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Paperback Perfumes

Paperback Perfumes

Written by: Clare Presser
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About this listen

 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.

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Episodes
  • The Maker

    The Maker
    Nov 4 2025
    “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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Characterisation

    Characterisation
    Oct 28 2025

    "Not here for likes, not here for follows

    Chasing the sun, not shadows to follow

    Built for love, she can’t help herself

    Not 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 Vanilla

    No-Tell Motel

    Pavlova Kasavoa

    Ms. Macadamia

    Lord Lamington

    Daintree Raintree

    Religious Guilt Spritz


    Book discussed:

    Essence & Alchemy - Mandy Aftel


    Find The Raconteur online here

    Instagram:

    @the_rac_on_teur


    Website:

    theraconteur.co


    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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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Hive

    The Hive
    Oct 21 2025

    "Without a city there is a house

    That's made entirely of wood,

    Where live ten thousand daughters

    That 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 - Rubini

    Bee - Zoologist


    Books discussed:

    Untitled (Bee on the Comb) - Kit Williams

    Masquerade - Kit Williams


    Find Saskia Wilson-Brown and the Institute of Art and Olfaction online here


    Instagram:

    @artandolfaction

    @saskiacwb


    Website:

    artandolfaction.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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    47 mins
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