What if writing by hand is more than just nostalgia—it’s a way of connecting to something ancient, sacred, and deeply human? In this episode, I sit down with Jake Weidmann, one of only nine Master Penmen in the world, to explore the forgotten art of penmanship and its surprising power in our digital age. We talk about Jake’s remarkable journey from psychology student to world-renowned artist, how handwriting shapes the brain, and the spiritual symbolism behind his work—from flourishing calligraphy to carving family crests. Jake shares stories from his life, including his new book “Old Soul, New Creation,” which blends memoir, theology, and visual art into a contemplative experience. This episode is a powerful reflection on tradition, creativity, and the enduring importance of beauty. If this conversation moved you, leave a comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who still believes in the power of the pen.

Find more from Jake:
Website: https://www.jakeweidmann.com/
The Art of Whittling: https://amzn.to/4iTDncM
Jake Weidmann YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JakeWeidmannArtist
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jakeweidmann
Everyday Heirloom Co: https://everydayheirloomco.com/
Made to Last Podcast: https://made-to-last.simplecast.com/episodes

Connect with me:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammy.m.peterson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammyPetersonPodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tammypetersonpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tammy1Peterson
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— Chapters —
00:00 - Opening the Conversation
02:05 - The Rare Title of Master Penman and Its Origins
05:00 - A College Class Note That Changed Everything
10:01 - The Flourishing Art of Calligraphy and Its Hidden Rules
15:20 - A Childhood Fire and the Birth of an Artist
20:05 - The Single-Stroke Portrait of Christ
25:05 - Carving a Monumental Family Crest
30:00 - Symbols of Legacy and Faith in Heraldic Art
35:35 - Reviving Tradition Without Traditionalism
40:03 - Writing a Book by Hand in the Age of AI
45:20 - The Crisis of Handwriting in Modern Education
50:02 - The Emotional Power of Handwritten Letters
55:00 - Sacred Calligraphy and the Illuminated Word
59:05 - Sculpting for His Children and the Meaning of Fatherhood
01:00:37 - Closing Reflections on Beauty, Worship, and Responsibility