An Aromatic Life

#179: Attention all Taurus! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Taurus sign (April 20 - May 20), which is part of the Earth element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Taurus, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Taurus friends out there! Next month we focus on Gemini. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#178: Attention all Aries! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Aries sign (March 21 - April 20), which is part of the Fire element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Aries, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Aries friends out there! Next month we focus on Taurus. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#177: Attention all Pisces! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Pisces sign (Feb 19 - March 20), which is part of the Water element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Pisces, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Pisces friends out there! Next month we focus on Aries. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#176: Attention all Aquarians! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Aquarius sign (Jan 20 - Feb 18), which is part of the Air element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Aquarius, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Aquarius friends out there! Next month we focus on Pisces. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#175: In this episode, Frauke sits down with award-winning natural perfumer, educator, and author Mandy Aftel to talk about her new book Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems. Mandy begins by explaining what emblems are, and how valuable they were back in the 16th & 17th centuries. She shares how she came to write the book, what surprised her the most along the way, and why she believes it’s so valuable, and important, to learn from the past. Mandy then explains why symbols are so magical, how writing this book was very similar to writing Essence & Alchemy, and how it ties in perfectly with her perfume work. She also shares what drives her, and how lucky she feels to be able to do what she loves. Mandy then shares details about the book, including her favorite emblems. And she talks about her process of painting the b/w pictures into beautifully colored representations. This conversation is quintessential Mandy Aftel - heartfelt and beautiful in every way.

#174: On this fifth anniversary of An Aromatic Life, just like every year, Frauke shares what her recent guests revealed when asked “What does the sense of smell mean to you?” This New Year's episode is a chance to reflect on this beautiful, complicated, and under-appreciated sense and ask what it can do for you. It's also an invitation to incorporate more smelling into your life in 2026. Be curious. Be open. And stay connected.

#173: Attention all Capricorns! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Capricorn sign (Dec 22 - Jan 19), which is part of the Earth element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Capricorn, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Capricorn friends out there! Next month we focus on Aquarius. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#172: In this year end episode, Frauke revisits some of her favorite guest insights from 2025.  

#171: To accompany your holiday preparations, we’re revisiting a beautiful conversation with writer and journalist Divrina Dhingra discussing her book, The Perfume Project: Journeys through Indian Fragrance. This is another aromatic read you’ll want to gift to yourself, or someone you love!

In this episode, Frauke sits down with writer and journalist Divrina Dhingra to talk about her book, The Perfume Project: Journeys through Indian Fragrance, and discuss some of the indigenous aromatic materials that have defined Indian perfumery for centuries. Divrina shares her experience going to Kannauj, known as the "Center of Indian Perfumery," seeing the rose fields, and witnessing the traditional distillation methods that have been passed down from generations. She talks about the role itr plays in India today, and shares her experience discovering the unique ingredient choya nakh. Divrina also discusses the difficulties the Indian sandalwood industry has had, with both poaching and adulteration continuing to dominate. Lastly, she also shares her perspective on what the future holds for Indian perfumery, and what she found most inspiring after writing the book.

#170: As we ease into the holiday season, we’re revisiting a beautiful conversation with scholar Xuelei Huang about her book Scents of China: A Modern History of Smell. You’ll definitely want to gift this aromatic treasure to yourself, or someone you love!

In this episode, Frauke sits down with University of Edinburgh Senior Lecturer and author Xuelei Huang to discuss her new book Scents of China: A Modern History of Smell. In the conversation she reveals a unique perspective on the smellscapes that permeated Chinese life from the eighteenth through mid-twentieth century. Xuelei explains the concept of "smell as the stranger" and shares some of the rich olfactory imagery of 18th century China through references in the novel Dream of the Red Chamber. She then tells how nineteenth century Shanghai shows an exemplary depiction of deodorization, which started to happen at that time. And how a subsequent (re)perfuming changed the olfactory smellscape of China once again. Xuelei furthermore showcases the unique way Mao Zedong used olfactory tactics to transform politics in the early twentieth century. Whether you know a lot about Chinese history or not, this conversation will give you new perspectives and leave you longing to explore more.

