Fragrance has entered a new era. Once dominated by designer launches and celebrity scents, today's perfume landscape is defined by niche houses, artisanal craftsmanship, personal expression and a growing connection to wellness.In this episode, Bahar is joined by fragrance evaluation expert Clayton Ilolahia to explore how the industry has evolved and what it means for the way we discover, wear and experience scent. Together they discuss the rise of niche perfumery, the enduring appeal of timeless classics, and why fragrance is becoming an increasingly personal form of self-expression.The conversation explores the emotional power of scent, how fragrance shapes memory and identity, and why discovery sets and fragrance wardrobes are changing the way consumers buy perfume. Clayton also shares insights into the growing world of functional fragrances, the resurgence of natural ingredients such as frankincense, and the emergence of new fragrance capitals beyond the traditional European maisons.Whether you're building a fragrance collection, searching for a signature scent, or simply curious about where perfumery is heading, this episode offers an insider's perspective on one of the fastest-evolving categories in luxury beauty.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• Why niche fragrance has transformed the perfume industry and consumer expectations.
• The difference between designer fragrances, niche houses and artisanal perfumery.
• How fragrance shapes memory, emotion and personal identity.
• Why discovery sets are one of the best ways to explore new scents.
• The growing connection between fragrance, wellness and functional perfumery.
• How scent can become part of personal rituals and everyday wellbeing.
• Why storytelling has become central to modern fragrance brands.
• The changing role of gender in contemporary perfumery.
• Why countries such as Oman are producing some of the world's most celebrated luxury fragrances.
• How global fragrance trends are expanding beyond the traditional French perfume houses.
• Practical advice for finding a signature fragrance that evolves with you.

Chapters

00:00 The Joy of Fragrance and Connection
02:58 Fragrance as a Time Machine
05:56 The Evolution of Fragrance: Niche vs. Designer
11:58 The Impact of Fragrance on Identity
17:54 Navigating the Fragrance Landscape
20:53 The Future of Fragrance Consumption
27:24 The Evolving Father-Son Bond Through Fragrance
28:54 Nostalgia in Fragrance: A Journey Through Memories
32:25 The Rise of Niche Fragrances and Their Impact
34:43 Functional Fragrances: The Intersection of Well-being and Scent
39:35 Cultural Reflections in Fragrance: Gender and Identity
43:39 Fragrance Discovery: The Joy of Scent Libraries and Sets
49:57 The Essence of Omani Fragrance
50:21 Exploring Niche Fragrance Brands
52:43 The Rise of Istanbul’s Fragrance Scene
55:22 Global Representation in Fragrance
58:50 Navigating Luxury Fragrance Collections
01:03:14 Finding Your Signature Scent

Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/vlCnaPI5gLM

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Most people choose a perfume.

Elise Wilson chooses a version of herself.

As a beauty editor and lifelong fragrance lover, Elise has built a scent wardrobe for every part of her life. There's a fragrance for work, a fragrance for date night, a fragrance for the gym, and even fragrances that are now permanently tied to specific chapters, relationships and memories.

In this episode, Bahar and Elise explore the role perfume plays in confidence, self-expression and daily rituals. From growing up watching her mother apply Chanel and Estée Lauder fragrances, to discovering the scents that make her feel powerful, attractive, joyful or completely herself, Elise shares the deeply personal ways fragrance has shaped her life.

Together they discuss scent wardrobes, layering rituals, fragrance compliments, luxury versus dupes, and the perfumes they continue to treasure long after trends have come and gone.

This is a conversation about perfume not as a beauty product, but as a daily act of becoming.

Key Takeaways

• Fragrance is often our strongest connection to memory and emotion.
• Many of our earliest beauty memories are linked to the scents worn by our mothers and grandmothers.
• Building a fragrance wardrobe allows scent to support different moods, occasions and identities.
• Fragrance can become a powerful confidence ritual before stepping into the world.
• Nostalgia can be triggered instantly through scent, both positively and negatively.
• Signature fragrances become part of how others remember us.
• Luxury fragrance remains one of the most personal forms of self-expression.

