It’s easy to compare yourself to an ideal and feel discouraged and demoralized. Like you’re falling behind, flawed, or missing something essential to fit it and succeed. 

But the curated version of reality never tells the full story.

Be it the story of someone’s career, a celebrated industry, or even the archetypes of a city. 

Some people work to free themselves from the claws of comparison, and some people work to free others. This episode's guest, travel and culture journalist, Lindsey Tramuta, does both. 

In this raw and honest conversation Lindsey and I discuss:

• How she found herself in Paris 15 years ago and how her move impacted her mental health.

• Where her mission to dispel misleading stereotypes and create more accurate and inclusive narratives stems from. 

• How her previously perceived weaknesses have become the source of her strength and unique voice.

• The difference between an expat and an immigrant and why we often mistake the two terms.

• The limiting beliefs she fights against in the pursuit of creative self-expression and fulfilment.

• Why she got so triggered when French President Emmanuel Macron tried to console Kylian Mbappé after France’s World Cup defeat. 

• The next book project she’s working on. 

About Lindsey:

Lindsey Tramuta is a Philadelphia native who moved to Paris over fifteen years ago. She writes regularly for publications like the The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Fortune Magazine, and Vogue, and she’s the bestselling author of two gorgeous and fascinating books on modern-day Paris. Her first title, The New Paris explores the people and places redefining the paris culinary scene, and her most recent release, The New Parisienne, is an empowering book that pokes holes into the idealized, unrealistic image of La Parisienne and instead recasts the Parisian woman as they truly are, in all their complexity and diversity. Lindsey also hosts the fantastic podcast, The New Paris. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Lindsey Tramuta's website

The New Paris Podcast

Episode 107: On Macron and the World Cup Final

The New Parisienne: The Women & Ideas Shaping Paris

The New Paris: The People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement

Living Abroad Helped Me Cope With My Tourette Syndrome

Credits: Artwork Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Editing Matthew Jordan; Music © Fabrice Fortin

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