Paperback Perfumes

Life choices can be reflected in the narratives we create, But we can change the narrative at any time. 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. We talk about how literature and perfume connect, focusing on how scents trigger memories and emotions. Diane collabo...

Stories and fragrance are portals into other worlds. There are opportunities for connection and understanding when we experience both. 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 d...

"We are nothing but the stories we tell ourselves..." 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 i...

Illustrations of Science, Colonialism, Feminism and the natural beauty of birds. 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 s...

When Humans and Books are so delicately intertwined that you don’t know when one ends and the other begins. 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...

Chose your own adventure. Take control of the narrative. Make the scent experiences you want to see in the world. 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. In this unique project, you have the exciting opportunity to purcha...

Nature is not always good for you when power and politics are in play. 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. Connection Parfumerie is Australia's top choice for special fragrances. Founded in 1954, this family-run business is one of Melbourne's oldest and most reliable...

The English language has few words to describe scents. Creating fragrances is an art form that tells intricate stories and forms deep and transformative connections 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. William brings a rich background, having previous...

Historically, the world has offered easy access to women feeling their power. But, find yourself your own island, depict your stories and make sure your voice is heard. It’s the first episode of Season 2 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 per...

The landscape of fragrance easily can fall into the realm of collection, be it materials or the search for the ultimate scent. But what if this process becomes something a little bit darker… This is the last of the special spooky season series, as well as the final episode for season 1. It has been a true pleasure to talk to such a wide variety of guests, and this week's guest is no exception. Nad...

If you were to sum up the theme for episode four of the spooky season series, it would be this: Life can get pretty dark if you can’t take a joke… 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 Nuri is not just a perfumer; she is also a dedicated community educator and an in...

Onwards to episode three of the spooky season series where we talk about Death, rituals, the creation of meaning and mystery. Now with a dash of necromancy… 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 contrib...

In this second instalment of our Spooky Season series, we explore the theme of horror through anxiety—the unsettling sensation that something catastrophic lurks just beyond our perception. 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...

In the first of our Spooky Season series - we talk about how we can ‘defang’ death, the loneliness of grief and different cultural perspectives on ritual those no longer with us. 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...

Our companions are not always human. The meaningful and grounding connections that we make can easily be with an animal or a tree… 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...

Are the stories about our culture and community what we make or what are given to us? 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-ba...

Joy is both a Noun and a Verb. It is a radical act in the face of shame and derision. You cannot have the light without the dark. Joy ultimately is a doing word. 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 creativ...

Political machinations are always interesting and show much safer when you are in the cheap seats of being a reader. Keeping your head above water in a historical context may just be about keeping it on your neck You have to be a little bit brave to start out as a fragrance reviewer in the world of social media these days. Charlotte has recently started reviewing scents and sewing as a side hustle...

When was the last time you thought about how public spaces smell? Or what scent palate you are culturally comfortable with? What is the scent of work and of play? Jayanthan (Jay) Sriram is a PhD student at Concordia University in Montreal and a member of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. He is in the Interdisciplinary Humanities PhD Program and coordinates the Exploration in Sensory Desi...

Sometimes you need to pivot to find your joy. Sometimes you have to lose something important in order to gain so much more. However, change is always a certainty. Liminus owner and perfumer, Hilary, is creating natural perfumes involves using sustainable practices, sourcing local materials, and capturing the essence of a place. Liminal spaces, both physical and metaphorical, play a significant rol...

Life is journey - you made find yourself on a bus in the middle of nowhere, or wind up making perfume. Corey Newcombe is perfumer and owner of Australian artisanal fragrance house, Criminal Elements. The brand has bee making fragrance for around 10 years and we discuss how Criminal Elements came about, the training of your nose, what it takes to run a small business, being in community not competi...

And just because alliteration is a beautiful thing- please also add Broadswords into the mix. Choose your weapon wisely. Fliss Walton is one quarter of the UK based fragrance podcast ‘Les Oderants’ - emphasis on the work ‘rant’. Fliss has work as a professional actor, as a facilitator and has, by all accounts, an extensive perfume collection. She may also be a self proclaimed lover of a ‘pretty bo...

When the world’s of DIY, identity and fragrance come together in a lovely mixtape of experiences Diffractive Studio is an independent fragrance house in Newcastle, UK. Owner and perfumer Alessandra started out as an academic, but branched out into the fragrance space creating fragrant art installations, as well as commercial product. Recently Alessandra had an article, “Beyond the Scent of Blood a...

How about a take two, where staying on track came a little more easily - and that’s healing. As we had barely touched on any of the extensive Filigree & Shadow’s range of fragrances, this week is a return conversation with James Elliott from Filigree & Shadow. This time. staying on track came a little more easily and we touch on community, dug a little deeper into the DIY punk ethos and br...

When the guest warns you that they are unlikely to stay on topic, you should probably listen… Sometimes there are people that you really want to interview just because they seem like the type of person incredibly good conversation would happen with - James Elliott from Filigree & Shadow is absolutely one of these people. Filigree & Shadow is an artisanal perfume house based in Seattle, Was...