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 our current climate crisis, as well as some of the very serious investigations she’s worked on since the start of the year. Warning: this episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and violence. Mentioned in this episode:Saskya Vandoorne, CNNHeat wave in France Paris is boiling Gisèle Pelicot case Investigation on abuse networkExposing a global rape academyLyhanna case and justice system failuresAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 humor of someone reared in the United States. And yet, she wasn’t. I quickly learned she was perfectly bilingual but I also wanted to know how she accommodated the dualities of her identity. Today, she works for herself and goes between Paris and New York. We talk about her sequential bilingual journey, navigating two very different work cultures, and a few of her linguistic grievances. You’ll also hear which spots in Paris she returns to time and again. Want to learn French at your own pace with private or group classes online? Sign up for Lingoda. Mentioned in this episode: Ariane Bernard Sequential bilingualism Le Parisien Taboola Oh My CreamInstitut de France (18th century)Cour Carré du Louvre Le Severo Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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've made friends over the years and the etiquette of building contacts and friends in Paris, where cultural norms differ. Mentioned in this episode:Leaving America essay Jane Bertch GenerateHer Podcast Prompts from ParisJane's episode on friendship Amy Cuddy Retreats with JaneAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 distinctions, what she’s learned about chocolate over the years, and where she recommends you go for all your chocolate needs in Paris.  Mentioned in this episode Lisa Allen, Tarts & TrufflesLisa on InstagramChuaoDandelion Chocolate Ferrandi Paris Ara ChocolateL'Instant Cacao Patrick RogerJacques GeninPlaqAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 her unique culinary voice, and chat about her brand-new project, Trâmette, opening soon in the 11th arrondissement. Mentioned in this episode:Trâm 130 The HoodRori Yasube Le DauphinGrammeAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 partner Hagop Markarian are reviving the intimate "maker-client" relationship just steps away from Paris’s luxury giants, the vital role their space plays in highlighting Armenian heritage during turbulent times, and why the city is finally embracing the beauty of a multi-functional space where you can witness a bag being stitched while enjoying your espresso.Mentioned in this episode:Marianna StepanianParamazAstrig Agopian exhibition at Paramaz Safety for Women Journalists exhibition at UNESCOAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 in France amid global disruptions, and how cultural values must shape our response to crises and technological evolution. What does the future of France look like? Listen to find out. Mentioned in this episode: Rahaf Harfoush@Foushy Hypernormalization Emmanuel Grégoire + Station F The French Tech Journal European Unicorn ReportBlack Swan by Nassim Nicholas TalebOn Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber AI 2027 ReportPalantir deal with France Participatory local politics in ParisAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 vote, where the finger pointing is being aimed now by major political parties, and what Grégoire plans to do for Paris, I asked political journalist and author Léa Chamboncel. Here's what to know. Mentioned in this episode:Léa Chamboncel Popol Media Emmanuel Grégoire wins Paris mayoral raceFrench elections are still a warning to the left Edouard Philippe’s beard Adrien Quatennens, LFI, domestic violence caseLéa’s new book: à qui profite la lutte? Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 for The Nation, Jacobin and New Lines Magazine, to unpack what’s at stake, who’s running, why this election is so important, and what legacy Anne Hidalgo leaves behind.Mentioned in this episode:Phineas RueckertPhineas's substack Becoming FrenchLe Monde on Hidalgo's legacyFrance's elections at risk of foreign interferenceFrance's local elections, 2026Elections as a preview for Europe Quentin Deranque, political flashpointLyon as French capital of political violenceSarah Knafo copies MamdaniPhineas's report for The Nation on Sarah Knafo Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

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 contexts of both cities in their approaches to culture, and the impact of Brexit on the art world. We talk about government and private funding in the arts, access to cultural institutions, and the class divides that influence who engages with art. You’ll also hear where she likes to go, every time she’s in town. Mentioned in this episode: Maïa MorgenszternMaïa on InstagramLouvre strikes Sackler family museum fundingFondation Cartier Museum upgrades in ParisCarnavalet Museum (free entry)London's free museumsFondation Giacometti Comédie FrançaiseThe Good LifeAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