Paperback Perfumes – Details, episodes & analysis

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Paperback Perfumes

Clare Presser

Arts

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 70

Welcome to Paperback Perfumes! The host Clare Presser is a Librarian with a fascination for fragrances and their capacity to evokes memories and experiences through the activation of the olfactory system. In this podcast she chats with guests about their connections with scents and stories through the pairing of perfumes and literary texts. Think of it as reader’s advisory for fragrance lovers, or fragrance recommendation for bibilophiles - whichever experience is your first priority. It’s fun exercise that allows a lovely discussion around people’s personal interpretation of experience, scent, and story

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

Recent rankings

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Apple Podcasts

🇩🇪 Germany - books
09/01/2026
#95
🇬🇧 Great Britain - books
15/08/2025
#61
🇬🇧 Great Britain - books
14/08/2025
#40
🇬🇧 Great Britain - books
01/08/2025
#99
🇬🇧 Great Britain - books
31/07/2025
#60
🇬🇧 Great Britain - books
19/06/2025
#85

Spotify

No recent rankings available

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RSS feed quality

Excellent

Score global : 94%

Publication history

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Fairy Tales

Season 2 · Episode 51

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • Duration 01:29:00

“The first function of mythology is showing everything as a metaphor to transcendence”. - Joseph Campbell

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Nordstrand, a renowned perfumer and the visionary founder of Mythologist Studio. Michael takes us on an aromatic journey into the world of perfumery, where he reveals the profound importance of mythology and storytelling in the creation of fragrances.

Throughout our conversation, Michael shares his creative process, emphasizing the significance of raw materials and the delicate art of dilution. I was captivated by Michael's exploration of the connections between fairy tales, the hero's journey, and the emotional responses evoked by scent. We discuss the rich tapestry and themes of Scandinavian fairy tales, discussing how these timeless stories and the enchanting illustrations by Kay Nielsen inspire and influence a creative mind. Nielsen's intricate and magical illustrations bring to life the mythical elements that resonate deeply within any artist.

Fragrances mentioned:

Bad Lily - Tale Parfum

Mousse de Saxe - Fabriques de Laire

Galop - d'Hermès

The Moon and I - Floraïku

Books mentioned:

Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien

In Powder and Crinoline: Old Fairy Tales - Anne Carter

East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North - Peter Christen Asbjørnsen

Twelve Dancing Princesses (Fairy Tale)

The Three Princesses of Whiteland (Fairy Tale)

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi - Rudyard Kipling

Find Michael and Mythologist Studio here:

Instagram:

@michaelnordstrandperfume

@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.

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Two Different Types

Season 2 · Episode 50

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 • Duration 01:10:13

“How cyclical and bittersweet for a child to retrace the image of their mother. For a subject to turn back to document their archivist.”
― Michelle Zauner, Crying in H Mart

This episode’s guest is Thomas Dunckley — fragrance expert, six-time Jasmine Award winner, and the voice behind the much-loved blog The Candy Perfume Boy. Thomas has made it his mission to make perfume accessible, joyful, and free from snobbery through his podcast Making Scents Make Sense.

Our conversation explores the deep connections between fragrance, memory, and identity. We talked about how scent can transport us through time, evoke powerful emotions, and reflect who we are — or who we want to be. Thomas shares his thoughts on the importance of inclusivity in the fragrance community and how personal experiences shape the way we interact with fragrance.

We also discussed Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, reflecting on the book’s themes of grief, cultural identity, and the mother-child bond. Thomas paired these themes with fragrance recommendations that speak to comfort, nostalgia, and the emotional resonance of scent.

Whether you're a seasoned perfume lover or just beginning to explore the world of fragrance, this episode is a celebration of scent as story — and the joy it brings to our lives.

Fragrances mentioned:

Pho Breakfast - d’Naam

Concombre d'Inde et Menthe de Syrie - Officine Universelle Buly

Sunday - Arielle Shoshana

Vetiveria -Ormonde Jayne

Second Chances

Season 2 · Episode 41

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 58:44

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 collaborates with the Aromata Prize, a new perfume competition in Rome that celebrates perfume as an art and explores its ties to literature. We also discuss the philosophical ideas of choices and fate in both stories and fragrances. The speakers share personal stories about their perfume journeys, the challenges of training in perfumery during the COVID pandemic, and how scent enriches storytelling.

Fragrance mentioned:

White Whale - Christian Alori for Masque Milano

Comedia Di Mezza Estate - Edoardo Tacconi for Ateneo dell'Olfatto

Jasmin et Cigarette - Etat Libre d’Orange

La Rose Jacqueminot - Coty

Shalimar - Guerlain

No.5 - Chanel

Apres l'Ondee (After the Rain Shower) - Guerlain

Empathy

Season 2 · Episode 40

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 49:52

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 decolonizing scent, and the spiritual and physical connections that fragrance evokes. The dialogue delves into the impact of colonialism on scent, the role of fragrance in healing, and the power of literature to foster empathy and understanding. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the intricate relationship between personal experiences, cultural contexts, and the sensory world.

