“Perfume is substance and spirit. It must be a story, a myth, long before people wear it. ” - Michael Edwards, Perfume Legends In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Edwards, one of the most influential voices in the fragrance world. Known as the creator of Fragrances of the World and the fragrance wheel, Michael has transformed the way we talk about, understand, and choose perfumes.Our conversation traces his journey from marketing into the world of perfumery, and how his groundbreaking work has made fragrance more accessible to consumers and professionals alike. We discuss the evolution of fragrance marketing over the decades, the impact of the internet on how we discover scent, and the importance of language in capturing the emotions and experiences that perfume evokes.Michael also shares his insights on the growth of niche perfumery, the emotional connections people form with scent, and what the future might hold for the industry.It was a true privilege to hear Michael’s reflections and wisdom—this episode is a celebration of fragrance as both art and storytelling, shaped by someone who has dedicated his life to illuminating its world.Fragrances mentioned:Halston - HalstonNorell - Norell No. 5 - Chanel Charlie - RevlonOpium - Yves Saint Laurent Eau Sauvage - Christian DiorBlue Grass - Elizabeth Arden Obsession - Calvin KleinSamsara - GuerlainGreen Irish Tweed - Creed Book discussed: Fragrances of The World Perfume Legends IIAmerican LegendsFind Fragrances of the World here: Instagram: @fragrancesoftheworldWebsite: fragrancesoftheworld.comTheme 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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1:02:22
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1:02:22
Demo Accords
“Once Upon a Time, at the beginning of Everything, there were two spirits with no names and no desires other than to observe. ” - Pia Long, Demo Accords In this episode, I’m joined by Finnish-born, UK-based perfumer and author Pia Long, co-founder of Olfiction and Eau de Boujee. With a career spanning four decades, Pia sees scent as a form of communication and perfume as bottled stories, shaped by her background in languages, writing, and translation. Her imaginative approach to perfumery has earned her international recognition, including the Septimus Piesse Visionary Award from the Institute of Art and Olfaction.Pia’s new book, Demo Accords, is a semi-autobiographical collection of nine essays and one short story, each paired with a perfume formula published in full. She describes the work as a kind of orchestration: the writing is the script, the formulas are the sheet music, and the perfumes themselves are the orchestra playing.Together, we talk about the art and science of perfumery, the themes behind Demo Accords, and how fragrance can act as both personal storytelling and a shared language of connection.Fragrances mentioned:Queen, Verdant, Quir and Guilded by Eau de BoujeeBook discussed: Demo Accords - Pia Long Find Pia’s work here: Instagram: @perfumer.pia@eau_de_boujee@olfictionlimitedWebsite: Pre-oder @ demoaccords.comeaudeboujee.comolfiction.comTheme 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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1:15:25
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1:15:25
Community of Sparkles
“Seek awe and nature daily... show kindness; practise grace; eschew vanity; be bold; embrace friends, family, faith and doubt, imperfection and mess; and live deliberately.”― Julia Baird, Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes DarkIn this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Carr, founder of Barnes Fragrance Fair and co-founder of We Wear Perfume. Amanda has been instrumental in creating spaces where fragrance lovers can come together to celebrate independent perfumers, discover new scents, and share in the stories behind them. Through her work, she highlights the personal connections we all have with fragrance and the unique way scent weaves meaning into our lives.Our conversation explores the vibrant sense of community and collaboration at the heart of the fragrance world—how creators, curators, and enthusiasts support and inspire one another. We also discuss Phosphorescence by Julia Baird, a book about finding light and meaning in everyday moments, and how these themes beautifully echo the way fragrance illuminates our experiences.Fragrances mentioned:Vermeil - BienaimeL'Amandiere - HeeleyTilia - Marc-Antoine BarroisEmpress- SokiYuzu Noir - NyitaLupin Meadow - Nancy MeilandBistro Boy - FicifoliaFloral Smoke - Olfactive OSparkles - 4160 TuesdayBook discussed: Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark - Julia BairdFind Amanda’s work here: Instagram: @barnesfragrancefair@wewearperfumeWebsite: barnesfragrancefair.comwewearperfume.comTheme 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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1:07:39
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1:07:39
More Than A Dandy
“Virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when it is crushed.”― Baroness Emmuska Orczy, The Scarlet Pimpernel In this episode I’m joined by Katrina Cochrane, founder of Archer Farrar Perfume Atelier. Katrina’s journey into natural perfumery began with her love for plants and aromatherapy, and today, she creates stunning perfumes using only the finest sustainably sourced botanicals. We discuss her personal journey from aromatherapy to the wine industry, and how she built Archer Farrar. We dive into the craft of natural perfumery, exploring the differences between natural and synthetic ingredients, and how fragrance evokes deep emotional connections. Katrina shares the challenges she faces as a natural perfumer—especially when it comes to sourcing quality ingredients— and how she stays true to her vision of creating perfumes that honour nature.Fragrances mentioned:Peony Cologne - Archer FarrarDark Cedar - Archer FarrarEmbrace - Archer FarrarGreen Vetiver - Archer FarrarForest Balsam - Archer FarrarSandara - Archer FarrarCologne Royale - DiorPeony & Blush Suede - Jo MaloneAnais Anais - Cacharel Taylor - Taylor SwiftGardenia - Archer FarrarBook discussed: The Scarlet Pimpernel - Baroness Emmuska OrczyFind Archer Farrar here: Instagram: @archerfarrarperfumeWebsite: archerfarrar.com.auTheme 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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1:08:39
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1:08:39
The Barbershop
“What you’re trying to say is that it’s easier for you to hide in your own darkness, than emerge cloaked in your own vulnerability. No better, but easier. However, the longer you hold it in, the more likely you are to suffocate.At some point, you must breathe.”― Caleb Azumah Nelson, Open WaterIn this episode of Paperback Perfumes, I’m joined by UK-based writer and podcaster Haydn, whose work explores fragrance, male grooming, and gifting. He writes for publications like Grazia, Rakes Sense, and The Perfume Society.Haydn shares his journey from a long career in music to discovering fragrance as a new form of self-expression. We talk about the connections between scent and storytelling, and how both can be powerful tools for exploring identity, memory, masculinity, and vulnerability.We also dive into the inspirations behind his podcast Man in the Mirror, and the unique conversations happening in place place like barbershops and what mean see when they pause and reflect about themselves with each other. Fragrances mentioned:Sisters B4 Misters - Jusbox Versace Man Eau Fraîche - VersaceVoyeur Verde - Maya NjieTeddy the Perfumer Nordic Cedar - Maya NjieFrench Waltz - Golf Le FleurMelody - Miller Harris Book discussed:Open Water - Caleb Azumah Nelson Find Haydn here: Instagram: @yousmellgreatwhatisit@maninthemirrorpodTikTok: @yousmellgreatwhatisitYouTube from Barnes Fragrance Fair ’Men Smell’ panel discussion 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.
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.
Ireland