Paperback Perfumes

“Remember. This is your story, no matter what history will claim or what songs people sing. And it’s no one’s place to stop you from telling it.”― Lucy Holland, SistersongIn this episode we explore the space where books and fragrance meet, guided by writer and sensory storyteller Rowan Ambrose. Rowan’s life is shaped by vivid experiences—sailing tall ships, gardening, travelling widely, and savouring the simple pleasures of perfume, fine tea, chocolate, and good coffee. These influences infuse her writing with texture and atmosphere.Rowan now helps businesses find their voice through clear, evocative copy—whether it’s web pages, newsletters, product descriptions, or her speciality: sensory and perfume writing. She brings brands to life with words so her clients don’t have to wrestle with them. She also helps people to find their way to their perfect garden, no matter the size, skill or time availble to tend to it. In our conversation, we discuss low‑maintenance gardening, seasonal connection, and the themes of land and identity in Lucy Holland’s Sister Song. And of course, we pair the novel with a fragrance that captures its earthy, mythic spirit.Fragrances mentioned:Firewater - Jorum Studio Cuir Pampas - Frassai Fille en Anguille ("Girl in (Pine) Needles" - I got that wrong) - Serge LutensSilphium - Stora SkugganFeuille - MiskeoBeen Trying to Meet You - Nosu Forbidden Bloom - Mabelle O’RamaPhoenix Flame - Mabelle O’RamaUndergrowth - Rook Sain No More - NosuPersonne - IconoflyEucris - Geo. F Trumper Book discussed:Sistersong - Lucy Holland Find Rowan onInstagram: @rowan_ambroseWebsite: rowan-ambrose.comTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

“Heaven did not seem to be my home; and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle of the heath on the top of Wuthering Heights; where I woke sobbing for joy.”― Emily Brontë, Wuthering HeightsIt feels like Wuthering Heights has swept back into the cultural conversation—whether it’s through rereads of the novel, rewatches of film adaptations, or simply the collective fascination with its gothic storms and tangled emotions. And honestly… how could a librarian not wade into that literary storm?In this episode, I’m joined by Suzy from Scent n’ Sensibility for a spirited exploration of Emily Brontë’s iconic novel. We try to touch on as many aspects as possible: its wild emotional extremes, its bleak and beautiful setting, the messy humanity of its characters, and the way this story somehow manages to linger darkly in the corner.We also take a closer look at Emerald Fennell’s recent reimagining of the Wuthering Heights universe. How does it reshape Brontë’s themes? And where does it veer into territory that feels… let’s say, ambitiously debatable?If you’re a gothic fiction fan, a fragrance nerd, or just someone who enjoys a bit of delicious literary chaos—this one’s for you.Fragrances mentioned:L'orpheline - Serge Lutens Velvet Moss - Scent Trunk Oud Infini - DusitaRelique d’Amour - Oriza L. LegrandGorseland - Jorum Studios Cabochard - Gres Caleche - Hermes Anglomania - Vivienne Westwood Ectoplasm - Fantôme Book discussed:Wuthering Heights - Emily BrontëFilm discussed: ”Wuthering Heights” - Director Emerald Fennell Find Suzy onInstagram: @scen.tnsensibilityTikTok: @scentnsensibilityTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

“All in the golden afternoonFull leisurely we glide;For both our oars, with little skill,By little arms are plied,While little hands make vain pretenceOur wanderings to guide.”― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandIn this episode, I’m joined (once again) by Fliss Walton, who helps me dive deep into my lifelong love for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Together, we explore Lewis Carroll’s iconic story—its rich cultural history, its playful yet profound wordplay, and the many interpretations and adaptations that have kept Alice alive in our collective imagination. Fliss and I muse over how Alice has transcended literature to become a universal symbol of curiosity, identity, and childhood’s delightful absurdity.As our conversation unfolds, we connect the sensory magic of Wonderland to the world of fragrance, exploring scents that capture the whimsy, oddity, and darker undertones woven through Carroll’s narrative. We reflect on how certain perfumes can evoke the surreal charm of the story, creating a multi‑sensory experience that brings Alice’s journey to life in an entirely new way. This episode blends literary exploration with olfactory adventure — a perfect listen for anyone who loves books, scent, or falling down rabbit holes.Fragrances mentioned:Undergrowth - Rook Perfumes Wander Through the Park - Miller Harris Queen - Eau de BoujeeBelle De Jour - ERIS ParfumsComète - Chanel Exclusif Annabel's Birthday Cake - Marissa Zappas Tea for Two - L'Artisan ParfumeurMilky Dragon - Isabelle LarignonDelulu - .Oddity Dodo- ZoologistRabbit - Zoologist Dentelle au Coer- Henri JacquesHaute Horopito - One Way BridgeCepes and Tuberose - AftelierAnonymity - Filigree & ShadowGreen Vetiver - Archer FarrarBelle Âme - Les AbstraitsBook discussed:The Annotated Alice - Lewis Carroll, edited by Martin Gardner Find Fliss onInstagram: @fliss_sniffs_stuffAnd Les OderantsInstagram: @lesoderantsYoutube: Les Oderants PodcastTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

