Best Ben Slaughter Podcasts (2026)

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What to expect in France in 2026 from travel changes to new immigration rules 24:03

Play Pause

15d ago24:03

24:03

This is a special episode focussed on looking ahead to next year in France, so you are all aware of what will happen in terms of travel and immigration changes and what might happen when it comes to political crises and elections. We'll look at all the key changes on the horizon and the key cultural dates to get in your diary for next year. So sit …

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French farmers fight to 'stop the slaughter' and what's in store for France this Christmas? 34:35

19d ago34:35

34:35

This week, we will look at the latest flare up between the government and French farmers, many of whom have been spending recent days blockading motorways or public buildings and basically trying to get the government to listen. We'll also find out about a significant vote in the French parliament about residency permits and look at the new French …

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Will France mess with dual-nationals and why do Americans love all things French ? 28:28

26d ago28:28

28:28

It seems no one likes dual nationals these days. They are being picked on by politicians in countries across the world. We'll look at whether the rules around dual citizenship could change in France and also remind you of some big changes ahead for anyone planning on becoming French. We'll also find out why French police and their boss - the French…

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Are airlines scrapping 'thousands' of flights to France and can a French mayor demand silence in streets? 34:31

1M ago34:31

34:31

This week we have all the latest on the budget showdown in what is a crucial week for the French government. We'll hear about a new high speed train service linking two of France's big cities, but why it isn't quite as direct as it sounds. We'll examine whether France's ecotax on plane tickets is really leading to airlines cancelling flights and, f…

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France wakes up to the threat of war and is French wine industry doomed? 34:26

1M ago34:26

34:26

With French army generals giving speeches about the need to protect ourselves, the president announcing new plans for military service and French authorities telling us we all need to prepare an emergency box with blankets, baby food and board games, this week we'll look at why all the talk of war in France right now? And could change finally be ah…

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Fast food slowly kills French restaurants and Pétain provokes new rumble in France 30:20

2M ago30:20

30:20

Take advantage of our half price Black Friday offer and join The Local France today for just €24.99. This week we'll gaze into our crystal balls and look to the future, to that day, and a momentous day it will be, an occasion where everyone will remember exactly where they were, the day when France agrees its 2026 budget. Unless it doesn't happen. …

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France's shock healthcare fee plan and will French PM sacrifice himself? 30:37

2M ago30:37

30:37

This week we’ll bring you up to date on the crucial 2026 budget that’s edging its way through parliament and look at what it might mean for you, plus news on the strikes that lie ahead in France. We’ll find out about a plan to make American retirees pay into the French health system to guarantee they can get care, plus look at the impact of airbnb …

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What the Louvre heist reveals about France and new civics test unveiled 37:27

3M ago37:27

37:27

We simply cannot not discuss the 88 million euro jewellery heist at France's most famous museum The Louvre in this week's episode. How could it happen? Some blame lax security, others blame funding cuts, some blame Macron of course, whilst our politics expert recons France just has too much treasure to look after it all. And France's government is …

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France presses the self-destruct button and Paris prepares for 'flood of the century' 32:01

3M ago32:01

32:01

You'll be glad to know things have become just a little clearer since last week when it comes to what is going on in France. Just a little. We have a new government, we kind of have a new prime minister, we've had a major retreat by the French president Emmanuel Macron, and we have a crucial few weeks ahead of us in France, during which, I don't th…

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What the f**k is going on in France and where have all the eggs gone? 26:10

3M ago26:10

26:10

Talking France is back with a new episode, slightly earlier than planned because France has another meltdown. Forgive us for the title, but listen to the episode and you'll understand why we chose it. Even in a country that has made its name as Europe's political madhouse over the last year or so, this latest crisis took us all by surprise. Yes, Fr…

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France shamed by Sarko and is the Champs-Élysées now the worst street in Paris? 32:20

3M ago32:20

32:20

A former French president is set to spend some time behind bars in prison, quite a bit of time actually. Yes Nicolas Sarkozy, remember him, he’s been up to no good. Again. We'll hear about France's reaction to poor old Sarko being sent down and ask why are France's centre-right, law and order loving, politicians so... crooked? (Not all of them of c…

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What's next for strikes in France and are Americans being ripped off in Paris? 38:57

3M ago38:57

38:57

This week we’ll look at whether France’s new prime minister can do anything to appease the obstinate opposition in parliament and whether he’s got any chance of calming the growing anger on the streets. We’ll also find out why protests in France always spark a row over numbers, how Americans are being ripped off in Paris, why the French state may n…

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Can France's new prime minister do anything to avoid an autumn of discontent? 36:30

