May talks with Evangelina about the origins of Cocina Nana Vira and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles—coloradito, mole negro, and mole chichilo—and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oaxaca immersion experience, where students explore local markets, learn regional traditions, and cook alongside Evangelina in her wood-fired kitchen.

Key Takeaways:

• The powerful story behind Cocina Nana Vira and how Evangelina’s family revived ancestral cooking traditions.
• The cultural significance of Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles and what makes each one unique.
• Why traditional tools, native ingredients, and fire-based techniques are essential to preserving Zapotec culinary heritage.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2
• 157 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 1 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 1
• Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
• 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

Support the show

We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as dígrafos rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for decades or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you understand the modern 27-letter alphabet and avoid common pronunciation mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

• Why ch, ll, and rr are no longer part of the Spanish alphabet
• How the RAE and the Association of Academies make decisions about the language
• The importance of correct alphabet pronunciation for clearer, more confident Spanish speaking

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• How To Say The Alphabet In Spanish [Blog Post]
• 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

Support the show

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 situations
• The difference between con permiso, disculpa, and perdón
• Why asking “¿Te puedo tomar una foto?” is a sign of respect and cultural awareness

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

Support 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 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

Support 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 Mexico
• 271 – La Vacuna BCG – Un Símbolo De Identidad Mexicana | The BCG Vaccine – A Symbol Of Mexican Identity
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
• 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

Support 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 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

Support the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 291 - Cómo Hablar por Teléfono en Español | How to Talk on the Phone in Spanish.

Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

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 Legends
• 187 – Día de Muertos: Una Perspectiva Local | Day of the Dead: A Local Perspective
• 136 – Xoloitzcuintle, Perro Sagrado | Xoloitzcuintle, Sacred Dog
• 029 – Calaveritas de Azúcar: Origen y Tradición | Sugar Skulls: Origin and Tradition
• 028 – Día de Muertos: Lo Que Tienes Que Saber | Day of the Dead: What You Need to Know
• 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

Support the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 290 - El Halloween en México | Halloween in Mexico.

Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.

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 PROFECO
• 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

Support the show