The New Paris Podcast

165: Extreme heat, abuse, and a nation under scrutiny with CNN's Saskya Vandoorne 02.07.2026 42min

By now you’ve been inundated with images and news reports about the record-breaking heat crisis that hit nearly all of Europe last week, impacting France the most. The intensity of that was the cherry on top of a particularly punishing local news cycle in recent months, especially for CNN’s Paris bureau chief Saskya Vandoorne. She joins me to talk about what we can learn from the heat wave about our current climate crisis, as well as some of the very serious investigations she’s worked on since the start of the year. Warning: this episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and violence. Mentioned in this episode:Saskya Vandoorne, CNNHeat wave in France Paris is boiling Gisèle Pelicot case Investigation on abuse networkExposing a global rape academyLyhanna case and justice system failuresAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

164: On bilingualism and code-switching with Ariane Bernard 18.06.2026 50min

Next month marks six years, if you can believe it, since The New Parisienne was released. I’ve kept tabs on all the women I profiled and some have become dear friends. Among them: Ariane Bernard who, at the time of our first interview, was overseeing all things digital at Le Parisien newspaper. I distinctly remember the moment I met her. I heard her speak with the kind of cultural fluency and humor of someone reared in the United States. And yet, she wasn’t. I quickly learned she was perfectly bilingual but I also wanted to know how she accommodated the dualities of her identity. Today, she works for herself and goes between Paris and New York. We talk about her sequential bilingual journey, navigating two very different work cultures, and a few of her linguistic grievances. You’ll also hear which spots in Paris she returns to time and again. Want to learn French at your own pace with private or group classes online? Sign up for Lingoda. Mentioned in this episode: Ariane Bernard Sequential bilingualism Le Parisien Taboola Oh My CreamInstitut de France (18th century)Cour Carré du Louvre Le Severo Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

163: On making friends in Paris with Jane Bertch 04.06.2026 39min

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to making new friends. Paris, with its rich culture and vibrant social scene, may seem like the perfect place to forge connections. However, many newcomers often find it challenging to break into established social circles. Jane Bertch, entrepreneur, author, and podcaster at GenerateHER, joins me to talk about how we've made friends over the years and the etiquette of building contacts and friends in Paris, where cultural norms differ. Mentioned in this episode:Leaving America essay Jane Bertch GenerateHer Podcast Prompts from ParisJane's episode on friendship Amy Cuddy Retreats with JaneAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

162: On the art of French chocolate with pastry chef and educator Lisa Allen 22.05.2026 45min

As you may know, chocolate isn’t created equal, and French style is very different from Belgian and Swiss confections. There are chocolate shops and pastry chefs who dabble in chocolate all over Paris, but within that network, there are clear differences in quality. Lisa Allen, a chocolate educator, pastry chef, and guide who runs Tarts & Truffles, joins me to talk about some of these distinctions, what she’s learned about chocolate over the years, and where she recommends you go for all your chocolate needs in Paris. Mentioned in this episode Lisa Allen, Tarts & TrufflesLisa on InstagramChuaoDandelion Chocolate Ferrandi Paris Ara ChocolateL'Instant Cacao Patrick RogerJacques GeninPlaqAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

161: A fresh take on the Parisian neo-bistro with chef Priscilla Trâm 09.05.2026 34min

What happens when you trade fifteen years of working in law for a professional kitchen? In the case of today’s guest, you get one of the most flavorful and unique dining experiences in the city. Priscilla Tram, the chef and founder of Trâm 130, has changed the conversation about what 'personal' cooking looks like in Paris today. We’ll talk about her career, why Paris was finally ready for her unique culinary voice, and chat about her brand-new project, Trâmette, opening soon in the 11th arrondissement. Mentioned in this episode:Trâm 130 The HoodRori Yasube Le DauphinGrammeAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

160: Made in France as Activism: From Diplomacy to Craft in Paris with Marianna Stepanian 23.04.2026 33min

