Learn Spanish and Go

Jim visits his barber Pedro in Cholula, Puebla, for a haircut, a beard trim, and a conversation that goes far beyond grooming. In this longer version of our YouTube visit, they talk about Jim's son's first haircut, Mexican rock, daily life, and the relationship that develops between a barber and his clients. Along the way, you'll hear how to describe a haircut, compare beard services, ask about prices, and handle payment in Spanish.

Key Takeaways:

Relevant Links and Additional Resources:

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Have you ever listened to a Spanish podcast or watched a movie without trouble, only to go completely blank when someone asks you a question? We've both been there, and in this episode, we share our personal experiences with language barriers, explain why understanding Spanish doesn't automatically mean you can speak it, and discuss how the habit of mentally translating can hold you back. We'll also walk you through five simple speaking exercises you can practice on your own, helping you turn the Spanish you already understand into words you can confidently use in real conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the difference between recognizing Spanish and producing it, and why speaking requires a different kind of practice.
• Learn why aiming for perfect sentences can slow you down and how practicing useful phrases can help you respond more quickly.
• Explore practical techniques to improve vocabulary recall, think more naturally in Spanish, and keep conversations flowing—even when you forget a word.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 338 – Analizando mi español después de 16 años – Analyzing My Spanish After 16 Years
• 312 – Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar | How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
• 085 – Cómo Aprendería Español de Cero | How I’d Learn Spanish from Scratch
• 059 – La Habilidad Más Importante para Hablar Español | The Most Important Ability for Speaking Spanish
• 015 – Cómo Superar Tu Miedo a Hablar Español | How to Get Over Your Fear of Speaking Spanish
• Keep learning with La Escala
  Turn each episode into Spanish practice with La Escala, our online learning community. 
  • Follow along with interactive transcripts, explore breakdown audios in English, and test your understanding with quizzes.
  • Stay consistent with weekly challenges and connect with other Spanish learners.
  • For live conversation clubs and guided grammar practice, explore our Frequent Flyer and First Class plans.

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!

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

Even after years of learning Spanish, misunderstandings happen—especially when you’re dealing with fast speech, unfamiliar accents, background noise, or simply expecting someone to say something they didn’t. We share Jim’s embarrassing rental-car experience in El Salvador, challenges understanding his CrossFit coach, and other real-life examples to explore why our brains sometimes respond to what we expect to hear instead of what was actually said. You’ll learn useful Spanish phrases for asking someone to repeat or clarify themselves, how to stop pretending you understood, and why these uncomfortable moments are a normal—and valuable—part of becoming a more confident Spanish speaker.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t answer based on what you expect to hear.
• Make clarification phrases automatic.
• Misunderstanding Spanish doesn’t mean you’re going backward.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 338 – Analizando mi español después de 16 años – Analyzing My Spanish After 16 Years
• 312 – Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar | How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
• 212 – Cómo Navegar Conversaciones Confusas en Español | How to Navigate Confusing Conversations in Spanish
• 085 – Cómo Aprendería Español de Cero | How I’d Learn Spanish from Scratch
• 059 – La Habilidad Más Importante para Hablar Español | The Most Important Ability for Speaking Spanish
• 015 – Cómo Superar Tu Miedo a Hablar Español | How to Get Over Your Fear of Speaking Spanish
• Keep learning with La Escala
  Turn each episode into Spanish practice with La Escala, our online learning community. 
  • Follow along with interactive transcripts, explore breakdown audios in English, and test your understanding with quizzes.
  • Stay consistent with weekly challenges and connect with other Spanish learners.
  • For live conversation clubs and guided grammar practice, explore our Frequent Flyer and First Class plans.

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

What surprised us most about El Salvador? We talk about how safe and clean the country has felt, the contrast between its modern cities and rural areas, and why its Independence Day celebrations were so different from what we expected. We also share our experiences at BINAES and El Tunco, our growing obsession with pupusas, and the Salvadoran words and pronunciation differences we’ve noticed compared with Mexican Spanish. If you’re planning to visit El Salvador—or simply want to understand the country beyond what you may have heard in the news—this episode gives you a glimpse into what it feels like to experience El Salvador firsthand, including some of the things that surprised us most.

Key Takeaways:

• El Salvador feels different from what we expected.
• The food is a highlight of the trip.
• Salvadoran Spanish has its own personality.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 336 – Sobre El Salvador | About El Salvador
• 333 – Septiembre: el mes de la independencia en América Latina – September: Latin America’s Independence Month
• 292 – Aprendizajes de Nuestro Primer Viaje con Santi | Learnings From Our First Trip with Santi
• 152 – Las Nueve Maravillas Que Descubrimos en Costa Rica | The Nine Wonders We Discovered in Costa Rica
• Keep learning with La Escala
  Turn each episode into Spanish practice with La Escala, our online learning community. 
  • Follow along with interactive transcripts, explore breakdown audios in English, and test your understanding with quizzes.
  • Stay consistent with weekly challenges and connect with other Spanish learners.
  • For live conversation clubs and guided grammar practice, explore our Frequent Flyer and First Class plans.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

What does 16 years of learning Spanish really look like? In this episode, May and I take you through my personalized Spanish evaluation, from the strengths I’ve developed over the years to the grammar mistakes I still need to work on. We talk about tricky areas like ser vs. estar, articles, prepositions, “se” constructions, and fixed expressions, and why these small details can be difficult to catch in everyday conversations. We also reflect on how living in Mexico, using Spanish every day, and consuming authentic content have helped me become more natural and confident. If you’ve been studying Spanish for years but still make the same mistakes, this episode will show you why identifying those mistakes—and deliberately practicing them—can help you keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Making mistakes doesn’t mean we’re failing at Spanish. Even after 16 years, I still make errors, but recognizing those recurring mistakes gives me a clear path for continued improvement.
• Focused practice can help us improve more effectively than simply studying Spanish broadly. My evaluation revealed specific areas I need to work on, including ser vs. estar, articles, prepositions, and “se” constructions.
• Becoming fluent is about more than studying grammar. Years of using Spanish in real-life situations, living in Mexico, and consuming content made for native speakers have helped me communicate more naturally and confidently.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 233 – Aprende de los Errores de Jaime Parte 2 | Learn From Jim’s Mistakes Part 2
• 230 – Aprende de los Errores de Jaime | Learn From Jim’s Mistakes
• 095 – El Secreto para Salir del Estancamiento | The Secret for Overcoming the Plateau
• 041 – 5 Secretos para la Fluidez | 5 Secrets to Fluency
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
  Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

We take you inside the fascinating tradition of El Trueque de Cholula and explain how bartering has connected people, products, and communities for centuries. We share examples of what people exchanged this year—from fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods to clothing, groceries, and even a live chicken—and discuss the differences between trueque and regateo. Along the way, we talk about childhood Tazos, religious traditions, Quetzalcóatl, and why preserving cultural traditions matters to the people of Cholula. You’ll also learn useful vocabulary and hear us compare bartering customs in Mexico and the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn what trueque means, how it differs from regateo, and how bartering has been practiced in Cholula since pre-Hispanic times.
• Discover the surprising things people exchange at El Trueque de Cholula—and why being flexible is an important part of successful bartering.
• Explore the cultural and religious significance of the tradition, including its connection to the Virgen de los Remedios, Quetzalcóatl, and generations of Cholula families.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 331 – De Puebla Para México: Los Secretos Del Chile En Nogada | From Puebla To Mexico: The Secrets Of Chile En Nogada
• 319 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales De La UNESCO Parte II | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites Of UNESCO, Part II
• 272 – ¿La Salsa Cholula No Viene De Cholula? | Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn’t Come From Cholula?
• 062 – Mercados Y Tianguis Mexicanos | Mexican Markets And Tianguis
• 333 – Septiembre: El Mes De La Independencia En América Latina – September: Latin America’s Independence Month
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
  Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

We’re taking a closer look at El Salvador, from its Indigenous roots and fascinating history to its economy, currency, changing reputation for safety, and close ties with the United States. We explore the places that make the country worth visiting, including volcanoes, crater lakes, the Ruta de las Flores, historic towns, archaeological sites, and Pacific beaches. And, of course, we dive into Salvadoran food—from pupusas and curtido to yuca, horchata, and the surprisingly different Salvadoran quesadilla. We also introduce some local Spanish expressions and explore voseo, Náhuat, and the meaning behind words like chivo, pisto, cabal, and cipote. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about Central America, this episode will give you a richer picture of El Salvador.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover its history, geography, economy, culture, and transformation in safety.
• Explore volcanoes, mountain towns, archaeological sites, beaches, and the Salvadoran foods you’ll want to try.
• Learn about Salvadoran Spanish, voseo, Náhuat, and useful local expressions.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• All countries in our “Country Series”
• 333 – Septiembre: El Mes De La Independencia En América Latina – September: Latin America’s Independence Month
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
  Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

How do you know whether to shake hands, hug, or give someone a cheek kiss in Mexico? Why do Mexicans offer food even when they barely have enough for themselves, and why can a party’s start time be more of a suggestion than a rule? In this episode, we continue our conversation about Mexican cultural codes and explore the social meaning behind physical greetings, “¿gustas?”, sobremesa, flexible timing, and softening negative responses and requests. We also share some funny personal experiences, including Jim’s struggles with greetings and May accidentally giving tourists outdated directions in Playa del Carmen. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the subtle social cues that can help you communicate more naturally and respectfully in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how greetings can change depending on the relationship, context, and cultural background of the people involved—and why observing the other person’s body language is often the safest approach.
• Discover how sharing food, enjoying sobremesa, and spending unhurried time together reflect the importance of hospitality, connection, and generosity in Mexican culture.
• Understand why Mexicans may have a more flexible approach to social timing and why direct “no” responses and requests are often softened to maintain friendliness and avoid sounding too harsh.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 334 – ¿Por qué los mexicanos dicen “provecho”? 10 códigos culturales Parte 1 – Why Do Mexicans Say “Provecho”? 10 Cultural Codes, Part 1
• 298 – La Sobremesa | La Sobremesa
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 198 – Mande: Entre Respeto y Tradición | Mande: Between Respect and Tradition
• 064 – Choques Culturales en las Calles de México – Culture Shocks in the Streets of Mexico
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
  Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

We explore some of the small but important cultural habits that shape everyday interactions in Mexico, from wishing strangers provecho at a restaurant to greeting someone before making a request. We also compare Mexican and U.S. customs around saying hello, saying goodbye, and even those famously long goodbyes! Plus, we explain how and when to use con permiso and discuss the nuances of tú, usted, don, doña, señor, and señorita. These expressions may seem simple, but understanding when and why to use them can help you sound more natural, friendly, and respectful when speaking Spanish in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how expressions like provecho, con permiso, and buenos días are used in everyday Mexican interactions.
• Discover how cultural expectations around greetings and goodbyes can differ between Mexico and the United States.
• Get practical insight into choosing between tú and usted and showing the right level of respect and familiarity in different situations.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 335 – Por qué los mexicanos dicen “provecho”? 10 códigos culturales Parte 2 | Why Do Mexicans Say “Provecho”? 10 Cultural Codes, Part 2
• 298 – La Sobremesa | La Sobremesa
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 198 – Mande: Entre Respeto y Tradición | Mande: Between Respect and Tradition
• 064 – Choques Culturales en las Calles de México – Culture Shocks in the Streets of Mexico
• Join La Escala: Your Spanish Fluency Hub
  Take your Spanish beyond the podcast with La Escala, our online Spanish learning community — join live conversation clubs, weekly challenges, access transcripts and quizzes, and connect with other Spanish learners.

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show

Why do so many Spanish-speaking countries celebrate their independence in September? We explore the historical connections behind these celebrations, including how Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica came to share September 15, and why Mexico and Chile commemorate the beginnings of their independence movements rather than the dates they officially became independent. We also share our personal experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day, discuss the traditions and foods that make this season special, and look at how these dates connect to Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the history behind the celebrations—and perhaps a new reason to experience one for yourself while traveling.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica share September 15 as an important independence date and how their shared history shaped the celebrations we know today.
• Discover why Mexico and Chile celebrate dates that mark the beginning of their independence movements, even though they became formally independent years later.
• Explore how independence celebrations bring together food, traditions, history, and local culture—and hear about our own experience celebrating Chilean Independence Day with locals.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 181 – Sobre Chile | About Chile
• 056 – Cinco de Mayo
• 034 – La Revolución Mexicana | The Mexican Revolution
• 023 – La Independencia de México | Mexico’s Independence
• 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!

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
👉 Learn more: spanishandgo.com/community

Support the show