Explore every episode of the podcast Profiles in Franceformation
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 78 - Janice Deerwester on the Challenges and Joys of Embracing New Experiences | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:32:10 | |
In Episode 78 of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes is joined by Janice Deerwester, whose journey of a post-retirement solo relocation led her to Fontainebleau and a fulfilling new chapter as a content creator. During the conversation, Janice offers practical advice for moving abroad, discusses the nuances of settling into a new culture, and touches on the everyday joys of French life. Follow Janice: If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss our next episode! | |||
| Episode 77 - Andrew Guck on Turning a Love of France into a Life You Love | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:54:46 | |
In episode 77 of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes chats with real estate agent Andrew Guck, who relocated to France in 2011. Follow Andrew: If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss our next episode! | |||
| Episode 68: Fabricio Carminati On How To Buy Your Dream French Home With Ease | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:33:02 | |
Welcome to episode 68 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week my guest is Fabricio Carminati, a real estate agent and creator of French Riviera House Hunting. His goal is to help English-speaking property hunters find the right property and navigate the process of buying their new home in France with ease.
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| Episode 67: FUSAC Founder Lisa Vanden Bos On Bridging The Culture Gap | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:42:27 | |
Welcome to Episode 67 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m back with Lisa Vanden Bos, who has been a pillar of the American community in France, since she arrived three decades ago.
If you are considering moving to France, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 66: Expat Author Erin Zhurkin releases novel Plus-Size in Paris | 17 May 2023 | 00:45:58 | |
Welcome to episode 66 of the Profiles in Franceformation podcast. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and today my guest is author Erin Zhurkin. Erin moved to Paris to follow her husband’s job and has lived in 6 different countries, including France, and she now lives in Seoul, South Korea, with her family. Her novel, Plus-Size in Paris, is out this week, and available on Amazon.
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| Episode 65: Organizing Life in Paris with Robynne Pendariès | 10 May 2023 | 00:46:05 | |
Welcome to episode 65 of Profiles in Franceformation. This week’s guest is Robynne Pendariès, a professional organizer and ADHD coach who found her calling after joining Message, the Paris-based group for English-speaking parents in France. Robynne followed love to Paris after school and discovered her knack for organizing during the early years of motherhood. She is involved with many groups and associations in Paris, including Message and AAWE, the Association of American Women in Europe, and Cancer Support France. She has also created an excellent organizational resource and checklist for international couples that will be useful for anyone living in France. | |||
| Episode 64: Finding the Perfect French Home in 3 Days with Mark & Kim Jesperen | 03 May 2023 | 00:44:50 | |
Welcome to episode 64 of Profiles in Franceformation. This week’s guests are Mark and Kim Jesperen, an author and artist from Maine who fell in love with their home and village in southern France and purchased their French house in 3 days when their trip was unexpectedly extended. | |||
| Episode 63: Transferring Dreams and Transferring Currency with Fiona Warren of Currencies Direct France | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:45:57 | |
Welcome to episode 63 of Profiles in Franceformation. This week’s guest is Fiona Warren, a currency transfer specialist with Currencies Direct who moved from the London suburbs to southwest France in 2009. In this episode, we talk about how transferring money has evolved significantly and become much easier and cheaper since the early days, and the different ways you can transfer money internationally so you can pursue your dreams of buying property, starting a business and establishing your life in France. | |||
| Episode 62: Immigration by Trauma & by Choice: How Marta Hobbs's Move to Paris Prompted an Unraveling and a Spiritual Healing Journey | 06 Apr 2023 | 00:50:29 | |
Welcome to Episode 62 of Profiles in Franceformation! This week, my guest is Marta Hobbs, author of Unraveling: A Woman's Search for Freedom and the Journey of Coming Home, a memoir about her spiritual healing journey. Marta has been an immigrant twice, in very different circumstances. The first time, she was a young girl fleeing communist Poland in a cloak-and-dagger operation, and she arrived in the unwelcoming city of New York, not speaking a word of English, to compound the trauma of escaping by abandoning herself and her identity to fit in and become American. The second time, after creating outward business and family success, she moved to Paris by choice. And once she arrived, with financial security, and distance, and space, everything started to unravel. I am delighted that Marta was willing to share her beautiful story of healing, and I encourage you to read her book. | |||
| Episode 61: Magic that Comes from Creating a Life in a Different Place, with Ally McDonald-Bull | 15 Mar 2023 | 01:07:02 | |
| Episode 60: Sarah McGrath of Women for Women France Helps when the Dream Becomes a Nightmare | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:48:40 | |
Welcome to Episode 60 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day with an episode on a very important topic that can affect any woman moving to France. Sarah McGrath is an Australian woman who volunteered as a advocate for domestic violence survivors at home, before moving to France and becoming the founder of Women for Women France. Women for Women France is a non-profit organization that helps immigrant women in France who are subjected to physical abuse, coercive control, and administrative and financial abuse to navigate the complex legal system which is difficult to navigate in a foreign language and which so often fails to adequately support victims. Women for Women France also provides an informational portal in 15 languages, including English, which provides information on legal procedures and helps women to understand issues like child custody and their immigration situation in the event it’s tied to their relationship status. Women for Women France is doing incredibly important work supporting immigrant women in France, and I am proud that Your Franceformation made an €1800 donation in December to help fund these important resources. This week, I’d like to ask you to join me in donating, and I would love it if our community of listeners and Americans in France could collectively donate another €1800. Please check out the link in the show notes or on my Facebook page to join our efforts. Before we begin, I want to warn you that usually, the Profiles in Franceformation podcast is fairly light and child-friendly, but in this episode, we’re going to talk about feminicide, male violence against women, and domestic violence and coercive control, so you may want to listen away from little ears. And now, it’s my pleasure to introduce Sarah McGrath, of Women for Women France. Sarah founded Women for Women France in 2018 and has 17 years of financial governance and complex project delivery experience in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors across three continents with budgets ranging from 5m to 750m USD. An Australian immigrant living in France since 2016, and close to the stories of her family’s journey as refugees from Eastern Europe to New Zealand, Sarah is engaged in the fight against the vilification and dehumanisation of migrants from all countries of origin. She advocates for cultural and systemic change within first-contact victim services and within the French judicial system, and is calling elimination of the culture of intersectional discrimination currently present. Your donation is tax-deductible in France and it helps fund important resources like the multilingual informational portal providing support to victim-survivors. Sarah and the team at Women for Women France will be grateful for your support. | |||
| Episode 59: If You're Not Failing, You're Not Growing: How Charlotte King Keeps Finding New Opportunities in France | 01 Mar 2023 | 01:06:20 | |
Welcome to Episode 59 of Profiles in Franceformation! I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with Charlotte King, my friend, an art history and wine expert, and the co-owner of two companies in France. Bacchus and Clio offers customized tours of France focusing on wine, gastronomy, and French history and culture, while Kira Consultants offers trainings on food and wine to professionals in the restauarant industry. Charlotte moved to France at the same time as me, and we sang in choirs together in Paris while she explored various careers, from teaching at the university level, to becoming an art history tour guide at the Louvre, to working as an interpreter in the wine department at Le Cordon Bleu, where she met her business partner.
If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 76 - Tadji Kretschmer on finding community, creativity, and a new career path in Paris | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:42:45 | |
In episode 76 of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes interviews travel consultant and photographer Tadji Kretschmer, who relocated to Paris in 2021. | |||
| Episode 58: Communication Consultant Amy Gruber regales us with Tales of Brittany | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:56:56 | |
Introduction: Welcome to Episode 58 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, my very special guest is Amy Gruber. Amy is a former educator turned communications consultant who made the decision to begin her Franceformation in January 2020 - right before covid closed the borders. She finally received her Profession Libérale visa and moved from Michigan to Côtes d’Armor, Brittany, in November 2021, where she lives with her dog, Stella, and her cat, Albus. Amy has a blog, Tales from Brittany, where she writes about her life in France, she’s a contributor to the My French Life website, and, as one of our favorite clients, she also works with Your Franceformation on some of our writing projects. Welcome, Amy.
