WRP's monthly best of

In this first episode of Living the Dream: French Riviera, host Cecile Liconnet is joined by Jo, the very first person she met when she moved to the French Riviera. Jo is a real estate agent, hailing from North East England, who knows what it means to go all in, even when she has to babysit for her clients. From surfing dreams to surprise winters, Jo shares what living the dream really looks like.

France faces potential disruption on September 10 as activists plan the Bloquons Tout protest. In this episode of World Radio Paris Presents, Héloïse Daniel explains the frustrations behind the movement, the upcoming strikes, and the political stakes, recalling the Yellow Vests of 2018.

The prices for Paris' much loved and hated bike-sharing system Vélib have gone up drastically, with some subscriptions being 38% more expensive than before. Under mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris is rapidly turning into a real biking city, but do Parisians accept the new price they have to pay for it? Reporting from a Vélib' station in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, host Kamiel Vermeulen asks locals about their frustration with broken bikes, the new prices and whether they are considering switching to a personal bike. Turns out many Parisians are set on waving Vélib' goodbye.

In France coming back to school, and back to work after the summer vacation is a very important time of year. The French refer to this part of the year as "rentrée." We decided to take a deep dive into the French school system with Romy Treneer who raised two children in Paris while teaching in the French university system before embarking on a career in the corporate sector. French schooling is internationally lauded but it isn't all perfect. Romy guides us through the common misconceptions, and the challenges we face when judging the philosophy and methods behind the French Schools. With hosts Meg Gerner and ARBL Murray, Romy talks about the differences in parenting and teaching ideology between France and the United States and how are political viewpoints shape the expectations we have for our kids.    Romy Treneer has extensive experience in acclimating to the French way life both in her professional and personal life. She has started a consulting agency, Treneer Consulting, to help anglophones navigate work, visas, schooling, starting a business, and even buying property in France.    You can also check out her stubstack, Parisian Chronicles.    Book recommendations in this Episode: They Shoot School Kids Don't They? by Peter Gumbel         

In this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen speaks with Rose Burke, a Pittsburgh native who has made Paris her home since 1994. Rose's life took a turn for the worse in 2023 when her daughter Emma, then 22, was killed in a bicycle crash in Glasgow, where she was studying architecture and working. Following this tragedy, Rose retired and, together with her husband John Newman, founded the nonprofit Emma Builds A Better World, Association EBN. The association is dedicated to honoring Emma's legacy, advocating for safer streets, and creating opportunities for young people. Among its initiatives is a €5,000 annual arts grant awarded to emerging young artists, covering art, architecture, and the performing arts. It was recently announced U.K. artist Pax Alberto is the winner of the 2025 'EBN Art and Architecture' grant. Rose spent a decade freelancing in Paris for outlets such as USA Today, BusinessWeek, and The Washington Post. From 2004 until her retirement, she was a senior writer at S&P Global. She also contributed to journalism education, designing and teaching Issues in Journalism at the University of Paris 8 and creating a journalism curriculum for the Sorbonne. Earlier in her career, Rose worked as a policy analyst in Washington, D.C., before becoming an editor at Dow Jones and later writing for the international editions of the Wall Street Journal. An accomplished public speaker, she earned the title of Distinguished Toastmaster in 2020. Find out more about Rose Burke on her LinkedIn. Discover the Emma Burke memoriam blog here. Check out the Association EBN website as well.

French slang is famous for its creative play with language, like verlan, which consists of reversing syllables. But where does such French slang originate, why do people speak it, what are the stigmas surrounding it and what are its latest trends? In this week's episode of the Culture Cast, host Kamiel Vermeulen is joined by poet-linguist Julien Barret, whose expertise is spoken language and slang. Barret has written 12 books about the modern French language and shares some of his insights on the role of slang in French culture with World Radio Paris. The photograph of Julien Barret featured as this episode's artwork was taken by Charlene Yves.

You believe physical media is useless in 2025? Think again! In this World Radio Paris Presents episode, host Tarek Diouri--Adequin visits JM Video, a video store located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris that attests to the importance of DVDs in our current day and age. Tarek catches up with Theo Bancilhon, manager of the JM Video store to talk about the importance of having a place to connect people worldwide to their passion: movies. Theo also shares some of his favorite anecdotes from working in this old-school shop which often welcomes iconic movie directors and actors!

A new French law bans smoking around public places like parks, beaches, schools and bus stops. It aims to protect children and adults from passive smoking, and is part of President Macron's plan to create the first tobacco-free generation by 2032. But in a country where smoking is seen as an inherent part of the culture, and one in three people smokes, that might be easier said than done. In this week's episode of Kamiel's Culture Cast, host Kamiel Vermeulen asks Parisian smokers how they feel about the new law, whether they are going to obey it and if it will influence their smoking habits.

This month we learn about the history of the parks and playgrounds in Paris with special guest Adam Levy, who talks about the idea behind creating play centered spaces through-out the age of industry. Later, Joelle, Rachelle, and Meg, talk about their favorite parks and picnic spots in Paris.  For those with kids or just looking for a great place to picnic "like a Parisian," enjoy the secrets gardens in the latest episode of Parentalité.    This show is a collaboration between World Radio Paris and Message Paris, an association supporting anglophone parents and caretakers of children in the Paris region. 

How far down the realm of art can technology take us? In this introductory episode of the High-Tech Intermission, host Tarek Diouri--Adequin is joined by Ada Ackerman, researcher at the CNRS and co-curator of the World Through AI exhibition, taking place at the Jeu de Paume until September 21. The show explores the historical, social, ecological and cultural themes showcased throughout the exhibition, vibrant with new ideas based on - but also made by - the technologies of the present and the near-future. The artwork featured as this episode's illustration is Gregory Chatonsky's La Quatrième Mémoire.

On this episode of Lost in Frenchlation Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray (Alex Brook Lynn) interview Giulio Callegari the director of the new robot comedy 'Un Monde Merveilleux' or the English version 'Robot T-O'  The film is set in the not so distant future in which robot companions have hit the consumer market and are now as common as the I-phone. We meet Max and her 10 year old daughter Paula who live off stealing and small time hustles. When they steal an outdated robot model and try to re-sell it, things don't work out as planned and Max is separated from Paula and stuck with only the robot named Tio to help get her daughter back. Although Max hates technology and how robots have changed the world, she learns a few lessons from her new robot friend.  Originally a screenwriter for various films and TV shows, Gulio has made his directorial debut with this film. Guilio talks about the classics that inspired the parent/ child dynamics in this film like Cassavetes' Gloria and Eastwood's A Perfect World. We delve into what makes Blanche Charlie the perfect modern day Charlie Chaplin and why we should all be afraid of robots with cute faces.  This episode was recorded at the Luminor Theater in Paris. For more information on the cinema club Lost in Frenchlation and how to watch some movies with us go to ]https://lostinfrenchlation.com/  

Walk through Paris in August and you'll encounter a curious scene: empty cafés, shuttered bakeries, handwritten signs in shop windows that read "Fermé pour congés annuels." But why does France shut down every summer? In our latest World Radio Paris Presents episode, host Héloïse Daniel explores how France became the first country in the world to grant paid vacation to workers, and more importantly, where the French actually spend their vacations. From the sun-soaked beaches of Corsica and the Côte d'Azur to the charming villages of Dordogne, Ardèche and Provence, or the quiet mountain retreats in the Alps and Pyrenees, French holiday destinations reveal a lot about culture, class, and lifestyle. Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts

No matter where you are in the world and what language you speak, your mental health matters more than anything and should never be neglected. In this episode of World Radio Paris Presents, host ARBL Murray sits down with David and Patsy, two active listeners for S.O.S. Help, an English-speaking suicide hotline in France. David and Patsy tell us about their listening experiences, the situations they face on a daily basis and the history of the organization, which has been serving the anglophone community in France for 51 years.

Step inside Radiodays, a cozy café in the 10th arrondissement where coffee, music, and culture come together

On this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen spoke with John McLachlan, an Irish composer. John was born in Dublin and is currently residing in Donegal.  He studied music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College Dublin, where he earned a PhD in musicology, focusing on the compositional techniques of Boulez, Xenakis, Lutoslawski, and Carter. His composition teachers include William York, Robert Hanson, and Kevin Volans. John's works have been performed internationally across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, and by many prominent ensembles and soloists. He has received commissions from major organizations including RTÉ NSO, New Music Dublin, Music Network, and the National Concert Hall. His music is featured on several recordings and anthologies, and his pedagogical piano works have been published in the Royal Irish Academy of Music syllabus. Notable releases include First and Drinking the Stars, both on Farpoint Recordings. In 2022, he edited and published two books by his mother, writer Leland Bardwell, and organized a literary festival in her honor. He also created a Leland Bardwell website. He is an active writer and broadcaster on contemporary music, and has contributed to the promotion of Irish music through his roles in the Association of Irish Composers and the Irish Composition Summer School. His music is available through the Contemporary Music Centre.   Paris has played a significant role in John's work. During a month spent in the CCI (Centre Culturel Irlandais) in 2023, he created a piece called: Le Dernier Bourgeon de L'avenir. Patricia met up with him the day before he returned to Ireland after spending another month in the CCI.

