“A writer in Paris? You’re living the dream!”
That’s what people often say to this week’s podcast guest, Samuel Lopez-Barrantes, who has just published a new book called The Requisitions.
So I asked him: Is it really the dream to be a writer in Paris?
We had a long-ranging chat about how and where he writes, how to finance the career, and the sacrifices writers like him make. I think it made for a fresh perspective on a tale we’ve been hearing since Hemingway (and probably long before that too).
You can find Sam’s new book via his website here, you can follow him on Substack here:
and you can listen to our chat below.Next up: Paris videos!
In other news, we’ve been busy behind the scenes experimenting. As you may know, I’ve made over 400 (!) podcast episodes over the years, many of which are long-buried and long-forgotten.
But maybe, just maybe, they would make for the perfect background sounds for virtual walks through Paris.
With this in mind, we’ve taken five episodes from the back catalogue, each specifically about beautiful Paris walks, and we’ve made a new video to go with each of them. In the coming days I’ll start to re-release these old podcast episodes as new videos. And we’ve even tidied up the audio to remove outdated references, old ads, and so on.
Make sure you’re a subscriber to my YouTube channel to see them as they’re published.
And to get you in the video mood, here’s one of the most popular blog posts we’ve ever done: A video tour of every single Paris arrondissement. In other words, 20 short videos, all on one page, about each of the 20 arrondissements.
And looking at it now, I can reveal with some astonishment that the most popular district video we did was the…. 11th!! Who’d have thought? Watch it below.
Let’s go to the market
Next week on the podcast is chef
talking about one of my favourite Paris food markets, the Marché d’Aligre. That episode will be out on Monday on The Earful Tower podcast, free to listen and full of flavour.It’s always a great pleasure to have David in the studio. Especially when he’s talking about food!
As for me, I love the Aligre markets. I was there today buying all the ingredients for a big Boeuf Bourguignon, which is on the stove as I type this very newsletter. Look at those fresh ingredients in the pic below.
Members’ Corner
And lastly, for Earful Tower Patreon members, I’ve dubbed this month Foodie February and there’ll be a focus on… you guessed it…. food.
In the coming days I’ll share my favourite restaurants, a collection of Apero-related content, and a fun bonus podcast episode reviewing the chic Bonnie restaurant (where I reserved a table using a fake accent…).
Next month will be Market March for members only, which I predict will be marvellous.
If you’re not a Patreon member, you are missing out - sign up today . I’ll be sure to share all the extra content with Substack paid members too - watch this space.
As for me, I better run, that Boeuf Bourguignon needs rescuing.
Thanks for reading. Oliver