You may reach her out through:
If you are considering moving to France like Daniel, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 57: Becoming a French Immigration Attorney with Daniel Tostado | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:48:00 | |
Introduction: Welcome to episode 57 of the Profiles in Franceformation podcast! I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m interviewing Daniel Tostado, an American attorney who was a teaching assistant with TAPIF in La Réunion, before attending law school in France and becoming an immigration attorney registered with the Paris bar. Daniel does all kinds of things to serve the American community in France, including hosting a regular free legal clinic at the American Church in Paris, and serving with 100 Nights of Welcome, which provides refuge to homeless people in the ACP gym during the winter. Welcome, Daniel. Daniel talks about...
If you are considering moving to France like Daniel, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 56 Retiring in Montpellier with Maquita Guild-Schwarz | 01 Feb 2023 | 01:03:20 | |
Welcome to episode 56 of the Profiles in Franceformation podcast! This week, I’m interviewing Maquita Guild-Schwarz, a retired pediatrician who moved to Montpellier, France, with her husband in 1998 after living in Nairobi, Kenya, and 5 other countries. Throughout her time in France, Maquita has joined several volunteer organizations, such as the American Women’s Group, Restos Bébés du Coeur, and Cancer Support France.
If you are considering moving to France like Maquita, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 55: Learning the charms of the French countryside life with Kylie Lang, an English copywriter | 18 Jan 2023 | 00:53:52 | |
Welcome to Episode #55 of Profiles in Franceformation, I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes and in this episode, I'm speaking with Kylie Lang, a British copywriter, author, and amateur line dancer who lives in the Charente region, and who runs Life in Rural France on Facebook and Instagram.
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| Episode 54: Finally Finding Home in Strasbourg with Franceformation Client Ashley Sorci | 11 Jan 2023 | 00:46:05 | |
Welcome to Episode #54 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes and in this episode, we speak with one of our Franceformation clients, Ashley Sorci, who pursued her dream of moving to France and who runs a student exchange program between France and the US. Ashley also tells us about…
If you are considering moving to France like Ashley, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 53: Introducing Kim Mousseron, International Mobility Consultant with Your Franceformation | 04 Jan 2023 | 01:02:11 | |
Today’s very special guest is Kim Mousseron, the very first full-time member of the Franceformation team, as she began her permanent role as an International Mobility Consultant on January 2nd. Kim has a Master’s from Middlebury College, and a rich and varied professional history of teaching, office and administrative work and most recently, as a housing coordinator and administrator in a study abroad program. She is a longtime member of the American Women’s Group of Languedoc Roussillion and FAWCO, the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas. She joined me in April 2021 part-time, we finally met in-person this past October at the Bloom Where You’re Planted event, and we finally signed her CDI for her new position right before the Christmas break. It has been a pleasure getting to know Kim and working with her, and I am very excited to have her on the team full time going forward. She has wonderful energy, she’s a great problem solver, she’s also from Massachusetts and appreciates, or at least tolerates, my snark, and most importantly, she speaks fluent French bureaucracy. Study abroad’s loss has been the good fortune of me and of our Franceformation clients, and I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to her as our team member. | |||
| Episode 52: Moving 2 Paris and more with Laura McIntyre | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:46:09 | |
Welcome to Episode #52 of Profiles in Franceformation! I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with Laura McIntyre, an Arkansas native who left corporate America to follow her dream of moving to Paris. After deciding to stay, Laura changed from a visitor status to a profession libérale visa status and put her passion for helping others discover Paris to work, by starting a business helping people find and furnish their dream home here.
To learn more about Laura’s business, check out her website: https://move2paris.com/ | |||
| Episode 51: Getting into the swing of things in Paris with Brian Bailey | 07 Dec 2022 | 00:34:42 | |
Welcome to Episode 51 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with one of our Franceformation VIP clients, Brian Bailey, who moved to Paris for a year after covid to work as a professional swing dance teacher, before deciding to go even further and travel the world.
