For the first episode of our 2026 season, Allison is joined by culinary journalist and podcaster Emily Monaco. 

After falling in love with France - and French cheese - during a year of study abroad in Cannes, Emily found her calling as a food writer and guide in Paris. She is now co-host of the podcast Fishwives of Paris, which serves listeners the real stories behind their favorite French cuisine.

Follow Emily on YouTube @fishwivesofparis

In 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.benamran

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judith-l-benamran-0ab82ab

In 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:: @ruffledbygrace

Facebook: Ruffled By Grace

In 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: @billyyoga8846
Instagram:: @billyyogaworldwide
Facebook: Billy YOGA

In 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/

In 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-naughton/

In 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 Janeen
https://janeensonsie.com
https://getrealcommunication.com

The Expat Women in France Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatwomenfrance/

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 @sudandsea

Find Traci and Billy's book "Your Ultimate Guide for Relocating to Portugal" here: https://a.co/d/bzJfZla

In 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

In 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.com
Instagram: @janiceinfrance 
YouTube: @JaniceInFrance

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