Learn Spanish and Go

Can your Spanish be grammatically correct and still sound rude? Jim shares a recent moment when he forgot to greet the security guard, and we use that experience to explore seven everyday situations where tone, context, and small gestures can change how your words are received in Mexico. From asking for water and declining an offer to choosing between tú and usted, we compare direct expressions with warmer alternatives. We also talk about asking someone to repeat themselves, using slang with the right people, and recognizing when you've made a mistake. The goal isn't to speak with fear: it's to communicate clearly while paying attention to the person in front of you.

Key Takeaways:

• Hear how greetings, requests, and expressions of thanks can make an everyday interaction feel more considerate.
• Explore why tone, familiarity, and a person's preferences matter when choosing forms of address or Mexican slang.
• Learn practical ways to ask for clarification, decline an offer, and recover when something comes out more abruptly than you intended.

Content note: Includes a few uncensored Mexican slang examples.

Relevant Links and Additional Resources:

• 334 - ¿Por qué los mexicanos dicen “provecho”? 10 códigos culturales, parte 1 | Why Do Mexicans Say “Provecho”? 10 Cultural Codes, Part 1
• 335 - ¿Por qué los mexicanos dicen “provecho”? 10 códigos culturales, parte 2 | Why Do Mexicans Say “Provecho”? 10 Cultural Codes, Part 2
• 198 - Mande: Entre respeto y tradición | Mande: Between Respect and Tradition
• 261 - Usando slang sin hacer el ridículo | Using Slang without Sounding Ridiculous
• 340 - Qué decir cuando no entiendes a un hablante nativo | What to Say When You Don't Understand a Native Speaker
• Keep learning with La Escala. Explore podcast transcripts, breakdown audios, quizzes, weekly challenges, and a supportive Spanish-learning community. Live conversation practice is available through the plans that include it.

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Would you say se petateó when someone tells you their uncle died? Probably not. With Día de Muertos approaching, we explore ten ways to talk about death in Mexican Spanish, from the straightforward morir and more formal fallecer to euphemisms and very informal expressions like colgar los tenis and chupar faros. Along the way, we compare how these phrases feel to each of us and why understanding an expression doesn't always mean it's appropriate to use it. This conversation is about choosing your words with context, trust, and empathy in mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize ten expressions for talking about death, and distinguish neutral language, euphemisms, and informal humor.
• Understand how your relationship with the listener and the situation can change how a phrase is received.
• Learn why phrases you hear in jokes or casual conversations may be insensitive when someone is grieving.

Relevant Links and Additional Resources:

• 187 - Día de Muertos: Una perspectiva local | Day of the Dead: A Local Perspective
• 135 - Día de Muertos: Respondemos tus preguntas | Day of the Dead: We Answer Your Questions
• 082 - El pan de muerto | Bread of the Dead
• 029 - Calaveritas de azúcar: Origen y tradición | Sugar Skulls: Origin and Tradition
• 261 - Usando slang sin hacer el ridículo | Using Slang without Sounding Ridiculous
• Interested in a future Día de Muertos Spanish Immersion Retreat? Fill out the interest form on our website and let us know you'd like to join next year's edition.
• Keep learning with La Escala. Explore podcast transcripts, breakdown audios, quizzes, weekly challenges, and a supportive Spanish-learning community. Additional live practice is available depending on your plan.

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Jim visits his barber Pedro in Cholula, Puebla, for a haircut, a beard trim, and a conversation that goes far beyond grooming. In this longer version of our YouTube visit, they talk about Jim's son's first haircut, Mexican rock, daily life, and the relationship that develops between a barber and his clients. Along the way, you'll hear how to describe a haircut, compare beard services, ask about prices, and handle payment in Spanish.

Key Takeaways:

• Hear a natural conversation in Mexican Spanish, with the small talk and unexpected turns that come with a real barbershop visit.
• Learn how Pedro describes fades, guard sizes, hair length, and different beard services at his shop.
• Follow the payment exchange and hear useful phrases for asking about prices, paying, and leaving a tip.

Relevant Links and Additional Resources:

• How to Get a Haircut in Spanish: the shorter YouTube lesson
• 147 - Reseñando nuestra música favorita en español | Reviewing Our Favorite Music in Spanish
• Keep practicing with La Escala, our online Spanish-learning community.

