Learn Spanish and Go

Latest Episodes:

La saga del sillón y la PROFECO parte II - The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part II Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

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:

PROFECO can successfully force companies in Mexico to respect consumer rights.
You don’t need to be a Mexican citizen or resident to file a PROFECO complaint.
Persistence, documentation, and knowing the law can make a real difference in high-value purchases.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

289 – La Saga del Sillón y la PROFECO Parte I | The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part I
222 – Protégete de las Estafas con la PROFECO | Protect Yourself from Scams with PROFECO
How to Defend Your Consumer Rights in Mexico With PROFECO [Blog Post]
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México, tierra de maíz…y de pan - Mexico, Land of Corn…and Bread Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

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:

Why bread, though not originally Mexican, is deeply woven into Mexico’s daily life and traditions
How history, colonization, and local ingredients shaped uniquely Mexican breads
What pan dulce and common Spanish expressions reveal about Mexican culture and values

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 Coffee
082 – El Pan de Muerto | Bread of the Dead
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Especial fin de año - End of the Year Special Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

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:

Why reflecting on milestones helps you see growth you might otherwise miss
How major life changes reshaped our priorities, work, and travel
What exciting projects and goals we’re working toward next

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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Vocabulario navideño esencial - Essential Christmas Vocabulary Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

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:

Master practical Spanish Christmas vocabulary used in real conversations
Understand the meaning behind Mexican holiday traditions and symbols
Speak more naturally about Christmas while traveling or celebrating in Spanish

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

036 – Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas | Mexican Christmas Parties
037 – Diferencias Navideñas Entre México Y EEUU | Christmas Differences Between Mexico And The US
141 – Villancicos Navideños | Christmas Carols
142 – La Rama: El Árbol Navideño Mexicano | The Branch: The Mexican Christmas Tree
195 – Ponche – El Olor De La Navidad En México | Ponche, The Smell Of Christmas In Mexico
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La sobremesa - La Sobremesa Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

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:

Why meals in Mexico don’t end when the plate is empty
How la sobremesa reflects deeper cultural values around time and connection
How you can use la sobremesa to practice Spanish naturally and confidently

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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La tienda en cada esquina de México - The Store on Every Corner of Mexico Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

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:

Why Oxxo is considered one of the most important convenience stores in Mexico.
How its everyday services—from bill payments to cash deposits—make life easier for millions.
The surprising products, expansion, and financial tools behind Oxxo’s massive success.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

264 – Medicina Extremadamente Barata en México | Extremely Affordable Medicine in Mexico
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La cocina ancestral oaxaqueña con Evangelina - The Ancient Oaxacan Kitchen with Evangelina Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

May talks with Evangelina about the origins of Cocina Nana Vira and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles—coloradito, mole negro, and mole chichilo—and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oaxaca immersion experience, where students explore local markets, learn regional traditions, and cook alongside Evangelina in her wood-fired kitchen.

Key Takeaways:

The powerful story behind Cocina Nana Vira and how Evangelina’s family revived ancestral cooking traditions.
The cultural significance of Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles and what makes each one unique.
Why traditional tools, native ingredients, and fire-based techniques are essential to preserving Zapotec culinary heritage.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2
157 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 1 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 1
Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
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¿Qué pasó con la ch, ll y rr? - What Happened to “ch,” “ll” and “rr”? Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

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:

Why ch, ll, and rr are no longer part of the Spanish alphabet
How the RAE and the Association of Academies make decisions about the language
The importance of correct alphabet pronunciation for clearer, more confident Spanish speaking

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

How To Say The Alphabet In Spanish [Blog Post]
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Español útil para un viaje a México - Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

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:

How to use provecho, por favor, gracias, and salud naturally in daily situations
The difference between con permiso, disculpa, and perdón
Why asking “¿Te puedo tomar una foto?” is a sign of respect and cultural awareness

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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Me paró la policía en Puebla - The Police Stopped Me in Puebla Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

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:

How traffic laws — and their enforcement — can vary across different parts of Mexico.
Why it’s important to stay calm, polite, and informed when dealing with local authorities.
How technology can help you navigate real-life challenges abroad.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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