If you are considering moving to France like Brian, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 50: The Psychology of Moving to Paris, with Dennis Roberts | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:54:29 | |
This week, I’m interviewing Dennis Roberts, a psychologist with the Paris Psychology Center who moved to France in August 2021 from Chicago with his spouse and two big dogs. He’s certified in the UK and 5 US states, and in the process of working on his Profession Libérale visa application, he used Foolproof French Visas as a guide, and also went through the process of becoming a certified psychologue in France with an ADELI number to treat patients through the French healthcare system. He now serves the English speaking community in Paris and would like to encourage other English-speaking licensed psychologists to take the leap as well. We discuss:
If you are considering moving to France like Dennis, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 49: Not in Kansas Anymore: How Abby Héraud Followed Love to France | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:54:33 | |
Welcome to Episode 49 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and today, I’m speaking with Abby Héraud, who moved from Kansas to France in high school, and then came back after college to marry her French husband after their long-distance relationship. Throughout her time in France, she’s navigated working as a teacher, setting up a business during covid, and becoming a mom, and navigating the French school system. She lives in the South of France with her family and runs Spot on Services. Welcome, Abby! Abby explains:
If you are considering moving to France like Abby, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Planning a Successful Move to France for 2025 | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:34:16 | |
In this first episode of the 2024-2025 season of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes shares practical advice for planning a successful move to France in 2025. | |||
| Episode 48: Living out a childhood dream with Vashti Joseph, an entrepreneur and small business owner | 16 Nov 2022 | 01:11:11 | |
Welcome to Episode #48 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with one of our Franceformation clients, Vashti Joseph. Vashti grew up in Puerto Rico, lived in the DC area and the UK, and has had several C-suite positions in startup companies before deciding to launch her own business and fulfill her lifelong dream of moving to France. After discovering the benefits of Irish sea moss, she moved to France with a Passeport Talent Entrepreneur visa to launch Emerald Coast Beauty, an organic beauty brand that makes products with fewer than 6 ingredients.
To reference the two websites that Allison mentions for verifying the ingredients in sunscreen, you can check out the following links: https://www.quechoisir.org/ and https://www.60millions-mag.com/ Link to their Etsy shop:https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmeraldCoastFrance Instagram: @emeraldcoastfrance Twitter: EmeraldCoastFR If you are considering moving to France like Vashti, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 47: Finding Humor in the Bureaucrazy with the Only American in Paris, Sarah Donnelly | 09 Nov 2022 | 01:02:23 | |
Welcome to Episode #47 of Profiles in Franceformation, I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, we're speaking with Sarah Donnelly, a standup comedian who moved to Paris in 2012 and who has been finding the humor in the bureaucracy ever since. Her current show, The Only American In Paris, is at Théâtre Bo, near République, and is hilarious for all of us who have experienced moving to France, navigating French bureaucracy, and making friends with the French as we create our new lives here.
As mentioned in this episode, you can purchase tickets to Sarah’s upcoming shows at: https://billetterie.theatrebo.fr/events/423 Check out Sarah’s website and social media accounts at:
If you are considering moving to France like Sarah, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 46: "There’s always a way": how Kate Plummer moved her yoga business online to relocate to France | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:44:23 | |
Welcome to Episode #46 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes and in this week’s episode, I’m speaking with Kate Plummer. Kate, and her husband Marc, are full time senior Yoga teachers who lived and worked in Cheltenham, England for ten years. They bought a house in France 5 years ago with a view to retiring there in 10-15 years' time. A chance conversation with their business mentor a year later led to a late night “what if” conversation. Three months later, they had sold up in England and were living full time in France! They are now based in rural Deux Sèvres with their rescue dog, Brock. When they're not renovating their 200 year old stone farmhouse or negotiating with the French administration, they still teach Yoga full time. However, if you have an idea of what a Yoga teacher should be, you'll probably find they don't conform to it and their teaching style reflects this. Their classes are fun and accessible to all whether you can touch your toes or not! Kate also talks about…
