The World of Taste & Smell

In this episode, Stephanie Feuer speaks to  Dr Xander Bertels, Head of Advocacy at Euforea, the European organization dedicated to implementing optimal care in daily practice for chronic airway diseases. In this episode you’ll hear What Chronic Rhinosinusitis is, how prevalent it is, and the symptoms and triggers Treatments and cures for CRS What Euforea is doing to advocate for patients with airway diseases ABOUT the WTSA The World Taste & Smell Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing sensory science, education, and public awareness. Through research, storytelling, and innovation, WTSAbridges the gap between science and human experience—helping people rediscover the power of taste and smell in daily life.

In this episode, Stephanie Feuer speaks to Bridger Menlove,  about the 2026 AChemS Hill Day.  Hill Day is an annual lobbying effort. Bridger is a PhD student in Neuroscience at Florida State University.  The Congresspeople who the AChemS team met with The issues they raised, notably lobbying for more science funding for taste and smell research and advocating for universal smell testing ABOUT the WTSA The World Taste & Smell Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing sensory science, education, and public awareness. Through research, storytelling, and innovation, WTSAbridges the gap between science and human experience—helping people rediscover the power of taste and smell in daily life.

In this episode, Stephanie Feuer speaks to Amy Marks-McGee about trends in fragrance and flavor, how they develop, how experts spot them, and what trends to look for in 2026. Amy is the founder of Trendincite, and an Advisor of the World Taste & Smell Association.She is an award-winning Fragrance & Flavor Marketing Expert and Trend Researcher, with more than 25 of success within the fragrance and flavor industry. Her work experience includes fine fragrance, air care, and personal care marketing for International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF),Noville, and Givaudan. Highlights & Key Topics What is Trendcasting? How to Spot a Trend? What were the key trends in fragrance and flavor in 2025? What will we see in 2026? What are the emerging flavor and fragrance trends? ABOUT the WTSA The World Taste & Smell Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing sensory science, education, and public awareness. Through research, storytelling, and innovation, WTSAbridges the gap between science and human experience—helping people rediscover the power of taste and smell in daily life

When your world goes quiet, you notice what’s missing. In this powerful episode, hosts Stephanie Feuer and Mindy Yang of the World Taste & Smell Association speak with Katie Boateng, a leading patient advocate, co-founder of STANA (Smell and Taste Association of North America), and the incomparable force behind The Smell Podcast. Katie has lived with complete smell loss for more than 15 years — and in that time, she has transformed grief into community, purpose, and national advocacy. Together, we explore what it means to lose a sense that most people never think about… until it’s gone.

In this episode, Stephanie Feuer and Mindy Yang of the World Taste & Smell Association speak with Dr. Derek Toomre, a Yale scientist, Professor, and inventor whose work helped transform smell testing from an inaccessible clinical tool into a global public-health innovation. Derek’s company, U-Smell-It, created the world’s first low-cost, open-source smell-testing kit, designed to democratize olfactory diagnostics for both clinical and community use. What began as a rapid response to COVID-19 has become a vital resource for sensory health, research, and education — empowering anyone to test their sense of smell at home. We explore how U-Smell-It works, why smell is such a powerful indicator of health, and how tools like this are changing the way we understand human perception. You can now order U-Smell-It directly from the World Taste & Smell Association at TasteAndSmell.org. This partnership ensures that everyone — from patients to researchers — can participate in advancing the science of taste and smell. Highlights & Key Topics The origin story of U-Smell-It during the early pandemic Why smell loss is often the first sign of illness — and a vital window into neurological health How open-source design can drive equity and innovation in sensory science Derek’s vision for the future of smell testing and sensory diagnostics About WTSA The World Taste & Smell Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing sensory science, education, and public awareness. Through research, storytelling, and innovation, WTSA bridges the gap between science and human experience — helping people rediscover the power of taste and smell in daily life. Learn more and support our work at TasteAndSmell.org.

For World Taste & Smell Day, WTSA’s Mindy Yang and Stephanie Feuer host a live conversation with Maeve Webster and Mike Kostyo of Menu Matters, along with special guest Chef Rosalyn Darling (DarlingCulinary.com). Together, they explore Menu Matter's new Multisensory Dining Trend Report and discuss how sound, aroma, color, texture, temperature, and storytelling are shaping the future of hospitality, CPG, and food culture. We love Maeve and Mike's deep expertise, and how Chef Rosalyn Darling brings insightful and empathetic culinary perspective, sharing how multisensory design can transform menus into memorable, emotionally resonant journeys. 👉 Prefer video? This episode was recorded live and is also available on YouTube.. 👉 Support sensory health research & advocacy: tasteandsmell.org. ----more---- Guests: Maeve Webster — President, Menu Matters Mike Kostyo — Analyst/Editor, Menu Matters Chef Rosalyn Darling — rosalyndarling.com Hosts: Mindy Yang — Sensory Strategist, Immersion Designer, Co-Founder & CEO, World Taste & Smell Association Stephanie Feuer — Author, Advocate, WTSA Co-Founder & Executive Director

In this special episode of The World of Taste & Smell, World Taste & Smell Association's Mindy Yang and Stephanie Feuer sit down with Maeve Webster andMIKE KOSTYO of Menu Matters to unpack the biggest takeaways from the 2025 Fancy Food Show. From standout flavors and clever packaging to cultural shifts and industry buzz, they explore what’s real, what’s performative, and what these trends reveal about where consumers’ hearts, wallets, and appetites are heading. p.s. Don't miss a special World Taste & Smell Day episode on multisensory eating with this incredible team from Menu Matters — dropping September 14. Show Notes First impressions from the 2025 Fancy Food Show floor Top 3 standout products and “wow” moments Flavor trends: global influences, nostalgia, indulgence, and wellness Ingredient heroes & villains: what’s hot, what’s over Behind the booths: what brands got right (and wrong) in their pitches Industry insights: optimism, anxiety, and the future of F+B innovation Rapid fire favorites 🔗 Learn more about Menu Matters: menumatters.com 🌐 Join the conversation: tasteandsmell.org

In this episode of The World of Taste & Smell, World Taste & Smell Association's Co-Founder & CEO Mindy Yang (@GoDolceVita) sits down with her friend, American Perfumer Yosh Han — visionary perfumer, entrepreneur, and community builder — for a deep and candid conversation about fragrance, identity, and the power of scent as a lifelong journey. Like Mindy, Yosh has been a pioneering force in independent perfumery for decades. Known for her boundary-pushing creations and her commitment to fostering community, she has also challenged the industry to re-examine its language and values. From her early days “living life by her nose” to her role as an outspoken advocate for change, Yosh embodies fragrance as both art and activism. Together, Mindy and Yosh explore: Yosh’s unconventional beginnings and the challenges of forging a career outside the traditional perfumery model. The rise of independent and niche fragrance, its growing pains, and its future. Why the term Oriental has no place in modern perfumery and what a new, inclusive fragrance language could look like. Travel and sailing as sources of inspiration, and how scent connects to taste and memory in powerful ways. Yosh’s reflections on artistry, community, and what truly matters at this stage in her journey. This episode is both personal and provocative — an invitation to rethink how we experience, describe, and connect through scent. Links & Resources Explore Yosh’s world of scent: eaudeyosh.com Learn more about the World Taste & Smell Association: TasteAndSmell.org Connect with Us If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Join the conversation online and support sensory science, wellness, and advocacy with a donation or collaborate with us.

Step into the world of fragrance with Mindy Yang (@GoDolceVita), Co-Founder and CEO of the World Taste & Smell Association, and Nadia Kadri (@NewYorkNose), founder of Perfumeverse NYC—a scent-driven platform that blends storytelling, discovery, and community. Together, they explore the vibrant culture of indie perfumery, the origins of Perfumeverse NYC, and the power of community in shaping this creative industry. The conversation dives into the evolving role of AI in fragrance creation, the deep connection between scent and personal identity, and some of the most exciting indie and experimental brands from around the globe. At its heart, this episode celebrates the emotional power of scent and highlights the growing need for a richer understanding of fragrance culture—showing how perfume is so much more than a luxury; it’s a gateway to memory, identity, and lived experience. 💌 Sign up for Nadia’s newsletter: perfumeverseNYC.com 📱 Follow Nadia on Instagram & TikTok: @newyorknose | @perfumeverseNYC 💬 Nadia is active in the DMs of both accounts—so don’t hesitate to say hi! 🌐 Learn more about the World Taste & Smell Association and support our mission at: tasteandsmell.org

In this whimsical and thought-provoking episode, we step into the scented world of theme parks and museums with special guest Liam Findlay, a leading scent consultant and designer at AromaPrime. With scents like Egyptian Mummy, Pirate Ship, and even Penguin Vomit, Liam helps transport visitors beyond what they can see and hear—into a realm of immersive storytelling powered by smell. From the joyful nostalgia of a childhood ride to the reverent silence of a historical exhibit, Liam explains how scent can amplify emotion, shape memory, and deepen understanding. Hosts Stephanie Feuer and Mindy Yang guide the conversation through the science and soul of immersive scent design—exploring its role in theme parks, museums, and even food experiences.   Highlights include: How scent is strategically used to tell stories, cue emotions, and enhance visitor experience. The unique challenges of scenting large public spaces. Why museums are embracing olfaction to evoke empathy and preserve cultural memory. Liam’s creative process—from historical research to emotional triggers. A playful rapid-fire round, including the scent that makes Liam cringe and a flavor that takes him back to childhood. Whether you’re a designer, scent-lover, or just curious about the hidden layers of our environments, this episode invites you to reimagine the spaces we move through—and the powerful role scent plays in making them unforgettable.

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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 Yang Guest: Isabelle Lesschaeve, Ph.D., Founder of InnoVinum

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.