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Have you ever listened to a Spanish podcast or watched a movie without trouble, only to go completely blank when someone asks you a question? We've both been there, and in this episode, we share our personal experiences with language barriers, explain why understanding Spanish doesn't automatically mean you can speak it, and discuss how the habit of mentally translating can hold you back. We'll also walk you through five simple speaking exercises you can practice on your own, helping you turn the Spanish you already understand into words you can confidently use in real conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the difference between recognizing Spanish and producing it, and why speaking requires a different kind of practice.
• Learn why aiming for perfect sentences can slow you down and how practicing useful phrases can help you respond more quickly.
• Explore practical techniques to improve vocabulary recall, think more naturally in Spanish, and keep conversations flowing—even when you forget a word.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 338 – Analizando mi español después de 16 años – Analyzing My Spanish After 16 Years
• 312 – Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar | How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
• 085 – Cómo Aprendería Español de Cero | How I’d Learn Spanish from Scratch
• 059 – La Habilidad Más Importante para Hablar Español | The Most Important Ability for Speaking Spanish
• 015 – Cómo Superar Tu Miedo a Hablar Español | How to Get Over Your Fear of Speaking Spanish
• Keep learning with La Escala
Turn each episode into Spanish practice with La Escala, our online learning community.

• Follow along with interactive transcripts, explore breakdown audios in English, and test your understanding with quizzes.
• Stay consistent with weekly challenges and connect with other Spanish learners.
• For live conversation clubs and guided grammar practice, explore our Frequent Flyer and First Class plans.

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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Even after years of learning Spanish, misunderstandings happen—especially when you’re dealing with fast speech, unfamiliar accents, background noise, or simply expecting someone to say something they didn’t. We share Jim’s embarrassing rental-car experience in El Salvador, challenges understanding his CrossFit coach, and other real-life examples to explore why our brains sometimes respond to what we expect to hear instead of what was actually said. You’ll learn useful Spanish phrases for asking someone to repeat or clarify themselves, how to stop pretending you understood, and why these uncomfortable moments are a normal—and valuable—part of becoming a more confident Spanish speaker.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t answer based on what you expect to hear.
• Make clarification phrases automatic.
• Misunderstanding Spanish doesn’t mean you’re going backward.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 338 – Analizando mi español después de 16 años – Analyzing My Spanish After 16 Years
• 312 – Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar | How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
• 212 – Cómo Navegar Conversaciones Confusas en Español | How to Navigate Confusing Conversations in Spanish
• 085 – Cómo Aprendería Español de Cero | How I’d Learn Spanish from Scratch
• 059 – La Habilidad Más Importante para Hablar Español | The Most Important Ability for Speaking Spanish
• 015 – Cómo Superar Tu Miedo a Hablar Español | How to Get Over Your Fear of Speaking Spanish
• Keep learning with La Escala
Turn each episode into Spanish practice with La Escala, our online learning community.

• Follow along with interactive transcripts, explore breakdown audios in English, and test your understanding with quizzes.
• Stay consistent with weekly challenges and connect with other Spanish learners.
• For live conversation clubs and guided grammar practice, explore our Frequent Flyer and First Class plans.

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

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What surprised us most about El Salvador? We talk about how safe and clean the country has felt, the contrast between its modern cities and rural areas, and why its Independence Day celebrations were so different from what we expected. We also share our experiences at BINAES and El Tunco, our growing obsession with pupusas, and the Salvadoran words and pronunciation differences we’ve noticed compared with Mexican Spanish. If you’re planning to visit El Salvador—or simply want to understand the country beyond what you may have heard in the news—this episode gives you a glimpse into what it feels like to experience El Salvador firsthand, including some of the things that surprised us most.

Key Takeaways:

• El Salvador feels different from what we expected.
• The food is a highlight of the trip.
• Salvadoran Spanish has its own personality.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 336 – Sobre El Salvador | About El Salvador
• 333 – Septiembre: el mes de la independencia en América Latina – September: Latin America’s Independence Month
• 292 – Aprendizajes de Nuestro Primer Viaje con Santi | Learnings From Our First Trip with Santi
• 152 – Las Nueve Maravillas Que Descubrimos en Costa Rica | The Nine Wonders We Discovered in Costa Rica
• Keep learning with La Escala
Turn each episode into Spanish practice with La Escala, our online learning community.