What better time than summer to dive into a great book? In this special episode of World Radio Paris Presents, host Héloïse sits down with producer ARBL Murray to share a curated list of French books — from literary giants like Dumas and Camus to contemporary voices like Leïla Slimani and Gaël Faye. These are the books we're reading this summer, all available in English. Whether you're stretched out on the beach, killing time in a café, or just curious about French culture, this episode is packed with titles that will help you see France in a whole new light!

In this Episode of Lost in Frenchlation we talk to Laura Piani, the writer and director of 'Jane Austen Wrecked My Life,' a new romantic comedy about a woman who lives between the pages and struggles to finish her own story. Laura shares with us why she decided to direct, what inspired this story, and how she chose to show the work of Jane Austen in a new light.   We delve into some of the autobiographical elements of the film: The main character works at the famed Shakespeare and Co. as did Laura herself-- and discuss the male archetypes in the films wonderfully funny love triangle, and the best book Laura ever read.    For more information on Lost in Frenchlation, the cinema club click here: https://lostinfrenchlation.com/   The hosts for this episode are Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray. This episode was recorded and produced by World Radio Paris. 

On this Episode of Parentalité, Joelle Benoliel visits the wonderful, magical, anglophone bookshop for kids and talks with the owner and founder, Penelope Fletcher. Just adjacent to Jardin du Luxembourg, The Red Balloon is the kid focused section of The Red Wheelbarrow and is a haven for little readers and their parents to come, learn, pick out books, and build community.  Penelope raised her children in Paris while opening and maintaining the Red Wheelbarrow. She shares her beautiful story of love, difficulty, children, and books in the city of Paris. She also gives her 3 current favorites for young readers.    For more information on The Redwheelbarrow and The Red Balloon please visit their website: https://theredwheelbarrowbookstore.com/   If you like the work we do at World Radio Paris please consider donating: https://worldradioparis.org/donate/   PARENTALITÉ is a produced in collaboration with Message Paris, an association of anglophone caretakers and parents in the Paris Region.  This episode of Parentalité was Produced by ARBL Murray for World Radio Paris and Message Paris with Host Joelle Benoliel on Location, in Paris, at The Red Balloon Bookstore.       

Think Paris is all croissants and coq au vin? Think again. In this episode of World Radio Paris Presents, host Heloise Daniel talks with award-winning British food writer Chris Newens about his new book, Moveable Feasts: Paris in Twenty Meals. Chris takes us on a delicious journey through every arrondissement of Paris, uncovering the multicultural dishes and personal food stories that define modern Parisian cuisine.

What does the world look like through Agnès Varda's eyes? In this episode, host Héloïse Daniel speaks with Anne de Mondenard, curator of the exhibition Le Paris d'Agnès Varda, de-ci, de-là, currently on view at the Musée Carnavalet. The show celebrates the life and work of one of France's most original and beloved filmmakers. Anne explains how the exhibition came together and what it reveals about Varda's universe—from her focus on women and working-class lives to iconic films like Cléo from 5 to 7 and Vagabond. With film clips, photographs, and playful installations, the exhibition traces Varda's artistic journey and her deep connection to Paris.

On this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen welcomed Úna Ní Cheallaigh, an award-winning poet. Úna hails from Dublin, Ireland. Educated at St Patrick's College (DCU), University College and Trinity College Dublin, she had a varied career in teaching, including Special Education, Home School Community Liaison and Drama in Education. Úna also holds an M.Phil in Theatre Studies from the University of Glasgow and a Master's in Creative Writing from University College Cork.  She has been involved in drama and writers' groups and is currently a member of Poetry Circle at the Irish Writers Centre. She has enjoyed many opportunities to travel, and time to write in Ferrazze, Italy, was organised by the Irish Writers Centre. Úna describes her writing journey and presents her collection of poetry entitled ‘The Colour of Time', described by poet James Harpur as an ‘elegy touched with beauty'.  She spent a month at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris in 2018, and revisiting the Camille Claudel salon in the Rodin Museum would lead her to pen a sequence at the very heart of ‘The Colour of Time', giving voice to the sculptor, Camille Claudel. Many of us know that Claudel was committed to an asylum (in 1913) after destroying some of her artworks. Claudel died in 1943, after spending 30 years in the Montedevergues insane asylum and the 'Mémoire de Montedevergues' sequence in ‘The Colour of Time' gives the incarcerated Camille Claudel a soul-touching, poetic, and finally, unforgettable voice. ‘The Colour of Time', by Úna Ní Cheallaigh, published by Arlen House https://thesalmonbookshop.com/products/the-colour-of-time-poems-by-una-ni-cheallaigh Musée Rodin: https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en Musée Camille Claudel : https://www.museecamilleclaudel.fr/ 

This mix by Samad, Heloise and Astrid, some of our team members, is a selection of a variety of short features and tips that we bring you each day on WRP.