4M ago36:30

36:30

On this week's show we'll bring you up to date with the turmoil in France, which shows no sign of calming down. The country has another new PM, but another day of strikes, protests and potential clashes looms large. Is there any way the crisis can be resolved? France's tax man is well nourished but there's a new plan gaining popularity that would s…

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France takes another step towards chaos as PM falls and mood of rebellion grows 21:06

4M ago21:06

21:06

The French government has collapsed again after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a vote of confidence in parliament on Monday night. We've been here before of course, but the latest French political crisis feels even more fraught with President Emmanuel Macron running out of options and numerous strikes and opposition movements lined up for the …

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With another PM doomed and strikes ahead, is France now ungovernable? 31:44

4M ago31:44

31:44

Be warned, France’s strike calendar for September is quickly filling up as various unions announce industrial action that could impact, well, pretty much all aspects of life in France. We’ll look at just how much disruption and political discord lie ahead over the next few weeks in France. And remember this could be the last Talking France episode …

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Does France realise the 'imminent danger' it's in? 32:25

4M ago32:25

32:25

So summer's almost over, but it's been an eventful one in France. We'll bring you up to date with what's been happening. But the thrust of this week's episode and the reason we've started the new series a week earlier than planned is that France has, once again, been plunged into, yep you can guess what I'm going to say next: a new political crisis…

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From strikes to extreme heat: What to expect in France this summer 25:43

6M ago25:43

25:43

This final episode of the season is all about looking ahead to the summer in France. And it plans to be a hot one, in more ways than one with a raft of possible transport strikes ahead that could impact your holidays. We'll get all the latest on industrial action, some possible political turbulence as well as look ahead to some major summer events …

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The story of Brittany's killer algae and where you can avoid the tourists in France 34:29

6M ago34:29

34:29

This week we'll find out about how toxic green algae on Brittany's famously picturesque beaches claimed the life of a French jogger and perhaps others plus the role French farming and even the state played in his death. We'll also look at the far less sparkly side of France's prestigious Champagne industry that's exposed how badly grape pickers are…

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Explaining naughty French politicians and the pros and cons of new Paris airport link 37:27

7M ago37:27

37:27

Up this week : It's been another bad week for the reputation of French politicians. We'll discuss why they are so naughty, and when I say naughty I mean corrupt, rather than bed hopping. And we'll also bring you the good news that Paris and Charles de Gaulle airport will soon have a direct train link that's been centuries in the making. Although th…

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France shocked by 'senseless' school violence and the inventions you never knew were French 37:24

7M ago37:24

37:24

This week we discuss a shocking incident which saw a teaching assistant stabbed to death by a pupil outside a French secondary school, and find out what the government plans to do, to tackle what the president has described as a "senseless wave of violence". We'll also find out about the efforts Paris is going to to protect the Seine and reveal all…

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Has Uber changed France and will smoking ever be banned on café terraces? 38:19

7M ago38:19

38:19

This week we'll explain the ongoing and far-from-brotherly dispute behind the different kinds of taxi drivers in France and whether they'll ever declare peace with each other. We'll examine why France's efforts to clean up the air in its polluted cities might be about to go up in smoke and explain France's new rules on smoking outdoors - and how th…

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What that 'slap' says about the Macrons and French farmers fight the future 34:00

7M ago34:00

34:00

In the line up this week we'll explain what prompted the huge reaction to that coming together between Brigitte Macron's hands and Emmanuel Macron's face. You must have seen the video by now. We don't know what happened but we do know what happened next. And from taxi driver blockades to farmers protesting in tractors and mysterious blackouts in th…

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France hit by 'sordid kidnappings' and the best place to buy a French second home 37:24

8M ago37:24

37:24

This week we'll explain a spate of recent worrying kidnappings in France and what the French government is doing to halt them, plus we'll try and alleviate any fears for tourists in Paris after reports of two Americans being attacked by a street vendor wielding mini-Eiffel towers. We'll also look at how you might be affected by the agreements drawn…

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Will Macron's referendums ever happen and why French bureaucracy is getting easier? 41:22

8M ago41:22

41:22

This week we hear about how the unpopular President Emmanuel Macron plans to box himself out of a corner into the centre of the ring and if he’s actually going to hold any of his much talked about referendums. We’ll also find out about France’s urban rodeos and why they are so popular but also so dangerous. We’ll hear why the scandalous Dreyfus aff…

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France's plan to save kids from screens and will it get harder to become French? 33:36

8M ago33:36

33:36

In the show this week, French interior minister has announced plans to toughen up the requirements for becoming French - including a possible new history and civics test. We'll look at what he's got in mind for future citizenship applicants and most importantly whether it will actually change anything. We'll also find out about new proposals in Fra…

