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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the final episode of Season Two, I’m joined once again by Michael Nordstrand to explore the rich and layered world of Frank Herbert’s Dune.
You might remember our first conversation in Episode 51, where we wandered through fairytales and fragrance. This time, we dive into Dune’s politics, ecology, and the power of scent — from the symbolism of spice to the relationships that define key characters in the text.
We talk about how Dune continues to shape literature, culture, and even perfume, and reflect on what its themes of power, technology, and environment still teach us today.
A reflective close to Season Two — connecting story, scent, and the desert worlds that stay with us long after reading.
Fragrances mentioned:
Passage d'Enfer - L'Artisan Parfumeur
1885 Bains Sulfureux - Les Bains Guerbois
Bois Datchaï - Maison Crivelli
Tilda Swinton Like This - Etat Libre d'Orange
Book discussed:
Find Mythologist Studios (and Michael) online here
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Craig Andrade, founder and perfumer of The Raconteur, has built an Australian fragrance house celebrated for its refined, story-driven scents. In our conversation, Craig reflects on his transition from a career in law to the creative world of perfumery — a move that opened space for freedom, curiosity, and authentic self-expression.
We explore the storytelling behind his Gourmand Collection, his use of natural ingredients, and the lasting influence of perfumer Mandy Aftel. Craig also shares thoughtful insights on creativity, courage, and the process of finding one’s own artistic voice — reminding us that fragrance, much like storytelling, connects us through memory, emotion, and imagination.
Fragrances mentioned:
Book discussed:
Essence & Alchemy - Mandy Aftel
Find The Raconteur online here
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Saskia Wilson-Brown, founder of the Institute for Art and Olfaction, to discuss the evolution of her ground breaking organization and the role storytelling plays in the world of scent.
We dive into the impact of awards in the perfume industry, explore cultural perspectives on fragrance, and reflect on the creative power of rejection. Saskia shares insights into the shifting landscape of fragrance artistry, the importance of offering alternatives in the market, and the unique contributions of niche perfumers.
We also talk a lot about Bees.
Fragrances mentioned:
Books discussed:
Untitled (Bee on the Comb) - Kit Williams
Find Saskia Wilson-Brown and the Institute of Art and Olfaction online here
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, I sit down with self-taught perfumer Marie-Pierre Blanchette, whose creations blend art, emotion, and storytelling through scent. We explore her Rococo collection—a celebration of joy, pleasure, and the subtle politics of beauty. Marie-Pierre shares the personal memories and poetic influences behind her work, revealing how nostalgia and creativity shape her approach to perfumery. Our conversation is a reflection on how scent connects us—to our past, to one another, and to the simple pleasures that make life feel beautifully alive.
Fragrances mentioned:
Portrait de Madame et son chat
Poems discussed:
Raw With Love - Charles Bukowski
Evening La Monte, Pisa - Percy Shelley
A Birthday - Christina Rossetti
Instead of Depression - Andrea Gibson
Find Miskeo Parfums online here
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I’m joined by Gamilaroi woman and founder of LA COUCH, Lee Couch. Lee shares her journey of cultural understanding and the powerful role scent plays in healing, memory, and connection to Country. We talk about sacred scents, traditional bush medicines, and how Aboriginal ways of knowing and being guide her work in creating fragrances with cultural integrity. Through her story, Lee reminds us that scent is not only an experience of the senses, but a bridge between culture, spirituality, and collective healing.
Fragrances mentioned:
None this week - but spend a little time listening to the land instead.
Find Lee Couch online here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I’m joined by Tammy Burnstock, whose work explores the rich intersections between scent, cinema, and storytelling. Tammy describes her practice as scent archaeology—unearthing and reviving perfumes that carry cultural memory and creative possibility. Most recently, she co-curated Her Scent of Mystery at Olfactory Art Keller in New York City, alongside Jas Brooks and perfumer Marissa Zappas. The exhibition, which runs until 20 September, brings back to life the lost perfume from the 1960 Smell-O-Vision film Scent of Mystery, pairing the revived fragrance with rare archival materials to tell the story of scent as both cinematic plot device and unrealised product.
Our conversation traces Tammy’s journey into the world of fragrance, particularly its links to film and children’s literature. We talk about the process of scenting films, the importance of audience interaction, and the role scent can play in children’s literacy and imagination. Tammy also shares her thoughts on play, collaboration, and the future projects that continue to shape her creative practice.
Fragrances mentioned:
Pizza
Hay
Penguins
Rotten Eggs
Barf
The Detective Dog - Julia Donaldson
The Museum of Very Bad Smells - Monica Arnaldo
Find Tammy online here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Edwards, one of the most influential voices in the fragrance world. Known as the creator of Fragrances of the World and the fragrance wheel, Michael has transformed the way we talk about, understand, and choose perfumes.
Our conversation traces his journey from marketing into the world of perfumery, and how his groundbreaking work has made fragrance more accessible to consumers and professionals alike. We discuss the evolution of fragrance marketing over the decades, the impact of the internet on how we discover scent, and the importance of language in capturing the emotions and experiences that perfume evokes.
Michael also shares his insights on the growth of niche perfumery, the emotional connections people form with scent, and what the future might hold for the industry.
It was a true privilege to hear Michael’s reflections and wisdom—this episode is a celebration of fragrance as both art and storytelling, shaped by someone who has dedicated his life to illuminating its world.
Fragrances mentioned:
Find Fragrances of the World here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I’m joined by Finnish-born, UK-based perfumer and author Pia Long, co-founder of Olfiction and Eau de Boujee. With a career spanning four decades, Pia sees scent as a form of communication and perfume as bottled stories, shaped by her background in languages, writing, and translation. Her imaginative approach to perfumery has earned her international recognition, including the Septimus Piesse Visionary Award from the Institute of Art and Olfaction.
Pia’s new book, Demo Accords, is a semi-autobiographical collection of nine essays and one short story, each paired with a perfume formula published in full. She describes the work as a kind of orchestration: the writing is the script, the formulas are the sheet music, and the perfumes themselves are the orchestra playing.
Together, we talk about the art and science of perfumery, the themes behind Demo Accords, and how fragrance can act as both personal storytelling and a shared language of connection.
Fragrances mentioned:
Queen, Verdant, Quir and Guilded by Eau de Boujee
Find Pia’s work here:
Instagram:
Website:
Pre-oder @ demoaccords.com
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Carr, founder of Barnes Fragrance Fair and co-founder of We Wear Perfume. Amanda has been instrumental in creating spaces where fragrance lovers can come together to celebrate independent perfumers, discover new scents, and share in the stories behind them. Through her work, she highlights the personal connections we all have with fragrance and the unique way scent weaves meaning into our lives.
Our conversation explores the vibrant sense of community and collaboration at the heart of the fragrance world—how creators, curators, and enthusiasts support and inspire one another. We also discuss Phosphorescence by Julia Baird, a book about finding light and meaning in everyday moments, and how these themes beautifully echo the way fragrance illuminates our experiences.
Fragrances mentioned:
Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark - Julia Baird
Find Amanda’s work here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode I’m joined by Katrina Cochrane, founder of Archer Farrar Perfume Atelier. Katrina’s journey into natural perfumery began with her love for plants and aromatherapy, and today, she creates stunning perfumes using only the finest sustainably sourced botanicals. We discuss her personal journey from aromatherapy to the wine industry, and how she built Archer Farrar.
We dive into the craft of natural perfumery, exploring the differences between natural and synthetic ingredients, and how fragrance evokes deep emotional connections. Katrina shares the challenges she faces as a natural perfumer—especially when it comes to sourcing quality ingredients— and how she stays true to her vision of creating perfumes that honour nature.
Fragrances mentioned:
Peony & Blush Suede - Jo Malone
The Scarlet Pimpernel - Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Find Archer Farrar here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Paperback Perfumes, I’m joined by UK-based writer and podcaster Haydn, whose work explores fragrance, male grooming, and gifting. He writes for publications like Grazia, Rakes Sense, and The Perfume Society.
Haydn shares his journey from a long career in music to discovering fragrance as a new form of self-expression. We talk about the connections between scent and storytelling, and how both can be powerful tools for exploring identity, memory, masculinity, and vulnerability.
We also dive into the inspirations behind his podcast Man in the Mirror, and the unique conversations happening in place place like barbershops and what mean see when they pause and reflect about themselves with each other.
Fragrances mentioned:
Versace Man Eau Fraîche - Versace
Book discussed:
Open Water - Caleb Azumah Nelson
Find Haydn here:
Instagram:
TikTok:
YouTube from Barnes Fragrance Fair
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode’s guest is Anjali Vandemark, an artisanal perfumer and writer based on Bainbridge Island, WA. Born and raised in India, Anjali’s early life was steeped in the rich aromas of tropical flowers, attars, incense, and spices—experiences that now shape her handcrafted, small-batch perfumes.