This episode was hosted and produced by Héloïse Daniel and recorded at the Sciences Po campus by the volunteers of World Radio Paris. How is France reckoning with the legacy of its colonial past—and why does it remain such a polarizing topic today? Host Héloïse Daniel sits down with Jakob Vogel, historian and professor of 19th and 20th-century European history at Sciences Po, to explore how colonialism has shaped modern France, from its institutions to its national memory and why it's harder to talk about today than it was a decade ago. Jakob Vogel spearheaded an important exhibit specifically examining Sciences Po and other elite educational institutions of France on how they trained and taught about colonialism during France's colonial expansion.  Discover the online version of the exhibit SciencesPo, a Colonial History here | Find the English edition of the book Europa - Notre histoire here

Groove Xanadu released their eponymous debut album, showcasing the group's signature sound live on Turning Points. In this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen welcomed singer-songwriter Michael D. Amitin and vocalist Cerenia Capouix to the studio. In the winter of 2023–2024, Michael, an American expat in Paris, began exploring new musical ideas with fresh collaborators. Serendipity played its part, bringing together a talented lineup: keyboardist Paul Sany, guitarist Guillaume Perrin, bassist Emmanuel Sunnee, and drummer Baptist Castets. Their country-blues foundation soon evolved into a rich, multicultural blend of jazz, funk, and soul. A magical, distinctive vocal harmony melded between Michael and Cerenia, and Cerenia's shining, "angel like"; vocals soon took the lead on several tracks. With good vibes and creative chemistry, Groove Xanadu recorded their debut at QDS Studio with engineer Michael Buyens, and then overdubs ensued at Submarine Studios with Isaackito. The result: Groove Xanadu, the eponymous first album by the newly formed group. The album premiered on Turning Points, with Michael and Cerenia performing two tracks live ‘Her Mother Drank Black Coffee', and ‘Food for the Angels' to the pure delight of Patricia and Aliosha in the studio. The group is now gearing up for the album release party at the Sunset Club on September 30 with more events on the horizon. You can find Groove Xanadu on: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Groove-Xanadu/61573031236354/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/groovexanadu?igsh=d3ltZnVwdzExNDMx ) Bandcamp (https://groovexanadu.bandcamp.com/album/groove-xanadu)

Created and recorded by Wafa Jawad for World Radio Paris. In this episode of Cups and Dishes, we're getting a little emotional… in the best way. Wafa dives into the magic of food and memory—how just one bite can take you back in time. From the Proustian moment to a few personal stories, this episode explores the times where food becomes something more: a memory, a feeling, a connection. Episode produced by ARBL Murray and Héloïse Daniel

It's that time of year again! The Cannes Film Festival wrap up! There were anarchists sabotaging electrical systems and fainting spells during the screenings but was it also an exciting year for cinema? Our guest Youri Rebeko helps us unpack it all and shares his top picks and biggest disappointments this year.  Youri is a screenwriter, composer, and one of the hosts of the popular French cinema podcast La Perche. This episode is produced and hosted by Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray and recorded in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.    Notes on Episode: Youri's Picks Sirat  Left Handed Girl  A Simple Accident Manon's Picks Des Preuves d'Amour La Petite Dernière  

In This episode of New Arrivals, Eliza Lorenço walks us through a guide to renting an apartment in Paris!  "Paris has a bad reputation when it comes to finding a place to live. Advice can also vary widely. It's important to stay informed and get the facts straight.  I'd heard that finding a rental was difficult, so when I moved to Paris from Sydney, Australia, I made it a top priority to find accommodation before I had even stepped foot in the country. There's really no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to moving overseas.  This is easier said than done. The problem with renting in Paris isn't necessarily having a lack of money to pay the rent itself; rather, it can be hard as a foreigner to meet requirements. I know first-hand how important it can be to know your rights as a tenant in Paris. It can save you time, stress, and money. For example, I used the tools in the section below on rental controls to negotiate a rent decrease on my studio, something that is practically unheard of in my hometown." To read the blog go to our website: https://worldradioparis.org/2025/02/07/

In this episode of Parentalité Joelle, Meg, and Rachelle, talk with Christine Siler about Menopause. Christine (Tina) is a menopause policy advocate and is changing the way women, men, doctors, and families see menopause.  In some cultures it was regarded as a sacred time when a women transitioned into a wiser peaceful keeper of the community, now many fear and dread it. Tina is working to change the policy and medical care around menopause so that the women in our lives can move into this phase with dignity. Tina is producing a screening of 'The M Factor' an important and controversial documentary about menopause medical policy and a panel discussion afterward on June 4th 2025, 19:00-21:30 at the historic Luminor Theater in the Marais.  Our crew talks candidly about how, with the appropriate support both emotional and medical, this can be something to look forward to. A huge part of the discussion is around access to medication and research and bringing those things to the medical system in France. How and when to start advocating for yourself.  To buy tickets and more info about the M Factor screening in Paris visit: https://www.messageparis.org/event-details/the-m-factor-in-paris   For more information on Christine Siler visit: https://www.christinesiler.com/ Christine's Linkdin   Parentalité is produced by ARBL Murray for World Radio Paris and recorded at their studio.   

Learn what King of France Philippe Auguste achieved during rule, around the year 1200. Among his constructions, the protection wall of Paris, the Sorbonne University, the Sewer system, and he established Paris as the Capital of France. Learn a lot more by listening to Dr Gary Girod.

 In this Episode of Lost in Frenchlatin we talk with Global Cinema expert Dina Iordanova about her 2016 book Cinemas of Paris.  We talk about how Paris is a "never ending film festival," and why movie going in the city of light is unlike anywhere else.  We talk about the wealth of movie theaters and why they are all different. How some have gone to extreme lengths to keep these cinemas open and some have been saved by the city itself.  Dina Iordanova is Emeritus Professor in Global Cinema at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. A native of Bulgaria, she has worked around the world for more than three decades. She is a film historian of transnational cinema and has particular interest in the study of film festivals and global film circulation. In this Episode We Discuss: Cinemas:  Le Brady, Cinema La Clef, La Pagode, Espace Saint-Michel and many others.  You can read more of Dina's Work here: The Complicated History of Women at Cannes Film Festival (2021) Cannes Is Not A Film Festival: It Is a Club for Insiders (2018) For more information about Lost in Frenchlation and to buy tickets go to: https://lostinfrenchlation.com

In this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen speaks with husband-and-wife team Jonathan Ruppin and Emma Claire Sweeney, who run the Ruppin Agency Writers' Studio. Their retreats in Paris (https://www.ruppinagency.com/paris/) and North Wales, along with their mentoring programmes, have become sought-after experiences for writers. Their upcoming Paris retreat (18–23 May), hosted by the Véranda Association Culturelle, will take place in a stunning house in the 15th arrondissement, often featured in architectural publications. Emma Claire Sweeney is an award-winning author and senior lecturer at the Open University. Her novel Owl Song at Dawn was named Nudge Book of the Year    (literary category), and her co-authored biography A Secret Sisterhood received praise from Margaret Atwood for its contributions to literary history. Emma's work has appeared in The Paris Review, TIME, and The Washington Post, and she has won the Society of Authors, Arts Council England, and the Royal Literary Fund awards. Jonathan Ruppin is an editor and former literary agent with over 30 years of industry experience. He led the Ruppin Agency from 2016 to 2024, where every novel sold was award-nominated, with wins including the Portico Prize and the Somerset Maugham Award. He has collaborated with English PEN, the Booker Prize Foundation, and New Books in German, and served as a judge for the Costa Novel Award, Guardian First Book Award, and the RNA Awards. Check out Emma and Jonathan's site: ruppinagency.com or contact Emma and Jonathan by email at studio@ruppinagency.com to book a retreat or for literary mentoring.

