The Good, the Bad, and the French

Send a text 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-s...

Send a text 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 goo...

Send a text 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 fla...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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—o...

Send a text 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. T...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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 a...

Send a text 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 abou...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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, highlig...

Send a text 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 col...

Send a text 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 healthca...

Send a text 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...