To model the problem with an equation, we can recall that Brody divides the total number of pencils \( p \) evenly among 8 welcome bags, with each bag receiving 4 pencils. This means the total number of pencils distributed to the 8 bags can be expressed as:
\[ 8 \times 4 \]
This expression simplifies to:
\[ 32 \]
Thus, we can set up the equation representing the total number of pencils in the box:
\[ p = 8 \times 4 \]
Now, substituting the calculated value:
\[ p = 32 \]
Therefore, the number of pencils in the box is:
\[ \boxed{32} \]