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Latest Episodes:

Empachos, soponcios, y otros males mexicanos - Empachos, Soponcios, and Other Mexican Ailments Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever heard of empacho, mal de ojo, or mal del puerco? In this episode, we unpack these common yet culturally rich concepts that aren’t officially recognized by doctors but are widely understood across Latin America. From stomach aches and sudden frights to the infamous post-meal sleepiness, we share stories, remedies, and even a few laughs as we reflect on how these beliefs shape the way people talk about health.

Key Takeaways:

Discover the most common Mexican folk illnesses and what they reveal about daily life.
Learn how language, tradition, and humor intersect in cultural health expressions.
Hear our personal experiences and reflections on which of these ailments we’ve felt ourselves.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

281 – ¿Cómo, Cuándo y Qué Se Come en México? | How, When, and What People Eat in Mexico?
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¿Cómo, cuándo y qué se come en México? - How, When, and What People Eat in Mexico? Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

We break down the daily meals in Mexico, from breakfast on the go with tamales and atole, to the all-important comida shared with family, and even the light late-night dinners that might surprise foreigners. Along the way, we share cultural curiosities, like why some Mexicans avoid fruit at night, how coffee at night is completely normal, and why hot soup on a hot day actually makes sense. If you’re learning Spanish or simply curious about Mexican culture, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of daily life and traditions that shape the way people eat and connect in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

Learn how meal times in Mexico differ from the U.S. and why dinner is eaten much later.
Discover the cultural importance of la comida as the biggest and most social meal of the day.
Explore unique food beliefs and traditions, from nighttime coffee to avoiding fruit at night.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

130 – Comidas Mexicanas Que No Conoces | Mexican Foods You Don’t Know About
118 – Comidas Callejeras De México | Street Food In Mexico
013 – La Comida Mexicana | Mexican Food
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Regateando en el mundo hispano - Cuándo y cómo - Bargaining in the Hispanic World - When and How Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Haggling can feel like a cultural minefield. In some places it’s expected, in others it’s frowned upon. In this episode, we break down when and where to negotiate, share the fascinating history of bargaining, and give you insider tips for doing it the right way. From friendly street market interactions in Mexico to knowing when to hold back in Argentina, we’ll help you navigate the dos and don’ts of regateo so you can save money, connect with locals, and avoid awkward moments.

Key Takeaways:

How cultural norms around haggling differ across Latin America and Spain
Practical strategies for negotiating politely and successfully
Useful Spanish phrases to use when bargaining

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

Shopping in Spanish [YouTube Video]
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Chatea como nativo con acrónimos - Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Whether you’re texting a friend, planning a trip, or simply want to level up your Spanish, knowing how native speakers actually type is a game changer. In this fun and practical episode, we share some of the most popular Spanish abbreviations like TQM, NTP, XFA, and more—plus the cultural context behind them. If you’ve ever seen messages like “XQ” or “GPI” and felt lost, this episode will help you feel confident using and understanding them like a native.

Key Takeaways:

Discover 7+ must-know Spanish acronyms you’ll see in texts and comments.
Understand the cultural and historical reasons behind these abbreviations.
Learn when and how to use these phrases to sound natural in casual Spanish conversations.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

191 – ¿Qué Onda Con Whatsapp? | What’s Up With Whatsapp?
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Fuera gringo - Gringo Go Home Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Gentrification has become a hot topic in Mexico City—especially in popular neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. In this episode, we share our perspective as a bicultural couple living in Mexico and unpack the complexities behind the recent protests. We talk about housing concerns, immigration policy, local frustrations, and how foreigners can travel more responsibly while still feeling welcomed in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

The recent protests are more about housing inequality and lack of regulation than about foreigners themselves.
Mexico’s lenient immigration and Airbnb policies have contributed to housing issues in tourist-heavy neighborhoods.
Responsible tourism and cultural respect are key to creating positive change for both locals and visitors.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

126 – ¿Gringos Gentrificando México? | Gringos Gentrifying Mexico?
093 – ¿México Ya No Quiere Más Gringos? | Does Mexico Not Want Any More Gringos?
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El nombre más complicado en México - Most Complicated Name in Mexico Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Naming our baby should’ve been straightforward—after all, we’d agreed on Santiago Fricker Larios years ago. But thanks to a suffix in my U.S. documents (“II”), things got messy fast. We dive into how this small detail caused major legal confusion in Mexico, how it affects our son’s future documents, and what it means for multicultural families navigating two systems. Along the way, we reflect on suffixes, identity, and how this tiny “II” changed everything. This is the real story behind Santiago’s full name, what it took to register it, and why we might be leaving him a little name drama to deal with at 18.

