Advertise on podcast: French Voices Podcast | Learn French | Interviews with Native French Speakers | French Culture

Buy Full Notes This interview is taking you to Ardèche, that (so) beautiful part of France where I used to spend the summer holidays as a child. Meet André Rouy aka « Dédé l’Ardéchois » and discover the history of the train network in Ardèche – the only French département which doesn’t operate any more trains. Dédé and the Association VIADUC 07 worked to protect that heritage. Dédé wrote several books and created a train museum which opened on the 30th anniversary of the last train running through Ardèche. He built it all himself, with humour as well as a unique way to optimise his small space. What can you see in the museum? Listen to find out! Vocab List Ardéchois,e (n) / ardéchois,e (adj) = from the Ardèche regioncharbon (nm) = coalcharrette (nf) = cart, barrowcheminot = railway workerdesservir = to stop at, to serve, to lead todévisser = to unscrew, detachélu,e (n) = elected member/representativeembranchement (nm) = junctionexposition (nf) = exhibitionferroviaire (adj) = related to the rail/railwaygîte (nm) = holiday cottage, vacation rentalmaquette (nf) = small-scale modelminerai (nm) = oreorthodontie (nf) = orthodonticspassage à niveau (nm) = railroad crossingpatrimoine (nm) = heritagepneu (nm) = tyrereconversion professionnelle (nf) = career changevis (nf) = screw Links and Resources http://ardeche-gites.fr/dede-lardechois/ museedutrain.fr https://www.facebook.com/andre.rouy FV 055 : Real Life Stories around the Beginning of Railway in Epernay: https://frenchvoicespodcast.com/episode55

Buy Full Notes In this second part of my interview with Manolo we will talk about his confrérie (a society of people who get together to perpetuate a tradition, a skill): la Confrérie des amateurs de Sagarno de la Bidassoa. This society is currently under process to be part of the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list. Learn the reasons behind the decline then the revival of the art of making “vin de pomme”, the types of apples used for the process, the amount of wine produced by the fellowship. You’ll also find out why drinking wine gives you headaches! Thank you Mike for putting me in touch with Manolo! If you too know someone who would be a fantastic guest for French Voices, someone with a passion they would love to share, please get in touch! Vocab List aléas (nm plur) = hazards, vagaries, contingencies, risks ascenseur social (nm) = social mobility cahier des charges (nm) = (bill of) specifications casse-croûte (nm) (fam) = snack confrère (nm) = colleague ; fellow, brother confrérie (nf) = brotherhood, fellowship ; association, society, guild filer entre les doigts (de qn) = to slip through (sb)'s fingers grosso modo = roughly moine (nm) = monk prendre l'apéro (fam) = prendre l'apéritif = to have an aperitif pressoir (nm) = press regain (nm) = renewal, revival, resurgence ; rise rentable = profitable, money-making revendiquer sa basquitude = to claim one's basque origins soufre (nm) = sulphur valoir le coup = to be worth it verger (nm) = orchard Links and Resources Page Facebook : Bidasoako Sargadozaleen Kofradia French Voices episode 74 : "La Fine Mousse – the world of craft beer"

Live workshops are back! More information and bookings open on my events page: https://frenchyourway.com.au/events If you can’t attend, don’t worry: you will receive the replay video as well as the worksheet and answers. Upcoming events: Dictée en français / French dictation Sunday May 22nd at 9pm Paris time. Imparfait vs passé composé Thursday May 26th at 10pm Paris time. Check out my events page Subscribe to my newsletter to receive special discount codes for the workshops. Looking forward to working with you! Jessica

Buy Full Notes This 2-part interview with Manolo will take you to the heart of the French Basque country (Pays Basque), its heritage and its tradition of making “vin de pomme” (also known as “sagardo”, or “sagarno”), which is not the same as the apple cider from Normandy. The start of the conversation will help you locate the Pays Basque and understand its strong sense of identity. People still wear the beret, speak basque (which is a language in itself, not related to French), play local traditional instruments that the rest of France probably never heard of. Listen to find out how talking about music naturally led us to talking about apples (yes, there’s a link!). By the way, do you know where apples originally come from? What’s the difference between “vin de pomme” and “cidre”? In other words, what’s the difference with how the Basque and the Norman people process their apples? The answers are in this episode. We’ll talk about the fermentation process of course. We’ll also see why the properties of the sagardo / vin de pomme made it the daily drink on board the ships in the old times. As you may have understood by now, this interview is all about culture, traditions, heritage, history, about understanding how trade, routes and human exchanges played a central role in the diversity of it all. Last but not least this interview is Manolo sharing his passion with you. We hope you enjoy it. Vocab List alambic (nm) = still [alcohol production]baleine franche (nf) = right whalebarrique (nf) = barrel, caskbroyer = to grind, crushclocher (nm) = bell towercontrée (nf) = region, landcouvre-chef (nm) = hat, headgearcroupir = to stagnate [water], to rotfoulage (nm) = pressing, treading, crushingfouler (vt) = to tread, trample, pressfût (nm) = cask, barrel, keghistoire/querelle de clocher = community/parish rivalry ; storm in a teacupmorue (nf) = cod, codfishmûrir = to ripenprendre une pâtée (fam) = to take a thrashingtaquiner = to tease Links and Resources Page Facebook : Bidasoako Sargadozaleen Kofradia French Voices episode 52 : "Champagne Producing with Tristan Hyest"