Chapters:

01:45 Childhood scent memories and the influence of Elise's mother
02:12 Chanel, Estée Lauder and the glamour of everyday rituals
04:52 Why fragrance became Elise's confidence tool
05:41 Fragrance as empowerment and identity
06:06 Creating fragrance wardrobes for work, date nights and the gym
07:59 The perfumes that instantly transport Elise back to childhood
11:10 When fragrance triggers difficult memories and heartbreak
13:25 Elise's fragrance application ritual
15:03 Layering scents and the Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc hack
18:17 Why fragrance is having a major cultural moment
19:53 Fragrance as the final step before leaving the house
20:27 The joy of choosing who you want to be each day
21:09 Current favourites: Burberry Goddess and Jo Malone Red Hibiscus
24:31 Complex fragrances versus simple gourmand scents
25:29 Thoughts on dupe culture and luxury fragrances
27:54 How Elise discovers and chooses new perfumes
30:33 Date-night fragrances and scent compatibility with her partner
31:56 The fragrance that earned the most compliments
33:20 Flowerbomb, nostalgia and memorable life chapters
34:57 Reformulations, vintage fragrances and original formulas
37:39 Elise's fragrance wish list
38:06 Closing reflections

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/wapDVP_J3Vk

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Actor, writer, producer, and passionate fragrance lover Krew Boylan joins us for a fascinating exploration of scent, memory, identity, and creativity. From childhood memories triggered by flowers, family homes, and beloved toys, to the role scent plays in method acting and character development, Krew reveals how smell has always been her strongest sense and one of her most powerful creative tools. Together, we explore how fragrances become emotional anchors, why places have their own unique scent identities, and how smell influences attraction, confidence, storytelling, and self-expression.

Key Takeaways

• Smell is often the strongest trigger of memory and emotion.
• Fragrance can become a tool for self-expression rather than transformation.
• Method acting relies heavily on sensory recall and emotional memory.
• Places have distinct scent identities that become tied to personal experiences.
• Fragrance can influence confidence, attraction, comfort, and mood.
• Actors can use scent as a practical tool to access emotional states.
• Signature fragrances become part of personal identity and how others remember us.
• Nostalgia is often stored and accessed through smell before any other sense.

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome Krew Boylan
01:00 – Acting, Vulnerability & Authenticity
04:20 – When Smell Became Her Strongest Sense
06:00 – Family, Home & Comfort Scents
07:15 – Why Christmas Has a Signature Scent
09:00 – The Smell of Freedom
11:00 – Method Acting & Sensory Memory
16:30 – Building Characters Through Scent
21:00 – Can Fragrance Hack Your Brain?
23:00 – Attraction, Relationships & Smell
29:00 – Protecting Personal Memories Through Fragrance
32:00 – Signature Fragrances & Perfume Journey
41:00 – The Dark Psychology of Perfume
42:00 – Smelling the Streets of 1800s Paris
54:00 – Bottling Confidence & Nostalgia
56:00 – Final Reflections

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/MJQXc6YKWvY

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What if fragrance is far more than something you wear?

What if it is a portal to memory, a confidence tool, a personal signature and one of the most powerful ways we shape how we feel?

In this deeply personal conversation, Kate Waterhouse and Bahar Etminan explore the emotional power of scent and the role fragrance plays throughout our lives. From treasured memories of mothers and grandmothers to iconic perfumes that defined entire generations, they unpack why scent remains one of the strongest emotional triggers we experience.

Together they discuss how fragrance influences mood, confidence and identity, how our preferences evolve through different life stages, and why the rituals surrounding scent can become an important part of how we show up in the world.

Whether it's the nostalgia of a beloved perfume from your twenties or the comfort of a fragrance that feels uniquely yours, this episode explores why scent is so much more than what we smell.

About This Episode

Most women underestimate the invisible power fragrance has on mood, confidence and presence.

In this captivating conversation, Kate Waterhouse shares the scents that have shaped her life, from childhood memories and iconic 90s fragrances to the perfumes she wears today. Along the way, she and Bahar explore the fascinating relationship between scent, memory and emotion, and the science behind why fragrance can instantly transport us to another place and time.

They discuss how fragrance becomes part of our personal aura, the rituals of layering scent through beauty and home products, and how preferences evolve through motherhood, hormonal changes and different seasons of life.

