Between the Notes

About Between the Notes

Between the Notes is an exploration of beauty and aesthetics, past and present. Host: Sarah Jarrar Music & Sound: Jasem Jarrar

Publisher

Sarah Jarrar

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Apr 2025

Latest episode

31 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Oct 2025

   18: Wet Willies & that Italian-American Dolce Vita

   This week is all about new smells; loved brands are revisited, new ones discovered. Olfactory cravings? Consider them satiated (for now). Fragrances mentioned: Neroli Pomodoro, Caffè Amaro/ Bianco Profumo Do Son/ Diptyque Tamarindo/ Memo Paris Tuberose Tantra, The Poet & Wedding in Oaxaca/ Kismet Olfactive Jardins de Misfah/ Une Nuit Nomade Glow/ Akro Vetiver in Wool/ Scents of Wood Un Bel Amour d’Été/ Parfum d’Empire Workaholic/ Fugazzi Be sure to follow on Instagram ⁠⁠@btwnotes⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/#) for more smelly updates, and feel free to leave a comment or reach out through email at btwnotespod@gmail.com. Music & sound engineering: Jasem Jarrar

2. 

   17 Oct 2025

   17: Tuberosa Primarosa & The Ultimate Vibe Curators

   This week is all about discovering the breadth of Tuberose fragrances: the creamy, the fruity, the metallic and the narcotic. We also chat about a recent column from Jessica DeFino on strong smells, and an Ottoman lost artisanal profession (aka, the ultimate vibe curators): incense burning. Swipe to last image to see my favorite tuberose - a deep dive to come on that next episode! Fragrances mentioned: Tuberoza / Nishane Narcotic V. / Nasomatto Honor Woman 43 / Amouage Café Tuberosa / Atelier Cologne Tubereuse / Headspace Tuberose & Moss / Rogue Perfumery Eshaal & Pichola / Neela Vermeire Creations Tuberose Tantra / Kismet Olfactive Moonwake Tuberose / Nomad Noé Readings: Jessica Defino: "I’m sensitive to the scents my children’s friend brings into the house. What do I do?" Ask Ugly Column for the Guardian Ergin, Nina, "The Fragrance of the Divine: Ottoman Incense Burners and Their Context" The Art Bulletin, New York: RoutledgeCheck out Goldensniff's awesome Tuberose axis here (https://www.tiktok.com/@goldensniffs/video/7475153222785699115) Be sure to follow on Instagram ⁠@btwnotes⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/#) for more smelly updates, and feel free to leave a comment or reach out through email at btwnotespod@gmail.com. Music & sound engineering: Jasem Jarrar

3. 

   23 Sept 2025

   16: Chewy Smells & Drinking Frankincense

   This week is full of new smells, old favorites and some heartbreaks. I also chat about the unique ways frankincense is used in Omani daily life as discussed in Hajer Harrathi's work. Fragrances mentioned: Molecule 01 + Iris / Escentric Molecules Delta of Venus / Eris Parfums Tubéreuse Absolue / Perris Monte Carlo Burrow / Paraphrase Parfum Champaca / Ormonde Jayne Milky Dragon / Isabelle Larignon Pluck! / Jerom Studios Forbidden Bloom / Mabelle O'Rama Fougère Émeraude / Les Indémodables Island Lush / Goldfield & Banks Vanilla Powder / Matière Première Roasted Green Tea, Sumo Wrestler / J-Scent Vetiver Bourbon/ Parfum D'Empire Reading: Frankincense's Ritual Uses in Oman: An Anthropological Study, Hajer Harrathi (Al-Muntaqa, 2023) Podcast music & Sound Engineering: Jasem Jarrar Be sure to follow on Instagram @btwnotes (https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/#) for more smelly updates, and feel free to leave a comment or reach out through email at btwnotespod@gmail.com

4. 

   6 Sept 2025

   15: Scent & Social (Im)mobility

   We often think about smell and fragrance in a vacuum; as a alternative form of self expression or beauty. But, scent is political. In this episode Sarah discusses Shivani Kapoor's writing on how Dalit autobiographies highlight smell and a critical experience that defines the caste system in India, and connect it to broader ideas of smelling "of your class". Don't worry, I of course chat about pretty smells too (perfume oils especially!) Fragrances mentioned: - Pear Inc/ JHAG - Myth/Ellis Brooklyn - 3 Fleurs, Le Cri, Vetiver Bourbon, Tabac Tabou/ Parfum d'Empire - Egyptian Musk, Sandalwood/ Nemat - O'Feminin/ M. Micallef - Yara/ Lattafa - Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere Reading: Shivani Kapoor: "Words that Smell: Caste and Odors in Hindi Dalit Autobiographies" in Aromas of Asia: Exchanges Histories, Threats. Edited by Hannah Gould & Gwyn McClelland Be sure to follow on Instagram @btwnotes (https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/). If you have recommendations or want to say hi, you can also email at btwnotespod@gmail.com Music & Sound Engineering: Jasem Jarrar

5. 

