Shows
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 86: Judith Benamran on Learning to Navigate Life and Real Estate in ParisIn Episode 86 of Profiles in Franceformation, Allison Grant Lounes sits down with Judith Benamran, who initially moved to France as a student and now has a successful career as a buyer’s agent in Paris. Listen as Judith discusses her transition through various careers over the years, the complexities of the French real estate market, and what makes life in Paris so rewarding. Follow Judith :Instagram: @judithlisa.benamranLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judith-l-benamran-0ab82ab
2025-07-2543 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 85 : Michelle Wahila on Embracing Change Through Spirit and CeremonyIn Episode 85 of Profiles in Franceformation, Allison sits down with The Rev. Michelle Wahila, who moved with her family to France in 2012, where she now officiates English language spiritual services and ceremonies. Listen as Michelle shares how she created new traditions, built a sense of community, and learned to embrace the evolving nature of spirituality in her work with American couples getting married. Follow Michelle :Website: https://ruffledbygrace.com/Instagram:: @ruffledbygraceFacebook: Ruffled By Grace
2025-07-1751 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 84: Billy Potocnik on Saying Yes to Big Dreams & Creating Your Own OpportunitiesIn Episode 84 of Profiles in Franceformation, Allison chats with Billy Potocnik, who moved with his wife Traci from Denver, Colorado to Nice, France in 2022. Listen as Billy retraces their journey from a canceled opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the creation of a successful yoga retreat business in the Côte d’Azur. Follow Billy :Website: https://www.billy.yoga/ YouTube: @billyyoga8846Instagram:: @billyyogaworldwideFacebook: Billy YOGA
2025-07-0237 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 83 - Doris Speer on French work culture & the importance of expat advocacyIn Episode 83 of Profiles in Franceformation, Allison Grant Lounes sits down with Doris Speer, the president of AARO - the Association of American Resident Overseas. Topics of conversation include the differences between American and French work culture, the challenges of living far from family and friends, and Doris’ continued advocacy for the rights of Americans living abroad. Learn more about AARO here: https://aaro.org/
2025-05-301h 08
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 82 - Claire Naughton on Creating Balance Between Personal Happiness & Professional GrowthIn Episode 82 of Profiles in Franceformation, Allison is joined by writer and marketing consultant Claire Naughton. Claire moved to Paris as an au pair in 2018, before joining her French boyfriend (now husband) in Strasbourg and starting her own business. Listen as Claire shares her experiences of cross-cultural dating, making friends through new hobbies, and how life in France has supported her quest for balance between personal happiness and professional growth.Follow Claire :Website: https://www.themillennialabroad.com/ LinkedIn:
2025-04-1146 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 81 - Janeen Sonsie on Committing Wholeheartedly to Your New Life AbroadIn Episode 81 of Profiles in Franceformation, Allison is joined by Janeen Sonsie, breakthrough coach and admin for the Facebook group Expat Women in France. Listen as Janeen shares how she finally pursued her dream of moving to France in 2018, and the steps she took to establish herself both professionally and personally in her new home.Get in touch with Janeenhttps://janeensonsie.comhttps://getrealcommunication.comThe Expat Women in France Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatwomenfrance/
2025-02-1233 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 80 - Traci Tooman on Settling into a New Rhythm & Remembering Your "Why"In Episode 80 of Profiles in Franceformation, Allison is joined by Traci Tooman, who relocated to France with her husband Billy and their teenaged son in 2022. Listen as Traci shares the highs and lows of moving abroad - from navigating the school system and understanding French bureaucracy, to turning her passion for the culinary arts into a dream job working at Julia Child's former villa.Learn more about Billy's yoga retreats at billy.yoga/retreats and on Instagram @sudandseaFind Traci and Billy's book "Your Ultimate Guide for Relocating to Portugal"
2025-01-2939 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 79 - Rick Jones on the Value of Creating Meaningful ConnectionsIn Episode 79 of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes sits down with Rick Jones, president of WICE (Where Internationals Connect in English).Rick shares the story behind his decades-long love of France and his decision to move to Paris permanently in 2018. The conversation also touches on the value of networking, cultivating luck, and creating meaningful connections as key to a successful transition. Learn more about WICE at wice-paris.org
2025-01-0838 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 78 - Janice Deerwester on the Challenges and Joys of Embracing New ExperiencesIn Episode 78 of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes is joined by Janice Deerwester, whose journey of a post-retirement solo relocation led her to Fontainebleau and a fulfilling new chapter as a content creator. During the conversation, Janice offers practical advice for moving abroad, discusses the nuances of settling into a new culture, and touches on the everyday joys of French life. Follow Janice:janiceinfrance.comInstagram: @janiceinfrance YouTube: @JaniceInFranceIf you liked this episode, please leave a positive review and be sure to subscribe so you won...
