Hsuan L Hsu, "Olfactory Worldmaking" (U Minnesota Press, 2026)

March 24, 2026·26 min·2 clips

Dr. Hsuan Hsu reveals how smell shapes our world and imagination in his new book Olfactory Worldmaking.

This episode features Dr. Hsuan L. Hsu discussing his new book "Olfactory Worldmaking" with host Dr. Miranda Melcher. Hsu's work examines how the sense of smell shapes human experience and imagination. The conversation explores why smell is central to daily life yet often overlooked in cultural analysis. The book investigates how odors influence social boundaries, memory, and our conception of possible worlds. Hsu analyzes specific literary and historical examples where smell defines community inclusion or exclusion. He references cultural practices and artistic works that use scent to construct or challenge social hierarchies. The discussion covers how marginalized groups have employed olfactory experiences to form collective identities. Hsu examines the role of smell in environmental perception and urban planning. The book also considers how technologies, from perfumery to industrial processes, attempt to control olfactory environments. Hsu argues that smell is a key medium for worldbuilding in both lived reality and fiction. A compelling insight is that smell can reinforce social divisions as powerfully as visual markers. Hsu suggests olfactory memories are uniquely potent for triggering a sense of place or past. The book posits that ignoring smell in cultural studies leaves a significant gap in understanding human experience. Hsu presents the idea that odors create invisible geographies within cities and landscapes. He notes how certain industries or policies create smellscapes that impact communities differently. The analysis reveals how attempts to eliminate odors often target culturally specific practices or populations. The tone is academic and educational, structured as an in-depth interview between two scholars. The style is conversational but focused on unpacking the book's theoretical framework and case studies. Listeners interested in sensory studies, cultural theory, and interdisciplinary humanities scholarship would find this episode engaging. Those seeking narrative storytelling or light discussion might find the academic focus less appealing.

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