🐛 They came from America. They were small. They were hungry. And they almost killed French wine.
This week, Anthony Hardy recounts the phylloxera disaster—an epic, insect-driven apocalypse that nearly brought Cognac to its knees. Also: the Cognacquiz, Gossip Girl references, and a rant about genetically modified dogs.
You’ll laugh. You’ll learn. You’ll never look at a vine the same way again.
About the show
Welcome to Lauren & Hardy, a fictional comedy podcast that follows Lauren Duplessis, a struggling mixologist and Brooklyn-based podcaster, who accidentally teams up with a very enthusiastic (and possibly undead) 19th-century gentleman: Anthony Hardy, founder of the historic Maison Hardy Cognac.
Together, they dive into the wild, weird, and surprisingly dramatic world of cognac history, French terroir, family legacies, and legendary spirits—all told through witty banter and a soundscape so rich you can practically smell the oak barrels.
Credits
A Hardy Cognac podcast written by Josselin Bordat, directed by Arnaud Forest, and produced by Hardy Cognac and Radio K7 Creative.
Featuring the voices of Paul Bandey, Lulla, Arnaud Forest and the kind participation of Francesco Pastacaldi. Recorded at Gong Studios.
Executive production by Fanny Giniès, with creative direction by Emmanuel Minelle.
Translation by Sam Woodhams.
Original music composed by Arnaud Forest.
Visual identity by Itchi. Special thanks to Julie Barthélémy, Bénédicte Hardy, and the legendary Hardy rooster… and absolutely no thanks to the phylloxera.
