Learn Spanish with Stories

Shadows of the Past, Terrorism and Violence in Latin America (Las Sombras del Pasado, Terrorismo y Violencia en Latinoamérica) Oct 29, 2024

Latin America is beautiful, but it's also dangerous, and I'm not talking about the wildlife here... Holding 6 spots in the top 10 crimes rates worldwide, this region has unfortunately been one of the most deadly in recent decades, and its people have lived in fear of violent crime and terrorism for too long.
And with organizations such as the FARC and ELN, FMLN, the US-backed Contras, Sendero Luminoso, and more, it's no surprise that there's plenty of content for today's episode on the scary past (and present) of Latin America's crime underworld.
We love Latin America (especially as Latin Americans ourselves!) - but today, we'll spend half an hour going through the dark side of the Latino region. Enjoy the episode.
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1338

Of Blood and Earth, Stories from the Mexican Revolution (De Tierra y Sangre, Historias de la Revolución Mexicana) Oct 22, 2024

We've given Mexico some love in recent times, after Season 3's finale "Te Amo, México" - and today is no exception. In fact, today we'll talk about how Mexico's modern political structure came to exist.
The nation wasn't always a stable democracy (well, depending on who you ask these days). It has had its up and downs, and its downs have been preeetty low. With multiple authoritarians coming and going, it was inevitable that the people would rise up, and with it... a revolution would start.
You've probably heard of Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa, two Mexican heroes... but do you actually know what they did? If the answer is no (and I'm hoping for that, so you can listen to the episode), you're going to enjoy today's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1337

The Journey of Cacao, From the Mesoamerican Jungles to the Global Boom (El Viaje del Cacao, De las Selvas Mesoamericanas al Boom Global) Oct 15, 2024

Do you love chocolate as much as we do (and if you don't, WHY)? Well, in that case, you might be curious as to how we ended up having this delicious sweet all across the world, on every continent. And yes, that includes Antarctica.
Born in the heart of Mesoamerica and originally consumed by the Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs, cacao (the precursor of chocolate) was discovered by Spanish conquistadors, who decided to take this curious fruit back home with them, which soon led to an explosion of delicious new products.
But I'm done "spoiling" the episode here. You should check it out and unravel the history of cacao, chocolate, and the origin of one of the most delicious desserts you'll ever try, in this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1305

The El Niño Phenomenon, Following in the Weather's Footsteps (Fenómeno El Niño, Tras las Huellas del Clima) Oct 08, 2024

Have you ever seen flowers in the desert? One of the most curious climate phenomena worldwide is El Niño, which is the irregular warming of sea surface temperatures, which leads to a cascade of effects on weather patterns and ecosystems.
In this episode, we talk about what it involves, how it affects the lives of animals and human beings in Latin America, and what is being done to lessen its effects on people and nature.
Oh, and you'll also learn more about how and why this phenomenon occurs, and you'll find out why I asked you about flowers in the desert - so don't miss it!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1272

Satellites and Dreams, The Space Race in Latin America (Satélites y Sueños, La Carrera Espacial en América Latina) Oct 01, 2024

Welcome back to the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, this time for a fourth season! We've returned with a pretty interesting episode about something that isn't talked about enough... Latin America's Space Race!
I bet you know the U.S., the EU, China, India and the Soviet Union (back in the day) had all built amazing missions to space, but Latin America doesn't often come to mind when discussing satellites and spaceflight.
That changes today. In this episode, we will tell you all about how governments in Latin America are starting to pay attention to the universe outside our planet, and using technology to bridge the gap between the Latin world and the immensity of space. So, buckle up and get your astronaut suit, we're lifting off with Season 4!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1271

I Love You, Mexico! (¡Te Amo, México!) Jun 04, 2024

It's the final episode of Season 3, so let's admit it: we haven't been fair with Mexico during our podcast's lifetime. Yes, we've talked about the Aztecs, but we've also talked a lot about the border issues, El Chapo, and other negative circumstances in the beautiful country of "El Águila Real" (the Royal Eagle). But it's time to redeem ourselves.
In this special DUAL NARRATOR season finale, we meet Ana and Oliver, who join forces to discover the beauty, magic, and power that Mexico has in every street corner, every local restaurant, every beating heart...
And we give you a ton of reasons to visit this beautiful and magical nation of the Aztecs. Enjoy our season 3 finale of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, and see you soon!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1270

Mate, A Drink that Transcends Borders (El Mate, Una Bebida que Atraviesa Fronteras) May 28, 2024

Do you like tea? Sure, maybe. But have you ever tried (or seen someone else try) yerba mate?
Mate goes beyond just a drink. It goes beyond the English tea time or that of other cultures. It's something which is almost... spiritual, you know?
Having started as a tradition among the Guarani people and then adopted by Spanish colonizers, this drink has spread across the world and is now seen consumed by European athletes, Hollywood artists, and even... U.S. presidents?!
The story behind mate is quite a fascinating and interesting one, and it's a story we dive into in our penultimate episode of the third season of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast! Enjoy the episode, and make sure to prepare your favorite drink before diving in!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1269

The Nicaragua Canal, An Unfinished Dream (El Canal de Nicaragua, Un Sueño Inconcluso) May 21, 2024

You know of the Panama Canal (we already talked about it in Season 1 if you didn't), but you probably had no idea that a second canal has been in plans for a very, very long time now - one that passes through Nicaragua (that's north of Panama).
But the delays haven't just been a problem of bureaucracy and budget... the canal would actually have to pass through a delicate natural reserve, where both humans and animals coexist, as well as a lake that certain endangered species call their home. All of this has caused great controversy.
And that doesn't even cover half of what has happened (or failed to happen) during the planning and proposed construction of this canal. Because even nuclear warheads (?!) have been considered, and yes, we're not kidding. Want to find out more? Check out this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1268

Jesuits in Latin America, a Legacy of Transformation (Jesuitas en América Latina, un Legado de Transformación) May 14, 2024

The Jesuits were a Catholic order that was founded in Europe, but which soon expanded to South America to spread the word of God - mainly to Paraguay.
However, they had a different way of evangelizing, which made them as interesting as it did controversial... hated, even. You see, the Jesuits didn't believe in forcing their beliefs on the local indigenous tribes or forcing conversion.
Instead, they integrated themselves into the indigenous beliefs and allowed the natives to express themselves, as long as they understood what Catholicism meant. This, and the fact that Jesuits believed in communal living, social justice, and a huge respect for the poor, led other branches of Catholicism (and even royal figures) to see them as dangerous Marxists who needed to be eliminated.
But this story has quite a few twists and turns before we get to the end - find out exactly what happened to the Jesuits in Latin America in this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1267

Sandinista Revolution, the Battle for the Heart of Nicaragua (Revolución Sandinista, la Batalla por el Corazón de Nicaragua) May 07, 2024

While not a country we hear about often these days, Nicaragua has gone through quite a turbulent history that has left it with long-lasting economic, political and social scars.
And leaving aside the subject of Daniel Ortega, current dictator of Nicaragua and one of the longest-lasting presidential terms in the world (with 26 interrupted years in power), Nicaragua's Sandinista revolution, in particular, brought massive transformation to the country, although with great controversy attached to it.
In this episode, we discover what exactly led to this revolution of the people, who the Somoza dynasty was and what they did to cause it, and why Nicaragua became the United States' biggest enemy for a period during the 1980s, culminating in a grand trial at the International Court of Justice.
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1266

How Do They Have Fun in Latin America? (¿Cómo se Divierten en Latinoamérica?) Apr 30, 2024

If you want to see historic sights everywhere you go, you go to Europe. But if you want to have fun, Latin America is the place to be.
Known as the land of dance, music, and smiles, Latin America just has "something else" that makes it a spicy and sweet combination of great food, fantastic nightlife, and quick friendships unlike any other. It's in the culture. It might even be in the genes, if we dug deeper (hmmm...)
But that's still too vague, right? How exactly is this culture of enjoyment expressed each day and night - is it through dancing reggaeton and salsa? Or cultural festivals? Art and museums? Perhaps it's a mix of feasting and drinking that is unrivaled anywhere in the world.
What if I told you that it's all of that and more? And that you're about to do a heck of a deep dive into discovering what makes Latin Americans tick - which will help you have even more fun once you get there.
So buckle up and enjoy this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast... if you think about it, enjoyment is its middle name!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1233

Guyana vs Venezuela, War for the Essequibo (Guyana vs Venezuela, Guerra por el Esequibo) Apr 23, 2024

There could be a war brewing in South America... and it's a conflict that has been a long time coming.
You see, Guyana and Venezuela have been fighting a silent battle for centuries over a large territory that makes up two-thirds of Guyana - the Essequibo. During the late 1800s, Venezuela lost this territory to a treaty signed by the United Kingdom and the United States, and things seemed to end there.
However, the recent discovery of oil deposits containing up to 700 million barrels of oil (worth close to $40 BILLION) and the potential existence of a secret CIA base in the area have rekindled the flames of conflict.
With Maduro's regime in Venezuela desperate for cash at any cost, could there be an escalation about to break out in the north of South America - and could this be the start of a new global conflict?
Find out in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1232

Javier Milei in Power, A Change in Argentina? (Javier Milei al Poder, ¿Un Cambio en Argentina?) Apr 16, 2024

Love him or hate him, it is clear that Javier Milei has rapidly made himself quite a controversial figure in global politics. Carrying a message that is unique and very different from traditional South American politicians, Milei has vowed to reduce the "parasitic" state in his country.
But his appearance may be ideal for the nation, and his recent victory as President of Argentina is a sign that the people of Argentina are tired of the old, stagnant systems of Peronism and Kirchnerism, that kept the country poor and corruption at its worst.
Still, what has made Milei such an interesting and refreshing arrival to global politics, and why does he divide opinions this much?
We'll have to find out in this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1231

Secrets of the Jungle, Latin America’s Hidden Tribes (Secretos de la Selva, Las Tribus Ocultas de América Latina) Apr 09, 2024

