The 10 Podcasts to Listen to Under Your Parasol
1 – Histoire de darons, the podcast that gives fathers a voice
Finally, a podcast that gives fathers a voice! In each episode, Fabrice Florent invites a father — well-known or anonymous — to share his story around the theme of fatherhood. The episodes draw us into the intimate world of each guest, who opens up without holding back and gets to the heart of things. Medical termination of pregnancy, difficulty finding one's place as a father, being a stepfather before having children of one's own, divorce and children every other week… The subjects are varied and without taboo. They may resonate with your own experience, as each guest examines and analyses his feelings with complete honesty. A podcast that simply helps you understand (them) better.
2 – Change ma vie, the podcast that gives tools for the mind
Mental load, maternal guilt, finding balance, feeling comfortable in your own skin… Does that resonate? Then Clothilde Dussolier's podcast is made for you! This life coach with a radiant smile breaks down each topic with examples and explanations while offering concrete tools. More than 200 episodes await you, ready to make you happier and more fulfilled in your everyday life.
3 – Vulgaire, the podcast that popularizes general knowledge
Tired of talking about motherhood, nappies and baby food? Fancy learning some fun facts to drop at your next fancy brunch or to impress your in-laws by the pool? Our latest obsession is called Vulgaire, a podcast that makes all sorts of things accessible… by someone who knows nothing about them. Don't worry, you won't be learning to swear like a sailor, but you will discover a little more about the Popular Front or the Vikings, and you'll want more — thanks in particular to the sharp humour of Marine Baousson, founder and host of Vulgaire and also a stand-up comedian (promising). Recently, Marine launched "Petit Vulgaire", the version for kids. A gem worth knowing.
4 – Bliss, or motherhood unfiltered
Bliss is THE podcast to listen to before, during and after pregnancy. Clémentine Galey herself, the founder and host, describes Bliss best: "There was a real urgency to offer women a space where they can speak freely, without filters; where every topic related to motherhood is addressed without judgement or taboo, but with complicity and kindness. Every day I am driven by an irrepressible desire to inform, share, pass on and free women from guilt." She welcomes public figures and unknown guests alike around a specific theme: premature birth, adoption, assisted reproduction, perinatal bereavement, obstetric violence, fatherhood… Each episode is savoured like a sweet. Guilt-free and delicious all at once.
5 – Grand bien vous fasse, by Ali Rebeihi
On his France Inter programme, journalist Ali Rebeihi welcomes doctors, psychologists, professors… professionals who speak to us with poetry and simplicity about everyday topics: social issues, lifestyles, psychology, family, education, health, romantic relationships, sexuality… This summer, the team has already explored the benefits of train travel, the stress of moving house, the art of the nap… A wide range of topics that will resonate with everyone.
6 – Matrescence, or the birth of mothers
Clémentine is the other Madame Motherhood Podcast we adore. This multi-hyphenate (TV journalist, yoga teacher…) welcomes expert guests to share their discoveries about education, the postpartum period and newborns. These episodes are interspersed with testimonials from "normal" parents, just like you and us. In fact, the philosophy of this podcast is contained in its name: Matrescence. It is a blend of the words maternity and adolescence, to describe the birth of a mother — the process a woman goes through when she becomes a mother, whether on a physical, emotional, neurobiological or hormonal level. Our favourite episodes? Children's nutrition, and the interview with Dr. Catherine Gueguen to better understand your little one's brain.
7 – Mom you rock (says it all)
Attention Mumpreneures, this podcast is made for you. Almost every Wednesday, the Mom You Rock team and their guests discuss their journeys and projects, as well as their multi-faceted roles as women, mothers and business owners. They share their experiences and advice. Experts also weigh in on topics related to entrepreneurship (business, new technologies, legal matters, productivity, mindset…). The idea behind it all? To inspire you, encourage you, free you from guilt, and above all give you the push to bring your projects and ideas to life. A breath of sisterhood for women entrepreneurs!
8 – Les couilles sur la table (voted best podcast title)
Behind this poetic name, you will hear the gentle voice of Victoire Tuaillon. In each episode, the journalist and author explores in depth one aspect of contemporary masculinities with a guest. Her credo? One is not born a man, one becomes one. Patriarchy, being a father, mother-father equality… Essential episodes that deserve to be listened to a thousand times over. To those with ears to hear…
9 – Mères, the Les Louves podcast
Marion and Marine are the duo behind Les Louves, an online magazine dedicated to motherhood. The two journalists launched their podcast in 2020 to offer an audio format to their community. They welcome young mothers who share their experience of motherhood. Guests open up spontaneously and intimately about their personal journeys. The podcast is worth listening to during and after pregnancy…
10 – Le tourbillon
The whirlwind is the feeling that hits you when a child enters your life! Like being swept along a great river that blends rapid currents with calm, gentle waters. Shane Love, founder of Le Tourbillon, hosts mothers who share their stories to light the way for other (future) mothers.
And if you enjoy audio formats, you can listen to Thomas Lépine, the founder of Charlie Crane, on the Décodeur – the podcast about the people shaping interior design today.
Happy listening and happy holidays!
For our English-speaking readers, here are our 3 favourite podcasts in the language of Shakespeare:
- The Longest Shortest Time (untranslatable but meaning that time is both short and long with children — so true!) is an award-winning podcast about parenthood in all its forms. But you don't need to be a parent yourself to listen to it!
- The Double Shift is a show that challenges the status quo of motherhood in the United States. On the agenda: frank conversation and groundbreaking journalism. Nothing less!
- What Fresh Hell is a parenting podcast with 3.5 million downloads. If you're looking for guilt-free advice and enjoy laughing about this new life as parents, then you've come to the right place.