This is a conversation about memory, identity, confidence and the extraordinary role fragrance plays in helping us express who we are.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to fragrance's emotional power
00:19 Childhood memories connected to a mother's perfume
01:05 Iconic fragrances including Opium, Sunflowers and Penhaligon's
02:28 The beauty and nostalgia of vintage perfume bottles
03:16 Fragrance and the eras it defines
04:43 The connection between scent, memory and the limbic system
05:31 Why certain scents instantly transport us through time
06:22 Calvin Klein fragrances and the fascination with pheromones
07:48 The cultural phenomenon of CK One and Obsession
08:50 Fragrances that evoke happiness and optimism
09:28 Personal rituals around selecting and wearing fragrance
10:15 How motherhood changed fragrance preferences
11:50 The influence of life stages on scent choices
12:55 Why our senses evolve over time
14:04 The art of fragrance layering
15:46 Fragrance as part of personal presence and aura
16:38 Home rituals and sensory details
17:07 Layering scent through candles, room sprays and home fragrance
18:14 Partner fragrances and perceptions of masculinity and femininity
19:38 Experimenting with new fragrances versus loyal favourites
21:33 The influence of iconic 90s fragrance advertising
22:53 Fragrance gifting and thoughtful perfume selection
24:40 The most memorable fragrance compliments
26:13 Perfume as a confidence tool for important moments
27:14 Introducing children to fragrance rituals
28:41 Family fragrance stories passed through generations
30:20 The possibility of creating a personal fragrance collection
30:43 Why scent remains central to identity and confidence

Key Takeaways

• Fragrance is one of the strongest triggers of memory and emotion.
• The scents we love often connect us to important people and moments in our lives.
• Fragrance preferences naturally evolve through different life stages.
• Layering scent across beauty and home rituals creates a distinctive personal signature.
• Perfume can influence confidence, mood and how we present ourselves to the world.
• Scent becomes part of our personal aura and identity.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RyKtpbBLxE0

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the fragrances you're drawn to have less to do with notes and more to do with who you are?

In this episode, I sit down with beauty expert, make up artist and Creator Ellen Malone for a fascinating conversation about the emotional and psychological power of scent. We explore how colour can influence fragrance preferences, why certain perfumes become part of our identity, and how scent can be used as a tool for confidence, transformation and self-expression.

From treasured vintage bottles and signature scents to fragrance layering and the stories we attach to perfume throughout our lives, this episode is a masterclass in understanding the deeper role fragrance plays in shaping how we feel and how we present ourselves to the world.

Whether you're a fragrance collector, a beauty enthusiast or simply curious about why certain scents move you, you'll discover a new way to think about perfume.

@askellenbeauty

Key Takeaways

• Colour can be a surprisingly accurate predictor of fragrance preference.
• Fragrance is often less about smelling good and more about how we want to feel.
• Scent creates powerful emotional anchors linked to memory and identity.
• Layering allows fragrance lovers to create something uniquely personal.
• A signature scent can become part of how others remember us.
• Perfume is both an emotional ritual and a form of self-expression.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and the emotional power of fragrance
01:23 How fragrance reflects personality and identity
04:49 The fascinating relationship between colour and scent
09:47 Can fragrance change your mood?
13:39 Perfume as a tool for confidence and transformation
15:14 Why scent memories stay with us for life
18:58 Creating meaningful fragrance rituals
20:34 The rise of fragrance layering and personalisation
24:55 Building and curating a fragrance wardrobe
25:16 The enduring appeal of vintage perfumes
27:06 Signature scents and collecting fragrances
29:02 How to discover new fragrances you'll actually love
32:41 The influence of perfumers and fragrance creators
35:27 Notes, styles and fragrances we avoid
37:29 Ellen's colour theory approach to fragrance
41:23 Current signature scents and favourites

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/kV2aWSxtlCo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why has fragrance become one of the biggest identity markers for Gen Z men? And how did perfume culture move from department store counters into Discord servers, TikTok algorithms and million-view fragrance reviews?

In this episode, I’m joined by Finn Batchelor, one of the world’s fastest-rising fragrance creators and the founder of FB Fragrances digital platform. With more than a million followers across platforms, Finn has become a trusted voice for a new generation of young men and boys discovering fragrance through emotion, self-expression, confidence and community.

We unpack the psychology behind fragrance compliments, why young men are suddenly collecting perfume like fashion, the rise of niche and Middle Eastern fragrance houses, the truth about “beast mode” scents, and why scent can completely alter how you experience yourself.

We also talk about nostalgia, mood, looks maxing and the cultural shifts driving fragrance’s explosive return.

If fragrance is becoming the new identity language for a generation of men and boys, this conversation explains why.

Chapters:

00:00 Introducing Finn Batchelor and the rise of fragrance creators
02:31 Why fragrance is emotional time travel
03:48 The shift from blockbuster scents to individuality and niche fragrance
05:08 Finn’s brutally honest fragrance review process
06:50 Why top notes can completely change your opinion of a scent
08:29 The right way to test fragrance before buying
10:01 Why “beast mode” fragrance culture is overrated
11:58 When longevity ruins the beauty of a fragrance
12:07 The truth about flankers and why some are better than originals
13:25 Why Finn still buys fragrances with his own money
14:31 The wildest PR gifting experiences in fragrance
16:27 How FB Fragrances was born
17:38 Becoming one of the world’s biggest fragrance creators
19:31 Why Gen Z boys suddenly care about fragrance
20:49 Fragrance, self-improvement and identity
21:57 Why fragrance culture feels inclusive and community-driven
22:39 The gateway fragrances young men are buying first
23:48 Why Jean Paul Gaultier exploded again on TikTok
25:33 The return of fragrance classics
27:16 Fragrance wardrobes and mood dressing
29:27 The fragrances that wear you instead of the other way around
30:33 Why “you smell amazing” is such a powerful compliment
32:03 Meeting perfumers and understanding creative intent
34:07 Memory, nostalgia and fragrances designed around emotion
34:50 Finn’s favourite fragrances of all time
36:32 How fragrance culture changes around the world

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/Gdv8F7Hy3dI

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how fragrances can shape emotions, memories, and personal aura in this deep dive into scent, memory, and self-expression. Join Gemma Dimond, creator, Host of The Glow Journal Podcast and Bahar Etminan as they explore the deeply personal and neurobiological aspects of fragrances, sharing insights, rituals, and stories that reveal the power of scent beyond just smell. Lean in for an epic episode on scent, seduction and identity: A Fragrance Conversation with Gem Dimond.

Main Topics Covered:

• The universal and inclusive nature of fragrance and its emotional resonance
• Ritualistic fragrance practices and their neuro-sensory benefits
• How scent influences aura, confidence, and emotional shifts
• The neuroscience behind scent memory, connection, and identity
• Personal stories of signature fragrances and their emotional anchors
• The evolution of fragrance tastes and the significance of storytelling in scent choices

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Why fragrance is a universal language and its emotional power
02:22 - Rituals as neuro-sensory tools for mood and self-becoming
04:50 - The historical perspective of fragrance as multi-step ritual
06:40 - Fragrance and embodying personal aura and confidence
08:45 - The impact of turbo fragrances on intimacy and sexy cues
10:09 - The neuroscience of scent in bonding and connection
12:15 - Signature fragrances as markers of identity and memory
13:36 - Creating the perfect wedding fragrance and the importance of personal connection
14:05 - Fragrance as a hack for mood and aura modulation
16:48 - The diversity of fragrance expressions from confidence to function
17:54 - How early scent memories shape our perception and preferences
20:16 - The personal significance of first fragrances and scent-based nostalgia
23:37 - Pivotal scents linked to life moments & emotional anchors
25:55 - Fragrance's role in special moments like weddings and anniversaries
27:44 - Fragrance as a portal to memory and emotional time travel
30:46 - The rise of niche and independent brands fostering creativity
31:52 - Exploring beyond traditional fragrance boundaries and discovery tips
33:25 - How fragrances evolve on the wearer and change in emotional significance
34:51 - Fragrances connected to past relationships or identity shifts
36:22 - The empowering aspect of wearing strong, confident fragrances
37:00 - Beginner's guide: How to start exploring fragrances with counters and conversations
39:43 - The joy of exploring the science and art of scent
40:06 - Mood-boosting fragrances and personal aura settings
41:55 - Integrating visual cues and scent stacking into ritual practices
42:05 - Describing your aura: the significance of being “magnetic”
46:11 - The passion behind creating neuro-scents and the future of scent neuroscience
48:19 - The cultural significance of oud and rose in personal scent preferences
50:04 - Surprising studies on scent and physical response, from comfort to attraction
52:00 - Closing thoughts and the power of fragrance as a personal and neuroscientific journey

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/wY1xkggph08

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fragrance is rarely just about smelling good. It sits much closer to memory, identity, even the way we move through the world. In this conversation, Tik Tok Creator and fragrance aficionado Amy Ebell and Bahar unpack scent as both science and storytelling. Amy is the creator of Amy Nose Scents, a platform exploring the psychology, science and culture of scent, from perfume history to the reason certain smells stay with us so deeply. Her content is for people who love fragrance and want to understand why it affects us, what it stirs in us, and why we form such strong attachments to it.

