On March 30, 2025, renowned French journalist and television presenter Jamy Gourmaud shared a deeply personal revelation about a serious childhood accident during his appearance on the show Un dimanche à la campagne. This emotional episode, hosted by Frédéric Lopez, also featured actress Isabelle Nanty and chef Grégory Cohen, creating a rich tapestry of stories and experiences.
Gourmaud, best known for his work on the educational show C’est pas sorcier, which aired in the 1990s and concluded in 2014, opened up about a traumatic event that occurred when he was just three years old. "When I was three, I had an accident. A rather serious accident because I underwent trepanation," he disclosed. Trepanation, a surgical procedure involving the drilling of a hole in the skull, is often performed to relieve pressure on the brain. Gourmaud explained that this incident profoundly affected his life, leading his mother to constantly warn him to be cautious with his head. "If I took the slightest blow to the head, I would experience terrible pain. So I think I formed this bubble because of that," he reflected.
This candid admission left both the host and his fellow guests visibly moved. Nanty, who has starred in numerous films, including the popular Les Tuche series, remarked on the peculiarities associated with trepanation, jokingly asking, "They say that people who have been trepanned have visions or premonitions. Do you have that?" Gourmaud humorously responded, "Not yet!" This light-hearted exchange helped to ease the tension following his shocking revelation.
Gourmaud's journey since the end of C’est pas sorcier has been impressive. After the show's cancellation, he created Le Monde de Jamy on France 3, and during the COVID-19 lockdown, he launched his YouTube channel, Epicurieux, which has since amassed over two million subscribers. His ability to adapt and thrive in the digital age demonstrates his passion for education and science, which he has shared with millions of children.
Meanwhile, Gregory Cohen, the 57-year-old chef and television presenter, also shared his story during the episode. Cohen, who has a significant following on Instagram, began his culinary journey at the young age of 13, working in his family's restaurant, Le Galant Verre, in Paris. After spending a decade in the family business, he shifted gears and pursued a career in digital marketing. However, at 40, he returned to his culinary roots, starting a blog called Un homme aux fourneaux to share his recipes.
His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to open several restaurants, including the Bar à Burger and Camion à Burger, and a pastry shop named ME (Mon Éclair). In November 2021, Cohen launched a temporary restaurant called Temporalité, offering an immersive culinary experience. Most recently, he opened a food market called One Place in Rungis, covering 2600 m² and showcasing various global cuisines.
Cohen's personal life is equally vibrant. He has been married to Léonor since May 2019 and is a proud father of four children, including a son named Samuel, born in October 2017. His journey reflects a blend of culinary passion and family devotion.
Isabelle Nanty, the third guest on the show, also shared her experiences, discussing her challenging childhood. She candidly recounted her time in a convent school, describing her unhappiness due to the strict environment and the lack of co-ed interaction. "Honestly, I was not happy at the convent. The nuns were mean, and I was bored because I was always in love," she shared, highlighting the struggles she faced.
Nanty also opened up about her learning difficulties, revealing that she has dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, which made her school experience particularly challenging. "When I learned to read, I would constantly read the first page. Later, we discovered I was dyslexic after seeing a speech therapist. I was also dyscalculic, as I was excused from math in high school," she explained. Her struggles with learning were compounded by her feeling of being different from her peers, both physically and intellectually.
Despite these challenges, Nanty has carved out a successful career in acting and directing, proving that one's past does not dictate their future. Her journey from a troubled childhood to a prominent career in entertainment serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination.
The episode of Un dimanche à la campagne aired on France 2, showcasing the unique stories of Gourmaud, Cohen, and Nanty, each representing different facets of life. The show, which has been running since October 2022, aims to create an intimate and reflective atmosphere where guests can share their experiences and connect over shared themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
As viewers tuned in, they witnessed not only the emotional revelations of these personalities but also the warmth and camaraderie that Frédéric Lopez fosters among his guests. This particular episode underscored the importance of sharing one's story, highlighting how personal experiences can resonate deeply with others.
In a world often focused on superficiality, the heartfelt conversations on Un dimanche à la campagne remind us of the power of vulnerability and the strength found in community. Gourmaud's, Cohen's, and Nanty's stories serve as a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find joy in connection.
