“For Man is held by everything he holds. Release your grip on things if you would not be in their grip.”

― Mikhail Naimy, The Book of Mirdad: The Strange Story of a Monastery which was Once Called The Ark

This conversation with George Chlouk moves through fragrance, philosophy, and the emotional terrain of being human in challenging times. We begin with the cultural depth of Lebanese perfumery—its reliance on local flora, the influences of tourism and tradition, and ancient techniques like enfleurage that still echo through contemporary scent‑making.

From there, the discussion expands into the transformational ideas found in The Book of Mirdad: The Strange Story of a Monastery Which Was Once Called The Ark. Its reflections on letting go, navigating change, and embracing uncertainty become touchpoints as George and our host consider how individuals evolve—much like raw materials becoming something entirely new through alchemy.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the world around us and the dissonance of trying to maintain “normalcy” in the presence of violence. Literature, spirituality, and fragrance all emerge as grounding forces—ways of processing reality and making meaning when the world feels unstable.

Through it all, scent remains a vital thread. George offers insight into how fragrance interacts with identity and place: how comfort, memory, culture, and aspiration shape what we wear and how we move through the world.

Fragrances mentioned:

Eau de Campagne - Sisley

Édition Imperiale - Courvoisier

Bois d’Encens - Armani Prive

Book discussed:

The Book of Mirdad: The Strange Story of a Monastery Which Was Once Called The Ark - Mikhail Naimy

Find George on

Instagram: @intuitive_alchemy_

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Heaven did not seem to be my home; and I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth; and the angels were so angry that they flung me out into the middle of the heath on the top of Wuthering Heights; where I woke sobbing for joy.”

― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

It feels like Wuthering Heights has swept back into the cultural conversation—whether it’s through rereads of the novel, rewatches of film adaptations, or simply the collective fascination with its gothic storms and tangled emotions. And honestly… how could a librarian not wade into that literary storm?

In this episode, I’m joined by Suzy from Scent n’ Sensibility for a spirited exploration of Emily Brontë’s iconic novel. We try to touch on as many aspects as possible: its wild emotional extremes, its bleak and beautiful setting, the messy humanity of its characters, and the way this story somehow manages to linger darkly in the corner.

We also take a closer look at Emerald Fennell’s recent reimagining of the Wuthering Heights universe. How does it reshape Brontë’s themes? And where does it veer into territory that feels… let’s say, ambitiously debatable?

If you’re a gothic fiction fan, a fragrance nerd, or just someone who enjoys a bit of delicious literary chaos—this one’s for you.

Fragrances mentioned:

L'orpheline - Serge Lutens

Velvet Moss - Scent Trunk

Oud Infini - Dusita

Relique d’Amour - Oriza L. Legrand

Gorseland - Jorum Studios

Cabochard - Gres

Caleche - Hermes

Anglomania - Vivienne Westwood

Ectoplasm - Fantôme

Book discussed:

Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë

Film discussed:

”Wuthering Heights” - Director Emerald Fennell

Find Suzy on

Instagram: @scen.tnsensibility

TikTok: @scentnsensibility

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.