Learn Spanish and Go

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
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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:

• 302 – La Saga del Sillón y la PROFECO Parte II | The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part II
• 222 – Protégete de las Estafas con la PROFECO | Protect Yourself from Scams with PROFECO
• How to Defend Your Consumer Rights in Mexico With PROFECO [Blog Post]
• Ready to go beyond listening? Join La Escala, the Spanish and Go community built to help you practice, stay consistent, and connect.
  
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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 289 - La Saga del Sillón y la PROFECO Parte I | The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part I.

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.

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
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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 288 - Chatea como Nativo con Acrónimos Parte II | Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms Part II

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 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
• 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.
  
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✈️ 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.
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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 287 - Cómo Aprovechar al Máximo un Viaje de Inmersión | How to Make the Most of an Immersion Trip.

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.

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
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