¡Cuéntame! | Learn Spanish with Comprehensible Input — Podcast

222. Mate: El origen y la historia 28.05.2026 17min

In this episode, Marta explores the origins and history of mate, one of South America’s most beloved drinks. Learn how the Guaraní people first used yerba mate, why the tradition spread across countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and how mate became much more than just a drink.Transcript here!Click here if you are interested in my virtual classes.If you enjoy ¡Cuéntame!, please leave a review, share the podcast with other Spanish learners, and help us continue creating comprehensible Spanish content by supporting the podcast and participating in our community. You can also send us a voice message in Spanish or English at +1 920-361-3329Email us! Buy Me a Coffee Facebook Group TikTok Instagram

221. Las muñecas quitapenas 20.05.2026 14min

In this episode, we explore the fascinating tradition of Guatemala’s worry dolls, tiny handmade dolls that are said to take away your worries while you sleep. Where did this tradition come from, and why do so many people still love these little dolls today? Listen to find out!Transcript here!Email us! Buy Me a Coffee Facebook Group TikTok Instagram Leave your voice message at +1920-361-3329Click here for information on our virtual class!If you enjoy the podcast, please support us by leaving a review, sharing the episode, and joining the conversation on social media. Your support helps us continue creating comprehensible Spanish content for learners around the world.

220. Beagles: El rescate 18.05.2026 17min

Today we talk about a recent series of protests that resulted in the rescue of over 1,500 beagles. But, before we begin today’s episode, I want to give a small reminder that this story may be emotional for many listeners. It is a story that started a lot of conversations, not only in Wisconsin, but across the country.Today we are talking about animals, protests, and a situation that made many people ask difficult questions. You may have already heard a little bit about it online or in the news… but maybe not the whole story.As always, listen carefully and form your own opinion! Transcript here! Interested in our virtual classes? Click here!And if you enjoy ¡Cuéntame!, please help us grow! Leave us a rating and some stars on your favorite podcast app. It really helps more Spanish learners find the podcast. You can also share the episode with a friend, join our community online, and send us a message because we love hearing from you.Email us! Buy Me a Coffee Facebook Group TikTok Instagram

219. Las cholitas bolivianas 13.05.2026 15min

¡Hola, hola! Welcome to ¡Cuéntame! Today we’re traveling to Bolivia to learn about the incredible cholitas bolivianas. Who are they? Why do they wear colorful polleras and bowler hats? And how did they become symbols of strength, pride, and tradition? Stay with us as we explore the history, culture, and amazing stories of these inspiring women. Transcript here! Don’t forget to rate the podcast, leave us a voice message, and check the links below to support the show and join our Spanish-learning community.Click here to get more information about our virtual Spanish class!Send a voice message to 1-920-361-3329 to participate in an upcoming episode!Email us! Buy Me a Coffee Facebook Group TikTok Instagram

218. La lucha libre 08.05.2026 17min

¡Hola, hola! Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame! Today we’re stepping into the exciting world of las luchas in Mexico! In this episode, you’ll learn about the colorful masks, the dramatic characters, and why lucha libre is such an important part of Mexican culture. Get ready for heroes, villains, acrobatics, and lots of fun while practicing your Spanish! Here is the transcript!If you enjoy the podcast, please support us by leaving a rating with stars on your favorite podcast platform. Those ratings help more Spanish learners discover ¡Cuéntame! and they truly make a huge difference for us.And we would LOVE to hear from you! Send us a voice message to 1920-361-3329 and tell us where you’re listening from, what episodes you enjoy, or even practice your Spanish with us. Your voice message might be featured in a future episode!Also, if you are interested in learning Spanish with us in a more personal way, click here to learn more about our virtual Spanish classes. We would love to have you join our community.Now… ¡vamos a las luchas! Email us! Buy Me a Coffee Facebook Group TikTok Instagram

