Decoder Ring is a podcast that explores the cultural histories of familiar objects and traditions — it’s smart and quirky, and it’s hosted by Willa Paskin, who’s an excellent interviewer and conversationalist on a really wide range of topics. Willa (and producer Max Freedman) recently invited me to chat about scent strips, the pre-fragranced paper inserts used to promote perfumes in magazines. How did they start? Why did they get so popular? And what is their current role in the business of selling and buying perfume? To hear our conversation, visit Decoder Ring at Slate or find it on your favorite podcast platform.

Image: detail of a Lancome Magie Noire ad and scent strip from a 1986 issue of VOGUE in my own collection.