In this episode, Gaelle talks about the most famous French literary prize, le prix Goncourt. You will discover how books are selected, who makes up the jury, and why it means so much to authors and publishers. But because nothing is never black and white, you will also hear about the little scandals that took place over the years and tarnished the prize’s reputation. NEW: Check out Langua, our cutting-edge software to help you become fluent in French: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?langu...
Jan 25, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle interviews Mélanie, a teacher in a vocational high school in France. Together they explain the purpose of such an educational environment, which students it is aimed at, as well as the stigma surrounding it and the difficulties of the job. NEW: Check out Langua, our cutting-edge software to help you become fluent in French: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?language=french&query= You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highli...
Jan 11, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle presents the life of the world famous singer: Edith Piaf. Everyone is familiar with her most famous song, “La vie en rose”, but few really know who she was and where she came from. She sang about love so beautifully following a lot of hardship and broken heart. NEW: Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI tool to help you become fluent in French. Pro version limited time offer: Get 50% off your first month using the code FRENCHPOD50. Try Langua here: https://languatalk.com/la...
Dec 28, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle introduces you to THE christmas dessert in France: the Christmas log. It’s on every table, for every family. It can be made with chocolate, raspberry or lemon ice cream. But do we even know why French people eat a dessert in the shape of a piece of wood? Listen to this episode to find out. And if you want to learn a bit of patisserie vocabulary, Gaelle gives you the traditional recipe at the end. NEW: Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI tool to help you become fluent in F...
Dec 21, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle explains how to navigate the French health system when you are sick. From the first step of finding the correct health professional to the last one of getting the correct medication, she explains what French people have to do to be seen and get better. You will understand what “mutuelle”, “carte vitale” and “médecin traitant” mean, and who pays what when the bill comes. NEW: Check out Langua, our cutting-edge software to help you become fluent in French: https://languatal...
Nov 30, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle introduces you to a French inventor who revolutionized the world for blind people in the 19th century: M. Louis Braille. You will hear about his extraordinary personal story and how he came to create a brilliant and universal alphabet, still in use nowadays by blind and visually impaired people. NEW: Check out Langua, our new learning software: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?language=french&query= You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive tra...
Nov 29, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this grammar episode, Gaelle explains the difference between “juste” and “venir de”, which are both translated by “just” in English, making it difficult for English speakers to understand the difference. NEW: Check out Langua, our new learning software: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?language=french&query= You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languatalk.com/blog/podcas...
Nov 29, 2023•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about 3 aspects of English culture that she really likes and that she wished existed in France. She talks about charity shops and open mindedness, then finishes on a more serious note with the issue of street harassment, which is a major problem in France. NEW: Check out Langua, our new learning software: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?language=french&query= You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the word...
Nov 29, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle interviews Eirini, a Greek citizen who has been living in France with her Greek husband for the past 5 years. They have 3 children, the youngest was born in Paris. Eirini explains how they manage the “double culture” and languages at home, as well as what they do to preserve their Greek origins whilst encouraging their children to navigate French society. NEW: Check out Langua, our new software to help you become fluent in French: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?la...
Nov 29, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle explains the concept of the sharing economy, also called collaborative consumption. From its utopic beginnings in California to the giants that have now emerged like AirBnB and Uber, you will get a clear understanding of the principles and how it has evolved in the past 15 years. Gaelle will also tell you about France, where the concept is applied widely, with some national startups that are still true to the initial values. NEW: Check out Langua, our new software to help...
Nov 29, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about the French series, “Plan Coeur” (or “the Hookup Plan” in its English version). If you like easy romantic comedies, this episode is for you! Gaelle gives you her honest opinion about the series, its flaws and strengths, and why in the end, she recommends watching it. NEW: Check out Langua, our new learning software: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?language=french&query= You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which hig...
Sep 13, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle interviews Julie to talk about the city of Saint Etienne. Located in the middle of France and for a long time considered the rival of Lyon, St Etienne has a fascinating industrial history. And after a tough few decades, the city managed to reinvent itself into a design city. Julie talks so warmly of it that you will want to organise a trip to see it for yourself. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they'...
Aug 24, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle interviews Leila to talk about the northern city of Lille. Famous in the past for its mining and textile industry, Lille went through a dry spell during the deindustrialisation era. But as you will discover with Leila, the city is now thriving again and is resolutely moving towards a brighter future. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languatalk.com/blog/pod...
Aug 17, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaëlle interviews Solène to talk about the city she lives in: Dijon. Located between Paris and Lyon, capital of the region “Bourgogne”, where the internationally famous wine is produced, Dijon and its surroundings have a lot to offer. After listening to this episode you might want to go and buy yourself some good wine… You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languatalk....
