Paperback Perfumes

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:

Mxxx. - Eris Parfums

Passage d'Enfer - L'Artisan Parfumeur

Ajedrez - Frassai

Infusion d'Iris - Prada

Fate Woman - Amouage

Figment - Amouage

1885 Bains Sulfureux - Les Bains Guerbois

Bois Datchaï - Maison Crivelli

Cabochard Cherie - Gres

Cabochard - Gres

Shalimar - Guerlain

Tilda Swinton Like This - Etat Libre d'Orange

Book discussed:

Dune - Frank Herbert

Find Mythologist Studios (and Michael) online here

Instagram:

@michaelnordstrandperfumer

@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.

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:

Namedrops 

Killr Vanilla

No-Tell Motel

Pavlova Kasavoa

Ms. Macadamia 

Lord Lamington

Daintree Raintree

Religious Guilt Spritz

Book discussed:

Essence & Alchemy - Mandy Aftel

Find The Raconteur online here

Instagram:

@the_rac_on_teur

Website:

theraconteur.co

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:

Fundamental - Rubini

Bee - Zoologist

Books discussed:

Untitled (Bee on the Comb) - Kit Williams

Masquerade - Kit Williams

Find Saskia Wilson-Brown and the Institute of Art and Olfaction online here

Instagram:

@artandolfaction

@saskiacwb

Website:

artandolfaction.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 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:

Allégorie de l'été

Nature morte avec pommes

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

Wild Geese - Mary Oliver

Find Miskeo Parfums online here

Instagram:

@miskeoparfums

Website:

miskeoparfums.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 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:

Wadhi

Maarumali

Dhawi

Gilay

Sorry Business

Book discussed: 

None this week - but spend a little time listening to the land instead.

Find Lee Couch online here:

Instagram:

@leecouch_

Website:

leecouch.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 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

Book discussed:

The Detective Dog - Julia Donaldson

The Museum of Very Bad Smells - Monica Arnaldo

Find Tammy online here:

Instagram:

@inglorious_smellovision

Website:

scentedstorytelling.com

inglorioussmellovision.com

Her Scent of Mystery Project

Perfumers mentioned/worked with:

Jocelyn Fullerton

Marissa Zappas

Saskia Wilson-Brown

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:

Halston - Halston

Norell - Norell

No. 5 - Chanel

Charlie - Revlon

Opium - Yves Saint Laurent

Eau Sauvage - Christian Dior

Blue Grass - Elizabeth Arden

Obsession - Calvin Klein

Samsara - Guerlain

Green Irish Tweed - Creed

Book discussed:

Fragrances of The World

Perfume Legends II

American Legends

Find Fragrances of the World here:

Instagram:

@fragrancesoftheworld

Website:

fragrancesoftheworld.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 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

Book discussed:

Demo Accords - Pia Long

Find Pia’s work here:

Instagram:

@perfumer.pia

@eau_de_boujee

@olfictionlimited

Website:

Pre-oder @ demoaccords.com

eaudeboujee.com

olfiction.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:

Vermeil - Bienaime

L'Amandiere - Heeley

Tilia - Marc-Antoine Barrois

Empress- Soki

Yuzu Noir - Nyita

Lupin Meadow - Nancy Meiland

Bistro Boy - Ficifolia

Floral Smoke - Olfactive O

Sparkles - 4160 Tuesday

Book discussed: 

Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark - Julia Baird

Find Amanda’s work here:

Instagram:

@barnesfragrancefair

@wewearperfume

Website:

barnesfragrancefair.com

wewearperfume.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 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 Cologne - Archer Farrar

Dark Cedar - Archer Farrar

Embrace - Archer Farrar

Green Vetiver - Archer Farrar

Forest Balsam - Archer Farrar

Sandara - Archer Farrar

Cologne Royale - Dior

Peony & Blush Suede - Jo Malone

Anais Anais - Cacharel

Taylor - Taylor Swift

Gardenia - Archer Farrar

Book discussed:

The Scarlet Pimpernel - Baroness Emmuska Orczy

Find Archer Farrar here:

Instagram:

@archerfarrarperfume

Website:

archerfarrar.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.