Anjali shares her unique journey from India to the United States, exploring how her deep connection to scent evolved into a creative practice that blends cultural heritage with the art of perfumery. We talk about the significance of fragrance in Indian society, the challenges of translating scent across cultures, and the surprising role of olfaction in science fiction storytelling.
Our conversation also touches on gender and identity in fragrance, including Anjali’s reflections on the character Murderbot. Throughout, she emphasizes the power of scent to evoke memory, emotion, and a deeper understanding of self and culture.
Fragrances mentioned:
Synthetic Jungle (Nature) - Frederic Malle
Books discussed:
Sandalwood and Carrion: Smell in Indian Religion and Culture - James M. McHugh
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
All Systems Red - Martha Wells
Find Anjali here:
Instagram:
TikTok:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode’s guest is Sarah McCartney, owner and perfumer of the artisan fragrance house, 4160 Tuesdays.
Sarah is a self-taught perfumer with a background in writing, and her work is known for blending playfulness with complexity—often drawing on personal memories, cultural touchstones, and storytelling. She’s passionate about sharing knowledge, teaching fragrance workshops, and helping others connect to scent in meaningful, personal ways.
We talk about the process of creating Vianne’s Confession, a perfume inspired by the character Vianne Rocher from Chocolat and, more recently, Vianne by Joanne Harris, and . We explore how how literature can spark the imagination in scent-making, as well as evoke powerful nostalgia, the role of human chemistry in how we experience perfume, and how scent weaves into the rituals and rhythms of everyday life.
Fragrance mentioned:
Rhubarb & Custard - 4160 Tuesdays
Hammersmith Tea & Biscuits - 4160 Tuesdays
Vianne’s Confession - 4160 Tuesdays
Complicated Shadows - 4160 Tuesdays
Book discussed:
Rivers of London (Series) - Ben Aaronovitch
Find 4160 Tuesdays (and Sarah) here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode I talk with Helida Dodd, founder of Marabella Perfumes. Helida shares her unexpected journey from a career in industrial engineering and supply chain management to becoming a perfumer dedicated to crafting sustainable, high-quality scents.
We explore Helida’s unique understanding of team dynamics and how that flows perfumery, the role of collaboration in her work, and the inspiration behind her some of her scents. Helida also reflects on the importance of optimism — in creativity, in life, and in the connections we make through scent. And of course, we end with a book pairing that captures the spirit of joy and resilience.
Fragrance mentioned:
Ever Present - Marbella Perfumes
Book discussed:
Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucía - Chris Stewart
Find Marbella Perfumes here:
Instagram:
Website:
LinkedIn:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Liam Sardea, philosopher of aesthetics and Brand Experience Manager at NOAH, discusses the transformative power of creativity and imagination in everyday life. Drawing on his PhD research and Roland Barthes' ideas, he explores how meaning, emotion, and narrative arise through sensory encounters, especially scent.
Liam shares his personal fragrance journey, the evolution of perfume blogging, and the intersection of philosophy, aesthetics, and olfaction. The conversation also covers the cultural and historical roles of perfume and its connection to literature.
Advocating for “olfactory culture,” Liam emphasises sensory literacy and meaningful dialogue about smell, reflecting on how scent, memory, and imagination shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Fragrances mentioned:
Feminite du Bois - Serge Lutens
Une Amourette Roland Mouret - Etat Libre d'Orange
Fille en Aiguilles - Serge Luten
Cuir Ottoman - Parfum d'Empire
Book discussed:
A Lover’s Discourse: Fragments - Roland Barthes
Find Liam here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ashek Zubayer, the talented perfumer behind the innovative Byermia fragrances, shares his fascinating and unique journey into the captivating world of perfumery in this episode. Throughout our conversation, Ashek details how his deep passion for scents gradually evolved and blossomed into the creation of his artisanal brand.
We discusses the rich cultural inspirations behind his first carefully curated line of fragrances, with each scent symbolizing different important life stages. There is also an in-depth look into the complexities of his second fragrance line, where Ashek highlights the storytelling elements and the mythological influences that shape his fragrance creation process.
