What book would you choose?
Experience a blend of storytelling and scent on the Paperback Perfumes Podcast! Discover a unique literary adventure where guests share their own perspectives and stories, sparking new book recommendations or future scent experiences. Hopefully these episodes evoke memories of your own and open a window into a world of something new.
Episode 44- Futurism
Dr Caroline McMillan is a researcher, designer, speaker, olfactory art expert, and smell tech founder and we discuss science fiction and possible futures of olfactive design.
Episode 43- Impermanence
Storytelling is key in creating fragrances and how scents connect to our emotions. Using Pema Chodron’s ideas on change and fear, Karen Gilbert helps examine how these themes relate to personal growth and perfume-making
Episode 42- Revisited
Fliss Walton returns to the podcast to engage in a thoughtful discussion about Evelyn Waugh's 'Brideshead Revisited,' a novel that stands out as one of her all-time favourite books.
Episode 41- Second Chances
This conversation features Diane Risopoulos, a perfumery apprentice in Rome and a graduate of the 5eme Sens school in Grasse. She also is the author of the blog Pixidis Perfumes.
Episode 40- Empathy
In this conversation, I explore with Yosh Han the profound connections between scent, literature, and cultural identity, particularly through the lens of Octavia Butler's 'Kindred'. We discuss the serendipitous journey of discovering the book, the complexities of decolonizing scent, and the spiritual and physical connections that fragrance evokes
Episode 39- Mythology and Artistry
In this conversation, Purvi Joshi, the creative director of Peosym, shares her journey into the world of niche fragrances, inspired by personal loss and the stories that shape our lives. We discusses the significance of storytelling in fragrance creation, the cultural inspirations behind her scents, and and how we change and grow when we move into new spaces.
Episode 38 - Ornithology
Experiences, science, observation, and the act of sharing stories are fundamental parts of the vibrant community of readers, fragrance enthusiasts, and birdwatching aficionados. This week’s guest is the remarkable Kirsty Costa, a long-time educator, dedicated lifelong learner, and passionate lover of nature – with a special affinity for birds.
Episode 37 - Bookish
This episode’s guest is the remarkable renaissance woman, independent perfumer, avid reader, and keeper of random bits of fragrant knowledge, Jocelyn Fullerton. Her impressive body of work spans an array of specialties, including fine fragrances, skincare, and homecare, as well as innovative performance art installations, cinema projects, and inspiring exhibitions.
Episode 36 - Lilac Dragons
We are playing in a slightly new and intriguing space for this week’s episode. Jinx Strange, the innovative creator behind Strange Fire and Fumery, is here to discuss their latest creative venture, known as Hero Scent.
Episode 35 - Poisons and Parties
This episode features Anh, the Fragrance Curator for Connection Parfumerie, a well-known store that offers a unique selection of luxury perfumes from around the world.
Episode 34 - Less is More
This episode’s featured guest is William Borrell, who is the cofounder of Vallense, an innovative UK fragrance house that emphasizes the transformative and evocative qualities of scent.
Episode 33 - Rage in the Paint
It’s the first episode of Season Two and let’s kick down some doors was a pair of scuffed Doc Martins with feminism written on their soles,
Jen from Immortal Perfumes made this topic particularly easy has we weave starting out in perfume as her own ‘girl boss’ and name car’s Medusa, because she turns men into stone. A lover of history, we have 2 historical fiction books to discuss, as well a recreating Marie Antionette’s perfumes and keeping Dead Writer’s in a locke
Episode 32 - Acquisition & Possession
Nadia Vitlin is a perfumer who specializes in bespoke creations, scent visual art, and offers training for those interested in expanding their own knowledge. Nadia has spent ten years learning and developing her craft, and it was a delight to discuss a book that explores the grotesque aspects of material acquisition and the obsession that can come with possessing a scent.
Episode 31 - Part 2: Meaning & Mystery
Let’s catch up with the second part of the red string, photo board and many drawing pins that is pulling together two more text and a few more fragrances with Nuri McBride
Episode 30 - Part 1: Death & Rituals
How can one truly discuss the intricate topics of fragrance, death, and rituals without the invaluable insights of Nuri McBride? It seems only fitting that we take this opportunity to ‘resurrect’ a former guest who has made significant contributions to the conversation.
Episode 29 - Must Love Cats and Darkness
Anxiety manifests in many forms, often creeping into our thoughts like a shadow in the dark. It amplifies our worries, transforming mundane situations into catastrophic scenarios. The potential for things to go horribly wrong becomes a breeding ground for horror, as our imagination runs wild with the possibilities: a simple drive turns into a nightmare, a casual conversation spirals into conflict, and unexpected events become the start of a downward spiral.
Episode 28 - Haunted
In this episode, we discuss Louise’s first book, Hungry Bones, which explores profound themes of loneliness and connection. We discuss how cultural perspectives on death shape our understanding and acceptance of it, and how open conversations can demystify and reduce the fear surrounding death.
Episode 27 - The Nature of Animals
In this episode, we explore the intrinsic bond between humanity and companionship, emphasizing the profound impact that our beloved animal companions on our lives. Liz Moores, a self-taught perfumer and the creative force behind Papillion Perfumery, shares her insights on how these relationships with creatures and nature that inspire her craft.
Episode 26 - Inheritance
Örök Fragrances is a freshly launched fragrance house that passionately focuses on the rich stories and unique experiences of the queer community, all intricately told through the captivating medium of scent. In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with John, the visionary founder of the new Melbourne-based brand, Örök Fragrances.
Episode 25 - Joy
I had not been exploring the world of fragrance long before I heard about Olfiction and Boujee Bougies (I may or may not have paid closer attention because of the clever play on words). One half of this astounding word-smithery is creative director Nick Gilbert. Nick has done the hard yards behind a perfume counter and has worn many hats from fragrance trainer, evaluator, fragrance writer to marketer and consultant