An Aromatic Life

#130: In this episode, Frauke sits down with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia to explore the fascinating intersection of aromatics and astrology. Karima begins by defining what astrology encompasses and Mauricio then shares how aromatics fit in. They explain “The Power of Three” and share how utilizing scent is the perfect tool to bring our intentions a...

#129: This week's whiff of wisdom is with Anthea Bull, who lives with anosmia, and Anne Heloise Dautel, who lives with parosmia. As the holidays are here, in this whiff they share some great tips for getting through this festive period if you, or someone in your life, lives with one of these smell dysfunctions. In fact, they share how those of us who can smell can be an ally during this challengin...

#128: In this episode, Frauke sits down with San Francisco perfumer Dannielle Sergent to talk about the creative intersection of Perfumery, Painting, and Architecture. They begin with a fun word association game to dig deeper into the creative mind. Dannielle then shares how she got started as a painter, explains the concept of “fat over lean”, and her approach to painting. She then reveals what l...

#127: In this week's whiff of wisdom, neuroscientist and Osmo CEO Alex Wiltschko shares how artificial intelligence will enhance Perfumery in new and exciting ways. In fact, since this original conversation aired, the company has made some great strides. Check out their new, innovative AI scent creation platform called Inspire (link below) - you’re gonna be blown away! To listen to the original fu...

#126: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Professor Natalia Kucirkova of the University of Stavanger, Norway to explore the significance of olfaction in childhood development, particularly in relation to reading and education. They discuss the current trends in children's reading habits, the challenges parents face in engaging their children with books, and the potential of olfaction to enhance...

#125: In this week's whiff of wisdom, writer, perfumer and community organizer Nuri McBride shares why we, as a Western society, reject scent just like we deny the reality of death. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #67. Whiff of Wisdom is a format that's being added biweekly, and spotlights an inspirational insight from a guest on the pod. The goal is to offer you a whiff of wi...

#124: In this episode, Frauke sits down with aromatherapist and menopause midwife Cathy Skipper to discuss the menopausal journey and how aromatherapy can be a wonderful ally. Cathy explains the transformative journey of menopause, emphasizing the importance of empowerment, acceptance, and the mental and spiritual aspects of this life phase. She shares the role of smell and aromatherapy in navigat...

#123: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Dr. Florian Birkmayer to discuss the role of aromas in fostering connection and reconnection, especially with the unconscious parts of ourselves. Dr. Birkmayer emphasizes the importance of a holistic view, which considers the impact of aromas on multiple levels, from the molecular to the cultural. He explains that aromas can serve as a gateway to the un...

#122: In this week's whiff of wisdom, London Perfumer Sarah McCartney shares her tips on how to describe scents. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #66. Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a guest on the pod. The goal is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that...

#121: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Dr Will Tullett to discuss the importance of smell in history. Will shares his personal connection to smell and how it has shaped his research. He also talks about the Odeuropa project, which aims to explore the smells that have mattered in European history. He emphasizes the need to engage with our sense of smell in historical research and challenges t...

#120: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Perfumer Ernesto Collado shares how powerful it can be to smell Nature through her different seasons, and notice how it changes our perception of time. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #38. Whiff of Wisdom is a format that's being added biweekly, and spotlights an inspirational insight from a guest on the pod. The goal is to offer you a whi...

#119: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Professor Andrew Kettler to discuss the role smell played in the Atlantic slave trade of the 19th century. Prof. Kettler begins by defining olfactory racism, and then explains the ‘Anglo Atlantic Nose’ as the English departed for the New World. He defines important olfactory-focused concepts like “embodied knowledge”, ”miasma theory”, “false consciousne...

#118: In celebration of World Taste & Smell Day (Sept 14th), in this episode Frauke introduces us to the recently launched National Smell & Taste Center. This is a BIG deal and something we should be excited about. Frauke explains why the Center was created, what its mission is, and takes us through the three pillars of focus: innovative research, comprehensive care, and education & ou...