To learn more about Kate and Marc’s yoga classes, check out their website and Instagram account linked here: If you are considering moving to France like Kate, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 45: Embracing courage and following your reason “why” with coach Patricia Brooks | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:55:32 | |
Welcome to Episode #45 of Profiles in Franceformation! This is your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with Patricia Brooks, who moved to France on a visitor visa in 2018 to learn French and write her book, before deciding to stay and launch her business as a life coach. In this episode, we talk about the courage it takes to leave your home and your comfort zone behind, and to navigate the many new daily challenges of life in a foreign country and a different language. Patricia also talks about:
Check out Patricia’s YouTube channel for more information about her coaching business: https://www.youtube.com/c/PatriciaBrooksCarefreeExpat
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| Episode 44: Conjuring Dream Lives and Dream France Vacations, with Mallory Nettleton, Creator of France of a Lifetime Tours | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:42:19 | |
Welcome to Episode #44 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes and today I’m speaking with Mallory Nettleton, who inexplicably fell in love with France as a child, before ever setting foot on its soil. This love was cemented when she and her husband, Ben first visited in 2010 and has continued to grow into a passion over the years. They vowed to move to France one day and finally achieved that dream in March 2022. As serial entrepreneurs, they are now building a multi-day tour company called France of a Lifetime to share their love for all things French with others. Besides France, Mallory is also passionate about photography, history, animals, writing, uplifting others, and spiritual practices including meditation, yoga, and crystal singing bowls. She writes about their experiences moving to and living in France on their France of a Lifetime Facebook page and soon-to-be completed website. In this episode, we’ll also hear:
Check out France of a Lifetime Tours on Instagram: @franceofalifetime and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FranceofaLifetime If you are considering moving to France like Mallory, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 43: Allez, viens! And take a page from Language curriculum creator Cherie Mitschke’s French book | 12 Oct 2022 | 00:54:31 | |
Welcome to Episode #43 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host Allison Grant Lounes and today I'm speaking with Cherie Mitschke, a foreign language curriculum designer, and editor who moved to France in 2021 after working with Your Franceformation. She's the editor of Allison's very first French textbook Allez, Viens!, and currently works to develop language learning materials for French and Spanish for various publishers in Europe and the US. Welcome Cherie. Cherie explains:
If you are considering moving to France like Cherie, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 42: Finding Hidden Gems and Dream Homes in Southern France with Jacqueline Reddin Williams of Beaux Villages | 05 Oct 2022 | 01:12:33 | |
Welcome to Episode #42 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host Allison Grant Lounes. And this week I'm speaking with Jacqueline Reddin-Williams, an English real estate agent in the south of France who moved with her family in the nineties to François Mitterand's childhood home. To find simplicity and quality of life while giving her children an old fashioned childhood in the French countryside. We talk about reinvention, about cherishing, the privilege of making someone's dream of moving to France come true, and about the ins and outs of purchasing a home in France, and what you need to know before you start the process. Welcome, Jacqui. Listen along to learn…
Follow Jacqui and the rest of the team at Beaux Villages here: www.beauxvillages.com You can also follow Jacqui on instagram at @jacquirw as well as on LinkedIn and Facebook. If you have questions, you can contact Jacqui directly at jacqui.reddin at beauxvillages.com If you are considering moving to France like Jacqui, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 41: Dancing through Paris with Kate Matthews | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:36:25 | |
Welcome to Episode #41 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes. And this week I'm speaking with Kate Matthews, originally from the UK, she moved to Paris 9 years ago to pursue her dream career as a professional dancer. She has worked at the Moulin Rouge, Cirque d’Hiver and the Lido de Paris and also gives yoga and dance classes. She transmits her passion for dance through her classes, which are designed to boost body confidence and self-worth by connecting to the femininity and sensuality of cabaret dance. For Kate there is nowhere in the world quite like Paris- a city of beauty and magic, where dreams come true. As an adopted Parisian her favorite activity is sipping an apéro while watching the world go by. We’ll also hear about:
