Coucou is a podcast about life in France, cultural expectations, and questioning the lives people are taught to want. Hosted by Kimberly Wheeler, an American living in the South of France, it blends personal stories, honest conversations, and observations about how the French approach work, motherhood, relationships, food, beauty, ambition, and daily life. Some episodes are light and playful, while others explore the pressures women carry and the exhaustion of trying to do everything well. New episodes are released every Thursday.
Épisodes
Your Life Looks Good on Paper, So Why Does Something Feel Off? with Megan Schnarr
What if your life is fine on paper, but something still feels a little off?Kim sits down with Megan Schnarr, a Canada-based life design coach, writer and twin mom who works with women who can't quite put their finger on what's wrong. Megan shares her own path from high-achieving corporate career to burnout, and why changing her external world never fixed what was happening inside. Together
Do We Need to Unravel?
What if coming apart isn’t the same as falling apart?Stuck in traffic on a French highway, Kim found herself wondering how she ended up there, and whether she had unraveled since moving to France. Using a sweater and thread analogy, she reflects on the schools, jobs, homes and “shoulds” we knit together into a life that looks good, and why questioning it can feel so uncomfortable.Kim shares what s
Why the French Don't Drink at 5pm | Drinking Cultures in the U.S. and France
Why would a bartender in Paris taste a wine, swirl it and spit it into the sink at 1:30 in the afternoon, and what does it say about how differently France and the US drink?In this episode of coucou, Kim looks at French vs. American drinking culture, from a bar stool in Paris to her own table in Provence. It begins with an apéro she hosted for French families, where she finally tried to get the ch
What If There's Another Way to Live? with Anne Ditmeyer
What if the life you're supposed to live isn't the one you actually want?Kim sits down with Anne Ditmeyer, an American designer, creative coach, and author who has spent nearly two decades building an unconventional life and career in Paris. Through her workshops, creative exercises, and book OVERRIDE: What If There Was Another Way?, Anne helps people question the rules they've inherit
Designing an Intentional Life That May Lead You to Paris: Interview with Jenny Minney
What happens when you stop following the path that makes sense and start listening to what you actually want?Kim sits down in Paris with Jenny Minney, a graphic, brand and editorial designer and host of the podcast By Design. Jenny left New York City and moved to Paris in her 20s, following a desire that didn't necessarily make sense for her career, relationship or the life she had already bui
A French Woman's Perspective Living in NYC with Lauriane Blanc
Kim sits down with Lauriane Blanc, a French woman who left the Loire Valley for New York City and went on to co-found Women Abroad Club, a community helping women build meaningful lives abroad.With Kim building a life in France and Lauriane building one in America, they compare what each culture gets right, from career ambition and education to food, fashion, friendship and the very different ways
What September in France Teaches Us About What Really Matters
September in France means la rentrée, a return to school, work, routines and everyday life after summer. But after four years living in Aix-en-Provence, Kim has realized it can also be a chance to return to yourself.After a summer road trip through the French Alps, Switzerland and Italy, Kim is reflecting on the things she wants to carry with her into this next season. She shares what living in Fr
Q&A: French Beauty, Friendships and False Perceptions
Kim is answering more of your questions about life in France, from how French parents balance work, kids and weeknight dinners to what motherhood looks like when women don’t completely change their style after having children.She shares how her friendships have evolved after nearly four years abroad, the one part of French culture she’d take with her anywhere, and the unexpected things her kids no
Are You Building a Life You Want or One That Only Looks Good?
What happens when you build a life that looks successful from the outside, but somewhere along the way stop asking whether it actually feels right?Kim reflects on the life she and her family built in Marin County, San Francisco, CA before moving to France, from corporate careers and private schools to the subtle pressure of titles, homes, cars and keeping up appearances. She shares a vulnerable m
French Behaviors I Found Strange
After three years living in France, some of the French behaviors Kim once found strange don’t seem so strange anymore. From topless beaches and bikinis at every age to a much more laissez-faire approach to parenting, she reflects on the cultural differences that have made her question some of her own American habits.She also shares what she’s learned about the French tendency to complain, critique
The Do's & Don'ts of Learning Another Language
Kim thought moving to France would mean she’d naturally “pick up” French. What she quickly realized was that immersion alone isn't enough and becoming comfortable in another language takes far more patience, courage and deliberate practice than she expected.In this episode, Kim shares the do’s and don’ts she’s learned while studying French as an adult, from creating her own immersion through p
The Beautiful, Complicated Truth About Living Abroad
Living abroad can look like rosé in Provence, beautiful markets, cobblestone streets and weekend trips to Italy. And sometimes, it really is that dreamy. But after more than three years in France, Kim is sharing the parts that don’t always make it onto Instagram: exhausting travel days, time zone differences, language barriers, homesickness and the strange feeling of no longer fully belonging to o
What America Looks Like After Living in France
After three years living in Aix-en-Provence, Kim returned to the U.S. for three weeks and found herself seeing American life with completely new eyes.From enormous iced coffees, packed schedules and noisy restaurants to generous strangers, family reunions and the unmistakable warmth of American culture, she reflects on the things that suddenly stood out after becoming accustomed to a slower pace o
The Magic of an Ordinary Life
What if the moments that matter most aren’t the extravagant trips or perfectly planned experiences, but the quiet ones happening right in front of us?Kim begins by sharing the very American collection of food, medicine, beauty products and everyday essentials she brings back to France after visiting the U.S. Then, she reflects on how living in Provence has changed her understanding of an “extraord
Motherhood, French Style and Starting a Business in France: Q&A Part 2
Kim is back with the second half of her listener Q&A, recorded after a technical issue cut the video short during the original session. She answers questions about building a life in France, from the biggest changes she has experienced as a mother to the realities of French paperwork and starting a business abroad.Kim shares why parenting in France has helped her worry less, give her children
French vs. American Schools: A Teacher’s Perspective
Kim is joined by her sister, Courtney Ochs, a first-grade teacher from Chicago, to compare the American and French school systems from both a teacher’s and a parent’s perspective.They get into the major differences they’ve noticed in school schedules, vacations, lunches, recess and classroom technology. Courtney shares what teaching looks like in an American public school, while Kim explains the m
Daily Life in France
Daily life in France: errands, doctors, groceries and all the little surprises.Kim is sharing what daily life in France actually looks like, beyond the postcard version. After an ant infestation in her old French house sends her on a very un-American errand, she starts unpacking all the little ways everyday routines feel different in France.From booking doctors on Doctolib and picking up vaccines
American Habits France Helped Me See in Myself
After three years in France, Kim is reflecting on the American habits she did not fully notice until she had enough distance to see them clearly.In this episode, she talks about rushing through the day, measuring life by productivity, feeling pressure to “keep busy,” overthinking parenting, buying too much, delaying rest, and treating pleasure like something that has to be earned. France has not m
Beyond the Checklist with Oliver Gee of The Earful Tower
In this episode of Conversations From Paris: Kim sits down with Oliver Gee, the creator of The Earful Tower, one of the most beloved English-language podcasts about Paris. Oliver shares how he went from Australian journalist in Paris to storyteller, podcaster, walking tour host, author, and unofficial expert on the city’s hidden corners.Together, Kim and Oliver talk about what visitors often get w
What I’d Like to Say to the French, Respectfully
After three years living in Provence, Kim is sharing the things she’d like to say to the French, respectfully, as an American living in France.From the quiet intimidation of speaking French as an adult to the structure, rules and rhythms that shape daily life in France, she reflects on what it feels like to live between two cultures. She also shares what France has taught her about slowing down, p
Q&A About Life in France
Kim is answering listener questions about what life in France really looks like day to day, from summer camps in Provence and her slower morning routine to motherhood, making friends, style, fitness, writing, and the question everyone asks: will her family stay in France?She shares how living in Aix-en-Provence has changed the way she thinks about work, parenting, creativity, and raising third-cul
The Stages of Living Abroad: The Beginning, Homesickness & Finding Yourself
Living abroad is not one big romantic leap. It is a process, and Kim is breaking it down into the stages she has experienced after moving from California to France.In this episode, Kim shares what life is like in the first year. She shares how these can often feel like the “toddler years” of expat life, when everything feels magical, confusing and slightly humiliating, from speaking in broken sent
Conversations from Paris: Pamela Clapp, The Parisialite
