The New Paris Podcast
NewParisPodcast 168 épisodes oct. 31, 2026
Forget the postcard. Paris is more than a museum of the past; it’s a living experiment in urban life, food, creativity, art, and activism. Hosted by the bestselling author of "The New Paris" book, journalist, and longtime Paris resident Lindsey Tramuta, the podcast explores people, places, and ideas reshaping contemporary France. Each episode is a long-form conversation with writers, chefs, designers, activists, and thinkers who are changing the fabric of Parisian life.
Épisodes
173: Is France's Protest Crackdown Fueling a Far Right Shift? A chat with Diane de Vignemont
Following weeks of heavy state and police repression, shifting protest routes, and widespread civil unrest across France, the path forward remains deeply uncertain. Journalist and World War II historian Diane de Vignemont joins the show to break down what recent demonstrations reveal about state power, media framing, and the political tactics shaping the country's future. Mentioned: Diane de V
172: Making sense of France's historic youth protests with Andrew Hussey and Cormac O'Keeffe
Fall in Paris has brought a historic wave of youth protests. Starting in Créteil, high schoolers across France have taken to the streets for several weeks over abysmal conditions, overcrowded classrooms, and underpaid and often absent teachers. While mainstream outlets focus on student unrest, they often ignore a crucial component: disproportionate police violence.Joining me to discuss why the mov
171: The Art of the Heist with novelist Jo Piazza (live in Paris)
How did Vincent van Gogh become a household name? Enter Jo van Gogh-Bonger—the woman single-handedly responsible for his legacy, and the inspiration behind Jo Piazza’s latest novel, The Parisian Heist. In this live recording from The Red Wheelbarrow in Paris, we sit down with the bestselling author to unpack her dual-timeline story, the mechanics of crafting a great art heist, her approach to writ
170: What's happening with Parisian style? About the Sézane rebrand, retail sameness and more with Alice Cavanagh
In August, the cult-popular Parisian brand Sézane announced an aesthetic rebrand, a new direction. The reaction among consumers and critics was fast and fierce, and not overwhelmingly positive. I wondered what it signaled for the future of retail and commercial fashion, especially given my previous work reporting on the brand, so I brought back my former co-host, the fashion journalist Alice Cavan
169: Has Coffee in Paris Gone Too Far? A chat with Mihaela Iordache
Coffee shops in Paris are exploding. In fact, a new one opens in Paris every 3 days, according to a recent study. That's a far cry from 20 years ago, when one cafe roasted and served specialty coffee: Le Caféothèque (which still exists!). What’s going on? Why has it accelerated, and can they all be considered specialty? Coffee roaster Mihaela Iordache, formerly of Belleville Brûlerie, joins me
168: The crime that rocked French cinema and politics with author Edward Chisholm
After writing the bestselling memoir A Waiter in Paris, Edward Chisholm is back with a much different kind of tale. He joins the show to talk about the fascinating story behind his latest book, 'Murder in Paris 68,' which explores the dark intersections of crime (the Markovic Affair), new wave cinema, and politics in 1960s France. Was superstar Alain Delon involved in one man's demise?
