To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Simone, who unknowingly became the most “listened-to voice in France.” Stick around until the end for an update on what Simone has been up to since the first episode aired!

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/49R1BPW.

To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Arnaud, who launched a career impersonating one of France’s most beloved male singers, Jacques Brel. Stick around until the end for an update on what Arnaud has been up to since the first episode aired!

Check out recordings of Arnaud’s live performances here. We also made a Spotify playlist where you can kick back and listen to some of Jacques Brel’s greatest hits.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3I7TkLW.

With war declared in France, Josephine braces for the conflict and wonders how she can help…until a member of the French secret service knocks at her door and she begins a new chapter of her life. With Ariana DeBose.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3MP6aBx.

Berthet One always loved drawing, but never saw a future in it. Until he wound up in prison and realized that drawing was the best chance he had at rebuilding his life.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3H40yhC.

Gratien Leroy is a small-town accountant with big culinary dreams. But when France’s most popular cooking show announces an open call for the country’s best amateur cooks, does Gratien have what it takes to join the ranks of his country’s top chefs?

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3rSGPeD.

In Khadjou Sambe’s home country of Senegal, surfing is considered a male-only sport. But that hasn’t stopped Khadjou from pursuing her surfing dreams, becoming the first girl in Dakar to rule the waves.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/34e0gpK.

In honor of Pride and LGBTQ people across the world, this week we're rerunning the story of Marine Rome and the French soccer team that rocked the Women’s World Cup in 2019.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3KMKz9Z.

Arnaud Askoy has already had three different careers when, at age 43, he discovers his true calling: singing. But not his own music. Arnaud plans to launch a career impersonating Jacques Brel, one of the world’s most famous francophone musicians, and might just be crazy enough to pull it off.

Check out recordings of Arnaud’s live performances here (arnaudaskoy.org/video). We also made a Spotify playlist (spoti.fi/36MhU19) where you can kick back and listen to some of Jacques Brel’s greatest hits.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3u1Mku0.

For many years, Valérie struggled with feeling different from the other students at her karate school in Montreal. But after learning she had Asperger's syndrome, Valérie’s new self-knowledge inspired her to work even harder toward achieving her karate dreams.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/34goRKY.

The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting June 8, 2020. Listen to the trailer now!

As a young PhD student, Viriginie Dhorne dreamed of becoming a brilliant academic. But after starting a family and finding herself stuck working in her husband’s cheese business, Virginie began to realize that the world of cheese—a world she once hated—was rich with opportunities for people with brains, ambition… and a fierce competitive streak.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3KOzkh8.

Kilian Belamri’s loitering habits weren’t much appreciated among the residents of his housing project in Malakoff, south of Paris. But when his neighbors found themselves in grave danger late one evening, Kilian and his friends did the unexpected—and became heroes overnight.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/33RKOQo.

While on a day trip with his senior citizens club, Raymond Silvestrini survived one of the worst traffic accidents in France’s history. But after meeting Monique, a fellow survivor, his life took another unexpected turn -- this time, for the better.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3fWBX2u.

Josephine puts down roots in her beloved France while trying to find her place as an artist as the world teeters toward war. With Ariana DeBose.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3tM0mlu.

As a nuclear engineer, David S. had a very serious job. But after discovering a passion for the French art of clowning, he decided to start leading a double life, doing everything in his power to keep his two different worlds from colliding.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3H4Wn57.

After earning a PhD in nuclear physics in Europe, Dr. Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli returned to her native Morocco to teach and raise a family. But when she learned her former colleagues were embarking on the scientific quest of the century, she hatched a plan to join them—and give her country the scientific credit it deserved.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/34ajsVI.

Ever since France won the World Cup in 1998, Marine Rome yearned to play soccer, but felt excluded from the field. When she finally found her dream team in Paris, they decided to take a stand for inclusion at the 2019 World Cup.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3KM5ERN.

Growing up in France, Hong Dagognet rarely spoke with her adoptive parents about her childhood in Vietnam. But after receiving a surprising letter, she set out to reconnect with her family and finally unveil the mysteries of her past.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3r13beE.

In everyday sounds, Christophe Chassol hears the makings of a song. That refined ear led Chassol to become a renowned musician, and develop a new genre of music. But it was only by returning to his parents’ birthplace in Martinique that he would be able to create his masterpiece.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3u1MVMg.

The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting January 28, 2020. Listen to the trailer now!

Eric Dargent devoted his life to surfing — the bigger the waves, the better. He wouldn’t let anything get in his way of his passion, not even a life-altering shark attack. After losing half of his leg, he set out to pursue a new dream, for himself and countless others.

Study materials and a transcript of this episode are available at https://bit.ly/3r2QU9t.

Cédric Herrou lived a quiet life as an olive farmer on the border between France and Italy until he began to offer shelter for hundreds of migrants struggling to cross into France. But when the French state took him to court for his actions, it would take Cédric and a small community of volunteers to convince a nation that freedom should know no borders.

Study materials and a transcript of this episode are available at https://bit.ly/3r3ddMb.

When Oliver Cousin's grandparents passed away, he promised to honor the winemaking traditions they had passed down to him. But when the French state got involved with his product, he decided to fight to the end for his natural wine.

Study materials and a transcript of this episode are available at https://bit.ly/3KOuYa4.

Elodie Lauret yearned to discover what was beyond the island of La Réunion. But when she set off to Europe in search of better opportunity, she realized over time that the island would always be her place to call home.

Study materials and a transcript of this episode are available at https://bit.ly/35hcJcU.

Josephine becomes an international sensation and adopts France as her home. But in neighboring Germany, Nazism is on the rise and threatens her newfound freedom. With Ariana DeBose.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/4010Hg5.

