Learn Spanish and Go

Spanish and Go

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 improve 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.

  • 33 minutes 54 seconds
    El Chingonario - The Chingonary

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

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    8 July 2025, 8:00 am
  • 30 minutes 40 seconds
    Mérida, Yucatán, y Las Tierras del Mayab - Mérida, Yucatán, and the Lands of the Mayab

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

    Susana Ojeda Orranti, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, has developed a distinguished career in tourism and environmental conservation across several regions, including Baja California Sur, Yucatán, and Guanajuato. She has served as a university professor, specializing in tourism studies and heritage interpretation. In the academic sphere, her research has focused on the traditional and festive culinary practices of Guanajuato.

    For more than a decade, Susana has also worked as a cultural and nature tourism guide with Cacomixtle, her family’s business. Her expertise spans mining history, regional gastronomy, hiking, and mountain biking, reflecting her commitment to sharing Mexico’s rich cultural and natural heritage with visitors.

    Key Takeaways:

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

    Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

    If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

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    1 July 2025, 8:00 am
  • 26 minutes 25 seconds
    Mole Poblano - El Sabor Profundo de México - Mole Poblano - The Deep Flavor of Mexico

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

    Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

    If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

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    24 June 2025, 8:00 am
  • 25 minutes
    ¿La Salsa Cholula no Viene de Cholula? - Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn't Come from Cholula?

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

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    17 June 2025, 8:00 am
  • 22 minutes 30 seconds
    La Vacuna BCG - Un Símbolo de Identidad Mexicana - The BCG Vaccine - A Symbol of Mexican Identity

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

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    10 June 2025, 8:00 am
  • 32 minutes 40 seconds
    Padres Primerizos - ¡Bienvenido, Santi! - First-time Parents - Welcome, Santi!

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

    Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

    If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxim

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    3 June 2025, 8:00 am
  • 22 minutes 26 seconds
    ¿Dolar o Peso? La Historia y Uso del Signo - Dollar or Peso? The History and Use of the Symbol

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

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    27 May 2025, 8:00 am
  • 27 minutes 52 seconds
    Cien Años de Soledad - One Hundred Years of Solitude

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

    Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

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    20 May 2025, 8:00 am
  • 17 minutes 38 seconds
    ¿Jalas o qué? Cómo Aceptar o Rechazar Propuestas en Español | You In or What? How to Accept or Reject Proposals in Spanish

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

    Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

    • Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
      • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
      • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
      • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

    If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próx

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    13 May 2025, 8:00 am
  • 28 minutes 4 seconds
    Colores Que No Sabías Que Necesitabas en Español - Colors You Didn't Know You Needed in Spanish

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

    Key Takeaways:

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


    Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

    • Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
      • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
      • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
      • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

    If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

    Support the show

    6 May 2025, 8:00 am
  • 29 minutes 14 seconds
    Cómo Ver Series en Español y No Morir en el Intento - How to Watch Series in Spanish and Not Die Trying

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

    Key Takeaways:

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

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    29 April 2025, 8:00 am
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