Chillin’ with Simon Marcel Badinter

Simon Marcel Badinter came to America from France after spending his childhood under a political and public microscope.

His father, Robert Badinter was French Minister of Justice and helped abolish the death penalty in France. His mother, Elisabeth Badinter, is a prominent French Feminist who has written many books. Simon is living the American dream – he has become the first syndicated French radio talk show host in the U.S.

Simon is the host of the Rendezvous with Kim Iverson, a two-hour live show about love, sex and relationships. The show is now broadcast on 30 stations in just two years. The show’s largest markets are currently Philadelphia, New Orleans, Chicago (where he was on WGN from 2009 – 2011) and Miami and Tampa, Florida.

CHILLED: Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on or have coming up.

Simon Marcel Badinter: I am working on two strategical projects besides my radio show every night “The rendez vous With Simon and Kim” for the IheartMedia. I’m working on a TV show, and a book about the incredible American journey that got me from Paris, France to living in the Midwest and Texas and loving it…

CHILLED: With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your down time?

SMB:I love to play ping pong!! I play in many different places, In Akron Ohio, at The church House of lord, in Dallas either at the Four seasons sports Club or in Carrolton, North in Dallas in a Korean Ping pong club. I play chess, read and watch a lot of movies and listen to as much music as possible every day. As my father, Robert Badinter, who is 87, always tell me ‘enjoy all now, today, to the fullest …life is a one way ticket!’

CHILLED: When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

SMB:In nice hotels for the atmosphere and good service, or Italian and French restaurants like The Bilboquet in NYC, or Indochine downtown, or in casa Italia in uptown. As long as the food is good, I am good with it!

CHILLED:What types of dishes do you usually order?

SMB:I love a good mix green salad, made with tomatoes, goat cheese, olive oil and vinegar, a grilled fish, halibut or salmon with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil and one baked potato. For dessert a Greek yogurt mixed with some strawberry jam and one baked warm chocolate chip cookie.

CHILLED:Do you cook?

SMB:Yes I cook a lot, but mostly the same simple dishes over and over again.

CHILLED:What types of drinks do you order when out?

SMB:I’ll drink Champagne or Vodka with Orange Juice.

CHILLED:Do you prepare drinks at home?

SMB:Not really, but I have always a good bottle of red and white French wine, and cold vodka for my guests.

CHILLED:What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

SMB:Pineapple juice and vodka.

Follow Simon on Facebook and Instagram.