167: Rethinking Craft Chocolate in Paris with Jade Genin
Should chocolate be an everyday item? How much should it cost? How challenging is it to run a chocolate shop? All of those questions get answers with Jade Genin, chocolatière and daughter of Jacques Genin, whose shop on Avenue de l'Opéra in Paris approaches chocolate a bit differently. Mentioned in this episode: Jade GeninJacques GeninXoco Maxime Frédéric Audio production & editing: Matth
166: Paris meets Southeast Asia with food entrepreneur Pearlyn Lee
10 years is almost an eternity in the restaurant world, and it’s a milestone that Pearl Lee reached with her business, The Hood. The Singaporean has run a Southeast Asian, in addition to a bánh mì sandwich and donut shop called Nonette across the street. I recently traveled with her through Singapore, a truly fascinating multiethnic and cultural melting pot, and I finally got to see firsthand how
165: Extreme heat, abuse, and a nation under scrutiny with CNN's Saskya Vandoorne
By now you’ve been inundated with images and news reports about the record-breaking heat crisis that hit nearly all of Europe last week, impacting France the most. The intensity of that was the cherry on top of a particularly punishing local news cycle in recent months, especially for CNN’s Paris bureau chief Saskya Vandoorne. She joins me to talk about what we can learn from the heat wave about o
164: On bilingualism and code-switching with Ariane Bernard
Next month marks six years, if you can believe it, since The New Parisienne was released. I’ve kept tabs on all the women I profiled and some have become dear friends. Among them: Ariane Bernard who, at the time of our first interview, was overseeing all things digital at Le Parisien newspaper. I distinctly remember the moment I met her. I heard her speak with the kind of cultural fluency and hum
163: On making friends in Paris with Jane Bertch
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to making new friends. Paris, with its rich culture and vibrant social scene, may seem like the perfect place to forge connections. However, many newcomers often find it challenging to break into established social circles. Jane Bertch, entrepreneur, author, and podcaster at GenerateHER, joins me to talk about how we&
162: On the art of French chocolate with pastry chef and educator Lisa Allen
As you may know, chocolate isn’t created equal, and French style is very different from Belgian and Swiss confections. There are chocolate shops and pastry chefs who dabble in chocolate all over Paris, but within that network, there are clear differences in quality. Lisa Allen, a chocolate educator, pastry chef, and guide who runs Tarts & Truffles, joins me to talk about some of these distinct
161: A fresh take on the Parisian neo-bistro with chef Priscilla Trâm
What happens when you trade fifteen years of working in law for a professional kitchen? In the case of today’s guest, you get one of the most flavorful and unique dining experiences in the city. Priscilla Tram, the chef and founder of Trâm 130, has changed the conversation about what 'personal' cooking looks like in Paris today. We’ll talk about her career, why Paris was finally ready for
160: Made in France as Activism with Marianna Stepanian of Paramaz
What if Made in France for crafts could be a form of activism? Paramaz, a leather workshop, boutique, and café, is doing just that. I'm joined today by the co-owner and creative director, Marianna Stepanian, whose journey from diplomacy at UNESCO and the Dutch Embassy to the workbench of a local craft boutique offers a fascinating look at cultural preservation in action. We discuss how she and her
159: Why France's Future Must Be Human-Centered with Rahaf Harfoush
How does technology play into the paradigm shift the world is experiencing? I'm joined by digital anthropologist, author, and public speaker Rahaf Harfoush to talk about resilience and how global interconnection means we cannot speak about the future of France without considering the impact of decisions made much further afield, by other nations. We discuss geopolitical shifts and innovation
158: A new mayor for Paris! Interpreting the election results with Léa Chamboncel
There is some relief to be shared right now for many Parisians— voters sent Rachida Dati walking and opted for Emmanuel Grégoire, formerly Anne Hidalgo’s first deputy, as the French capital's new mayor. The Socialist party has governed Paris for 25 years and the majority has spoken. But that isn’t the full picture. To give you a sense of what his win means, how many people really turned up to
157: Anne Hidalgo’s Paris Legacy & the 2026 Vote with Phineas Rueckert
We are nearing the end of an era. Anne Hidalgo, Paris mayor since 2014, will soon be leaving office. And this weekend, we vote on her replacement. In fact, there are elections all over the country. But in Paris, there are changes to how that’s going to go down this year and who is likely to take over. I’m joined by Phineas Rueckert, a Paris-based journalist who covers politics and social issues fo
156: On Paris vs London in the arts with Maïa Morgensztern
Almost two years ago, I met today’s guest on an art deco journalist jaunt around Greater Paris and have followed her work ever since. Maïa Morgensztern is a French art historian and culture journalist living in London but returns to Paris monthly, usually for an exhibition. Given how much has changed in the art world in the last year, I wanted to get her take on Paris vs London, the historical con
155: What it takes to become French in 2026 with Charli James
