Learn Spanish and Go

Latest Episodes:

Alebrijes, tonales, y animales fantásticos - Alebrijes, Tonales, and Fantastic Animals Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever wondered about the colorful alebrijes featured in Mexican culture or how they connect to myths like nahuales and tonales? In this episode, we share the story of how alebrijes originated from a fever dream, their transformation from papier-mâché to wood carvings in Oaxaca, and their global rise to fame. We’ll also dive into the mystical beliefs surrounding nahuales and tonales, uncovering their ties to ancient traditions and personal destiny. Whether you’re a fan of folk art or curious about Mexican heritage, this episode will leave you inspired and informed!

Key Takeaways:

Discover the origin story of alebrijes and their evolution into a beloved art form.
Learn the fascinating myths behind nahuales and their spiritual role in Mesoamerican culture.
Explore how tonales connect your birth date to a unique animal or element.

Links And Additional Resources:

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Pedro Páramo - Pedro Páramo Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

May introduces listeners to the haunting tale of Pedro Páramo, where a man’s quest to find his father leads him to the eerie town of Comala, filled with lost souls and buried secrets. She unpacks the novel’s themes of power, guilt, and redemption, highlighting its importance in Latin American literature. With a new film adaptation now on Netflix, this episode is a perfect primer for anyone curious about exploring deeper layers of Hispanic storytelling and magical realism.

Key Takeaways:

The significance of Pedro Páramo in Latin American literature and its influence on magical realism.
How Juan Rulfo’s personal experiences shaped his unique storytelling style.
Insights into the new Netflix adaptation and why it’s worth checking out.

Links And Additional Resources:

221 – Como Agua Para Chocolate | Like Water For Chocolate
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Cosas que no sabías que eran mexicanas parte II - Things You Didn’t Know Were Mexican Part II Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

We’re back with more surprising facts about things you probably didn’t know came from Mexico! In this episode, discover how ancient indigenous groups used popcorn long before it became a movie-time snack, learn about the rich history behind vanilla’s cultivation, and find out why the poinsettia became a Christmas symbol around the world. This episode is packed with fascinating insights into how Mexican culture has shaped the world in unexpected ways.

Key Takeaways:

The surprising ancient origins of popcorn and its significance to indigenous cultures.
How Mexico’s Totonac people cultivated vanilla and made it a global sensation.
The fascinating story behind the poinsettia’s journey from a Mexican tradition to a worldwide holiday icon.

Links And Additional Resources:

241 - Cosas Que No Sabías Que Eran Mexicanas Parte 1
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La flor de cempasúchil - Historia, cultura y leyendas - The Cempasúchil Flower - History, Culture and Legends Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this lively discussion, we share our experience celebrating Día de Muertos in Cholula, Puebla, surrounded by the beautiful cempasúchil fields and festive atmosphere. We dive into the origins and uses of the marigold in Mexico, from its practical applications in gardening and health to its presence in cuisine and legend. Discover the touching love story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin, adding deeper meaning to the flower that guides spirits back to their loved ones each year.

Key Takeaways:

Discover the rich cultural and historical background of the cempasúchil flower in Mexico.
Learn about the practical and medicinal uses of the marigold in Mexican communities.
Hear the romantic legend of Xóchitl and Huitzilin, symbolizing love that transcends life and death.

Links And Additional Resources:

028 – Día De Muertos: Lo Que Tienes Que Saber | Day Of The Dead: What You Need To Know
029 – Calaveritas De Azúcar: Origen Y Tradición | Sugar Skulls: Origin And Tradition
082 – El Pan De Muerto | Bread Of The Dead
135 – Día De Muertos: Respondemos Tus Preguntas | Day Of The Dead: We Answer Your Questions
136 – Xoloitzcuintle, Perro Sagrado | Xoloitzcuintle, Sacred Dog
187 – Día De Muertos: Una Perspectiva Local | Day Of The Dead: A Local Perspective
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Mejora tu español usando inteligencia artificial parte II - Improve Your Spanish Using AI Part II Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Discover how tools like ChatGPT and Google's NotebookLM are transforming language learning with AI. We delve into ChatGPT's new conversational features, allowing you to practice Spanish grammar in real-time while choosing regional accents, like Mexican Spanish, for authentic interaction. Plus, learn about NotebookLM, a powerful AI that can turn your notes and vocabulary lists into interactive conversations, offering context-rich explanations that reinforce what you’re learning. These tools not only make Spanish accessible but also keep it engaging and fun. Don’t miss this chance to bring advanced AI into your language practice!

Key Takeaways:

Practice Spanish in real-time with ChatGPT, using accents from various Spanish-speaking regions.
Learn how Google’s NotebookLM personalizes vocabulary and grammar learning for deeper immersion.
See how AI tools can make language practice interactive and tailored to your learning needs.

Links And Additional Resources:

148 – Mejora Tu Español Usando Inteligencia Artificial | Improve Your Spanish Using Artificial Intelligence
303 - ¿Puede la IA Reemplazar el Aprendizaje de Idiomas? | Can AI Replace Language Learning?
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Las momias de Guanajuato - The Mummies from Guanajuato Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Discover the eerie history behind the mummies of Guanajuato, a captivating tourist site with roots in Mexico’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. May explains how these mummies were uncovered due to an exhumation law, turning the city’s cemetery into an unexpected museum of natural preservation. From the tragic deaths of miners to the stunning displays in the Museo de las Momias, we discuss what makes this destination both fascinating and unsettling. Whether you’re curious about the history or planning a visit, we’ll help you decide if this museum is for you!

Key Takeaways:

The unexpected discovery of the Guanajuato mummies.
How historical events and mining shaped the city’s past.
What to expect when visiting the Museo de las Momias.

Links And Additional Resources:

080 – La Ciudad Más Bonita De México Con Laura Barrón | The Most Beautiful City In Mexico With Laura Barron
The Mummies Of Guanajuato (Blog Post)
Explore the famous Momias de Guanajuato when you join our Spanish Immersion Retreat in Guanajuato!
The Mummies of Guanajuato [Inside the Museum, Cemetery, and More] Video
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El subjuntivo - The Subjunctive Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

Struggling with the Spanish subjunctive? You’re not alone! In this episode, we explore how the subjunctive is used in everyday Spanish, why it's so tricky for learners (even for me!), and how it differs from English. May helps simplify the concept by explaining common usage patterns and providing examples that you can immediately apply. Whether you're an intermediate learner or more advanced, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of when and how to use the subjunctive, helping you feel more confident in your Spanish-speaking journey.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the three main verbal modes in Spanish and how they differ.
Learn real-world uses of the subjunctive with practical examples.
Discover why the subjunctive is tricky and how to avoid common mistakes.

Links And Additional Resources:

132 – Frases Más Comunes Del Subjuntivo | The Most Common Phrases Of The Subjunctive Form
230 – Aprende De Los Errores De Jaime | Learn From Jim’s Mistakes
233 – Aprende De Los Errores De Jaime Parte 2 | Learn From Jim’s Mistakes Part 2
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Cómo mantenerte seguro mientras viajas por América Latina - How to Stay Safe While Traveling in Latin America Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Ever wondered how to protect yourself financially while traveling in Latin America? In this episode, we discuss key strategies to avoid unnecessary charges and stay safe while exploring new destinations. Tune in to learn practical tips you won’t want to miss, from handling currency exchanges to using credit cards wisely!

Key Takeaways:

Learn a simple yet crucial step to avoid unexpected charges abroad.
Discover how the right payment method can protect your finances while traveling.
Find out what you should never overlook when withdrawing cash in a foreign country.

Links And Additional Resources:

Is Mexico Safe? [The Best Tips For Staying Safe In Mexico]
The Ultimate Guide To Travel Banking [How To Get The Best Exchange Rate And More]
222 – Protégete De Las Estafas Con La PROFECO | Protect Yourself From Scams With PROFECO
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Cosas que no sabías que eran mexicanas parte I - Things You Didn’t Know Were Mexican Part I Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

Did you know some of your favorite things might not be from where you think? Join us as we reveal the true origins of a globally famous dish, a household item you’ve probably used, and a groundbreaking medical discovery. This episode is full of fun facts and surprising history that will leave you with a new appreciation for Mexican contributions to the world.

Key Takeaways:

Discover the real story behind a famous dish you know and love.
Learn about a widely-used product with ancient roots in Mexico.
Hear about a medical breakthrough that changed lives around the globe.

Links And Additional Resources:

Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
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Razones para visitar Colombia - Reasons to Visit Colombia Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

This week, Nate and Andrea from the Españolistos Podcast join us to talk all about the country of Colombia.

In the episode you'll learn what makes this country so unique and special. They discuss the affordability, security concerns, beautiful tropical landscapes, and much more in the episode.

At the end, they share an exciting opportunity to visit Colombia in a 1 or 2 week fully immersive homestay program for Intermediate and Advanced Spanish students.

Interested in this learning more?

Use this link to get $100 off just for being a Spanish and Go listener: https://spanishlandschool.com/colombia-immersion-spanish-and-go

Feel free to reach out to them with any questions or concerns and we hope you enjoy the episode!

Links And Additional Resources: