
What makes the British so British and the French so French?
From history and geography to arts, politics, perception and attitudes, Garlic & Pearls offers a tour of French and British culture in 1,000 things, ideas and scents
Merveilleux !
This is one of my favourite podcasts, and it is the most beguiling - on both sides of the Channel - that I have found anywhere. Such interesting subjects so well delivered (mentions spéciales: les rondpoints, the tax year, Wellingtonias, Orangina!). I had been been missing << Mythologies >> since the untimely disappearance of Roland Barthes deprived us of the great philosopher’s thoughts on < la nouvelle Citroën > or < le bifteck et les frites > - the latter perhaps a forerunner of Garlic & Pearls ? I’m sure the great semiologist would (also) be an avid listener. Anyway, félicitations to you both, Muriel and Suzanne (& happy Christmas)
My favourite podcast
I love your podcast, thank you very much. Educational, unpredictable topics and so jolly, it absolutely makes my day when a new episode comes out
Found out about it after muriel appeared with giles coren on Times radio. Hooked by the fabulous theme tune, and the multicultural chat. Makes me smile and educative
Wonderful
I am hugely enjoying this fascinating Podcast. Only today I ordered an Orangina because it was in the original bottle (and woke it up)! Who else could have made jigsaw puzzles interesting, Brigitte so compelling and the history of the BIC 4 Colours pen so fascinating? No one except Muriel Zagha and Suzanne Raine. This well researched, brilliantly presented, warm and humorous Podcast is in a league of its own.
Light and fluffy but in a good way.
I enjoyed this , both have melodious voices which are pleasant to listen to . Raquel Welch is American.
My thanks to you two lovely ladies!
I so enjoy your podcast and have just listened to your studio edition which was a real treat. In these somewhat fraught times it is wonderful to be able to listen you as you discuss intelligently things that are endlessly interesting and a world away from politics. Thankyou 🌺
Wonderful
How about an episode about the Banlieues after the exhibition in Paris
Interesting Topics, Fabulous Hosts
I'm learning so much about both cultures through the hosts' fun and thoughtful conversations. Truly a perfect podcast!
A wonderful take on our two nations
Not sure how I discovered this podcast but enjoy so much about it. I’m English and have adored France since I was a child when my parents took us camping in Brittany. Your voices are beautiful and Muriel’s delicate French accent is lovely. The way you journey around the topic makes it rich and deep. Enjoyed Pimm’s, Orangina, ID cards and many more!
Gentle, informative and Fun!
I love this podcast. It transports me from my usual diet of politics and is a great listen.
Listen in. You won’t be sorry.
This is a spectacular podcast. Not only are these two delightful women smart, they are so very funny. It is a great listen.
Fantastic
This is a warm and wonderful podcast! Muriel and Suzanne’s friendship demonstrates the entente cordiale that overrides the fascinating cultural difference between France and Britain, which they discuss and dissect. I have learned a lot about both and often laughed out loud. Experience, research and imagination provide an endlessly surprising set of subjects with stories that lead in unexpected directions! Allez, amusez vous!
Vachement bon!
Well I wanted to soak up French culture but I’m learning some pretty esoteric stuff about the UK too. Much more fun than I expected! Now I just want an episode about why the French roads don’t have cats eyes…
Really interesting show
So happy my friend Matt recommended this show. Great chemistry between Muriel and Suzanne and really interesting topics and conversation. And I’m only at the beginning so looking forward to listening to all the episodes
Thoroughly charming as well as being thoroughly thorough!
What a discovery to feel part of the lovely discussion between two knowledgeable ladies. Being able to listen to fun and varied subjects complete with researched historical facts is a marvelous concept for a podcast. The nuances of French and English culture are embraced and challenged with wit and humor.
Brilliant
This is a tremendous podcast. Each episode is so rich and interesting, and the energy is so great between Suzanne and Muriel. Each time I listen I feel as though I have learned so much, am looking at things quite differently, and have a huge smile on my face!
