Best Free French Lessons Podcasts (2024)

1
Denise Dorrance, POLAR VORTEX: A Family Memoir 24:59

3h ago24:59

24:59

Cartoonist and illustrator Denise Dorrance chats with Zibby about POLAR VORTEX, a poignant, heartbreaking, and darkly funny graphic memoir that perfectly captures the grief, nostalgia, and chaos of caring for an elderly, dementia-impaired parent in crisis. Denise recounts her experience of rushing back to Iowa from London to take care of her ailing…

1
Suzanne Park, ONE LAST WORD 26:43

19h ago26:43

26:43

Zibby chats with Korean American writer and comedian Suzanne Park about ONE LAST WORD, a smart and breezy romp brimming with pitch-perfect humor, endearing insights, and lovably relatable characters. They delve into the novel's plot, which revolves around a new app that lets you send messages to anyone you want after you die… and the craziness that…

1
Lisa Grunwald, THE EVOLUTION OF ANNABEL CRAIG 24:54

2d ago24:54

24:54

Author Lisa Grunwald joins Zibby to discuss THE EVOLUTION OF ANNABEL CRAIG, a sensitive and poignant novel about a young Southern woman who sets out on a journey of self-discovery after both her parents die, as the infamous 1925 Scopes Trial tests her faith and her marriage. Lisa delves into the significance of the Scopes “Monkey Trial” for her pro…

1
Lissa Soep, OTHER PEOPLE'S WORDS: Friendship, Loss, and the Conversations That Never End 27:29

3d ago27:29

27:29

Zibby speaks to author Lissa Soep about OTHER PEOPLE’S WORDS: Friendship, Loss, and the Conversations that Never End, an intimate, original, and profoundly generous look at the power of language to nurture our lives amid the wreckage of grief. Lisa shares the stories of her friends Christine and Jonnie, whose early and unexpected deaths deeply impa…

1
Women of World War I 8:52

7d ago8:52

8:52

There were so many women involved in World War I, both on the Front Lines and on the home front. Matron Adelaide Maud Kellett was on the hospital ship at Gallipoli and later ran a hospital for soldiers who had lost limbs. In this episode Kelly Chase reads out the words of Adelaide herself in this touching tribute to the women who served in World Wa…

1
Nell Freudenberger, THE LIMITS 21:29

8d ago21:29

21:29

Award-winning author Nell Freudenberg joins Zibby to discuss THE LIMITS, a heart-wrenching and humane novel set in French Polynesia and New York City about three characters who undergo massive transformations when the pandemic hits. Nell reveals her fascination with the ocean and coral research (she even scuba-dived in Belize to authentically portr…

1
Jane Bertch, THE FRENCH INGREDIENT: Making a Life in Paris One Lesson at a Time; A Memoir 24:22

9d ago24:22

24:22

Zibby is joined by cooking school owner and author Jane Bertch to discuss THE FRENCH INGREDIENT, the inspiring and delicious memoir of an American woman navigating innumerable cultural differences to build a life in Paris and open her cooking school, La Cuisine Paris. Jane delves into the challenges of opening her business (and triumphing over Fren…

1
136 - 21 French Expressions for Grocery Shopping 12:15

10d ago12:15

12:15

In this episode, you'll learn the essential vocabulary for navigating supermarkets in French. 🛒✨ 📝 Cheat Sheet & Transcript: Click here to download the cheat sheet and transcript for this episode. 🗝✨ FME Exercise Library: Unlock your free Exercise Library and get 100+ beginner-friendly exercises from the French Made Easy podcast lessons to help you…

1
James Rhee, RED HELICOPTER: A Parable for Our Times: Lead Change with Kindness (Plus a Little Math) 27:34

14d ago27:34

27:34

James Rhee, a high school teacher, Harvard Law graduate, private equity investor, and the unexpected Chairman and CEO of Ashley Stewart, joins Zibby to discuss RED HELICOPTER—A PARABLE FOR OUR TIMES: Lead Change With Kindness (Plus a Little Math), a brilliant business handbook that elevates kindness, joy, and goodwill. James shares what he learned …

1
Neely Tubati Alexander, IN A NOT SO PERFECT WORLD 22:50

12d ago22:50

22:50

Neely Tubati Alexander returns to the podcast, this time to discuss IN A NOT SO PERFECT WORLD, a delightful Carribbean-set romp about a quirky video-game designer and the hot next-door neighbor who invites her on a luxurious vacation… to pose as his new girlfriend. Neely talks about the romance genre (and all the fun tropes!), her creative process …

1
Julia Alvarez, THE CEMETERY OF UNTOLD STORIES 23:53

13d ago23:53

23:53

Great American novelist Julia Alvarez, bestselling author of HOW THE GARCÍA GIRLS LOST THEIR ACCENTS, joins Zibby to discuss her luminescent and lyrical new novel, THE CEMETERY OF UNTOLD STORIES. Julia describes her book as a journey through an older writer’s mind as she grapples with the end of her career and all the untold stories within her. She…

1
Carys Davies, CLEAR 19:13

14d ago19:13

19:13

Award-winning writer Carys Davies joins Zibby to discuss CLEAR, a stunning, exquisite novel about an impoverished Scottish minister who is dispatched to a remote island to “clear” the last remaining inhabitant… who has no intention of leaving. Carys reveals how a chance encounter with an extinct language dictionary ignited the spark for CLEAR over …

1
Jo Piazza, THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE 29:36

15d ago29:36

29:36

Bestselling author Jo Piazza chats with Zibby about The SICILIAN INHERITANCE, an utterly immersive, multigenerational mystery about a long-awaited trip to Sicily, a disputed inheritance, and a family secret that some will kill to protect. Jo talks about the real-life murder of her great-great-grandmother, Lorenza Marsala, which inspired this story,…

1
Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, PIPER CHEN SINGS 29:15

16d ago29:15

29:15

Award-winning actress Phillipa Soo (best known for the role of Eliza in HAMILTON) and her sister-in-law and co-author Maris Pasquale Doran join Zibby to discuss PIPER CHEN SINGS, an empowering and heartwarming children’s book about a girl who turns performance jitters into confidence when singing a solo at her school concert. Maris, who draws from …

1
Celeste Ng on Moms with Secrets, from Pop Culture Moms 5:55

17d ago5:55

5:55

Sharing an episode of another podcast we’re loving: Pop Culture Moms. Andie and Sabrina are toddler moms and best friends of 20 years. They’re taking their obsession with TV and movies to the next level by talking to celebrities, writers and fellow “scholars” of pop culture about what they can learn from the fictional moms they love most. In this e…

1
Elle Evans, WEDDING ISSUES: A Novel 27:35

17d ago27:35

27:35

Zibby Books author alert!! Zibby speaks with debut author (and resident doctor!) Elle Evans about WEDDING ISSUES, a laugh-out-loud, feel-good story about a charismatic law student who is the maid of honor for two brides competing for the same magazine cover: her best friend and her cousin. Elle describes her unique path to writing and what it’s lik…

1
Gretchen Schreiber, ELLIE HAYCOCK IS TOTALLY NORMAL 27:21

18d ago27:21

27:21

Zibby is joined by debut author (and Manager of Books at Reese’s Book Club!) Gretchen Schreiber to discuss ELLIE HAYCOCK IS TOTALLY NORMAL, a big-hearted novel best described as The Breakfast Club meets Five Feet Apart. Gretchen opens up about her medical journey and upbringing around Ronald McDonald Houses and then delves into her book's themes: n…

1
Shannon Reed, WHY WE READ: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out 21:17

19d ago21:17

21:17

Beloved writer, teacher, bibliophile, and Thurber Prize semifinalist Shannon Reed joins Zibby to talk about her whip-smart, hilarious collection, WHY WE READ: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out. Shannon describes her lifelong passion for reading, starting with her grandmother teaching her how to do it when she was jus…

1
Susan Lieu, THE MANICURIST'S DAUGHTER: A Memoir 31:25

20d ago31:25

31:25

Author Susan Lieu joins Zibby to discuss her stunning, devastating, and intimate memoir (and Zibby’s April Book Club Pick!), THE MANICURIST’S DAUGHTER. Susan describes her childhood as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees in California. Then she talks about her savvy and charismatic mother, who, after setting up two successful nail salons, died from…

1
Savannah Guthrie, MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere 26:10

21d ago26:10

26:10

Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and now #1 New York Times bestselling author, joins Zibby to talk about her deeply personal essay collection, MOSTLY WHAT GOD KNOWS: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere. Savannah reveals the inspiration behind this book and then shares anecdotes of grappling with doubt, navigating se…

1
Estelle Erasmus, WRITING THAT GETS NOTICED: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published 32:04

23d ago32:04

32:04

Zibby is joined by successful essayist, columnist, and writing instructor Estelle Erasmus to discuss WRITING THAT GETS NOTICED, an upbeat and wise guide to finding your voice, writing stellar pieces, crafting the perfect pitch, and getting published. Estelle shares insights from her three-decade-long career in publishing, teaching at NYU, and contr…

1
Emily Farris, I'LL JUST BE FIVE MORE MINUTES: And Other Tales from My ADHD Brain 27:30

27d ago27:30

27:30

Writer and podcast host Emily Farris joins Zibby to discuss I’LL JUST BE FIVE MORE MINUTES, a hilariously honest and heartwarming essay collection about life, love, and finally getting an ADHD diagnosis at age 35. Emily and Zibby start by discussing the prevalence of ADHD among creative women and its misperception as a young boy's condition. Then, …

1
Paige Layle, BUT EVERYONE FEELS THIS WAY: How an Autism Diagnosis Saved My Life 26:20

24d ago26:20

26:20

Autism acceptance activist and TikTok influencer Paige Layle joins Zibby to discuss her deeply personal memoir, BUT EVERYONE FEELS THIS WAY: How an Autism Diagnosis Saved My Life. Paige describes what it was like to struggle with masking her emotions and navigating social interactions throughout her childhood and what it was like to finally receive…

1
Nick Shaw, MY TEACHER, MY SON: Lessons on Life, Loss, and Love 18:46

25d ago18:46

18:46

Zibby is joined by author Nick Shaw to discuss MY TEACHER, MY SON, a heart-piercing memoir (in prose, poetry, and photographs) about losing his nine-year-old son William in a freak skiing accident and navigating the depths of grief after that. Nick Shaw describes the day of the accident and then delves into his journey of grief, reflection, and new…

1
Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez, MY SIDE OF THE RIVER: A Memoir 24:27

26d ago24:27

24:27

Zibby speaks with debut author Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez about MY SIDE OF THE RIVER, a tender memoir about her experience as the daughter of Mexican immigrants and what happened when her parents were kicked out of the United States when she was just fifteen years old, leaving her to raise her little brother by herself. Elizabeth talks about her…

1
John Schu, LOUDER THAN HUNGER 24:24

27d ago24:24

24:24

Beloved teacher and librarian John Schu joins Zibby to discuss LOUDER THAN HUNGER, a heart-wrenching and transformative novel-in-verse about a sensitive teen struggling with crippling anxiety and anorexia—inspired by the author’s experiences. John delves into his journey with mental health and the importance of crafting narratives that inspire with…

1
Katrina Leno, THE UMBRELLA MAKER'S SON 22:47

28d ago22:47

22:47

Zibby speaks to author and Zibby’s Bookshop manager Katrina Leno about her quirky middle-grade fantasy novel, THE UMBRELLA MAKER’S SON. Katrina delves into the fantasy world of Roan, where it is always raining, and the struggles of young Oscar, whose family legacy as umbrella makers clashes with his own dreams. They delve into Katrina’s writing pro…

1
Admiral James Stavridis and Elliot Ackerman, 2054 21:31

29d ago21:31

21:31

Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis to discuss 2054, an explosive work of speculative fiction set twenty years after their first book, 2034, that shows a future America grappling with a violent partisan divide and a radical leap forward in AI. The co-authors discuss the inspiration behin…

1
Allison Winn Scotch, TAKE TWO, BIRDIE MAXWELL 25:32

30d ago25:32

25:32

New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch joins Zibby once again, this time to discuss TAKE TWO, BIRDIE MAXWELL, a witty and warm novel about Birdie Maxwell, America’s rom-com sweetheart, as she navigates being canceled and seeks redemption in her hometown. Allison reveals how an anonymous love letter she received in college inspired th…

1
135 - 7 Question Words in French 10:52

1M ago10:52

10:52

In this episode, you'll learn 7 essential question words in French, such as 'why', 'how', etc. 🤔✨ 📝 Cheat Sheet & Transcript: Click here to download the cheat sheet and transcript for this episode. 🗝✨ FME Exercise Library: Unlock your free Exercise Library and get 100+ beginner-friendly exercises from the French Made Easy podcast lessons to help yo…

1
Amy Shoenthal, THE SETBACK CYCLE: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward 28:05

1M ago28:05

28:05

Zibby interviews Forbes contributor Amy Shoenthal about THE SETBACK CYCLE, a guide with revolutionary strategies for working through life’s toughest moments, supported by research and personal stories from today’s most prolific leaders and innovators. Amy discusses the four phases of the setback cycle (Establish, Embrace, Explore, and Emerge), emph…

1
Lisa Selin Davis, HOUSEWIFE: Why Women Still Do It All and What to Do Instead 25:40

1M ago25:40

25:40

Zibby speaks with critically acclaimed essayist and journalist Lisa Selin Davis about HOUSEWIFE: Why Women Still Do It All and What to Do Instead, a deeply-researched, passionate, and vindicating book that masterfully dismantles misconceptions and encourages women to choose the best path for themselves. Lisa reflects on her fascination with the con…

1
Tana French, THE HUNTER 22:15

1M ago22:15

22:15

Hailed as the queen of Irish crime fiction, New York Times bestselling author Tana French joins Zibby to discuss THE HUNTER, a spellbinding novel set in the Irish countryside about a retired Chicago detective and a local teenager whose estranged father’s return disrupts their lives. Tana describes the delicate balance of relationships and the loomi…

1
Tamron Hall, WATCH WHERE THEY HIDE: A Jordan Manning Novel 29:31

1M ago29:31

29:31

Trigger warning: domestic violence. Emmy Award-winning television host, veteran journalist, and bestselling author Tamron Hall joins Zibby to discuss WATCH WHERE THEY HIDE, an edge-of-your-seat thriller featuring journalist Jordan Manning as she delves into the case of a missing mother. Tamron analyzes her complex protagonist and then shares the pe…

1
Anna Quindlen, AFTER ANNIE 32:58

1M ago32:58

32:58

Zibby speaks to one of her greatest literary role models, #1 New York Times bestselling author Anna Quindlen, about AFTER ANNIE, a breathtakingly beautiful novel about family, friendship, and the power of love to transcend loss—and a Zibby’s Book Club pick! They delve into the core themes of the book: grief, resilience, and the intricacies of famil…

1
Claire Bidwell Smith, CONSCIOUS GRIEVING: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss 24:53

1M ago24:53

24:53

Renowned grief therapist (and future Zibby Books author!) Claire Bidwell Smith comes back on the podcast, this time to discuss CONSCIOUS GRIEVING: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss. As she and Zibby delve into the book's core themes, Claire shares her personal journey of loss—having lost both her parents at a young age—and how it led t…

1
Katya Apekina, MOTHER DOLL 30:03

1M ago30:03

30:03

Zibby is joined by award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and translator Katya Apekina to discuss MOTHER DOLL, a spellbinding, hallucinatory, and very funny novel about four generations of mothers and daughters and the inherited trauma cast by Russian history. Katya describes her novel’s protagonist, Zhenia, a young woman navigating pregnancy and a …

1
Dara Levan, IT COULD BE WORSE 29:22

1M ago29:22

29:22

Debut author Dara Levan joins Zibby to discuss IT COULD BE WORSE, a visceral and moving novel about a woman who discovers something devastating in the piano bench of her childhood home and starts to question if the people who should love her the most, her parents, have done more harm than healing. Dara delves into the inspiration behind the story a…

1
134 - 15 Household Chores Expressions in French 8:29

1M ago8:29

8:29

Ready to talk about keeping your home tidy in French? In this episode, you'll learn 15 handy expressions for household chores. 🏠✨ 📝 Cheat Sheet & Transcript: Click here to download the cheat sheet and transcript for this episode. 🗝✨ FME Exercise Library: Unlock your free Exercise Library and get 100+ beginner-friendly exercises from the French Made…

1
Chelsey Goodan, UNDERESTIMATED: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls 23:24

1M ago23:24

23:24

Zibby speaks with Chelsey Goodan, a highly sought-after academic tutor and mentor, about her fresh, unexpected, and empowering new guide, UNDERESTIMATED: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls, which has been endorsed by Oprah’s Book Club and Hello Sunshine! Chelsey shares insights from her sixteen years of working with teenage girls from underrepre…

1
Diana Nyad and Teddy Schwarzman, NYAD 1:02:15

1M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

In this special episode (a live event at Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica!), Diana Nyad, the renowned marathon swimmer who, at age 60, swam more than 100 miles from Cuba to Florida without the aid of a shark cage, chats with Teddy Schwarzman, the President and CEO of Black Bear Pictures and producer of the Netflix movie Nyad. (Oh, and Teddy is Zibb…

1
Lottie Hazell, PIGLET 24:01

1M ago24:01

24:01

Debut author Lottie Hazell joins Zibby to discuss PIGLET, a stylish and razor-sharp examination of women’s complicated relationship with food and the messes life makes for us. Lottie delves into the main thematic elements of her book: appetite, aspiration, and the role of food in the protagonist’s life during her pre-wedding crisis. She also talks …

1
How to Pronounce ‘Joyeux Anniversaire’ (Happy Birthday) in French [Effortless French Pronunciation] 10:43

1M ago10:43

10:43

In this episode, you'll learn how to pronounce the French expression 'joyeux anniversaire' (happy birthday.) 🎂 📝 Transcript: Click here 🗺✨ Struggling with French Pronunciation? Get your 'Five-Step Roadmap to Effortless French Pronunciation' audio guide (and its accompanying transcript) – your key to clear, confident, and effortless speech. Perfect …

1
Kennedy Ryan, THIS COULD BE US 28:11

1M ago28:11

28:11

Bestselling romance writer Kennedy Ryan joins Zibby to discuss her heart-searing, sensual, and life-affirming new novel, THIS COULD BE US. Kennedy talks about her protagonist, Soledad, who is on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment after facing betrayal. She delves into the themes of feminism, sisterhood, and the complexities of modern woman…

1
Rebecca Serle, EXPIRATION DATES 25:12

2M ago25:12

25:12

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Serle joins Zibby to discuss her gripping, emotional, passionate, and heartbreaking new novel, EXPIRATION DATES. Rebecca delves into her novel’s plot, unveiling the intriguing premise of a woman who receives slips of paper predicting the expiration dates of her relationships. She reveals how elements of her…

1
Carola Lovering, BYE, BABY 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

Zibby chats with bestselling author Carola Lovering about BYE, BABY, a gripping and compulsively readable novel about lifelong best friends Billie and Cassie, and what happens when Cassie’s infant daughter disappears… and Billie is somehow involved. Carola reveals the inspiration for this story and then discusses the battling forces of toxicity and…

1
Amy Lin, HERE AFTER: A Memoir 29:24

2M ago29:24

29:24

Zibby Books author alert!! Zibby speaks with debut Canadian author Amy Lin about HERE AFTER, a beautifully visceral and emotionally intimate memoir in vignettes about the sudden loss of her husband and the two grief-filled years that followed. Amy describes the unconventional method of using tiny text boxes in Word to distill her raw emotions into …

1
How to Pronounce 'Crêpe' in French [Effortless French Pronunciation] 8:04

1M ago8:04

8:04

In this episode, you'll learn how to pronounce the French word 'crêpe.' 🥞 📝 Transcript: Click here 🗺✨ Struggling with French Pronunciation? Get your 'Five-Step Roadmap to Effortless French Pronunciation' audio guide (and its accompanying transcript) – your key to clear, confident, and effortless speech. Perfect for beginners! Download Your Free Aud…

1
Rachelle Unreich, A BRILLIANT LIFE: My Mother's Inspiring True Story of Surviving the Holocaust 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Zibby speaks to journalist Rachelle Unreich about A BRILLIANT LIFE: My Mother’s Inspiring True Story of Surviving the Holocaust, a delicate and evocative family history built from the interviews she conducted with her 89-year-old mother, Mira, before she died of cancer. Rachelle shares what it was like to uncover both the horrors of the Holocaust a…

1
Sheila Heti, ALPHABETICAL DIARIES 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

Sheila Heti, the award-winning author of PURE COLOUR, joins Zibby to chat about her new book, ALPHABETICAL DIARIES, a passionate, reflective, and joyful collection of thoughts she gathered over a ten-year period, and then arranged from A to Z. Sheila describes her creative process, explaining how she explored patterns and repetitions while alphabet…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Free French Lessons Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide