Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
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Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
much more
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The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Par contre la partie du cerveau qui nous dit nos désirs est beaucoup plus ancienne et elle est apparue déjà il y a il y a des millions d’années. Elle s’appelle le striatum. Et ce striatum lui il nous nous pousse à faire certaines choses en nous récompensant avec une molécule qui donne du plaisir qui s’appelle la dopamine.
On the other hand, the part of the brain that tells us what we want is much older, having appeared millions of years ago. It’s called the striatum. And this striatum drives us to do certain things by rewarding us with a pleasure-giving molecule called dopamine.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “beaucoup plus” mean?
“Beaucoup plus” is not a fixed idiom, but it is a very common and productive phrase in French meaning “much more” or “a lot more”. It’s used to intensify comparisons and can apply to quantity, intensity, degree, or frequency.
Il travaille beaucoup plus que moi. (He works much more than I do.)
Emphasizes a significantly higher level of effort.
Cette version est beaucoup plus simple. (This version is much simpler.)
Used with adjectives to amplify a comparison.
It’s built from beaucoup (“a lot”) and plus (“more”), and together they form a degree modifier—so it’s grammatically flexible, not a “set expression,” but you’ll hear it constantly in speech and writing.
Beaucoup plus de temps, beaucoup plus de monde, beaucoup plus fort…
It pairs with nouns, adjectives, or verbs, just like “much more” in English.
Culturally and stylistically, it’s neutral—common in everyday speech, formal writing, and everything in between.
What does “striatum lui il” mean?
the construction “[nom] lui il…” (as in ce striatum, lui, il…) is grammatically correct, common in spoken French, and serves a specific emphatic function.
✅ Grammatically correct in informal and semi-formal spoken French
🗣️ Very common in speech, especially when making a point, insisting, or contrasting
✍️ Rare in formal writing, where more compact structures are preferred
🎭 Emotionally charged or rhetorical—it’s the French equivalent of English emphasis like: “Ce mec, lui, il m’a sauvé la vie.” (That guy? He saved my life.)
This doubling (lui, il or elle, elle) is not random repetition—it’s stylistic, rhythmic, and part of what makes French sound expressive and precise in oral storytelling or persuasive speech. You’ll often hear it in lectures, interviews, or arguments where the speaker wants to make a point stick.
This clip is from the “Vivons Heureux” podcast
“Vivons heureux avant la fin du monde” is an intriguing French podcast that delves into themes of happiness and existentialism in the face of life’s transience. Find all clips from this podcast here.
Produced with a blend of humor and depth, the podcast explores the idea of living joyfully and meaningfully, even with the awareness of life’s inevitable end. Each episode features discussions, interviews, and stories that examine different aspects of happiness and human experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment. Its thoughtful and often lighthearted approach makes it an excellent listen for those interested in personal growth, philosophy, and living a fulfilled life.
For French learners, it offers a rich resource to improve comprehension skills while engaging with contemporary and thought-provoking topics.
Looking for more? Discover other challenging podcasts here.
Improving your French Listening Comprehension with Podcasts
On this site, fast spoken French is finally accessible to all levels. The tool break podcasts into short clips each set to transcription fill-in-the-blank practice. My favorite practice in class is always dictées. While they can seem overwhelming at first, the confidence boost and skills payoff for doing the work pays off. They’re perfect for anyone at any level, from advanced students to those just starting.
We use podcasts and our practice exercises to make it possible for anyone, anywhere to immerse in French with fun and ease. Join us and enjoy French, one short clip at a time. Let’s learn together!
Make the most of the site:
- Daily Podcast Listening: Start your day with a French podcast from our collection. Choose episodes that align with your interests to keep it engaging.
- Active Listening Practice: As you listen, try to pick out key phrases and vocabulary. Use our daily quizzes to test your understanding and reinforce learning.
- Repeat and Shadow: Listen to the same podcast segment multiple times. Try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation to improve your spoken French.
- Note-taking: Jot down new words or phrases you encounter. Review these notes regularly to enhance vocabulary retention.
- Reflect and Respond: After each episode, summarize the main points in French, either in writing or aloud. This helps in consolidating your learning and improving your expressive skills.
- Read More:
- True Beginner or A1 Learners: discover tips learning with podcasts at an introductory level.
- Discover all the podcast clips on FrenchIRL organized by level.
- Top Tips: Here’s how I make the most of my own site.
I created the French In Real Life project because I wanted to understand more than just my teacher and youtubers who cater to learners. I wanted to understand the French I hear in France. I hope you can benefit as much as I have. Become a supporting member for access to all clips.
What’s opening up for you?
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Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
Take the quiz, join the conversation.
Did you find this one challenging or easy? Did you hear something diffferent? What surprised you? What levels did you complete? Comment below and share what’s opening up for you with this quiz.