Jul 27, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about the French summer holidays and why, if you try to visit the country in the month of August, you might find yourself in a deserted country (if you are not in the hotspots like the Mediterranean coast). You will learn how French people like to spend their summer holiday and why this holiday is so long. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languatalk....
Jul 13, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle focuses on 3 French words that sound very similar, and are hard to pronounce and dissociate for many people. In order to help you, she explains each difficult sound individually and then goes through 3 exercises to hear the differences between them. So don’t forget to take a pen and paper to write down your answers! You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languat...
Jun 29, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about a controversial topic: cannabis. France is one of those paradoxical countries where people do consume quite a lot of it but where the law is strict and unforgiving. She will also explain the subtle difference between depenalisation and legalisation and tell you where French politicians stand on that specific point. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via http...
Jun 14, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about a wonderful French animated movie called “Kirikou et la sorcière” (Kirikou and the Sorceress). Beyond the beautiful story and graphism, this movie has deeply changed the French animated world and set a precedent which would inspire generations to come. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languatalk.com/blog/podcast/french?via=frenchpod Looking to ...
Jun 01, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle dives into the wonderful world of having children. Having lived in England for many years, she came to the conclusion that the French system for young kids was actually a very decent one, with its solid childcare options for example. But she also noticed the differences during the pregnancy and birth process, with which France doesn’t always shine. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whi...
May 17, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle interviews André, a Brazilian doctor who lives in Australia and who studied and worked in France for 3 years. He talks about his experience in Paris as a researcher, how difficult it was to meet people, speak the language and find a flat. With his non-native accent, Andre’s French might be harder to understand but it’s an excellent training to improve your listening skills. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words ...
May 04, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle describes a very common and unsustainable practice: programmed obsolescence. You might not be familiar with the words, but its reality is in your daily life: when your laptop stops working after 4 years, when your printer refuses to print more pages even though you still have ink left, … But the great news is that France is the first country in the world to try to tackle the issue. You will hear all about it in this episode. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an...
Apr 20, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about the famous French author, feminist and philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir. Simone wrote “le deuxième sexe” and is considered the mother of the Second feminist wave. But as you will discover, there is more to Simone de Beauvoir than this extraordinary essay. Both her intellectual and love lives are fascinating. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languata...
Apr 06, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about a very popular French series that managed the impossible: to gain worldwide recognition and even win an Emmy Award! The series is called “10%”, or “call my agent” in its international version, and is available on Netflix so you will have easy access to it if Gaelle manages to convince you to watch it. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening via https://languatalk.com...
Mar 22, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle explains the differences between 3 very similar verbs: sentir, se sentir et ressentir. They are all translated by “to feel” in English, but in French they are used in different contexts. Looking to learn French fast with a tutor like Gaëlle? Meet a tutor for a trial session here: https://languatalk.com/french-tutors-online?via=frenchpod You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listening vi...
Mar 09, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle tackles a difficult topic: the project of the French government to change the retirement system, and the massive protests that have followed. As simply as possible, she explains how the French pension system works, why the government decided it was necessary to partially modify it and why the French people, in their vast majority, disagree. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as they're spoken) whilst listenin...
Mar 03, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about the iconic French novel “les Misérables”, written in the 19th century by Victor Hugo. You will learn about the story, its many layers and themes, as well as understanding the man behind the book. In the second part, you will travel to the West End, London, and its famous musical tradition, but also to Hollywood where Les Misérables was adapted for the cinema. You can get free vocab lists as well as read an interactive transcript (which highlights the words as ...
Feb 09, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle talks about a touchy subject: French nationality. How can we be French? Is being born in France enough or do we need to have at least one French parent? And how are non-white French people perceived? And if you like football, it all started with the World Cup in Qatar and the composition of the French team.
Jan 26, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle clarifies a grammatical point: the neutral pronouns. If you have no idea what “ça” or “ce” are, or if you think you can translate “it” by “il” everytime, this episode is made for you. You’ll finally understand the mysterious “c” at the beginning of every “c’est”!
Jan 12, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle will make you hungry. She will talk about a special wintery dish, a favorite of hers, called “gratin dauphinois” (and give you the secret recipe in the show notes!). How could you resist the temptation of this simple but delicious dish of potatoes and cream? And what’s even better, the dish is full of interesting historical facts, feeding both your stomach and brain at the same time. Enjoy!
Dec 29, 2022•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Gaelle reveals some of the most controversial debates in French society around… Christmas! Who said Christmas should be peaceful, magical and lovely? In France, we are born to have heated arguments about… pretty much everything. So Father Christmas, the Christmas tree and even the turkey will be no exception.
Dec 15, 2022•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