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Do the French need to work harder and why is Nice the place to move to? 36:17

8M ago36:17

36:17

For this week's big talking points we'll look at what's happening on May Day in France, why French bakers are up in arms this year and whether there'll be any riots. And the future of France is at stake, according to the French PM and he's blaming the French for not working hard enough. We'll find out what needs to happen for France to be saved. An…

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So who'll be the next president of France and three French laws you should know 34:52

9M ago34:52

34:52

It might be two years but the race - albeit a marathon rather than a sprint - to be the next president of France has already started. We’ll hear about who’s in the running, who might be out of it, and who has the best chance of winning. And we’ll tell you why US president Donald Trump is targeting a tiny French overseas territory and why Emmanuel M…

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What now for Le Pen after bombshell verdict and France's favourite dishes revealed 31:24

9M ago31:24

31:24

This new episode is not one you want to miss because shockwaves rippled around France this week when it was announced far right leader Marine Le Pen had been banned from standing for political office for the next five years. This could of course rule her out of the 2027 French presidential election. It's a huge story, it's all kicked off and we'll …

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Crunch time for Le Pen, Ryanair's threat and McDonald's targets rural France 33:37

10M ago33:37

33:37

This week we'll look at a potential earthquake in French politics that could strike next week. That's when far right leader Marine Le Pen will find out whether she's been banned from standing in elections. Could she be banned? Should she be banned? What will happen if she is? We'll delve deep into all of those questions and try to come with some an…

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Why the US can be grateful to the French, France's tremor threat and avoiding ETA scams 33:33

10M ago33:33

33:33

This week we look at the earthquake risks in different parts of France after the city of Nice and the surrounding area was recently shaken by a 4.1 magnitude tremor. Scientists say France should expect a big quake one day, but do we know where and when? We also wade into a new transatlantic war of words over the Statue of Liberty and look at what e…

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How France can revive village life and the historic menace lurking under French soil 37:06

10M ago37:06

37:06

This week we look at how the international crisis is impacting France. Is President Emmanuel Macron a war monger and making the most of it all to boost his flagging popularity as his critics say, or is he the right man at the right time to lead France and Europe through increasingly stormy waters. And we look at the battle for French public opinion…

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Can Macron keep Trump on Europe's side and will France see a tourism backlash? 37:01

10M ago37:01

37:01

We start off this week by jumping straight into the increasingly choppy waters of international relations and examine whether France has a strong enough military to help bring peace to Europe and whether Emmanuel Macron has any influence at all over Donald Trump. We also explain how the UK's new travel authorisation scheme could affect you and your…

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What does it mean to be French and how will France's budget impact you? 33:29

11M ago33:29

33:29

On the menu for this week we'll start off by talking about France's new highly intelligent cat, which Emmanual Macron is hoping will rule the world. Don't worry, we'll explain what I'm on about shortly. We'll also delve into France's new budget and explain how listeners will be impacted by some of the measures, including why you'll have to pay more…

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The French mineral water scandal, Alps travel headaches and solving 'tu' versus 'vous' 36:17

11M ago36:17

36:17

On the bill this week, we get the latest on the forecast for how long the French PM will last as he tries to navigate the government through evermore turbulent waters. And speaking of water we'll also hear about a potentially huge scandal involving French eau mineral - or mineral water. We'll look at potential problems for the thousands of skiers h…

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Macron’s €800m Louvre revamp explained and full speed ahead for rural France 36:50

11M ago36:50

36:50

This week we'll examine the French President's planned multi-million euro revamp of the world famous Louvre gallery in Paris and also… why is Emmanuel Macron even getting involved in museum refurbishments anyway? We'll also discuss the end of the internet in France, well not quite, but there are major changes afoot that listeners should be aware of…

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Why France must act to avoid being ‘crushed’ and French census stirs anger 32:26

12M ago32:26

32:26

Donald Trump is back and his mate Elon Musk is doing a lot of talking and gesticulating, but the pair have been fairly quiet about France... so far. We'll examine whether Emmanual Macron has managed to befriend and becalm them or if Trump and co will "crush" France and Europe as the French PM has warned. On a slightly less worrying subject we'll ex…

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Will pensioners bring down France and why the 'office de tourisme' is dying out? 28:49

12M ago28:49

28:49

This week we'll find out why pensioners are to blame for all of France's problems, well not quite, but they are perhaps to blame for all the new prime minister's troubles. We'll also examine some major travel changes for south west France at a time that could spell both bad and good news for residents there. We'll get to the bottom of a new driving…

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Why driving in France has got complicated and the 12 moans that explain the French 41:43

