Learn Spanish and Go

Epizody

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  Vacaciones de verano: recuerdos, planes y escapadas del calor - Summer Vacation: Memories, Plans, and Escaping the Heat 21.07.2026 31min

  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 ...
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  Operativo No Inglés: cuando las marcas se pusieron la verde | Operation No English: When Brands Got Behind Mexico 14.07.2026 22min

  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...
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  Fray Tormenta: El Sacerdote Luchador Que Inspiró Nacho Libre - Fray Tormenta: The Wrestling Priest Who Inspired Nacho Libre 07.07.2026 34min

  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 mak...
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  Viajar al Caribe en Temporada de Sargazo - Traveling to the Caribbean During Sargassum Season 30.06.2026 30min

  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...
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  Un Año con Santi: Lo Que Hemos Aprendido Como Papás - A Year with Santi: What We've Learned as Parents 23.06.2026 44min

  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 walki...
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  Oaxaca de Fiesta: Historia y Significado de la Guelaguetza - Oaxaca in Celebration: The History and Meaning of the Guelaguetza 16.06.2026 32min

  We take a deep dive into the Guelaguetza, Oaxaca’s iconic festival of sharing, community, and cultural pride. We talk about the origins of the celebration, the meaning behind the word “Guelaguetza,” what visitors can expect during the festivities, and how the event showcases the incredible diversity of Oaxaca’s Indigenous communities. Whether you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca or simply curious about Mexican culture, this episode will help you better understand the traditions, history, and spir...
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  Orgullo, Diversidad y Lenguaje Inclusivo en Español - Pride, Diversity, and Inclusive Language in Spanish 09.06.2026 28min

  Pride celebrations are often associated with colorful parades and community gatherings, but there is a much deeper history behind them. We explore how the Stonewall uprising helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, highlight important milestones in the fight for equality, and examine how Pride is celebrated across Latin America and Spain today. Along the way, we discuss key Spanish vocabulary related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and inclusion, helping you expand your languag...
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  El Ajolote: El Pequeño Monstruo Mexicano - The Axolotl: Mexico’s Little Monster 02.06.2026 34min

  Have you ever wondered why the axolotl has become such a beloved symbol of Mexico? In this episode, we dive into the history, mythology, and science behind this remarkable amphibian that calls Xochimilco home. We talk about its connection to ancient Mexica culture, its appearance on Mexico’s famous 50-peso bill, and its astonishing ability to regenerate parts of its body. We also discuss the conservation challenges threatening wild axolotl populations, the impact of invasive species and pollu...
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  El Fútbol en México - Soccer in Mexico 26.05.2026 37min

  Soccer in Mexico is much more than just a sport, and in this episode, we dive into why it feels almost like a religion for so many people. We talk about how soccer first arrived in Mexico through British miners, how teams like América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, and Pumas became symbols of different identities, and why the World Cup creates so much excitement across the country. Along the way, we share popular soccer slang and expressions you’ll hear in Mexico, from echarse una cascarita to árbitro v...
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  El Aguacate: El Oro Verde de México - Avocado: Mexico's Green Gold 19.05.2026 33min

  We dive into the fascinating world of avocados, from their ancient origins in Mesoamerica to their modern global popularity. We share personal stories about growing up with avocados, our favorite dishes like chilaquiles, ceviche, and guacamole, and even reveal some of our secret ingredients for making guacamole at home. Along the way, we explore the meaning behind the word “aguacate,” the story of the famous Hass avocado, Mexico’s role as the world’s top avocado producer, and how this fruit b...
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  México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte II - Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part II 12.05.2026 26min

  In the second part of our series about Mexico’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, we dive deeper into some of the country’s most fascinating traditions and cultural expressions. We talk about the Totonac Indigenous Arts Center in Veracruz, the world of charros and charrería, the famous Talavera pottery of Puebla, romantic bolero music, and massive community celebrations like the Romería of the Virgin of Zapopan and the Passion of Christ reenactment in Iztapalapa. Along the way, we share pe...
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  México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte I | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part I 05.05.2026 29min

