EUROPHILE

Coucou everyone!

What happens when you can't trust Russia or the United States? Who do you turn to? You turn to......Mexico??? In Yugoslavia, that's exactly what happened during the 1950s. This week Kate tells us about the Yu-Mex music genre. Catherine then tells us about the Slavic myth, The Tree of Life. So pour yourself some tequila or rakija and let's say 'salud' to our newest episode!

Main topic sources:

Yucatan Magazine: Yu-Mex

Global Voices

Youtube: Yu-Mex - Yugoslav Mexico

Austin Film

Mitú: Yu-Mex

Mini topic sources:

Slavic Tree of Life 

Kate's recommendation:

Catherine's recommendation: Tuna Caprese salad, the perfect Italian summer lunch!

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

Mushroom hunting is a centuries-old pastime in Poland and has seen a huge resurgence in recent years. However, it is not to be trifled with! It's taken very seriously, with many different recipes, superstitions, and family secrets tied in. So grab your wicker basket, and let's forage! Then, Kate tells a Polish folk tale that will surely give you the chills.

Main topic sources:

Poland’s passionate fungal love affair - Cherwell

A Tradition as Old as Time: Mushroom Picking in Poland | Article | Culture.pl 

Why Are Poles So Obsessed With Mushroom Picking? | Article | Culture.pl

POLISH MUSHROOM HUNTING TRADITION

Mushrooms in Polish tradition

Traditions of Mushroom Hunting in Poland - by Val Alcorn

A Mushroom Proverb and Preferences in Poland

Mini topic sources:

Polish Legends

Kruszwica

Kate's recommendation: Alp Blossom Cheese

Catherine's recommendation: LIE WITH ME novel by Philippe Besson

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

In this episode, we dive into the world of the Paninari - a flashy, fashion obsessed youth subculture that emerged in 1980s Milan. Named after the sandwich shop (Al Panino in Milan) they frequented, Paninari were known for their love of designer brands, American fast food, scooters, and synth-pop. We explore how this movement reflected Italy’s shifting cultural landscape during a time of economic boom and American influence. Cat then tells us about the some papal drama - a dead corpse on trial anyone? Weirder things have happened but this might be up there!

Main topic sources:

Italy Segreta

Lower Block: Paninari

Another Mag

Issimo

Pet Shop Boys Forum

Mini topic sources:

⁠Eight of the worst popes in church history | CNN Pope Stephen VI - Wikipedia

Kate's recommendation: Alp Blossom Cheese

Catherine's recommendation: Manucurist nail polish

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

Pinkies up, its time for high tea! Put on the kettle and settle in for a tour of English, Russian, and Turkish tea culture, but first we travel to China to learn about its origins thousands of years ago. We also dissect the history of a couple famous blends, and share the difference between English, Irish, and Scottish breakfast tea - because we know you're just dying to know!

Main topic sources:

History of Tea

How tea conquered Britain - BBC Bitesize 

The history of afternoon tea - a great British tradition 

Samovar - Russian Studies - Macalester College 

The Russian tea tradition - La Via del Tè

RUSSIAN TEA & TEA PARTY CULTURE 

Polish and Greek tea cultures – Balkan Hotspot. 

Tea in Turkey - Wikipedia 

The Difference Between English, Irish and Scottish Breakfast Teas | The Kitchn 

A Brief History About The Russian Caravan Tea - Teabox 

The History of Tea and Twinings

Earl Grey tea - Wikipedia 

Mini topic sources:

NPR: For Centuries, People Have Searched For Answers In The Bottom Of A Tea Cup

Kate's recommendation: Langres Cheese

Catherine's recommendation: "A Heart Worth Stealing" book by Joanna Barker

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

We are thrilled to announce we will be partnering with the Milwaukee Film Festival to show the 2024 film "Four Mothers," directed by Darren Thornton! With us today to chat all about the festival is Kerstin Larson, the film festival's Programming Director. Milwaukee Film Festival Info here!

In this episode, step into the glittering, decadent world of Oscar Wilde—playwright, poet, and provocateur. The episode is a spirited romp through the life and legacy of one of history’s most flamboyant and fearless figures. From the velvet salons of Victorian London to the scandalous trials that shocked a nation, we unravel Wilde’s brilliance, barbs, and heartbreaks. Join us as we toast to the Anglo-Irish king of one-liners and dive deep into the triumphs and tragedies behind the legend.

Main topic sources:

Poetry Foundation: Oscar Wilde

Canterbury Classics Books: Oscar Wilde Quotes

Britannica: Oscar Wilde

Kate's recommendation: "A Walk in the Clouds" (1995) directed by Alfonso Arau

Catherine's recommendation: The Whisper Man by Alex North

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

Pop a bottle of the yellow label - this week we venture to France to talk about the fearless entrepreneur, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin or La Veuve Clicquot. We discuss her life and influence on the Champagne industry that is still felt today. Then Catherine tells us about the origins of the Fleur-de-Lis. Santé, salut and listen in! Cheers!

Main topic sources:

The Widow Who Created the Champagne Industry

The Science of Champagne, the Bubbling Wine Created By Accident

Veuve Clicquot

Mini topic sources:

The Fleur-de-lis

Ancient Symbol Fleur-de-lis: It’s Meaning And History Explained

Kate's recommendation: "The Witch's Heart" by Genevieve Gornichec

Catherine's recommendation: Edmond Fallot mustard

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

Welcome to our first tête-à-tête episode! We just wanted to take some time to chat about Catherine's recent trip to Paris, and Kate's latest obsession: Parthenope (2024) directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Let us know if you're into this type of ep - because lord knows we have PLENTY of other things to yap about. Ciao!

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

In our newest episode we dive into the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a little girl who lost her family in war and was taken to England. She later befriended Queen Victoria, who provided her with an allowance and paid for her education. Her life was no means easy, but Sarah stayed witty, charming, talented, and outspoken despite forcefully leaving her home, facing racism and discrimination, and suffering from lifelong illness. Cynthia Erivo has also recently announced that she will be bringing Sarah’s story to life on the silver screen - we can’t wait to learn more about her!

Main topic sources:

Sarah Forbes Bonetta | Biography, Photo, Aina, Husband, & Queen Victoria | Britannica

The African Princess Sarah Forbes Bonetta (1843-1880)

Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African Protégée 

From Enslavement to Royal Court: The Remarkable Journey of Sara Forbes Bonetta - Black History Month 2025

Mini topic sources:

Brittanica: Welsh Rarebit

Country Life: Welsh Rarebit

Kate's recommendation: "The Wolf Den" by Elodie Harper

Catherine's recommendation: Marvis toothpaste

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

Welcome to the first episode of our "Films that Raised Us" series! One of the film's that inspired us (Kate especially) was Roman Holiday. A true Old Hollywood classic that catapulted the enchanting Audrey Hepburn into the spotlight, Roman Holiday is a feast for the senses despite being filmed in Black & White. We laugh, we cry - it has it all and more. So hop on our mint green Vespa 125 and let's go to the sidewalk cafe, order a champagne and do whatever we like - all day long!

Main topic sources:

‘Roman Holiday’ At 70: Fathom Events Celebrates The Classic Romantic Comedy

Edith Head's 'Roman Holiday' Costumes Made Audrey Hepburn An Instant Star | HuffPost Life

vespa and the movies: an immortal love story.

Roman Holiday locations in Rome: Complete guide

The Dolce Vita | Turismo Roma

Lot 175 - Audrey Hepburn's Edith Head-designed ivory

TCM | Roman Holiday

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!

Coucou everyone!

Happy Holidays from your favorite European-obsessed girlies! What could be more magical during the holiday season than seeing The Nutcracker ballet! Ugh those sugarplum fairies! This episode we are thrilled be joined by Kate's brother Eli, who is a ballet stage manager at the Houston City Ballet, to share the history of the Nutcracker. All from its early days as an unpopular German book, to the controversial composer who brought it to the US in the 1950's, and to present day adaptations. Eli also dives into the world of ballet - both its beauty and its flaws. We love you, Eli!

Eli's recommendation: Cosmo Sheldrake and "The Turning Pointe" by Chloe Angyal

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Cover art and logo by Kate Walker

Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre

Theme song by Lumehill

Thank you all - ciao!