217. Aventuras en Ecuador 07.05.2026 20min

In this special episode of ¡Cuéntame!, we share all the unforgettable adventures from our school trip to Ecuador! From standing on the equator line in Quito to exploring ancient ruins, hiking through breathtaking mountains, visiting waterfalls, and learning about Ecuadorian culture, this trip was full of surprises, challenges, laughter, and incredible memories with our students.We also talk about the unexpected travel chaos that started our journey, the amazing moments that made it all worth it, and the lessons we learned along the way. If you love travel stories, cultural experiences, and comprehensible Spanish, you are going to love this episode!Transcript here!Be sure to click on the Facebook link to see pictures from our adventures in Ecuador and experience the journey with us. Thank you for listening and for supporting ¡Cuéntame! Your support helps us continue creating content for Spanish learners around the world. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider sharing it, leaving a review, or supporting us so we can keep bringing you more stories and adventures!⁠Email us!⁠ ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠ ⁠Facebook Group⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠

216. ¡Vamos a Ecuador! 15.03.2026 18min

🎙️ Episode 216: Let’s Go to Ecuador!In this episode, Marta shares exciting news. She is traveling to Ecuador with a group of students. She talks about the upcoming adventure, the travel itinerary, and the incredible places they will visit, including Quito, the equatorial line, waterfalls in Baños, Inca ruins, and beautiful cities in the Andes. She is excited… but also a little nervous because a snowstorm in Wisconsin might affect the flight.Transcript here!Interested in a virtual Spanish class with Marta? Click here!If you enjoy the podcast, please support the show by rating and sharing it with other Spanish learners.Stay connected with us:Email us! Buy Me a Coffee Facebook Group TikTok InstagramYou can also send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329.

215. La leyenda del Popocatépetl 09.03.2026 16min

Welcome to ¡Cuéntame!, the podcast that helps you practice and improve your Spanish through stories from the Spanish-speaking world. In this episode, Marta shares a very special story. Not only is it one of her favorite legends, it is also the final episode in the series of legends from the Spanish-speaking world. Today’s legend comes from Mexico and tells the tragic and beautiful story behind two of the country’s most famous volcanoes: Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. According to the legend, these volcanoes were once two people deeply in love. If you are interested in learning more about it,⁠ ⁠check out ⁠⁠the short novel for intermediate Spanish learners that I wrote! If you enjoy ¡Cuéntame!, please consider rating the podcast, sharing it with a friend or colleague, and helping other Spanish learners discover the show. And, if you want to take a virtual Spanish class with me, click⁠ ⁠here!⁠⁠⁠📧Email the show⁠⁠⁠ Buy Me a Coffee ⁠⁠to support the podcast⁠ ⁠ Join the Facebook Group⁠⁠ Follow along on⁠ ⁠TikTok ⁠⁠and⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ You can also send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329 to participate in upcoming episodes!

214. Bad Bunny y el Supertazón 16.02.2026 15min

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta talks about the Super Bowl halftime show and Bad Bunny’s historic performance. She explores why the show was important for Latino representation, the reactions it generated, and what it reveals about culture, identity, and belonging in the United States.Transcript here!Listeners are invited to email the show, support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee, and join the Facebook Group. Follow ¡Cuéntame! on TikTok and Instagram for extra content and updates.If you are interested in my online class, click here!🎙️ You can also send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329 to share your thoughts.

213. Un nuevo comienzo 01.01.2026 16min

This episode is a very special one. We’re welcoming the start of 2026 and continuing our Legends of the Spanish-Speaking World series with something a little different.Instead of focusing on just one country, today we’ll travel through several Spanish-speaking cultures to explore the beliefs and traditions connected to the New Year. Are they legends or traditions? Sometimes, they’re both—stories that aren’t always told with words, but lived through actions, once a year, as people let go of the old and prepare for a new beginning. Transcript HEREFill out this form if you want info about my online Spanish class.If you enjoy ¡Cuéntame!, please support the podcast by sharing this episode, leaving a rating or review, or supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. You can also connect with us on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, or send us a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329.

