This episode’s guest is Anjali Vandemark, an artisanal perfumer and writer based on Bainbridge Island, WA. Born and raised in India, Anjali’s early life was steeped in the rich aromas of tropical flowers, attars, incense, and spices—experiences that now shape her handcrafted, small-batch perfumes.
Anjali shares her unique journey from India to the United States, exploring how her deep connection to scent evolved into a creative practice that blends cultural heritage with the art of perfumery. We talk about the significance of fragrance in Indian society, the challenges of translating scent across cultures, and the surprising role of olfaction in science fiction storytelling.
Our conversation also touches on gender and identity in fragrance, including Anjali’s reflections on the character Murderbot. Throughout, she emphasizes the power of scent to evoke memory, emotion, and a deeper understanding of self and culture.
Fragrances mentioned:
Synthetic Jungle (Nature) - Frederic Malle
Books discussed:
Sandalwood and Carrion: Smell in Indian Religion and Culture - James M. McHugh
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
All Systems Red - Martha Wells
Find Anjali here:
Instagram:
TikTok:
Website:
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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