Meet Laurent Boillon, the trailblazing founder of Laurent Bakery, on this episode of You are so French! The Podcast.

Discover how Laurent transitioned from a budding pastry chef in from Aix-en-Provence to revolutionising the Australian bakery scene over 35 years.

Experience Laurent's passionate journey as he mastered French baking techniques, introduced Australians to the art of sourdough, and scaled his business in a market unfamiliar with high-end French baking. Learn about the cultural challenges he faced, his triumphs in Melbourne, and his journey to creating a recognised brand throughout Australia.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a lover of French cuisine, Laurent's story of dedication, innovation, and success is sure to inspire. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about how one man's vision can transform appetites and business atmospheres alike.

Bonne écoute!

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Episode markers:

Welcome to another episode of You Are So French! Today, I’m joined by Eva Bonnet, better known as Bonjour Mate on social media. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, Eva brings the quirks of French culture and language to life through her engaging and humorous videos.

Eva’s Australian’s story began in Melbourne with love and a corporate job. Passionate about pastry, she created a small side business of choux to cater for local sweet enthusiasts.

Her life took a major turn when she was diagnosed with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, facing treatment while being unable to see her family in France.

On her way to recovery, Eva became a mum and now, as a mother of two sons, she is dedicated to building a strong connection to French culture for them. A creative soul, Eva’s passion for sharing her French heritage led her to start engaging videos online, which quickly attracted a loyal community eager to learn-and laugh- about French language and culture.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore her journey through resilience, creativity, and the love for her heritage. Enjoy this genuine and inspiring conversation where you can hear smiles along the way.

Bonne écoute!

Episode Guide:

Welcome to another episode of You Are So French! Today, I am excited to chat with Max Chaury. Even though Max has only been in Sydney for a year, it’s clear that he doesn’t need much time to make a mark and embrace new opportunities. In his early thirties, Max has already lived across five continents and worked in diverse fields, including a stint with the French army.

Max is now settled in Sydney, where he’s spearheading Upworth, a fresh player in the personal finance arena. Upworth’s mission is to make long-term wealth management easier for people. An important topic to discuss even for us individuals with global roots who often find managing money in a new language and place pretty challenging.

In the episode we talk with Max about some key moments that set the ground for a life around the world. I ask him about his first impressions of his new city, and what it’s like being the co-founder of Upworth. We also uncover how he quickly became a local expert in finance and home mortgage markets. Plus, we dive into the specific financial hurdles expats face and how to tackle them.

Tune in for an inspiring chat about making bold moves and planning for an exciting future!

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Bonne écoute!

Contact Max

Episode Guide:

04:40 - Life Before Australia

17:07 - Moving to Sydney and Building Upworth

19:16 - Financial Education and Opportunities for Newcomers in Australia

25:40 - Exploring Investment Options

32:18 - Australia: A Land of Opportunities?

44:01 - Max’s Definition of a Successful Life

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Olfa Hafsa, a naturopath, nutritionist, and counsellor who has called Brisbane home for the past 12 years. Olfa initially came to Australia as a consultant, drawn by the promise of the so-called Australian quality of life. Through her personal health journey, she developed a profound interest in alternative medicine and the impact of lifestyle choices on health.

In 2016, after four years in Australia, she made a leap of faith and transitioned careers to become a practitioner, focusing on nutrition, naturopathy, and counselling to help others achieve better health.

During our conversation, Olfa shares of course her Australian story with its highs and lows. We discuss candidly the effects of expatriation on both physical and mental well-being. Together we dive into the impact of a life far away from the motherland on our emotions and because it is all related, on our bodies.

We also talk about the wellness industry in Australia, our approach to it and how it compares to France. Finally, we take some time to reflect on the question many of us ponder regularly: should I stay or should I go?

Thank you, Olfa, for such an enlightening, emotional, and sincere conversation. I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I did.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of Meanjin, Brisbane and Naarm, Melbourne. We respectfully acknowledge the tradition of these lands the Jagera people and the Turrbal people, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Elders, past and present.

Contact Olfa:

Grounded Mind Therapies

[email protected]

Follow Olfa on Instagram 

Episode guide:

05:00 – Olfa’s Presentation

08:15 – The Australian Dream

10:20 – Olfa’s First Months in Australia

15:20 – Career Transition: From Consultant to New Horizons

19:45 – Australia’s Role in the Wellbeing Industry

24:00 – Olfa’s Path to Becoming a Practitioner

26:25 – Migration’s Impact on Health

32:10 – The French Community and Counselling in Your Native Language

35:00 – Considering a Move Back to France

In this episode, we sit down with Jean-Pierre Chabrol, a digital media expert specialised in cultural institutions. Having spent two decades in Australia spearheading digital transformations at prestigious art organisations like the National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney, Jean-Pierre recently made a significant move back to France for a new chapter in his career and personal life.