You can follow Kate’s adventures in Paris on her Instagram: katematthewsyoga If you are considering moving to France like Kate, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 40: Living abroad since age 19, Marie Grout keeps blooming where she’s planted | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:51:18 | |
Welcome to Episode #40 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, we’re speaking with Marie Grout, an American who has lived outside of the US since age 19, who raised three children in 8 different countries, and who is now retired with her French husband near Versailles, France. Since moving to France, she has been active with the American Church in Paris, and is a main organizer of the Bloom Where You’re Planted orientation that has welcomed expats and English-speaking immigrants to Paris for over 50 years. In this episode, we talk about how Marie keeps getting involved and her passion for helping others adapt to a new country and way of life wherever she goes. Welcome, Marie! During my conversation with Marie, you’ll also learn…
For additional information on the upcoming Bloom Where You’re Planted event, check out the following link: https://www.acparis.org/bloomhome If you are considering moving to France like Marie, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 39: Vence in a Lifetime with Steve Wilkison and Carole Richmond | 14 Sep 2022 | 01:04:25 | |
Welcome to Episode #39 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes and today I’m speaking with Steve Wilkison and his wife, Carole Richmond. Steve is a web designer, writer and photographer who lives in Vence, France, with his wife Carole and their dog Myla. Originally from southern California, he first became enchanted with France when he backpacked throughout Europe at the age of 18. He fell in love with Vence the first time he saw it in 2007 while passing through one day on his bike. It only took him 12 years to talk Carole into moving there! He loves to explore France, especially Vence, the Alpes-Maritimes and the Côte d’Azur, be it by car, bike, or foot. On any given day, you might find him exploring a medieval perched village in the southern Alps, cycling along the Mediterranean coastline or hiking in the Mercantour National Park. He writes about his adventures and discoveries on their website Steve and Carole in Vence. Carole Richmond grew up in Minneapolis, MN. And some more in Austin, TX. She's also lived in San Marcos TX, Nashville TN and Glen Cove NY. Carole worked as a nurse and as an Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper at Dejadisc, E-Squared Records and The Americana Music Association. She loves cats, dogs, wildlife, music, books, the outdoors and Austin. It wasn't her idea to move to France, but she's making the most of it! Some days are better than others as she adjusts to life in a new country. If you need someone to talk to about the ups and downs of being an expat in France she’s a good listener. In this episode, we learn…
Check out Steve and Carole’s website here: https://steveandcaroleinvence.com If you are considering moving to France like Steve and Carole, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 74 - Sophie Hargreaves on finding adventure and alpaca farming in Sanzay, Deux-Sèvres | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:37:26 | |
In episode 74 of Profiles in Franceformation, my guest is Sophie Hargreaves, owner of La Petite Ferme d'Alpaga - a small alpaca farm in Sanzay, located in the Deux Sèvres in the western French countryside. Sophie, along with her husband Will, moved to France to start their alpaca farm in the period between COVID and Brexit. They are now the proud parents of a small herd of alpacas and, more recently, one human child. La Petite Ferme d'Alpaga welcomes guests and parties, has an on-site gîte, offers glamping experiences, and also sells gorgeous products made from soft alpaca wool. | |||
| Episode 38: Reinvention with Paul Herbert | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:50:01 | |
Welcome to Episode 38 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and today I’m happy to introduce our first British guest on the podcast. Paul Herbert moved to the Dordogne region, in southern France, with his wife Julia and their three young children at the age of 40 after losing everything in the UK. In the 29 years since, he’s reinvented himself several times, starting new businesses and making local friends in his community, before an accident sparked his most recent entrepreneurial endeavor, a CBD product business. Paul also runs the large and quickly-growing Facebook group South, West, & Rest of France, which he launched during the pandemic, for people to share their love of traveling in France and support France-based small business owners. Welcome, Paul.