The perfect podcast for curious minds
Quickly becoming one of my all-time favourite podcasts. Muriel and Suzanne are both such warm, charming hosts and their curiosity is infectious. Always leave each episode wishing I could stay with them a little longer!
Fabulous! So entertaining and SO interesting!
I’ve been listening to Garlic and Pearls for a few months now, and I’m impressed by how it effortlessly offers an engaging experience for anyone curious about both cultures. The hosts have great chemistry, and their enthusiasm makes the podcast fun. What I love about this podcast is its wide variety of topics — from French cuisine and festivals to British everyday life and traditions. It’s always so refreshing to hear about cultural nuances in both countries, often with surprising connections between the two cultures. Whether you’re a language learner, a cultural enthusiast, or just curious about the intersections between French and English traditions, I highly recommend Garlic and Pearls. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment, education, and cross-cultural exploration!
Warm and interesting
I am learning so much from Muriel and Suzanne’s lively conversations. I particularly delight in rediscovering my country - merci Muriel!
Witty and educational
I am certainly learning a lot about France; but I am also surprised to find how much I’m learning about Britain, my home. A beautifully made podcast, with excellent hosts and an intriguing selection of subjects.
Latest Episodes
A Study in Silver: The cryptic British world of precious metals, their hallmarks, assays, and guilds
Suzanne illuminates the origins and meaning of hallmarking, which began in the 13th century under Edward I – aka Edward Longshanks – as part of his wider effort to stabilise the kingdom by means of statutes. Though the French king Louis IX appears as a guest star, this is a case of Britain being far more systematic and precise than France while, in typical British fashion, devising a resilient system capable...
La dictée: How did a school spelling test become a French obsession and symbol of Frenchness?
Muriel goes back to school to explore how in France the spelling test called la dictée became the backbone of French education. Who introduced it and why? Is it fascistic or democratic? And how did a school exercise become a beloved popular cultural event shared by the nation? It's a very Gallic tale of Republican alphabetisation, unification and nation-building, and Muriel joins in by pi...
The Christmas Tale Face-Off: A Christmas Carol or Les Misérables?
In our last episode of 2025, Suzanne and Muriel consider soberly which is more atmospheric and replete with the spirit of Christmas - is it Dickens with Michael Caine and a cast of Muppets, or is it a pivotal bit of melodrama in Victor Hugo's social saga? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Christmas Drink Face-Off: Indulgent Irish Cream or astringent coupe de champagne?
Cheers! Santé! Suzanne retraces the history of a 1970s Soho brainwave of deliciousness and Muriel obeys the traditional Pavlovian call of Champenois fizz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Christmas Telly Face-Off: Reithian British Monument or Gallic social satire?
Suzanne brings a whole lotta Christmas to the table and parses the delights of the double issue of the Radio Times; Muriel unpacks a cult French sitcom about two contrasting lifestyles of the bourgeoisie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Christmas Carol Face-Off: Pre-Raphaelite Poetry or Socialist Manifesto?
Suzanne makes a compelling case for the evocative beauty of In the Bleak Midwinter and its landscape imagery infused with spirituality; Muriel wonders how Minuit, Chrétiens, a rousing carol authored by a Socialist firebrand and a stage composer, made it into the French Catholic choral canon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Garlic & Pearls
Have you ever wondered about the many cultural differences between the British and the French? This podcast is for you.
What makes the French so French and the British so British? Which of the two nations is the weirder? Garlic & Pearls bring you the answers by way of bluebells, steam trains and panto, Harris tweed and bungalows, absinthe and Marseilles soap, French school canteens, concierges and the 4-colour BiC pen, and much, much more.
French cultural journalist Muriel Zagha and British geopolitics expert Suzanne Raine are long-time friends, and in each episode of Garlic & Pearls they take it in turns to astonish and entertain each other and the listeners with insights into their respective cultures.
Garlic & Pearls is wide-ranging and eclectic: Muriel and Suzanne examine everyday objects, foods, scents, iconic designs, films, landscapes, games, folklore, poetry, transport – taking in many eccentric personalities and quirky anecdotes along the way. Join them in their quest to define the essence of Britishness and Frenchness!
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