#169: Attention all Sagittarians! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Sagittarius sign (Nov 22 - Dec 21), which is part of the Fire element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Sagittarius, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Sagittarius friends out there! Next month we focus on Capricorn. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#168: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Jeffrey Paul Ames, aka The Aromatic Gourmet, to explore the deep connection between fragrance, flavor, and beauty. Jeffrey shares how scent has guided his life, from his Italian family’s aromatic kitchen to teaching sensory classes at the Institute for Art and Olfaction. You’ll hear how he merges gastronomy and perfumery, creating “edible perfumes” through salts, syrups, and spices, and how sensory awareness can bring color, joy, and mindfulness back into our daily lives. Jeffrey also offers simple ways to make your meals, or any moment, more aromatic, which is perfect as we head into the holidays. If you’ve ever wanted to cook like a perfumer or use scent to anchor memories, this episode is a feast for your senses.

#167: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Oud Artisan Rahel Ali helps us understand the different grades of oud on the market so you know what to look for when you buy the chips or oil. To listen to the original full episode “Exploring Oud” go to episode #94.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#166: In this episode, Frauke sits down with aromatherapist, herbalist, and botanical perfumer Sharon Louise Chapman to explore how plants and scent can be powerful partners in healing and self-discovery. Sharon shares her deeply personal journey, from leaving an abusive marriage and facing chronic illness, to rebuilding her life through gardening, aromatherapy, and natural perfumery. She reflects on how tending to plants and creating with scent helped her reconnect to nature, emotions and creativity after years of suppression. Together, Frauke and Sharon discuss how connecting with plants can ground and heal us through difficult transitions, the importance of building a healing relationship with plants instead of simply using them, what perfumery can teach us, and how scent can express who we are and help us grow into who we want to be. Sharon also introduces her new line of botanical perfumes inspired by classic Hollywood women like Audrey Hepburn and Louise Brooks. This episode is a gentle reminder that healing can begin with something as simple as a single potted plant, a walk through a garden, or the scent that brings you back to yourself.

#165: Attention all Scorpios! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Scorpio sign (Oct 23 - Nov 21), which is part of the Water element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Scorpio, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Scorpio friends out there! Next month we focus on Sagittarius. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#164: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Appalachian Botanical Co. CEO Jocelyn Sheppard to talk about transforming reclaimed coal mine land in West Virginia into thriving lavender fields. Jocelyn shares her unexpected journey from librarian and consultant to CEO of a natural products company, the challenges of starting an agricultural business in Appalachia, and how lavender became a symbol of healing for both land and people. They discuss creating second-chance job opportunities, working with local communities, the importance of zero-waste practices, and the future of Appalachian lavender in both regional and national markets. This is the feel-good story that we all need right now!

#163: In this week's whiff of wisdom, In-Glorious Smell-O-Vision co-director and producer Tammy Burnstock and historical scent technology aficionado Jas Brooks share how bringing scent into movie theaters deepens our connection to the story on screen. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #104.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#162: In this episode, Frauke sits down with librarian, fragrance enthusiast, and Paperback Perfumes podcaster Clare Presser to unpack the emerging idea of olfactive literacy: what it means to understand, communicate, and create using our sense of smell. Together they ask: Can we read scents the way we read words? How do memory, culture, and emotion shape the way we smell? And what shifts when we begin to develop a deeper awareness and vocabulary around scent? From the foundational elements of smell health to the parallels with visual and digital literacy, and from perfumers crafting scent narratives to wearers interpreting them through lived experience, this episode is full of scent-loving curiosity. Perfect for anyone fascinated by the language of smell and the many ways it connects us to ourselves and the world around us.

#161: In honor of World Alzheimer’s Month, in this week's whiff of wisdom, Clinical Aromatherapist Madeleine Kerkhof explains how you can use scent to support a loved one living with dementia. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #42.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

Note: please only use essential oils and CO2 extracts on the most vulnerable if you are trained to do so. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances that need to be used with the utmost safety in mind. Thank you.

Links to Madeleine's books:

#160: Attention all Libras! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia from last December which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Libra sign (Sept 23 - Oct 22), which is part of the Air element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Libra, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Libra friends out there! Next month we focus on Scorpio. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#159: Could your nose be an early alarm bell for dementia?

