Truth Jar: The Smell You Like, But Nobody Else Does

Author Mike O'Brian

December 16th 3:37 PM

A woman doesn't like the smell coming out of her dryer.

Oh boy, here we go…another round with the “Truth Jar” and someone wanted to know that smell you like, but nobody else does. That came up this morning on The Mike & Carla Morning Show…the question was actually for Carla Rea!

It was simple…a listener had texted in and wanted to ask Carla what is that smell that she like, but others found offensive. Now everyone has one, but the smell for Carla might surprise you a bit!

So, What Is That Smell You Like, But No One Else Does

Before we get to that, our friends at BuzzFeed put together a list of their own. Stuff like nail polish, Sharpies, Chlorine…but don’t get too close! All included on their list. Now back to Carla Rea…

Carla was very forthcoming and saying that quick second when you light a match. The smell of sulfur that comes with that quick strike. I know right? What the heck is that all about.

Carla admitted that she found the fondness of sulfur when she was a kid. In fact, her friend would grab her dad’s matches and she would light them and Carla would just enjoy!

Now, as odd as that may sound, one listener called in claiming that they might be the best of friends without even knowing each other. That’s right, she also enjoy the same smell growing up and talked abut her experience.

We all have them…that one smell that we love that everyone else might find a little offensive. On the other hand, Mike O’Brian has mentioned before that for him, it’s jet fuel. Going by an airport and smelling that just makes him feel like he’s going on vacation.

Okay, I’ll admit a little odd, but seriously? Not as odd as Carla and her new best friend! So, what is that smell for you? Take a couple of minutes, listen to the segment and see what you think.

Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.

10 Most Unusual Smells People Love

Have you ever tried a fragrance and thought to yourself, “Wow, this smells awful?” Then you wonder why and how anyone would ever enjoy that smell. Just like our sense of taste, smells are based on preference. For example, your friend may like the smell of corpse flowers (the worst-smelling flower in the world) and burnt hair while you like the smell of roses and bonfires.

“Most people assume we all like the smell of roses and hate the smell of skunk… with the exception of irritating odors, smell is something we come to know from personal and cultural experiences.” noted lead researcher Rachel Herz, PhD, in a 2005 Brown University study.

Alan R Hirsch, the founder and neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment & Research Foundation, explained to NPR that “the factors that influence our sense of smell are actually a combination of cultural, genetic, and environmental factors.”

There are certain smells that almost everyone loves. From the new car smell (which may not be good for you) and freshly baked bread to Sharpies and gasoline. People enjoy a variety of aromas and find some more pleasant than others. The scents we smell can change our moods and emotions. Sometimes, it can even bring us back to long-forgotten events and memories.

Here are 10 unusual smells most people enjoy.

Nail Polish
It could be due to its association with nail salons. It’s where many people find a moment of relaxation.
Your Significant Other’s Hair
Should you thank their hair care routine for this? Or maybe you’re a fan of their pheromones? Let’s just call it a chemically compatible match.
Tennis Balls
Some people enjoy the smell of recycled rubber, glue, and a slight hint of petroleum.
Sharpies/ Markers
It’s probably not because it can make you high. It may have more to do with nostalgia. Sharpies and markers tend to smell like childhood to some people.
Chlorine/ Bleach
It makes sense that some people like the smell of chlorine. Most people are reminded of memories by the pool. Or maybe an abundance of laundry.
New Books
It may be something with the smell combination of fresh paper and book adhesive, mixed with the excitement of getting a new book.
Your Own Body Odor
Do you ever catch a whiff of yourself and actually don’t mind it? Maybe, it’s because it’s your own scent. Some studies show that we’ve adapted to like our own odors, to help us maintain proper hygiene.
Freezer Burn/ Frozen over-freezer
It has that “cold” smell that’s similar to when the AC blows in the car.
Cow Manure
Some people like it because it “smells like the country.” The smell is supposedly associated with fresh air and fields of farmland.
Blown Out Candle
Someone loved this scent so much that they created a crowdfunding site for a candle that “always smells like it’s not actually burning while it’s burning.” They described the smell as a “warm, smoky aroma.”