As a young PhD student, Viriginie Dhorne dreamed of becoming a brilliant academic. But after starting a family and finding herself stuck working in her husband’s cheese business, Virginie began to realize that the world of cheese—a world she once hated—was rich with opportunities for people with brains, ambition… and a fierce competitive streak.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3KOzkh8.

Kilian Belamri’s loitering habits weren’t much appreciated among the residents of his housing project in Malakoff, south of Paris. But when his neighbors found themselves in grave danger late one evening, Kilian and his friends did the unexpected—and became heroes overnight.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/33RKOQo.

While on a day trip with his senior citizens club, Raymond Silvestrini survived one of the worst traffic accidents in France’s history. But after meeting Monique, a fellow survivor, his life took another unexpected turn -- this time, for the better.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3fWBX2u.

As a nuclear engineer, David S. had a very serious job. But after discovering a passion for the French art of clowning, he decided to start leading a double life, doing everything in his power to keep his two different worlds from colliding.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3H4Wn57.

After earning a PhD in nuclear physics in Europe, Dr. Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli returned to her native Morocco to teach and raise a family. But when she learned her former colleagues were embarking on the scientific quest of the century, she hatched a plan to join them—and give her country the scientific credit it deserved.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/34ajsVI.

Ever since France won the World Cup in 1998, Marine Rome yearned to play soccer, but felt excluded from the field. When she finally found her dream team in Paris, they decided to take a stand for inclusion at the 2019 World Cup.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3KM5ERN.

Growing up in France, Hong Dagognet rarely spoke with her adoptive parents about her childhood in Vietnam. But after receiving a surprising letter, she set out to reconnect with her family and finally unveil the mysteries of her past.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3r13beE.

In everyday sounds, Christophe Chassol hears the makings of a song. That refined ear led Chassol to become a renowned musician, and develop a new genre of music. But it was only by returning to his parents’ birthplace in Martinique that he would be able to create his masterpiece.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3u1MVMg.

The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting January 28, 2020. Listen to the trailer now!

Eric Dargent devoted his life to surfing — the bigger the waves, the better. He wouldn’t let anything get in his way of his passion, not even a life-altering shark attack. After losing half of his leg, he set out to pursue a new dream, for himself and countless others.

Study materials and a transcript of this episode are available at https://bit.ly/3r2QU9t.