• Follow along with interactive transcripts, explore breakdown audios in English, and test your understanding with quizzes.
• Stay consistent with weekly challenges and connect with other Spanish learners.
• For live conversation clubs and guided grammar practice, explore our Frequent Flyer and First Class plans.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

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What does 16 years of learning Spanish really look like? In this episode, May and I take you through my personalized Spanish evaluation, from the strengths I’ve developed over the years to the grammar mistakes I still need to work on. We talk about tricky areas like ser vs. estar, articles, prepositions, “se” constructions, and fixed expressions, and why these small details can be difficult to catch in everyday conversations. We also reflect on how living in Mexico, using Spanish every day, and consuming authentic content have helped me become more natural and confident. If you’ve been studying Spanish for years but still make the same mistakes, this episode will show you why identifying those mistakes—and deliberately practicing them—can help you keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Making mistakes doesn’t mean we’re failing at Spanish. Even after 16 years, I still make errors, but recognizing those recurring mistakes gives me a clear path for continued improvement.
• Focused practice can help us improve more effectively than simply studying Spanish broadly. My evaluation revealed specific areas I need to work on, including ser vs. estar, articles, prepositions, and “se” constructions.
• Becoming fluent is about more than studying grammar. Years of using Spanish in real-life situations, living in Mexico, and consuming content made for native speakers have helped me communicate more naturally and confidently.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 233 – Aprende de los Errores de Jaime Parte 2 | Learn From Jim’s Mistakes Part 2
• 230 – Aprende de los Errores de Jaime | Learn From Jim’s Mistakes
• 095 – El Secreto para Salir del Estancamiento | The Secret for Overcoming the Plateau
• 041 – 5 Secretos para la Fluidez | 5 Secrets to Fluency
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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We take you inside the fascinating tradition of El Trueque de Cholula and explain how bartering has connected people, products, and communities for centuries. We share examples of what people exchanged this year—from fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods to clothing, groceries, and even a live chicken—and discuss the differences between trueque and regateo. Along the way, we talk about childhood Tazos, religious traditions, Quetzalcóatl, and why preserving cultural traditions matters to the people of Cholula. You’ll also learn useful vocabulary and hear us compare bartering customs in Mexico and the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn what trueque means, how it differs from regateo, and how bartering has been practiced in Cholula since pre-Hispanic times.
• Discover the surprising things people exchange at El Trueque de Cholula—and why being flexible is an important part of successful bartering.
• Explore the cultural and religious significance of the tradition, including its connection to the Virgen de los Remedios, Quetzalcóatl, and generations of Cholula families.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 331 – De Puebla Para México: Los Secretos Del Chile En Nogada | From Puebla To Mexico: The Secrets Of Chile En Nogada
• 319 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales De La UNESCO Parte II | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites Of UNESCO, Part II
• 272 – ¿La Salsa Cholula No Viene De Cholula? | Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn’t Come From Cholula?
• 062 – Mercados Y Tianguis Mexicanos | Mexican Markets And Tianguis
• 333 – Septiembre: El Mes De La Independencia En América Latina – September: Latin America’s Independence Month
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

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We’re taking a closer look at El Salvador, from its Indigenous roots and fascinating history to its economy, currency, changing reputation for safety, and close ties with the United States. We explore the places that make the country worth visiting, including volcanoes, crater lakes, the Ruta de las Flores, historic towns, archaeological sites, and Pacific beaches. And, of course, we dive into Salvadoran food—from pupusas and curtido to yuca, horchata, and the surprisingly different Salvadoran quesadilla. We also introduce some local Spanish expressions and explore voseo, Náhuat, and the meaning behind words like chivo, pisto, cabal, and cipote. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about Central America, this episode will give you a richer picture of El Salvador.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover its history, geography, economy, culture, and transformation in safety.
• Explore volcanoes, mountain towns, archaeological sites, beaches, and the Salvadoran foods you’ll want to try.
• Learn about Salvadoran Spanish, voseo, Náhuat, and useful local expressions.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• All countries in our “Country Series”
• 333 – Septiembre: El Mes De La Independencia En América Latina – September: Latin America’s Independence Month
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

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How do you know whether to shake hands, hug, or give someone a cheek kiss in Mexico? Why do Mexicans offer food even when they barely have enough for themselves, and why can a party’s start time be more of a suggestion than a rule? In this episode, we continue our conversation about Mexican cultural codes and explore the social meaning behind physical greetings, “¿gustas?”, sobremesa, flexible timing, and softening negative responses and requests. We also share some funny personal experiences, including Jim’s struggles with greetings and May accidentally giving tourists outdated directions in Playa del Carmen. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the subtle social cues that can help you communicate more naturally and respectfully in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how greetings can change depending on the relationship, context, and cultural background of the people involved—and why observing the other person’s body language is often the safest approach.
• Discover how sharing food, enjoying sobremesa, and spending unhurried time together reflect the importance of hospitality, connection, and generosity in Mexican culture.
• Understand why Mexicans may have a more flexible approach to social timing and why direct “no” responses and requests are often softened to maintain friendliness and avoid sounding too harsh.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 334 – ¿Por qué los mexicanos dicen “provecho”? 10 códigos culturales Parte 1 – Why Do Mexicans Say “Provecho”? 10 Cultural Codes, Part 1
• 298 – La Sobremesa | La Sobremesa
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 198 – Mande: Entre Respeto y Tradición | Mande: Between Respect and Tradition
• 064 – Choques Culturales en las Calles de México – Culture Shocks in the Streets of Mexico
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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We explore some of the small but important cultural habits that shape everyday interactions in Mexico, from wishing strangers provecho at a restaurant to greeting someone before making a request. We also compare Mexican and U.S. customs around saying hello, saying goodbye, and even those famously long goodbyes! Plus, we explain how and when to use con permiso and discuss the nuances of tú, usted, don, doña, señor, and señorita. These expressions may seem simple, but understanding when and why to use them can help you sound more natural, friendly, and respectful when speaking Spanish in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how expressions like provecho, con permiso, and buenos días are used in everyday Mexican interactions.
• Discover how cultural expectations around greetings and goodbyes can differ between Mexico and the United States.
• Get practical insight into choosing between tú and usted and showing the right level of respect and familiarity in different situations.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 335 – Por qué los mexicanos dicen “provecho”? 10 códigos culturales Parte 2 | Why Do Mexicans Say “Provecho”? 10 Cultural Codes, Part 2
• 298 – La Sobremesa | La Sobremesa
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 198 – Mande: Entre Respeto y Tradición | Mande: Between Respect and Tradition
• 064 – Choques Culturales en las Calles de México – Culture Shocks in the Streets of Mexico
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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Why do so many Spanish-speaking countries celebrate their independence in September? We explore the historical connections behind these celebrations, including how Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica came to share September 15, and why Mexico and Chile commemorate the beginnings of their independence movements rather than the dates they officially became independent. We also share our personal experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day, discuss the traditions and foods that make this season special, and look at how these dates connect to Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the history behind the celebrations—and perhaps a new reason to experience one for yourself while traveling.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica share September 15 as an important independence date and how their shared history shaped the celebrations we know today.
• Discover why Mexico and Chile celebrate dates that mark the beginning of their independence movements, even though they became formally independent years later.
• Explore how independence celebrations bring together food, traditions, history, and local culture—and hear about our own experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day with locals.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 181 – Sobre Chile | About Chile
• 056 – Cinco de Mayo
• 034 – La Revolución Mexicana | The Mexican Revolution
• 023 – La Independencia de México | Mexico’s Independence
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership

• Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
• Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
• Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

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Could getting dental treatment in Mexico actually be worth it? I share my seven-to-eight-month Invisalign journey, including why I decided to fix my overbite, how much I paid, what the treatment was really like, and the biggest challenge I faced: not being able to snack whenever I wanted! I also explain how Invisalign works, compare it with traditional braces, and talk about the functional benefits I noticed beyond having a better-looking smile. May and I also discuss our experiences with healthcare outside the United States and why a clinic that looks less luxurious doesn’t necessarily provide lower-quality care. If you’ve ever considered getting dental or medical treatment abroad, this episode will give you a firsthand look at what the experience can be like.

