Learn Spanish and Go

We explore the BCG vaccine and why it’s commonly given to newborns in countries like Mexico. You’ll hear what we learned from our pediatrician, how vaccine practices differ around the world, and why this immunization still plays a critical role in public health. Whether you’re a parent or simply curious about global healthcare, this conversation offers helpful context and cultural insight.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the BCG vaccine is still necessary in countries like Mexico
• What makes this vaccine different from those given in the U.S. or Canada
• How a small scar can carry cultural meaning and public health significance

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs
• 253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!
• 263 – Lo Que Nadie Nos Dijo Del Embarazo – Sorpresas, Retos Y Momentos Reales | What No One Told Us About Pregnancy – Surprises, Challenges, And Real Moments
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 271 – La Vacuna BCG - Un Símbolo de Identidad Mexicana | The BCG Vaccine - A Symbol of Mexican Identity.

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.

We’re officially parents! Just a few days after welcoming baby Santiago into our lives, we’re sharing all the details — from the surprising calm before the cesarean to the emotional rollercoaster of choosing the right doctor and hospital in Mexico. We talk about the decisions we had to make, the challenges we faced, and how it all led to a beautiful and safe birth that changed our lives forever.

Key Takeaways:

• Why we chose a scheduled cesarean and how May’s medical history influenced that decision
• How we selected the hospital and doctor we felt safest with
• What it really felt like becoming first-time parents in a foreign country

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 167 – La Cirugía Y Recuperación De May | May’s Surgery And Recovery
• 253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!
• 263 – Lo Que Nadie Nos Dijo Del Embarazo – Sorpresas, Retos Y Momentos Reales | What No One Told Us About Pregnancy – Surprises, Challenges, And Real Moments
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
  
  Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.
  
  Explore La Escala

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 próxim

✈️ 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

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 270 – Padres Primerizos - ¡Bienvenido, Santi! I First-time Parents - Welcome, Santi!

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.

Have you ever wondered why the dollar sign is used for both U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos? We’ve had students ask if ATMs in Mexico give out dollars or pesos, all because of that same “$” symbol. In this episode, we break down the real history behind the sign—from colonial-era Spanish pesos to silver mines and the American Revolution—and reveal how the U.S. didn’t create the symbol, but actually adopted it from Latin America.

Key Takeaways:

• The “$” symbol likely originated from the abbreviation “PS” for pesos, not from U.S. dollars.
• Mexico—and many other countries—used the symbol before the U.S. did.
• While the symbol is shared globally, each currency it represents is distinct and independent.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
  
  Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.
  
  Explore La Escala

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple 

Support the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 269 – ¿Dolar o Peso? La Historia y Uso del Signo I ¿Dollar or Peso? The History and Use of the Symbol.

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.

If you’ve ever wanted to read One Hundred Years of Solitude but felt intimidated by its complex narrative, this episode is for you. May breaks down why this novel is more approachable than it seems, especially when paired with the new Netflix adaptation, and how its cyclical structure and recurring themes reflect Latin American history and identity. May also shares tips for navigating the story, from keeping track of the Buendía family to appreciating the magic woven into the everyday.

Key Takeaways:

• One Hundred Years of Solitude is ideal for intermediate to advanced Spanish learners due to its accessible language and cultural depth.
• Understanding the novel’s cyclical narrative and repeated names can enhance your reading experience.
• Watching the Netflix adaptation can help visualize the characters and make the story easier to follow.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 221 – Como Agua Para Chocolate | Like Water For Chocolate
• 242 – Pedro Páramo | Pedro Páramo
• 265 – Cómo Ver Series En Español Y No Morir En El Intento | How To Watch Series In Spanish And Not Die Trying
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
  
  Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.
  
  Explore La Escala

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple 

✈️ 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

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 268 – Cien Años de Soledad I One Hundred Years of Solitude.

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.

Saying “yes” or “no” in Mexico isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this episode, we unpack the social and cultural nuances behind these everyday responses, especially when someone offers you food, help, or an invitation. Whether you’re learning Spanish or planning a visit, this episode will help you sound more natural, polite, and culturally aware in real conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn fun and informal ways to say “yes” in Mexico, like jalo, va, and órale.
• Discover how to soften a “no” using polite phrases like ahorita no, gracias and lo voy a pensar.
• Understand why cultural context matters when rejecting offers—especially when food is involved.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
  
  Get the complete podcast learning library, weekly challenges, and supportive community spaces—with live conversation clubs, guided grammar lessons and practice, and more available depending on your plan.
  
  Explore La Escala

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 próx

Support the show

This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 267 – ¿Jalas o qué? Cómo Aceptar o Rechazar Propuestas en Español I  You In or What? How to Accept or Reject Proposals 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.