   22 Aug 2025

   14: I Need to Smell Like Shampoo'ed Hair... Now

   This week is all about comfort scents, and the ongoing search for a new hyperfixation: the soapy, bubbly, shampoo-y scents of your dreams (a sign of the times). I need to know: what's the squeaky, fruity floral concoction you find yourself back to now and then? Fragrances mentioned: Hydra Figure/ Miller Harris Fascent/ I Fig you No. 19 Poudre & No. 5 Eau Premeire/ Chanel Sandalwood/ Nemat Kimono/ d'Annam Queen Nzinga/ Marissa Zappas Porcelain Pulse/ Roan Champaca/ Ormonde Jayne Ghost in The Shell, You or Someone Like You / Etat Libre D'orange Purple, Blue Pour Femme, Bright Crystal/ Versace Pear Inc./ JHAG Lazy Sunday Morning/ Maison Margiella Sweet Pea/ Bath and Body Works Myth/ Ellis Brooklyn Be sure to follow where you listen and keep in touch on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/#)@btwnotes! Have something to share? Write to btwnotespod@gmail.com Music & Sound Engineering: Jasem Jarrar

6. 

   8 Aug 2025

   13: The Cardamom Shortlist & Scents of Home (Fragmented Yet Whole)

   Looking for a cardamom fragrance to fit your mood? Look no further, from the opulent to shape-shifting, Sarah shares the ultimate shortlist has a something for everyone, and then gets into the olfactive power of protest and memory that enables us to retain ties (even if complicated ones) to our places of origin. Fragrances mentioned: Trayee / Neela Vermeire Creations Nordic Cedar / Maya Njie Kyoto / Comme des Garçons Moon milk/ Stora Skuggan Tchai/ Hima Jomo Jaipur chai/ Ineke Parfums Otis & Me / Jazmin Saraï Honorable mentions: Night Flower / Eris Parfum No. 7/ Enchanted Alchemy Readings: Lyrics: Fontaines D.C., Fairouz " El Kods Al Atika, القدس العتيقة" Book: "Men in the Sun" Ghassan Kanafani Make sure to follow where you listen, Between the Notes on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/), and message if something struck a chord with you! Music & Sound Engineering: Jasem Jarrar (@jas3m.j)

7. 

   18 Jul 2025

   12: Impulse Buys, Cardamom & Fragrance Recession Indicators

   This week's episode is a bit more relaxed and chatty as Sarah talks about a recent smell trip, an very impulsive buy, the continued search for the perfect cardamom fragrance, and fragrance recession indicators (not all facts, observations and vibes). Fragrances/ products mentioned: Neroli Body Oil/ Nuxe Body Lotion in Black Rose & Oud/ Salt & Stone The New Savant Candles (Androgyne was the favorite) Amber/ Nemat Nippon Kodo Incense Sticks (Musk, Jasmine, Green Tea, Lotus & Sandalwood) Olivenol Body Cream/ Medipharma Cosmetics Mure, Bergamote/ Outremer Summer in Paro, Tchai/ Hima Jomo Dandelion Butter/ Clue Perfumery Moonmilk/ Stora Skuggan Toor Toor/ Regime de Fleurs Fleur d' Ete/ Bienaime Golestan, L'Air du Desert Marocain, L'Air Des Alpes Suisses/ Andy Tauer Matchbox Romance/ Binaurale You can follow Between the Notes on Instagram @btwnotes (https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/) Feel free to reach out to the show's email: btwnotespod@gmail.com Music & Sound Engineering: Jasem Jarrar

8. 

   4 Jul 2025

   11: Do You Smell "Vulnerable"? A Village In Indonesia Can Answer

   Sarah reviews fragrances from d'Annam, Chapel Factory, and Aesop, then explores Saki Tanada's research on the connection between smell and states of being in Lombok, Indonesia.

9. 

   28 Jun 2025

   10: AI, Perfume & Craftsmanship

   Sarah discusses Amer Perfume's Arabian Jasmine, Perennial, and Mandaroud, then explores AI's introduction into the perfume industry and its impact on craftsmanship.

10. 

    20 Jun 2025

    9: Smells of Egypt, Past & Present

    Sarah reviews Neela Vermeire Creations' Trayee and explores Dora Goldsmith's research on ancient Egyptian smellscapes, contrasting them with modern Egyptian scents.

11. 

    6 Jun 2025

    8: Incense & Smellmaxxing, a tale as old as time? (yes and no)

    The hosts of "Between the Notes" explore incense fragrances and the concept of smellmaxxing, examining its historical context and modern relevance, while also discussing various perfume recommendations.

12. 

    30 May 2025

    7: Narcissus & Fragrant Identities in Zanzibar

    The hosts review a narcissus fragrance and Rosabelle Boswell's work on Zanzibar fragrance practices, exploring shifts after the 1964 revolution and documenting intangible cultural heritage.

13. 

    23 May 2025

    6: Discovery Deep Dive - Les Indémodables

    The host of Between the Notes explores the Les Indémodables collection, discussing its elegant yet playful approach to traditionally used materials in perfumery.

14. 

