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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.
288 Episodes
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In this conversation, we start with a fun look at Spanish grammar: why agua takes the article el but still requires feminine agreement, and how this rule applies to words like águila, hacha, and hambre. From there, we shift into something every traveler should know: the truth about drinking water in Mexico. We explain why tap water isn’t recommended, how household systems like tinacos and cisterns work, and why purified water in garrafones is the norm. If you’re curious about the culture, lan...
Have you ever wondered how to raise a child with two languages without causing confusion? In this episode, we dive into the OPOL method, where each parent consistently speaks one language with the child, and discuss how it can be combined with other strategies like “time and place.” We share scientific studies, clear up common myths about bilingualism, and give practical advice on how to provide enough input, prioritize the minority language, and keep things flexible. As bilingual parents our...
We explore the phenomenon of Spanglish and why it’s more than just mixing two languages. From everyday words like postear and textear to full-on code-switching, we share examples that highlight how Spanglish works in real conversations. You’ll hear about its cultural impact in places like Puerto Rico and Mexico, how music and social media are spreading it worldwide, and why younger generations use it more than older ones. Key Takeaways: What Spanglish is and why it happens.Real-life examples ...
1Have you ever heard of empacho, mal de ojo, or mal del puerco? In this episode, we unpack these common yet culturally rich concepts that aren’t officially recognized by doctors but are widely understood across Latin America. From stomach aches and sudden frights to the infamous post-meal sleepiness, we share stories, remedies, and even a few laughs as we reflect on how these beliefs shape the way people talk about health. Key Takeaways: Discover the most common Mexican folk illnesses and what...
We break down the daily meals in Mexico, from breakfast on the go with tamales and atole, to the all-important comida shared with family, and even the light late-night dinners that might surprise foreigners. Along the way, we share cultural curiosities, like why some Mexicans avoid fruit at night, how coffee at night is completely normal, and why hot soup on a hot day actually makes sense. If you’re learning Spanish or simply curious about Mexican culture, this episode will give you a deeper ...
Haggling can feel like a cultural minefield. In some places it’s expected, in others it’s frowned upon. In this episode, we break down when and where to negotiate, share the fascinating history of bargaining, and give you insider tips for doing it the right way. From friendly street market interactions in Mexico to knowing when to hold back in Argentina, we’ll help you navigate the dos and don’ts of regateo so you can save money, connect with locals, and avoid awkward moments. Key Takeaways: ...
Whether you’re texting a friend, planning a trip, or simply want to level up your Spanish, knowing how native speakers actually type is a game changer. In this fun and practical episode, we share some of the most popular Spanish abbreviations like TQM, NTP, XFA, and more—plus the cultural context behind them. If you’ve ever seen messages like “XQ” or “GPI” and felt lost, this episode will help you feel confident using and understanding them like a native. Key Takeaways: Discover 7+ must-know ...
Gentrification has become a hot topic in Mexico City—especially in popular neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. In this episode, we share our perspective as a bicultural couple living in Mexico and unpack the complexities behind the recent protests. We talk about housing concerns, immigration policy, local frustrations, and how foreigners can travel more responsibly while still feeling welcomed in Mexico. Key Takeaways: The recent protests are more about housing inequality and lack of regulat...
Naming our baby should’ve been straightforward—after all, we’d agreed on Santiago Fricker Larios years ago. But thanks to a suffix in my U.S. documents (“II”), things got messy fast. We dive into how this small detail caused major legal confusion in Mexico, how it affects our son’s future documents, and what it means for multicultural families navigating two systems. Along the way, we reflect on suffixes, identity, and how this tiny “II” changed everything. This is the real story behind Santi...
Narcocorridos are narrative songs that paint vivid pictures of drug trafficking, organized crime, and the lives of real or fictional figures in the narcotics world. In this episode, we discuss where this genre fits within regional Mexican music, the ethical concerns it raises, and how it reflects deeper social realities in Mexico. We also take a look at the history of narcocorridos, some of the most iconic songs, and how this music intersects with power, reputation, and even violence. Key Tak...