Fragrance mentioned:

Le Demimonde - Studio Scent

More on the perfumer Candice Windrow Weekly

Books mentioned:

Kindred - Octavia Butler

Find Yosh Han on

Instagram: @scent_festival , @eaudeyosh , @scenttrunk (creative director)

Website: eaudeyosh.com , scenttruck.com ,

Youtube: Scent Festival

Netflix:

Mythology and Artistry

Season 2 · Episode 39

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 47:58

"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 into new spaces. Our chat explores themes of loss, memory, and the evolving nature of language and identity, culminating in reflections on the narratives found in young adult fiction and their parallels to personal growth and understanding.

Fragrances mentioned:

Nirmohee - Peosym

Horn Ok Please - Peosym

Lost Wonderer - Peosym

Books mentioned:

Aru Shah and the End of Time - Roshani Chokshi

The Henna Artist - Alka Joshi

Find Peosym on

Instagram: @peosym

Website: peosym.com.au

Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on

Ornithology

Season 2 · Episode 38

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 01:05:53

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 special affinity for birds. Kirsty is the host of the wonderful Australian podcast Weekend Birder, and during our conversation, we delve into the intriguing parallels between experiencing the wonders of nature through all of the senses.

Fragrances mentioned:

Cockatiel - Zoologist

Nightingale - Zoologist

Penguin - Zoologist

Snowy Owl - Zoologist

Liminus

Darwin - Fueguia 1833

Books mentioned:

The Birdman’s Wife - Melissa Ashley

Find Weekend Birder on

Website:

Bookish

Season 2 · Episode 37

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Duration 01:11:17

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 performance art installations, cinema projects, and inspiring exhibitions. In addition to her creative endeavours, she also teaches engaging workshops in perfumery, scent creation, and sensory engagement through olfaction for a diverse range of audiences. With a background in phytomedicine, Jocelyn has also trained at The Grasse Institute of Perfumery and has been an esteemed member of the Societé Française des Parfumeurs since 2010.

This conversation is as fun as it is educational - there are quiet a few chapters that are opened and closed whilst to talk about about the way we relate to each other through narrative and olfactive experiences.

Fragrances mentioned:

Original Eau De Cologne - 4711

Aramis - Aramis

Eau H’adrien - Goutal

Sable - Goutal

Bookish - Cult of Scent

Books mentioned:

The Midnight Library - Matt Haig

The Book of Form and Emptiness - Ruth Ozeki

Lilac Dragons

Season 2 · Episode 36

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 • Duration 01:09:44

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 purchase distinctive scents while also building your own roleplaying character and developing an ongoing character narrative through the artful layering of fragrances and personal experimentation. We had a wonderful time chatting about the many merits of Dungeons and Dragons, the influence of subculture magazines, the vast world of High Fantasy, and the profound connections we can find with plants and nature.

Fragrances mentioned:

Roll for Seduction - Hero Scent

Lilac & Gooseberries - Hero Scent

Books mentioned:

The Witcher Omnibus - Paul Tobin

The Witcher

Find Strange Fire & Fumery on

Instagram: @strange.fire.and.fumery

Bluesky: @strangefirefumery.bsky.social

Website: strangefirandfumery.com

Poisons and Parties

Season 2 · Episode 35

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 53:17

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 retailers. They operate in Prahran and South Melbourne, delivering a great shopping experience for fragrance lovers.

Anh discusses her love of finding the new and unusual, what it was like coming to Australia from Vietnam as a fragrance lover, as well as ways you can find yourself something new.

Fragrances mentioned:

Taipei - One Day

Pho Breakfast - d’Annam

Happy Nuts - Borntostandout

Venetian Belladonna - Parfums Quantana

Lily of the Valley - Parfums Quantana

Wolfsbane - Parfums Quantana

Inexcusable Evil - Toskovat

Guidance - Amouage

Less is More

Season 2 · Episode 34

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 • Duration 01:18:25

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 previously built a successful career in alcohol distilling, which gives him a unique perspective on fragrance creation.

He possesses a growing passion for the art of fragrance and has undertaken some fascinating research into historical formulations and the exploration of unique, rare materials.

Fragrances mentioned:

Mitti Attar

Guilded - Eau De Bougee

Spirit - Vallense

Sun - Vallense

Source - Vallense

Books mentioned:

Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer

The North Wind and The Sun - Aseop’s Fables

The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern