Learn Spanish con Salsa | Spanish lessons with Latin music and conversational Spanish

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the lyrics of "Nueva York" by Bad Bunny with Puerto Rican linguist Adriana Lopez. In Part 2, we explore the heavy cultural references in the song—from Dominican rap anthems to Puerto Rican boxing legends—and discuss the controversy surrounding Forbes naming Bad Bunny the "King of Pop." You'll also learn key vocabulary distinctions and cultural nuances between island life and city life. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 7 Puerto Rican Spanish words & phrasesestá buenalas gatassacarla del estadioreally"King of Pop"movermudarSupport the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we’re breaking down the lyrics to Nueva York (or "Nueva Yol") by the Puerto Rican superstar and future Super Bowl 2026 headliner, Bad Bunny. Joined by Puerto Rican linguist Adriana Lopez, we explore how this song pays homage to the legendary salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and their 1970s classic "Un Verano en Nueva York". You'll learn the cultural significance of the lyrics, the unique sounds of the Puerto Rican accent, and slang you can use to sound more like a native speaker. What You'll Learn in This Episode: rulaydiasporaListen to this episode to get ready for the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show 🏈 and learn more conversational Puerto Rican Spanish. Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we answer a listener question from Jo-Anne. She struggles with forgetting words and feeling nervous speaking Spanish with adults. Tamara shares actionable tips for consistent practice, reducing anxiety, and building fluency. In this episode, she covers: 🚀 Join the Spanish Fluency Club and speak Spanish with confidence! Learn more at >> https://www.spanishconsalsa.com/join **Doors close this Sunday at 10pm EDT** Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this special 7th anniversary episode, we are celebrating a major milestone! To mark the occasion, I’m sharing 7 songs that will transform your Spanish. These are hand-picked favorites that have been featured on the podcast or in our courses because they teach specific grammar concepts, cultural nuances, and conversational phrases. And of course, they're also great songs to dance to.💃🏽 Whether you want to master the subjunctive mood, understand colloquial expressions, or just get comfortable with the future tense, this curated playlist has something for every learner. You'll learn the lyrics, the meaning behind the music, and how to use these songs to take your Spanish to the next level. What You'll Learn in This Episode: simple futurediminutivesListen to this episode to get the ultimate playlist for learning Spanish and celebrate 7 years of Learn Spanish Con Salsa! Resources: Join the Spanish Fluency ClubBecome a Podcast SupporterSpotify Playlist: Songs from the PodcastEpisode 237 Show NotesDo you struggle to find Spanish conversation practice time? Don't have anyone to speak Spanish with? Then join our team this week with our FREE Spanish Conversation Challenge! Sign up at spanishconversationchallenge.com Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we break down the 5 stages of Spanish Conversational Fluency. Listen to find out what your true fluency level is, not a letter score based on a grammar quiz. If you want to take your Spanish to the next level, this episode is for you. Do you struggle to find Spanish conversation practice time? Don't have anyone to speak Spanish with? Then join our team this week with our FREE Spanish Conversation Challenge! Sign up at spanishconversationchallenge.com Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In part 2 of my conversation with Desta Haile, we explore how Spanish con Salsa got started, how learning languages can provide relief from the stress of daily life, and the many benefits of learning with music (beyond just having an amazing playlist 🎵). I also share a few facts about the Piedra de Rosetta we saw in the British Museum in London. [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, I'm sharing an interview with me and Desta Haile from Languages through Music. This time, I'm in the guest chair as Desta asks me about my early experiences learning languages and how music makes learning languages easier and more relevant to conversations with real people. [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we follow up on our lyrics breakdown of Better Late Than Never by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We review 7 Spanish verbs from the song that you can use in daily conversation to discuss desires, goals, and relationships. You'll also find out if you're a true Latin music fan when we reveal the easter eggs dropped in the bridge of the song. Plus, you'll learn the answer to our trivia question about El Rey de la Bachata. In this episode, you'll learn: 🗣️ A verb you can use instead of vale la pena to sound more like a native speaker 📱 Essential vocabulary for modern dating and setting boundaries on social media ⚡ A simple grammar hack to conjugate Spanish verbs without memorizing grammar charts Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we break down the long-awaited collaboration Better Late Than Never by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We analyze the lyrics of this instant classic, exploring the drama, the romance, and the clever musical references hidden within the verses. You'll learn how to express regret, handle modern dating conflicts (like blocking exes), and use the subjunctive mood. In this episode, you will learn: 🇩🇴 How to say the common phrase “better late than never” in Spanish 📱Useful vocabulary to discuss relationships and dating in Spanish 👑 Interesting trivia about Romeo Santos for true bachata fans Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

If you're looking for the right time to dedicate to achieving Spanish fluency, you need to hear Phillip Hargrove's story. In this episode, he explains why he decided to take the leap on coaching and how the program's personalized approach forced him to rapidly improve his conversational fluency in Spanish. Phillip shares how he went from learning Spanish on Duolingo and not being comfortable with speaking Spanish to easily having a 30-minute conversation with a native Spanish speaker in less than 90 days. This was despite facing several challenges during the 12-week program that most Spanish learners think would knock them off course. From this episode you'll learn: now is the perfect time stepping outside of your comfortzonebest way to correct your grammar mistakesGrab your once-a-year HUGE sale on our favorite Spanish Language Programs! Go to learnspanishconsalsa.com to claim your discounts! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

If you're learning Spanish, you probably find grammar challenging--especially when it comes to the dozens of verb conjugations. In this episode, you'll learn why most Spanish learners mix up indirect objects with reflexive verbs and other verb conjugations (and why this can be a problem) We'll take a look at examples in the lyrics of the song Casi Te Envidio by Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 salsa singer Andy Montañéz. From this episode you'll learn: indirect objects reflexive verbsnearlykind ofalmostreflexive verbs Grab your once-a-year HUGE sale on our favorite Spanish Language Programs! Go to learnspanishconsalsa.com to claim your discounts! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

The number one reason most Spanish learners don't reach fluency is they can't understand native Spanish speakers. The reason we struggle with listening comprehension is because we go about it the wrong way from the beginning. In this episode, we'll share 3 simple ways you can improve your Spanish listening skills so you can confidently jump into conversations with native speakers. [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

If you're thinking about traveling to a Spanish-speaking country this summer, I know you'll want to be able to chat with native speakers while you're there. There are specific tactics you can use to help you improve your Spanish so you'll be prepared to chat with the locals. Listen to this episode before you book your next trip abroad. Show Notes: https://www.learnspanishconsalsa.com/119 [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we're joined by the newest member of the Spanish con Salsa team: José Hernández. José shares why he started learning languages, how music and literature opened the doors to new cultures, and his experience moving from a small town to the city in his native Dominican Republic. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: el campo la ciudad Listen to this episode to learn more about Dominican culture and expert advice on how to become bilingual. Want to learn Dominican Spanish? Schedule a lesson with José [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In the last episode, I shared how a travel disaster turned into an unexpected viaje to Cartagena. In this episode, the journey continues with a spontaneous trip that will change my perspective forever: San Basilio de Palenque. This episode takes you inside Palenque, a place with deep African roots, a unique culture, and a language all its own. If you've ever felt like your Spanish lessons were missing a connection to the real world, this historia is for you. It's proof that the best language lessons happen when you step out of your comfort zone and into the world. What You'll Learn in This Episode: trenzas (braids) language of Palenque impenetrable fortress Listen to this episode to continue a story that will inspire you and deepen your understanding of Afro-Latino history and culture. Resources: Historia de viaje: Las calles de Cartagena ♫ 229 Learn more about San Basilio de Palenque (UNESCO)[FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