2024-12-1132 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 77 - Andrew Guck on Turning a Love of France into a Life You LoveIn episode 77 of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes chats with real estate agent Andrew Guck, who relocated to France in 2011. Andrew recounts his unique story of a long-distance love that ultimately led to a fulfilling life and career in the South of France. Along the way, he shares his experiences in language learning, his culinary and cultural adventures, and his advice on making a home in a new country. Follow Andrew:andrewguck.comYouTube: @AndrewGuckLeggettIG: @andrew_guck_leggettIf you liked this episode, please leave a...
2024-11-2754 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 76 - Tadji Kretschmer on finding community, creativity, and a new career path in ParisIn episode 76 of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes interviews travel consultant and photographer Tadji Kretschmer, who relocated to Paris in 2021. Tadji shares how the 2020 pandemic led her to create an Instagram account, "Inseinely Paris", and to follow her dream of moving to Paris. She also discusses the importance of embracing the local lifestyle and establishing a community, and the challenges she experienced with French bureaucracy.Follow Tadjiwww.travelswithtadji.comIG: @inseinelyparis
2024-11-1542 min
Profiles in FranceformationPlanning a Successful Move to France for 2025In this first episode of the 2024-2025 season of Profiles in Franceformation, host Allison Grant Lounes shares practical advice for planning a successful move to France in 2025. Join Allison as she talks through the finer details of some of the more popular visa types, including the various work visas available for self-employed and salaried professionals. The episode also touches on some of the recent changes in French immigration policies and common hurdles in the relocation process. Gather helpful resources on preparing your move, and learn about some of the French admin procedures that allow both a...
2024-11-0734 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 74 - Sophie Hargreaves on finding adventure and alpaca farming in Sanzay, Deux-SèvresIn episode 74 of Profiles in Franceformation, my guest is Sophie Hargreaves, owner of La Petite Ferme d'Alpaga - a small alpaca farm in Sanzay, located in the Deux Sèvres in the western French countryside. Sophie, along with her husband Will, moved to France to start their alpaca farm in the period between COVID and Brexit. They are now the proud parents of a small herd of alpacas and, more recently, one human child.La Petite Ferme d'Alpaga welcomes guests and parties, has an on-site gîte, offers glamping experiences, and also sells gorgeous products made from so...
2023-12-1337 min
Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 73: Lacey Bertrand-Reilly talks about joining the Your Franceformation Team, and the ebbs and flows of life in France.In episode 73 of Profiles in Franceformation my guest is Lacey Bertrand-Reilly, the new Franceformation Team Member. In this episode, we discuss how Lacey ended up living in France, and why they have opted for Countryside living over the Big City Lifestyle. You will also hear:💜 Why a courtesy robe or scarf is a top tip for people using the healthcare system💜 What career advice and tips Lacey would give to those embarking on work in France💜The challenges applying for French Nationality💜Lacey’s role and involvement in Your Francefo...
2023-11-2944 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 72: Michael Yuille explains how to avoid financial mistakes during the relocation process that can cost you thousands.In episode 72 of Profiles in Franceformation my guest is Michael Yuille, a British financial advisor living in the south of France near Toulouse. After deciding to move to France with his family, Michael became aware of the many challenges people face when trying to do retirement and financial planning while living abroad. British and American clients, and clients of other nationalities, struggle to understand the financial and tax implications of their move, and strict regulations normally prohibit financial advisors from working outside of their own country withoutn Special Certifications. In this episode, we'll discuss th...
2023-11-1547 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 71: How Jacqueline Menoret and Maria Laura Ribadeneira are giving opportunity for different voices to express themselves in France.In Episode 71 of Profiles in Franceformation. Allison is joined by Jacqueline Menoret and Maria Laura Ribadeneira. Jacqueline studied abroad in Montpellier and then at the London School of Economics before marrying her French husband and working in higher education in Paris.She founded the Immigrant Book Club in 2020, where she was soon joined as a co-host by Maria Laura, who is originally from Quito, Ecuador, and who studied at Vassar College. Together, they have recently launched Versions Originales, a multilingual literary review in Paris. In this episode, you will hear:💜 Why they ended up m...
2023-11-0141 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 70: Spiritual forces and Admin Challenges - Author John Frederick recounts the trials and tribulations of moving to ParisWelcome to Episode 70 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host, Allison Grant Louness, and this week our guest is John Frederick. John worked in government and lived many lives in the U. S. before coming to France as a visitor to follow his dream of living in Paris. Since arriving, he's written multiple books, including Prosperity Now and Paris Histories and Mysteries.After living in Paris for several years, John began working with us so he could work as a life coach in Paris, and the epic tale of the administrative hurdles we had...
2023-10-1837 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 69: Joanna from Happy Hugs Explains How To Navigate The Maternity System In FranceWelcome to episode 69 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week my guest is Lounes, and this week my guest is Joanna of Happy Hugs. Joanna is originally from Romania, and she moved to the UK, where she trained as a doula, and then to France with her French husband. She now helps pregnant women navigate the French healthcare system during pregnancy, hosts birth preparation classes for first time moms, and has multiple free resources for English speaking women to prepare for pregnancy and for giving birth in France.Today, we'll talk...
2023-10-041h 02Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 68: Fabricio Carminati On How To Buy Your Dream French Home With EaseWelcome to episode 68 of Profiles in Franceformation. I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week my guest is Fabricio Carminati, a real estate agent and creator of French Riviera House Hunting. His goal is to help English-speaking property hunters find the right property and navigate the process of buying their new home in France with ease.Fabricio talks about:How he started helping Americans find their dream homes in FranceHow the buying process worksWhat there is to offer in the French RivieraHandy hints and tips to help you purchase your dream home in France.
2023-09-2733 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 67: FUSAC Founder Lisa Vanden Bos On Bridging The Culture GapWelcome to Episode 67 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m back with Lisa Vanden Bos, who has been a pillar of the American community in France, since she arrived three decades ago.Lisa launched FUSAC in the 90's, a print magazine that was the go-to resource for English speakers in Paris to help them find jobs, housing, and much more. Lisa has also recently launched Bill and Rosa's Book Room, a used English bookshop at Poitou Sacou. Listen to Lisa's story and love for France including…Why h...
2023-09-2042 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 66: Expat Author Erin Zhurkin releases novel Plus-Size in ParisWelcome to episode 66 of the Profiles in Franceformation podcast. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and today my guest is author Erin Zhurkin. Erin moved to Paris to follow her husband’s job and has lived in 6 different countries, including France, and she now lives in Seoul, South Korea, with her family. Her novel, Plus-Size in Paris, is out this week, and available on Amazon.Purchase Plus-Size in Paris on Amazon.Follow Erin on Instagram @ErinZhurkinWrites and @plussizeinparisCheck out her website https://erinzhurkin.com/
2023-05-1745 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 65: Organizing Life in Paris with Robynne PendarièsWelcome to episode 65 of Profiles in Franceformation. This week’s guest is Robynne Pendariès, a professional organizer and ADHD coach who found her calling after joining Message, the Paris-based group for English-speaking parents in France. Robynne followed love to Paris after school and discovered her knack for organizing during the early years of motherhood. She is involved with many groups and associations in Paris, including Message and AAWE, the Association of American Women in Europe, and Cancer Support France. She has also created an excellent organizational resource and checklist for international couples that will be useful for anyone liv...
