Learn Spanish and Go

Latest Episodes:

¿La salsa Cholula no viene de Cholula? - Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn't Come from Cholula? Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

We explore why Cholula sauce, named after our hometown, isn’t actually made here—and why most locals don’t even use it. From its humble beginnings in a Mexican kitchen to its massive $800 million acquisition by McCormick, this episode uncovers the cultural, historical, and economic journey behind one of the world’s most popular hot sauces. Plus, we share personal stories and local perspectives that reveal how much (or how little) this famous sauce matters to everyday Mexicans.

Key Takeaways:

The real story behind Cholula sauce—and why it’s not made in Cholula
Why hot sauce can cost $1 in Mexico but $12 abroad
How marketing, history, and globalization turned a homemade recipe into an international empire

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

104 – ¡Al Chile! – Chilis: Straight To The Point
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La vacuna BCG - Un símbolo de identidad mexicana - The BCG Vaccine - A Symbol of Mexican Identity Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

We explore the BCG vaccine and why it’s commonly given to newborns in countries like Mexico. You’ll hear what we learned from our pediatrician, how vaccine practices differ around the world, and why this immunization still plays a critical role in public health. Whether you’re a parent or simply curious about global healthcare, this conversation offers helpful context and cultural insight.

Key Takeaways:

Why the BCG vaccine is still necessary in countries like Mexico
What makes this vaccine different from those given in the U.S. or Canada
How a small scar can carry cultural meaning and public health significance

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs
253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!
263 – Lo Que Nadie Nos Dijo Del Embarazo – Sorpresas, Retos Y Momentos Reales | What No One Told Us About Pregnancy – Surprises, Challenges, And Real Moments
270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
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Padres primerizos - ¡Bienvenido, Santi! - First-Time Parents - Welcome, Santi! Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

We’re officially parents! Just a few days after welcoming baby Santiago into our lives, we’re sharing all the details — from the surprising calm before the cesarean to the emotional rollercoaster of choosing the right doctor and hospital in Mexico. We talk about the decisions we had to make, the challenges we faced, and how it all led to a beautiful and safe birth that changed our lives forever.

Key Takeaways:

Why we chose a scheduled cesarean and how May’s medical history influenced that decision
How we selected the hospital and doctor we felt safest with
What it really felt like becoming first-time parents in a foreign country

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

167 – La Cirugía Y Recuperación De May | May’s Surgery And Recovery
253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!
263 – Lo Que Nadie Nos Dijo Del Embarazo – Sorpresas, Retos Y Momentos Reales | What No One Told Us About Pregnancy – Surprises, Challenges, And Real Moments
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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¿Dólar o peso? La historia y uso del signo - Dollar or Peso? The History and Use of the Symbol May 27, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered why the dollar sign is used for both U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos? We’ve had students ask if ATMs in Mexico give out dollars or pesos, all because of that same “$” symbol. In this episode, we break down the real history behind the sign—from colonial-era Spanish pesos to silver mines and the American Revolution—and reveal how the U.S. didn’t create the symbol, but actually adopted it from Latin America.

Key Takeaways:

The “$” symbol likely originated from the abbreviation “PS” for pesos, not from U.S. dollars.
Mexico—and many other countries—used the symbol before the U.S. did.
While the symbol is shared globally, each currency it represents is distinct and independent.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
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Cien años de soledad - One Hundred Years of Solitude May 20, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever wanted to read One Hundred Years of Solitude but felt intimidated by its complex narrative, this episode is for you. May breaks down why this novel is more approachable than it seems, especially when paired with the new Netflix adaptation, and how its cyclical structure and recurring themes reflect Latin American history and identity. May also shares tips for navigating the story, from keeping track of the Buendía family to appreciating the magic woven into the everyday.

Key Takeaways:

One Hundred Years of Solitude is ideal for intermediate to advanced Spanish learners due to its accessible language and cultural depth.
Understanding the novel’s cyclical narrative and repeated names can enhance your reading experience.
Watching the Netflix adaptation can help visualize the characters and make the story easier to follow.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

221 – Como Agua Para Chocolate | Like Water For Chocolate
242 – Pedro Páramo | Pedro Páramo
265 – Cómo Ver Series En Español Y No Morir En El Intento | How To Watch Series In Spanish And Not Die Trying
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¿Jalas o qué? Cómo aceptar o rechazar propuestas en español | You in or What? How to Accept or Reject Proposals in Spanish May 13, 2025

Show notes

Saying “yes” or “no” in Mexico isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this episode, we unpack the social and cultural nuances behind these everyday responses, especially when someone offers you food, help, or an invitation. Whether you’re learning Spanish or planning a visit, this episode will help you sound more natural, polite, and culturally aware in real conversations.

Key Takeaways:

Learn fun and informal ways to say “yes” in Mexico, like jalo, va, and órale.
Discover how to soften a “no” using polite phrases like ahorita no, gracias and lo voy a pensar.
Understand why cultural context matters when rejecting offers—especially when food is involved.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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Colores que no sabías que necesitabas en español - Colors You Didn't Know You Needed in Spanish May 06, 2025

Show notes

While choosing wallpaper and curtain rods for our new home studio, we came across color names like “royal blue” and “matte nickel,” sparking a fun conversation about how color terms vary in English and Spanish. From “colorado” to “rosa mexicano,” we unpack the emotional, cultural, and regional meanings behind these colors—and how they don’t always translate directly. Whether you’re into design, language learning, or just love the little quirks of vocabulary, this episode will help you see color in a whole new light.ually enjoying the process!

Key Takeaways:

Learn how color names like “colorado,” “café,” and “morado” vary across Spanish-speaking regions.
Discover why direct translations like “royal blue” or “lavender” can miss the cultural context behind each shade.
Understand how specific terms like “matte nickel” and “rosa mexicano” reflect design, emotion, and identity.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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Cómo ver series en español y no morir en el intento - How to Watch Series in Spanish and Not Die Trying Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever struggled to understand Spanish shows or movies, you’re not alone — even I still find it hard after 15 years of learning! In this episode, we break down why this happens and how to use Spanish subtitles, re-watching scenes, and shadowing techniques to boost your skills. We’ll also give you fun ideas for what to watch so you can improve your Spanish while actually enjoying the process!

Key Takeaways:

Why using Spanish subtitles (not English!) will level up your listening skills.
How re-watching scenes and using the shadowing technique can strengthen your fluency and comprehension.
The best types of content to watch for easier and faster Spanish learning.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

211 – Cine Y Series Para Mejorar Tu Español | Movies And Series To Improve Your Spanish
How To Use “Speech Shadowing” For Perfect Spanish Pronunciation
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Medicina extremadamente barata en México - Extremely Affordable Medicine in Mexico Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we talk about why Farmacias Similares is such a game-changer for healthcare in Mexico — from super cheap medications to quick, easy doctor visits. We also share a personal story about using their services and have some fun chatting about the famous Doctor Simi. If you’ve ever wondered how healthcare really works here, or just want to hear a few funny stories, this one’s for you!

Key Takeaways:

How Farmacias Similares revolutionized healthcare affordability in Mexico
Why Doctor Simi became a symbol of trust and happiness
The huge convenience of their walk-in medical consultations

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs
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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Lo que nadie nos dijo del embarazo - Sorpresas, retos y momentos reales - What No One Told Us About Pregnancy - Surprises, Challenges, and Real Moments Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

We’re diving into a real, unfiltered conversation about pregnancy. May talks about the unexpected physical changes, emotional rollercoasters, and little everyday challenges that no one really prepares you for (like the endless need to pee!). Whether you’re expecting a baby or just curious about what it’s really like, this episode is a candid glimpse into our journey so far, with plenty of laughs, surprises, and a few heartfelt reflections along the way.

Key Takeaways:

What it’s really like trying to sleep while pregnant—and why it’s way harder than we thought.
How our mindset and fears changed as first-time parents in our 30s.
Why every pregnancy is different, and what’s helped us stay calm and informed

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!
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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