What happens when war is fought from behind a screen? In this episode, host ARBL Murray speaks with Canadian writer and Afghan war veteran Matt Jones about his new novel, Predators, Reapers, and Deadlier Creatures. Set in Kandahar in 2010, the book follows a drone operator wrestling with the moral and psychological weight of remote warfare. Now based in Paris, where he teaches creative writing at SciencesPo, Jones explores the challenge of writing about war for divided audiences—drawing on his journey from soldier to storyteller. Discover more about the author | Buy the book in France | Buy the book in the USA  

In this Episode of Lost in Frenchlatin we talk with lauded French filmmaker and screenwriter Arnaud Desplechin about his new film ‘Spectateurs!' (Filmlovers!)    His film screened at the beautiful Jeu de Paume in the Tuileries Gardens, during the Lost in Frenchlation event. Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray were able to chat with Arnaud about his films, his inspiration, and what it was like to put together his own personal ode to cinema. Arnaud tells us why he used the mixed forms of narrative and documentary, what his earliest interactions with art were and why Pretty Woman occupies his thoughts from time to time.    In this Episode We Discuss: Films of Arnaud Desplechin   Philosopher: Stanley Cavell   Films: Shoah by Claude Lanzmann Killer of Sheep by Charles Burnett The Exiled by Johnnie To Pretty Woman by Garry Marshall   Arnoud's must see recommendation for recent films: Souleymane's Story by Boris Lojkine   Listen to Arnaud give a talk about why he loves the film Pretty Woman (In French) LISTEN HERE ON APPLE PODCASTS    For more information about Lost in Frenchlation and to buy tickets go to: https://lostinfrenchlation.com

In this episode of Cups and Dishes Wafa Jawad shares with us the meaning of Ramadan and some of her favorite foods to break the fast each day.     

On this episode of Parentalité we talk about the French way of reading and storytelling with children. First, Meg Gerner chats with Oliver Gee and Lina Nordin Gee, the parent duo responsible for the popular podcast The Earful Tower, about their series of children's books which all feature precocious animal characters who galavant around Paris. Lena talks about being a creative mom with a toddler and a newborn and Oliver gives us insight into their reading habits with three languages in the household.  Later in the Episode Joelle Benoliel and Rachelle Chapman talk about reading culture with kids in France from the huge influence of Bond Dessiners (graphic novels or comic style books) to the prevalence of libraries in the lives of French children. We talk about our favorite books growing up, and the favorite books of our children growing up in France.    Recommendations From This Episode Check out The children's books by Oliver and Lina Nordin Gee set in Paris for kids of all ages.  https://theearfultower.com/shop/   Our Favorite Books When We Were Young Joelle: Stormy with a chance of Meatballs, U.S.A Lena: Pippi Longstocking , Sweden  Lena: A Sunday Doll (en söndagsdocka), Sweden  Rachelle: The Giving Tree, Saul Silverstien, U.S.A   New Kids Books in English Joelle recommends, Halibut Jackson  Oliver Gee recommends, The Gruffalo and all the Julia Donaldson books.    Current French Books for Our Francophone Kids Roule Galette (young) A classic tale about a Galette Roi (King Cake) who escapes those who wish to eat her. Ana, Ana (young) Les trots petits cochons Three little pigs as architects by Steven GUARNACCIA. (Young) Les Cahiers d'Esther (Notebooks of Esther) 9 - 12 years  L'Arabe du Future (Arab of the future) Teenagers and adults   

In this Episode of Lost in Frenchlatin we continue our series on the Cinemas of Paris. Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray chat with Camille Labé, the new Owner of L'épée de Bois. L'épée de Bois is a small cinema on Rue Mouffetard, one of the most iconic streets of Paris. The cinema opened in 1971 and has changed hands several times. Camille is the most recent owner having taken ownership in February of 2024. Camille tells us what it's like to run a cinema with a focus on community and classic cinema.  Camille is a big fan of classic comedy and she recommends checking out: The films of Louis de Funès Les aventures de Rabbi Jacob L'aile ou la cuisse Oscar

Welcome to Cups and Dishes: Valentine's Day with BONESHAKER Doughnuts in Paris! Valentine day is here and Wafa Jawad wanted to share the love ❤️ with you all especially her love for doughnuts

In this episode of This is not a Poem, Sabine Huynh and EK Bartlett explore the great women writers who shaped Sabine Huynh's writing, notably Anne Sexton, and how translation shapes our practice as writers.   A book shouldn't be judged by its cover, but it was indeed the cover of Anne Sexton's collected poems and her sandaled feet, that captured Sabine's attention in a little bookstore in Harvard Square in 1999. Now, 25 years later, Sabine has translated nearly all of this iconic American poet's work.  Sabine is a Saigon-born French poet, novelist and literary translator Sabine Huynh grew up in Lyon, France, holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and is the author of a dozen books, and of many translations. Notably, she has translated Anne Sexton, Ada Limón, Gwendolyn Brooks, Diane Seuss and Ilya Kaminsky. Winner of the 2023 Jean-Jacques-Rousseau award, and the 2023 Des racines et des mots Prize for Exile Literature, among others, she is working on her third novel. 