#117: In this episode, Frauke sits down with animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia to talk about the spiritual and magical parts of Perfumery. Mauricio shares his childhood experiences with scent and how it shaped his connection to the environment. They discuss the societal disconnect from Nature and the need to return to a more symbiotic relationship with Mother Earth. Mauricio explains what he beli...

#116: In this episode, Frauke sits down with San Francisco - based perfumers Loreto Remsing and Victoria Artz of the creative perfume group The Naturalists. If you enjoy pursuing any creative endeavor, this conversation is for you because Loreto and Victoria not only share what this creative group is, but also what their sessions look like, and what activities they do to spark their olfactory crea...

#115: In this week's whiff of wisdom, aromatherapy pioneer and author Robert Tisserand shares what he believes people get wrong about aromatherapy. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #37. Whiff of Wisdom is a new format that's being added biweekly, which spotlights an inspirational insight from a guest on the pod. The goal is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromat...

#114: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Sensory Scientist and Wine Tasting Mastery Coach Dr. Isabelle Lesschaeve to discuss interesting ways to train your nose. Isabelle explains what a sensory scientist does, shares why it's helpful to identify smells, and provides tips for better recognizing those I-know-what-that-smell-is-what-is-it smells. She gives her perspective on why it's hard for us...

#113: In this week's whiff of wisdom, award-winning natural perfumer, educator, and author Mandy Aftel shares what you need to understand about naturals, including natural isolates. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #48. Whiff of Wisdom is a new format that's being added biweekly, which spotlights an inspirational insight from a guest on the pod. The goal is to offer you...

#112: In this episode, Frauke discusses what it means to be a smeller, why we should all be one, and what steps we can take to becoming one. She explains that our reliance on sight and sound in today's digital world has led to a sensory imbalance, causing emotional health issues. Frauke encourages listeners to prioritize their sense of smell and become 'smellers' to connect with the world on a dee...

#111: In honor of National Sense of Smell Day this Saturday April 27th, a day where we recognize the importance of our sense of smell, today's whiff comes from episode 53 of the podcast with olfactory artist Lula Curioca. Here she shares how we can use smelling the world around us to connect at a deeper level. Lula is as passionate about our sense of smell as I am, so let’s celebrate this underapp...

#110: In this episode, Frauke sits down with perfumer Candace Winrow Weekly, who shares her thoughts on artisan perfumery and perfumery as a whole. Candace explains how her background as a dessert chef and floral designer has informed her work as a perfumer. She shares why she only works with raw materials, and not pre-made mixtures, so that she can express her own unique creative style. Candace r...

#109: In this week's whiff of wisdom, writer and culinary explorer Kevin Cox shares how to reignite the joy in discovering and exploring new foods so you can get out of your culinary rut. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #22. Whiff of Wisdom is a new format that's being added biweekly, which spotlights an inspirational insight from a guest on the pod. The goal is to offer you a...

#108: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Dr. Kelly Ablard to talk about their new children's picture book No Place for Plants. The co-authors share how they conceived of writing the book, what the catalysts were that inspired them, and why the book meets the moment we find ourselves in. They explain why conservation and smelling are a perfect pair to encourage both child and adult to be more a...

#107: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Nisarga Farms' co-founder Swami Krishana Chaitanya explains why our health, our future, and our global wellbeing depend on us staying small. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #14. Whiff of Wisdom is a new format that's being added biweekly, which spotlights an inspirational insight from a guest on the pod. The goal is to offer you a whiff of...

#106: In this episode, Frauke sits down with mixologist and perfumer Jackie Brenner to talk about the creative synergies of cocktail mixing and perfume blending. Whether you drink alcohol, or not, this episode is about getting inspiration for any creative endeavor(s). Jackie tells how she's always been connected to her sense of smell, starting in her early years growing up on Hawai'i. She...