Spanish On the Go! - Improve your listening comprehension skills with our authentic podcasts

When the Thirteen Colonies rebelled against the British Crown, they quickly turned for help to the empire's three major rivals: Spain, France, and the Netherlands (the Dutch Republic, at the time).

Spain played a major role as an ally in the American Revolution providing funds, weapons, reinforcements and carrying out strategic maneuvers to weaken the British forces.

Click play to hear more about Spain's key aid during la Guerra de Independencia!

Merengue is a popular musical genre and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic towards the end of the 19th century. Merengue is a symbol of Dominican cultural identity. The United States occupied the Dominican Republic from 1916 to 1924. During this period, a new merengue variety commonly known as merengue 'apambichao' came about as a covert mockery of the way US occupants failed to properly master this lively Dominican dance. Tune in to our podcast to hear more about how Dominicans adapted their signature musical style as an act of resistance against their invaders!

The constant quest for happiness is a modern trend. Ancient civilizations like the Aztecs viewed 'happiness' as a result of living a good life and had developed their own life philosophy to achieve this goal. The Aztec concept of 'happiness' was a communal procurement, placing community and the harmonious relationships among peers as one of the foundations to achieving this state. Aztecs also believed in the importance of exercise, nutrition, good mental health and living in balance with Nature as an optimum way of life. Click play to hear more about the Aztec guide to being happy!

You can't spell español without the "ñ"! This unique letter has become a symbol of the Spanish language, but do you know where it comes from?

Click play to listen to the origins of this special letter!

Rumba is a music genre and dance born in Cuba during the 19th century out of the fusion of African and Spanish musical elements. Rumba originated in plantations, docks, and other marginalized areas heavily populated by slaves and free Black people, and it soon started to spread across the island and the rest of the continent. By the early 20th century, rumba had conquered Spain and New York where it started to fuse with other music genres, like jazz and swing, to create new beats.

Tune in to our podcast to learn the riveting history of the upbeat, sensual, irresistible rumba and its unquestionable impact on Cuba's unique cultural legacy!

Enrique Dussel was an Argentinean-born and Mexican-nationalized philosopher, historian, theologian, and one of the leading founders of the Philosophy of Liberation movement. Dussel analyzed traditional power structures built on oppression and colonization. His philosophical views have a distinct Latin American humanistic approach and advocate for social justice and equality for all. Persecuted by the Argentinean military regime, Dussel escaped to Mexico in 1975 where he continued developing and spreading his ideas of justice and equality. Click play to learn more about one of the most important philosophers of Latin America and why he's known as the Argentinean Socrates!

Olga Costa was a Jewish-Russian Mexican-nationalized painter who made a name for herself in a male-dominated industry during the early 20th century. Olga first broke the status quo of the Mexican art world with her diverse and vibrant depictions of daily life and local customs centered on women, kids and Mexican identity. Olga loved her new country and together with her husband were active promoters of Mexican arts and culture, establishing art galleries and supporting local talent.

Click play to hear more about the life and work of this remarkable artist!

Argentina is known for its tango, asados, fútbol, and a culture heavily influenced by waves of European immigration. However, little is known about this country's major African heritage. Originally brought over as enslaved labor, African people have left their imprint in Argentina's traditional cuisine, music, poetry, and culture at large. Click play to learn more about the often-forgotten African heritage of Argentina!

The huitlacoche is a type of fungus that attacks corn crops. Considered a plague in other parts of the world, it has become a highly-coveted Mexican delicacy in recent years. Years ago, people in Mexico discovered that the huitlacoche was edible, nutritious and -most importantly- delicious. This fungus -also known as the 'Mexican truffle' for its earthy umami flavor- has become a staple of everyday Mexican cuisine and the star of five-stars restaurants all over the world! Click play to hear the fascinating story of this peculiar delicacy!