We’re breaking down the many colorful, confusing, and creative ways chingar shows up in everyday Mexican Spanish. From expressions like chingón, chingadera, and chingadazo to more obscure gems like chingaquedito, we cover the meanings, the contexts, and why they matter. Whether you’re a language nerd, an advanced Spanish learner, or just curious about how locals really talk—this episode will entertain, educate, and probably make you laugh. Key Takeaways: Learn the multiple meanings and tones ...
Come along as we sit down with our friend and guide Susana to uncover the many treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula. We dive into the stories behind Mérida’s grand European-style mansions built during the henequén boom, and we share why this crop shaped the region’s fortunes. You’ll also hear about ancient Maya archaeological sites, hidden cenotes perfect for a refreshing swim, and the incredible local dishes you can only truly experience here. Whether you’re curious about Mexico’s cultural div...
If you’ve ever wondered what mole poblano is—or why it’s considered by many to be Mexico’s national dish—this episode is for you. We talk about the ingredients that make it so complex, its colonial and pre-Hispanic roots, and how it’s typically served during major celebrations like weddings and New Year’s. From our own tasting experiences to the endless variations across regions, we explore what makes mole more than just food—it’s a reflection of Mexico’s history and identity. Key Takeaways: ...
We explore why Cholula sauce, named after our hometown, isn’t actually made here—and why most locals don’t even use it. From its humble beginnings in a Mexican kitchen to its massive $800 million acquisition by McCormick, this episode uncovers the cultural, historical, and economic journey behind one of the world’s most popular hot sauces. Plus, we share personal stories and local perspectives that reveal how much (or how little) this famous sauce matters to everyday Mexicans. Key Takeaways: ...
We explore the BCG vaccine and why it’s commonly given to newborns in countries like Mexico. You’ll hear what we learned from our pediatrician, how vaccine practices differ around the world, and why this immunization still plays a critical role in public health. Whether you’re a parent or simply curious about global healthcare, this conversation offers helpful context and cultural insight. Key Takeaways: Why the BCG vaccine is still necessary in countries like MexicoWhat makes this vaccine di...
We’re officially parents! Just a few days after welcoming baby Santiago into our lives, we’re sharing all the details — from the surprising calm before the cesarean to the emotional rollercoaster of choosing the right doctor and hospital in Mexico. We talk about the decisions we had to make, the challenges we faced, and how it all led to a beautiful and safe birth that changed our lives forever. Key Takeaways: Why we chose a scheduled cesarean and how May’s medical history influenced that dec...
Have you ever wondered why the dollar sign is used for both U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos? We’ve had students ask if ATMs in Mexico give out dollars or pesos, all because of that same “$” symbol. In this episode, we break down the real history behind the sign—from colonial-era Spanish pesos to silver mines and the American Revolution—and reveal how the U.S. didn’t create the symbol, but actually adopted it from Latin America. Key Takeaways: The “$” symbol likely originated from the abbreviat...
If you’ve ever wanted to read One Hundred Years of Solitude but felt intimidated by its complex narrative, this episode is for you. May breaks down why this novel is more approachable than it seems, especially when paired with the new Netflix adaptation, and how its cyclical structure and recurring themes reflect Latin American history and identity. May also shares tips for navigating the story, from keeping track of the Buendía family to appreciating the magic woven into the everyday. Key Ta...
Saying “yes” or “no” in Mexico isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this episode, we unpack the social and cultural nuances behind these everyday responses, especially when someone offers you food, help, or an invitation. Whether you’re learning Spanish or planning a visit, this episode will help you sound more natural, polite, and culturally aware in real conversations. Key Takeaways: Learn fun and informal ways to say “yes” in Mexico, like jalo, va, and órale.Discover how to soften a “no” using...
While choosing wallpaper and curtain rods for our new home studio, we came across color names like “royal blue” and “matte nickel,” sparking a fun conversation about how color terms vary in English and Spanish. From “colorado” to “rosa mexicano,” we unpack the emotional, cultural, and regional meanings behind these colors—and how they don’t always translate directly. Whether you’re into design, language learning, or just love the little quirks of vocabulary, this episode will help you see col...
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Gracias por este episodio muy interesante !