Be it Pine, Juniper or Bay - Tanin, Resin, Leaf Litter, Wood Smoke or Quinine… 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 GumBooks mentioned: Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree - David George Haskell Find An Aromatic Life here: Instagram: @an_aromatic_lifeWebsite/Substack:anaromaticlife.comTheme 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.
--------
54:24
--------
54:24
Electric Sheep
“An android,” he said, “doesn’t care what happens to another android. That’s one of the indications we look for."“Then,” Miss Luft said, “you must be an android.”― Philip K. DickIn 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 workTogether, 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:Nasomatto - Blamage L’Eau Maliz - Bursting Life Eau de Bougie - Verdant Sarah Baker - Peach’s Revenge Liis FloatingBooks mentioned: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K.DickFind LC James here: Instagram: @nearlynoseblindTikTok:@nearlynoseblindTheme 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.
--------
1:04:01
--------
1:04:01
Fairy Tales
“The first function of mythology is showing everything as a metaphor to transcendence”. - Joseph CampbellIn 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:Bad Lily - Tale ParfumMousse de Saxe - Fabriques de Laire Galop - d'HermèsThe Moon and I - FloraïkuBooks mentioned: Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien In Powder and Crinoline: Old Fairy Tales - Anne CarterEast of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North - Peter Christen AsbjørnsenTwelve Dancing Princesses (Fairy Tale)The Three Princesses of Whiteland (Fairy Tale)Rikki-Tikki-Tavi - Rudyard Kipling Find Michael and Mythologist Studio here: Instagram: @michaelnordstrandperfume@mythologiststudioWebsite:mythologiststudio.comTheme 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.
--------
1:29:00
--------
1:29:00
Two Different Types
“How cyclical and bittersweet for a child to retrace the image of their mother. For a subject to turn back to document their archivist.”― Michelle Zauner, Crying in H MartThis 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:Pho Breakfast - d’NaamConcombre d'Inde et Menthe de Syrie - Officine Universelle BulySunday - Arielle ShoshanaVetiveria -Ormonde JayneEau de Magnolia - Editions de Parfums Frédéric MalleLupin Meadow - Nancy Meiland Allure - Chanel Angel - MuglerBook mentioned: Crying in the H Mart - Michelle ZaunerFind Thomas here: Instagram: @makingscentsmakesenseWebsite: thomasdunckley.com Find Japanese Breakfast here: japanesebreakfast.rocksTheme 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.
--------
1:10:13
--------
1:10:13
The Land of Flowers
“People need things like perfume and poetry, music and art more than ever during times like this. People need to remember the simple joys in life. If you forget, if life loses its colour then they have won. Those cowardly, heartless bastards have won.”― Kate Lord Brown, The Perfume GardenIn this episode we explore the House of James, a fragrance house that treats scent as a form of storytelling.Founded by Justin James, a graphic designer from Somers, Victoria, House of James is all about pushing boundaries. What started as a quiet curiosity in department store fragrance aisles has grown into a bold, creative rebellion against the formulaic trends of mainstream perfumery.Their first collection, Euroflections, was inspired by a European adventure — with scents like Sun King, Berlin NYE, and Rambla Del Mar capturing moments and memories in olfactory form. Since then, Justin has created deeply personal pieces like Tomorrow and La’Rita, and even a limited edition companion to Sun King called Athénaïs.In this episode, we explore Justin’s journey from design to scent, and keeping perfumery alive as an art form — original, emotional, and deeply human.Fragrances mentioned (all House of James):RetrogradeSantoflorTomorrow Rambla Del MarTantomonta Book mentioned: The Perfume Garden - Kate Lord Brown Find House of James on Instagram: @houseofjamesauWebsite: houseofjames.com.au 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.
Welcome to Paperback Perfumes! The host Clare Presser is a Librarian with a fascination for fragrances and their capacity to evokes memories and experiences through the activation of the olfactory system. In this podcast she chats with guests about their connections with scents and stories through the pairing of perfumes and literary texts. Think of it as reader’s advisory for fragrance lovers, or fragrance recommendation for bibilophiles - whichever experience is your first priority. It’s fun exercise that allows a lovely discussion around people’s personal interpretation of experience, scent, and story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
México