The World of Taste & Smell

Born this Way: All about Olfactory Receptors

In this episode, Stephanie Feuer talks with WTSA Advisor Sandeepa Dey, a Bay Area-based biotech consultant.Sandeepa has worked on applying olfactory research to practical challenges within the F&F sector. She holds a Ph.D. from Duke University, where her research focused on using olfactory receptors to decode smell.
This episode unpacks the science of olfactory receptors, how genetics can influence smell perception, and consumer preferences. You’ll find out the olfactory receptors are not just in the nose, but throughout the body, and how the may help manage health conditions in the future.Find Sandeepa onLinkedIn, and read more about the fascinating world of taste and smell at TasteAndSmell.org.

What’s That Smell? How Perfumery, Art, and Science Shape Our Future

In this delightful and insightful episode of The World of Taste & Smell, host Mindy Yang is joined by two trailblazers in the world of fragrance:
Nancy Cavallaro, a seasoned fragrance developer with over 25 years in the industry, who is passionate about inspiring young minds to explore careers in perfume creation.
Ariella Halperin, a fragrance storyteller and sensory innovator, known for using nostalgia, synesthesia, and emotion to create immersive fragrance experiences that resonate deeply with consumers.
Together, we explore:
Why early scent education is vital for sparking curiosity, creativity, and wellbeing.
How perfumery connects science, art, and storytelling—and why it’s the perfect career path for sensory explorers.
Behind-the-scenes stories of fragrance creation, from unexpected scent combinations to the magic of multisensory branding.
The fun side of scent—including favorite “stinky” smells and the scent of rainbows
Special Event Mention:
We’re excited to announce our in-person event in Manhattan on June 18th, co-hosted by Cosmo Fragrances and WTSA. It’s a rare opportunity to dive into the world of fragrance through workshops, stories, and hands-on fun for kids and families. Details and tickets available at: TasteAndSmell.org.
🎙️ Hosted by: Mindy Yang, Co-Founder & CEO of the World Taste & Smell Association
📚 Bonus: Can’t make it to the event? Bring the adventure home! Nancy’s delightful children’s book, Stinky and Bigs: The Smelly Adventures, introduces kids to the world of scent in a playful, imaginative way. Also available for purchase on TasteAndSmell.org.
About Our Guests:
Nancy Cavallaro lives in Fort Lauderdale with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Stinky and Jet. She’s dedicated to nurturing the next generation of “noses” and has spent her career working with top perfumers and fragrance houses.
Ariella Halperin has over a decade of experience in fragrance and branding. As the founder of Storied Senses, she helps emerging brands stand out with unique, multisensory stories that tap into nostalgia and emotion.
🎧 Tune in to discover how scent, science, and storytelling shape our future!

Erin Adams on Smell, Art & Cultural Perception

Mindy Yang catches up with Erin Adams, a pioneer in olfactory art, about the intersection of scent, culture, and creativity. Erin shares her journey from music to scent design, the challenges of creating immersive olfactory experiences, and the importance of engaging audiences through smell. The discussion highlights the power of scent as a form of artistic expression and the unique experiences offered through smell walks, where participants explore and document the scents of their environment.
In this conversation, Erin Adam's explores the multifaceted world of scents, discussing how cultural backgrounds, geography, and personal experiences shape our olfactory perceptions. She shares insights on the importance of engaging children with scents through interactive workshops, the subjectivity of scent experiences, and the impact of digital life on our connection to smell. Erin also highlights her favorite Australian botanicals, the significance of scent in daily life, and her exciting upcoming projects, including a unique scent installation at the Venice Biennale.
This episode is a must-listen for fragrance lovers, sensory explorers, and anyone curious about how scent can shape art, identity, and everyday life. Join us as we rethink our relationship with smell and its impact on the way we experience the world. Find Erin on Instagram and at SmellArt.com.Au and the World Taste & Smell Association at TasteAndSmell.org.
🎧 Tune in now and explore the world of Smell Art! Available on Spotify and wherever you listen.

The Forgotten Sense - Smell and Its Impact on Life with Jonas Olofsson, Ph.D.

What if the most underrated sense is the one shaping your emotions, memories, and even your health? In this episode of The World of Taste & Smell, Stephanie Feuer, Mindy Yang and Jonas Olofsson dive deep into the fascinating world of scent. From the challenges of describing smells to the profound impact of olfactory experiences on our well-being, this conversation will change the way you think about your nose.
Discover how smell connects us emotionally, warns us of danger, and even signals cognitive decline. Tune in to explore why this often-overlooked sense deserves more attention and how smell training could hold the key to unlocking lost memories and emotions.
Show Notes: 
In this episode, Stephanie Feuer, Mindy Yang and Jonas Olofsson explore the deep connections between our sense of smell and our emotional, cognitive, and daily experiences. They discuss the difficulties in describing smells, the mechanisms of adaptation and habituation, and the critical role of olfaction in marketing, relationships, and health. This conversation underscores the need for greater education and awareness about scent, highlighting its impact on emotional connections, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Don’t miss the chance to dive even deeper into the science of smell with Jonas Olofsson’s book, The Forgotten Sense: Unlocking the Science of Smell and Its Extraordinary Power. 

Unlocking the Secrets of Wine with Dr. Isabelle Lesschaeve

Join Stephanie Feuer and Mindy Yang, co-founders of the World Taste & Smell Association, as they delve into the fascinating world of taste and smell with Dr. Isabelle Lesschaeve, a renowned sensory scientist and wine expert with over 30 years of experience.
In this episode, Dr. Lesschaeve shares how sensory science is revolutionizing wine appreciation, making it more intuitive and inviting for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your journey. She breaks down traditional barriers in wine tasting, emphasizing blind tasting, sensory memory, and consumer-centric education as key tools to elevate the experience.
What You’ll Learn:
🍷 How sensory science is transforming wine appreciation
👃 The role of sensory memory in tasting
🔬 Practical tips for refining your wine tasting skills
🎓 The importance of a consumer-first approach in wine education
 
Don’t Miss These Learning Opportunities:
👉 Free Mini-Course: Boost Your Tasting Skills
👉 Join the Challenge: The Listen to Your Nose Challenge (Starts next week!)
📩 Subscribe to our newsletter & explore more at: tasteandsmell.org
🎧 Listen now and start your journey toward a more mindful, sensory-driven appreciation of wine!
Hosts: Stephanie Feuer & Mindy YangGuest: Isabelle Lesschaeve, Ph.D., Founder of InnoVinum

The Power of Neurodivergence: Embrace Your Sensory Superpowers!

Welcome to the World of Taste And Smell, where the science of flavors and aromas meets human perception. In this insightful episode, hosts Stephanie Feuer and Mindy Yang, co-founders of the World Taste & Smell Association, delve into the fascinating world of sensory experiences with guest Rachel Radway. Rachel is a certified leadership and executive coach, speaker, and author of the upcoming book "Perceptive: Owning Your Power When You're Wired Differently."
Rachel shares her profound insights on the unique challenges and gifts of highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Discover how being wired differently shapes one’s perception, fostering deep empathy and intuitive decision-making. Rachel emphasizes creating inclusive environments, where everyone can thrive by embracing their unique sensory perceptions.
Learn about the intertwined roles of taste and smell in our memories and emotions, and how these sensory experiences can deepen empathy and connection between people. Rachel also shares practical advice on managing sensory overload and creating sensory-friendly spaces, particularly in professional settings.
Join us for a journey into understanding the strengths of being neurodivergent, the importance of recognizing unique "superpowers," and how we can create more inclusive and understanding environments in both our personal and professional lives.