Additionally, Ashek thoughtfully connects his artistic work to the ancient epic poem Gilgamesh, drawing meaningful parallels between the profound themes of triumph and loss found both in his fragrances and within the timeless narrative of the poem.
Fragrances mentioned (all Byermia):
Epoch Series -
Akura
Pushpak
Udbaha
Agrani
Tabac Sura
Folklore Series -
Tiger Rouge
Ambrosia
Ember Shaan
More about Gilgamesh:
The king who refused to die: the Anunnaki and the search for immortality - Zecharia Sitchin
Epic of Gilgamesh - In Our Time podcast episode
Find Byermia here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode explores the rich, invisible world of smell — and I use that word very deliberately — with my guest Frauke Galia, host of An Aromatic Life, a podcast that elevates the sense of smell in a world dominated by sight and sound.
Together, we dive into how fragrance can shape identity, stir memory, and deepen emotional connection. We also talk a lot about trees — including 13 ways to smell them — and how reconnecting with the natural world through scent can be both grounding and transformative.
Smell is such an evocative sense, and in this conversation, we explore how it can be a powerful form of self-expression and a bridge to the world around us.
Fragrances mentioned:
Go and smell your favourite tree: those mentioned are the Apple Tree and the Strawberry Gum
Books mentioned:
Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree - David George Haskell
Find An Aromatic Life here:
Instagram:
Website/Substack:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode I’m joined by content creator, photographer, and fellow sci-fi geek LC James to explore the fragrant and philosophical depths of Philip K. Dick’s literary work
Together, we dive into the ethical implications of empathy in distinguishing humans from androids, and how scent plays a subtle but powerful role in the narrative.
We talk about the concept of waste ( as well as kipple), and how speculative fiction can inspire new ways of thinking about fragrance.
Through our conversation, we reflect on the personal connections we form with scent — and how those connections shape our identities, memories, and even our humanity.
Fragrances mentioned:
Sarah Baker - Peach’s Revenge
Liis Floating
Books mentioned:
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K.Dick
Find LC James here:
Instagram:
TikTok:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I sit down with Michael Nordstrand, a renowned perfumer and the visionary founder of Mythologist Studio. Michael takes us on an aromatic journey into the world of perfumery, where he reveals the profound importance of mythology and storytelling in the creation of fragrances.
Throughout our conversation, Michael shares his creative process, emphasizing the significance of raw materials and the delicate art of dilution. I was captivated by Michael's exploration of the connections between fairy tales, the hero's journey, and the emotional responses evoked by scent. We discuss the rich tapestry and themes of Scandinavian fairy tales, discussing how these timeless stories and the enchanting illustrations by Kay Nielsen inspire and influence a creative mind. Nielsen's intricate and magical illustrations bring to life the mythical elements that resonate deeply within any artist.
Fragrances mentioned:
Mousse de Saxe - Fabriques de Laire
Books mentioned:
Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
In Powder and Crinoline: Old Fairy Tales - Anne Carter
East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North - Peter Christen Asbjørnsen
Twelve Dancing Princesses (Fairy Tale)
The Three Princesses of Whiteland (Fairy Tale)
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi - Rudyard Kipling
Find Michael and Mythologist Studio here:
Instagram:
Website:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode’s guest is Thomas Dunckley — fragrance expert, six-time Jasmine Award winner, and the voice behind the much-loved blog The Candy Perfume Boy. Thomas has made it his mission to make perfume accessible, joyful, and free from snobbery through his podcast Making Scents Make Sense.
Our conversation explores the deep connections between fragrance, memory, and identity. We talked about how scent can transport us through time, evoke powerful emotions, and reflect who we are — or who we want to be. Thomas shares his thoughts on the importance of inclusivity in the fragrance community and how personal experiences shape the way we interact with fragrance.
We also discussed Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, reflecting on the book’s themes of grief, cultural identity, and the mother-child bond. Thomas paired these themes with fragrance recommendations that speak to comfort, nostalgia, and the emotional resonance of scent.
Whether you're a seasoned perfume lover or just beginning to explore the world of fragrance, this episode is a celebration of scent as story — and the joy it brings to our lives.
Fragrances mentioned:
Concombre d'Inde et Menthe de Syrie - Officine Universelle Buly
Eau de Magnolia - Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Book mentioned:
Crying in the H Mart - Michelle Zauner
Find Thomas here:
Instagram: @makingscentsmakesense
Website: thomasdunckley.com
Find Japanese Breakfast here:
Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.