The Fragrance Files

Jaksot

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  Honoring History with Harlem Perfume Co. 11.09.2026 55min

  Teri Johnson, the owner of Harlem Perfume Co. and Harlem Candle Co., shares her journey from travel and lifestyle expert to creating a brand focused on history and storytelling through fragrance. She discusses the inspiration behind her fragrances, the importance of the Harlem Renaissance, and the unique storytelling capability of perfume. The conversation delves into the creative process of fragrance and candle creation, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and historical authenticity. Chapters00:00 The Journey to Perfume01:05 From Travel to Harlem Candle Company03:39 Inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance21:30 The Power of Fragrance Storytelling32:14 Collaboration and Creative Briefs34:00 The Art of Storytelling in Fragrance Creation38:23 Symbiotic Relationship Between Perfumer and Creative Director42:41 Expansion into Sephora and Brick-and-Mortar Retailers47:36 Celebrating Black Culture and Untold Stories
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  Audience Q&A Pt. 2 04.09.2026 1t 6min

  We take on the audience questions again, with libations flowing we get into some more contentious areas and hot takes. Let us know what you want to hear from us next!Chapters00:00 The Impact of Storytelling and Marketing in the Fragrance Industry14:40 The Future of the Fragrance Industry and Audience Engagement18:32 Accessibility in Fragrance Stores31:20 Fragrances and Personal Memories31:37 Fragrance Experiences and Emotional Connections34:30 Fragrance Memories and Personal Traditions35:44 The Direction of the Fragrance Industry42:11 Fragrances to Smell vs. Wear47:13 Appreciating and Disliking Fragrances53:01 The Influence of Brand Storytelling56:12 The Impact of Feedback on Fragrance Creation01:00:24 Perception of Fragrance Notes01:05:51 The Role of Influencers in Fragrance Culture
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  She's So Influxious 28.08.2026 1t 16min

  This week we were able to sit down with the mother of PerfumeTok and founder of Influxious- Funmi Monet to discuss her rise in social media and what changes when you become a founder vs a reviewer.Chapters00:00 The Scented Journey05:03 The Evolution of Fragrance Content08:13 Representation and Diversity in Fragrance12:28 The Impact of Social Media on Fragrance Talk20:49 The Sheinification of Perfume Talk26:35 From Collaboration to Brand Creation29:40 Creative Control and Ownership34:09 Principles of Excellence37:55 Foundational Experiences and Fragrance Creation43:01 Gold Standard and Magic Hour48:37 Magic Hour and High Life54:00 The Creation of High Life Fragrance55:09 Inspiration from Nigerian Culture56:06 Launching in Sephora and Navigating Criticism57:08 Empathy for Brands and Creators01:03:15 Promoting Black-Owned Fragrance Brands01:12:29 Highlighting Favorite Black-Owned Fragrances
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  Belonging with Jazmin Saraï 21.08.2026 1t 8min

  Dana El Masri of Jazmin Saraï shares her olfactory journey, the intersection of scent and music, and the challenges of olfactory art in the modern world. The conversation delves into the intersection of scent, culture, and identity, exploring the emotional and cultural significance of fragrance. It also addresses the Eurocentric nature of perfumery and the impact of music on scent creation.TakeawaysOlfactory art requires a level of awareness and perception that often goes unnoticed in the modern world.The emergence of AI and digital platforms has impacted the fragrance industry, creating challenges and opportunities for perfumers. Cultural complexity influences scent creationEurocentric bias in perfumeryMusic's influence on scent creation Emotion and authenticity are integral to the creation of fragrancesFragrance plays a significant role in preserving history and culture
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  Audience Q&A 07.08.2026 1t 14min

  We asked you, our viewers, to give us questions you've wanted our perspective on.This is one of the most fun episodes we've had and hope you enjoy. If you'd like to submit something for part two- DM us on any platform or comment below!
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  The Haunted World of Heretic Parfum 31.07.2026 1t 22min

  Beyond the perfume, Douglas Little is building haunted worlds.In this episode of The Fragrance Files, we sit down with the founder of Heretic Parfum to explore why darkness, folklore, horror, and the supernatural have always been fertile ground for scent. Douglas shares the origins of Heretic, the challenges of building an independent fragrance house before niche perfume became mainstream, and why natural materials continue to inspire his creative process despite their unpredictability.Together, we unpack fragrance as storytelling, from texture and atmosphere to emotion and memory.
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  Michael Nordstrand's Vehicles of Discovery Pt. 2 24.07.2026 1t 27min

  Following Scent Fest, we sat down with Michael Nordstrand to re-record the second part of his episode. Apologies for the delay but enjoy a poignant, hilarious, and extra long episode to make up for it where we discuss the importance of authorship in perfumery
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  The Scent Fest Episode 17.07.2026 1t 9min

  It's the Scent Fest Episode Y'all!Delightfully unhinged, we dive into the memories made, the people we saw, and brands we loves, the perfumes we missed, and the bottles we brought home!
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  Olfactory NYC with JJ Vittoria 10.07.2026 56min

  The conversation this week delves into the challenges in the fragrance industry, disrupting the industry, accessibility and experience, the model of Olfactory NYC- with the founder JJ Vittoria discussing the role of perfumers, creating fragrance elements, and customer connection and experience.
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  House of Iyrah with Samira Mbang 03.07.2026 1t 3min

  Samira shares her early fascination with fragrance, influenced by her mother's anosmia and her own emotional connection to scent. She introduces House of Iyrah and discusses the emotive approach to fragrance creation. The conversation delves into the importance of smell and the process of evaluating fragrances, as well as personal aversions to certain fragrance notes.
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  The Perfume Guy & The Goth Fragrance Bestie 24.06.2026 49min

  This week Josh sits down with Sebastian Jara, also known as The Perfume Guy. With over a decade of perfume content creation and a collection spanning in the thousands, Sebastian has a distinct vision of fragrance as an industry, art form, and community.Tune in next week when Michy returns, back to our normal Friday spot!
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  Liz & The Vapor Parade 19.06.2026 1t 14min

  Liz, also known as The Vapor Parade, shares her contrarian outlook on fragrance, emphasizing originality and authenticity. We explore her journey of discovering fragrance, niche fragrances, and the impact of specific scents on her life, as well as, transition from the service industry to the tech industry.
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  Michy Goes To Esxence 12.06.2026 1t 5min

  This week it's just the two of us talking about Michy's trip to Milan for Esxence and about things we're loving heading into the summer. Lots of recommendations and lots of PR this week. Thank you to the brands who are supporting our work!
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  Witnessing & Archiving with The Pitaya Collective 05.06.2026 1t 9min

  This week we sit down with Paula Morales of The Pitaya Collective to discuss how spirituality, memory, death, and grief are tied to scent.Fragrance functions as a bridge between the physical, psychological, and spiritual in a way other scents cannot. We wanted to explore that facet with Paula and their perspective as a Mayan Timekeeper and an archivist.
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  Michael Nordstrand's Vehicles of Discovery Pt. 1 29.05.2026 1t 8min

  **Disclaimer at the time of filming this episode the Estee Lauder and Puig merger was still happening. It has since fallen apart. Dries Van Noten will not be part of Estee Lauder.**This week is the first part of a highly anticipated conversation with the one, the only, Michael Nordstrand about the state of the perfume industry, the ugly underbelly of being a perfumer, and the shifting role of the perfumer in a world trying to focus on scale and sales.Tune in next week for part two!
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  The Compounding of The Alloy Studio 23.05.2026 53min

  This week we sit down with Eddie and Bryson of The Alloy Studios to discuss the brand's foundation in black culture and queer culture before moving into fragrance as fashion, armor, and a way of life.
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  Hoshi Gotta Be On Our Podcast w/ Hoshi Gato 15.05.2026 1t 4min

  This week we sit down with Ember, the founder and perfumer of Hoshi Gato on everything from the brand's origins to the snake oil educators of faux perfumery on social media
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  The Fumed Episode 08.05.2026 48min

  Title kinda says it all on this one, we talk about Fumed and hear from both attendees and brands from the show.
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  Comfort Scents & Nostaliga 01.05.2026 1t 5min

  This week the conversation delves into the emotional and practical role of fragrance in daily life, exploring the impact of comfort scents on emotional regulation and relaxation. We discuss the complexity vs. simplicity in fragrance creation and the significance of bedtime rituals and comfort scents in our lives.
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  Mitti Parfum: A Love Story 24.04.2026 1t 5min

  This week we delve into the power of a creative couple who founded Mitti as a testament to their relationship. Ridhima leads copy and creative, while Neerav is lead perfumer. The two talk about balance, trust, and make us all question our relationships.The lingering question on everyone's mind: When was the last time I trusted someone to make my coffee?