What if Made in France for crafts could be a form of activism? Paramaz, a leather workshop, boutique, and café, is doing just that. I'm joined today by the co-owner and creative director, Marianna Stepanian, whose journey from diplomacy at UNESCO and the Dutch Embassy to the workbench of a local craft boutique offers a fascinating look at cultural preservation in action. We discuss how she and her partner Hagop Markarian are reviving the intimate "maker-client" relationship just steps away from Paris’s luxury giants, the vital role their space plays in highlighting Armenian heritage during turbulent times, and why the city is finally embracing the beauty of a multi-functional space where you can witness a bag being stitched while enjoying your espresso.Mentioned in this episode:Marianna StepanianParamazAstrig Agopian exhibition at Paramaz Safety for Women Journalists exhibition at UNESCOAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

159: Why France's Future Must Be Human-Centered with Rahaf Harfoush 10.04.2026 39min

How does technology play into the paradigm shift the world is experiencing? I'm joined by digital anthropologist, author, and public speaker Rahaf Harfoush to talk about resilience and how global interconnection means we cannot speak about the future of France without considering the impact of decisions made much further afield, by other nations. We discuss geopolitical shifts and innovation in France amid global disruptions, and how cultural values must shape our response to crises and technological evolution. What does the future of France look like? Listen to find out. Mentioned in this episode: Rahaf Harfoush@Foushy Hypernormalization Emmanuel Grégoire + Station F The French Tech Journal European Unicorn ReportBlack Swan by Nassim Nicholas TalebOn Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber AI 2027 ReportPalantir deal with France Participatory local politics in ParisAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

158: A new mayor for Paris! Interpreting the election results with Léa Chamboncel 25.03.2026 32min

There is some relief to be shared right now for many Parisians— voters sent Rachida Dati walking and opted for Emmanuel Grégoire, formerly Anne Hidalgo’s first deputy, as the French capital's new mayor. The Socialist party has governed Paris for 25 years and the majority has spoken. But that isn’t the full picture. To give you a sense of what his win means, how many people really turned up to vote, where the finger pointing is being aimed now by major political parties, and what Grégoire plans to do for Paris, I asked political journalist and author Léa Chamboncel. Here's what to know. Mentioned in this episode:Léa Chamboncel Popol Media Emmanuel Grégoire wins Paris mayoral raceFrench elections are still a warning to the left Edouard Philippe’s beard Adrien Quatennens, LFI, domestic violence caseLéa’s new book: à qui profite la lutte? Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

157: Anne Hidalgo’s Paris Legacy & the 2026 Vote with Phineas Rueckert 10.03.2026 51min

We are nearing the end of an era. Anne Hidalgo, Paris mayor since 2014, will soon be leaving office. And this weekend, we vote on her replacement. In fact, there are elections all over the country. But in Paris, there are changes to how that’s going to go down this year and who is likely to take over. I’m joined by Phineas Rueckert, a Paris-based journalist who covers politics and social issues for The Nation, Jacobin and New Lines Magazine, to unpack what’s at stake, who’s running, why this election is so important, and what legacy Anne Hidalgo leaves behind.Mentioned in this episode:Phineas RueckertPhineas's substack Becoming FrenchLe Monde on Hidalgo's legacyFrance's elections at risk of foreign interferenceFrance's local elections, 2026Elections as a preview for Europe Quentin Deranque, political flashpointLyon as French capital of political violenceSarah Knafo copies MamdaniPhineas's report for The Nation on Sarah Knafo Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

156: On Paris vs London in the arts with Maïa Morgensztern 24.02.2026 43min

Almost two years ago, I met today’s guest on an art deco journalist jaunt around Greater Paris and have followed her work ever since. Maïa Morgensztern is a French art historian and culture journalist living in London but returns to Paris monthly, usually for an exhibition. Given how much has changed in the art world in the last year, I wanted to get her take on Paris vs London, the historical contexts of both cities in their approaches to culture, and the impact of Brexit on the art world. We talk about government and private funding in the arts, access to cultural institutions, and the class divides that influence who engages with art. You’ll also hear where she likes to go, every time she’s in town. Mentioned in this episode: Maïa MorgenszternMaïa on InstagramLouvre strikes Sackler family museum fundingFondation Cartier Museum upgrades in ParisCarnavalet Museum (free entry)London's free museumsFondation Giacometti Comédie FrançaiseThe Good LifeAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

155: What it takes to become French in 2026 with Charli James 11.02.2026 47min

Nearly 12 years I ago, I became a French citizen. Since then, a lot has changed. Most notably, the criteria for nationality have tightened this year. Given how many more Americans, in particular, are looking to move to France, I thought it was time to dig into the process, how it’s gotten harder and why — at least for everyone except George Clooney— and to do so, I brought on a friend of the show, France 24 journalist, and new French citizen, Charli James. Mentioned in this episode:Charli James Stricter French requirements, fewer resources: Immigrants face new hurdlesFrance defends decision to grant George Clooney citizenshipLes procédures d'accès à la nationalité française Immigration : polémique sur des tests de français A new civic examination for foreigners wishing to settle in FranceHow France’s far right changed the debate on immigrationIn Brussels, the far right can no longer be ignoredAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

154: Understanding childcare in Paris: the nanny's view with Lise Scott 23.01.2026 44min

Whether you have children or not, chances are you’ve heard that France’s childcare system is among the best in Europe, both in terms of public and private options. There’s the crèche, subsidized daycare, shared nannies, au pairs, and full-time Nannies who make, or should anyway, a living commensurate with their experience and hours worked. Since more and more foreigners are moving to Paris with children or with the intention of having children, it’s important to understand the landscape. I happen to know someone who works in this world and wanted to get her story, her views on child rearing in Paris specifically, the options that exist, the dark side of the business, and how it all compares with the UK and Germany, where she has both lived and worked. Meet Lise Scott. Mentioned in this episode: Lise ScottNorland nannies French nursery (crèche) shortageParis childcare optionsOptions and unequal accessAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

153: Coffee, costs, and Paris wishes for 2026 with Jay Swanson 09.01.2026 38min

To kick off season 10 a few days into a year that’s already turbulent, I thought I’d keep things lighter and more casual with a friend of the show. I crossed town the day after Paris was submerged in snow to chat with Jay Swanson, YouTuber and creator of Paris in My Pocket, about coffee in the city, the cost of things, pearl-clutching newspaper stories, and what we hope for Paris in 2026. Mentioned in this episode:Jay Swanson Paris in my PocketGalette des RoisSubstance Café The Guardian articleAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

152: Paris Dining today with Carina Soto Velasquez and Nora Bouazzouni 07.11.2025 46min

In continuing the conversation around the city’s culinary scene, the episode you’ll hear today comes directly from a panel discussion I was part of at The American Library in Paris with two very powerful voices in food that I’m proud to know. I was joined by Carina Soto Velasquez, the co-founder and owner of Quixotic Projects (Candelaria, Le Mary Celeste, and A La Renaissance), and Nora Bouazzouni, a French journalist and author who reports on ethical issues in the industry. We go through the changes in the food scene, some of the ongoing challenges for women, and how violence endures in the kitchen across the country. Thank you to the American Library for allowing me to use the audio and to Rachel Donadio for her thoughtful moderation. Mentioned in this episode: The American Library in Paris talk Want to watch the conversation? It’s on YouTubeThe Eater Guide to ParisCarina Soto Velasquez Nora Bouazzouni "Violences en Cuisine: Une Omerta à la Française"Audio production & editing: Matthew JordanMusic by Little Glass Men⁠

151: On longevity in the Paris food business with Joshua Fontaine 09.10.2025 41min

What does it take to run a successful restaurant or several in a city full of them? Josh Fontaine, cofounder of Candelaria, Le Mary Celeste, and the newly opened A La Renaissance, knows something about it. He joins me to talk about what’s changed in the Paris food and beverage scene since COVID, the proliferation of concept-driven restaurants, creating longevity, and some of the details he’s most proud of at his new restaurant.Mentioned in this episode:Joshua Fontaine, Quixotic ProjectsCandelariaLe Mary CelesteA la RenaissanceLutèceMatcha pop-ups Bemelman's Bar Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

