Discover the story of Simone, the voice that captivated France. From a transformative teenage experience to becoming the most listened-to voice in the country. Learn about her journey from aspiring actor to successful secretary. Explore her career as a radio host and the impact of her voice as a train station announcer. Follow her creative projects and the revival of French classics through her theater company.

To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Arnaud, who launched a career impersonating one of France’s most beloved male singers, Jacques Brel. Stick around until the end for an update on what Arnaud has been up to since the first episode aired! Check out recordings of Arnaud’s live performances here. We also made a Spotify playlist where you can kick back and listen to some of Jacques Brel’s greatest hits. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3I7TkLW.

On June 21, 1981, the French government invented a new holiday. Ever since then, every summer solstice, anyone in France can take to the streets and perform music…and they do! But for Fanny, sharing her birthday with la Fête de la Musique was a bit of a curse…until she discovered how to help her favorite band take on the challenge of that special night. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3HYOEHZ.

Discover the innovative sound of Christophe Chassol, blending music and art inspired by Martinique. From his musical influences to international success, explore his journey through experimental music projects and diverse cultural experiences.

Waaydah, a teenager from Mayotte, competes in her island's first-ever opera competition. She faces doubts and seeks support, but ultimately steals the show with her captivating performance. This episode revisits her journey and provides an update on what she has been up to since.

Explore Marie D'Nétis' determination to continue sharing her art during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow Marie's theatrical journey from nervousness to balcony performances. Encounter unexpected situations and growing expectations during street performances. Discover how Marie became a balcony performer, bringing joy to people's lives. Learn about Marie's role as a voice actor and how to engage with the Duolingo platform.

To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of David, an engineer by day and French clown by night. Stick around until the end for an update on what David has up to since the first episode aired! A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/424ViWh.

This podcast episode revisits the story of Monika, a professional dancer who has been performing the French Cancan in Paris since the 1960s. It follows her journey in auditioning for a famous cabaret dance troupe, facing challenges in pursuing her passion for dancing, and her success in teaching a can-can routine to amateur dancers. Stick around for an update on what Monika has been up to since the first episode aired!

The Duolingo French Podcast is back for a special season celebrating the arts in France and around the world. We’re revisiting our favorite stories of dancers, singers, performers, and even an undercover clown — as well as updates about how these artists are doing. This special season starts January 9. Listen to the trailer now!

Ariana DeBose, a performer who starred in the film adaptation of Hamilton, talks about the secret life of Josephine Baker. Topics include Josephine's perilous spy missions, her wartime service, her dance of deception to fool the French border patrol, her missions in Morocco, her secret meetings and missions while recovering from illness, and her performance for black GIs in a segregated military.