212. El lago Titicaca 29.12.2025 14min

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta takes us to Peru to explore a beautiful Andean legend about the origin of Lake Titicaca, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, located between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains. Considered a sacred place by Andean peoples, the lake is more than just a body of water—it is a powerful symbol of punishment, forgiveness, and new beginnings.✨ A story of respect, consequences, and rebirth—this legend reminds us why Lake Titicaca holds such deep cultural meaning.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it, rate the podcast, and help others discover ¡Cuéntame!We’d also love to hear from you!Click here for information about my virtual Spanish class!Transcript of this episode HERE!📧 Email us☕ Buy Me a Coffee👥 Facebook Group🎵 TikTok | 📸 Instagram🎤 Send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329Thank you for listening and for supporting the podcast 💛

211. Tren-Tren y Kai-Kai 24.12.2025 16min

In Episode 211 of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta travels to southern Chile to share a powerful Mapuche legend: Tren-Tren and Kai-Kai. This traditional story explains the eternal struggle between the sea and the land, told through two magical serpents—one protecting nature’s balance and the other punishing humans for their lack of respect. Through this legend, listeners learn about Mapuche culture, the importance of the Mapudungun language, and a timeless message about respecting nature and living in harmony with the world around us.Transcript here!If you enjoyed this episode, please support the podcast by rating it, sharing it with others, and helping the show grow.Connect with us: Email us, Buy Me a Coffee, join our Facebook Group, or follow us on TikTok and Instagram.You can also send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329.Click here if you want info on the Spanish class!

210: La leyenda del colibrí 22.12.2025 16min

In this episode we travel to Ecuador to discover a beautiful and meaningful legend: La leyenda del colibrí. Learn why this tiny, colorful bird is considered a powerful symbol of love, hope, and connection, and how—according to legend—the colibrí became the secret messenger of thoughts and feelings between people. This story reminds us that you don’t have to be big to be important.If you enjoy the podcast, please support us by rating and reviewing, and share this episode with someone who loves legends and Spanish stories. Your support helps the podcast grow ❤️ Transcript HERE!Click here if you want information for my virtual Spanish class!📧 Email us☕ Buy Me a Coffee👥 Join our Facebook Group🎵 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram🎙️ Send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329¡Gracias por escuchar y por apoyar ¡Cuéntame!

209: La flor del ceibo 18.12.2025 16min

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, listeners travel to Argentina as the podcast continues its series of legends from the Spanish-speaking world. Marta tells the beautiful and inspiring legend of the ceibo flower, a powerful national symbol of Argentina.The story takes place before the conquest of the Americas and centers on Anahí, a young Indigenous woman who loved her land, her people, and her community. Through her courage, voice, and resilience, the legend explains why the bright red flower of the ceibo tree became a symbol of love for the land, strength, and remembrance. Transcript here!¡Cuéntame! is a listener-supported podcast. If you enjoy the show, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast, and sharing it with friends, students, or fellow Spanish learners. You can also support the podcast by using Buy Me a Coffee, joining the Facebook group, and following ¡Cuéntame! on TikTok and Instagram.Listeners are invited to connect with the show by email or by sending a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329. Messages may be featured in a future episode.Click here if you want info on my virtual classes!

208: El Aparecido del Nevado del Ruiz 16.12.2025 14min

🎧 Episode 208 – El Aparecido del Nevado del RuizIn this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta takes us to the cold, mysterious heights of Colombia to explore a fascinating legend from the Nevado del Ruiz. Surrounded by snow, fog, and danger, you’ll meet El Aparecido: a protective spirit who guides lost travelers to safety. This simple, engaging story is perfect for Spanish learners and invites us to reflect on respect for nature and the power of helping others. Transcript here!💬 Did you enjoy the episode?Please support us by rating and reviewing the podcast and sharing it with friends, students, and fellow Spanish learners.Click here if you want info on my virtual Spanish class!☕ Want to support the show?Buy Me a CoffeeJoin our Facebook GroupFollow us on TikTok and Instagram📧 Get in touch!You can also send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329.Thank you for listening and for supporting ¡Cuéntame! 🎙️