For a long time, Paris was the only place Alexia Sena considered home. But when Alexia began to wonder how she would pass down her Cameroonian heritage to her mixed-race daughter born in France, she decided to move back to Cameroon with her family in search of the identity she thought she lost.

Study materials and a transcript of this episode are available at https://bit.ly/3G2NWGo.

Mahmoud M’Seddi was born to bake. When M’Seddi was surprised to come in 7th place in the Grand Prix contest for Best Baguette in Paris in 2017, he knew that the next time, he had a chance to win. He would prove to his parents and an entire nation that he was meant to do this for the rest of his life.

Study materials and a transcript of this episode are available at https://bit.ly/3qZn9Gx.

Deepen your language skills and knowledge of the French-speaking world through fascinating true stories in easy-to-follow French, with added English for context. From Duolingo, the world's #1 way to learn a language. Hosted by Ngofeen Mputubwele.

19-year-old Josephine Baker leaves her life in the U.S. behind and arrives in Paris to try her luck onstage. She falls in love with the city, but what will she have to do in order to succeed there? With Ariana DeBose.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/46I6I3s.

The Duolingo French Podcast returns with a thrilling new season! Discover the untold story of 1920s icon Josephine Baker – not just a dancer, but a spy for the French Resistance. Featuring Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose. This special season launches on October 11th, 2023. Catch the trailer now!

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Virginie Dhorne – a French cheesemonger with a fierce competitive streak. Stick around until the end to hear what Virginie’s been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/4202Hpg.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Loune Viaud, a public health expert from Haiti who rescued 38 children after the 2010 earthquake struck the country. Stick around until the end to hear what Loune and the children from the story have been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3H96ecn.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revising a story by Matina Razafimahefa, a university student from Madagascar with an entrepreneurial spirit. Stick around until the end to hear what Matina has been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/41vlwjy.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Valérie Desroches, a karate student from Montreal. After learning she had Asperger's syndrome, Valérie’s new self-knowledge inspired her to work even harder toward achieving her karate dreams. Stick around until the end to hear what Valérie has been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3zREXHc.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Linh Lan Dao, who decided to pursue a career in journalism after encountering anti-Asian racism. Stick around until the end to hear what Linh Lan’s been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3ZEze25.

On June 21, 1981, the French government invented a new holiday. Ever since then, every summer solstice, anyone in France can take to the streets and perform music…and they do! But for Fanny, sharing her birthday with la Fête de la Musique was a bit of a curse…until she discovered how to help her favorite band take on the challenge of that special night.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3HYOEHZ.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Khadjou Sambe, a young woman who defied gender norms by taking up surfing, considered a men-only sport in her home country of Senegal. Stick around until the end to hear what Khadjou has been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3KeOdLy.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Maya Husseini, a stained-glass artist who spent her career rebuilding churches in her hometown of Beirut. But after a devastating warehouse explosion in August 2020, she was faced with a question: could she help rebuild Beirut? Stick around until the end to hear what Maya has been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3FHIRWG.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Emel Mathlouthi, a singer whose music became a symbol of freedom during the seismic revolution that took place in 2010 in her home country of Tunisia. Stick around until the end to hear what Emel has been up to since this episode first aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3JEFAd6.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Duolingo French Podcast is back for a special season celebrating exceptional women. We’ll revisit stories of powerful dreamers, visionaries, and truth-seekers from our archives — and share updates on their lives since their stories first aired. This special season starts March 14th, 2023. Tune in to the trailer now!

Photographer Gaspard Duval has a growing archive of the historic Paris Catacombs, a network of tunnels and burial grounds underneath the city of Paris. He navigates the underground labyrinth to highlight his favorite spots, from the official tour area to secret chambers that are forbidden to the public.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3XDWlK0.

Olivier Chandez was the official clocksmith of the Notre Dame Cathedral. He tended to its antique central clock until a fire set the Cathedral ablaze in 2019. Olivier will take us back to a time before the fire for a special tour of one of the world’s most beloved Parisian landmarks.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3WuvTAX.

A longtime resident of Paris, Pascal Fonquernie, walks us through his historic neighborhood, Le Marais, sharing its unique history and shining a light on the different communities who live there.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3X25hIQ.

The Duolingo French Podcast is back for a new season. Our special trip to Paris, France starts January 2023. Listen to the trailer now!

Alphonse Maitrepierre is a talented young designer who worked his way up to many established fashion houses in Paris. After learning from the best, he wanted to design clothes that reflected his vision and commitment to sustainability. But would the fashion world embrace him?

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3ThCPQh.

A doctor from Guadeloupe dedicates his life to honoring the memory of his island’s enslaved ancestors, and fights to make sure their names will not be forgotten.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3DRItUY.

To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Christophe, better known under his performer name Chassol, who developed a new musical genre inspired by the sounds of his home island of Martinique. Stick around until the end for an update on what Christophe has been up to since the first episode aired.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3w5nVa2.

Growing up in Cameroon, Euphrasie Mbambae spent a lot of time on her grandfather’s cacao farm. But it wasn’t until she moved to Belgium that she tasted chocolate for the first time and understood the power of the fruits from her childhood. We recently reached out to Euphrasie and updated her story with new content.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3FnIsJk.

A Montreal resident realizes people in his neighborhood of Saint-Henri West don’t have access to fresh and affordable food. So together as a community, they decide to take matters into their own hands and open a collective grocery store run by and for the people of Saint-Henri West.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3Sa4Ad9.

As a teenager in Mali, Djénébou Dante dodged a string of marriage proposals to pursue her running dreams and represent her country on the international stage. We recently reached out to Djénébou and updated her story with new content.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3MkQK6s.