligraphy
• (00:23:14) - The Nuances of Terminology in Calligraphy
• (00:26:57) - The Complexity of Commissioned Work
• (00:34:48) - Innovative Framing Techniques
• (00:43:37) - David's Favourite Letters

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.

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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

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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.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Synesthesia and Podcast Setup
• (00:01:52) - Understanding Synesthesia: A Deep Dive
• (00:04:48) - The Artistic Expression of Synesthesia
• (00:07:59) - Personal Experiences with Synesthesia
• (00:10:56) - Naming and Colour Associations
• (00:13:36) - The Influence of Synesthesia on Daily Life
• (00:14:25) - Writing and Handwriting in Synesthesia
• (00:16:58) - Artistic Integration of Letters and Colours
• (00:17:52) - Understanding Synesthesia and Personal Expression
• (00:20:11) - Exploring Ticker Tape Synesthesia
• (00:27:08) - The Intersection of Synesthesia and Art
• (00:30:59) - Future of Synesthesia Awareness and Community Engagement