Believe it or not, there are communities of people out there who have never been contacted: they've only ever seen a handful of outsiders in their lifetimes, never been on the internet, driven a car (or bicycle) and are still several centuries behind us in terms of technological advancement.
It sure is hard to imagine, right? But in fact, that are several communities in South America that are so remote and separated from civilization that they have managed to maintain their ancient traditions and form of living for many centuries now, and who want to keep it that way.
It's a fascinating phenomenon, and one that has raised many questions - for example, do these communities deserve to be bothered and "forcefully" integrated into our healthcare systems? Or is it best if we leave them alone for good? And how do we protect them from criminal organizations that exploit and kidnap them?
All of these questions and more will be raised and hopefully answered in this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1230

Francisco de Miranda, Latin American Hero (Francisco de Miranda, Héroe Latinoamericano) Apr 02, 2024

Before Simón Bolívar, before José de San Martín, there was someone else. A man who fought for independence not only in South America but in France and the United States, and whose name is the ONLY American one (North or South) to be engraved in the Arc de Triomphe.
I'm talking about Francisco de Miranda, who was born around this time of the year in 1750, and who pretty much got the independence efforts going in Venezuela and South America in general.
Born into a Spanish family, Miranda actually fought for the Spanish armies at one point and protected this nation... but he soon found himself disagreeing with the Spanish occupation of the Americas and commenced a campaign that would end up becoming the world's biggest struggle for independence.
Today, we dedicate this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast to Francisco de Miranda and his fight for freedom in the Americas. Enjoy.
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1229

The Future of Latin America, Moving Forward or Backward? (El Futuro de Latinoamérica, ¿Progreso o Atraso?) Mar 26, 2024

What will Latin America look like in 2040? It's a question that many experts and onlookers have been asking for a while now. With climate change, socioeconomic equality and the security of the region having become such important subjects in recent decades, one must wonder if the nation comprising Latin America are ready to face them.
This is why two experts, Laura and Rafael, have united to create a new global initiative that will bring Latin America forward several decades and get the wheels of progress turning.
In this special DUAL episode, we touch upon a story of two visionaries who join forces to create an ambitious project together - one that will change the future of Latin America forever.
Enjoy this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast - and get ready, you haven't seen anything like this yet!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1196

The Origins of Humanity in Latin America (Orígenes de la Humanidad en América Latina) Mar 19, 2024

We often talk about the "discovery of America" when we speak of Columbus and the Spanish. But they didn't really discover America. Think about it: they only came across a continent that was already populated.
So the real question would be: how did the first natives in North and South America come to "discover" this land? After all, science has found that humanity originated very far away from the American continent and that these inhabitants are relatively recent compared to those in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Is there a simple answer to this question? And, besides that, what peoples lived in Latin America, long before the Spanish and even long before the Aztecs and Incas? Who created the first languages, and initial civilizations? Who built the first buildings and settlements? Who...
Don't worry - all of these questions and more will be answered in today's amazing episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast. Enjoy!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1195

Reggaeton: The Rhythm That Took over the World (Reggaetón, el Ritmo que Dominó el Mundo) Mar 12, 2024

Bad Bunny, Karol G, and even Shakira in more recent years... If these names don't sound like anything to you, it's time to dust those earphones off and tune in to the most recent craze of Latin American music that has dominated the planet: reggaeton.
Originating in the Caribbean as a result of fusing traditional reggae and Jamaican dancehall, reggaeton has outgrown its forebears and become the strongest source of Latino culture across the world. In fact, it is enjoyed in anywhere from the smallest bar someplace in Puerto Rico to massive clubs in Tokyo, such has been its impact.
But what controversies does this music genre hold (including the objectification of women, and its relation to the criminal underground), and how exactly did we end up with Bad Bunny becoming one of the most famous musicians in the world (like seriously)?
Pop your dance shoes out - we'll find out in this week's very rhythmic, very entertaining episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1194

The Legend of Dr. Knoche, Echoes of Immortality (La Leyenda del Dr. Knoche, Ecos de Inmortalidad) Mar 05, 2024

You've probably wondered what's beyond the veil between life and death, and that's normal. But some people really want to take it beyond just wondering and actually discover what that is.
In the case of the two men we'll talk about today, a Spaniard doctor by the name of Pedro González de Velasco, and a German doctor named Gottfried Knoche, the line between life and death was not as defined as it would be for the rest of us.
Because, as we'll soon learn, these doctors didn't think that death necessarily ended with a human being's last breath, and that life could continue within their physical form. This led them both to perform interesting but controversial experiments with embalming, twisting both into fascinating but terrifying individuals.
In this episode, we'll go through the life of both these men, especially Knoche, and discover just what it was that made him turn the "Hacienda Buena Vista" into Venezuela's own "House of the Dead"...
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1193

Does Racism Exist in Latin America? (¿Existe el Racismo en Latinoamérica?) Feb 27, 2024

Latin America might be the most diverse region on the planet - after all, it is home to over 660 million people from countless origins, including Spanish, Pre-Columbian, British, Portuguese, African, Indian, Japanese, and more - so it would be fair to say that racism doesn't really exist there... Right?
Wrong! Unfortunately, even this incredibly multicultural region of so many skin colors and ethnic background has not been saved from discrimination, and it usually comes as a result of the scars left by colonization. Even now, citizens with "European" features are often held in a higher socioeconomic regard than those with more "native" looks.
And that doesn't begin to cover the blatant inequality that affects hundreds of tribes across Central and South America, as even national governments have regularly disrespected the rights of ancient peoples, in an attempt to take their land and resources.
But what is being done against this? And can we see an end to the inequality still existent in this beautiful region? Find out in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1192

Wild Territory, Latin America's Most Dangerous Animals (Territorio Salvaje, Los Animales Más Peligrosos de Latinoamérica) Feb 20, 2024

While many of them are cute and fluffy, we've come to learn that some animals out there are VERY dangerous. Latin America is one such place which - though not as "everything is out to get you" as Australia, is still home to venomous snakes, ravenous piranhas, skull-breaking jaguars, and more.
In this region of great beauty and a fascinating variety of creatures, you're bound to be safe, until... you're not. So, to help you keep yourself careful out there while on your Latin American adventures, we've dedicated an entire episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast to helping you identify these deadly creatures.
Enjoy, and stay safe - we'll need you healthy if you want to keep listening to our podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1191

Celia Cruz and the Magic of Salsa (Celia Cruz y la Magia de la Salsa) Feb 13, 2024

¡Azúcar! - Whenever you hear this cry, you just know some amazingly good Salsa music is about to begin, as Celia Cruz's voice is moments away from hitting your headphones. And what a character she was, with her flashy hairstyles and extravagant clothing style, her wide smile and powerful voice.
But what was her story, before all the fame? How did a young, female Cuban singer with no industry connections end up becoming the Salsa legend? It had a lot to do with her determination and grit.
It also had a lot to do that she had not only a husband, but the lifelong partner who she claimed "I did the music, he did everything else". This romantic story became Celia's signature and spoke of how deeply she and Pedro loved and wished to see each other grow.
But anyway, I'll leave the rest of her story for you to discover - all while learning Spanish! Enjoy!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1190

Machu Picchu, The Citadel in the Clouds (Machu Picchu, La Ciudadela Entre Las Nubes) Feb 06, 2024

Hidden in the Andes mountain range for close to 400 years, Peru's Machu Picchu has long been an incredibly famous South American tourist destination. After all, it's wonderful location, beautiful views and the advanced technology with which it was created (how were those rocks even transported up there?!) make it unique not only in Latin America, but the world.
But was it just a temple for the Sun god, Inti, or was it something more? After all, there is evidence that leads scientists to believe that not only nobles and priests lived up there but also peasants, who shared its steep streets and paths with a common belief in their deity.
Furthermore, the mystery of its purpose is nowhere near as big as the mystery behind its disappearance into history. After all, Machu Picchu was abandoned long before the Inca Empire disappeared, meaning that something great (and perhaps terrible) took place there that forced its inhabitants to flee.
Want to find out more about that might have been, and get some answers surrounding the Citadel in the Clouds? Check out this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1189

The Andes, Where America Touches the Sky (Los Andes, Donde América Toca El Cielo) Jan 30, 2024

Move aside, the Himalayas. The Andes might not have the highest peaks in the world, but it's actually the most extensive mountain range on our planet, encompassing 7,242 kilometers and stretching across SEVEN different nations. It's South America's pride.
But what's so special about the Andes, and what type of terrain, flora, and fauna can you expect to find there? Oh, and why was it so important for human civilization, who not only lived there but turned it into the birthplace of great empires?
In this episode, we climb Latin America's highest peaks and ascend to the very sky above this wonderful region to look down upon the magnificent Andes mountain range and uncover its mysteries. Enjoy!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1188

Eva Perón, Don't Cry for Me, Argentina (Eva Perón, No Llores Por Mí, Argentina) Jan 23, 2024

Eva 'Evita' Perón, a woman who caused so much amazement and admiration over the decades that even Madonna, the Queen of Pop, begged to play her in a film. A young woman who, despite growing into the wealth of Argentine politics, actually came from a poor background and knew what it meant to be hungry.
The wife of controversial president, Juan Domingo Perón, Evita was a radically contrasting figure. On the one hand, she mingled with the poor and brought women's rights forward a few decades...
On the other, she and her husband were supporters of fascism across the world, including figures such as Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler.
But we'll let you conclude as to how you feel about her, because nobody (not even the greatest humans of all time) are either "good" or "bad".
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1187

Boca Juniors vs. River Plate, The Eternal Superclásico (Boca Juniors vs. River Plate, El Eterno Superclásico) Jan 16, 2024