You hear how olfaction links directly to the limbic brain, why certain perfumes feel almost like time travel, and how rituals around scent can shift mood, confidence, and presence.

What emerges is a clear idea. Fragrance is not an accessory. It is a tool for becoming. One that can be used with intention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to fragrance as a tool for emotional and neurological impact
02:00 Amy’s journey from psychology into fragrance
03:30 The science of olfaction and the limbic system
06:00 First scent memories and emotional imprinting
08:00 Layering fragrance and creating sensory environments at home
10:00 Scent, attraction, and subconscious signalling
12:00 Fragrance as identity and transition
14:00 Iconic perfumes from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s
16:00 Rituals for applying fragrance with intention
18:00 Amy’s favourite scent pairings
20:00 Fragrance in professional settings and perception
22:00 How to discover and decode new perfumes
27:00 Scent, confidence, and behavioural shifts
30:00 The future of perfumery, including biohacking and regulation
35:00 Historical fragrances and enduring scent DNA
40:00 Natural ingredients and endocrine concerns
45:00 Regulation and safety in modern perfumery
50:00 Making fragrance last longer on the skin
52:00 Hormones, time of day, and scent perception
55:00 Books, perfumers, and key influences
56:00 Fragrance for confidence and personal power

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/n6pX8HXjJVM

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation explores the complex and deeply human relationship between gut health and mental wellbeing. Srinivas Kamath shares insights from his research into the gut–brain axis, unpacking how hormones, stress, medication and diet intersect at the microbiome level. We discuss the limitations of current mental health treatments, the growing promise of prebiotics, and why personalised medicine may be the future of emotional and cognitive care. The episode also looks ahead to emerging research in longevity, GLP-1 therapies and the role of the gut in neurodegenerative disease, offering a grounded yet hopeful view of where this science is heading.

Key Takeaways

• The gut and brain operate in constant two-way communication, influencing mood, cognition and emotional regulation.
• Chronic stress and elevated cortisol can compromise the gut lining, contributing to inflammation and so-called leaky gut.
• Female hormones shape the microbiome across the lifespan, and gut health in turn affects hormonal balance.
• Understanding an individual’s microbiome opens the door to truly personalised approaches to mental and emotional health.
• Many psychiatric medications alter the gut microbiome, which may explain common side effects and variable outcomes.
• Prebiotics play a foundational role in supporting a resilient and diverse microbiome.
  For most people, prebiotics are more effective and sustainable than probiotic supplementation alone.
• GLP-1 is central to appetite regulation, gut signalling and broader metabolic and mental health pathways.
• The vagus nerve acts as a key communication highway between the gut and the brain.
  Gut microbiome research is rapidly evolving, with more questions than definitive answers at this stage.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/PYgWVYHdI_I

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In this conversation, I’m joined by  fashion author, researcher and communication expert Dijanna Mulhearn to explore the hidden language of clothing and the evolving role of fashion as a form of personal branding. Together, we unpack how social media has reshaped our understanding of style, why corporate dressing has splintered into new tribes post pandemic, and how celebrity culture continues to direct the global wardrobe.

Dijanna brings her signature clarity to the psychology of fashion, the ethics of consumption, and the way clothing communicates power, intention and identity. This is a conversation about authenticity, individuality and the quiet authority of dressing with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Fashion is not decoration. It is a communication system that signals identity, values and intention.
• Corporate dressing has changed, but the fundamentals of clarity and authority still matter.
• Social media has blurred the lines between inspiration and imitation.
• What we choose to wear contributes to our personal brand every day.
• Clothing shapes confidence and behaviour.
• Celebrity influence remains one of fashion’s strongest currency drivers.
• Sustainability is no longer optional. It is part of responsible consumption.
• A strong personal style comes from self knowledge, not trends.
• Understanding the historical context of fashion gives depth and perspective.
• The most powerful fashion message is authenticity.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/h_oZEgo9wdY

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.