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
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  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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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 Acronyms
• 275 – El Chingonario | The Chingonary
• 086 – Las Groserías Mexicanas con Mextalki | Mexican Swear Words with Mextalki
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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Have you ever wondered what makes a Spanish immersion trip truly effective? In this episode, we chat with Rory Foster about his journey building Common Ground International and the lessons he’s learned from running immersion programs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and beyond. We discuss practical strategies for language learners, including how to prepare before you travel, ways to practice Spanish in real-life settings, and why both cultural experiences and formal classes are key to lasting progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Setting clear goals before traveling makes immersion more effective.
• Surrounding yourself with Spanish-speaking environments helps you grow faster.
• Combining cultural experiences with formal classes creates lasting language progress.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Thinking about joining a Spanish immersion program? Use our special link to save $100 off your trip.
• Explore Common Ground International website for details on immersion programs and resources
• Follow Common Ground International on Facebook for Spanish tips, cultural insights, and updates on upcoming programs
• Subscribe to Common Ground International YouTube channel for free Spanish lessons and immersion advice
• 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

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Part 2 of our discussion about water in Mexico explores why tap water is often avoided and how families and travelers manage their water needs. We share our own home filtration setup, explain the use of garrafones, discuss historical events that shaped public distrust, and offer tips for safe drinking water and ice. This episode gives you practical advice and cultural context from traditional filtering methods to modern solutions like LifeStraws. You’ll learn how to stay safe, save money, and reduce plastic waste.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most Mexicans avoid drinking tap water and the history behind it
• Practical tips for travelers on how to safely drink water in Mexico
• Eco-friendly alternatives to bottled water that can save money and reduce plastic waste

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 285 – El Agua Parte I | The Water Part I
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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In this conversation, we start with a fun look at Spanish grammar: why agua takes the article el but still requires feminine agreement, and how this rule applies to words like águila, hacha, and hambre. From there, we shift into something every traveler should know: the truth about drinking water in Mexico. We explain why tap water isn’t recommended, how household systems like tinacos and cisterns work, and why purified water in garrafones is the norm. If you’re curious about the culture, language, and everyday realities of life in Mexico, this episode gives you both useful knowledge and insider perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• Why agua and similar words use el but are still feminine.
• The real reason tourists are advised not to drink tap water in Mexico.
• How Mexicans store and access safe drinking water through tinacos, cisterns, and garrafones.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Is Mexico Safe? [The Best Tips for Staying Safe in Mexico]
• 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

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Have you ever wondered how to raise a child with two languages without causing confusion? In this episode, we dive into the OPOL method, where each parent consistently speaks one language with the child, and discuss how it can be combined with other strategies like “time and place.” We share scientific studies, clear up common myths about bilingualism, and give practical advice on how to provide enough input, prioritize the minority language, and keep things flexible. As bilingual parents ourselves, we’re learning along the way and invite you to join the conversation about raising confident, bilingual kids.

Key Takeaways:

• What OPOL (One Parent, One Language) is and how it works in daily life
• Why myths like “bilingualism delays speech” are untrue
• Practical strategies to make bilingual learning fun, natural, and effective

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 016 – Alternancia de Código | Code Switching
• 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

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We explore the phenomenon of Spanglish and why it’s more than just mixing two languages. From everyday words like postear and textear to full-on code-switching, we share examples that highlight how Spanglish works in real conversations. You’ll hear about its cultural impact in places like Puerto Rico and Mexico, how music and social media are spreading it worldwide, and why younger generations use it more than older ones.

Key Takeaways:

• What Spanglish is and why it happens.
• Real-life examples of Spanglish in daily speech, music, and media.
• How learners can recognize Spanglish while keeping languages separate in formal settings.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 281 – ¿Cómo, Cuándo y Qué Se Come en México? | How, When, and What People Eat in Mexico?
• 199 – Rutinas de Ejercicio | Exercise Routines
• 016 – Alternancia de Código | Code Switching
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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Have you ever heard of empacho, mal de ojo, or mal del puerco? In this episode, we unpack these common yet culturally rich concepts that aren’t officially recognized by doctors but are widely understood across Latin America. From stomach aches and sudden frights to the infamous post-meal sleepiness, we share stories, remedies, and even a few laughs as we reflect on how these beliefs shape the way people talk about health.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the most common Mexican folk illnesses and what they reveal about daily life.
• Learn how language, tradition, and humor intersect in cultural health expressions.
• Hear our personal experiences and reflections on which of these ailments we’ve felt ourselves. 

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 281 – ¿Cómo, Cuándo y Qué Se Come en México? | How, When, and What People Eat in Mexico?
• 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

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We break down the daily meals in Mexico, from breakfast on the go with tamales and atole, to the all-important comida shared with family, and even the light late-night dinners that might surprise foreigners. Along the way, we share cultural curiosities, like why some Mexicans avoid fruit at night, how coffee at night is completely normal, and why hot soup on a hot day actually makes sense. If you’re learning Spanish or simply curious about Mexican culture, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of daily life and traditions that shape the way people eat and connect in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how meal times in Mexico differ from the U.S. and why dinner is eaten much later.
• Discover the cultural importance of la comida as the biggest and most social meal of the day.
• Explore unique food beliefs and traditions, from nighttime coffee to avoiding fruit at night.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 130 – Comidas Mexicanas Que No Conoces | Mexican Foods You Don’t Know About
• 118 – Comidas Callejeras De México | Street Food In Mexico
• 013 – La Comida Mexicana | Mexican Food
• 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

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Haggling can feel like a cultural minefield. In some places it’s expected, in others it’s frowned upon. In this episode, we break down when and where to negotiate, share the fascinating history of bargaining, and give you insider tips for doing it the right way. From friendly street market interactions in Mexico to knowing when to hold back in Argentina, we’ll help you navigate the dos and don’ts of regateo so you can save money, connect with locals, and avoid awkward moments.

Key Takeaways:

• How cultural norms around haggling differ across Latin America and Spain
• Practical strategies for negotiating politely and successfully
• Useful Spanish phrases to use when bargaining

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Shopping in Spanish [YouTube Video]
• 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