Do you love soccer? Argentinians do, that's for sure. Their two top teams - Boca Juniors and River Plate - are actually among the fiercest rivals in world soccer, and have seen some of the most amazing encounters that Latin American football has to offer.
In this fantastic DUAL episode, we find Lucas and Paula getting ready to enter this year's Superclásico - that is, the duel between these two legendary teams. Having a bit of time to spare before the match, they decide to share a bit of competitive banter while remembering their teams' amazing feats and deciding on which one is best!
So, it's time for you to dive into the magic, tragedy, glories, and failures at the pinnacle of Argentine football. Enjoy this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1186

Miriam Rodríguez, A Mother's Sacrifice (Miriam Rodríguez, El Sacrificio De Una Madre) Jan 09, 2024

Sometimes, waiting for law enforcement to help is not enough, especially if the local police are involved in the crime you expect them to solve. Such was the belief of a brave mother named Miriam Rodriguez, who in January of 2014, realized that nobody was going to help her get her daughter back after she was kidnapped.
This woman, one of the bravest we've ever heard of, decided to take justice into her hands and commence both an investigation and manhunt like no other. She would go after every kidnapper involved in her daughter's crime and put them behind bars.
This would raise alarm bells among the criminals and cartels, but Miriam admitted it herself: "I'm going to take down the people who kidnapped my daughter, and then they can do what they want with me."
...Find out how this heroic story ends in the newest epic episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1185

Alí Lameda, A Poet Imprisoned in North Korea (Alí Lameda, Un Poeta Preso en Corea del Norte) Jan 02, 2024

How much do you know about what goes on in North Korea? Probably not much. Perhaps you think that a lot of what is said is just negative propaganda by anti-communists. But what if I told you that a Venezuelan communist was imprisoned there and got to see how horrible the prisoner treatment was up close?
Now, you must be wondering... what was a Venezuelan poet doing working in North Korea? Today's story is precisely about this man and what led him there. Ali Lameda was a passionate dreamer, who believed that the world needed more of what East Germany, Romania and North Korea (among other nations) had implemented at the time. The message of Karl Marx was like music to his ears. So he decided to contribute to Kim Jong Il's cause.
But he didn't expect that a slight, small criticism of what Kim's government was doing in terms of propaganda would cause him... a world of pain, both literal and even spiritual, as the North Koreans attempted to destroy the man over decades.
Does it sound horrific? Probably - but it might just have a happier ending than you think. Find out everything about this relatively unknown case in this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1184

Mapuche Conflict, An Unending Battle (Conflicto Mapuche, Una Batalla Interminable) Dec 26, 2023

Have you ever heard of the Mapuche people, or the historical country of “Wallmapu”? Probably not, and there’s a reason for that: the Mapuche people have been conquered, colonized, and excluded for centuries, since the Spanish arrived in South America... to the present day when modern governments continue to ostracize and bar them from possessing the same rights as everyone else.
It’s a controversial subject and one that has caused great bloodshed in the south of South America, with fierce protests and even extrajudicial killings: it’s a fight not only for equality by the Mapuche people, but one of simple respect by a society that has shunned them and forced them to live in uneducated poverty for too long.
But maybe it’s time for you to build your own opinion – check out this week’s episode and learn more about the Mapuche while also polishing your Spanish fluency!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1183

Banana Republic, Cause or Consequence of Decadence? (República Bananera, ¿Causa o Consecuencia de la Decadencia?) Dec 19, 2023

While capitalism has undoubtedly brought us some of our most impressive advancements as a species, it has also done some pretty terrible stuff to people across the world. Latin America is not an exception.
In the early 20th century, as corporations in the United States began looking outward and started entering poorer countries (under the guise of "foreign investment"), governments across Central and South America would greedily accept them and allow them to do whatever they wanted.
Soon, however, these corporations turned against the people and began the exploitation of land and workers, turning their host countries into "Banana Republics" which depended almost 100% on the profits gained from working with the corporation. But why the name? And how did it affect the nations in the long run?
Well, I guess you're going to have to listen to the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast to find out!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1182

Latin America's Lost Treasures (Tesoros Perdidos de Latinoamérica) Dec 12, 2023

When you watch a pirate movie, have you ever asked yourself where most of them are based? Heck, isn't the most famous movie pirate saga based in, precisely, Latin America (the Caribbean)?

And I bet you didn't know that most of those characters, events, and legends are based (loosely) on real stories and treasures - yes, it's not an exaggeration when we're told that reality surpasses fiction.

So... what is it that drove pirates and explorers to venture into the Caribbean and South American continent? Why, treasure, of course! And that's what we're talking about in today's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast. So, buckle up and bring yer' eyepatch. We be goin' to embark on a fascinatin' treasure-huntin', language learnin' adventure!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1181

The Chicxulub Crater: The End of the Dinosaurs (El Cráter de Chicxulub: El Fin de los Dinosaurios) Dec 05, 2023

Did you grow up loving dinosaurs like me? Maybe, maybe not, but you have to admit that it's sad how they disappeared. One day they were out there doing their thing, and then BOOM! A giant asteroid fell from the sky and ended them all.

But where did that asteroid land? To be honest, there are mixed studies, but it is widely believed that the Yucatan extinction event was the cause for the disappearance of dinosaurs and 75% of all animal and plant life on Earth. Its crater, specifically known as The Chicxulub Crater, was discovered relatively recently (in the 1970s) and is still an extremely interesting subject of study.

In this latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we'll dig deep into the story of this now-hidden crater, the story of the asteroid that caused it, and the fate of the dinosaurs 65-66 million years ago, all while learning Spanish. Enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1180

Alberto Fujimori, A Presidential Controversy (Alberto Fujimori, Una Controversia Presidencial) Nov 28, 2023

It may be surprising if you didn't already know this, but back in the late 1980s, a son of first-generation Japanese immigrants rose enough in political power and popularity to become president of a South American nation.

We're talking of the ex-president of Peru, Alberto Fujimori, who was elected in a time of great economic and social struggle in the nation. There was even an ongoing war against the widespread terrorism brought about by Abimael Guzman's Sendero Luminoso (which we talked about in a previous episode) that Fujimori promised to end, which helped him convince voters during his campaign.

But soon, Fujimori's tactics became more bloodthirsty, and his government measures more authoritarian, and such began the most controversial presidency in Peru's history. Discover all about it (while learning Spanish) in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1179

The Vargas Tragedy, When Nature Roared (La Tragedia de Vargas, Cuando la Naturaleza Rugió) Nov 21, 2023

What if I told you that there was a "day in which the mountain rolled into the sea" in Venezuela? What would you think? It sounds almost poetic, but it describes the country's worst natural tragedy in history.

It all began with a week of heavy rain, a storm at the beginning of December 1999, when the whole nation's attention was fixed almost entirely on the shifting political events that would mark the end of an era and the beginning of something revolutionary - the age of a new referendum under Hugo Chavez's government.

But all eyes would certainly soon turn to the events occurring across the coast in Vargas state, as the rain continued to fall and soon turned into something much, much worse.

In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we’ll delve into Venezuela's scariest natural disaster - one which marked a before and after for disaster prevention techniques and responses worldwide, such was its impact. We will discover... the Vargas Tragedy.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1178

Gabriel García Márquez, The Father of Magical Realism (Gabriel García Márquez, El Padre del Realismo Mágico) Nov 14, 2023

Did you know that one of the most influential writers in history is actually from Latin America? Colombia, to be exact – I’m talking of Gabriel García Márquez, of course!

Father of the amazing and refreshing genre known as “Magical Realism”, this Aracataca-born man changed the course of Latin American literature forever with his classic “One Hundred Years of Solitude”.

In this latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we’ll cover his life, his inspiration, the way he worked and why he grew to become Latin America’s most important writer of the past century. Enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1177

Why Do They Speak Portuguese in Brazil? (¿Por Qué en Brasil Se Habla Portugués?) Nov 07, 2023

Do you know what’s one of the strangest things in Latin America? The fact that the biggest country in a Spanish-majority region (with a third of the total population in Latin America) speaks a different language: Portuguese.

You’d think that somehow, Brazil would have adopted Spanish like their neighbors, but they never did, and even today, it is a minority language among many others. So… why? Why does Brazil speak Portuguese?

Basically, it has a lot to do with its origins and how the colonized lands were divided when it came to the Portuguese and Spanish kingdoms, who now had practically full control of the South American continent.

…but I won’t go into the historic details here. It’s better if you watch the fascinating latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, instead!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1176

The Triple Alliance War, The Dark History of the South (La Guerra de la Triple Alianza, La Oscura Historia del Sur) Oct 31, 2023

Have you ever wondered why Paraguay isn’t really a big, star destination in South America? In fact, it’s actually one of the least talked about locations in all of Latin America despite its size and location.

Well, this might have a lot to do with the fact that it went through a truly terrible war in the 1800s that decimated its infrastructure and even its population (up to HALF of Paraguayans died!), leaving the country more or less in ruins, and in need of serious rebuilding.

And who were the culprits? That would be an interesting alliance between the Empire of Brazil (yes, it was an empire once), Argentina and Uruguay – in other words, what would be known as The Triple Alliance.

But what caused the War of the Triple Alliance, and why did it get so ugly? Find out in today’s episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1175

Kiki Camarena, A Heavy Price to Pay (Kiki Camarena, Un Gran Precio a Pagar) Oct 24, 2023

Many of the best heroic stories end in tragedy. Such is the case of Kiki Camarena, the ace DEA agent with a magnificent sixth sense and an ability to sniff out the bad guys unlike any other.

Although his career was centered on U.S. law enforcement, this Mexican-born special agent was transferred to Mexico to keep an eye on the ongoing events of the criminal underworld and soon realized that things were getting really bad, really quickly, way before anyone else did.

Infiltrating himself into the world’s biggest marijuana plantation, thwarting Mexico’s biggest cartel in history at every turn, and even unveiling a massive international government conspiracy were only a few of the things Kiki managed to do within a few years… but this would end up costing him dearly.