2023-05-1046 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 64: Finding the Perfect French Home in 3 Days with Mark & Kim JesperenWelcome to episode 64 of Profiles in Franceformation. This week’s guests are Mark and Kim Jesperen, an author and artist from Maine who fell in love with their home and village in southern France and purchased their French house in 3 days when their trip was unexpectedly extended. Mark Jespersen - Authorwww.facebook.com/lapetitefantomewww.mark-jespersen.comJespersen & Associates LLC - www.ja-online.com
2023-05-0344 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 63: Transferring Dreams and Transferring Currency with Fiona Warren of Currencies Direct FranceWelcome to episode 63 of Profiles in Franceformation. This week’s guest is Fiona Warren, a currency transfer specialist with Currencies Direct who moved from the London suburbs to southwest France in 2009. In this episode, we talk about how transferring money has evolved significantly and become much easier and cheaper since the early days, and the different ways you can transfer money internationally so you can pursue your dreams of buying property, starting a business and establishing your life in France. To register with Currencies Direct, click here.
2023-04-2645 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 62: Immigration by Trauma & by Choice: How Marta Hobbs's Move to Paris Prompted an Unraveling and a Spiritual Healing JourneyWelcome to Episode 62 of Profiles in Franceformation! This week, my guest is Marta Hobbs, author of Unraveling: A Woman's Search for Freedom and the Journey of Coming Home, a memoir about her spiritual healing journey. Marta has been an immigrant twice, in very different circumstances. The first time, she was a young girl fleeing communist Poland in a cloak-and-dagger operation, and she arrived in the unwelcoming city of New York, not speaking a word of English, to compound the trauma of escaping by abandoning herself and her identity to fit in and become American. The second time, after creating...
2023-04-0650 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 60: Sarah McGrath of Women for Women France Helps when the Dream Becomes a NightmareWelcome to Episode 60 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day with an episode on a very important topic that can affect any woman moving to France. Sarah McGrath is an Australian woman who volunteered as a advocate for domestic violence survivors at home, before moving to France and becoming the founder of Women for Women France. Women for Women France is a non-profit organization that helps immigrant women in France who are subjected to physical abuse, coercive control, and administrative and financial abuse to navigate the co...
2023-03-0848 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 59: If You're Not Failing, You're Not Growing: How Charlotte King Keeps Finding New Opportunities in FranceWelcome to Episode 59 of Profiles in Franceformation! I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with Charlotte King, my friend, an art history and wine expert, and the co-owner of two companies in France. Bacchus and Clio offers customized tours of France focusing on wine, gastronomy, and French history and culture, while Kira Consultants offers trainings on food and wine to professionals in the restauarant industry. Charlotte moved to France at the same time as me, and we sang in choirs together in Paris while she explored various careers, from teaching at the university leve...
2023-03-011h 06Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 58: Communication Consultant Amy Gruber regales us with Tales of BrittanyIntroduction: Welcome to Episode 58 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, my very special guest is Amy Gruber. Amy is a former educator turned communications consultant who made the decision to begin her Franceformation in January 2020 - right before covid closed the borders. She finally received her Profession Libérale visa and moved from Michigan to Côtes d’Armor, Brittany, in November 2021, where she lives with her dog, Stella, and her cat, Albus. Amy has a blog, Tales from Brittany, where she writes about her life in France, she’s a contribu...
2023-02-2256 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 57: Becoming a French Immigration Attorney with Daniel TostadoIntroduction: Welcome to episode 57 of the Profiles in Franceformation podcast! I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m interviewing Daniel Tostado, an American attorney who was a teaching assistant with TAPIF in La Réunion, before attending law school in France and becoming an immigration attorney registered with the Paris bar. Daniel does all kinds of things to serve the American community in France, including hosting a regular free legal clinic at the American Church in Paris, and serving with 100 Nights of Welcome, which provides refuge to homeless people in the ACP gym during the w...
2023-02-0848 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 56 Retiring in Montpellier with Maquita Guild-SchwarzWelcome to episode 56 of the Profiles in Franceformation podcast! This week, I’m interviewing Maquita Guild-Schwarz, a retired pediatrician who moved to Montpellier, France, with her husband in 1998 after living in Nairobi, Kenya, and 5 other countries. Throughout her time in France, Maquita has joined several volunteer organizations, such as the American Women’s Group, Restos Bébés du Coeur, and Cancer Support France.- Restos Bébé du Coeur Montpellier- Cancer Support FranceMaquita talks about…The reasons behind her decision to move to France after having lived in many di...
2023-02-011h 03Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 55: Learning the charms of the French countryside life with Kylie Lang, an English copywriterWelcome to Episode #55 of Profiles in Franceformation, I'm your host, Allison Grant Lounes and in this episode, I'm speaking with Kylie Lang, a British copywriter, author, and amateur line dancer who lives in the Charente region, and who runs Life in Rural France on Facebook and Instagram. Kylie talks about…The reasoning behind her decision to move to France after having lived in many different places, and how she and her husband chose to settle in CharentesHer experience of purchasing a home in France and how that experience compared to pre...
2023-01-1853 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 54: Finally Finding Home in Strasbourg with Franceformation Client Ashley SorciWelcome to Episode #54 of Profiles in Franceformation, I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes and in this episode, we speak with one of our Franceformation clients, Ashley Sorci, who pursued her dream of moving to France and who runs a student exchange program between France and the US. Ashley also tells us about…What initially inspired her to move to France and how she chose to settle in her new hometown of StrasbourgHer experience studying abroad in BordeauxThe feelings and reverse culture shock...
2023-01-1146 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 53: Introducing Kim Mousseron, International Mobility Consultant with Your FranceformationToday’s very special guest is Kim Mousseron, the very first full-time member of the Franceformation team, as she began her permanent role as an International Mobility Consultant on January 2nd. Kim has a Master’s from Middlebury College, and a rich and varied professional history of teaching, office and administrative work and most recently, as a housing coordinator and administrator in a study abroad program. She is a longtime member of the American Women’s Group of Languedoc Roussillion and FAWCO, the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas. She joined me in April 2021 part-time, we finally met in-perso...
2023-01-041h 02Profiles in FranceformationEpisode 52: Moving 2 Paris and more with Laura McIntyreWelcome to Episode #52 of Profiles in Franceformation! I’m your host, Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with Laura McIntyre, an Arkansas native who left corporate America to follow her dream of moving to Paris. After deciding to stay, Laura changed from a visitor status to a profession libérale visa status and put her passion for helping others discover Paris to work, by starting a business helping people find and furnish their dream home here.Just a reminder, this is the last episode of the 2022 season, and we’ll be back on Wednesd...
2022-12-1446 minProfiles in FranceformationEpisode 51: Getting into the swing of things in Paris with Brian BaileyWelcome to Episode 51 of Profiles in Franceformation. I’m your host Allison Grant Lounes, and this week, I’m speaking with one of our Franceformation VIP clients, Brian Bailey, who moved to Paris for a year after covid to work as a professional swing dance teacher, before deciding to go even further and travel the world. And, just so you know, we're going to be taking a break at the end of the year, so next week's episode 52 will be the last episode of 2022! We'll be back in January with more great stories from people who have...
2022-12-0734 min