¡Cuentame! | Learn Spanish with Comprehensible Input

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 HERE Fill 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.

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 1-920-361-3329 Thank you for listening and for supporting the podcast 💛

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!

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!

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!

🎧 Episode 208 – El Aparecido del Nevado del Ruiz In 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. 💬 Did you enjoy the episode? Please support us by rating and reviewing the podcast and sharing it with friends, students, and fellow Spanish learners. ☕ Want to support the show? Buy Me a Coffee Join our Facebook Group Follow 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! 🎙️

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 1-920-361-3329 Thank you for being part of this project. Now… let’s get started with the story of Keiko.

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!

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 Coffee Facebook Group Instagram TikTok Interested in joining our Virtual Spanish Class? ⁠Fill out this form⁠ to get more info!

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 Coffee Facebook Group Instagram 📚 Find comprehensible input–based books for learners at Command Performance Books.

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!

Hey friends, it’s Marta! In this episode, I take you into a chapter of my life I never saw coming. Let’s just say… one small decision turned my world upside down and opened a door I swore I would never walk through. 🤔✨ 👉 Want to know what happened? Hit play, share this episode with a friend, and don’t forget to leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating so more Spanish learners can discover ¡Cuéntame! 💌 Email us! ☕ Buy Me a Coffee 👥 Facebook Group 📸 Instagram 📞 Send me a voice message in Spanish or English at 1-920-361-3329 to participate in an upcoming episode!

🎙️ Episode 201: My Life – Part 6: Hello, Wisconsin! In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta continues sharing the story of her life. After meeting Keith in Ixtapa, their long-distance relationship grew through phone calls and emails (back in the days before cell phones!). Marta invited Keith to her best friend’s wedding in Morelia, and soon after, it was her turn to visit him in Wisconsin. She opens up about the cultural challenges of making that decision, her family’s reactions, and how love led her to take a brave step. Just months later, she and Keith were married in Las Vegas, beginning a new chapter of their lives together. This episode gives learners a chance to hear real-life Spanish while following Marta’s story of love, culture, and difficult choices. 👉 If you’re enjoying the podcast, please rate it with stars and share it with others so more Spanish learners can find us! 📩 Email us! ☕ Buy Me a Coffee 👥 Facebook Group 📸 Instagram 🎤 Send a voice message in Spanish or English: 1-920-361-3329

Previously, Marta talked about life after university—living with her parents and teaching in two schools while searching for new opportunities. But everything began to change when a trip to Ixtapa with friends led her to Señor Frog’s… and that’s where she first locked eyes with Keith. What happened next? That’s the story listeners will hear in this episode. 👉 Stay connected with Cuéntame! ✉️ Email us! ☕ Buy Me a Coffee 💬 Join the Facebook Group 📸 Follow on Instagram Listeners can also send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329. If you enjoy Cuéntame, don’t forget to rate the podcast with stars and share it with friends—that’s how more people can discover these stories.

Welcome to another episode of ¡Cuéntame!, the Spanish podcast created especially for beginner learners. In this episode, host Marta shares part 4 of her personal story in Spanish — this time, focusing on her life after college and the challenges she faced trying to be productiva. As always, there are two versions of this episode. First, you'll hear a slower version with some helpful English translations to support your understanding. After that, there's a second version at normal speed — without translations — for an extra challenge. Don’t forget to check the transcript while you listen; it’s a great tool to follow along and reinforce your learning. We’d love your help spreading the word! Please rate the podcast wherever you listen so that other learners can find us more easily. Share it with your friends, classmates, or anyone who’s learning Spanish. Want to support the podcast? You can find us on Buy Me a Coffee, join the conversation in our Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for updates and extra content. And we want to hear from you! Send a voice message — in Spanish or English — to 1-920-361-3329 and be part of the community. You can also email us anytime. Now let’s jump into Episode 199: Mi vida – Parte 4: ¿Productiva?

🎧 Episode 198: Mi vida – Part 3: La universidad In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta shares the ups and downs of her college years. From exploring dentistry and chemistry to discovering a passion for computer science—and ultimately finding her calling in Communications—her journey is full of relatable twists, doubts, and aha moments. She reflects on the friendships she formed, the challenges she faced, and the joy of finally finding a path that truly fit her personality and strengths. Transcript HERE! Designed for Spanish learners, this episode includes two versions: first, a slow-paced version with some English translations, followed immediately by a normal-paced version without translations. Don’t forget to stay until the end for a quick five-sentence translation quiz to test your Spanish skills! If you enjoy this episode, please rate it with stars and share it with fellow language learners. You can also support the show or connect with the community using the links below: 👉 Email us! 👉 Buy Me a Coffee 👉 Facebook Group 👉 Instagram 🎤 Send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329, so you can participate in the next episode!

🎧 Episode 197: Mi vida - Part 2: La adolescencia In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta continues sharing her life story—this time focusing on her teenage years. She reflects on the joys of high school, her love of language learning, and the challenges of growing up in a conservative family. From movie nights with friends to strict rules at home, listeners get a personal glimpse into her adolescence in coastal Mexico—and how societal expectations shaped her experience. This episode is perfect for Spanish learners! It includes two versions: first, a slower-paced version with some English translations to support comprehension, followed immediately by a normal-paced version without translations. Be sure to stick around after the main content for a five-sentence translation quiz to test your understanding! Transcript HERE! If you enjoy the episode, please rate it with stars to help others discover the podcast. You can also support the show through the links below! 👉 Email us! 👉 Buy Me a Coffee 👉 Facebook Group 👉 Instagram 🎤 Send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329 and participate in the next episode!

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta takes Spanish learners on a heartfelt and humorous journey through her childhood in the coastal city of Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico. From being a top student to getting into a bit of mischief—like passing notes, saying bad words, and even bringing cigarettes to school—Marta shares it all with honesty and charm. Despite the discipline issues, her childhood was filled with joy, outdoor adventures, and love. This episode is specially designed for Spanish learners. First, you'll hear a slow version of the story with English support and brief translations to help you understand. Right after, you'll hear the same story at a natural pace with no translations, so you can challenge your listening skills. And at the very end, stick around for a five-sentence translation quiz to review and reinforce what you learned! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it and share it with a friend who’s also learning Spanish. Your support helps the podcast grow and reach more language learners worldwide. Transcript HERE Steven, here is the link to one of the BEST French teachers! www.aliceayel.com, who also has this YouTube channel. 📬 Email us ☕ Buy Me a Coffee 👥 Join our Facebook Group 📸 Follow us on Instagram 🎙️ Send a voice message (Spanish or English) to 1-920-361-3329 And don’t miss the next episode—Marta will be sharing stories from her teenage years!

Welcome to ¡Cuéntame!, a podcast designed especially for Spanish learners who want to improve their listening skills through real stories and authentic topics—in real Spanish! In Episode 195, host Marta talks about a powerful emotion that keeps us going during difficult times: hope—la esperanza. This podcast episodes include two versions to support different learning levels: First, there’s a scaffolded version, where Marta speaks slowly and includes some English to help guide comprehension. Immediately after, listeners will hear the same episode at a natural pace, without translations, for a more immersive experience. At the end of the episode, there’s a translation quiz to review key vocabulary and check understanding—so be sure to listen all the way through! Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the podcast to help it grow and reach more Spanish learners around the world. ⁠Transcript here!⁠ To connect further:📧 Send an ⁠email⁠ with questions or feedback☕ Support the podcast via ⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠📱 Follow the community on ⁠Instagram⁠💬 Join the conversation in the ⁠Facebook Group⁠🎙️ And send a voice message in Spanish or English to 1-920-361-3329—Marta would love to hear from you!

🎙️ Episode 194: Artificial Intelligence In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta dives into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. What is AI? How does it work? And more importantly, how do we use it responsibly? From Siri to ChatGPT, this episode explores how AI is part of our daily lives, the benefits it offers, and the concerns it raises. 📧 Email us ☕ [Buy Me a Coffee] 👥 Join our [Facebook Group] 📸 Follow us on [Instagram] 📞 Send a voice message in English or Spanish: 1-920-361-3329 ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review it—your support helps more people find the show. ¡Gracias!