Find out more about the life and death of agent Kiki Camarena in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1174

Gustavo Dudamel, The Genius Behind the Music (Gustavo Dudamel, El Genio Detrás de la Música) Oct 17, 2023

Some people are born different. Talented, special, prodigies… whatever you want to call them, they are able to do things others could only dream of. Gustavo Dudamel is one such man – from a young age, he demonstrated an immense ability in the world of music.

This music conductor not only became the best of his nation, Venezuela, by the age of 18, but also soon dominated South America, Europe, and the entire world with his ability to lead orchestras of all shapes and sizes.

Discover the story of this man who has not only broken all kinds of records in Venezuela but in music history, and who continues to amaze the world of art and music with his accomplishments, in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1173

Nevado del Ruiz Volcano, The Unforgettable Armero Tragedy (Volcán Nevado del Ruiz, La Inolvidable Tragedia de Armero) Oct 10, 2023

In 1985, Colombia was going through one of its most terrible periods in all its history. On one side, Pablo Escobar was destabilizing the nation with his drug trade and violence, and the Cali Cartel was growing in power. On the other, only two years before, a terrible earthquake had destroyed the city of Popayán, scarring the memories of local citizens and bringing fear to those around the nation.

But before the nation could recover, an even more horrific event struck – one that would be seared not only into the minds of Colombians, but of all humans worldwide. The brave, pleading eyes of Omayra Sanchez, the desperation of her rescuers, the pain and terror following a volcanic eruption and the avalanche of hot mud that followed…

This is the story of the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz: the Armero Tragedy, and all the horror - as well as the courage - that followed.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1172

Spanish in Asia, Hispanic Influence in the Philippines (Español en Asia, Influencia Hispana en Filipinas) Oct 03, 2023

Welcome back to the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast by Lingo Mastery! We’ve arrived once more, this time with Season 3, to bring you the best in Spanish learning.

This time, we want to travel across the world, away from Latin America… all the way to the Philippines, where a very interesting Spanish-related development happened between the 1500s and late 1800s – the colonization of these enchanting islands by the Spanish Crown.

In this episode, we want to tell you more about what consequences the Spanish influence brought to the Filipino culture, how they left their mark on religion but strangely not so much on the language, and what role the United States had to do in all of this (spoiler alert – it’s not a pretty one)!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1171

Lugares Imperdibles de América Latina, Un Viaje Inolvidable (Must-See Places in Latin America, An Unforgettable Journey) Jun 06, 2023

We’ve reached the Season Finale of another wonderful season, and we want to thank you for your support all throughout the year, in which we became one of the biggest Spanish learning podcasts and reached thousands more than we ever had. And, to end Season 2, we want to take you on a journey like no other in this special DUAL-NARRATOR episode.
Have you ever felt the threat of burnout, wanted to travel across Latin America and discover the hidden gems and beautiful locations that are nowhere near the typical tourist traps everyone is going to? Well, we’ve got the perfect episode for you. In this episode, Anthony, struggling with serious burnout, receives an amazing gift from the mysterious Raquel, which will take him to some of the most incredible locations in the Latin American region. Guatemala, Belize, and more, you'll love it!
Join them in this special season finale episode that uses sensory descriptions to boost our storytelling techniques even further… and see you in the next season, Spanish learner!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1170

The Aztec Empire, The Rise and Fall of a Giant (Imperio Azteca, el Ascenso y la Caída de un Gigante) May 30, 2023

When you think of the most impressive empires in the world, you cannot avoid thinking of the Aztec Empire, the powerful Mesoamerican civilization that conquered much of modern-day Mexico and was comprised of several million people. This is because, for a civilization that ruled over 500 years ago, the Aztecs accomplished many impressive feats in terms of medicine, society and technology, and were extremely skilled at the arts of diplomacy and war.

However… this civilization also had a great lust for conquest and blood, and both their practices of human sacrifices and slavery made them hated among local tribes that they had subjugated. Because of this, it is no surprise that when the Spanish colonizers arrived on their shores, a great alliance of indigenous people rose up to smash them. But how exactly did the Aztecs fall, and how was their society structured? Find out in this week’s episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1169

Shining Path, Abimael's Army (Sendero Luminoso, El Ejército de Abimael) May 23, 2023

In the history of Latin America, political extremes have caused great pain and suffering, especially to innocents throughout the rural areas of Central and South America. Communism has not been an exception to this rule. And in Peru, during the 70s, 80s and 90s, one particular Communist party made Peru an extremely dangerous and unwelcome place to live in. Led by a narcissistic leader who believed in using violence to further his goals, Sendero Luminoso is a fantastic example of terrorist groups hiding behind a “political party” to accomplish their goals.

With Abimael Guzmán at the helm, the so-called Shining Path recruited college students, teachers, and even high school teenagers as soldiers, forming an army that would later be the cause of bombings, kidnappings and murders, with drug trafficking and executions also being among their preferred activities. The government’s response was equally as violent, and war came to Peru. But how did this terrible story end, and what happened with Abimael and his army at the end? Find out in this action-packed episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1168

Nayib Bukele, Tyrant or Savior? (Nayib Bukele, ¿Tirano o Salvador?) May 16, 2023

Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez. You may love him, hate him, or wonder who we’re even talking about – but the truth is that Nayib Bukele has changed the direction of El Salvador’s history forever, simply by turning it from the world’s most dangerous nation to one of its safest, practically overnight. But we must ask the important question here: is he the Central American nation’s savior? Or is he a tyrant slowly controlling the population’s lives with an iron fist?

In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we are going to discover not only what Nayib Bukele has accomplished in a few years, but everything that led (historically speaking) to today’s situation in El Salvador and why he was elected to begin with. After all, as the old adage goes: “Hard times create strong men”. Enjoy the episode!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1167

Operation Just Cause, The Last Invasion of Latin America (Operación Causa Justa, La Última Invasión a Latinoamérica) May 09, 2023

Did you know Panama has no army? Probably not, but it wasn’t an arbitrary or random decision. You see, it was all due to one man: a dictator, a tyrant, an enemy of the United States of America. Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno, who grew from low-ranking soldier in the Panamanian Army to the most powerful man in the country in just a few decades. And – while they initially loved him as a strong ally against Latin American communism – his relationship with the U.S. soon turned sour and brought about the last foreign invasion Latin America has ever faced.

In this episode, we learn the story behind the United States’ famous ‘Operation Just Cause’, a controversial invasion of Panama which left civilians and enemy forces dead in its wake, and which still causes certain bitterness and anger in the Central American nation to this day. And… just what was Noriega’s darkest, deepest secret that shocked the world long after the invasion had ended? Find out in our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1166

The Most Bizarre Places in Latin America (Lugares Más Bizarros de América Latina) May 02, 2023

So, by you now you know your Latin American beaches, your mountains and waterfalls - of which there are many, so congrats for that – but you probably haven’t yet heard of the lesser-known “bizarre” or even “haunted” places in Latin America. But what makes a place bizarre? Any number of things, starting from a worryingly high number of suicides having occurred there, or a horrific backstory of drowning or demonic possession… anything goes when it comes to the weirdest places in Latin America.

Tequendama Falls, the Island of the Dead Dolls, the Devil’s Island… travel from Mexico to Argentina in this episode dedicated to the places you may actually love the idea of visiting, but make sure to prepare yourself: there is some horror to discover as we visit each place. Are you ready to learn of the places that makes Latin Americans’ blood run cold? Join us in this latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1165

Pablo Escobar, "Plata o Plomo" (Pablo Escobar, Plata o Plomo) Apr 25, 2023

While today we may recognize Medellín as a beautiful city that is not only welcoming of tourists and digital nomads but also a safe place to live, it was not this way just a few decades ago… You see, in the 1980s and early 1990s, a wanted criminal known Pablo Escobar had made this city – as well as much of Colombia – his personal territory in which he would grow what was the biggest drug trade business in history. It didn’t only earn him much riches and recognition, even being named on the Forbes list of international billionaires seven years in a row, but also put him in the sights of the U.S. government.

A troubled man who some considered Colombia’s “Paisa Robin Hood”, this individual had a strong resentment for the oligarchy and wanted to change the political and social order in his nation by force. But was this violent drug lord who brought the region to a standstill a maniac or a genius? We will discover this in our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast. Enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1164

O Rei Pelé: The Best Football Player in History? (O Rei Pelé, ¿El Mejor Futbolista de la Historia?) Apr 18, 2023

Diego Maradona. Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo. They have all been the greatest of their times at some point… but there is a player who is even greater than these footballing giants. The winner of 7 Ballons d’Or (you’ll understand in a minute), 3 World Cup trophies (sorry Cristiano), Player of the Century and so many more awards, O Rei Pelé was on a whole different level. Furthermore, having been born into extreme poverty was unable to destroy his self-belief or his willpower, and you’ll discover more about this in this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.

But what is the story behind Pelé’s success? And what else happened in this man’s fascinating life; a life that came to a sad end so recently in 2022? This footballer who we must remember was also an actor, an ambassador for UNESCO and so much more – the time has come to dive headfirst into the biography of the (disputed) greatest footballer of all time.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1163

Frida Kahlo, A… Feminist Icon? (Frida Kahlo, Un Ícono… ¿Feminista?) Apr 11, 2023

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderón. You may know her simply as Frida Kahlo… An artist with a tragic past. A woman who knew suffering and sadness. A wonderful warrior who fought like no other, both against the societal reality of her time, as well as the difficulties of disability and chronic pain. And yet, her story is not always well told, as it also seems to leave out some important events.

You see, for all her strengths and virtues as an artist and a human, she had one massive weakness. A man, who played with her feelings and humiliated her whenever he could, to the point in which she was quoted as having two great accidents – the one that left her body destroyed, and Diego Rivera. But let’s go more in depth in our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, in which we question: was Frida Kahlo truly a feminist icon? Enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1162

Antarctic Expedition, What’s Beyond Southern South America? (Expedición Antártica, ¿Qué Hay al Sur de Suramérica?) Apr 04, 2023

South America is fascinating and has some incredibly remote areas, but what if you want to go even more south and even more remote? Well, good news for you, as you would find yourself in Antarctica, the land of the penguins and sea lions, the place where the coldest temperature in history has ever been recorded.

