Throughline History of the Self: Smell and Memory
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Dec 19, 2024 
Christina Kim, a reporter and producer on the Throughline team, teams up with Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and author specializing in the psychology of smell. Together, they explore the profound connection between scent and memory, showing how aromas evoke powerful personal narratives. They share fascinating insights on how smells shape identity and recall, discuss the impact of losing one’s sense of smell during COVID, and highlight historical significance by connecting olfactory experiences to cultural narratives and trauma.
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Smell and Personal History
- Christina Kim's childhood memories are deeply tied to the scent of a Spanish perfume.
- This scent evokes feelings of home, family, and comfort, connecting her to her grandmother and mother.
The Complexity of Smell
- Smelling involves complex processing of numerous molecules by the nose and brain.
- This process allows us to distinguish and recognize specific scents.
Loss of Smell
- Christina Kim lost her sense of smell due to COVID-19.
- This loss deeply affected her, severing her connection to loved ones and memories tied to scent.
