My Best Friend in France

And here is the link to the Best Friends Talk French podcast: https://www.mybestfriendinfrance.com/products/courses/view/1155801

Here is the link to the subscriber-only podcast, Best Friends Talk French: https://www.mybestfriendinfrance.com/products/courses/view/1155801

And the link to Theresa's brilliant SubStack blog 'Yo France': https://yofrance.substack.com/ 

There are 2 tiny swear words in this week's episode, so just be aware if you have little ears around :)

A brilliant chat with the wonderful Linda Mogridge on today's episode. 

Linda has a fantastic story about her life here as an English-speaker in France. Listen in to find out more. 

Come and join us - for free - in my VIP French Cookery Membership (free access only available until 29th February 2024, so request to join today!!): https://www.myfoodinfrance.com/products/courses/view/1163854 

Here's that amazing bakery I was talking about near Notre Dame: https://www.yannbrys.fr/?lang=en 

Check out www.myfoodinfrance.com 

Also, here is the amazing patisserie I was telling you about in this week's episode: https://peyrerol.fr/

And René's amazing galettes des rois!

Happy New Year, everyone!

This week's episode is a 'welcome back' after a hectic few weeks over here! And a Happy New Year to you for 2024.

I am chatting with James Hammond from the 'Winging It' Travel Podcast this week. We had a brilliant discussion about travel, living somewhere different, making connections and community in a new place, and more!

You can find out more about James and his podcast and other work here: https://linktr.ee/jameshammondtravel 

The fantastic Frannie Fleming joins us for a quick chat today!

There is still time to sign up for the countdown here: https://subscribepage.io/azbfmD (must be before 10pm UK time on 21 Nov 2023).

If you miss out, you can sign up to the waitlist for the 2024 countdown once that goes live! Just go to mybestfriendinfrance.com and keep an eye out! 

This week I'm talking all about the run-up to Christmas in France and giving you my tips for when you might be missing life at home at this time of year.

I also talk about the 12-Day French Christmas Countdown! If you'd like to find out more, click here: https://subscribepage.io/azbfmD

Follow Karen on Instagram @thefrenchweigh 

And check out Karen's website here: https://www.karengombault.com/blog 

Head to www.mybestfriendinfrance.com to subscribe to the Best Friends Talk French podcast!

Here are the links I mentioned in the podcast episode this week:

The Rest is Politics Podcast with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart: https://www.youtube.com/@restispolitics 

The website where you can find English-speaking counsellors and coaches in France near you (or online): www.counsellinginfrance.com 

The government website where you can find the psychologist who are part of the MonPsy scheme: https://monsoutienpsy.sante.gouv.fr/annuaire 

UK-based Samaritans (accessible from France):  www.samaritans.org or telephone 0044 8457 909090

The Best Friends Talk French Subscriber-Only Podcast: https://www.mybestfriendinfrance.com/products/courses/view/1155801 

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about pregnancy loss and its emotional impact. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with similar experiences, consider seeking support from a mental health professional or a support organization. You are not alone, and there is help available.

This week's episode is with relocation life coach, Linda Mueller. 

You can find Linda at www.theexpatpartnercoach.com or over on Instagram at @theexpatpartnercoach 

We discuss the use of 'expat' in Linda's business name and I loved Linda's openness and willingness to talk about this and her thoughts on how her business might look going forward.

Lots to tell you on this week's episode!

Check out Jessica Stephens on LinkedIn, listen to her podcast: "I just BLANK, now what?!", and follow her on Instagram at @jess.loves.life

If you are interested in reading about the report into care for young children in France, the report is called the IGAS report.

My latest interview is with the fantastic Helen Mayes who upped sticks and moved to France with her husband and 3 young children just last year!

Listen to the episode to hear all about their adventures as a family in Rural SW France. Helen's tips for anyone thinking of doing the same thing are just brilliant. And food for thought for me as well!

You can follow Helen over on Instagram @anewlifeincharente 

This week's episode is all about visiting a local, French market! I absolutely love our weekly market in Nyons. Find out all about the sights, smells, and stalls!

And if you would like more info. on the subscriber only podcast 'Best Friends Talk French', just google 'My Best Friend in France Membervault' and it should come up! Or try 'Best Friends Talk French Membervault'. 

Or click the link here (the links don't always show up depending on podcast platform, hence telling you how to find it via google!): https://mybestfriendinfrance.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1155801 

Join the Best Friends Talk French subscriber-only podcast! https://mybestfriendinfrance.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1155801 

This week I'm talking mainly about food! I've been out for a gorgeous lunch, had a traditional provencal meal of soupe au pistou, and we've also been given a haul of fruit & veg from the garden of our good friends, Jen & Flo!

I am also so excited to tell you about Best Friends Talk French, the exclusive subscriber-only podcast from My Best Friend in France. You can find out more here !!

In this episode I'm talking all about my experience of raising bilingual children in France.

I've also given a wee update on how things are going with the new addition to the family - our little puppy, Bonnie!

Frannie's here!!

Follow Frannie here : SOUND MORE FRENCH WITH FRANNIE

If you are interested in Frannie's membership, you can find more out about that here: PHONICS CAFE

And....introducing Bonnie!!!

Join me for this week's episode where I give you lots of ideas for celebrating milestones and ways to make memories in France.

Doing this can help you to fully immerse yourself into French life, strengthen your connections to the local community, and make your time in France even more special and memorable.

I talk about the fantastic photographer and yoga instructor, Stephanie Lehu, in this podcast episode. You can find her on instagram @osmoz.yoga.aroma 

The sound goes a bit weird in this episode from around minute 14 for six minutes or so. These things happen! I hope it doesn't spoil your listening experience.

Some pics from our shoot with Stephanie:

Join me this week where I talk about the five things I wish I'd known sooner about life in France!

Here is the link to Bulles d'Olive in Nyons: https://bullesdolive.fr/ 

We spent an exceptional night here last week. If you're ever in the area, you have to go! 

What has the weather been like where you are? We have been experiencing storms every day for a month now! Every morning the weather is beautiful - gorgeous blue skies and sunshine. Then come 3pm and the heavens open!

This is the river in the village atm - it's huge! And going so fast!

Remember you can email me (Judith) at mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com 

This interview is an absolute MUST for anyone thinking of applying for a job in France. It's also just a really interesting interview with the fantastic Edwige.

Edwige gives her 3 top tips for anyone applying for a job, or thinking of starting their search for a role in France. She shares her thoughts on CVs and the dreaded cover letter too!

Here is a little bit more information directly from Edwige herself:

I have been a French teacher since 2018. I have lived in different countries (Russia and Hungary) so I can understand how is it to be an expat : the best and the worst sides! 

That is why I chose to help my students to be more confident and feel more integrated in France. I am not helping you to be perfect in French (or not yet!), but the most important thing for me is to give you the chance to be you and to be confident in your skills and your life here. 

I created the training « APPLY THE FRENCH WAY » in order to help foreigners in their job search but also to improve their skills in French and their understanding about the rules and rights as an employee in France. You will learn using videos subtitled in French, vocabulary sheets, and quizzes, but you will also get advice from me about your CV and cover letter for 3 months and have access to a community online. 

You want to join the training ? As you are a listener of My BFF, get 15% off thanks to the code BFF23 when you purchase the training !

Here is the link to the training: https://edwige-lesvenan.teachizy.fr/formations/apply-the-french-way

We all experience overwhelm at some point or another. Whether it's deciding where to live in France, dealing with all the upheaval of the actual move, or coping with French administration once we are here!

There are so many occasions that can throw up stressors for us. I've experience it first-hand, moving to France back in 2013 and having a nightmare scenario pop up for me when I was pregnant with my first baby! I can tell you, the overwhelm set in haaaard!

So, listen to the episode for my top tips on how to cope.

And, if you want more info. about the Monthly 'BFF in Your Pocket' support, check out the link HERE.

In this episode, I talk about the most common French social situations, what usually happens at these, and how to prepare for them!

As always, get in touch at mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com 

Hey there! You might hear some background noise in this episode - apologies for that! We tried our best to minimise it, but you know how things go. We hope it won't be too distracting and that you still enjoy the conversation.

You can find Ann here on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anndelavictoria/ 

Come and join 'My Best Friend in France' over on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mybestfriendinfrance 

In this episode of "My Best Friend in France," I talk about feeling settled and at ease in your new home in France. Moving to a new country can be challenging, but it's important to take steps to make yourself feel comfortable and content.

I share my 5 key points to help you become your own best friend in your new adventure!

As always, remember to email me with any questions or things you'd like to share: mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com

And if you enjoy the episode, please leave a review! 

Today's episode is an interview with the fantastic Lucy Whitehall. Lucy and her husband moved to France permanently in October 2022 after they decided that 'life is too short' not to make the move!