To see Paul’s Facebook group, South, West and Rest of France, click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/southwestfrance If you are considering moving to France like Paul, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon.If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 37: Learning how to wine and dine with Caroline Conner | 03 Aug 2022 | 00:48:40 | |
Welcome to Episode 37 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes, and in this episode, my guest is Caroline Connor, also known as Wine Dine Caroline, a Lyon-based British American wine expert, who went from winning the Oxford-Cambridge Blind Wine Tasting Competition when she was in school to starting a career in food and wine in France, becoming a WSET level 4 while sharing her passion for France’s wine industry. Caroline is currently sharing her passion for gourmet food and fine wine by hosting the Terroir Podcast, running wine tastings in Lyon and organizing a week-long gastronomy and wine retreat, to invite us to experience France’s food and wine capital in style. In this conversation with Caroline we’ll learn about:
To visit Caroline’s website or social media pages, please use the following links:
If you’re interested in signing up for Caroline’s retreat this October: https://www.winedinecaroline.com/french-wine-tours-retreats/lyon-french-wine-tour/ If you are considering moving to France like Caroline, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Planning Your Franceformation: Before You Move to France | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:40:02 | |
Welcome to this special episode in our miniseries on How-to Franceform, specializing in the administrative tasks you'll need to consider before moving to France. In this episode, Allison Grant Lounes identifies the main things you have to think about if you’re planning to move to France, from what you need to consider before making your final decision, to which actions you'll want to focus on before you arrive. We cover:
If you are considering moving to France, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: http://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: http://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call | |||
| Planning Your Franceformation: Intro to Retirement in France | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:31:54 | |
Welcome to this special episode in our miniseries on How-to Franceform, specializing in retirement, Allison Grant Lounes identifies the main things you have to think about if you’re planning to retire in France, from your visa type, to the yearly renewal, to topics like how health insurance and taxes work when you have a Long Stay Visitor Visa for France. We cover:
Enjoy listening along and learning How-to Franceform! If you are considering moving to France, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| How-to Franceform: 4 Paths to Self-Employment in France | 25 May 2022 | 00:39:12 | |
Welcome to Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes. In this second episode of How-to Franceform, we continue to discuss working remotely in France, but more specifically how to be self employed in France. In this episode, we’re going to cover 4 self-employment visa types:
You’ll hear about…
Enjoy listening along and learning How-to Franceform! If you are considering moving to France, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Planning Your Franceformation: Working Remotely in France | 17 May 2022 | 00:49:57 | |
With the rise of “digital nomads” over the past ten years, the creation of fully-remote jobs requiring only a computer and an internet connection, and the pandemic accelerating the ability to work from home even indefinitely, many people have taken advantage and have been empowered to work from anywhere, including from other countries. While it may seem exciting to be able to live anywhere, explore a new city and learn a new language by day, then work on your home company’s timezone by night, there isn’t a sole effective and legal way to do so. The fact is that remote work is relatively new and not well-defined or regulated by existing laws makes it more difficult to ensure you’re doing everything correctly. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 36: A conversation with Janet Skeslien Charles, author of the New York Times Bestseller, The Paris Library | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:48:43 | |
Welcome to Episode #36 of Profiles in Franceformation. In this episode, we have a very special guest, Janet Skeslien Charles, the New York Times Best-Selling author of The Paris Library, an historical fiction novel about a young French woman, Odile Souchet, who lands her dream job working at the American Library in Paris just before the German occupation of Paris in World War II. Janet became enamored with France as a young girl after hearing stories from the war bride who lived in her hometown, and she has lived and worked in France since 1998, when she came as an English teaching assistant. In our pre-recorded Q&A, we’ll hear Janet explain…
To learn more about Janet and her book, The Paris Library, visit her website here:
If you are considering moving to France, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 35: From cookbook publishing to natural wine distilling, learn how Sunshine Erickson has embraced living in Montpellier, France | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:49:51 | |
Welcome to Episode #35 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and today I'm speaking with Sunshine Erickson who moved to France from Boston at age 32, following her French husband. Once in France, she reinvented herself by enrolling in a licence professionnelle to enter the wine industry. Today she runs a natural wine distillation company called La Thériaque in Montpellier, France with her American business partner, Lana. Welcome Sunshine!
To learn more about La Theriaque, visit their website and Instagram here: If you are considering moving to France like Sunshine, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. | |||
| Episode 34: From Part-time to Full-time, how author Lisa Anselmo is creating her new life in Paris | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:49:41 | |
Welcome to Episode #34 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week I’m interviewing Lisa Anselmo, a New Yorker who has made Paris her part-time home. She’s a writer and author of a memoir entitled My Part-Time Paris Life about her experience building her relationship with Paris, and the growing amount of time she spends in Paris. She’s done advocacy work for Paris culture, from educating tourists about the damage caused by the Love Locks, to her more recent project, Save the Paris Café. Thanks for joining me, Lisa.