150: On making a new life in Paris with Susanna Schrobsdorff 25.09.2025 47min

Almost a year ago, I launched a series on my newsletter called Leaving America, based on the multitude of reasons Americans opt to leave the country and why many of them, as it happens, end up in Paris. Through this series and my network of creative women in Paris, I’ve connected with so many brilliant Americans who have moved, want to move, or at least understand the desire to. That includes Susanna Schrobsdorff, a former executive editor and columnist for Time Magazine who moved to Paris within the last couple of years. Right off the bat, we started talking together about the feelings tied up in leaving one’s homeland and Paris has done for us, as it has for so many before us. She joins me today to talk about her path to Paris, why it was the right place to settle at this point in her life, and the importance of building community to withstand the toughest of times. Mentioned in this episode: Susanna schrobsdorffOn leaving Brooklyn for ParisSuzy Hansen's Notes on a Foreign CountryThe Blue Hour workshop with Glynnis MacNicol

149: On secondhand fashion & luxury with Parisian entrepreneur Fanny Moizant 19.08.2025 30min

Paris = luxury fashion, right? Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel are pillars of France’s soft power and legacy of craftsmanship. And they are among the most counterfeited brands in the world. That's part of what I learned reporting on secondhand luxury and authentication issues for Bloomberg Businessweek. I got to go behind the curtain at Vestiaire Collective, the leading French secondhand platform, to understand the surge in superfakes, how brands are responding to them, and how platforms like Vestiaire have become frontline defenders in this battle for authenticity. Today, I'm joined by Vestiaire's co-founder Fanny Moizant to talk about values, authentication, access, and how our relationship to French savoir-faire is evolving. Most of all, we'll discuss why secondhand no longer carries a stigma. Mentioned in this story: My Bloomberg Businessweek reportVestiaire Collective Fanny Moizant

148: An insider's view of Paris with writer-event organizer André Michel 21.07.2025 49min

Today's guest, André Michel, is a Paris insider; the unofficial Mayor of Paris with a deep and varied knowledge of food and culture, and a talent for weaving it all into compelling storytelling and events. The occasional food and travel writer and event organizer joins me to talk about what it means to know Paris, why there’s never been a better or more dynamic time to visit or live in Paris, and what travelers should check out this summer.Mentioned in this episode: André MichelThe Butcher of ParisBruno Verjus / Table Capital in the 21st Century by Thomas PikettyJacques Genin⁠⁠Jade Genin⁠⁠Cheval d'Or Othership NYLa Vasque Olympique Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

147: Back to class with Siham Jibril of Off Campus Paris 22.05.2025 38min

Diehard fans of Paris already know there’s never been a shortage of activities to fill one’s intellectual and cultural cup. Art openings, talks and conferences, concerts and performances happen every day of the week. But if you’re interested in learning in a classroom setting without going back to school in the traditional sense, the options dry up. That’s where Off Campus steps in. It’s a two-month-old coffee shop and bookstore launched by two friends that has a special room dedicated to classes for adults. I’m joined by the co-founder Siham Jibril to talk about what sparked the idea, why there’s more interest in continuing education, and which themes resonate most with Parisians. Mentioned in this episode:Off CampusOff Campus on Instagram Bonjour JacobShakespeare & Co Galignani MK2 Bibliothèque Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

146: Lindsey on The Eater Guide to Paris with Dorie Greenspan 06.05.2025 38min

My new book is officially on shelves! To celebrate, The Red Wheelbarrow bookstore hosted me for a launch event last week. At the start, I was in conversation about the project (and more) with the legendary New York Times bestselling and James Beard Award–winning cookbook author Dorie Greenspan. This episode is an edited version of that discussion. Mentioned in this episode: The Eater Guide to ParisDorie Greenspan Julien Pham / Phamily First Kubri / Rita HigginsAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