Key Takeaways:

• Why I decided to get Invisalign and how correcting my bite improved more than just the appearance of my smile.
• What Invisalign is actually like—including the cost, treatment timeline, discomfort, eating restrictions, and what happens after the active treatment ends.
• What I learned from getting dental treatment in Mexico and why I think it’s worth researching options abroad before assuming treatment in the U.S. is the only choice.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 210 – El Camino A La Visión 20/20 Con Jaime | The Path To 20/20 Vision With Jaime
• 171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs
• 167 – La Cirugía Y Recuperación De May | May’s Surgery And Recovery
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If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

Chiles en nogada are one of Mexico’s most celebrated seasonal dishes, and we’re sharing what makes them so special. We talk about our own experiences trying vegetarian versions in Puebla, explain what goes into preparing everything from the stuffed poblano pepper to the famous walnut sauce, and highlight why this colorful dish is such an important part of Mexican culture. We also discuss the legendary origin story of chiles en nogada, whether it’s history or folklore, and how food and storytelling have shaped Mexican traditions for generations. Along the way, we explain why the dish is only available for a short season, why it’s one of Mexico’s most expensive traditional meals, and even settle the debate over whether it’s better capeado (battered) or without the batter. By the end, you’ll understand why tasting chiles en nogada in Puebla is an experience every food lover should have.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover why chiles en nogada are a symbol of Mexican history, culture, and national identity—not just a delicious meal.
• Learn how this iconic dish is prepared, from roasting and stuffing the poblano pepper to making the rich walnut sauce and assembling its signature flavors.
• Explore the legends, traditions, and seasonal customs surrounding chiles en nogada, and find out why Puebla is the best place to experience them.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 273 – Mole Poblano – El Sabor Profundo De México | Mole Poblano – The Deep Flavor Of Mexico
• 158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2
• 130 – Comidas Mexicanas Que No Conoces | Mexican Foods You Don’t Know About
• 013 – La Comida Mexicana | Mexican Food
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.

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If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

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Becoming parents has given us a whole new appreciation for children’s songs, so in this episode, we’re sharing some of our favorites with Santi and the memories they bring back. We talk about bilingual nursery rhymes, classic Mexican lullabies, interactive songs that make little ones laugh, and why some English nursery rhymes have surprisingly dark (or misunderstood) histories. Along the way, you’ll learn about traditional songs like Los Pollitos Dicen, Martinillo, and Ricky Ran, discover how children’s songs are translated across languages, and hear us compare the games and counting rhymes we grew up with in Mexico and the United States. Whether you’re learning Spanish, raising bilingual kids, or simply feeling nostalgic about your childhood, this episode offers a fun glimpse into the music, traditions, and family moments that connect generations.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover popular Mexican and English nursery rhymes, their meanings, and the traditions behind them.
• Learn how children’s songs are translated across languages while keeping their rhythm, melody, and cultural charm.
• Compare childhood games, counting rhymes, and family traditions from Mexico and the United States through our own experiences.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 325 – Un Año con Santi: Lo Que Hemos Aprendido Como Papás | A Year with Santi: What We’ve Learned as Parents
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
• 247 – El Coco, El Ratoncito Pérez, y Otras Creencias de los Niños Latinos | El Coco, El Ratoncito Pérez, and Other Beliefs of Latin Children
• 108 – Errores en la Música en Español | Errors in Spanish Music
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Summer vacations mean something different depending on where you grew up, and in this episode, we look back on the childhood memories that shaped us—from playing outside in the rain in Mexico to biking through Minnesota during long summer days. We also talk about how owning a home and raising our son, Santi, has changed our relationship with travel, why we’re trying to squeeze in a few more trips before he turns two, and the realities of traveling as parents. Along the way, we compare summer traditions in Mexico and the U.S., explain why “summer” doesn’t always mean hot weather, share travel mishaps caused by unexpected climates, and discuss what an ideal vacation looks like for us today.

Key Takeaways:

• How becoming parents and homeowners has changed the way we think about traveling.
• The differences between summer vacations, weather, and school breaks in Mexico and the United States.
• Why some of our favorite childhood summer memories had nothing to do with traveling at all.everyday culture

Links And Additional Resources:

• 326 – Viajar al Caribe en Temporada de Sargazo | Traveling to the Caribbean During Sargassum Season
• 312 – Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar | How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 292 – Aprendizajes de Nuestro Primer Viaje con Santi | Learnings From Our First Trip with Santi
• 250 – Tipos de Viajes, ¿Cuál Prefieres Tú? | Types of trips, which one do you prefer?
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.

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What happens when an entire country jokingly decides to “cancel” English for a day? In this episode, we explain the story behind Operativo No Inglés, the meaning of expressions like ponerse la verde and ¿Y si sí?, and the hilarious ways famous brands translated their names into Spanish to support Mexico’s national team. Along the way, you’ll learn about Mexican humor, internet culture, and some useful vocabulary and expressions that will help you better understand everyday Spanish and life in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the meanings and cultural context of the expressions ponerse la verde and ¿Y si sí?
• Discover the funniest Spanish versions of famous international brand names during Operativo No Inglés
• Gain a deeper understanding of Mexican humor, patriotism, and how social media reflects everyday culture

Links And Additional Resources:

• 321 – El Fútbol en México – Soccer in Mexico
• 310 – Cognados y Falsos Amigos en Español e Inglés | Cognates and False Friends in Spanish and English
• 283 – Spanglish: Identidad, Mezcla y Aprendizaje | Spanglish: Identity, Mixture and Learning
• 278 – Fuera Gringo | Gringo Go Home
• 231 – Choques Culturales a la Inversa | Reverse Cultural Shocks
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Have you ever wondered how much of Nacho Libre is actually true? We talk about what the movie gets right (and wrong), the stereotypes it presents about Mexico, and the remarkable life of Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez—better known as Fray Tormenta—a priest who secretly became a luchador to support hundreds of children through his orphanage. We also celebrate our July Student of the Month, Jaime, whose inspiring language-learning journey reminds us that consistency and enthusiasm are the keys to making progress in Spanish.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the true story behind Nacho Libre and how Fray Tormenta dedicated his life to helping vulnerable children.
• Learn how Hollywood adapted—and simplified—the real events, along with our thoughts on the movie’s portrayal of Mexico and Mexican culture.
• Meet our July Student of the Month and hear practical advice for staying consistent and motivated while learning Spanish.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 321 – El Fútbol en México – Soccer in Mexico
• 318 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte I | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part I
• 314 – La Semana Santa en Iztapalapa | The Holy Week in Iztapalapa
• 243 – Alebrijes, Tonales, y Animales Fantásticos | Alebrijes, Tonales, and Fantastic Animals
• 211 – Cine y Series Para Mejorar tu Español | Movies and Series to Improve your Spanish
• 176 – La Lucha Libre | The “Lucha Libre”
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.

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If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya or simply want to understand one of the Caribbean’s biggest environmental challenges, this episode is for you. We explain what sargassum is, why so much of it has been washing ashore, how it impacts local communities and tourism, and what travelers can realistically expect during sargassum season. Along the way, we share our own experiences in Playa del Carmen, practical advice for staying flexible while traveling, and useful Spanish questions you can ask locals to find the best beach conditions and discover other amazing activities beyond the coast.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn what sargassum is, why it has become more widespread, and the environmental factors contributing to its growth.
• Discover practical tips for traveling during sargassum season, including how to check beach conditions and adjust your plans.
• Practice useful Spanish phrases to ask locals for recommendations and confidently navigate unexpected changes during your trip.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 306 – Flor y Fauna en Yucatán con Flor Peraza | Flor & Fauna in Yucatan with Flor Peraza
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 213 – Nuestra Boda Maya | Our Mayan Wedding
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.

Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.

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✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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A lot can change in just one year! In this episode, we look back on our first year of parenthood, sharing the lessons, challenges, and joyful moments that have shaped our journey with Santi. We talk about how our confidence as parents has grown, the reality of raising a bilingual child, and the cultural differences we experienced while celebrating Santi’s first birthday in both Mexico and the United States. We also share some of our favorite milestones, from his first words and signs to walking, communicating, and developing his own unique personality.

Key Takeaways:

• How parenting changes during the first year and the lessons we learned along the way
• The joys and challenges of raising a bilingual child in a bicultural family
• Cultural differences between birthday celebrations in Mexico and the United States

Links And Additional Resources:

• 284 – Un Progenitor, Un Idioma | One Parent, One Language
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
• 263 – Lo Que Nadie Nos Dijo del Embarazo – Sorpresas, Retos y Momentos Reales | What No One Told Us About Pregnancy – Surprises, Challenges, and Real Moments
• 253 – ¡Bebé a Bordo! | Baby on Board!
• 138 – Las Mañanitas | The Little Mornings
• 089 – El Curioso Origen de las Piñatas – The Curious Origins of Piñatas
• 016 – Alternancia de Código | Code Switching
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.

Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.

Explore La Escala

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show