207. Keiko 26.11.2025 20min

Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame! I’m so glad you’re here. In today’s episode, we’re taking a break from our legends series to explore the real-life story behind one of the most famous animals in the world: Keiko, the orca from Free Willy. It’s a story full of emotion, hope, and big questions about animal welfare. Check out the comprehensible book about this story by Nelly Andrade-Huges and share your thoughts about it!If you want info about the virtual class with me, fill out this form!Before we begin, I’d love your support!If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it, leave a review, and share it with friends, other teachers, or anyone learning Spanish. Your support helps this community grow.You can also participate and collaborate with the show!✔ Email us!✔ Buy Me a Coffee✔ Facebook Group✔ TikTok✔ Instagram📞 Send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329Thank you for being part of this project. Now… let’s get started with the story of Keiko.

206. La Santa Compaña 25.11.2025 15min

Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame!, friends! I’m so glad you’re here for another episode. Before we jump into today’s mysterious legend, I want to remind you that your support helps this podcast keep growing. If you enjoy these stories, please rate the episode, leave a review, and share it with friends, classmates, or anyone learning Spanish.Here is the form to complete if you are interested in taking a virtual class with me. You can also support the show through Buy Me a Coffee, join our Facebook Group, or follow us on TikTok and Instagram for more content and updates. And of course, email us anytime! I love hearing from you.Want to participate in the show?Send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329 and you might be featured in a future episode! Ann Katrine, here is the link to this online store where you can find a large selection of books for various levels of proficiency, written by native speakers! Alright, let’s begin Episode 206: La Santa Compaña… a chilling legend from the forests of Galicia. Let’s dive in!

205. El Xoloitzcuintle 17.11.2025 17min

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta dives into one of Mexico’s most fascinating legends—one filled with history, culture, and a very special kind of dog. Whether you’re a Spanish learner, a teacher, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode will take you somewhere unexpected. Transcript HERE!If you love learning through stories, don’t miss my original short novel for Spanish learners, a beginner-friendly book inspired by the legend of the xoloitzcuintle. It includes audio and accessible language perfect for learners.We’d love to hear from you! Email us anytime, join our community on Facebook or Instagram, or send us a voice message in Spanish or English at 1-920-361-3329.Email us!Buy Me a CoffeeFacebook GroupInstagram TikTokInterested in joining our Virtual Spanish Class? ⁠Fill out this form⁠ to get more info!

204. El Silbón 30.10.2025 15min

In this first episode of a new ten-part series on Latin American legends, Marta takes listeners to Venezuela to discover a mysterious and chilling tale just in time for Halloween. Using clear and comprehensible Spanish, this episode is perfect for learners who love stories, suspense, and culture.Listeners are invited to support the podcast by rating it, sharing it with friends, and joining the growing community of Spanish learners. Marta also welcomes participation — send her a voice message (in Spanish or English) at 1-920-361-3329, or email her your thoughts and questions!💬 Get involved:Information for the virtual class Email us!Buy Me a CoffeeFacebook GroupInstagram📚 Find comprehensible input–based books for learners at Command Performance Books.

203. ¡Hola, Poska! 19.10.2025 15min

In this heartwarming episode, Marta shares a story especially close to her heart — one filled with compassion, second chances, and the unexpected ways love finds us. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful connections happen when we least expect them. Look for the pictures at the end of the transcript!If you are interested in taking a Spanish class online with me, complete this form to get more information! If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to rate it, share it, and support it so Marta can continue creating meaningful stories like this one. You can find all the links in the show notes — send an email, join the Facebook group, follow on Instagram, or Buy Me a Coffee to show your support.Listeners can also send a voice message in English or Spanish to 1-920-361-3329 — your message might be featured in a future episode, just like Emily's in this one!