But what is the link between Antarctica and Latin America, how do you get there, and what crazy story surrounds its discovery and exploration? Find out in this week’s episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast by Lingo Mastery! Enjoy… and take a sweater!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1161

What If...? Alternate Latin American History (¿Qué Pasaría Si...? Historia Latinoamericana Alterna) Mar 28, 2023

This is it. The episode you’ve been waiting for… the long-awaited What If? episode, in which we travel through realities and find out what could have happened in Latin American history. Join Anthony and Li as they make use of a time machine to move across realities and witness the greatest moments of Latin American past, present and future transformed into something very different, with quite surprising outcomes...

This special edition episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories will blow your mind – all while teaching you the best in Spanish fluency! Enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1160

Latin Americans Around the World, Debunking Myths (Latinoamericanos por el Mundo, Desmintiendo Mitos) Mar 21, 2023

Over time, more and more Latin Americans have left their nations and traveled across the world – sometimes out of necessity, other times out of the desire to triumph in a nation that offers them opportunities. However, this has sometimes brought conflict with the locals, who have disregarded them or their culture.

In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we want to remind the world of how special Latin Americans can be, whether in the arts, the sciences or any other fields where they apply their efforts. With Nobel Prize winners, world-class musicians and even NASA scientists featured in this episode, we are about to dispel all the myths you’ve ever heard about Latin Americans. Check it out and enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1159

Hurricane Maria, Devastation in the Caribbean (Huracán María, Devastación en el Caribe) Mar 14, 2023

In September 2017, life changed forever for Puerto Ricans and other inhabitants of the Caribbean. With an estimated cost in damages of over $91 billion dollars and causing the death of over 3,000 people, Hurricane Maria was a disaster that will never be forgotten.

Whether affected directly through damages or indirectly due to the long-term loss of services in their nations, Caribbeans are still reeling from the memory of this disaster. But just how bad was it and how did the storm start? Find out more about Maria (and other famous hurricanes) in our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1158

Latin American Joy, Most Important Celebrations (Alegría Latinoamericana, Celebraciones Más Importantes) Mar 07, 2023

You know the Brazilian Carnival, but have you heard how incredible all of the other famous parties and celebrations across South America can be? They get really wild – there is nobody in the world that can party like Latin Americans, after all. But where to find the best ones? And we don't just mean ANY best ones... we mean those that will turn into life-changing experiences!

In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we travel all around the Latin American region to discover the best parties in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, and many more countries that know how to celebrate a special date like no others in the world! Enjoy la fiesta!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1157

Shakira, the Hips That Don't Lie (Shakira, Las Caderas que no Mienten) Feb 28, 2023

Let’s talk about Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll – better known as Shakira –but also known as the world’s top Latin American singer, an extremely successful businesswoman, and a dancing and songwriting icon. She is one of Latin America’s great figures and has become the face for Latin music, impressing us all with her hips that simply don’t lie. Whether surrounded by praise for her charity work or shrouded in controversy over her relationship and tax issues, this wonderful artist is rarely out of the headlines.

But let’s go further back… who was Shakira before all of the fame? Where did she start, how much did she struggle to get to where she is? In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Shakira… and more!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1156

Guerrilla vs. Paramilitary - The Armed Conflict in Colombia (Guerrilla vs. Paramilitares - Conflicto Armado en Colombia) Feb 21, 2023

Today, Colombia is one of the most wonderful tourist destinations for those looking to escape for a while to South America, and is considered a safer option than several other nations in Latin America… but a few decades ago, this was not the case. With kidnapping, bombing and assassinations taking place as daily events, Colombia was a total hellscape that led to a mass exodus of its inhabitants to other nations.

But what actually was happening behind the scenes, and how did Colombia end up on the brink of a civil war (though some actually do classify it as one)? And what did they do to fix the nation? Find out in the latest episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1155

Simón Bolívar, The Liberator (Simón Bolívar, El Libertador) Feb 14, 2023

There is a famous historic figure who eclipses most others who have ever existed in Latin America, especially South America. His glorious cause led to the liberation of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela, with this latter nation being the country where he was born. We’re talking about Simón Bolívar, “el Libertador”.

And the most interesting part about The Liberator is the fact that he was born into privilege – a young man with all of the wealth and support anyone could need – and still somehow found the drive and the passion to fight for the slaves, the natives and the downtrodden of South America. Find out more about this magnificent historic figure in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast and enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1154

The Cayman Islands, A Caribbean Tax Haven (Islas Caimán, El Paraíso Fiscal Caribeño) Feb 07, 2023

Shakira, Lionel Messi, Elton John… What do these and other high-profile celebrities have in common? That they have all been in the news lately is one feature they share, of course, but the other is the fact that they’ve all recently been caught evading taxes. But what is tax evasion, and what does this have to do with the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands is probably the world’s most famous tax haven and a place where a countless number of companies have been formed, and… that’s probably all you know about it, right? In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we discover much more about these wonderful islands that are much more than just a major financial center. History, shipwrecks, cost of living… let’s open our minds and discover more about the Cayman Islands than we’ve ever known!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1153

Latin America 2.0, The Digital Nomad's Paradise (Latinoamérica 2.0, El Paraíso de los Nómadas Digitales) Jan 31, 2023

Digital nomads - you may have heard of them. One of the coolest trends in the latest decade(s), we're talking about those freelancers, remote workers and entrepreneurs who travel the world while making money online, be it from long-term employment, freelance gigs, or their own businesses. An amazing thing about Latin America is the fact that it has its own fair share of digital nomads and DN destinations.
From Mexico to Colombia, Costa Rica to... Paraguay? There are a ton of places to get to know if you're traveling and working online. The only obstacle? You will want to learn Spanish... but that's where WE come in, with the latest episode in our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!
Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1152

Martinique in 1902, A Deadly River of Lava (Martinica en 1902, Un Río Mortal de Lava) Jan 24, 2023

Have you ever witnessed a volcano eruption? It is one of the most terrifying forces of nature – pillars of thick, black smoke usually accompanied by sudden flashes of lightning; followed by the flowing rivers of lava pouring down its flanks… Now, imagine you were caught just several kilometers away from one, with no hope of escape. This is precisely what happened to a town in Martinique in 1902.

In this episode, we travel to Saint-Pierre, or more precisely to the location of the Mount Pelée volcano, which was a source of great destruction in April of 1902. Find out just exactly what happened, why the town wasn’t evacuated on time, and how a couple of people actually survived miraculously, in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1151

The Darién Jungle, Migration through Hell (La Selva del Darién, Migración a través del Infierno) Jan 17, 2023

Every year, thousands of people – from Latin America and beyond – are losing their lives in hopes of accomplishing a dream: the American Dream. But how? Known as the Darien Gap, this hostile jungle located between Colombia and Panama has borne witness to some of the most horrific stories ever told by migrants, not to mention that it is a place where people are often kidnapped and forced to become slaves and soldiers for guerrilla movements in northern Colombia.

However, people are choosing to ignore this terrible reality and continue to pour through the area in their hundreds every single day. Because of this, we have taken the story of two survivors, along with many other true stories found in news reports, and adapted them into an episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast. The truth behind the Darien Gap is finally here.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1149

Lionel Messi, the Flea Who Made History (Lionel Messi, la Pulga que Hizo Historia) Jan 10, 2023

Who is the best football (soccer) player in the world? You know the answer to this question: it’s Lionel Messi. For some, he’s even considered the best player in history. But one thing’s for sure – he’s a phenomenal talent in the world of sports. A boy who turned the misfortune of a growth deficiency at a young age into a drive that would lead him to crown himself as the greatest player of his generation; a man who is loved by millions and appreciated by billions; La Pulga, a legend who had already cemented his name in the books of history before crowning his legacy with a FIFA World Cup in December 2022.

This is the story of Lionel Messi. Check it out in our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1149

Mexican Cession – Result of the American War (Cesión Mexicana, Resultado de la Guerra Norteamericana) Jan 03, 2023

Despite the wars in the Middle East and Europe that have occurred in the past decades, Latin America has been a relatively conflict-free region in modern times… but what if you go back further? Centuries ago, Latin America was a perpetual war zone, with soldiers fighting endlessly for scraps of land on which to plant their flag. 19th Century Mexico was one such place, with the newly-independent United States looking to capture an important extension of its territories before the Mexicans could react.

Want to learn more of how Mexico lost over 50% (!) of its land, including Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado and more? Find out in our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1148

Human Trafficking, The Darker Side of Latin America (Tráfico Humano, El Lado Más Oscuro de Latinoamérica) Dec 27, 2022

The beautiful region of Latin America has a darker side that not everyone is aware of, but certainly one that must be talked about. We are talking about the human trafficking and modern slavery that continue to affect the region and ruin the lives of men, women and children who are typically just looking to cross a border in search of a new life.

As this situation is seemingly worsening with the great exodus taking place from Central and South America, it is time that the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast took a close look at this plague of crime and injustice. Let’s dive in.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1147

The Bermuda Triangle, An Unsolved Mystery? (El Triángulo de las Bermudas, ¿Un Misterio Sin Resolver?) Dec 20, 2022

On December 5, 1945, five General Motors TBM Avenger torpedo bombers disappeared from the face of the Earth during a training flight that took off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All 14 airmen were lost, never to be heard of again. A rescue plane with 13 crew members was sent to find them. It, too, was lost to oblivion. And to think that… these aren’t even the only disappearances that have taken place over or within the Bermuda Triangle.

This region of the world, so full of mystery and the location of many high-profile disappearances, still brings forth a feeling of terror to travelers and wonder to conspiracy theorists across the world. Are you ready to dive into the Bermuda Triangle (NOT literally) and find out more? Listen to our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1131

The Real Pirates of the Caribbean, A Menace on the Sea (Los Verdaderos Piratas del Caribe, Una Amenaza en el Mar) Dec 13, 2022

Maybe Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa aren’t real, but Blackbeard – or Edward Teach, as he was actually called – definitely did exist, and caused much pain and anguish to ships and their crew across the Caribbean. Likewise, Henry Morgan, Black Bart and Mary Read spread their tendrils across the sea, looting and pillaging when possible.

But if you want find out more about these legend’YARRR-y individuals, what they did and where they committed their crimes, you might want to listen to the latest episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1085

The Climate Crisis Reality in Latin America (Realidad de la Crisis Climática en América Latina) Dec 06, 2022

We may fear it, run from it, pretend it doesn’t exist or dedicate our lives to fixing it, but climate change is an absolutely real problem that the entire world is now facing. Scientists have found that – if we don’t act to stop the worst of the consequences – we may lose up to two-thirds of animal and plant species within the next 50 years, and hundreds of thousands of people could die from pollution-related causes.

But how is Latin America reacting to this phenomenon? And what is happening in this region, so full of biodiversity that is at risk of disappearing? Find out more in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1084

Baseball, a Sport of Record-Breaking Latin Americans (Béisbol, Deporte de Récords Latinoamericanos) Nov 29, 2022

One of the most interesting thing about sports in Latin America is how varied they can be, with most of them having been imported from Europe. However, there is one particular sport that Latin Americans haven’t simply adopted but actually mastered, playing it at a level that surpasses those who influenced them to play it in the first place. We’re talking about baseball.

With countless athletes from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and both Colombia and Venezuela holding some of the most incredible world records, it is clear that Latin Americans have a level of domination seen in few other sports. Let’s dive into this subject in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1083

Crime and Corruption, Latin America’s Stigmas (Crimen y Corrupción, Los Estigmas de Latinoamérica) Nov 22, 2022

While it may be one of the most beautiful regions on the planet, it is no secret that most of Latin America is also one very dangerous place. With some of the deadliest cities on the planet and a questionable amount of corruption within governments and law enforcement entities, you wouldn’t be crazy to think twice before heading to the shady areas of the region.

But it can’t all be bad, and this is what we want to cover in this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast. The good, the bad, and the ugly of crime and corruption in Latin America.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1082

Silicon Valley en el Sur, Mejores Startups Latinoamericanas (The Silicon Valley of the South, the Best Latin American Startups) Nov 15, 2022

Growing a startup to a billion dollars is already a huge challenge – for any founder on the planet, wherever they are. But we must admit that building a “unicorn” startup in Latin America is much harder than doing the same in London, Los Angeles or New York. Yet somehow, a number of founders have accomplished this goal, taking their companies to a valuation that surpasses a thousand million dollars.

But which companies are these and how did they accomplish this magnificent goal? In this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories, we discover these and more facts in Latin America’s own Silicon Valley.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1081

Santa Muerte, An Otherworldly Cult (Santa Muerte, Un Culto de Otro Mundo) Nov 08, 2022

Since primitive times, man has sought to learn more about the “beyond” – those gods or other supernatural beings that are said to be in other dimensions or worlds we cannot access until we die. In the case of Latin America, a great number of such gods have caused wonder among many civilizations.

In modern times, one such interesting goddess exists, whom is related to death in such an intrinsic way that she is known as “La Santa Muerte” or “The Holy Death”, and both worshiped and prayed to by masses of believers. In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we learn more about the cult of La Santa Muerte and just exactly who she is and how her worshippers continue to grow all over the Latin American region.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1080

Japanese Influence in Latin America (Influencia Japonesa en América Latina) Nov 01, 2022

By now, if you’ve listened to our podcast, you’ll be aware that Latin America has plenty of Spanish, African, Dutch, French, Italian and even British influence which has helped shape the region and make it what it is today… but did you know that Japan has also brought its important share of influence to Mexico and several South American countries, and that there are a ton of Japanese migrants who have even forgotten their native language?

Yes, believe it or not, over the decades, Japan has seen a large number of migrants and workers seek new lives in the warmer, more relaxed climates of Central and South America and, though not always easy, have become fully integrated into their Latino communities. Want to find out more? Listen to our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories – Japanese Influence in Latin America.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1079

Trujillo and the Rebellion of the Butterflies (Trujillo y la Rebelión de Las Mariposas) Oct 25, 2022

When it comes to dictators, Latin America has had quite its fair share of these, with both left and right-wing figures having subjugated and terrorized populations of several countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America throughout the decades. The Dominican Republic does not forget its own tyrant – Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, “Generalísimo” – who could basically do anything he wanted without consequence.

That is, until a brave family of fearless women decided to stand up against him and say the word he never thought he would hear: “No”. A tale of tragedy, hope and rebellion, this episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast tells the tale of Las Mariposas: The Butterflies.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1078

Peru's Great Earthquake, A Colossal Tragedy (El Gran Terremoto del Perú, Una Tragedia Colosal) Oct 18, 2022

Peru is a land of wonderful food, fascinating historic sites and rich traditions… but not all of its history has been a bed of roses. You see, in 1970, a great but terrible event changed everything for this nation: starting as a soft swaying of the ground but soon transforming into the terrifying rumble and ripping of the earth which brought buildings crashing down into rubble and destructive landslides tearing through villages and cities…

The Ancash Earthquake, a 7.9 seismic event on the moment magnitude scale, is remembered not only as Peru’s most catastrophic natural disaster, but also the cause of the world’s deadliest avalanche. In this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories, we discover exactly what happened on that fateful day, and find out why experts fear it may happen again in the near future…

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1077

Nicolas Maduro and the Destruction of a Nation (Nicolás Maduro y la Destrucción de un País) Oct 11, 2022

Unless you’ve switched off the news for the past decade, you will probably have heard of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. With tragedies ranging from food shortages in the mid 2010’s to millions of migrants desperately crossing borders all over North and South America, this once wealthy region has fallen to its knees… and all of it thanks to the Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro governments.

But who exactly is Nicolas Maduro, and how did Chavez manage to accelerate the beginning of the end of this beautiful country? In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast – written and narrated by Venezuelans – you will discover the story that led to Venezuela’s collapse, and find out just how a South American power was destroyed by the ambition and incompetence of a hateful, divisive leader.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1076

Uruguay, South America's Most Underrated Destination (Uruguay, el Destino Más Infravalorado de Suramérica) Oct 04, 2022

After a successful first season, the Learn Spanish with Stories Podcast returns with Season 2! And in this season's premiere, we want to take you somewhere that is almost as unknown as it is underrated. We’re talking about Uruguay, South America’s most underrated nation.

Boasting one of the highest levels of human development, tolerance, peace, GDP growth and innovation, Uruguay is one of the most developed nations in Latin America and a growing economy with plenty to do and to see if you’re there as a tourist. But it doesn’t end there either, as you will join us in diving into its deep, bloody history, as we discover more about South America’s underrated “little giant”!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1075

Why We Love Latin America (Por Qué Amamos Latinoamérica) Jun 07, 2022

We have reached the Season 1 Finale of our podcast – and this episode is a bit different. Although we have typically told the story from a third-person perspective (apart from Episode 2 – Últimas Horas), this episode is a first-person tale by your narrator, Anthony, in which he explains just how Latin America can take over your heart and mind. With its natural beauty, wonderful locations, lovely people and fantastic variety of cultures, Latin America is a place to love.

And just as importantly, he explains the problems that you may face while there, alongside how Latin Americans deal with them to be among the happiest and positive people on the entire planet.

The end of the first season of our Spanish-learning journey, this is Episode 36 of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast – Why We Love Latin America. Enjoy… and see you in Season 2! (Coming in October 2022)

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1074

The Worst Latin American Serial Killers (Los Peores Asesinos en Serie de Latinoamérica) May 31, 2022

While Latin America has produced some of the most fascinating people in history, we cannot pretend that it hasn’t spawned its own monsters, as well. Merciless murderers, monstrous hunters of children and even bloodthirsty cannibals(!) have left a mark of pain and death on the Latin American legacy.

In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we cover the stories of Pedro Nakada, Dorangel Vargas and Julio Pérez Silva, among others, as we speak of the men, women and even teenagers whose crimes have shocked the world at large.

Dive into this tale of bloodshed, agony and terror, as we learn more about Latin America’s Worst Serial Killers…

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1073

Pope Francis, Revolution in the Catholic Church (El Papa Francisco, Revolución en la Iglesia Católica) May 24, 2022

On March 13, 2013, a massive event took place within the Catholic Church – the first ever South American Pope, and the first from outside of Europe since the 8th century, was elected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who had resigned earlier.

This came as a shock to many – as respectable as he was, Pope Francis, who is actually called Jorge Mario Bergoglio – was something of a humble and less rigid figure, even considered a progressive by many. He had worked as a bouncer at a club in his youth, gotten involved in political controversies in native Argentina, he… he was different. And still is.

In the 34th episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we cover the story of Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and discover more of how this interesting individual came to represent the head of the largest Christian church on Earth and one of the most powerful institutions on the planet.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1071

Haiti, Resilience in the Face of Tragedy (Haití, Resiliencia Ante la Tragedia) May 17, 2022

Haiti – when you hear the name of this nation, what comes to mind? Usually, you can recall the hurricanes, earthquakes and other horrific tragedies that have hit the island and its people, plunging them further into a state of despair and disaster that they have suffered for decades now.

But Haiti is much more than disaster, pain and suffering. It is a nation with a rich history full of bravery and valor, in which the populace had to fight for its rights and throw off the yoke of French tyranny, along with other colonizers (including the United States!)

In our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, Episode 33, we venture to this French-speaking part of Hispaniola – an island shared with Dominican Republic, by the way – and learn of the Haitian resilience before tragedy, invasion and political crisis, throughout several centuries of history.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1071

The Atacama Desert, Another Planet on Earth (El Desierto de Atacama, Otro Planeta Dentro de la Tierra) May 10, 2022

The deserts across the planet are some of the most majestic and impressive destinations you will ever witness; Latin America is no exception. But there is one specific Latin American desert that has managed to blow the minds of even the highest level of scientists on the globe: The Atacama Desert.

Known for being the most arid (driest) desert outside of Antarctica, Atacama has still managed to sustain life, and is the place where you are most likely to have the best visibility of distant stars and galaxies – so much, in fact, that NASA extensively studies space from there.

Furthermore, its potential for tourism is so high that more and more people are crossing Chile and South America to visit it every year. Want to know more? Listen to our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories and enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1070

The Guianas, South America’s Forgotten Region (Las Guayanas, Región Olvidada de Suramérica) May 03, 2022

When thinking of South America, people across the world typically recall Brazil and its beaches, Argentina’s football and history, or perhaps the beautiful northern coasts of Colombia and Venezuela… but you can bet that hardly anybody remembers that the Guianas even exist!

But our goal is to change that: you see, Guyana, Suriname and the French Guiana are extremely singular, lush locations that are just as emblematic to the region as any other country. When you look at their history, their capitals and the people that make up these territories (French Guiana isn’t a “nation”, per se), you’ll realize how special they are and why they should be featured in a podcast episode such as this one.

So, let’s present this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories and tell you – it’s time to discover new lands that you probably didn’t know -anything- about!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1069

Rescue in Chile: An Underground Miracle (Rescate en Chile: Milagro Bajo Tierra) Apr 26, 2022

You may have heard of “The 33”, a group of miners who were unexpectedly trapped in a mine back in 2010… but do you know the full story? It all started with one big uproar – a loud boom of noise and collapse of earth that would set a series of events in motion that would shift all eyes from across the world to a small mine in the north of Chile.

A terrible tragedy, a magnificent show of humanity of an entire world united and even the appearance of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (or NASA, as you may know it as) to bring cutting-edge technology in this battle against time… in short, this is a story you’ll definitely want to hear.

In Episode 30 of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we tell the tale of “The 33” and how hope is humanity’s powerful driving force, no matter the situation.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1068

Diego and the Hand of God, A World Cup Controversy (El Diego y la Mano de Dios, Una Polémica Mundialista) Apr 19, 2022

In the history of world football, we have seen many great legends – men and women who have not only help build the sport, but also bring to it a mythical quality from which the greatest stories have been told. One such figure was Diego Armando Maradona. Born in Argentina to a poor family that lived in a shantytown, this skillful young man would grow up to become one of the best football players ever (some would argue -the best-).

But there are controversies that helped make El Diego who he was – the biggest of many, his “Hand of God” moment – the instant which defined him, his career and his entire legacy, for better or for worse.

In Episode 29 of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we cover the story of El Pelusa, El Diego or La Mano de Dios, as he known around the world. A man of many facets and a truly wondrous reputation (good or bad, depending on one person to the next), his story will blow your mind.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1067

The Chupacabra and Other Latin American Legends (El Chupacabras y Otras Leyendas Latinoamericanas) Apr 12, 2022

When traveling across Latin America, especially at night, you may find that some towns and small populations will recommend you to stay indoors after the sun comes out, but why? Sure, some countries aren’t as safe as others, but it’s not always -human- threats that they’re worried about…

You see, in Latin America, there is said to be a number of dark, supernatural threats that await unwary travelers, sometimes monsters with horrific forms, while other times they are what we could have once known as “people” that are now more like bloodthirsty specters and cursed ghosts.

Don’t believe me? Check out our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories to discover just how spooky things can get when you’re alone in the dark… it won’t seem so farfetched then!

Just a reminder: if you’re looking to learn how to speak Colombian Spanish – or just know more about the fascinating nation of Colombia – check out the amazing Spanish Colombiano podcast, hosted by Jorge. Find it on: https://www.spanishcolombiano.com/episodios

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1066

The Economy in Latin America, Crypto on the Rise (Economía en Latinoamérica, Criptomonedas en Auge) Apr 05, 2022

For all of its beauty and the “magical realism” that make Latin America such a wonderful place on Earth, even the most passionate of the region’s admirers must accept that the economy can sometimes be a bit… messy. Terrible politics, weak currencies and a general chaotic economic reality make Latin America a roller coaster when it comes to saving and/or investing.

But a potential solution is growing in popularity and utility across the region, as more and more Latin Americans, including entire governments, look to include cryptocurrency into their financial plans. Whether they’re introducing Bitcoin (BTC) as their legal tender, setting up mining farm or simply allowing citizens to trade in these interesting assets, cryptocurrency is taking over Latin America.

Find our more about how NFTs, bitcoin and crypto in general are taking Central, South America and the Caribbean by storm in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Oh, and if you’re looking to learn how to speak Colombian Spanish – or just know more about the fascinating nation of Colombia – check out the amazing Spanish Colombiano podcast, hosted by Jorge. Find it on: https://www.spanishcolombiano.com/episodios

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1065

The Garifuna — African Traditions in Central America (Garífunas – Tradiciones Africanas en Centroamérica) Mar 29, 2022

Latin America has one of the most heterogeneous populations in the world – in other words, you can find countless ethnic groups, backgrounds and cultures that make it a true gem of humanity. One of the most precious groups that can be found in the region is that of the Garifuna (or Garinagu). Descendants of West African and indigenous Central American natives, this group represents not only a mix of cultures but a beautiful fusion of continents separated by an ocean.

But the Garifuna have – in recent times – become victims of persecution and murder due to the greedy ambitions and financial desires of powerful entities, who wish to displace them from their lands and take their homes from them.

Find out more about the history, culture and struggles of the Garifuna in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1011

The Spanish Colonization: Encounter Between Two Worlds (Colonización Española: Encuentro de Dos Mundos) Mar 22, 2022

One of the things that we seem to know a lot about but strangely, at the same time, not much at all is the Spanish colonization of South America and the Caribbean. Some sources have led us to believe that huge armies of conquistadors traveled from nation to nation, killing, plundering and burning down everything they came across on their conquest… but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Mostly explorers (or at least at the beginning they were), the Spanish conquerors of Latin America were able to use brains more than brawn to achieve their objectives: through manipulation of political alliances and rivalries between the natives, psychological trickery and superior military tactics, a few hundred Spaniards were able to take down empires and achieve one of the biggest conquests in the history of humankind. But what happened when these European conquerors started getting too power-hungry and the fighting began between them?

Find out more in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast by Lingo Mastery!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/973

Aconcagua, The Summit of the Americas (Aconcagua, La Cima de las Américas) Mar 15, 2022

Despite the extensive mountain ranges across the Alaska, Canada and mainland United States, it is in South America where you can find the tallest peak – Mount Aconcagua. An incredible geological formation, this massive stone giant stands at a height of just over 6,960 meters, representing not only the tallest peak in the Americas but also in the Western and Southern Hemispheres.

But our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories is more than just about how tall a mountain is – did you know that Inca human sacrifices used to take place here? Or the fact that the mountain was scaled by a boy aged ten just recently? All of this and more in Episode 24 of the Learn Spanish with Stories Podcast by Lingo Mastery!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/898

Operation Condor, An Imperialist Massacre (Operación Cóndor, Una Masacre Imperialista) Mar 08, 2022

Throughout Latin America’s turbulent history, the region has been witness to terrible and unforgettable events, often orchestrated by heartless men and women who care more about their political gain than the lives of their people. One such event – and among the worst – was the right-wing, government-sponsored massacre which occurred in the Southern Cone of the South America, and in which even the CIA and U.S. Government were involved.

Resulting in the kidnapping, torture, murder and disappearance of hundreds, in this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories we cover the tale behind “Operation Condor”.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/897

Galapagos Islands: Darwin and Evolution (Las Islas Galápagos: Darwin y la Evolución) Mar 01, 2022

About 1,000 kilometers away from the coasts of Ecuador lies an archipelago where Mother Nature’s deepest secrets were uncovered – the origin of all species. Discovered and ignored by many different explorers across the centuries, it was not until a young British scientist named Charles Darwin came across it that the value of the Galapagos Islands was finally discovered.

In this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories, we travel to the islands where biology, science and the world were changed forever, and find out more about the potential that this magnificent location holds for those willing to uncover it.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/855

The Panama Canal: Latin America's Megastructure (El Canal de Panamá: La Megaconstrucción de Latinoamérica) Feb 22, 2022

Of all the works of engineering around the world, one of the most incredible and unique is the Panama Canal: bridging the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, this fascinating structure is much like an engineering masterpiece of the last century, with bright minds and big pockets making it happen in a country which, today, is immensely proud of this landmark.

With around 14,000 ships going through annually, the Panama Canal connects 1,900 ports via 180 shipping routes – it is a true treasure for world trade, and the shipping and delivery of goods in and around the Americas would be unimaginable without it.

But what is the history behind this structure, and how is it that the U.S. practically took the project from under France’s nose? Find out more in the latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/854

Amazonia and the Quest for El Dorado (Amazonia y la Búsqueda de El Dorado) Feb 15, 2022

Around five-hundred years ago, when America was still considered “The New World”, there were countless treasure hunters and adventurers who made their way to these exotic lands, chasing not only the hopes of acquiring power, but of obtaining the famed riches that so many of its discoverers had talked about. Soon, the biggest rumor of them all began to spread – the existence of a place named “El Dorado”, where a lake full to the brim with gold awaited any brave enough to venture into the jungle.

And so it began – a desperate, crazed series of exploratory journeys through the region containing the Amazon Forest – or Amazonia – with the Spanish conquistadors leading them at the forefront.

How did they end, and what did they find? Discover this and more in the latest episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/853

The South on Two Wheels (El Sur en Dos Ruedas) Feb 08, 2022

Many people are aware of the legendary Che Guevara, having seen him in old photos and on the front of many T-shirts. But how much do is really known about him? Few know what he studied at university or what his philosophies were (beyond Marxism), and how his philosophy actually began as that of a pampered rich young man.
Furthermore, few know that he was actually one of South America’s biggest explorers, having traveled its four corners in his youth.

In this episode, we dive into the life and story of Ernesto “Che” Guevara and discover more about what led him to become who he came to be.

Transcript of this episode available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/852

Migration Crisis: Mexico-United States Border (Crisis Migratoria: Frontera México-Estados Unidos) Feb 01, 2022

The Mexico-United States border – a place of great hope for some and yet also a location of extreme terror for others. For those wishing to live “The American Dream”, this border can soon turn into their worst nightmare. From the cartels picking off anybody who hasn’t paid the price of passage to the heat that can dehydrate and cause harm to any type of traveler crossing these dry lands, the border between these two nations has equally spawned countless stories of bravery and despair that will live on for ages.

In this episode, we cover the truth behind the events that migrants must go through to cross from Mexico to United States, and what comes after the crossing for those desperate individuals looking to start a new life in the States.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/830

Salar de Uyuni: The Sky of Salt (El Salar de Uyuni: El Cielo de Sal) Jan 25, 2022

Across the world, we may witness fascinating places that are unlike any other location on the globe – such extreme and fascinating places that tourists are dragged there by their reputation alone. The Salar de Uyuni is one such place. Found in Bolivia, this MASSIVE salt flat has not just been a filming location for Star Wars and countless amateur YouTube travel videos, but also represents the world’s single largest lithium reserve. A place you will love to learn about, this great expanse of salt and dust also is able to act like a huge mirror: one which may explain why – at the end of the day – we are witnesses to a magnificent sky of salt on Earth.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/829

Angel Falls and La Gran Sabana (El Salto Ángel y la Gran Sabana) Jan 18, 2022

The Angel Falls. Yes, the tallest waterfall in the world – you probably have heard this quite a few times… but do you know the myths and legends behind this wonderful location? Found in Venezuela’s southeastern region of La Gran Sabana (a magical creation of nature in itself), this waterfall has a rich history that has captivated travelers and scientists for at least the last century, and which requires an interesting but very challenging journey to reach. In this episode, we dive from the summit of this fascinating waterfall and venture through the huge green plains of La Gran Sabana. Oh – and one last thing, in case you weren’t aware – you’re also going to learn about the oldest type of mountain in the world. All of this and more in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/828

Nazis in South America: Escaping from Justice (Los Nazis en Suramérica: Escape de la Justicia) Jan 11, 2022

When we talk about World War II and how it ended for the Nazis, it’s almost always about their defeat and how they ended up paying (in one way or another) for their crimes. However, you may not be aware that a small but privileged group of their officers were actually offered a new avenue and a hope for a fresh life – one without justice catching them.
These lucky (and powerful) figures relocated to South America, joining right-wing tyrants such as Juan Domingo Perón in Argentina as they hid their true identities and managed to live out their full lives in a certain kind of tropical anonymity. Find out more about these fortunate fascists in the latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/827

Easter Island, the Mystery of Rapa Nui (Isla de Pascua, el Misterio de Rapa Nui) Jan 04, 2022

One of the most remote places in the world, Easter Island is as far as 3,500 kilometers from the coast of the country it belongs to – Chile. A land with a troublesome and even bloody history, few tourists of today (who visit the island for its wonderful Mo’ai statues) have any idea of how much pain and suffering the Islanders have gone through throughout the centuries.

In this episode, we talk of the history of this fascinating and very unique island, and tell the story of what Mo’ai statues are and how they came to exist until this day. But be warned – there is more than meets the eye to the Easter Island, or as the natives know it as… Rapa Nui.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/826

Paraguay, the Heart of South America (Paraguay, el Corazón de Suramérica) Dec 28, 2021

Often disregarded by tourists, travel influencers and the general public, Paraguay is actually a fascinating destination with a rich history and the incredibly unique triple frontier. But if travel isn’t your thing and you’re more into business, Paraguay has just what you need – extremely low taxes, quick and easy incorporation of companies and the third largest free-trade zone in the world – you are going to love the Heart of South America!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/825

General Augusto Pinochet, The Dictator (General Augusto Pinochet, El Dictador) Dec 21, 2021

Across history and throughout the world, even now, humanity has witnessed the rise and fall of terrible dictators – leaders who may have initially had good intentions but who ended up becoming terrible figures of authority who destroyed their nations and took many lives. The following episode is one of great duality in terms of bad leaders. From Allende, who tore apart the economy of a booming Chile to Pinochet, the man who overthrew him and executed thousands in a desperate fight for power, this episode will open your eyes on how the political landscape has helped ruin nations across Latin America. This is the story of General Augusto Pinochet, the Dictator.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/625

Titicaca, The Lake Where the Sun Was Born (Titicaca, El Lago Donde Nació El Sol) Dec 14, 2021

There are locations across the world that are shrouded in great mysticism. Whether because of their history or because magical things occurred there, these places carry the essence of myths and legends that make them special. Between Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, a great civilization spread in the 13th Century, ruling over a population of 10 million people. This empire – the Inca Empire, to be exact – was said to have been born in the mystical lake of Lake Titicaca. Even the Sun itself is said to have been forged in this incredible lake if the legends are to be believed. In this episode, we find out more about how the ancient founders of the Incas came to existence and how the lake has evolved over the centuries.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/624

Catatumbo, The Endless Storm (Catatumbo, La Tormenta Sin Fin) Dec 07, 2021

Lightning – electrostatic discharges that light up the sky and crash down to the ground every single second across the world. Scientists have calculated the frequency of these flashes: up to 1.4 billion lightning discharges occur every year. But what if we told you that there is a place – a single location – where thousands of flashes occurred every night, with even 40 of them occurring in a single minute? This place truly exists and is known as “El Relámpago del Catatumbo” (The Catatumbo Lightning). As one of the most fascinating locations in the Latin world, it is time we told you more about it. Discover the Catatumbo Lightning in this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/623

The Cuban Diaspora (La Diáspora Cubana) Nov 30, 2021

Around the world – but especially in the United States, Spain and Venezuela - there are over 1 million Cubans who have left their country and been forced to start a new life. The Castro dictatorship, which has ruled Cuba since 1959, has forced most of these people into exile due to the complete lack of economic security, food and goods, and even basic human rights abuses that are witnessed on the island. In this episode, we discover more about the causes behind this massive exodus and what positive things it has brought.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/611

The Tragedy of Los Andes (La Tragedia de Los Andes) Nov 23, 2021

Throughout history, we have witnessed terrible aircraft accidents and other horrific incidents that have cost the lives of hundreds. One of the most tragic plane crashes in Latin American history occurred on October 13, 1972, in which a plane filled with young rugby players and their families crashed in a remote location in the Andes mountain range. What followed was a tale of heroism and complete horror, as they were forced to challenge their bodies, minds and even spirits as they sought to survive against all odds.

Transcript of this episode can be found at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/610

El Chapo Guzmán Nov 16, 2021

Mexican cartels are among the most dangerous and destructive criminal organizations in the world. With their number of members numbering in the hundreds of thousands and their revenue reaching hundreds of billions per year, these drug trafficking syndicates operate from Mexico to the U.S., their presence expanding to the Caribbean, Europe, and even Asia. One of the most recognized cartel bosses in history has been El Chapo Guzmán, a man of small stature and humble origins who became one of the most powerful men in the world through his criminal activities. In this episode, we reveal his story.

Transcript of this episode can be found at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/607

Patagonia, The End of the World (Patagonia, El Fin del Mundo) Nov 09, 2021

A magical land that stretches at the southernmost expanses of land before Antarctica (even further south than Australia and New Zealand), the Argentine and Chilean territory of Patagonia is a fascinating region filled with mystery, snowy mountains and… penguins? Discover more about the “end of the world” in this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/603

Costa Rica's Natural Riches (Costa Rica y Sus Riquezas Naturales) Nov 02, 2021

There is a country in Central America, sitting between Nicaragua and Panama, which is known as nature’s paradise on Earth. Containing 6% of the planet’s biodiversity despite accounting for only 0.03% of its surface, this is the place to visit if you love animals and plants. In this episode, we learn just how incredible the beautiful land of “Pura Vida” can be.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/597

The Falklands (Las Malvinas) Oct 26, 2021

The year 1982 saw a huge event occur in South American territory: The Falklands War. Taking place over ten chaotic weeks, this armed conflict saw Argentina and the United Kingdom fight a bloody war for the “Islas Malvinas”, a number of islands just off the Argentine shore which had been under British control since the 1800s. In this episode, we tell the tale of how this war came to occur, and reveal the final victor of this terrible encounter.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/596

Jogo Bonito Oct 18, 2021

Possessing the most successful national football team in the world, Brazil is a master of the sport. With legends such as Pelé, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Neymar having lit up the world, it is no surprise that this country has won countless trophies. But why and how is Brazil so good? How do the youngsters in this nation – a nation with great economic inequality and social issues – become the best players the planet has ever seen? Discover more in this episode about Jogo Bonito or… “the beautiful game”.
Transcript of this episode available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/595

The Last Hours (Últimas Horas) Oct 18, 2021

Venezuela’s crisis is well known across the world – over 5.5 million Venezuelans have left the nation since 2014, due to countless issues of food shortages, a lack of fuel for vehicles and government-sponsored repression against protests. In this episode, we talk precisely about one of the worst events in recent Venezuelan history: the protests of February 12, 2014. From a first-person perspective, you will learn exactly what occurred on this day; a tragic day of great sadness and loss that will never be forgotten.
Transcript of this episode is available at: podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/594

The Lost City of Colombia (La Ciudad Perdida de Colombia) Oct 15, 2021

In the dense jungles of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, there lies a mysterious “lost city”, which was hidden among the bushes, trees and forgotten trails for over 2,000 years. Home to mystical roads, ritualistic boulders and an immense stone staircase that had remained invisible for centuries until the 1970s, the story behind this enigmatic location will blow your mind.
Transcript of this episode is available at: podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/459

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