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Description
Do you want to learn Spanish and travel? Learn Spanish and travel the world with Jim and May from Spanish and Go.
Advance your listening comprehension through incredible travel stories, cultural conversations, Spanish tips, and interviews with Spanish speakers from around the world.
You’ll hear natural conversational Spanish perfect for the intermediate or advanced Spanish learner. With Spanish and Go, not only will you supercharge your Spanish, but you’ll gain the tools to travel abroad with confidence.
May is a Spanish teacher from Mexico, and Jim is a gringo with a passion for adventure. Together they’ll help you take your Spanish to the next level.
Get the most out of each episode by signing up at https://spanishandgo.com.
316 Episodes
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May talks about the novel El Murmullo de las Abejas by Sofía Segovia, a beautiful and emotional story set in Linares, Nuevo León, during the early 1900s. We explore the life of Simonopio, a mysterious child with a deep connection to nature, and how his presence shapes the Morales family through times of revolution, land reform, and the Spanish flu pandemic. Along the way, we share why this novel is so memorable, how it blends history with subtle magical elements, and why it’s a great recommen...
We share simple and practical ways you can create your own Spanish immersion at home, inspired by ideas from our friend Babbs, who has joined several of our immersion retreats in Mexico. We talk about activities like narrating your daily life in Spanish, cooking using Spanish recipes, and finding small real-world opportunities to practice speaking—even if it’s just asking a question at a restaurant or market. We also explain how teaching someone else, trying a “Spanish day,” and adjusting the...
We dive into how Arabic influenced Spanish vocabulary through centuries of cultural exchange during the time of Al-Andalus. We share a personal story that sparked our curiosity, explore patterns like the “al-” prefix, and break down common words you probably didn’t know came from Arabic—like almohada, azúcar, and ojalá. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these connections in everyday Spanish, but also gain a deeper appreciation for how languages evolve and reflect history across cultures. ...
1We break down the differences between true cognates, near cognates, and false friends in English and Spanish. We share examples of words that look similar across both languages—some that mean the same thing and others that can easily trick learners into saying the wrong thing. By understanding these patterns and learning from common mistakes, you’ll discover how to build your Spanish vocabulary faster and communicate with more confidence. Key Takeaways: True cognates are words that look almos...
After many of you reached out to ask if we were safe, we decided to dedicate this episode to explaining what really happened during the recent violence in states like Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán. We break down the timeline of events—from the military operation in Tapalpa to the 250+ road blockades, airport disruptions, burned businesses (including dozens of Oxxos), and the wave of misinformation spreading on social media. We also share our honest thoughts about safety in Mexico, what this ...
We go beyond the music and analyze the deeper meaning behind Bad Bunny’s halftime performance. We share historical context about Puerto Rico’s political status, its colonial past, and what it means to be a U.S. territory without full representation—something many people don’t fully understand. We also unpack key symbols from the show, like the light blue Puerto Rican flag linked to the independence movement, the imagery of the jíbaro and sugar cane fields representing working-class pride, the...
We break down what a piropo actually is and why it’s more than just a romantic line — it’s a mix of language, humor, and culture. We share cute, funny, and cheesy examples you might hear in movies or conversations, and we also explain the street piropos you should understand but probably never use. Most importantly, we help you learn the social rules behind them so you don’t accidentally sound rude or awkward while speaking Spanish. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these expressions in r...
We sit down with Flor, a local Spanish teacher with a background in biology and a master’s focus on ecology, to talk about her journey, her Yucatecan roots, and how she became part of our immersion program in Mérida. Together, we explore fascinating topics like whether coyotes in Yucatán are invasive or naturally expanding, and we highlight emblematic animals of the region such as the jaguar (Balam), pink flamingos, endemic rattlesnakes, white-tailed deer, and the iconic pájaro reloj. We also...
From figuring out which bus to take to knowing when and how to signal the driver, we walk you through the reality of using urban buses in Mexico. We talk about routes, schedules (or the lack of them), payment methods—from cash to modern app-based systems like Mérida’s Va y Ven—and the essential Spanish phrases you’ll actually need on board. Along the way, we share etiquette tips, safety advice, and personal stories that will help you avoid common mistakes and turn public transportation into a...
From Cholula to Tabasco, we explore how some of the world’s most famous hot sauces are named after places they don’t actually come from. We break down the real origins of Tabasco sauce, how it was created in Louisiana using Tabasco chilies, and how it became the best-selling hot sauce in the world—traveling everywhere from seafood plates to space missions. We also share our honest take on its flavor, how it’s used differently in the U.S. versus Mexico, and why homemade Mexican salsas still ho...
We explore the growing fear that AI and instant translation tools make language learning unnecessary, and we explain why that mindset misses the point. From real-life cultural misunderstandings and gestures to sarcasm, tone, and relationship-building, we share examples that show what technology simply can’t teach. You’ll walk away with a clearer idea of how to use AI as a powerful learning tool—without losing the deeper goal of language learning: connecting with real people and cultures. Key ...
In this episode, we conclude our real-life battle with Sam’s Club after buying a couch that arrived incomplete and went unresolved for months. We share how filing a complaint through PROFECO and ConciliaNet led not only to a full refund, but also to the legally required 20% compensation—despite resistance and delays from the company. If you live in, travel to, or shop in Mexico, this episode shows you that you do have rights as a consumer and that PROFECO is a powerful tool when a business re...
In episode 301, May takes the mic solo to respond to claims that Mexico lacks a true bread culture, using this moment to explore how wheat arrived during the colonial period and evolved into something uniquely Mexican. We walk you through the history of bread in Mexico, its role in everyday life and religious celebrations, and the incredible variety of pan dulce that defines Mexican bakeries today. Along the way, you’ll gain cultural insight, expand your vocabulary, and better understand why ...
We reflect on reaching 300 podcast episodes and five years of Spanish and Go, a journey that started during the pandemic in Puerto Rico and led us to where we are today. We talk about the biggest moments of the year—buying a house, becoming parents, favorite podcast episodes, and how slowing down helped us grow in unexpected ways. You’ll also hear what we’re planning next, from new immersion retreats and a community platform to future travel, plus why this kind of reflection can help you appr...
We walk you through essential Christmas words and traditions in Mexico, from nacimientos and Christmas trees to poinsettias, piñatas, and festive street decorations. We also explore classic holiday food and drinks like tamales, ponche, rompope, and buñuelos, plus the music, posadas, and expressions you’ll hear everywhere. Whether you’re traveling, living in Mexico, or simply want to sound more confident during the holidays, this episode helps you connect language with real-life Christmas expe...
We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and trul...
We dive into the surprising reach of Oxxo, from its 22,000+ stores across Mexico to its rapid growth in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. We discuss the 2,500 products you can find in a single location, the ready-to-eat foods, and the essential services it offers—like paying bills, withdrawing cash, buying bus tickets, and even handling government payments. We also explore Spin by Oxxo, its growing financial service that’s helping millions of people access convenient banking t...
May talks with Evangelina about the origins of Cocina Nana Vira and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles—coloradito, mole negro, and mole chichilo—and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oaxa...
We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as dígrafos rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for ...
We’re sharing the essential everyday phrases you’ll hear constantly in Mexico — and how to use them confidently and politely. You’ll learn when to say provecho, por favor, gracias, con permiso, disculpa, perdón, and salud, plus the cultural meaning behind each expression, so you know exactly what feels natural to locals. We also talk about the importance of asking permission before taking photos and how these small habits can help you navigate markets, restaurants, and crowded streets with ea...
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Gracias por este episodio muy interesante !