Buy Full Notes Betty Levanqué really is an incredible woman, I would even call her a wonder woman. I’m truly in awe at everything she’s done so far in her life, her stamina, her strength; she’s an inspiration to work hard, be present for your family, love people, give back to others when you can. Betty studied hard, even while becoming the other of a very premature baby with a disability and later on resuming her studies and taking up three courses in three different universities the same year at age... 40. She founded an association to help orphans in Vietnam (where her background is), the food bank of New Caledonia where she lives (banque alimentaire de Nouvelle-Calédonie), owns a real estate agency (Le Café Immobilier) as well as a popular café in Nouméa (Boops Café), and is the president of the APESA, an association supporting business managers burning out and at risk of committing suicide. The least we can say is that Betty is profoundly humane and committed to making a difference in people’s lives. This is a long, inspiring, feel good interview. Vocab List avoir les pieds sur terre = to be grounded bénévolement (adv) = voluntarily claquettes (nf plur) = flip flops, slide sandals cursus (nm) = course, curriculum gaspillage alimentaire (nm) = food waste invendu (nm) = unsold article natte (nf) = mat néon (nm) = neon light, fluorescent light orphelinat (nm) = orphanage remettre (qn) sur les rails = to put (sb) back on track / on the right path Links Le Café Immobilier (Facebook) La Banque Alimentaire de Nouvelle-Calédonie Boops Café (Facebook) Apesa NC Follow my Dream French Voices, episode 126: (Part 1) Representing Belgium abroad: the work of a consul French Voices, episode 127: (Part 2) Representing Belgium abroad: the work of a consul

Buy Full Notes Betty Levanqué really is an incredible woman, I would even call her a wonder woman. I’m truly in awe at everything she’s done so far in her life, her stamina, her strength; she’s an inspiration to work hard, be present for your family, love people, give back to others when you can. Betty studied hard, even while becoming the other of a very premature baby with a disability and later on resuming her studies and taking up three courses in three different universities the same year at age... 40. She founded an association to help orphans in Vietnam (where her background is), the food bank of New Caledonia where she lives (banque alimentaire de Nouvelle-Calédonie), owns a real estate agency (Le Café Immobilier) as well as a popular café in Nouméa (Boops Café), and is the president of the APESA, an association supporting business managers burning out and at risk of committing suicide. The least we can say is that Betty is profoundly humane and committed to making a difference in people’s lives. This is a long, inspiring, feel good interview. In this episode we’ll start with Betty’s Vietnamese background - this is essential to understand the values of merit, work and endurance that are ever present in her life story. Betty’s name and identity changed when she was 6 years old. Learn interesting facts about Vietnamese names. Vocab List au chevet (de qn) = at [sb]'s bedside avoir plusieurs cordes à son arc / avoir plus d'une corde à son arc = to have more than one string to one's bow dépayser (qn) = be a break of [sb]'s routine, be a change of scenery doudoune (nf) = down / winter / puffa jacket guichetier, ière (n) = ticket salesperson hypokhâgne (nf) = intensive foundation degree in literature khâgne (nf) = literature foundation course métissé,e (adj) = mix-race parler à bâtons rompus = to talk about this and that, to jump from one topic to another patronyme (nm) = surname, family name prépa / classe préparatoire (nf) = preparatory class sauter / passer du coq à l'âne = to jump from one subject to another trame (nf) = outline Links Le Café Immobilier (Facebook) La Banque Alimentaire de Nouvelle-Calédonie Boops Café (Facebook) Apesa NC Follow my Dream

This recording is in French, here’s the outline of what I talk about to help you follow: A comeback video in a new environment: we’re in France! We’ve been settling down, enjoying family time after two years of separation, finally meeting my little (and very cute nephew), creating memories (e.g we took the kids to the snow!) The children have started attending French school...on and off really, due to the absurd C*vid protocols in place here. Still, I’m hoping this will give me some time to resume working on French Your Way! In 2021, I worked on a personal project (I’ll tell you about it when the right time comes) and spent quite a while in lockdown being my daughter’s private teacher. We also prepared our departure to France. In order to help you with your French, I need YOU to give me your input, your feedback: What is your biggest struggle about learning French? What do you need explanations/reinforcement with? What type of content do you find most helpful to learn? (podcasts, online classes, eBooks?) Please get in touch! Email me /!\ Don’t forget: I explain French concepts in English. If you know me, you know that! 😉 For authentic conversations in French, check out my “French Voices” podcast. Thanks for your patience while I wrap my head around things again and release new content! I am grateful for your support and your kindness. Jessica Subscribe to my newsletter. Follow me on Facebook / Instagram

