Learn French by Podcast

Some people are early-risers while others are night owls. In this lesson, we discuss an adage which makes the bold claim that people who fall into the first category are at an advantage.

One of our Beginner listeners asked about the English verb ‘to get’ which made us think about prendre. ‘Get’ is just one of the many meanings of this multipurpose French verb, depending on the context.

This lesson centres on an interesting initiative which should see manufacturers pull up their socks when it comes to environmentally-friendly products. Let's start with a conversation!

One of our listeners asked that we would prepare a lesson with some gardening vocabulary and that’s what we did, over WhatsApp! We have lots of interesting vocabulary to learn – let’s start with a conversation.

Explore the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on everyday life and healthcare challenges. Delve into France's unique response, highlighting community resilience and frontline heroes. Discuss Trump's controversial handling of the crisis and the emotional toll on society. Learn about adjusting to new norms post-confinement, including remote work and economic consequences. Investigate the concept of 'degrowth' and its relevance amid turmoil, as well as the significant supply chain disruptions, particularly in electronics.

The subject of this - our 200th lesson! - is the opioids crisis in the U.S. which has reached quite shocking proportions. But how did it come to this? Let’s start with a conversation.

Dive into the intriguing world of 'les décroissants', where minimalism and sustainability take center stage. Discover how adopting an ultra-economic lifestyle can enhance quality of life while tackling consumerism head-on. The podcast reveals the rich philosophies behind this movement and shares practical strategies for reducing waste and embracing local, organic products. Uncover the growing community in France driving these eco-conscious initiatives, all while learning relevant French vocabulary related to this compelling topic.

One of our listeners was taking up a position as a teacher in a pre-school in France and asked if we would put together some expressions and vocabulary that might be used in a dialogue between the teacher and a parent. Let’s consider one such conversation.

Our lesson this time goes back to a joke made by chat-show host Trevor Noah last summer, following the World cup. The only thing is, some people didn’t find his joke funny at all, not least the French ambassador in Washington. So what was it all about, again? Let’s start, as usual, with a conversation to put things in context.

In this engaging conversation, President Macron, the first French leader without military service, discusses his controversial proposal to reinstate national service. He argues it could foster civic pride and social integration among youth. The conversation contrasts varying public opinions on the initiative and raises questions about its effectiveness and funding. Skepticism lingers as Macron acknowledges logistical challenges but emphasizes the program's potential to strengthen community ties and support young people facing difficulties.