EUROPHILE

Coucou everyone! Created by a prisoner of war, this workout put Hollywood and the world at large in a tizzy in the '90s. How it got to that point, however, is an interesting journey across countries and continents and the study of centuries-old techniques - which ended up creating something entirely new. Kate then pivots us to a conversation about the Autobahn, and how the rumors aren't al...

Coucou everyone! Through her eyes, a bean, a bone, a vase, and a scorpion could be transformed to sensual jewelry. Famous for her decades-long collaboration with Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti's vision was toward freedom. Cat then tells us all about how the Margherita pizza came to be - delicious! Main topic sources: Nando & Elsa Peretti Foundation Fortuna: Remembering Visionary Designer...

Coucou everyone! Trigger warning: murder, suicide There are certain events that shape the course of history, and the Mayerling Incident is certainly one of them. This murder-suicide changed the Austria-Hungarian line of succession, which ultimately kicked off World War I. But who were the people involved, and how did it come to be? In this episode we dive into the months that led up to this traged...

Coucou everyone! Is there anything more feminine and fabulous than a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels? Hear about Manolo's incredible life and career, from making shoes for lizards as a young boy, to becoming a household name (thanks in small part to Princess Diana and, of course, Carrie Bradshaw). Full of surprises, Manolo remains the most elegant man who is devoted purely to art and beauty, and...

Coucou everyone! Deep in the heart of the Carpathian mountains, the wizarding school of Scholomance is believed to exist. It has been teaching evil wizards for hundreds (& maybe thousands of years) and a notable graduate is rumored to be Count Dracula himself. Catherine then tells us about the real origins of the denim blue jean. So let's go to Transylvania this week, shall we? Main topic...

Coucou everyone! One of the world's richest women of the 20th century, hear how Helena Rubinstein turned 12 pots of face cream into a multi-national beauty empire. Not only was she passionate about making women feel like their best selves, but she had exquisite taste in art, fashion, and real estate. Then we pivot into learning about pre-Christian sand folk art in central Poland. Helena would have...

Coucou everyone! A Flamenco dancing, exiled Spanish noble (hmm?) who could charm the lederhosen off of kings - Lola Montez was a force to be reckoned with on-and-off the stage. We'll discuss her life story as a young girl from Ireland who finds her way to India, Germany, and beyond, leaving waves of controversy in her wake. Cat then tells us about the Irish Famine roads and their importance to Iri...

Coucou everyone! Catherine shares how a love for jazz and swing music turned a group of teens from fans into resistance members in Nazi Germany - and they called themselves the Swingjugend . To this day, jazz and swing symbolize freedom of expression, non-conformism, liberalism, independence, and internationalism, and that is exactly what these music genres symbolized to the Swing Youth. Then Kate...

Coucou everyone! It's not a bag, It's a baguette! Four generations of women comprise the Fendi legacy. Starting from a little leather goods and fur atelier in Rome, by a single woman who turned it into a multinational luxury fashion house and household name. Let's learn this week about the history of Fendi! We go a little more south on the Italian boot and visit Sicily and learn about the history...

Coucou everyone! A mystery grounded in fact, Cat tells the story of the mythically wealthy alchemist, polyglot, musician, scientist, philosopher, and artist - the Comte de Saint-Germain. A friend to Marie-Antoinette, Volatire, Casanova, Mozart, and several kings, he was rumored to be hundreds of years old. Kate also shares the history and meaning behind the king cake - laissez les bons temps roule...

Coucou everyone! In this episode we dive into the previously unknown histories of Black people living in Tudor England. Members of court, musicians, sex workers, adventurers, seamstresses, and even a deep-sea diver - their stories play a deeply important part of English history! Then we chat about a London icon - the black cab. Apologies in advance for going off the rails this episode - we are jus...

Coucou everyone! From faeries to selkies, Ireland is not one to shy away from the more mystical beliefs. The Irish believe The Cure is a sacred honor to have and in the responsibility to share and help heal the inflicted. The Cure can come in several forms; from a learned ritual, an acquired power, or a passed down familial privilege. The end is the same - to cure. For the mini, Cat tells us about...

Coucou everyone! Europhile is 5 years old! We are so lucky to have this space, and to learn and share together - we are raising our coupes to many more episodes, experiences, and to growing this beautiful community that we cherish <3 We are back from our summer holiday in Greece, so humor us as we re-live Athens and the islands, life-changing food, unforgettable sights, and our bountiful shoppi...

Coucou everyone! Before we step out on our 2 month vacanza, would you like to take a stroll through the gardens with us? More specifically, some French and English gardens in the 17th and 18th centuries? How capital! We explore the fads of the French - geometric garden beds, perfectly manicured trees, and man's triumph over nature, as well as the more romantic preferences of the Brits - windin...

Coucou everyone! You’ve heard the Disney versions — but the original tales? Not quite the same. In this episode of Europhile, we dive into the haunting, bizarre, and surprisingly spiritual world of Hans Christian Andersen. From a mermaid who gives everything up and turns into sea foam, to a thumb-sized girl nearly forced to marry a mole, to a mysterious Snow Queen who’s more misunderstood than evi...

Coucou everyone! Happy (belated) Pride! Let's chat about the iconic and controversial (to say the least) writer, journalist, actress, and mime - Colette. Whether it was causing a riot for kissing a woman on-stage at the Moulin Rouge, writing novels about women living under the patriarchy, or pioneering the face lift, Colette did things her own way. Kate then shares the history and etiquette of...

Coucou everyone! What happens when you can't trust Russia or the United States? Who do you turn to? You turn to......Mexico??? In Yugoslavia, that's exactly what happened during the 1950s. This week Kate tells us about the Yu-Mex music genre. Catherine then tells us about the Slavic myth, The Tree of Life. So pour yourself some tequila or rakija and let's say 'salud' to our newest episode! Main to...

Coucou everyone! Mushroom hunting is a centuries-old pastime in Poland and has seen a huge resurgence in recent years. However, it is not to be trifled with! It's taken very seriously, with many different recipes, superstitions, and family secrets tied in. So grab your wicker basket, and let's forage! Then, Kate tells a Polish folk tale that will surely give you the chills. Main topic sour...

Coucou everyone! In this episode, we dive into the world of the Paninari - a flashy, fashion obsessed youth subculture that emerged in 1980s Milan. Named after the sandwich shop (Al Panino in Milan) they frequented, Paninari were known for their love of designer brands, American fast food, scooters, and synth-pop. We explore how this movement reflected Italy’s shifting cultural landscape during a...

Coucou everyone! Pinkies up, its time for high tea! Put on the kettle and settle in for a tour of English, Russian, and Turkish tea culture, but first we travel to China to learn about its origins thousands of years ago. We also dissect the history of a couple famous blends, and share the difference between English, Irish, and Scottish breakfast tea - because we know you're just dying to know!...

Coucou everyone! We are thrilled to announce we will be partnering with the Milwaukee Film Festival to show the 2024 film "Four Mothers," directed by Darren Thornton! With us today to chat all about the festival is Kerstin Larson, the film festival's Programming Director. Milwaukee Film Festival Info here ! In this episode, step into the glittering, decadent world of Oscar Wilde—play...

Coucou everyone! Pop a bottle of the yellow label - this week we venture to France to talk about the fearless entrepreneur, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin or La Veuve Clicquot. We discuss her life and influence on the Champagne industry that is still felt today. Then Catherine tells us about the origins of the Fleur-de-Lis. Santé, salut and listen in! Cheers! Main topic sources: The Widow Who Cre...

Coucou everyone! Welcome to our first tête-à-tête episode! We just wanted to take some time to chat about Catherine's recent trip to Paris, and Kate's latest obsession: Parthenope (2024) directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Let us know if you're into this type of ep - because lord knows we have PLENTY of other things to yap about. Ciao! Don't forget to follow us on  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I...

Coucou everyone! In our newest episode we dive into the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a little girl who lost her family in war and was taken to England. She later befriended Queen Victoria, who provided her with an allowance and paid for her education. Her life was no means easy, but Sarah stayed witty, charming, talented, and outspoken despite forcefully leaving her home, facing racism and discri...

Coucou everyone! Welcome to the first episode of our "Films that Raised Us" series! One of the film's that inspired us (Kate especially) was Roman Holiday. A true Old Hollywood classic that catapulted the enchanting Audrey Hepburn into the spotlight, Roman Holiday is a feast for the senses despite being filmed in Black & White. We laugh, we cry - it has it all and more. So hop on...