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

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

Aromatics Elixir - Clinque

Verdant - Eau de Boujee

Complicated Shadows - 4160 Tuesdays

Book discussed:

Vianne - Joanne Harris

Chocolat - Joanne Harris

Rivers of London (Series) - Ben Aaronovitch

Find 4160 Tuesdays (and Sarah) here:

Instagram:

@4160tuesdays

@sarahmccartneythinks

Website:

4160tuesdays.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 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:

@marbellaperfumes

Website:

marbellaperfumes.com

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/helidadodd/

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:

Obsession Man - Calvin Klein

Bang - Marc Jacobs

Poivre Samarcande - Hermes

Brin de Reglisse - Hermes

Tobacco Vanille - Tom Ford 

Jicky - Guerlain

Futur - Robert Piguet

Feminite du Bois - Serge Lutens

Une Amourette Roland Mouret - Etat Libre d'Orange

Fille en Aiguilles - Serge Luten 

Nuit de Noel - Caron

Cuir d'Ange - Hermes

Cuir Ottoman - Parfum d'Empire

Book discussed:

A Lover’s Discourse: Fragments - Roland Barthes

Find Liam here:

Instagram:

@liamsardea

Website:

liamsardea.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.

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:

Wikipedia article

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:

@byermia_fragrance

Website:

byermiafragrance.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.

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:

@an_aromatic_life

Website/Substack:

anaromaticlife.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 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:

Nasomatto - Blamage

L’Eau Maliz - Bursting Life

Eau de Bougie - Verdant

Sarah Baker - Peach’s Revenge

Liis Floating

Books mentioned:

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K.Dick

Find LC James here:

Instagram:

@nearlynoseblind

TikTok:

@nearlynoseblind

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:

Bad Lily - Tale Parfum

Mousse de Saxe - Fabriques de Laire

Galop - d'Hermès

The Moon and I - Floraïku

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:

@michaelnordstrandperfume

@mythologiststudio

Website:

mythologiststudio.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.

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:

Pho Breakfast - d’Naam

Concombre d'Inde et Menthe de Syrie - Officine Universelle Buly

Sunday - Arielle Shoshana

Vetiveria -Ormonde Jayne

Eau de Magnolia - Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle

Lupin Meadow - Nancy Meiland

Allure - Chanel

Angel - Mugler

Book mentioned:

Crying in the H Mart - Michelle Zauner

Find Thomas here:

Instagram: @makingscentsmakesense

Website: thomasdunckley.com

Find Japanese Breakfast here:

japanesebreakfast.rocks

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 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):

Retrograde

Santoflor

Tomorrow

Rambla Del Mar

Tantomonta

Book mentioned:

The Perfume Garden - Kate Lord Brown

Find House of James on

Instagram: @houseofjamesau

Website: 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.