Learn Spanish and Go

We go beyond the music and analyze the deeper meaning behind Bad Bunny’s halftime performance. We share historical context about Puerto Rico’s political status, its colonial past, and what it means to be a U.S. territory without full representation—something many people don’t fully understand. We also unpack key symbols from the show, like the light blue Puerto Rican flag linked to the independence movement, the imagery of the jíbaro and sugar cane fields representing working-class pride, the electrical poles symbolizing ongoing power outages, and the celebration of Latin culture, family, and women’s empowerment. Having lived in Puerto Rico ourselves, we add personal insight to help you better understand why this performance sparked so much pride, debate, and emotion—and why it was about much more than entertainment. Key Takeaways: Support the show

We break down what a piropo actually is and why it’s more than just a romantic line — it’s a mix of language, humor, and culture. We share cute, funny, and cheesy examples you might hear in movies or conversations, and we also explain the street piropos you should understand but probably never use. Most importantly, we help you learn the social rules behind them so you don’t accidentally sound rude or awkward while speaking Spanish. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these expressions in real life and media, but you’ll also know how to navigate flirting and compliments in a culturally respectful way. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

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From figuring out which bus to take to knowing when and how to signal the driver, we walk you through the reality of using urban buses in Mexico. We talk about routes, schedules (or the lack of them), payment methods—from cash to modern app-based systems like Mérida’s Va y Ven—and the essential Spanish phrases you’ll actually need on board. Along the way, we share etiquette tips, safety advice, and personal stories that will help you avoid common mistakes and turn public transportation into a fun, immersive travel experience instead of a stressful one. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

From Cholula to Tabasco, we explore how some of the world’s most famous hot sauces are named after places they don’t actually come from. We break down the real origins of Tabasco sauce, how it was created in Louisiana using Tabasco chilies, and how it became the best-selling hot sauce in the world—traveling everywhere from seafood plates to space missions. We also share our honest take on its flavor, how it’s used differently in the U.S. versus Mexico, and why homemade Mexican salsas still hold a special place in our hearts. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 104 – ¡Al Chile! – Chilis: Straight to the Point272 – ¿La Salsa Cholula no Viene de Cholula? | Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn’t Come from Cholula?Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

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In this episode, we conclude our real-life battle with Sam’s Club after buying a couch that arrived incomplete and went unresolved for months. We share how filing a complaint through PROFECO and ConciliaNet led not only to a full refund, but also to the legally required 20% compensation—despite resistance and delays from the company. If you live in, travel to, or shop in Mexico, this episode shows you that you do have rights as a consumer and that PROFECO is a powerful tool when a business refuses to respond. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 289 – La Saga del Sillón y la PROFECO Parte I | The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part ILevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

In episode 301, May takes the mic solo to respond to claims that Mexico lacks a true bread culture, using this moment to explore how wheat arrived during the colonial period and evolved into something uniquely Mexican. We walk you through the history of bread in Mexico, its role in everyday life and religious celebrations, and the incredible variety of pan dulce that defines Mexican bakeries today. Along the way, you’ll gain cultural insight, expand your vocabulary, and better understand why food is such a powerful part of Mexican identity. immersion retreats and a community platform to future travel, plus why this kind of reflection can help you appreciate your own progress too. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 209 – La Feria Más Bonita de Comala – Ponche, Pan y Café | The Most Beautiful Fair of Comala – Ponche, Bread, and Coffee082 – El Pan de Muerto | Bread of the DeadLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

We reflect on reaching 300 podcast episodes and five years of Spanish and Go, a journey that started during the pandemic in Puerto Rico and led us to where we are today. We talk about the biggest moments of the year—buying a house, becoming parents, favorite podcast episodes, and how slowing down helped us grow in unexpected ways. You’ll also hear what we’re planning next, from new immersion retreats and a community platform to future travel, plus why this kind of reflection can help you appreciate your own progress too. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

We walk you through essential Christmas words and traditions in Mexico, from nacimientos and Christmas trees to poinsettias, piñatas, and festive street decorations. We also explore classic holiday food and drinks like tamales, ponche, rompope, and buñuelos, plus the music, posadas, and expressions you’ll hear everywhere. Whether you’re traveling, living in Mexico, or simply want to sound more confident during the holidays, this episode helps you connect language with real-life Christmas experiences. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: 036 – Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas | Mexican Christmas Parties037 – Diferencias Navideñas Entre México Y EEUU | Christmas Differences Between Mexico And The US141 – Villancicos Navideños | Christmas Carols142 – La Rama: El Árbol Navideño Mexicano | The Branch: The Mexican Christmas Tree195 – Ponche – El Olor De La Navidad En México | Ponche, The Smell Of Christmas In MexicoLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and truly connecting with people beyond the classroom. Key Takeaways: Relevant Links And Additional Resources: Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipSupport the show

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.