In honor of World Alzheimer's Month, in this episode Frauke sits down with neuropsychologist Alex Bahar-Fuchs, PhD to explore the fascinating connection between smell and dementia. While we usually think of memory loss or confusion as the first warning signs, research shows that changes in our sense of smell often appear years earlier. That makes smell not just a powerful scientific marker, but also a deeply personal one - something families and caregivers can notice in everyday life. Alex explains why smell is so closely tied to memory and cognition, what it reveals about the brain’s health, and how simple smell training might one day help protect against decline. It’s a conversation that blends science with hope, showing how something as ordinary as noticing the scents around us can hold potential for our future well-being.

#158: In honor of World Taste & Smell Day on Sept. 14th, in this week's whiff of wisdom, photographer, food writer, and cookbook author Saghar Setareh shares how the food of her adopted country Italy became a lantern and a mirror for her to more deeply explore the cuisine of her homeland Iran. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #88.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#157: In this episode Frauke sits down with New York Times bestselling author Francesca Serritella to discuss her latest novel “Full Bloom,” a gripping read that blends emotional awakening, scent alchemy, and the seductive power of desire. Francesca shares the inspiration behind the main character, Iris Sunnegren, and how scent becomes the key to unlocking her deepest wants. They discuss themes from the novel that explore female ambition, sexual power, and the cost of being seen. They also talk about the theme of scent memories and the dangers of reconnecting with primal emotions. Francesca also explores the central question Full Bloom dares to ask: What happens when you remove your inhibitions? This is a scent-filled conversation you don’t want to miss!

#156: Attention all Virgos! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia from last December which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Virgo sign (Aug 23 - Sept 22), which is part of the Earth element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Virgo, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Virgo friends out there! Next month we focus on Libra. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#155: Attention all Leo signs! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia from last December which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Leo sign (July 23-Aug 22), which is part of the Fire element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Leo, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Leo friends out there! Next month we focus on Virgo. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#154: Attention all Cancer signs! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia from last December which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Cancer sign (June 21-July 22), which is part of the Water element. Karima explains the unique traits, strengths and shadow sides of Cancer, and then Mauricio layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting. Have fun with this and feel free to share the episode with any of your Cancer friends out there! Next month we focus on Leo. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #130.

#153: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Charlie Atkins, who was born with no ability to smell and has never known smells, asks me a bunch of really tough questions about smells. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #50.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#152: In this episode Frauke sits down with multi-sensory artist Donna Lipowitz to talk about her various creative projects using scent. Donna takes us through her journey in film and television, and ultimately what led her to experiment with scent as a means of storytelling. She explains what inspired her to create the film Perfume Stories: 1989 Anais Anais L'Original, and shares what persuaded her to explore scented letters and smelling poems. Donna also talks about her two scent art projects at NYC’s Olfactory Art Keller, as well as breaks down her latest installation at the gallery: The Scent Lending Library. If you’ve ever thought about creating with scent, this is the episode for you! 

#151: In this week's whiff of wisdom, artisan perfumer Anjali Vandemark shares what inspired her to become a perfumer and how she approaches her creative process. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #93.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#150: In this episode Frauke sits down with philosophy professor Benjamin Young, PhD. to philosophize about smell. Ben shares what he believes are two big misconceptions about smell and explains how smells are cognitively represented and why that matters in philosophy.  He tells us how smell offers insights into consciousness and unconsciousness, and why he believes science needs to move beyond a visual orientation when it comes to olfactory research. Ben gives his explanation for why we struggle to name smells, and dives deeper into olfactory awareness. He also reveals what he hopes people will take away from the book, as well as what’s next on the horizon. This conversation will definitely leave you thinking about olfaction in new and interesting ways.

#149: In this week's whiff of wisdom, aromatherapist Audra James shares how you can harness scent for emotional and mental wellbeing. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #82.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#148: In honor of Earth Day and Sense of Smell Day, in this episode Frauke shares her tips for sustainably managing your perfumes and essential oils. She spells out what to do with those hardly/never worn fragrances gathering dust on your dresser - spoiler alert - don’t throw them in the garbage. Whether full, half-full, or completely empty, and no matter how new or old, Frauke guides you in how to sustainably relish, reduce, recycle, and rehome your entire fragrance collection. And if you want to buy something new, you’ll get tips on how to do so more consciously moving forward. Frauke also explains what to do with those essential oils you have laying around, and takes you step-by-step through the inventory clean-up process. This episode is jam-packed with environmentally friendly tips that will make you want to move forward more purposefully, mindful of the contributions we can each make to heal our planet. 

#147: In this week's whiff of wisdom, conservation biologist and clinical aromatherapist Dr. Kelly Ablard explains how you can help to conserve aromatic medicinal plants. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #13.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#146: In this episode, Frauke sits down with award-winning writer and biologist David George Haskell to talk about his book Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree. David explains how trees smell, reveals what aromatic language they use to communicate with other living beings, and spells out how we should smell a tree. He then shares what made him decide to write the book, including how we can re-engage with trees and rebuild connections to the natural world. David gives an inspiring answer to the question of which one tree we should smell, and reveals which tree smell is most meaningful to him. They then go deep into two of the thirteen smells in the book, the Green Ash tree and Gin & Tonic, where David reveals some intriguing aromatic stories. He also shares why it’s so important to pay attention and invites the listener to engage in practices of smelling (especially with others). David also explains why he chose to include the link between sound and smell to remind us that all of our senses are connected. He reveals what he hopes people will take away from the book, what gives him hope for the future, and what’s next for him (hint: it involves flowers!). This is a truly inspiring conversation that you’ll want to come back to again and again. 

#145: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Master Perfumer Christophe Laudamiel explains what people, especially the media, get wrong about sustainability in Perfumery. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #80.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life.

#144: In this episode, Frauke sits down with bespoke perfumer and Travertine Atelier CEO Terry Carter to discuss his journey as an aromatic entrepreneur. Terry shares the enormous influence his parents had, and why perfume has always been in his life. He explains what drew him to studying International Studies and Japanese in college, and how law school was a natural part of his journey. Terry then reveals how he started his business in 2004, shares why he’s always been a learner, and gives great advice on the key things that have given him longevity in his business career. Frauke and Terry discuss the importance of maintaining high standards, the continuing need for educating a misinformed public, and the importance of taking care of yourself through the highs and lows. Terry also gives a sneak-peak into an exciting new project he’s working on with Osmo Labs. This conversation is for anyone who is, or aspires to be, an aromatic entrepreneur. 

#143: In this week's whiff of wisdom, aromatherapist Jade Shutes shares how to buy, grow, and appreciate aromatic plants. A perfect episode to start Spring! To listen to the original full episode go to episode #69.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#142: In this episode, Frauke sits down with visual artist, singer, and writer Siôn Parkinson to discuss his new book Stinkhorn: How Nature’s Most Foul-Smelling Mushroom Can Change The Way We Listen. Siôn begins by sharing how he got interested in mushrooms and how he first came across the Stinkhorn. He explains the difference between “Stink” and “stink” and how sound is informed by smell. Siôn describes what the common Stinkhorn looks like, explains how it smells, and shares what role sound plays for the fungus. He also talks about his experience with phantosmia, and how olfactory and auditory hallucinations, while feeling crippling, have been an important part of the journey. Siôn also shares what he hopes people will get out of the book, and hopes we can all delight more in the abject and disgusting because it can be quite delightful. 

#141: In this week's whiff of wisdom, perfumer Rachel Binder explains how to rethink scent by avoiding preconceived notions, celebrating differences, maintaining personal relationships, and acknowledging origin stories in natural perfumery. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #44.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#140: To celebrate Anosmia Awareness Day, in this episode, Frauke sits down with acquired anosmic Katie Boateng and congenital anosmic Dia Kline to discuss the state of anosmia five years on from COVID. Katie and Dia begin by giving their report card for general public awareness, the anosmia community, doctors, and the scientific community before the pandemic, and where they believe we stand today. They then share what it's been like navigating life with no sense of smell since Anosmia was finally “put on the map”. Katie and Dia also talk about how to best continue to get the message out about anosmia and what ONE thing needs to be done to really, truly make a difference. Finally, they share what they hope to see happen in the next 5 years, and tell us how we can best support the anosmia community. This conversation is an honest, yet hopeful look at the state of anosmia today. 