Kim is in Paris for another conversation in her special series, Another Way to Live: Conversations from Paris, exploring how living in France can shift the way we think about work, identity, time, and what really matters.This week, Kim sits down with Pamela Clapp, a Belgian-American writer and marketing strategist who has lived in Paris for more than 14 years. Pamela shares her story of growing up
Things the French Find Completely Bizarre
After a solo trip to Paris, Kim is sharing the little cultural habits that suddenly stood out to her after three years of living in France.From giant water bottles and coffee to-go to loud conversations, overscheduled weekends, smiling at strangers, and eating on the run, this episode is a funny and honest look at the everyday things other cultures do that can feel completely bizarre to the French
Conversations from Paris: Another Way to Live with Sammy Royal
Kim is interviewing Sammy Royal, a Paris-based travel, hospitality and editorial photographer. Originally from New Zealand, she has lived in Paris for three years with her husband and two children. Together, Kim and Sammy discuss how important it is to be present, embrace daily rituals and enjoy your own company. They dive into freelancing, building a network from scratch, learning to market yours
What Really Happens When You Get Off the Corporate Path
After more than 20 years in corporate America, Kim shares the honest story of what happened when she finally stepped away from the career path she had spent years building. From Harvard Business School to brand marketing roles at Kraft, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora and beyond, she had followed the “right” steps, earned the titles, and kept climbing, until the life she had built no longer felt like h
6 Mindset Traps French Women Don’t Fall Into
Do you find your mind racing? You might be falling into a mental trap. Kim is reflecting on the quiet mental traps that keep so many of us feeling rushed, stuck, and disconnected from the life we actually want.In this episode, she shares six mindset traps she’s noticed in herself, from tying self-worth to productivity to waiting for happiness to arrive someday in the future. She also compares them
Are These the Best Years of Our Lives?
After a family trip to Mallorca, Kim found herself sitting between two women at very different stages of life: one seemingly longing for the future, and one quietly remembering the past. That moment made her wonder whether the life she’s living right now, with young kids, a marriage, ambition, uncertainty, chaos, and gratitude all tangled together, might actually be one of the prime seasons of her
How French Women Get the Concept of Balance Right
Rosé season has officially arrived in Provence, and Kim is reflecting on something French women seem to understand so well: balance. In this solo episode, she shares what she has observed about the way French women approach food, work, motherhood, friendship, and everyday life with more steadiness, intention, and less pressure.From the idea of just enough to letting go of perfection and prioritizi
What No One Tells You About Moving Abroad
After more than three years living in the south of France, Kim is sharing the honest side of what it really means to move abroad. In this solo episode, she reflects on the emotional highs and lows of leaving home, building a new life in another country, and learning that even a beautiful life abroad can still feel disorienting, lonely, and deeply stretching.From culture shock and homesickness to r
French Women, Unfiltered: Interview Series #5
In this final episode of our series, Kim is interviewing French women to gain a rare and honest window into how they think about everything from work, motherhood, relationships, style and life overall. We’ll have real conversations that go beyond the cliches and offer perspective, advice and inspiration.Our guest today, Melanie Forsinetti, was born in the southwest of France, built her early caree
French Women, Unfiltered: Interview Series #4
In this series, Kim is interviewing French women to gain a rare and honest window into how they think about everything from work, motherhood, relationships, style and life overall. We'll have real conversations that go beyond the cliches and offer perspective, advice and inspiration.Ludivine Lombard-Taverne, our guest today, was born in Lille, moved to Japan at 19, later built a life in Hong K
What I've Learned as an American Living in France
What can Americans learn from French culture?After nearly three years living in Aix-en-Provence, Kim reflects on the lessons she’s learned as an American living in France. In this episode, she shares the cultural insights and mindset shifts that have changed the way she thinks about work, time, family, and everyday life.From the French approach to balance and enjoyment to the subtle differences th
French Women, Unfiltered: Interview Series #3
In our new series, @kimberlyannwheeler is interviewing French women to gain a rare and honest window into how they think about everything from work, motherhood, relationships, style and life overall. We'll have real conversations that go beyond cliches and offer perspective, advice and inspiration.Our guest today, Helene Bouche, is the Global Head of eCommerce and Digital Marketing at @bouclem
French Women, Unfiltered: Interview Series #2
In our new series, @kimberlyannwheeler is interviewing French women to gain a rare and honest window into how they think about everything from work, motherhood, relationships, style and life overall. We'll have real conversations that go beyond cliches and offer perspective, advice and inspiration.Our guest today, Camille Hart, is a French hairdresser at @gil.rouah and lives in Aix-en-Provence
French Women, Unfiltered: Interview Series #1
Welcome to our next new series where @kimberlyannwheeler is interviewing French women to gain a rare and honest window into how they think about everything from work, motherhood, relationships, style and life overall. We'll have real conversations that go beyond cliches and offer perspective, advice and inspiration.Our first guest is Julie Campistron, an entrepreneur from Paris who lived in Lo
How I Ended Up in France: Interview Series #5
It's our final episode in this series! We've been diving into the journeys of women who have moved abroad to France. You'll hear what inspired their move, the challenges they faced, the biggest rewards, and of course - the funny and sometimes embarrassing moments along the way. Whether you're just curious, planning a visit, or dreaming of a move yourself, you'll find stories, i