On this episode of Lost in Frenchlation, Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray talk to the crew at the Luminor Cinema, one of the oldest movie houses in Paris, about what it's like to run an art-house theater. From the Paris projectionist shortage to the regulations for film distribution, the story of the Luminor touches all facets of film culture in Paris and, more broadly, France.  Andy Sellitto is the cinema manager, and Anna Dichio coordinates events as well as heads the awareness campaign to Save The Luminor. They reveal for us what it's like to run this place, in one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world (The Marais), while fighting for the attention of cinema-goers and dodging building owners who want to shut it all down. 

For the first episode of Cups and Dishes Wafa Jawad visits O Coffee int he 15th arrondissement of Paris and chats with owner Matthew Sloane about the origins of the shop, the coffee, the decor, and the delicious banana bread.    Wafa Jawad is a Baghdadi born Londoner living in Paris! in Cups and Dishes she shares her adventures through local Parisian cafes and snack culture.

The classic Charles Dickens Christmas story comes to life in this rendition for radio produced by The Atlantic Theater Arts and World Radio Paris. We are so happy to bring this wonderful story to life! A Christmas Carol is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly greedy man, lacking in empathy. He is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve to deliver him three very important messages. First published in 1843 the story has become a definitive morality tale associated with the holiday around the world.  Adapted for Radio by Adam Alexandra, Produced by Robert Quinn of WRP Actors: Millie Ahern, Adam Alexander, Ciaran Creswell, and Louis Huster  For More Information about the theater company check out: atlatntictheatrearts.com

On this episode of PARENTALITÉ, we meet Joelle Benoliel, an American mom living in the heart of Paris. She is a communications coach and talks with Rachelle Chapman and ARBL Murray about navigating the cultural differences between French and American lifestyles. We talk about old French Christmas traditions, Hanukah, and French holiday cinema.  Episode Notes and Recommendations: Films: Santa Claus is a Stinker (Le père Noël est une ordure) 1982 AND it's American remake Mixed Nuts! FOR ADULTS French Fried Vacation 2: The Bronzes go Skiing (Les Bronzés font du ski) 1979! FOR ADULTS Santa & Cie (2017) FOR KIDS   Paris Playgrounds for meeting up with parents and other kids - Jardin Villemin & Jardin Nelson Mandela In The News:  Anne Hidalgo announced an "urban forest" planting scheme for the Place de l'Hotel de Ville Paris & IDF Holiday Lists: Ice Skating at les Grand Palais  Holiday Markets: Tuileries,. Vincennes, Chantilly  

This episode of Don't Tell Comedy on World Radio Paris took place at Iremmo (institute of research and studies Mediteranean moyen-orient) in the 5th arrondissement, on November 8.

Leo Zelada is the literary pseudonym of Braulio Rubén Tupaj Amaru Grajeda Fuentes, poet and writer. He studied philosophy at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Peru). He was the founder of the Néon poetry group. From 1983 to 1997, he traveled from Lima to Los Angeles by public transport and on foot, crossing the Andes, the Amazon, the Darien jungle, the Caribbean and Chiapas. He has published the poetry books Delirium Tremens, A Cyberpunk's diary, Nosferatu's opuscule at the Dawn, The dragon's Path, Minimal Poetics and Transpoétique, as well as two novels, American Death of Life and El Último Nómada. His work has been translated into English, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Greek, Arabic and other languages. He has won several literary prizes, amongst which the Poets of Other Worlds Prize, awarded by the International Poetic Fund of Spain in 2016. Two documentaries have been made about him: the first in 2013 and the second in 2021.   In 2022, his book Transpoétique was translated into French and presented at the Maison de l'Amérique Latine in Paris. In 2024, his second book was published in French: La Traversée de l'Innommable, which he presented and signed at the Maison de l'Amérique Latine and the Marché de la Poésie in Paris, and several of whose poems were featured in the prestigious contemporary art magazine Souffle Inédit. He has a blog, Dragon's Journal, with over 300,000 views.

