Learn Spanish and Go

We dive into the surprising reach of Oxxo, from its 22,000+ stores across Mexico to its rapid growth in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. We discuss the 2,500 products you can find in a single location, the ready-to-eat foods, and the essential services it offers—like paying bills, withdrawing cash, buying bus tickets, and even handling government payments. We also explore Spin by Oxxo, its growing financial service that’s helping millions of people access convenient banking tools. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Oxxo is more than a convenience store—it’s a powerhouse woven into the daily rhythm of Mexican life. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 264 – Medicina Extremadamente Barata en México | Extremely Affordable Medicine in MexicoLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

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We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as dígrafos rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for decades or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you understand the modern 27-letter alphabet and avoid common pronunciation mistakes. Key Takeaways: chllrrRelevant Links And Additional Resources: How To Say The Alphabet In Spanish [Blog Post]Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

We’re sharing the essential everyday phrases you’ll hear constantly in Mexico — and how to use them confidently and politely. You’ll learn when to say provecho, por favor, gracias, con permiso, disculpa, perdón, and salud, plus the cultural meaning behind each expression, so you know exactly what feels natural to locals. We also talk about the importance of asking permission before taking photos and how these small habits can help you navigate markets, restaurants, and crowded streets with ease. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or trying to sound more natural in Spanish, these phrases will make every interaction smoother and more respectful. Key Takeaways: provecho, por favor, gracias,saludcon permiso, disculpa,perdónRelevant Links And Additional Resources: Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

Before heading to Oaxaca, we had a busy week filled with errands, appointments, and last-minute preparations. But the real story happened when I got pulled over by a police officer for having tinted windows — something that’s perfectly normal in other parts of Mexico but not allowed in Puebla. We talk about how the situation unfolded, what we learned about cultural differences when dealing with authority, and how using ChatGPT (yes, right there on the street!) helped clarify the law and calm things down. It’s a mix of nerves, quick thinking, and a few laughs in the end. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

After months of staying home, we finally took our first trip as a family — and it was quite the adventure! We talk about May’s initial fears of flying with a baby, my rush to get Santi’s passports, and how we handled everything from formula prep to stroller logistics. You’ll also hear what went surprisingly well (spoiler: Santi was a dream traveler!) and what we learned along the way. Whether you’re a new parent planning your first flight or just curious about how it went, this episode is full of honest moments, funny mishaps, and practical tips for making travel with a baby smoother and less stressful. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 277 – El Nombre Más Complicado En México | Most Complicated Name In Mexico271 – La Vacuna BCG – Un Símbolo De Identidad Mexicana | The BCG Vaccine – A Symbol Of Mexican Identity270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 291 - Cómo Hablar por Teléfono en Español | How to Talk on the Phone in Spanish. Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

Have you ever felt nervous speaking Spanish on the phone? You’re not alone! In this episode, we break down how phone conversations work in Mexico, from answering with “¿Bueno?” to asking “¿Con quién tengo el gusto?” and handling tricky moments like poor connections or giving your address. We also share real-life examples, practical phrases for everyday calls, and funny stories from our own experiences. Whether you’re setting an appointment, calling customer service, or just trying to understand what someone said, this episode will make your next Spanish phone call much easier. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 290 - El Halloween en México | Halloween in Mexico. Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

Halloween in Mexico isn’t quite what you’d expect! In this episode, we explore how the holiday has grown in popularity, how Mexican families have added their own twist to it, and the big differences between Halloween and Día de Muertos. From funny stories about homemade costumes and trick-or-treating adventures to deeper reflections on cultural meaning, this conversation blends laughter and learning. Whether you’ve celebrated one, both, or neither, you’ll come away with a better understanding of how these traditions coexist — and how we’re passing them on to our son, Santi. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 240 – La Flor de Cempasúchil – Historia, Cultura y Leyendas | The Cempasúchil Flower – History, Culture and Legends187 – Día de Muertos: Una Perspectiva Local | Day of the Dead: A Local Perspective136 – Xoloitzcuintle, Perro Sagrado | Xoloitzcuintle, Sacred Dog029 – Calaveritas de Azúcar: Origen y Tradición | Sugar Skulls: Origin and Tradition028 – Día de Muertos: Lo Que Tienes Que Saber | Day of the Dead: What You Need to KnowLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 289 - La Saga del Sillón y la PROFECO Parte I | The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part I. Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

What would you do if you paid for a sofa but only half of it showed up, and the company refused to fix it? In this episode, we tell the full story of our months-long battle with Sam’s Club, from endless customer service runarounds to finally getting justice through PROFECO’s online complaint system. This episode will give you a clear picture of how to protect yourself as a consumer and make sure big companies don’t take advantage of you, whether you live in Mexico or plan to shop here. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 222 – Protégete de las Estafas con la PROFECO | Protect Yourself from Scams with PROFECOLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 288 - Chatea como Nativo con Acrónimos Parte II | Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms Part II Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

Part two of our acronym series explores the explicit, slang-filled world of texting in Spanish. From ALV and MVV to NMM, we explain what these phrases mean, how locals use them, and when not to use them. Even if you never plan to say these words yourself, understanding them will help you catch the nuances of real Mexican Spanish and sound more culturally fluent. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 279 – Chatea Como Nativo con Acrónimos | Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms275 – El Chingonario | The Chingonary086 – Las Groserías Mexicanas con Mextalki | Mexican Swear Words with MextalkiLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 287 - Cómo Aprovechar al Máximo un Viaje de Inmersión | How to Make the Most of an Immersion Trip. Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

Have you ever wondered what makes a Spanish immersion trip truly effective? In this episode, we chat with Rory Foster about his journey building Common Ground International and the lessons he’s learned from running immersion programs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and beyond. We discuss practical strategies for language learners, including how to prepare before you travel, ways to practice Spanish in real-life settings, and why both cultural experiences and formal classes are key to lasting progress. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: Thinking about joining a Spanish immersion program? Use our special link to save $100 off your trip.Explore Common Ground International website for details on immersion programs and resourcesFollow Common Ground International on Facebook for Spanish tips, cultural insights, and updates on upcoming programsSubscribe to Common Ground International YouTube channel for free Spanish lessons and immersion adviceBoost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion RetreatsLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 286 - El Agua Parte II | Water Part II. Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

Part 2 of our discussion about water in Mexico explores why tap water is often avoided and how families and travelers manage their water needs. We share our own home filtration setup, explain the use of garrafones, discuss historical events that shaped public distrust, and offer tips for safe drinking water and ice. This episode gives you practical advice and cultural context from traditional filtering methods to modern solutions like LifeStraws. You’ll learn how to stay safe, save money, and reduce plastic waste. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 285 – El Agua Parte I | The Water Part ILevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 285 - El Agua Parte I | The Water Part I Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

In this conversation, we start with a fun look at Spanish grammar: why agua takes the article el but still requires feminine agreement, and how this rule applies to words like águila, hacha, and hambre. From there, we shift into something every traveler should know: the truth about drinking water in Mexico. We explain why tap water isn’t recommended, how household systems like tinacos and cisterns work, and why purified water in garrafones is the norm. If you’re curious about the culture, language, and everyday realities of life in Mexico, this episode gives you both useful knowledge and insider perspective. Key Takeaways: tinacoscisternsgarrafonesRelevant Links And Additional Resources: Is Mexico Safe? [The Best Tips for Staying Safe in Mexico]Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show