12M ago41:43

41:43

This week we bring you all the latest on some big changes in France for drivers and look at where in the country you’ll wait the longest for a response from your prefecture. We will of course bring you the latest on the plight of France’s latest government and remind you who the PM is these days. We also explain the 12 Gallic complaints you’ll need…

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What to expect in France in 2025 from new laws to major travel changes 27:40

1y ago27:40

27:40

This special episode is dedicated entirely to looking ahead so you know a little about what to expect in France in 2025. We'll try and answer some of the big questions about what lies ahead. Such as... How many Prime Ministers will France have in 2025? More or less than the 4 it had in 2024? We'll also look at whether there will be more elections t…

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Can you get by in France without French and why does the government spend so much? 26:31

1y ago26:31

26:31

In this special episode of Talking France in which we answer some questions about France from listeners of the podcast and readers of The Local. These questions will cover everything from whether Donald Trump being back in the White House means Marine Le Pen will soon be in Macron’s house - the Elysee palace. We’ll answer a question on how could Fr…

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How long will new French PM last and what to expect in France this Christmas? 28:46

1y ago28:46

28:46

France has a new Prime Minister, just in time for the New Year, but how long will he last for in 2025? France does have a PM but will it get a new government in time for Christmas? A lot has happened in French politics since last week and there’s a lot more that will happen before the end of the year so we’ll break it all down for you. Away from po…

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Will France get a Christmas truce and how speaking French affects your personality? 30:07

1y ago30:07

30:07

This week, we'll get the latest on the ongoing political crisis in France and President Emmanuel Macron's quest to find a government to run the country. Will he succeed in getting a Christmas truce? We'll find out who the winners and losers are from the fact that France has no 2025 budget and look at who might be to blame for the messy end of year …

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What next as France enters the unknown after government collapse? 35:45

1y ago35:45

35:45

France has been plunged into crisis this week. As widely expected the French government has fallen along with Prime Minister Michel Barnier after they lost a no-confidence vote on Wednesday evening. What happens next? Can the under-pressure President Emmanuel Macron steady the ship or will he jump, as many are calling for. We get all the latest new…

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Will landmark rape trial change France and what's next if French government falls? 34:08

1y ago34:08

34:08

France has only had a new government for a couple of months and now it looks like it could lose it - just when it really needs one. We'll find out what's going on and what it will mean for the country and the crucial 2025 budget if the government falls. We'll also explore how Paris has changed over the last 10 years under mayor Anne Hidalgo, who an…

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French sex lives explained, Notre Dame's unholy row and is Le Pen facing the end? 31:44

1y ago31:44

31:44

Protesting French farmers are threatening to cause chaos and the government is struggling to calm their anger. We explain the reasons for their fury and why it's causing France to lose friends in Brussels. And could Marine Le Pen be barred from standing in the next presidential election? We look at the ramifications of what could be a bombshell cou…

1
France faces winter of strikes and protests and will Trump revive Macron? 31:48

1y ago31:48

31:48

This week we look ahead to winter in France, not the weather or Christmas, but the likelihood of major strikes causing disruption across the country. French farmers, rail unions and pilots have all announced protests and industrial action over the days and weeks ahead. Just how bad could it get? We also explain why Emmanuel Macron might just have h…

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New French rail strikes protest 'privatisation' and how can Americans move to France? 34:11

1y ago34:11

34:11

To start this news series off we find out how the French President Emmanuel Macron and his government might be feeling about the return of Donald Trump to the White House. And with many Americans apparently taking to Google to find out how they can move to France, we explain if they actually can, and all the pitfalls to avoid if you do. We also exp…

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How painful will cuts in France be and why's Macron fretting about Emily in Paris? 36:35

1y ago36:35

36:35

Up for discussion this week is what's been described as "the most violent austerity plan France has ever seen." We find out just how painful the new budget will be for people in France. And apart from the budget, there's a planned new immigration bill that could also spell bad news for foreigners in France. We find out more. And did you know around…

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How Paris is different from France and when will French ski slopes close for good? 36:02

1y ago36:02

36:02

The big news this week in France is that the mythical golden owl, a treasure people in France have been hunting for for three decades, has finally been found. If you have no idea what I'm talking about please stay tuned. This week we'll also get the calculator out and find out if France's autumn budget - described as the toughest and most important…

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The foreigners who helped make France and just how bad is the French debt crisis? 34:20

1+ y ago34:20

34:20

Up for discussion this week is the French PM's key policy speech and why it sounded like a wedding speech by a bride's grandfather. Plus, does the PM have a chance of getting anything done and will the gaping hole in the country's money box spell doom for us all here in France? On a more positive note we'll put France's interior minister to rights …