Read Lisa’s book, My Part Time Paris Life: https://amzn.to/3JNZwHU
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| Episode 33: How a summer trip throughout Europe influenced life coach Lindsay Poelman and her family to relocate to France | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:47:56 | |
Welcome to Episode #33 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes and in today's episode, I speak with Lindsay Poelman, a life coach from Utah who moved to the Côte d'Azur with her husband and three children. She talks about how she first came on a visitor visa, then returned to the US to apply for a profession libérale visa so she and her husband could operate their online businesses from France, serving clients all over the world while living five minutes from the Mediterranean coast. We’ll also hear about…
To learn about Lindsay’s work as a life coach, check out her website and Instagram here: https://www.lindsaypoelmancoaching.com/ If you are considering moving to France like Lindsay, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 73: Lacey Bertrand-Reilly talks about joining the Your Franceformation Team, and the ebbs and flows of life in France. | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:44:37 | |
In episode 73 of Profiles in Franceformation my guest is Lacey Bertrand-Reilly, the new Franceformation Team Member. In this episode, we discuss how Lacey ended up living in France, and why they have opted for Countryside living over the Big City Lifestyle. You will also hear: 💜 Why a courtesy robe or scarf is a top tip for people using the healthcare system 💜 What career advice and tips Lacey would give to those embarking on work in France 💜The challenges applying for French Nationality 💜Lacey’s role and involvement in Your Franceformation. If you are considering moving to France, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 32: From Brooklyn to Paris, learn how Terrance Gelenter, American author, journalist and Francophile, settled into his new home of Paris | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:59:13 | |
Welcome to Episode #32 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes and this week I'm interviewing your American friend in Paris, Terrance Gelenter. Terrance was a native New Yorker who always felt like a European and was coming to France regularly and integrating himself into ex-pat life before making his move permanent in 2009. A man of many talents, Terrance is the author of a memoir, Paris par Hasard: From Bagels to Brioches, gives guided tours throughout France, hosts regular meetups at La Coupole in Paris and performs as a singer. Terrance also explains:
To learn more about about Terrance’s book, Paris par Hasard: From Bagels to Brioches or his guided tours, visit his website: http://www.paris-expat.com If you are considering moving to France like Terrance, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 31: Meet Donnie Calloway, the Ferrari-driving mystery man of the Americans in France Facebook group | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:54:54 | |
Welcome to Episode #31 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m interviewing Donnie Calloway, international Ferrari man of mystery and fancy Paris hotels. Donnie first began intriguing the Americans in France facebook group by sharing his pictures of Ferraris driving in traffic-free Paris in front of important monuments during covid, and today, we can hear his story about how he decided to follow his love of cars from California to Paris and around the world. Donnie and I also discuss…
If you are considering moving to France, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 30: “Say yes to all the opportunities that people give you” Kayla Carpenzano, an American teaching English in a private international school in the Loire Valley | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:53:29 | |
Welcome to Episode #30 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m interviewing high school English teacher Kayla Carpenzano. Kayla originally came to France with the TAPIF English assistant program, and has returned several times, with different visas, to pursue her dream of living and teaching English in France, before securing a permanent position with a private International Baccalaureate school in the Loire valley. Welcome, Kayla. Throughout our conversation, you’ll also hear…
If you are considering moving to France like Kayla, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||
| Episode 29: “It’s like an iceberg” Ivy Dai, a French-trained American pastry chef, on the importance of looking beneath the surface | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:49:06 | |
Welcome to Episode #29 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes. On today’s episode, I’m speaking with Ivy Dai, an American who came to France to study as a pastry chef. She opened her café in the south of France, and is now selling it post-Covid to pursue an ecommerce career in health and wellness products. We’ll also hear about…
Check out Ivy’s Cafe and YouTube Channel here: https://grazecafe.fr/ https://www.youtube.com/user/ivyeats If you are considering moving to France like Ivy, Foolproof French Visas can help you navigate the path toward finding the right visa for you. It can be purchased here: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/books or in paperback on Amazon. If you would like to pursue your own Franceformation, you can also request a free 30-minute clarity call with Allison to review your visa options and decide how to move toward creating your ideal life in France: https://www.yourfranceformation.com/free-call If you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won't miss next week's episode! | |||