Nearly 12 years I ago, I became a French citizen. Since then, a lot has changed. Most notably, the criteria for nationality have tightened this year. Given how many more Americans, in particular, are looking to move to France, I thought it was time to dig into the process, how it’s gotten harder and why — at least for everyone except George Clooney— and to do so, I brought on a friend of the show,
154: Understanding childcare in Paris: the nanny's view with Lise Scott
Whether you have children or not, chances are you’ve heard that France’s childcare system is among the best in Europe, both in terms of public and private options. There’s the crèche, subsidized daycare, shared nannies, au pairs, and full-time Nannies who make, or should anyway, a living commensurate with their experience and hours worked. Since more and more foreigners are moving to Paris with ch
153: Coffee, costs, and Paris wishes for 2026 with Jay Swanson
To kick off season 10 a few days into a year that’s already turbulent, I thought I’d keep things lighter and more casual with a friend of the show. I crossed town the day after Paris was submerged in snow to chat with Jay Swanson, YouTuber and creator of Paris in My Pocket, about coffee in the city, the cost of things, pearl-clutching newspaper stories, and what we hope for Paris in 2026. Mentione
152: Paris Dining today with Carina Soto Velasquez and Nora Bouazzouni
In continuing the conversation around the city’s culinary scene, the episode you’ll hear today comes directly from a panel discussion I was part of at The American Library in Paris with two very powerful voices in food that I’m proud to know. I was joined by Carina Soto Velasquez, the co-founder and owner of Quixotic Projects (Candelaria, Le Mary Celeste, and A La Renaissance), and Nora Bouazzouni
151: On longevity in the Paris food business with Joshua Fontaine
What does it take to run a successful restaurant or several in a city full of them? Josh Fontaine, cofounder of Candelaria, Le Mary Celeste, and the newly opened A La Renaissance, knows something about it. He joins me to talk about what’s changed in the Paris food and beverage scene since COVID, the proliferation of concept-driven restaurants, creating longevity, and some of the details he’s most
150: On making a new life in Paris with Susanna Schrobsdorff
Almost a year ago, I launched a series on my newsletter called Leaving America, based on the multitude of reasons Americans opt to leave the country and why many of them, as it happens, end up in Paris. Through this series and my network of creative women in Paris, I’ve connected with so many brilliant Americans who have moved, want to move, or at least understand the desire to. That includes Susa
149: On secondhand fashion & luxury with Parisian entrepreneur Fanny Moizant
Paris = luxury fashion, right? Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel are pillars of France’s soft power and legacy of craftsmanship. And they are among the most counterfeited brands in the world. That's part of what I learned reporting on secondhand luxury and authentication issues for Bloomberg Businessweek. I got to go behind the curtain at Vestiaire Collective, the leading French secondhand pla
148: An insider's view of Paris with writer-event organizer André Michel
Today's guest, André Michel, is a Paris insider; the unofficial Mayor of Paris with a deep and varied knowledge of food and culture, and a talent for weaving it all into compelling storytelling and events. The occasional food and travel writer and event organizer joins me to talk about what it means to know Paris, why there’s never been a better or more dynamic time to visit or live in Paris,
147: Back to class with Siham Jibril of Off Campus Paris
Diehard fans of Paris already know there’s never been a shortage of activities to fill one’s intellectual and cultural cup. Art openings, talks and conferences, concerts and performances happen every day of the week. But if you’re interested in learning in a classroom setting without going back to school in the traditional sense, the options dry up. That’s where Off Campus steps in. It’s a two-mon
146: Lindsey on The Eater Guide to Paris with Dorie Greenspan
My new book is officially on shelves! To celebrate, The Red Wheelbarrow bookstore hosted me for a launch event last week. At the start, I was in conversation about the project (and more) with the legendary New York Times bestselling and James Beard Award–winning cookbook author Dorie Greenspan. This episode is an edited version of that discussion. Mentioned in this episode: The Eater Guide to Pari
145: Curiosities in Paris with Messy Nessy's Vanessa Grall
In the canon of Paris narratives, few focus on oddball finds and secrets lurking right beneath our noses. But Vanessa Grall, more commonly known and Messy Nessy, has made it her calling card. For more than a decade she has sussed out offbeat tales and fascinating individuals who have shaped our world and published several guidebooks to help travelers get beyond the obvious. More than a year ago, s
144: On the Louvre's Fashion Focus with Amy Verner
So far, the year in Paris has been bright — at least in a cultural sense. The Louvre Museum is leading the charge with its very first full-fledged fashion exhibition in its 232-year history. To talk about why it’s significant, what visitors can expect, and the cultural context surrounding the pieces on display is Amy Verner, a fashion journalist and longtime Paris resident who has likely spent mor
143: Are Parisians still drinking? Wine talk with Alicia Dorey
Like many people living in France, I took a break from alcohol during the imported milestone of Dry January. But we’re in February, and two wine fairs have brought wine lovers and wine pros to the city for talks, tastings, and buying. Wine consumption has been dropping steadily in France, and sales have declined since the 1970s. So what’s happening here? How are people drinking? Are they drinking?
142: Season 9 and some book news!
A quick one from me to kickoff season 9 and share some fun news: I have a new book coming out this spring!The Eater Guide to Paris hits shelves on April 29 in the U.S. /Australia/Europe and on May 8 in the U.K., wherever books are sold. A few links below to pre-order now:Abrams (publisher)Bookshop.orgBarnes & NobleAmazon (U.S.)Shakespeare & CoWaterstonesIndigo BooksBooktopia (Australia)Aud
Best of: Fine dining in Paris with sommelier Etheliya Hananova
I'm recording new episodes for season 9 (coming soon!) but I wanted to bring back some of the most appreciated episodes of the show in the meantime. I originally recorded this episode with Comice co-owner and sommelière Etheliya Hananova in March 2022, and it ranks among the most listened-to since I first started recording in 2017.
She talks about the journey from Montreal to Paris, the type
141: Finding community & the unexpected in Paris with Catherine Down
This month is my 18th December living in Paris, and as I reflect on that time, I’m struck by how much the city still enchants and surprises me. It might be a buzzy neighborhood, a refurbished historical marvel like Notre Dame, a dining experience, or something more unexpected. Someone in the business of sussing out and building such experiences, including some I have attended, is today’s guest Cat
140: The Seine River's Past & Present with Mary Winston Nicklin
In times of turmoil, we naturally seek sources of calm. And in Paris, perhaps nothing that recenters Parisians more than the Seine. The city’s most iconic waterway has shaped its mythology long before there were tourist boats and selfie-taking travelers. Today, the significance of the Seine is front and center again, thanks to the Olympics and a billion-euro cleanup project. To talk about this, I’
139: On Arabic in France with journalist Nabil Wakim
Did you know that Arabic is the second most spoken language in France? However, the way it is perceived and taught has led many Arabic speakers in France to either abandon the language or not pass it down to their children. It’s this particular experience that the journalist Nabil Wakim sought to investigate in his documentary for France 2, Mauvaise Langue. He joins the show to talk about the proj
138: On the state of French Politics with Alexander Hurst
It’s been several months since the President threw us into a mess by calling a snap election and in early September, months overdue, Macron finally named a prime minister. What does his choice mean for the country, and what does it signal to voters who cast their ballots for the left coalition? I speak with Alexander Hurst, a writer and columnist for The Guardian whose recent op-ed looks into what
137: Pleasure in Paris with Glynnis MacNicol
After enduring nearly a year of pandemic-related isolation and a punishing lack of human touch, author Glynnis MacNicol boarded a plane for Paris in August, 2021 to sublet a friend’s apartment for the month. She was 47 years old and on a mission—100% enjoyment. An exploration of pleasure. Close contact. Her memoir about this time, called I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself, came out a few months ago a
136: A Parisian Life in Color with Jeweler Fanny Boucher
It’s the end of summer holidays, the city is slowly filling up again and that means, novelty is upon us. I associate this time with new restaurant openings, events, and even pop-ups that will carry us to the end of the year. It’s a return to life. One person who is full of life, with plenty of creative ideas to usher in a new season, is Fanny Boucher. She’s the creator of the jewelry brand Bangla
135: Olympic Fever, Tourism, & Better Travel with Paige McClanahan
After years of planning and a solid 7 months of Parisian complaining, the Olympics are here! Over their history, they have put some tourist destinations on the map, attempted to build unity, and accelerated social and infrastructural change in host cities. Of course, not everyone benefits, and the legacy of the Olympics, including the impact on tourism, is fraught. To discuss both Paris 2024 and t
134: France's Snap Elections- What Happens Now?
