
Duolingo Spanish Podcast
True stories for English speakers learning Spanish. From the makers of Duolingo, the most popular language-learning app, comes a new podcast that delivers fascinating real-life stories in easy-to-understand Spanish with English narration. These are not language lessons; they’re life lessons through language. Hosted by Martina Castro, co-founder of NPR’s Radio Ambulante.
Latest episodes

10 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 18min
Duo’s Film Club - Fresa y chocolate
Ariana Landaburo, a Cuban art history graduate turned TV and film producer in Mexico City, dives deep into the cult classic 'Fresa y Chocolate.' The discussion reveals the film's powerful messages of friendship, diversity, and cultural identity in 1970s Cuba. They examine the contrasting lives of its characters, highlighting the struggles faced by a persecuted gay artist versus a staunch Communist. Additionally, Landaburo shares her memorable visit to the restaurant Paladar La Guarida, linking it to the film's culinary legacy and emotional impact.

12 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 18min
Duo’s Film Club - Coco
Explore the vibrant tale of Coco, a film celebrating Mexican culture and traditions like el Dia de los Muertos and mariachi music. Learn about the director's deep connection to Mexico and the extensive research that went into capturing the essence of different regions' heritage. Delve into the significance of family traditions in the movie, highlighting themes of family, tradition, and identity.

Feb 15, 2024 • 18min
Duo’s Film Club - Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios
Iconic Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar discusses his film Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios. Topics include Almodóvar's upbringing, love for storytelling, Spain's transition to democracy, the influence of the Movida Madrileña cultural movement, and the iconic status of his films.

Feb 8, 2024 • 20min
Duo’s Film Club - Como agua para chocolate
Explore the significance of magical realism in 'Como agua para chocolate' and its portrayal in the film adaptation. Learn about the challenges faced by female characters during the Mexican Revolution and the power of food in expressing passion and emotion. Dive into the final fiery and magical scene of the movie.

9 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 19min
Duo’s Film Club - Wild Tales
Explore the thought-provoking dark comedy 'Wild Tales' from Argentina, as the hosts discuss its unique humor, talented actors, and exploration of human behavior at its limits. Learn fascinating facts about the movie, including its catchphrases and challenges during filming. Uncover the significance of Buenos Aires' Jewish community and discover the director's original ending idea.

Jan 25, 2024 • 18min
Duo’s Film Club - El laberinto del fauno
Movie critic Ana Laura Pérez Flores joins host Martina Castro to discuss 'El laberinto del fauno', a visually stunning masterpiece of Spanish-language cinema. They explore the historical context of the film and the coexistence of the magical and real world, highlighting the artistry of director Guillermo del Toro and the complexities of human nature. The podcast also introduces the faun and discusses Ophelia's doubts and the ambiguous ending of the movie.

Jan 8, 2024 • 53sec
Trailer Season 20
The Duolingo Spanish Podcast is back with an all new season starting on January 25th! We’re headed to the movies with Duo’s Film Club. With critics as our guides, we’re exploring six of the most iconic films from the Spanish-speaking world. Listen to the trailer now!

Dec 21, 2023 • 26min
Una rana llamada Romeo (A Frog Named Romeo) - Revisited
Biologist Teresa Camacho embarks on a quest to find a female mate for Romeo, the last known male Sewingcas water frog. Teresa's passion for frogs and their uniqueness is showcased. Global Wildlife Conservation and match.com join forces to help find a suitable partner for Romeo. The team faces unexpected challenges on an expedition to find a mate for Romeo. Teresa's determination pays off when they finally find the elusive seu wentes water frog. The heartwarming story of Romeo's journey to find Julieta is explored, highlighting Teresa's important work in conserving frog habitats.

Dec 14, 2023 • 22min
El perro que protestó (The Dog Who Protested) - Revisited
Follow Maria Campos as she shares the heartwarming story of her adopted stray dog, Bebe, who became a hero in the student protests in Chile. Experience the protests and fear in Chile through Maria's terrifying experience and the brutal police response. Discover how Bebe became a symbol of protest and how her image spread worldwide. Reflect on the legacy of Maria Campos and her beloved Bibé.

Dec 7, 2023 • 20min
Climate Heroes - Protecting Bears in Bolivia - Revisited
Bolivian scientist studies critically endangered bears in Bolivia, highlighting how helping the bears protects livelihood and the forest against climate change. Topics include searching for Indian bears amid challenges of droughts and climate change, profiting from beekeeping as a sustainable solution for humans and animals, protecting bees and harvesting honey, and the successful efforts of the Valle de Oseco's project in protecting bears and their habitat in Bolivia.