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“Bless the Maker and His water.Bless the coming and going of Him.May His passage cleanse the world.May He keep the world for His people. ” - Frank Herbert, Dune 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.

"Not here for likes, not here for followsChasing the sun, not shadows to followBuilt for love, she can’t help herselfNot trying to be anyone—just herself… " -The Raconteur, Ms Macadamia 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.

"Without a city there is a houseThat's made entirely of wood,Where live ten thousand daughtersThat work for a common good." - Kit williams, Untitled (Bee on the Comb) 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.

“And I will remember your small roomthe feel of youthe light in the windowyour recordsyour booksour morning coffee…”- Charles Bukowski, Raw with Love 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.

“My purpose is to echo the ancient truth of culture in an expression deeply rooted in Aboriginal songlines and memory codes.” - Lee Couch 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.

“Sniff, Sniff, Sniff! Haddock and hay,Pizza and penguins, and farther awayThe smell of the thief, and - how very exciting -Thousands of pages all covered in writing!”- Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie, The Detective Dog 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.

“Perfume is substance and spirit. It must be a story, a myth, long before people wear it. ” - Michael Edwards, Perfume Legends 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.

“Once Upon a Time, at the beginning of Everything, there were two spirits with no names and no desires other than to observe. ” - Pia Long, Demo Accords 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.

“Seek awe and nature daily... show kindness; practise grace; eschew vanity; be bold; embrace friends, family, faith and doubt, imperfection and mess; and live deliberately.”― Julia Baird, Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark 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.

“Virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when it is crushed.”― Baroness Emmuska Orczy, The Scarlet Pimpernel 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.

“What you’re trying to say is that it’s easier for you to hide in your own darkness, than emerge cloaked in your own vulnerability. No better, but easier. However, the longer you hold it in, the more likely you are to suffocate.At some point, you must breathe.”― Caleb Azumah Nelson, Open Water In this episode of Paperback Perfumes, I’m joined by UK-based writer and podcaster Haydn, whose work explores fragrance, male grooming, and gifting. He writes for publications like Grazia, Rakes Sense, and The Perfume Society. Haydn shares his journey from a long career in music to discovering fragrance as a new form of self-expression. We talk about the connections between scent and storytelling, and how both can be powerful tools for exploring identity, memory, masculinity, and vulnerability. We also dive into the inspirations behind his podcast Man in the Mirror, and the unique conversations happening in place place like barbershops and what mean see when they pause and reflect about themselves with each other. Fragrances mentioned: Sisters B4 Misters - Jusbox Versace Man Eau Fraîche - Versace Voyeur Verde - Maya Njie Teddy the Perfumer Nordic Cedar - Maya Njie French Waltz - Golf Le Fleur Melody - Miller Harris Book discussed: Open Water - Caleb Azumah Nelson Find Haydn here: Instagram: @yousmellgreatwhatisit @maninthemirrorpod TikTok: @yousmellgreatwhatisit YouTube from Barnes Fragrance Fair ’Men Smell’ panel discussion 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.

“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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We don't just travel on roads and seas. We travel in stories and in dreams."― Joanne Harris, Vianne 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.

“There was no stopping us now. We had running water, a heater, a cooker and a road. We were fast becoming slaves again to all the things we had come to this benighted spot to flee.”― Chris Stewart, Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in AndalucíaIn 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.

“Absence is the figure of privation; simultaneously, I desire and I need. Desire is squashed against need: that is the obsessive phenomenon of all amorous sentiment.”― Roland Barthes, A Lover's Discourse: Fragments 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.