“And in their corner all they had was Murderbot, who just wanted everyone to shut up and leave it alone so it could watch the entertainment feed all day.”― Martha Wells, All Systems Red

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:

Shalimar - Guerlain

Delina - Parfums de Marly

Monsoon Madness - Anjali

Tiger Bright - Anjali

Sea Glass - Anjali

Lunar Dust - Mabelle O’rama

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:

@anjali_perfumes

TikTok:

@Anjali_Perfumes

Website:

anjaliperfumes.com

Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

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