“Because the middle classes and the nouveaux riches welcomed gas, water closets and piped-in water, the upper classes drew back. Many a denizen of a sprawling, stony-cold country estate looked on “mod cons” as slightly uncouth, over-eager and—worst of all—middle-class.”- Katherine Ashenburg, The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized HistoryIn this episode, I’m joined by Clayton Ilolahia, an Evaluation and Communication specialist at Fragrances of the World, to explore the rich intersection of art, commerce, and fragrance. Together, we discuss into how changes in the media landscape has transformed the perfume industry, reshaping not just marketing but the creative process itself. We also explore the evolving role of fragrance evaluators, the deeply subjective nature of smell, and the cultural ideas—past and present—that shape our sense of cleanliness, identity, and performance.Clayton brings a wealth of knowledge from his global fragrance writing, formal training at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, and more than a decade of self-guided learning. His background in learning and development, working with brands like Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton (to name a few), adds an insightful dimension to our conversation. His passion for education and olfactory storytelling makes this a thoughtful exploration of the changing landscape of modern perfumery and how we socialise through our scent.Fragrances mentioned:L’eau d’Issey - Issey Miyake Black Oregano - Atelier MateriBlanche Bête - Liquides ImaginairesShalimar - GuerlainChypre (Le Chypre) - Coty Fracas - Robert PiguetBook discussed:The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History - Katherine AshenburgFind Clayton and Fragrances of the World online hereInstagram:@clayton_ilolahia@fragrancesoftheworldWebsite:fragrancesoftheworld.comTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

“Like a long lost cousin to the tarot, these rich images and symbolic stories could become a source for guidance, comfort, wisdom and beauty in your life. Just open the book to any picture and fall into it. Read the motto and story, use your imagination, and let the emblem work its magic” - Mandy Aftel , Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of the Emblems It feels surreal to start Season 3 of the podcast talking to Mandy Aftel—an extraordinary natural perfumer and author whose influence on the world of scent and creativity runs deep. As the founder of Aftelier Perfumes, Mandy hand‑crafts her perfumes in small batches in her Berkeley studio, bringing a sense of beauty and artistry to everyone who encounters her work.Her contributions have earned wide recognition: Vogue has called her one of the industry’s “most prolific talents,” Vanity Fair has described her as an “angel of alchemy,” and Forbes has named her among the top bespoke perfumers in the world. She also serves as an advisor at The Institute for Art and Olfaction, which created the annual Aftel Award for Handmade Perfume in her honor, and she is the recipient of the Septimus Piesse Visionary Award for lifetime achievement. And then, of course, there is her micro museum, where you can see, touch and smell the history of perfumery. In our conversation, Mandy dives into the creative journey behind her newest book, Symbolorium: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems. We explore the fascinating world of 1600s emblem books, the historical texts that inspire her, and the deep connections she sees between nature, art, and the craft of perfume. It’s a rich, inspiring discussion to kick off the season. Fragrances mentioned:Patchouli Noir - Mandy AftelPatchouli essential oil Patchouli absolute Oakmoss absolute Book discussed:Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems - Mandy AftelFind Mandy Aftel online hereInstagram: @aftelierperfumeWebsite: aftelier.comTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

“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 ParfumsPassage d'Enfer - L'Artisan ParfumeurAjedrez - FrassaiInfusion d'Iris - PradaFate Woman - Amouage Figment - Amouage1885 Bains Sulfureux - Les Bains Guerbois Bois Datchaï - Maison CrivelliCabochard Cherie - GresCabochard - GresShalimar - Guerlain Tilda Swinton Like This - Etat Libre d'OrangeBook discussed:Dune - Frank HerbertFind Mythologist Studios (and Michael) online hereInstagram: @michaelnordstrandperfumer@mythologiststudio Website: mythologiststudio.comTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

"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 VanillaNo-Tell MotelPavlova KasavoaMs. Macadamia Lord LamingtonDaintree Raintree Religious Guilt SpritzBook discussed:Essence & Alchemy - Mandy Aftel Find The Raconteur online here Instagram: @the_rac_on_teurWebsite: theraconteur.coTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

"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 - RubiniBee - ZoologistBooks discussed:Untitled (Bee on the Comb) - Kit Williams Masquerade - Kit Williams Find Saskia Wilson-Brown and the Institute of Art and Olfaction online hereInstagram:@artandolfaction@saskiacwbWebsite:artandolfaction.comTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records