  We take you beyond landmarks and into the living traditions that define Mexico’s cultural identity. We explore UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage like Day of the Dead, the Voladores de Papantla, traditional cuisine, and mariachi—breaking down their deeper cultural, spiritual, and historical significance beyond what most people see on the surface. By the end, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how these traditions are preserved, why they matter, and how they continue to shape communities...
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  ¿Qué es la UNESCO y Por qué Importa Cuando Viajamos? - What is UNESCO and Why Does it Matter When We Travel? 28.04.2026 39min

  You’ve probably seen the “UNESCO World Heritage Site” label while traveling—but do you actually know what it means? In this episode, we reveal the surprising truth behind UNESCO, from how places earn this prestigious title to the hidden responsibilities that come with it. We also share real examples from our travels in Mexico, uncover lesser-known types of recognitions (yes, even food and traditions!), and explain why this global system plays a much bigger role in culture, tourism, and even p...
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  Nuestro Nuevo Pueblo Mágico Favorito - Our New Favorite Enchanted Town 21.04.2026 20min

  We take you through Zacatlán de las Manzanas in Puebla, a lush highland town surrounded by forests, ravines, and cool mountain air. From its rich apple industry—turned into cider, pies, breads, and more—to its vibrant cultural identity shaped by the Pueblos Mágicos program, this town is full of unexpected discoveries. We also share our experience riding a local tram tour that revealed historic landmarks, canyon viewpoints, and the fascinating Callejón del Hueso with its legendary stories and ...
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  ¿Realidad o Ilusión? El Mundo de los Horóscopos - Reality or Illusion? The World of Horoscopes 14.04.2026 38min

  We talk about how a simple conversation about Santi’s zodiac sign made us realize we had never explored horoscopes on the podcast before. From growing up with horoscope segments on TV in Mexico to seeing how common they are in media, we reflect on their cultural presence and why people find them so appealing. We also break down the basics of astrology, explore the traits of each zodiac sign, and discuss whether horoscopes are just fun entertainment or something people take too seriously when ...
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  La Semana Santa en Iztapalapa - The Holy Week in Iztapalapa 07.04.2026 36min

  We take you inside the dramatic Semana Santa celebration in Iztapalapa, where the Passion of Christ is brought to life in a way that’s both emotional and incredibly realistic. We talk about how this tradition started nearly 200 years ago during a cholera outbreak and how it has grown into a massive event recognized by UNESCO, attracting millions of spectators each year. Along the way, we share our thoughts on how religion and culture often overlap in Mexico, what it takes to participate in th...
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  El Murmullo de las Abejas - The Murmur of the Bees 31.03.2026 35min

  May talks about the novel El Murmullo de las Abejas by Sofía Segovia, a beautiful and emotional story set in Linares, Nuevo León, during the early 1900s. We explore the life of Simonopio, a mysterious child with a deep connection to nature, and how his presence shapes the Morales family through times of revolution, land reform, and the Spanish flu pandemic. Along the way, we share why this novel is so memorable, how it blends history with subtle magical elements, and why it’s a great recommen...
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  Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar - How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling 24.03.2026 27min

  We share simple and practical ways you can create your own Spanish immersion at home, inspired by ideas from our friend Babbs, who has joined several of our immersion retreats in Mexico. We talk about activities like narrating your daily life in Spanish, cooking using Spanish recipes, and finding small real-world opportunities to practice speaking—even if it’s just asking a question at a restaurant or market. We also explain how teaching someone else, trying a “Spanish day,” and adjusting the...
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  La Influencia del Árabe en el Español - The Influence of Arabic on Spanish 17.03.2026 31min

  We dive into how Arabic influenced Spanish vocabulary through centuries of cultural exchange during the time of Al-Andalus. We share a personal story that sparked our curiosity, explore patterns like the “al-” prefix, and break down common words you probably didn’t know came from Arabic—like almohada, azúcar, and ojalá. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these connections in everyday Spanish, but also gain a deeper appreciation for how languages evolve and reflect history across cultures. ...
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  Cognados y Falsos Amigos en Español e Inglés - Cognates and False Friends in Spanish and English 10.03.2026 19min

  We break down the differences between true cognates, near cognates, and false friends in English and Spanish. We share examples of words that look similar across both languages—some that mean the same thing and others that can easily trick learners into saying the wrong thing. By understanding these patterns and learning from common mistakes, you’ll discover how to build your Spanish vocabulary faster and communicate with more confidence. Key Takeaways: True cognates are words that look almos...