In the last episode, you heard me talk to Katy Lee about the snap elections in France. Why they happened, what they mean, and what party was predicted to perform well in the first round. Now, the day before the second round and not only has everything we discussed come to pass, but the stakes are even higher now. Let's go through the results of the first round, what they mean, and why the far
133: Understanding the French political crisis with Katy Lee
(This episode was recorded on June 14)
There's a lot to unpack following President Macron’s decision to dissolve the lower house of parliament and call snap elections for the end of June and there is no one better to dive in with me than journalist and podcaster Katy Lee. We discuss the role of these elections, what Macron’s move means for the country, and the political alliances that have for
132: Documenting the everyday in Paris with Seb Emina
There’s something about leaving Paris, even briefly, and returning that makes all of its idiosyncrasies and charms all the more compelling and obvious. And sometimes, it takes talking with someone who is a particularly keen observer of daily life to highlight these elements even further. Seb Emina, today’s guest, is one such example. The writer and former editor of The Happy Reader joins the show
131: On the longevity of a dining legend: La Tour d'Argent
As much as the Paris food scene has grown increasingly international and casual, fine dining establishments continue to soar. They’ve had to modernize their menus and their approaches to service to stay relevant, but the tasting
menu and Michelin-starred experience continues to thrive. However, the way to do that while also opening up the experience to more people who can’t necessarily afford a Mi
130: Painting and creating in Paris with Guillaume Sardin
When it comes to artistic endeavors, Paris shines bright as a historically welcome place to pursue them. The city that gave us the Louvre and some of the finest galleries in the world is full of creative talent or, at the very least, creative inspiration. But how it feels living and working as an artist in Paris is an altogether different story. Today’s guest trained as an architect but has been w
129: Running a Cooking School in Paris with Jane Bertch
Running a business in Paris is a dream for some, a hardship for others. But for today’s guest, Jane Bertch, it has been a variety of things including life changing. 15 years ago she confounded La Cuisine Paris, a French cooking school that is still going strong. She talks about the journey to Paris and running a cooking school in her book: The French Ingredient: Making a Life in Paris One Lesson a
128: On bikes, the Olympics, & the Transforming City with Brent Longley
There’s nothing like leaving Paris for a short time to reset perspectives. I’ve recently returned from 10 days in New York and the Philadelphia region and I was struck by how worn and behind both destinations felt. Part of that is lingering socio-economic impact of the pandemic, and part of it may be insufficient funds devoted to much-needed improvements to public services and transportation. It o
127: On Loving & Leaving Paris with Sara Lieberman
Paris has always been a refuge for foreigners. For a lifetime for some, for a chapter of their lives for others. One of my very best friends in Paris was drawn to many of the qualities that I’ve described on the show over the years (and in The New Paris book) and falls into one of those categories. Like me, she’s been an avid storyteller and reporter covering the many ways that old meets new in th
126: Paris 2023 in Review
Welcome to the end of 2023! Let's take a look back at the challenging, protest-heavy, crisis-generating year in Paris and beyond, with a few thoughts for 2024. Bonnes fêtes et bonne année! Season 8 will begin in the second half of January.
Buy my book: The New Paris
Buy my book: The New Parisienne
Follow me on social: @LindseyTramuta
Follow the show: @TheNewParisPodcast
Audio production &a
125: Book Culture in Paris with Audrey Chapuis
Paris has a long legacy not merely as a world capital of culture but as a literary capital. Some of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers have created some of their best work in or about Paris and found homes for it in bookstores, to be sure, but also libraries. Two years ago I interviewed the bestselling author Janet Skeslien Charles on this show about her novel The Paris Library (Episode 74)
124: On Parisian donuts, vegan food & baking with Amanda Bankert
It’s the week of thanksgiving and that seems like an appropriate time to bring back an American friend. Amanda Bankert is a previous guest of this show (episode 8!) and the owner and pastry chef behind Boneshaker, the only donut shop in Paris worth your time, money, and sweet tooth. She’s also just released her first book in English called Voilà Vegan. We talk about how she got into baking, becomi
123: On The New French Wine with Jon Bonné
I have been waiting to talk about the new book by today’s guest for years. Actually, since I met him some 7 years ago when he was already hard at work researching it. Jon Bonné has worked as a journalist for three decades and currently serves as the managing editor at RESY. He is, particularly for wine lovers, best known for his wine reporting and two essential wine books :The New California Wine
122: On language learning & building Hello French with Cécilia Jourdan
If you spend any amount of time on social media, chances are good you’ve come across the very viral videos of today’s guest. Cécilia Jourdan is a language teacher, content creator and entrepreneur who started Hello French in 2020 with an Instagram account that has since become a full blown business. She joins me today to talk about her trajectory from Paris to New York and in between, building a l
121: Imagining the Future of Fashion in Paris (& Beyond)
In the previous episode, you heard from four incredibly smart people invested in both raising awareness and pushing for change when it comes to the fashion industry as a whole. But what practical steps are needed? In this episode, I'm joined again by Aja Barber, Khémäis Ben Lakhdar, and Esha Chhabra to talk about accountability, transparency, decolonization, brands that are doing things right,
120: Reality Check-The Global Impact of Paris as Fashion's Capital
(Special two-part episode!) Every season, all eyes are on the Parisian runways as onlookers try to get a peak at what big and disruptive trends await for the following year. But few know about the history of how this industry came to be, the role of colonialism in its development, and how the industry upholds many of the same ideas and practices today. As you will discover, the legacy of coloniali
119: Paris travel talk with Jay Swanson
It’s la rentrée! I’m back to my usual home studio and routine which means I’m ready to kick off the fall, and the end of season 7, with some fresh conversations. Let’s kick off September with a friend, entrepreneur and previous guest of this show, Jay Swanson. We’re going to talk about his new project, Paris in My Pocket, Paris news, and what you really need to know if you’re coming to the city th
118: On Lebanese food in Paris, dining, and career shifts with chef Rita Higgins
Of all the cuisines that have had a presence in Paris but always deserved to be more prominent, Lebanese cooking ranks high among them. France is home to the largest Lebanese diaspora in Europe so it’s no surprise that key dishes and ingredients are familiar to many diners. But most establishments hew to classics— that is until the opening of Kubri on the rue Amelot at the end of last year that ha
117: Three years of The New Parisienne and a listener contest!
We are quickly approaching three years since my second book The New Parisienne was released. The year 2020, as you may remember, was not an ideal time to release art into the world. Later that year, we would see that the best thing you could have offered people sheltering at home was food and cookbooks, home decor books, or any kind of guide to DIY-ing your existence. A book about women, includin
116: On sports culture, 'Wembymania', & the 2024 Paris Olympics with historian Lindsay Krasnoff
Aside from the last episode of last season, which was more about the President than the World Cup, I’ve almost never talked about sports on this show. And that’s strange given the role it plays in local culture. When I learned about the work of today’s guest, I knew it was time to record a special episode. Lindsay Krasnoff is a historian and sports diplomacy expert who teaches at NYU and wrote a
115: On Tunisian olive oil as a form of resistance with Kaïa's Sarah Ben Romdane
Of all the cooking essentials we buy and consume, few are as taken for granted or even misrepresented as extra virgin olive oil. Imagine you’re in France scanning the shelves in your local market for a new bottle. The labels might lead you to believe the oil is 100% French, Italian or Greek but inspect the fine print and a fuller picture emerges: Pressed in Italy, Produced Outside of the European
114: On discovering art in Paris with Alex Weinress of The Seen Paris
If you like art or are even mildly interested in art, Paris has both an abundant and intimidating level of choice. The exact number of museums varies according to how you might define a museum but it’s been estimated that there are over 130 museums in Paris, including marquee destinations and smaller museums that showcase a wide range of art, history, science, and culture. And if you like or are c
113: On 'Joie', living well, and lessons from France with Ajiri Aki
The work to live vs live to work ideology was among the earliest characteristics of French life that appealed to me as a student. I didn’t know the extent to which that would bear out until I had lived in Paris for a number of years and discovered it firsthand. For Ajiri Aki, the Nigerian-American founder of the online linens and antiques brand Madame de la Maison, her decade in Paris has similarl
112: On Parisian Design & Interior Architecture Trends with Tala Gharagozlou
Much like fashion, Paris is a global reference for design. There are the iconic interiors one might imagine when thinking of Paris but then there are the more sceney or concepty places that seem to have big design firms and big investors behind them. In the last 8 or so years, it feels like every new spot has a resident interior designer or architect or a theme that they’re going for. In some ways
111: A Musician's Life in Paris with Pianist Bonnie Brown
The music you’ve just been listening to was performed by today’s guest, Bonnie Brown, a concert pianist and piano instructor who works out of her home in Paris. She joins me to talk about her connection to France, working as a musician, and the places she loves most to listen to music in Paris.
PS. If you’re a fan of the show, please share it with a friend and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Pod
110: On the French pension reform and ongoing strikes
If you were to walk the streets of Paris today, you’d see about 7,000 tons of garbage piling up on sidewalks. The stench after a week of no garbage collection is, you might say, ungodly. Some residents have seen an uptick in rat socialising. And according to reports, this could go on until at least next Monday March 20th. This trash assault is the result of strikes in response to the Macron govern
109: On Marie Antoinette's Enduring Legacy with Dr. Susan Taylor Leduc
If I think about some of the women that have defined Parisian and French history, I instantly think of Marie Antoinette. The long maligned figure of French royalty and one of many unfortunate symbols of the French Revolution, the former queen has rarely been painted in a positive light. But what if that is an incomplete story? What if new scholarship points to a more nuanced picture of Marie Antoi
108: French Wine talk with Alison Eastaway of Cavewoman Wines
If you were to scan a Parisian city block, you’ll land on at least one caviste or wine seller. But while there are a lot of them, they’re not all created equal. Alison Eastaway, an Australian who has lived in Paris for 12 years and today’s guest, saw an opportunity to offer something different. She left her last career in tech to start Cavewoman Wines, a wine store and tasting room in the 11th arr
BONUS! 107: On Macron and the World Cup Final with Rym Momtaz
I wasn’t going to publish another episode this year but then the World Cup Final happened, and President Macron went cringe and inspired a whole new conversation I simply had to have before the new year. There’s no better person to discuss Macron with than Rym Momtaz, the former France Correspondent for Politico who spent years reporting on the Macron administration and currently a consulting rese
106: The American baker, Dan Pearson, behind the best pizza in Paris
Of all the incredible foods in Paris, which do you think gets consumed the most? If your instincts led you to say pizza you’d be correct. By some estimates, the French as a whole are the world’s second biggest consumers of pizza after the United States. As the capital, Paris is understandably swarming with pizza joints, some enjoyable and well done, but most of them forgettable. That is, until Dan
105: Cake Talk with Sweet Paris author Frank Barron
It started with gâteau and continues with, well, more cake. And pastry, and Chocolate! For part two of my focus on sweets, I’m joined once again but an old friend of the show whose first book, Sweet Paris, was released earlier this year. My conversation with Frank Adrian Barron took place in my apartment so you’ll have to excuse any wood-floor echos and cat meows.
