
An Aromatic Life
Our sense of smell is one of the most underappreciated senses we have. Host Frauke Galia aims to shed light on this beautiful sense and increase its profile in a culture dominated by sight and sound.
Listen as she explores our sense of smell from different angles, including science, art , literature, movies, health, and much more. And she'll explore how our sense of smell impacts our life, including the ways we perceive the world and how we interpret what we experience.
Join Frauke, and her guests, as she makes sense of the most allusive, yet mesmerizing sense we have.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 19min
How You Can Help Conserve Aromatic Medicinal Plants (Whiff of Wisdom) | Dr. Kelly Ablard
#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. Learn more about the IUCN Red ListLearn more about The Airmid InstituteGet Airmid’s free biannual list of threatened species hereLearn about the rosewood Toucan ProjectFollow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project

Apr 10, 2025 • 60min
13 Ways To Smell a Tree with David George Haskell
#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. Visit David’s website: https://dghaskell.com/Visit Blackwell’s Bookstore (UK)Listen to Katherine Lehman’s musical interpretations of the 13 smells on SoundcloudConnect with David on Instagram @davidgeorgehaskellConnect with David on Facebook: @DavidGeorgeHaskellGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonFollow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project

Apr 3, 2025 • 14min
Sustainability Myths in Perfumery (Whiff of Wisdom) | Christophe Laudamiel
#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.Learn more about Christophe and his work here.Learn about Christophe's initiative The Perfumery Code of Ethics.Read the Keap article about Fragrance Transparency: Natural vs SyntheticsFollow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project

Mar 27, 2025 • 51min
Aromatic Entrepreneurship with Terry Carter
#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. Visit Terry’s website: www.travertinespa.com and check out his new line VinceróConnect with Terry on Instagram @travertinespacollection Connect with Terry on LinkedIn: @travertinespaGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonFollow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project

Mar 20, 2025 • 15min
How To Buy, Grow, and Appreciate Aromatic Plants (Whiff of Wisdom) | Jade Shutes
#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. Visit Jade's school: The School For Aromatic StudiesConnect with Jade on Instagram and FacebookSearch for a botanical garden where you live: https://tools.bgci.org/garden_search.phpSearch for a community garden in the U.S. near you: https://www.communitygarden.org/garden Follow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project

Mar 13, 2025 • 57min
Stinkhorn: The Mushroom With a Smelly Sound with Siôn Parkinson
#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. Learn more about Siôn Parkinson’s work: https://www.sionparkinson.com/Check out Stinkhorn: How Nature’s Most Foul-Smelling Mushroom Can Change The Way We ListenListen to Brian Eno’s Neroli on SpotifyGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonFollow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project

Mar 6, 2025 • 12min
Rethinking Scent: Embracing Difference, Connection, and Origin (Whiff of Wisdom) | Rachel Binder
#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. Follow Rachel on Instagram @pomersstolenperfumeVisit Rachel's website Pomare's Stolen Perfume Follow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project

Feb 27, 2025 • 57min
The State of Anosmia in 2025 with Katie Boateng & Dia Kline
#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. Learn about The Smell & Taste Association of North AmericaVisit Dia’s YouTube channelWatch the movieCODAFollow Frauke on Instagram:@an_aromatic_life Visit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonLearn about Frauke'sScent*Tattoo Project

Feb 20, 2025 • 32min
Japanese Olfaction: Scent Culture, Kōdō, and Olfactory Art with Naoko Kusunoki
#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. Visit Naoko’s websitewww.yourexclusive.jpWatch Naoko’s olfactory art projectThe SCENTS of SCRIABIN SONATASFollow Naoko on Instagram@naoko_perfumerGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonFollow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_lifeVisit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comLearn about Frauke'sScent*Tattoo Project

Feb 13, 2025 • 16min
How To Listen To Scent (Whiff of Wisdom) | Yuliana Kireyeva
#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. Follow Yuliana on Instagram @olfactorysoundsGet No Place for Plants children's book on AmazonFollow Frauke on Instagram: @an_aromatic_lifeVisit Frauke's website www.anaromaticlife.comLearn about Frauke's Scent*Tattoo Project
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