Jean-Pierre shares candid reflections on his Australian journey, from arriving as a young family full of dreams to navigating the complexities of leading innovation in renowned cultural institutions. He recounts memorable moments and the challenges of bridging digital strategies with artistic vision.

Now back in Europe, Jean-Pierre discusses the fresh challenges and opportunities of starting anew, blending humour and philosophical insights into the intersections of life, art, and technology. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Jean-Pierre Chabrol shares his inspiring journey of cultural and personal transformation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many lands on which we meet, work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present - people who have told their stories on these lands for thousands of generations, and who continue to do so.

Welcome to today's episode, a special design edition for Melbourne Design Week 2024. We are joined by Mathilde Delatte, the founder and creative director of Belleville Studio in Melbourne. In this conversation, we explore Mathilde’s journey in Australia, which began with a dream and a lot of courage. We delve into the essence of French style, Mathilde’s perspective on the local design scene, and her insights on building a network as a creative professional in a saturated market. 

Enjoy this conversation with Mathilde Delatte.

And if you are seeking a French touch in this year's Melbourne Design Week, don't miss the conversation with French marquetry artisan Arthur Seigneur, one half of the duo Adam and Arthur, in the "In Conversation with A&A" event at Tolarno Galleries on Saturday 25 May. Check Melbourne Design Week website for more info.

We acknowledge the traditional owners on the lands on which this podcast was record, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung Bunurong peoples of the eastern Kulin Nations . We pay our respect to their Edlers, past and present. 

In this episode we have the pleasure of hearing from Olivier Vojetta. Much like many of our previous guests, Olivier has been living several lives, before Australia and since he settled in Sydney in 2012.

Throughout his journey, he has grappled with duality, and Australia has provided him with both the space and the mindset to fully explore this aspect of his life.

In this conversation, Olivier shares with us how he has managed to strike a balance between his left and right brain, his creative passions and analytical skills. He discusses the pivotal moments that have shaped his path, including the creation of the French Bistro events, where Francophiles gather to discuss life and societal topics through a philosophical lens. Olivier also sheds light on his writing endeavours, where he explores personal and intimate experiences.

Thank you Olivier for this sincere conversation that touches on many fascinating aspects of the life of a French man in Australia.

Bonne écoute !

Contact Olivier on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/olivier-vojetta

More about Olivier, his activities and his books: https://www.oliviervojetta.com/

Philo Bistro with Alliance Française de Sydney: https://www.afsydney.com.au/whats-on/philo-bistro/

Welcome to today's episode, where I have the pleasure of chatting with Eric Fusil, a remarkable individual wearing many hats: naval architect, consultant, Associate Professor, and expert in submarine defence based in Adelaide. But Eric's Australian story goes beyond his professional expertise. When he, along with his wife and three young children, embarked on a new life in Australia in 2015, they faced a myriad of challenges. Yet, amidst the fresh start, Eric saw an opportunity for his children to experience life in an English-speaking country with a foreign culture while retaining their French roots. His passion for bilingual education led him to spearhead the introduction of a French language program in a public school in Adelaide.

Join us as Eric shares his journey, navigating the complexities of bringing his vision to life, all while embracing the humor and honesty that define his character. Tune in for a conversation filled with insight and generosity.

Bonne écoute!

Find Eric on LinkedIn.

Welcome to the first episode of 2024, and what a better way to start the year than talking about cheese! Today we speak with Matthieu Megard from L’Artisan Cheese-Organic. Matthieu is the founder, managing director and master Cheesemaker of L’Artisan and has been researching how to bring the best of French cheese tradition to Australia since 2009. Through his own experience and story, Matthieu brings us a mini masterclass on French cheese, the ingredients and the requirements to make excellent products, as well as some insights on the Australian cheese market. Matthieu also shares what it's like to live in regional Victoria, the challenge of the long distances and how the climate is always his biggest competitor. I hope you will enjoy this conversation like a delicious creamy treat!

Bonne écoute !

Find L’Artisan Cheese-Organic

Follow L’Artisan Cheese-Organic on Instagram

Matthieu’s recommendations for bakeries and pastry shops in Geelong, VIC: 

Born and Bread

That Place Patisserie

We acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Australia. We recognise and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.