We’re getting “back to the grind” after a two week vacation, and I miss it already: the beach breeze (when there was a breeze), the sound of the ocean, bike rides through the low country, and thunderstorm watch parties on the screened-in back porch. These are just a few of the reasons why I love going home to Pawley’s Island, SC. Not to mention, visiting my parents puts the adult-to-child ratio back in favor of the adults. Not by much. It’s still 4:3, but that’s better than 2:3 when we’re in Louisville. It always amazes me how little people can keep a house full of adults busy 24/7.

It’s a 10 hour drive to get to my parents. It can be closer to 11-12 hours when kids and pets are involved. By the way, we’re definitely those parents who mean business when it comes to pit stops. You’ve got 15-20 minutes to stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, feed the baby, walk the dog, buckle back up and get back on the road! Fortunately, I discovered a few (new to me) podcasts that not only kept me entertained while captive in the car but also highlight a few of my favorite things: wine, Paris and Southern food.

Whether you’re about to embark on your own summer road trip or simply want a new podcast to listen to, I recommend you give these three a try. 

Wine School Dropout
Tanisha Townsend is the host of this podcast. She has a fun way of educating you about wine in the most unpretentious and unintimidating way. Having recently completed the first season, you can quickly get up to speed before the release of Season 2. I love that the episodes are short and sweet, about 10 minutes in length. Sometimes 10 minutes is all we have! She also gives us the “cliff notes” version of the lesson at the end of each episode. 

My Favorite Tip from Tanisha: 
Friend chicken and champagne are a great combination. That’s a girl after my own heart right there. 

The Southern Fork
Stephanie Burt hosts this podcast that highlights stories from people shaping the South’s culinary scene – from restaurants and distilleries to cookbook authors and farmers. I love that a lot of the businesses she features are located in cities I’ve lived in or have frequented: Nashville, Charleston, and Louisville to name a few. You will love listening to Stephanie. She has a voice made for radio and that classic Southern drawl. Most importantly, each episode will leave you in awe of talented Southerners doing some incredible things with food.    

One of my favorite episodes:
Episode 131 with Matt and Ted Lee

The Earful Tower
Oliver Gee is your host of this podcast all about Paris and France. If you also love an accent, you’re in luck as Oliver is originally from Australia. He moved to Paris in 2015. The Earful Tower transports you to France and immerses you in what daily life in Paris is like. I love the French lessons with Camille and the discussions she has with Oliver around “Why French People Respond in English” and “Are the French Really Rude? Or is the problem with the Americans?” He also gives you a glimpse of what life in France is like amidst COVID-19 with episodes like “Daily life in Paris without the tourists” and “Visiting Versailles during the pandemic”.

Episodes I Love:
Any of the episodes with Caroline de Maigret and Camille from French Today