How I Ended Up in France: Interview Series #4
Join us in this series where we're diving into the journeys of women who have moved abroad to France. You'll hear what inspired their moves, the challenges they faced, the biggest rewards, and of course - the funny and sometimes embarrassing moments along the way. Whether you're just curious, planning a visit, or dreaming of a move yourself, you'll find stories, insights and advice
How I Ended Up in France: Interview Series #3
Join us on our third interview in this series where we're diving into the journeys of women who have moved abroad to France. You'll hear what inspired their moves, the challenges they faced, the biggest rewards, and of course - the funny and sometimes embarrassing moments along the way. Whether you're just curious, planning a visit, or dreaming of a move yourself, you'll find stori
How I Ended Up in France: Interview Series #2
We're continuing our new series where we're interviewing guests to explore their journeys of moving abroad to France. You'll hear what inspired their moves, the challenges they faced, the biggest rewards, and of course - the funny and sometimes embarrassing moments along the way. Whether you're just curious, planning a visit, or dreaming of a move yourself, you'll find stories,
How I Ended Up Here in France: Interview Series #1
Welcome to our new series, where we're interviewing guests to explore their journeys of moving abroad to France. You’ll hear what inspired their moves, the challenges they’ve faced, the biggest rewards, and of course—the funny and sometimes embarrassing moments along the way. Whether you’re just curious, planning a visit, or dreaming of a move yourself, you’ll find stories, insights, and advic
How the French Perceive Americans
Kim has a special guest, Christine Cornetti, a native French woman who has lived in Paris, NYC and now Aix-en Provence, France. Together, we're discussing the biggest cultural differences between French and Americans, the things Americans (and other foreigners) do that make them stand out and annoy the French and advice for those visiting or moving to France - all from a French woman's per
Perks of Raising Kids in France
Join us while we discuss the positive benefits of raising kids in France. We're sharing our experiences around the cultural differences of how the French raise their children compared to the United States. We'll give our biggest takeaways around boundary setting, intensity levels, parent vs. child led experiences, innocence, technology and consumerism. Don't forget to subscribe, rate &
What Kids Eat in France
Have you ever wondered what kids in France eat throughout the day compared to the United States? Join us while we dive into school lunch menus in both countries as well as cultural differences in what kids eat and how they eat. We also compare and contrast kid's menus at restaurants and the perception of snacking. Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
What We Wish We Knew in Our Twenties
It's interesting to look back on your life and think about what you wish you would have known. Today, we're sharing our insights about "what we would have told ourselves in our twenties" that we think is important for others to hear. Even if you're no longer in your twenties, we're sharing our perspectives from life experiences and living abroad, so come join us and share
What We're Loving Right Now
Just in time for Mother's Day, we're sharing our favorite discoveries in France (most are available globally). From products to experiences, we'll dive into what we love right now and why we love it. Take a listen, try some of our favorites and share this episode with your friends!Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.PRODUCTS:Merit Lip LinerCaudalie Vinot
Les Bébés: Pregnancy & Motherhood in France vs. US
Isabelle shares her big news! Join us while we dive into the differences in pregnancy and motherhood in France versus the United States. We'll compare and contrast our own experiences about having kids in two different countries.Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
French Entertaining
Have you ever wondered how the French entertain? We're diving into three of the most common types of French entertaining: goute´, apero´and dinner parties. We'll discuss the Do's and Don'ts of throwing a French dinner party and attending one. We cover everything from the menu to how to do a proper "sante´" (cheers) and what to expect. Don't forget to subscribe, rate &
Our Favorite "Less Known" Cities in France
We’re exploring our top five favorite cities in France. These are likely ones you haven’t heard about or read about. They are less well-known, but truly amazing! Take a listen and share this episode with friends 😊Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.podRECOMMENDATIONS:Les Goudes: - La Baie des Singes- Tuba ClubLake Annecy- Hotel et Restaurant La Maiso
Skiing in the Alps vs. the US
Join us while we share our experiences of European skiing in the Alps compared to the US. We'll talk about the big differences (including lower costs!) and share what you need to know when booking a trip. We'll also give you our recommendations and advice. Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.podOUR RECOMMENDATIONS:FRANCE- Book ESF ski school
Girl's Guide to Paris & 2024 Reflections
Dreaming about a girl's getaway to Paris? Join us while we chat about our favorite places in Paris from restaurants to shopping, don't worry, we've got you covered. Plus, we're diving into our reflections about this past year and how life abroad has changed our perspective. Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
PARIS GUIDE:
Restaurants & Bars:
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Surviving the Holidays: French Style
The holidays are fun and exciting, but can also be stressful. Join us while we chat about fun holiday traditions in France and how we make magic while keeping our sanity.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Moving Abroad: The Honest Truth
Thinking of moving abroad? Take a listen to what we love about living in France, but also the reality of the daily challenges we face living outside of our native country (the United States). Join us while we discuss our own experiences including learning the language, healthcare, work, visas, cultural differences and values and our overall quality of life in France.