Mentioned in this episode:
Cakeb
104: Baking the French way with "Gâteau" author Aleksandra Crapanzano
t’s that time of year: gift giving, baking, holiday planning. Which means it couldn’t hurt to draw your attention to France for some inspiration. This will be a two-part episode all about sweets featuring two authors whose books you absolutely should be picking up for yourself or offering as gifts. To start, I’m joined today by Aleksandra Crapanzano a James Beard–winning writer and longtime desser
103: Explaining Europe's Energy Crisis with Laurent Schmitt of Dcbel
Turn on the nightly news, listen to the radio, or speak with most Europeans these days and the topic on heavy rotation is the energy crisis. This is partly an outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war as Moscow has suspended natural gas supplies in response to economic sanctions imposed by the West. As reported by Fortune magazine recently, the invasion of Ukraine started just after European nations decid
102: On European Baking and What's 'New' About It with Laurel Krotochvila
One of the incredible aspects of living in Europe is the access to rich bread and baking traditions. They may vary between France, Poland, Germany, and Portugal, let’s say, but what they share is the ongoing movement to protect them. It’s also the theme of the new cookbook by my fellow American friend based in Berlin, Laurel Krotochvila, owner of Fine Bagels. The book, New European Baking, was the
101: On Tourism and Seeing Paris in New Ways with Simon Burke of Txango Tours
2022 will be forever be etched in my mind as the year travel and tourism rebounded from the pandemic in a massive way. Essentially, since June 1 or whenever the remaining travel restrictions lifted, visitors haven’t stopped trickling into the city. I also know this from experiencing a major uptick in requests for my own tour. Now that we’re into the fall and peak travel season is behind us,
100: Understanding identity through books with "Americanon" author Jess McHugh
Since the last episode of this show, I can report two positive things: First, I did indeed spend less time doom scrolling and therefore alleviate much of the anxiety and stress I had been feeling for months. And second, I finished a number of excellent books, many of which you can find on my Bookshop.org page which I’ve listed in the show notes, and also returned to review a few other books I’ve e
99: Some thoughts on tip culture, in France & beyond
There’s no guest for today’s episode. Instead, I wanted to talk about a topic I was recently asked to write about for Elle magazine in France. And that’s the subject of tipping and tip culture. Given that tourism across France is back in a big way and the French themselves are back to traveling beyond their borders, the question of if and how much to tip has resurfaced. Because my story was in Fre
98: On stand-up and humor in Paris with comedian Sarah Donnelly
I was reared on stand up comedians. Growing up, I was exposed to the greats: George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock. My near religious weeknight ritual with my father was watching the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and being permitted to watch The Chapelle Show even though the subject matter was Arguably a bit inappropriate for a young teen. But when I first moved t
97: Soul Food Paris and Creating Cultural Exchange for Young Migrants
I’m back after a little break to visit family in the states and return to Paris just in time to get knocked out with covid for a week. I’m sounding more like myself and ready to record new interviews for the remainder of season 5! So thanks for your patience. To kick things back off, I’m joined today by someone with a mission to fill in the gaps where French authorities fall alarmingly short. Krys
96: Presidential Election Debrief: Macron part II with Chris O'Brien
This episode was recorded April 25, the day after the conclusion of the 2022 French presidential election. That means, the first day of knowing Macron will continue to govern France after his first term officially ends on May 13. To some, this feels like a bandaid on a gaping wound. To others, a sign that reason has won. Whatever your perspective, there’s a lot to discuss about this experience and
95: Navigating the French: 2022 Presidential Election edition with Emily Monaco
Understanding life in France and the foundation on which identity is based, requires an understanding of certain words, themes, and ideas. Words like terroir, laïcité, entrepreneur, and travail, among countless others. Grasping their complexity is not only important to cultural integration but to being able to navigate daily life. It’s also the focus of a podcast called Navigating the French, host