    18 May 2025

    5: Big Bottle Manifesto & Hiram Green

    This week we chat about musings on my personal "big bottle manifesto" and discuss the Hiram Green discovery set. Spoiler: Tryst has become my most beloved orange blossom fragrance. Ever. Let me know your favorites from the brand! Fragrances mentioned: Papyrus Oud/ Parle Moi de Parfum Neroli Nasimba/ Maison Crivelli Riva/ Lootah O'Feminin/ M.Micallef All of me/ Narcisco Rodriguez Maggie the Cat is Alive i'm Alive/ Marissa Zappas La Panthere Parfum/ Cartier Discovery set/ Hiram Green Be sure to comment & follow on Instagram @btwnnotes Sound & engineering: Jasem Jarrar @jas3m.j

15. 

    9 May 2025

    4: Japan Etymology & Decolonizing Scent

    This week we chat out decolonizing our sense of smell, Japanese linguistics and the antidote to perfume overconsumption all in one go! Both segments of today show are taken to discuss a wonderful piece by Lorenzo Marinucci, but next week we will be back with new smells and perfume reviews! Neroli Oranger/ Matiere Premiere Galavant / House of Puente Phoenix Flame/ Mabelle O'Rama Incense Kyoto/ Comme des Garçons Works cited: Marinucci, Lorenzo. " On a Trail of Incense: Japan and Olfactory Thought". Aromas of Asia: Exchanges, Histories, Threats, edited by Hannah Gould and Gwyn McClelland, University Park, USA: Penn State University Press, 2023" Fragrance and Impermanence" from Joseph Colbourne's Substack https://tinyurl.com/mwkw4ms6 Between the Notes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/# Music & sound: Jasem Jarrar @jas3m.j

16. 

    26 Apr 2025

    3: New buys & Scents from the Seyahatname

    What did scented dreams and smelly caves say about 17th century Ottoman social mobility and global positioning? Why do I like perfume oils so much? How many Turkish words can I mispronounce in an hour? All are answered on this week's episode! I get into some new perfume acquisitions, hint at some discovery sets on the way, and review "Aromas of knowledge, networks of scent: tracing the olfactory imagination of a 17th-century Ottoman traveler" by Rao Mohsin Ali Noor. Let me know your thoughts! Perfumes mentioned: Ashore/ Amouage Ambre Supreme / Les IndémodablesGucci Bloom / Gucci Lust/ Lush Otis & Me / Jazmin Saraï 3 Fleurs / Parfum D'Empire Jasmin et Cigarette / Etat Libre D'Orange Various perfume oils/ Tarife Attar *Mehmet Efendi was the writer I was referring that is associated with the last cave passage discussed; Yazıcıde is the word I couldn't pronounce and I read that is was a term to refer to someone who was the "son of a writer" or someone who was apart of the Ottoman court. Citation for work discussed: Aromas of knowledge, networks of scent: tracing the olfactory imagination of a 17th-century Ottoman traveler, Noor, Rao Mohsin Ali. Abingdon: Routledge, The senses & society, 2023-01, Vol.18 (1), p.52-65 Be sure to comment and follow on Spotify and Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/ Sound engineering and music: Jasem Jarrar

17. 

    15 Apr 2025

    2: Mama Perfumes & Tang Dynasty Saffron

    Welcome to Episode 2 of Between the Notes! This week Sarah defines what a "mama perfume" is and reviews works that outline the "cultural biography" of aromatics like Saffron in 7th century China. Fragrances mentioned: Beautiful, Knowing and Knowing legacy by Estee Lauder Charlie Azure by Revlon Chanel No. 5 & Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere by Chanel O'Feminin by M. Micallef Rival by Lootah Iris Celadon by Armani Prive Incense Kyoto by Commes De Garcon Oak in Oak by Scents of Wood Vetiver Bourbon by Parfum D'Empire Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/ Works cited: Scented Protection: Saffron's Transcultural Premodern History by Yan Liu, 2023The Golden Peaches of Samarkand: A Study of T'ang Exotics, Volume 1 by Edward H. Schafer, 1963 Sound engineering & music: Jasem Jarrar

18. 

    9 Apr 2025

    1: Escapism for Spring & Decentralizing Musk

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of Between the Notes! Hosted by Sarah, a lifelong lover of perfume, this podcast explores fragrance through a social and historical lens. Between the Notes aims to challenge common understandings of perfume across time and place, highlighting its rich cultural significance. And while we’re at it, I’ll also share some of my current favorite scents! Fragrances mentioned: 3 Fleurs: Parfum d' Empire Reflection Man: Amouage Night Flower: Eris Parfums Indigo Smoke: Arquiste For a similar vibe to the musky concoctions/ oils mentioned: check out Smell of Dubai and Nemat perfume oils (US) Main source referenced: The Musk Trade and the Near East in the Early Medieval Period by Anya H. King *Sogdian Letters (1-5) dates to around 312-313 CE You can follow and comment on Between the Notes on Spotify, and get the latest updates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btwnnotes/ Sound Engineering: Jasem Jarrar (@jas3m.j)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,264

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

24

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.