Key Takeaways:

How suffixes like “II” or “Jr.” are handled differently in Mexico and the U.S.
Why naming a child in a bicultural marriage can get legally complicated
What to consider when dealing with international documents and identity

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
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Los narcocorridos - Narcocorridos (Drug Ballads) Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Narcocorridos are narrative songs that paint vivid pictures of drug trafficking, organized crime, and the lives of real or fictional figures in the narcotics world. In this episode, we discuss where this genre fits within regional Mexican music, the ethical concerns it raises, and how it reflects deeper social realities in Mexico. We also take a look at the history of narcocorridos, some of the most iconic songs, and how this music intersects with power, reputation, and even violence.

Key Takeaways:

Narcocorridos are not just music—they’re cultural expressions shaped by Mexico’s social and political history.
These songs walk a fine line between storytelling and glorifying criminal lifestyles.
From “Camelia la Tejana” to “Jefe de Jefes,” narcocorridos remain a powerful (and polarizing) part of Mexican musical identity.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

060 – El Santo De Los Narcos | The Saint Of Narcos
218 – La Música De Banda – El Sonido De Sinaloa | Banda Music – The Sound Of Sinaloa
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El Chingonario - The Chingonary Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

We’re breaking down the many colorful, confusing, and creative ways chingar shows up in everyday Mexican Spanish. From expressions like chingón, chingadera, and chingadazo to more obscure gems like chingaquedito, we cover the meanings, the contexts, and why they matter. Whether you’re a language nerd, an advanced Spanish learner, or just curious about how locals really talk—this episode will entertain, educate, and probably make you laugh.

Key Takeaways:

Learn the multiple meanings and tones behind the word chingar and its many variations.
Understand when (and when not) to use this type of slang in Mexican culture.
Discover how El Chingonario became a cult favorite and why it’s a fun tool for Spanish learners.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

261 – Usando Slang Sin Hacer El Ridículo | Using Slang Without Sounding Ridiculous
Mexican Spanish Slang Phrases To Help You Sound Like A Local
086 – Las Groserías Mexicanas Con Mextalki | Mexican Swear Words With Mextalki
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Mérida, Yucatán, y las tierras del Mayab - Mérida, Yucatán, and the Lands of the Mayab Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Come along as we sit down with our friend and guide Susana to uncover the many treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula. We dive into the stories behind Mérida’s grand European-style mansions built during the henequén boom, and we share why this crop shaped the region’s fortunes. You’ll also hear about ancient Maya archaeological sites, hidden cenotes perfect for a refreshing swim, and the incredible local dishes you can only truly experience here. Whether you’re curious about Mexico’s cultural diversity or dreaming of your next adventure, this episode will inspire you to discover Yucatán for yourself.

Susana Ojeda Orranti, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, has developed a distinguished career in tourism and environmental conservation across several regions, including Baja California Sur, Yucatán, and Guanajuato. She has served as a university professor, specializing in tourism studies and heritage interpretation. In the academic sphere, her research has focused on the traditional and festive culinary practices of Guanajuato.
For more than a decade, Susana has also worked as a cultural and nature tourism guide with Cacomixtle, her family’s business. Her expertise spans mining history, regional gastronomy, hiking, and mountain biking, reflecting her commitment to sharing Mexico’s rich cultural and natural heritage with visitors.

Key Takeaways:

Discover why Mérida’s architecture looks so European and what the henequén industry meant for the region.
Learn about the most impressive archaeological sites beyond Chichén Itzá, including hidden gems you may not have heard of.
Get a taste of Yucatán’s unique cuisine—from cochinita pibil to agua de chaya—and why it’s worth the trip alone.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

The Best Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen
Visit Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico (YouTube Video)
Follow Cacomixtle Guanajuato on Instagram
Connect with Susana on Facebook
Visit Susana's website and learn more about Guanajuato
Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
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Mole poblano - El sabor profundo de México - Mole Poblano - The Deep Flavor of Mexico Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever wondered what mole poblano is—or why it’s considered by many to be Mexico’s national dish—this episode is for you. We talk about the ingredients that make it so complex, its colonial and pre-Hispanic roots, and how it’s typically served during major celebrations like weddings and New Year’s. From our own tasting experiences to the endless variations across regions, we explore what makes mole more than just food—it’s a reflection of Mexico’s history and identity.

Key Takeaways:

Learn about the fascinating legends behind the invention of mole poblano and how it evolved over time.
Discover what goes into making this richly flavored dish—from chiles and spices to chocolate and even tortillas.
Understand why mole poblano holds such a special place in Mexican culture and how it brings people together during important celebrations.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

192 – Los 7 Moles Oaxaqueños | The 7 Oaxacan Moles
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