On this episode of Flaneur, phototographer Denzil Jacobs is joined by Philadelphia based television and media personality, Jen Su who talks about her experience at Paris Fashion Week 2024 (Womenswear) which took place in October. She tells us about the shows, fashion trends she spotted, and celebrity guests she rubbed shoulders with and even shares tips for spring fashionistas curious about attending this prestigious fashion event. Photography by Denzil Jacobs

Jessica Taggart Rose, a poet based in Margate, UK, speaks about her debut pamphlet, The river has no colour, published in a bilingual version by The New Menard Press. (https://www.thenewmenardpress.com/) The poems paint Paris through the seasons, through the rain and the canicular sun, posing questions about the ecological problems the city faces. EK asks Jessica about her poetic process and the collaboration between herself and Claire Durand-Gasslin, who did the French translation. Jessica Taggart Rose is a poet and performer concerned with humanity, nature and how they interact. Her poems have been published widely. She is a founding member of Poets for the Planet (https://poetsfortheplanet.org.uk/), an Artful Scribe Creative Writer Against Coastal Waste and one half of the Promenade duo. Website for Jessica https://jessicataggartrose.com/

For this holiday episode we are delving into cinema history with renowned cinephile, David Honnorat,  and talking all bout French comedy film. Our focus is Santa Claus is a Stinker (Le père Noël est une ordure) 1982, and French Fried Vacation 2: The Bronzes go Skiing (Les Bronzés font du ski) 1979. Both Films are Screening at 8pm on December 10th 2024 at L'Epée de Bois, 100 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris. GET TICKETS HERE    David is a renowned cinephile and video essayist. He runs a successful youtube channel called Calmos named after another film of the time by Bertrand Blier. He also wrote a movie guide and a Movieland map.    David unpacks the cultural influences that made this era of comedy so unique and gives us some background on the Parisian theater company (Le Splendid) that created the movement.    There are two of David's videos with English subtitles on his channel Calmos The essay on  Kitchen with Apartment (1993) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj5aedz2iso   And OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0fURk7ykLI   Show Hosts are ARBL Murray and Manon Kerjean   Show Notes: We love giving our audience a little homework. Here are David's recommendations for getting started with French Comedy:   OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006) Spy comedy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSS_117:_Cairo,_Nest_of_Spies   La Grande Vadrouille (1966) French civilians help a stranded British Royal Air Force crew navigate Nazi Occupied France to safety.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Grande_Vadrouille   Other French Comedy and Film Comedians mentioned in this episode: Le splendid  - Theater Troupe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Splendid   Coluche - A French stage comedian https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coluche   Ettore Scola's Ugly, dirty and nasty (Affreux, sales et méchants) A dark Italian comedy about life in the outskirts of Rome.  https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affreux,_sales_et_méchants   For More Information Go to Lostinfrenchlation.com

On this episode of Flaneur, host, photographer, Denzil Jacobs sits down with French Pastry Chef, Sébastien Gaudard at his Le Grand Café boutique located on rue Faubourg Poissonnière in Paris to talk about his family owned business and his journey and passion for the art of creating delicious and indulgent French style pastries at his 3 locations in Paris.    Photography and Artwork by Denzil Jacobs.

For the inaugural episode of FLÂNEUR, Denzil Jacobs, Photographer and show host, interviews South African singer Belinda Davids during her French Tour of her global live show “The Greatest Love of All” produced by Showtime Australia.  

In this episode ARBL Murray and Manon Kerjean talk to director Simon Bouisson about his latest film DRONE, his past work as an interactive filmmaker, building stories around the many layers of truth behind emerging technologies, the male gaze, making electronic music with composer Paul Saban, and using Artificial Intelligence in cinema. We also find out about what it was like to work with the drone racing community and the famous drone pilot, Benoit Finck.    Drone is the story of Émilie, a young woman who has been accepted into an elite architecture program at one of Paris' top schools. To support herself and her education she works as a cam girl on the side. She enters into a strange relationship with a drone that watches her from her window at night. At first the drone seems to be a protector and friend but soon things turn very sinister and she has to uncover the truth about where this mysterious drone comes from and who is behind it.    Simon Bouisson is a graduate of the prestigious La Fémis film school in Paris. After graduating he directed documentaries while exploring the possibilities of interactive filmmaking. His first feature narrative “Wei or Die” allowed the audience to switch between many points of view running simultaneously from a cell phone to a police body cam. Then he made "République," a film about a terrorist attack. With an app the viewer could slide through three running narratives as single points of view or in split screen. He went on to work with the idea of "slow TV" n a 9 hour experience for France 4 in which a man walks forward around a reversed Tokyo with all its inhabitants moving backward. In 2020 he started  directing a more linear type of series called STALK playing with the themes that are also present in DRONE: the digital world, its opportunities, its dangers, and how human nature can become warped by being so "online." Most recently he has been working on a feature film utilizing AI technology. You can read about it here (in French).