Don't forget to subscribe, ra
Traveling in Europe with Kids
Thinking of planning a trip to Europe? Join us while we share our tips and tricks on traveling around Europe with kids. Sharing everything from planning and packing to how to make the most of your trip and create lasting memories when you're back.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review and follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Q&A
Join us while we answer questions from our listeners. Discussing everything from mood and confidence boosters to balancing motherhood and womanhood to French vs. American children and where the French like to travel.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
How to Work For Yourself
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for yourself as a freelancer, consultant, influencer or entrepreneur? We're diving into our own experiences as women who have taken the plunge into this type of work. Join us while we chat about our own journeys - from how we got started to what we enjoy the most.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod
Wine, Cigs & Snacks
Join us while we explore all of the vices. We're diving into the drinking culture in the US versus France. We also compare our observations on smoking and snacking. So many vices, so little time. What's yours?
Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod
People Pleasing & Guilt
Discussing our current situations of how we struggle with people pleasing, listening to our inner voice and figuring out what we really want. Comparing the differences of this tendency in American women versus French women. Follow us @coucou.pod.
C'est La Rentrée
La Rentrée means "back to school" for the kids and champagne for the moms! Join us while we chat about the differences between schools in France and the United States. We cover everything from school schedules, supplies, orientation, the curriculum and lunch menus.
Born in the USA
Sipping on Aperol Spritz's and chatting about our recent visits back to the United States from France. Join us while we chat about all the things we missed from the US (ice, Mexican food, dirty martinis), some culture shocks and what made us excited to return to France. Plus, sharing what American goodies we filled our suitcases with!
Friendships: Are You a Coconut or a Peach?
Diving deep into friendships and how our perspective has changed over time. Sharing the value of friendships and how the French form and maintain friends versus Americans. And don't miss our "Friendship Dealbreakers" at the end of the episode. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Advice Time!
Responding to questions from our listeners and offering our best advice based on our experiences and life abroad. Join us while we share our thoughts on motherhood, relationships and making the move overseas. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Why it's Okay to Lean Out
Join us while we share personal life stories about our careers and how we're thinking differently now about what really matters. We're chatting about how France has changed our perspective to form more of growth mindset versus needing comfort and certainty. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Aging Like a Fine French Wine
We're exploring the French perspective of aging compared to the US. We're chatting about how we're rethinking our own approach to skincare/makeup, how having daughters has changed our perspective and how to build inner confidence. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Q&A about France
Join us while we answer questions from our audience. We're chatting about how we learned French, made friends, found housing and of course French style. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Can You Have it All?
As women, we are always told you can have it all. You can be successful in your career while also being the perfect mother, wife, friend, etc...the list goes on. Can you really? We're realizing that maybe you can, but not all at the same time. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod.
Do's and Don'ts when visiting France
Want to visit France? We'll share our perspective on restaurant etiquette, cultural differences and what to wear when planning a trip to France. It includes some fun and easy tips to avoid looking like a tourist. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod
Feeling at "home"
What is home?
Chatting about what it's like to live outside of your comfort zone. Join us while we share our thoughts on dealing with uncertainty and some funny stories.
The Joys of French Living
Chatting about the joys of French living and how it's changing our perspective. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review + follow us on Instagram @coucou.pod
Cheers to coucou
Coucou! We’re Isabelle & Kim, we’re girlfriends living in France and chatting about everything going on in our lives. Come hang out with us while we cheers with an Aperol Spritz, swap stories, get into some deep talks and share what we’ve learned along the way.
