Clashists

CLASH: GOING FROM CORPORATE TO CANVAS. We invite Paris-based painter Leah Alexander on the pod to chat about what happens when you outgrow the life you're supposed to want. She starting on a path many might envy (spoiler alert, it involves Deloitte) and all the stability and structure that came with it, AND YET sunsetted those pursuits in favor of a full-time career following her primary passion: painting.

We get into the surprisingly early age at which we decide we're "good at" something, how those identities shape the careers we eventually choose, and why it can be so difficult to admit that the version of success we've built no longer fits us (note: it helps if you're on the verge of insanity!) Leah shares how she found the confidence to leave a "conventional" career, how blending seemingly unrelated chapters of your life can lead to a more sustainable path forward, what drew her to Paris in the first place, and- maybe more importantly- what convinced her to stay.

TL;DR - how to thoughtfully navigate a major life pivot without setting everything on fire.

• Shop Leah's prints, keep an eye on her famed upcoming retreats*, and learn more about Paris Food Club (which she runs in partnership with friend of the pod, Sutanya Dacres) here: https://leahpaintsparis.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopLqeYk_Fc5yJ7Eesae8N-JKVeS0Aje0Q3ag1kcRws0hQVUxRRQ

• Follow Leah on IG @leahpaintsparis

• * Leah will be announcing her next retreat AND releasing a new art collection of originals this summer -so watch the spaces linked above!

CLASH: CAREER REINVENTION. This week, we sit down with recent Paris transplant and the unofficial queen of the career pivot, Paige Mueller. From reality TV producer to beauty marketer to fashion brand founder, she's built a career that's anything but linear—and somehow made every reinvention look intentional. We get into the psychology of career change: what draws us to jobs in the first place? what finally pushes us to leave them? and how to find that elusive throughline that gives our stories meaning? Also: the surprisingly stressful feeling of walking away from a career that feeds your ego (and gives you a killer 10-second introduction). Plus, Paige shares what inspired her move to Paris and whether she thinks Paris has a good reality show in her (spoiler alert: YES). As always, we wrap with our Clashes of the Week, from Paris riots to bike paranoia.

Paige's IG: https://www.instagram.com/apaigemueller/

Paige's brand, Très Gelée: https://www.instagram.com/tresgelee/

CLASH: SOCIAL ETIQUETTE. Today we're chatting about the strange phenomenon of not understanding the social norms of a new city – whether that means inadvertently offending someone, or (in Gabby's case) being unintentionally offended yourself (we're looking at you: LA residents!!) Why are certain social quirks and behaviors tolerated in one city, and judged and shunned in another?? Why is it OK to flash your wealth in Miami? Brag about your success in NYC? Social climb sans pretence in LA? Throw around your cultural weight in Paris? And what do these social norms have to do with the root value system of that city? Lots of social clashes ahead! Plus - the angsty act of dressing in your 30s, and why dating apps have become even more unhinged (heh).

CLASH: FYPS & FLIRTING. This week, we're longggg overdue for a true culture catch-up, and we’re all over the place in the best way possible. We break down everything from the recent reality TV dramz to the results of the French mayoral election (more trees!) and the evolving hype around Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel era.

We also introduce two brand-new segments: “Clash of the FYPs,” where our algorithms go head-to-head, and “Clash of the Week,” where we debate the moments that have us spiraling (for better or worse).

CLASH: THE MYTH OF “BEING LATE.” We’re joined by the brilliant podcaster Sophie Ragir, host of our new favorite podcast Late to the Party, to unpack what it really means to be a “late bloomer.” From the moments we realized we weren’t on the “expected” timeline, to how moving between both physical and social cultures shapes when (and if) we feel behind, to the unspoken pressure we often feel to arrive ~à l'heure~- and the power that comes from rebelling against it(!!) We tackle topics like creativity (what IS it, actually), the absolute misery of confidently sharing your work, and why - if all of us are "late bloomers"- maybe none of us are??

• Check out Sophie's podcast, Late to the Party on YouTube // Spotify // Apple Podcasts
• Read Sophie's Substack, Permission Slip here
• Or find her on IG! @sophieragir

CLASH: CAN THE STARS SAVE US FROM OURSELVES? This week we sit down with certified astrologer and tarot master Ciera Autumn to ask SO MANY QUESTIONS.

We tackle Astrology 101 (birth charts! rising signs! why you are the way you are!!), touch on the transatlantic clash between how the U.S. versus France treats astrology, and dig into how you can actually use astrology to navigate life’s bigger clashes — like change, identity crises, career pivots and relationship catastrophes.

We straddle the line between science and spirituality, ask why some people ride the wave of chaos while others (ahem, Gabby) absolutely white-knuckle it, get the useful explanation of Mercury retrograde we’ve ever heard (no, it’s not just about your ex texting you) (but it's also a little bit about your ex texting you!!)

• Listen to Ciera's podcast, The Stars Made Me Do It, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6vul1u7O6MdGE0Be0bpILp

• Get in touch with Ciera for a reading, here: https://cieraautumn.com/

CLASH: THE CHANGING NOTION OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN "AMERICAN". Today we dissect what the heck being an "American" even means — starting allll the way back at pre-pubescence. From Dani's early days idolizing various aspects of American culture with one foot in and one foot out, to Gabby's lame a** midwestern ignorance, we chat about our evolving perceptions, and embodiments, of "Americanness". What kinds of clashes did key cultural events, crises, and international immigrations spark? And how did moving to Paris turn us into unsolicited ambassadors of a country we barely understand ourselves? Don't worry - we absolutely spend half the podcast discussing Bad Bunny.

CLASH: WATCHING YOUR CITY CHANGE. Today’s Clash is a big one: watching the city you love….change. And in front of your eyes, no less. We’re joined by journalist, author, and podcaster Lindsey Tramuta—Paris resident of 20 years—to talk about the strange whiplash of seeing your home evolve in real time. From the changing attitudes of new Parisians to the growing American infusion of food, fashion, and culture (WE'RE SORRY), we get into the city’s personality shifts—and, maybe most importantly, how we're all navigating the increasingly small stools at "modern" coffee shops.

• Read Lindsey's substack, The New Paris Dispatch here
• Listen to her podcast, The New Paris Podcast here
• Check out more of. Lindsey's work here

A few additional links:

• The Atlantic, What if Our Ancestors Didn't Feel Anything Like We Do
• Decoder Ring, Is Culture Stuck?
• Articles of Interest, Knockoffs
• @goodgoodgoodco
• Needle & Skein story here

CLASH: AGING. Today we’re joined by the author of The Cut’s essay on wtf a 30 year old looks like, Claire Lampen, to unpack what actually happens when women get older—and why it makes us so dang confused. From the never-ending plastic surgery discourse (what even is the "mid face"), to why the less controllable we become- the “uglier” we suddenly are (so strange!! wonder why!!??), the strange mix of insecurity & confidence that come from making big life changes later in life, and what dating feels like when you’re being perpetually perceived during peak physical changes (see: bad). It's full of clashes & complicated & we're confused!!! And it shows!!

Hi all! Your OGs D & G were long overdue for a lil' mailbag catchup to answer all the qs we get on a weekly basis: from "how did you two meet" to "how did you two meet"? JK JK JK (though we do get asked that one a lot). Spoiler alert: Dani went viral on TikTok for saying she buys a baguette every day & ppl had ~thoughts~.

Don't worry, though, we also touch upon some other hard hitting subjects, like: "Marry / F / Kill: NYC, Paris, London", how to make friends in a new country (tip: social media might be a necessary evil my friends!!!), what we consider the biggest sacrifices of living abroad (see: fun dating), a few tips for pushing through cringe & starting new projects, and a handful of our neighborhood favs (see: places w/ giant blocks of butter).