Learn Spanish and Go

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 ease. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or trying to sound more natural in Spanish, these phrases will make every interaction smoother and more respectful.Key Takeaways:How to use provecho, por favor, gracias, and salud naturally in daily situationsThe difference between con permiso, disculpa, and perdónWhy asking “¿Te puedo tomar una foto?” is a sign of respect and cultural awarenessRelevant Links And Additional Resources:Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

Before heading to Oaxaca, we had a busy week filled with errands, appointments, and last-minute preparations. But the real story happened when I got pulled over by a police officer for having tinted windows — something that’s perfectly normal in other parts of Mexico but not allowed in Puebla. We talk about how the situation unfolded, what we learned about cultural differences when dealing with authority, and how using ChatGPT (yes, right there on the street!) helped clarify the law and calm things down. It’s a mix of nerves, quick thinking, and a few laughs in the end.Key Takeaways:How traffic laws — and their enforcement — can vary across different parts of Mexico.Why it’s important to stay calm, polite, and informed when dealing with local authorities.How technology can help you navigate real-life challenges abroad.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

After months of staying home, we finally took our first trip as a family — and it was quite the adventure! We talk about May’s initial fears of flying with a baby, my rush to get Santi’s passports, and how we handled everything from formula prep to stroller logistics. You’ll also hear what went surprisingly well (spoiler: Santi was a dream traveler!) and what we learned along the way. Whether you’re a new parent planning your first flight or just curious about how it went, this episode is full of honest moments, funny mishaps, and practical tips for making travel with a baby smoother and less stressful.Key Takeaways:Traveling with a baby is easier when you’re organized — think pre-measured formula and the right stroller.Babies often handle flights better than car rides thanks to white noise and comfort.Preparation and flexibility turn stressful trips into meaningful family memories.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:277 – El Nombre Más Complicado En México | Most Complicated Name In Mexico271 – La Vacuna BCG – Un Símbolo De Identidad Mexicana | The BCG Vaccine – A Symbol Of Mexican Identity270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

Have you ever felt nervous speaking Spanish on the phone? You’re not alone! In this episode, we break down how phone conversations work in Mexico, from answering with “¿Bueno?” to asking “¿Con quién tengo el gusto?” and handling tricky moments like poor connections or giving your address. We also share real-life examples, practical phrases for everyday calls, and funny stories from our own experiences. Whether you’re setting an appointment, calling customer service, or just trying to understand what someone said, this episode will make your next Spanish phone call much easier.Key Takeaways:Learn the most common and natural ways to start and end phone calls in Spanish.Master useful phrases for different situations, from introducing yourself to fixing connection issues.Gain confidence speaking Spanish on the phone with real examples and cultural insights from Mexico.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

Halloween in Mexico isn’t quite what you’d expect! In this episode, we explore how the holiday has grown in popularity, how Mexican families have added their own twist to it, and the big differences between Halloween and Día de Muertos. From funny stories about homemade costumes and trick-or-treating adventures to deeper reflections on cultural meaning, this conversation blends laughter and learning. Whether you’ve celebrated one, both, or neither, you’ll come away with a better understanding of how these traditions coexist — and how we’re passing them on to our son, Santi.Key Takeaways:Halloween celebrations in Mexico are becoming more common and creative.Día de Muertos and Halloween are distinct holidays with different purposes.Traditions may change, but their cultural meaning remains deeply rooted.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:240 – La Flor de Cempasúchil – Historia, Cultura y Leyendas | The Cempasúchil Flower – History, Culture and Legends187 – Día de Muertos: Una Perspectiva Local | Day of the Dead: A Local Perspective136 – Xoloitzcuintle, Perro Sagrado | Xoloitzcuintle, Sacred Dog029 – Calaveritas de Azúcar: Origen y Tradición | Sugar Skulls: Origin and Tradition028 – Día de Muertos: Lo Que Tienes Que Saber | Day of the Dead: What You Need to KnowLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

What would you do if you paid for a sofa but only half of it showed up, and the company refused to fix it? In this episode, we tell the full story of our months-long battle with Sam’s Club, from endless customer service runarounds to finally getting justice through PROFECO’s online complaint system. This episode will give you a clear picture of how to protect yourself as a consumer and make sure big companies don’t take advantage of you, whether you live in Mexico or plan to shop here.Key Takeaways:How to file a consumer complaint in Mexico through PROFECO’s ConciliaNet platform.What your rights are when companies fail to deliver a product or service.Why persistence (and knowing the law) can make all the difference when dealing with customer service issues.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:222 – Protégete de las Estafas con la PROFECO | Protect Yourself from Scams with PROFECOLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

Part two of our acronym series explores the explicit, slang-filled world of texting in Spanish. From ALV and MVV to NMM, we explain what these phrases mean, how locals use them, and when not to use them. Even if you never plan to say these words yourself, understanding them will help you catch the nuances of real Mexican Spanish and sound more culturally fluent.Key Takeaways:Learn the meaning and context behind Mexico’s most common swear acronyms.Understand when these phrases are acceptable (and when they’re definitely not).Gain insight into real, unfiltered Mexican Spanish to boost your cultural awareness.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:279 – Chatea Como Nativo con Acrónimos | Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms275 – El Chingonario | The Chingonary086 – Las Groserías Mexicanas con Mextalki | Mexican Swear Words with MextalkiLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizSupport the show

Rory Foster, cofounder of Common Ground International, shares insights from running Spanish immersion programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador since 2003. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals before travel and building a strong Spanish foundation to enhance immersion effectiveness. Rory suggests practical strategies like keeping a vocabulary notebook, starting conversations in Spanish, and combining cultural experiences with formal classes. He encourages taking risks to foster real-world communication and offers tips to maximize your immersion experience.

Explore why many in Mexico avoid tap water due to historical fears and inadequate treatment. Learn about the practical use of garrafones for clean water and how to manage hydration as a traveler. Discussion includes eco-friendly alternatives to bottled water and traditional purification methods like boiling and clay filters. Plus, tips on safe ice consumption and using portable filters like LifeStraws. Dive into the nuances of regional water quality and discover places where tap water is safe to drink.

Dive into the quirks of Spanish grammar as the hosts explore why 'agua' takes the article 'el' while remaining feminine. They share vital travel tips about drinking water in Mexico, emphasizing the importance of avoiding tap water. Learn about household storage solutions like tinacos and cisterns, and how water purity can change during transit. Plus, discover the role of 'garrafones' in daily life and why they have become a staple in Mexican households. It's a blend of language, culture, and practical advice!