#139: In this episode, Frauke sits down with perfumer and olfactory artist Naoko Kusunoki to explore Japanese olfaction. Naoko shares her view about the current scent culture, including the preferred scent profiles, popular perfumes, and how the Japanese integrate scent into their everyday life. She then explains Kōdō (Koh-do), the incense ceremony and why listening to scent helps you appreciate incense. Naoko shares what traditional materials are used in the ceremony, as well as the types of games that are played. Lastly, Naoko shares about her olfactory art projects, including the mind maps she prepares to illustrate her creative process. 

#138: In this week's whiff of wisdom, vocalist, piano teacher and aromatherapist Yuliana Kireyeva shares how to listen to scent. Yuliana explains how she listens to what she’s smelling and turns it into music. You’ll  also hear her play the piano and give her melodic interpretation of three scents - lemon, clove, and patchouli. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #77.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#137: In this episode, Frauke sits down with cognitive scientist and professor Jonas Olofsson to discuss his new book The Forgotten Sense: The New Science of Smell and the Extraordinary Power of the Nose. Prof. Olofsson, PhD shares how some of the myths about our sense of smell developed throughout history, including the role literacy played in devaluing our sense of smell so much. He explains why we’re all unique smellers, what makes olfactory memories different to other sensory memories, and why we’re so bad at identifying smells. Prof. Olofsson also clarifies if women are better smellers than men, and if we can rely on our sense of smell for information. They also get into the topics of chemical sensitivities, the science of aromatherapy, and what he’s learned about the relationship between authoritarianism and smell. If you’re curious about your sense of smell, this conversation will be sure to please. 

#136: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Nigerian perfumer, teacher, and artistic curator Deola “Abela” Inyang shares what she’s doing to get people to think more about, and connect with, the smells of their homeland. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #49.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#135: In this episode, Frauke sits down with curator Julie Bellemare to talk about the millennia-long relationships between glass, perfumery, and the storage of scent. Her curated exhibit called Sensorium: Stories of Glass and Fragrance is currently on display through February 23, 2025 at the Corning Museum of Glass. Julie shares the role glass has played in medicine and chemistry, and reveals the first time a glass bottle was tied to a specific scent. She explains how perfume innovations like distillation and advances in chemistry reshaped glass bottles, and introduced beautiful new artistic trends. Julie also shares the specific glass techniques that were used throughout history, and reveals how perfume bottles evolved as glass evolved. This episode is for everyone who enjoys perfume and appreciates the unique relationship between glass and scent.

#134: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Institute for Art and Olfaction director and founder Saskia Wilson-Brown shares why she believes working with scent is a human right that we should all have access to, and explains why it’s more than just liquid in a bottle. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #51.

Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous guest. The aim is to offer you a whiff of wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#133: On this fourth anniversary of An Aromatic Life, just like every year, Frauke shares what her recent guests revealed when asked “What does the sense of smell mean to you?” This New Year's episode is a chance to reflect on this beautiful, complicated, and under-appreciated sense and ask what it can do for you. It's also an invitation to incorporate more smelling into your life in 2025. Be curious. Be open. And stay connected.

#132: In this year end episode, Frauke revisits some of her favorite guest insights from 2024.  

#131: In this week's whiff of wisdom, artist and designer Dr. Kate McLean shares why we should appreciate our own city’s smellscape and what specifically we should be smelling. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #70.

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 wisdom for your aromatic life, as well as give you some inspiration to try new things that use your sense of smell more. 

#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 and visualizations into the material world. Karima explains the particular characteristics of the four elemental signs, then delves into each individual Zodiac sign, revealing their unique traits, strengths, and shadow sides. Mauricio then layers on the aromatic support that’s most fitting for each sign, sharing what scents can help activate or balance, depending on need. He also shares what aromatic rituals can be particularly helpful for each sign. This episode will leave you feeling seen and will give you fantastic practical aromatic tips that you’ll want to implement asap.