What happens when a trip that was supposed to be a relaxing getaway goes completely off the rails? In this episode, find out how a travel plan gone wrong led to an unexpected solo adventure in the beautiful, historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. This story starts with a desperate, last-minute decision to scrap the original itinerary and fly to a new country, inspired only by a classic salsa song 💃🏽. What followed was an incredible adventure of spontaneity and discovery, from stumbling into a chocolate-themed hotel to connecting with locals and learning the unique Spanish of the Colombian coast. This episode is packed with travel stories, cultural insights, and the real-world Spanish you won't find in a textbook. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 9+ essential Cartagena slang words(and understand what they’re saying) a lotCaribbean coastcareful when ordering eggsListen to this episode to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cartagena and learn the secrets of the coastal Colombian accent! [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

Ever get confused between traer and llevar? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re reviewing how to use these two commonly confused Spanish verbs—and why knowing the difference can make your conversations sound way more natural. 🗣️✨ Whether you’re heading to a party, talking about what you’re wearing, or explaining how long you’ve been doing something, these two verbs come up a lot. We'll walk through practical examples, useful expressions, and even regional differences so you can feel confident using them. No more second-guessing at the cookout or in your next conversation 😉 📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The difference between traer ("to bring") and llevar ("to take") ✅ Useful phrases like llevarse bien, traer cola, and llevar la delantera ✅ How llevar is used to talk about time and clothing ✅ Why these verbs can vary depending on where you are in the Spanish-speaking world 🌎 ✅ A simple rule you can use so you always choose the right verb 🔍 Examples from the Episode: ❌ Voy a traer el postre a la fiesta (if you're already at home!) ✅ Voy a llevar el postre a la fiesta I'm going to take the dessert to the party ✅ ¿Puedes traerme un café cuando vengas? Can you bring me a coffee when you come? ✅ Llevo dos años aprendiendo español I've been learning Spanish for two years 🎁 Resources Mentioned: Learn Spanish Con Salsa Website [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation 👉 www.spanishconversationguide.com Learn Spanish with Music Course BONUS: Vocabulary Booster Course 💬 Support the Show ⭐ Leave us a rating & review—we may give you a shout-out in a future episode! 📩 Join our email list to get new episodes + exclusive freebies 📲 Follow u [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we’re breaking down the lyrics to the bachata classic "Llévame Contigo" by the one and only Romeo Santos. If you've ever wanted to expand your vocabulary with phrases you'll actually use (instead of just singing along to your favorite songs in the shower 🚿🎶), this episode is for you! You'll learn the song lyrics with their meaning and English translation, along with 5 Spanish words & phrases you can start using today. What You'll Learn in This Episode: "I can't stand it!""That's not fair!"use the verb llevar like a native speakergive suggestions in SpanishListen to this episode to add a bachata hit to your playlist and take another step towards Spanish fluency. 👣 Resources: Llévame ContigoLearn Spanish with Music CoursePronunciation Mastery CourseVocabulary Booster Course[FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

Bad Bunny steps away from reggaetón with his new salsa song “Baile Inolvidable.” In this episode, Tamara we'll breakdown the lyrics so you can turn one of your favorite songs into confident Spanish conversations. You'll learn 5 everyday Spanish phrases you can use from the song lyrics, plus find out Bad Bunny's real name 🤫 [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, Kesia from the Spanish con Salsa team shares the history of bachata music in the Dominican Republic. We discuss the different styles of bachata dance and the genre’s most popular artists. En este episodio, Kesia del equipo de Spanish con Salsa comparte la historia de la música bachata en la República Dominicana. Discutimos los estilos de baile y los artistas más populares del género. 📣 The long-awaited season 3 of the Dominican Spanish 101 Podcast is now available! Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Click here to access the show notes with all the vocabulary mentioned on the podcast + transcripts Learn conversational Spanish the way it's spoken in the Dominican Republic > Dominican Spanish 101 Course at DominicanSpanish101.com > Schedule a Spanish Lesson with Kesia and learn more Dominican Spanish: spanishconsalsa.com/kesia > Follow us on Instagram @dominicanspanish101 [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someone for the first time in less than 30 minutes! Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter