Explore every episode of the podcast The Good, the Bad, and the French
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Party Like It's Mille Neuf Cent Quatre-Vingt-Dix-Neuf | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:39:06 | |
In episode 15, Mimi and Suzy break down the anatomy of a French party—from the germ-spreading ritual of la bise to the predictable flow of punch, wine, and classic apéro snacks. They compare regional quirks like Brittany’s surprising “party soup,” try to find out exactly what parts of the pig are in andouille sausage, and run through the typical late dinner, bad music rotation, chain-smoking corners, and obligatory nostalgia stories. Alongside tales of crashed parties, tame “sex-toy” themes, and cover bands killing the vibe, they also touch on Picard culture, Halloween’s slow rise in France, and the near-guarantee of getting sick after any gathering. The episode ends with a question to listeners: would a French party be your cup of soup? Keywords French parties, la bise, germs, fist bump, apéro snacks, crunchy peanuts, saucisson, andouille, party soup, Brittany, late dinners, bad music, Gypsy Kings, ’80s hits, Beyoncé, chain smoking, nostalgia, blind quiz, pétanque, photo slideshows, Picard, Halloween in France, party culture, metro germs. Chapters 00:00 – Sick Season & The Curse of La Bise | |||
| The French Supermarket | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:37:35 | |
In episode 14, Mimi and Suzy dive into the French world of supermarkets—from neighborhood Monoprix and walkable Super U to mega-sized Leclerc, produce paradise Grand Frais, and frozen-only cult favorite Picard. They compare U.S. variety with France’s strict seasonality and origin labeling, swap horror stories about the mustard and butter shortages, and get practical about scoring a good €6–€8 bottle. Picard gets a full love letter, and the episode wraps with souvenir do’s and don’ts. Keywords French supermarkets, Monoprix, Super U, Leclerc, Grand Frais, Picard, frozen food, produce seasonality, origin labeling, mustard shortage, butter shortage, Amora, Maille, cornichons, wine tips, wine medals, champagne, customs limits, how to ship butter internationally, butter, honey, local producers, groceries. Chapters 00:00 – Supermarket Stories | |||
| Dating Frenchmen 101 | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:40:16 | |
In episode 13, Mimi and Suzy explore what it’s really like to date French men, from first dates and slow-to-arrive kisses to relationships that seem to form without discussion. They unpack the cultural differences around exclusivity, commitment, and the lack of a “define the relationship” talk, while also diving into the phenomenon of love bombing and how to recognize red and green flags early on. With Mimi’s perspective as someone married to a Frenchman and Suzy’s experience dating in France today, they compare etiquette around splitting the bill, expectations of romance, and why French men may be stylish and expressive but less inclined toward machismo. The discussion also looks at dating apps, presentation and grooming, and the subtle cultural cues that shape relationships across borders. Keywords Dating in France, French men, French dating culture, love bombing, monogamy, commitment, first-date etiquette, splitting the bill, intercultural relationships, French kissing, dating apps in France (Hinge, Fruitz, Bumble, OkCupid, AdopteUnMec, Tinder), cultural differences, red flags, green flags, communication styles, expat life in France, French masculinity, French fashion, relationship dynamics, dating abroad. Chapters 00:01 — La Rentrée Stress | |||
| Learning French Part 2: How It's Going | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:49:23 | |
In episode 12, Mimi and Suzy explore the reality of speaking French with the French—from cafés and comedy clubs to parties that last until dawn. They share stories of microaggressions, waiters switching to English, the cultural “art of sparring,” and how accents shape perception in France. With Mimi’s immersion-through-slang approach and Suzy’s years of formal study, they compare very different learning experiences and reveal what it actually takes to feel confident in French. Along the way, they recount comic misunderstandings, frustrating encounters with French administration, and joyful milestones that prove persistence pays off. Keywords Speaking French, French language, French culture, living in France, accents in France, French slang, French administration, microaggressions, cultural sparring, Parisian culture, bilingual life, learning French abroad, foreigners in France, French identity, expat life in France, French waiters, French integration, French comedy, cultural adaptation, French fluency, French pronunciation. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Listener Shoutout | |||
| Learning French Part 1: How It Started | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:49:26 | |
In episode 11, the first of a two-part series, Mimi and Suzy share their personal journeys learning French both before and after moving to France. They reflect on the challenges of grammar, pronunciation, and cultural expectations, as well as the emotional and practical realities of trying to become fluent in a language that often feels endless. With two very different learning paths—one self-taught through immersion, the other shaped by years of formal study—they discuss what helped, what didn’t, and why learning French is about more than just vocabulary and verbs. Keywords Learning French, French language, living in France, French grammar, language learning, subjunctive, French pronunciation, identity, classism, Duolingo, French culture, French integration, moving to France, bilingualism, French language trauma, French language tips, Beauty and the Beast, foreigners in France, multilingual life, French vocabulary, French fluency, cultural adaptation. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Listener Shoutout | |||
| PACA Suitcase: Provence and the French Riviera | 27 Jul 2025 | 00:58:30 | |
In episode 10, Mimi and Suzy discuss the South of France, focusing on Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA), known popularly as Provence and the French Riviera. They explore its geographical scope, distinguishing between the glitzy, crowded coastal region stretching from Monaco to Marseille and the quieter, nature-rich inland areas like lavender country and the Verdon National Park. They contrast the crowded beaches, flashy tourism, traffic, and commercialized vibe of the Riviera with the rustic charm, authentic villages, and beautiful nature of inland PACA. The episode also touches on local culture, culinary highlights, wildfires, and the diversity of Marseille, discussing both its appeal and controversial reputation. Keywords South of France, Provence, Côte d'Azur, PACA, Marseille, Monaco, Riviera, lavender fields, wine, lakes, tourism, Mediterranean, French culture, beaches, wildfires, hiking, authenticity, climate change, culinary experiences, diversity, racism, tourism impact. Chapters: Introduction (00:01) Defining the South of France (00:52) French Riviera vs. Inland Provence (04:38) Monaco & the Coastline (05:38) Nature Highlights: Calanques and Lakes (08:45) Lavender Country Experiences (10:01) Crowded Beaches & Traffic (15:28) Marseille's Unique Vibe (17:18) Cultural Observations & Local Life (23:15) Wildfires & Climate Challenges (49:57) Final Impressions & Recommendations (55:48) | |||
| Temps Up: How to Survive a Heat Wave in France | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:56:19 | |
In episode 9, Mimi and Suzy dive deep into the cultural, emotional, and physical toll of French summers without air conditioning. From Mimi’s Texas childhood horse shows and heat strokes to Suzy’s swampy memories of New York and Atlanta, the two explore why France remains stubbornly anti-AC despite rising temperatures and alarming death tolls. They bust myths about AC, debate solutions, and weave in humor, not-so-fun facts, and even a touch of climate anxiety and fairy porn. Keywords Heatwaves, France, air conditioning, AC resistance, climate anxiety, heat stroke, French culture, portable AC, heat death, myths, environmental impact, thermoregulation, Ministry for the Future, romantic fantasy, eczema, wine culture, fan death, temperature regulation. Chapters 00:00 – Heatstroke & Horse Shows | |||
| C'est Cheese! | 08 Jun 2025 | 01:05:20 | |
In episode 8 of The Good, The Bad, and The French, Mimi and Suzy dive into the delightful world of cheese, exploring its cultural significance in France. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with cheese, discuss the health perspectives surrounding high-fat diets, and highlight the regional varieties of cheese found across France. They discuss the intricacies of cheese making, the etiquette surrounding cheese consumption, and the challenges of dietary restrictions in a cheese-loving country. The conversation also touches on the yogurt culture in France and the rules of cutting cheese, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone. Keywords cheese, dieting, health, France, butter, nutrition, food culture, obesity, regional cheese, cheese making, cultural differences, yogurt, food etiquette, farm life, cheese preferences, culinary experiences, French cuisine, charcuterie, raclette, cheese boards, cultural differences, cheese preferences, cheese pairing, melted cheese, French cheese, cheese experiences, cheese, fromage blanc, aged cheese, French cuisine, cheese preferences, Alps, butter, cultural context, cheese consumption, regional delicacies Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Exploring the World of Cheese 02:14 Dieting and Cheese Consumption 08:02 Health Perspectives on Cheese 09:12 Obesity and Cheese Consumption in France 11:03 Regional Cheese Varieties in France 15:29 Cheese Preferences and Grocery Adventures 17:12 Life on the Farm: Cheese Making Experience 19:32 Cultural Cheese Consumption in France 25:02 Yogurt Culture in France 26:40 Cheese Etiquette and Cutting Rules 31:00 Cultural Differences in Cheese Consumption 33:57 The Art of Charcuterie and Cheese Boards 36:57 Raclette: A Communal Cheese Experience 39:58 Favorite Cheeses and Ideal Cheese Boards 44:56 The Importance of Sweetness in Cheese Pairing 46:04 Personal Cheese Preferences and Experiences 49:47 Exploring Fromage Blanc and Fresh Cheeses 52:03 The Love for Aged Cheeses 54:05 Cheese Preferences and Cultural Contexts 55:56 The Holy Trinity of French Cuisine 58:08 Regional Delicacies: Cheese in the Alps 61:38 Reflections on Cheese Consumption | |||
| Why Nantes? | 30 May 2025 | 00:41:57 | |
In episode 7, Suzy and Mimi discuss the vibrant city of Nantes, exploring its unique culture, quality of life, and historical significance. They delve into the city's friendly atmosphere, and highlight its ecological initiatives. Mimi provides insights into Nantes' youthful population and its historical ties to Brittany, emphasizing the city's appeal as a place to live and thrive. They discuss the unique aspects of living in Nantes, including its artistic vibe, abundance of parks, and the balance between urban life and nature. The conversation also touches on the appeal of Nantes compared to Paris, highlighting the benefits of living in a less crowded, more eco-friendly environment. Keywords Nantes, French culture, quality of life, public transport, history, Brittany, Paris, eco-friendly, community, lifestyle, Bretagne, culture, history, art, nature, living in France, community, swimming pools, travel Chapters 00:00 Weekend Revelations: A French Party Experience 03:56 Exploring Nantes: A City Overview 10:00 Quality of Life in Nantes: The Best Place to Live 17:00 Cultural Identity and Historical Context of Nantes 25:35 Revitalizing Breton Culture 26:59 The Rich History of Brittany 28:48 Art and Nature in Nantes 30:51 Living in Nantes: A Perfect Balance 32:47 A Plea for Outdoor Swimming Pools 36:45 The Appeal of Nantes vs. Paris | |||
| The Paris Episode | 24 May 2025 | 01:17:41 | |
In episode 6, Mimi and Suzy explore the complexities of living in Paris, discussing the mixed feelings of returning to the city, the love-hate relationship that many have with it, and the unique culture of Parisians. They delve into the challenges of housing and rent, the centralization of France around Paris, and the perceptions and stereotypes that both locals and outsiders hold about the city and its inhabitants. Through their personal experiences, they provide insights into the realities of life in Paris, the Bobo culture, and the ongoing debate about the city's charm versus its challenges. They delve into the stereotypes surrounding Parisians, the casual fashion shift post-COVID, and the daily routines that define the Parisian experience. The conversation also highlights the city's diverse cultural scene, the acceptance of queer identities, and the international community that thrives in Paris. Keywords Chapters | |||
| Give Me Vacation Or Give Me Death | 03 May 2025 | 00:58:57 | |
In episode 5, Suzy and Mimi explore the intricacies of the French vacation system, discussing the historical context of labor rights, the evolution of paid vacation, and the cultural differences between France and America regarding work and leisure. They delve into the economic implications of vacation time, the unique aspects of French camping culture, and the pros and cons of taking extended vacations. Keywords France, vacations, holidays, travel, summer, road trips, cultural differences, vacation days, planning, tourism, French unemployment benefits, labor rights, paid vacation, work culture, economic implications, vacation culture, French camping, labor movements, socialism, vacation rights | |||
| Bread: The French Love Language | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:52:17 | |
In episode 4, Suzy and Mimi explore the significance of bread in French culture, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences related to boulangeries. They discuss the nuances of bread preferences, the importance of quality, and the cultural implications of bread in daily life. The conversation also touches on humorous bread reviews and the challenges of ordering bread in French, highlighting the deep connection between food and relationships in France. Keywords French bread, boulangeries, bread culture, personal experiences, bread reviews, food waste, French cuisine, bread preferences, cultural nuances, bread life, bread, Gavroche, French culture, baking, community, cuisine, preferences, humor, food, traditions Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Bread in French Culture 02:58 Personal Bread Experiences and Preferences 05:57 Boulangeries: The Heart of French Bread Life 08:59 The Art of Bread Reviews and Customer Expectations 11:59 Navigating Bread Choices and Neighborhood Boulangeries 14:54 Favorite Breads and Unique Offerings 17:58 Cultural Nuances in Ordering Bread 25:06 Exploring Gavroche and Bread Origins 28:30 The Art of Bread Making and Enjoyment 30:27 Cultural Significance of Bread in France 33:32 Personal Preferences in Bread Types 37:22 The Role of Bread in French Cuisine 41:44 Bread and Community Connection 46:43 The Humor and Joy of Bread Culture | |||
| The Power of Negative Thinking | 19 Apr 2025 | 00:56:39 | |
In episode 3, Suzy and Mimi discuss the prevalent stereotype of the French being negative and how it reflects in their culture, philosophy, and daily interactions. They share personal anecdotes and observations about the differences between American and French mindsets, particularly in terms of friendliness, education, and societal expectations. The conversation also touches on the collective sentiment surrounding events like the Olympics and how negativity can sometimes shift to pride and positivity. They discuss how the French often normalize complaining, which can mask deeper issues like depression, while also recognizing the benefits of critical thinking and societal engagement that arise from this negativity. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate these cultural differences, emphasizing the importance of balance between positivity and negativity in fostering a healthy society. Keywords French culture, negativity, philosophy, Olympics, cultural differences, education system, American perspective, friendship, stereotypes, personal experiences, French culture, negativity, positivity, mental health, complaining, cultural differences, societal norms, gratitude, self-esteem, emotional contagion Chapters 00:00 02:13 03:22 07:58 11:01 17:09 28:46 30:05 34:34 39:05 43:10 50:11 | |||
| Healthcare in France: Lives Over Profits | 19 Apr 2025 | 01:05:09 | |
In episode 2, Suzy and Mimi discuss their experiences with healthcare systems in the US and France, focusing on dental care, the differences between single and multi-payer systems, and the impact of government involvement in healthcare pricing. They explore the costs associated with healthcare, the reimbursement process, and the collective responsibility of citizens in funding healthcare services. The conversation also touches on the simplicity of the French healthcare system and the challenges of accessing mental health services. They share personal anecdotes about their medical journeys, the challenges of finding specialists, and the importance of urgent versus non-urgent care. The discussion also touches on the lack of air conditioning in hospitals during extreme heat and the innovative healthcare booking system, Doctolib, which streamlines patient access to medical services. Keywords healthcare, dental care, American healthcare, French healthcare, single payer system, multi-payer system, healthcare costs, government role, mental health services, collective responsibility, healthcare, universal healthcare, US healthcare, French healthcare, healthcare systems, urgent care, non-urgent care, air conditioning in hospitals, healthcare technology, patient experiences Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Experiences 02:58 Comparing American and French Dental Care 06:00 Understanding Healthcare Systems: Single vs Multi-Payer 08:59 Healthcare Costs and Salaries: A Comparative Analysis 12:03 The Impact of Administration on Healthcare Costs 14:58 The Role of Government in Healthcare Pricing 17:54 Collective Responsibility in Healthcare 20:55 The Simplicity of the French Healthcare System 24:13 The Good and Bad of Healthcare Systems 26:58 Mental Health Services in France 31:24 Universal Healthcare Experiences 34:08 Comparing Healthcare Systems: US vs France 45:35 Urgent vs Non-Urgent Care in France 48:54 The Need for Air Conditioning in Hospitals 55:12 Innovations in Healthcare Booking Systems | |||
| Pilot: Introductions | 19 Apr 2025 | 01:03:31 | |
In episode 1 of 'The Good, The Bad, and The French', hosts Suzy and Mimi share their experiences as American immigrants living in France. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges of adapting to French culture, and the joys and frustrations of living in a foreign country. The conversation touches on the importance of food in French culture, the challenges of dental care in France, and the humorous aspects of navigating life as an immigrant. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they explore the complexities of cultural integration and the unique experiences that come with living abroad. Keywords France, American immigrants, cultural differences, food culture, dental care, living abroad, expat experiences, personal stories, podcast, lifestyle Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 05:04 Personal Journeys: Moving to France 10:09 Cultural Adjustments and Challenges 14:54 The Good, the Bad, and the French Life 20:03 Favorite Aspects of Living in France 27:09 Exploring Spa Experiences 34:16 The French Obsession with Food 44:47 Cultural Quirks and Challenges in France 47:30 Neighborhood Dynamics and Dog Etiquette 50:00 Cultural Observations on Dog Ownership 51:29 Dental Care Disparities: A Personal Experience 01:00:07 The Quest for Quality Dental Care in France | |||