Trigger warning

Please be advised that this episode contains discussions about suicide and the loss of a loved one. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings, please reach out for help or contact a crisis helpline immediately. 

Lucy works as a Leadership Coach and runs her own company: https://transformandthrive.co.uk/

You can find her over on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-whitehall-she-her-990549a 

Lucy and her husband have been renovating their maison de village for the past 7 years. You can find out more about their labour of love over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our_frenchproject/ 

As well as checking out Lucy's personal insta here: https://www.instagram.com/lucyswhitehall/ 

As always, if you'd like to get in touch, email me at mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com 

We start the Well Woman in France course on 11th April. Sign-ups close on 10th April and the Facebook group for participants opens on 7th April. More info. and how to sign up here: https://subscribepage.com/wellwomaninfrancecourse 

Here are some links to a couple of the songs we'll be singing with my choir:

L'amitié by Françoise Hardy: https://youtu.be/B0dAuvCRzV0

Sur la place by Jacques Brel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrsuatOl__0 

L'âme des poètes sung by Yves Montand: https://youtu.be/64dS8fmdTj0 

This week I'm chatting with Theresa Conroy, former reporter with the Philadelphia Daily News. Listen to the episode to find out about Theresa's lifelong dream of moving to France and how she made that happen in September 2022!

We talk about her blog, co-written with her husband which you can subscribe to here: https://yofrance.substack.com/

Theresa's website 'Yoga for Parkinsons' can be found here: https://www.yogaforparkinsons.com/ 

And if you'd like more information about the Well Woman in France course, click here: https://subscribepage.com/wellwomaninfrancecourse  

My bonus episode, interviewing the fantastic Frannie Fleming from 'Sound More French'.

We talk all about our new course: Well Woman in France. Find out more here: https://www.subscribepage.com/wellwomaninfrancecourse 

Don't forget to use your code: BFFPODCAST at the checkout to get the brilliant bonus!

Frannie's membership: https://soundmorefrench.com/frannies-french-phonics-cafe/ 

Frannie's free group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291232915646464 

**Trigger Warning**: This podcast episode contains discussion about ectopic pregnancy, a medical condition that can be emotionally distressing and potentially triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know has been affected by ectopic pregnancy, please be advised that the following content may be difficult to hear. Listener discretion is advised. 

Ectopic Pregnancy Trust website: https://ectopic.org.uk/ 

Want more details about the 'Well Woman in France' course? Check it out here: https://www.subscribepage.com/wellwomaninfrancecourse And remember to use code BFFPODCAST at the checkout to get your extra downloadable: Le Mot Juste!

This episode is all about how I met Pierre and our 10 years together! I normally never really talk about how we met but wanted to share the story with you :)

I also mentioned our wedding in the episode and here's that pic I promised:

This episode is about domestic and wild animal life here in France!

Have you had any crazy encounters with a wild boar, like I have? Did you bring your pet with you when you moved? 

I talk about La SPA in this episode. You can find more info. here: https://www.la-spa.fr/

Here is more info. on teckels (sausage dogs) and the specific one I love: https://www.teckelclubfrance.com/le-teckel/le-teckel-a-poil-dur/ 

Email us with your questions/comments: mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com 

Here is the link to the smart beanie hat I ordered for Pierre: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B08CZWBKKN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details 

Join my on this week's podcast where I'll be talking all about my experience of learning and speaking French. I'll be talking about my language learning history as well as how my confidence in speaking affected my interactions here in France.

I also talk about Frannie Fleming's fantastic free Facebook group: Sound More French with Frannie.

You can also join the My Best Friend in France Facebook group here.

Or email me at mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com 

Happy New Year! 

I can't believe we're in 2023! This episode is all about those times when we might feel a little bit homesick or lonely here in France. 

I share my top 3 tips with you for overcoming this and I hope they help! 

Write to me at mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com and let me know :)

Join me where I share my differences between celebrating the holidays back in the UK and here in Provence! 

I've split it up into 5 main differences and would love to hear your take on the subject! Email me at mybestfriendinfrance@gmail.com

Come and join us over in the 'My Best Friend in France' Facebook group HERE. 

Join me for an introduction to the My Best Friend in France podcast. 

I'll tell you a little bit about my decision to come to France and how I made it happen.

Join us over in my Facebook Group: My Best Friend in France.

And if you are a foodie, I also have a group for you: My Food in France!