“How cyclical and bittersweet for a child to retrace the image of their mother. For a subject to turn back to document their archivist.”

― Michelle Zauner, Crying in H Mart

This episode’s guest is Thomas Dunckley — fragrance expert, six-time Jasmine Award winner, and the voice behind the much-loved blog The Candy Perfume Boy. Thomas has made it his mission to make perfume accessible, joyful, and free from snobbery through his podcast Making Scents Make Sense.

Our conversation explores the deep connections between fragrance, memory, and identity. We talked about how scent can transport us through time, evoke powerful emotions, and reflect who we are — or who we want to be. Thomas shares his thoughts on the importance of inclusivity in the fragrance community and how personal experiences shape the way we interact with fragrance.

We also discussed Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, reflecting on the book’s themes of grief, cultural identity, and the mother-child bond. Thomas paired these themes with fragrance recommendations that speak to comfort, nostalgia, and the emotional resonance of scent.

Whether you're a seasoned perfume lover or just beginning to explore the world of fragrance, this episode is a celebration of scent as story — and the joy it brings to our lives.

Fragrances mentioned:

Pho Breakfast - d’Naam

Concombre d'Inde et Menthe de Syrie - Officine Universelle Buly

Sunday - Arielle Shoshana

Vetiveria -Ormonde Jayne

Eau de Magnolia - Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle

Lupin Meadow - Nancy Meiland

Allure - Chanel

Angel - Mugler

Book mentioned:

Crying in the H Mart - Michelle Zauner

Find Thomas here:

Instagram: @makingscentsmakesense

Website: thomasdunckley.com

Find Japanese Breakfast here:

japanesebreakfast.rocks

Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

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