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The Good, the Bad, and the French

The Good, the Bad, and the French

By: Mimi & Suzy
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Two American friends discuss cultural differences between the United States and France.

© 2025 The Good, the Bad, and the French
Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • PACA Suitcase: Provence and the French Riviera
    Jul 27 2025

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    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. They contrast the crowded beaches, flashy tourism, traffic, and commercialized vibe of the Riviera with the rustic charm, authentic villages, and beautiful nature of inland PACA. The episode also touches on local culture, culinary highlights, wildfires, and the diversity of Marseille, discussing both its appeal and controversial reputation.

    Keywords

    South of France, Provence, Côte d'Azur, PACA, Marseille, Monaco, Riviera, lavender fields, wine, lakes, tourism, Mediterranean, French culture, beaches, wildfires, hiking, authenticity, climate change, culinary experiences, diversity, racism, tourism impact.

    Chapters:

    Introduction (00:01)

    Defining the South of France (00:52)

    French Riviera vs. Inland Provence (04:38)

    Monaco & the Coastline (05:38)

    Nature Highlights: Calanques and Lakes (08:45)

    Lavender Country Experiences (10:01)

    Crowded Beaches & Traffic (15:28)

    Marseille's Unique Vibe (17:18)

    Cultural Observations & Local Life (23:15)

    Wildfires & Climate Challenges (49:57)

    Final Impressions & Recommendations (55:48)



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    59 mins
  • Temps Up: How to Survive a Heat Wave in France
    Jul 1 2025

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    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, and weave in humor, not-so-fun facts, and even a touch of climate anxiety and fairy porn.

    Keywords

    Heatwaves, France, air conditioning, AC resistance, climate anxiety, heat stroke, French culture, portable AC, heat death, myths, environmental impact, thermoregulation, Ministry for the Future, romantic fantasy, eczema, wine culture, fan death, temperature regulation.

    Chapters

    00:00 – Heatstroke & Horse Shows
    03:00 – AC Culture Shock: France vs. USA
    06:00 – Fashion, Heat & French Summers
    09:00 – The AC Desert of French Homes
    14:00 – Portable Units: The Ugly Truth
    21:00 – Deadly Heat: The Numbers Don’t Lie
    24:00 – The French Aversion to Water
    26:00 – The Ignorance Around Heat
    28:00 – Mythbusters: AC Edition
    35:00 – Future Tech: Hope or Mirage?
    38:00 – PTSD from 2022
    41:00 – Aging, Menopause & Climate Doom
    44:00 – The Little Joys of Summer
    49:00 – Reddit Bunkers & AC Shame
    55:00 – Romantasy & Mental Escapes
    57:00 – The Final Plea

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    56 mins
  • C'est Cheese!
    Jun 8 2025

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    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 making, the etiquette surrounding cheese consumption, and the challenges of dietary restrictions in a cheese-loving country. The conversation also touches on the yogurt culture in France and the rules of cutting cheese, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.

    Keywords

    cheese, dieting, health, France, butter, nutrition, food culture, obesity, regional cheese, cheese making, cultural differences, yogurt, food etiquette, farm life, cheese preferences, culinary experiences, French cuisine, charcuterie, raclette, cheese boards, cultural differences, cheese preferences, cheese pairing, melted cheese, French cheese, cheese experiences, cheese, fromage blanc, aged cheese, French cuisine, cheese preferences, Alps, butter, cultural context, cheese consumption, regional delicacies

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    01:04 Exploring the World of Cheese

    02:14 Dieting and Cheese Consumption

    08:02 Health Perspectives on Cheese

    09:12 Obesity and Cheese Consumption in France

    11:03 Regional Cheese Varieties in France

    15:29 Cheese Preferences and Grocery Adventures

    17:12 Life on the Farm: Cheese Making Experience

    19:32 Cultural Cheese Consumption in France

    25:02 Yogurt Culture in France

    26:40 Cheese Etiquette and Cutting Rules

    31:00 Cultural Differences in Cheese Consumption

    33:57 The Art of Charcuterie and Cheese Boards

    36:57 Raclette: A Communal Cheese Experience

    39:58 Favorite Cheeses and Ideal Cheese Boards

    44:56 The Importance of Sweetness in Cheese Pairing

    46:04 Personal Cheese Preferences and Experiences

    49:47 Exploring Fromage Blanc and Fresh Cheeses

    52:03 The Love for Aged Cheeses

    54:05 Cheese Preferences and Cultural Contexts

    55:56 The Holy Trinity of French Cuisine

    58:08 Regional Delicacies: Cheese in the Alps

    61:38 Reflections on Cheese Consumption






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    1 hr and 5 mins

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