Buy Full Notes Melbourne-based French Australian painter Guy Trinquet, is a finalist in the 2021 Glover Prize, one of Australia’s most prestigious landscape painting awards. Vocab List courbe (nf) = curve donner le cafard = to make (sb) sad / depressed flasher (sur…) = to fall (for…) lauréat,e (n) = prizewinner s'écailler = to flake / chip / peel off Links and Resources https://www.guytrinquet.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guytrinquet.art/ Instagram: @guytrinquetart

Buy Full Notes Melbourne-based French Australian painter Guy Trinquet, is a finalist in the 2021 Glover Prize, one of Australia’s most prestigious landscape painting awards. Vocab List croquis (nm) = sketch, rough outline, first draft déceler = to detect, to spot ébauche (nf) = sketch, rough outline, first draft être tenu(e) de (faire quelque chose) = to be required / bound (to do sth) gosse (n) = kid gribouillage (nm) = scribble grimper = to climb passer (ça passe) = to be acceptable, to be admissible subjuguer = to captivate, to enthrall, to conquer tiquer = to twitch, to cringe toile (nf) = canvas vente aux enchères (nf) = auction Links and Resources https://www.guytrinquet.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guytrinquet.art/ Instagram: @guytrinquetart

Buy Full Notes In the second part of this interview with Belgian consul Pierre Steverlynck, we discuss the languages he speaks at home and at work - since Belgium is a multilingual country. You'll learn the difference between an ambassy and a consulate, what a "carte d'identité" may be used for (I know that not all countries have one such thing). Also find out how one becomes a diplomat. And, you'll hear about the "flying kit", a really cool system for expats living on faraway islands! Vocab List avancée sociale (nf) = advance, progress chauvin,e (adj) = chauvinistic, partisan concours (nm) = competitive exam empreinte (digitale) (nf) = (finger) print encadré,e (adj) = managed, supervised examen d'entrée (nm) = entrance examination flamandophone (n, adj) = Dutch-speaking néerlandais,e (n, adj) = Dutch QI (quotient intellectuel) (nm) = IQ Links and Resources https://france.diplomatie.belgium.be/fr Also discover (or rediscover!) episode 80: About The Smurfs! With Jean Auquier, manager of the Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée

Buy Full Notes Pierre Steverlynck is a Belgian consul, a diplomat representing Belgium abroad. When we started the interview, I was nervous because I had been wondering for weeks what to call him. I was worried about coming across as impolite, not knowing whether I should call him "Pierre", "Monsieur", or any specific term of address related to his status. Find out the answer to this thorny issue in this first of two episodes of our conversation! Pierre will tell us about his different missions and roles and will regularly draw parallels between the French and Belgian systems (uni, admin and diplomacy-wise), which is making this interview even more enriching! Learn about the Belgian National Register, compulsory vote and the consequences for not voting, but also about some differences in how the French and Belgian speakers say the numbers 70 and 90... and how confusing this is even for us! Vocab List Affaires Etrangères (fem plur) = Foreign Affairs CCD (contrat à durée déterminée) (nm) = fixed-term contract, temporary contract enlever une épine du pied (de quelqu'un) = take a thorn out of [sb]'s side lambda = average, regular, ordinary rapatrier = to repatriate ressortissant,e (n) = citizen, national tour d'ivoire = ivory tower trainer (avec quelqu'un) = to hang out (with someone) visa long séjour (nm) = long stay visa Links and Resources https://france.diplomatie.belgium.be/fr Also discover (or rediscover!) episode 80: About The Smurfs! With Jean Auquier, manager of the Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée

Buy Full Notes Natacha is a young Frenchwoman qui "a la patate" and a contagious passion for improvised play. She's the founder, coach, and one of the improvisers / actresses of The French Loop, a theatre company based in Melbourne. (If you also live in the area and would love to practice your French and have a go, Natacha welcomes non native speakers too, hint hint!). In this second episode, Natacha is presenting the French Loop : who can attend ? From what age? We'll also talk about a not so well-known aspect of improvisation called social theatre / Shake Theatre. You'll see that this activity can be a fantastic, therapeutic tool. Finally, I love Natacha's message: everything is possible, don't take life too seriously! Vocab List avoir la patate (fam) = to be in a great mood, to feel in great shape cérébrolésé,e (adj) = brain-damaged person comédien,ne (n) = actor, actress coulisses (fem plur) = backstage envoyer du pâté (fam) = to be cool, to be badass, to be sick éphémère (adj) = short-lived exutoire (nm) = outlet, release fac (nf) = uni Links and Resources https://www.thefrenchloop.com The French Loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefrloop