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

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer who lived countless adventures in the New World. One of four survivors of the 1527 Narváez expedition, for 10 years he crossed -afoot- from Florida to New Mexico with nothing but the few clothes on his back, a small group of companions and a few goods he traded with indigenous tribes for food and protection. During these years, Cabeza de Vaca gained a reputation as a healer, earned the trust of native peoples, acted as mediator in tribal conflicts and learned how to communicate in different native languages.

Click play and hear the exciting tales of this intrepid Spanish explorer who crossed the US from east to west and wrote a book about his unique adventures and contact with the native peoples of the US.

Juan José Nieto Gil was a Colombian writer, politician, and Army general. Most significantly he was also the country's first (and only) Afro-Colombian president for six months in 1861. Intelligent, determined, fearless, Nieto Gil took over the presidency in a time of great social and political unrest in Colombia, which he managed to stabilize despite not being accepted by the country's classist and racist elite.

Click play to hear how a poor mulatto boy who learned how to read when he was 14 defied social and class conventions to rise to the highest political office in Colombia.

Larry Harlow was a salsa pianist, composer, performer and producer from a family of Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn. Born and raised in a family full of diverse musical and cultural influences, Larry fell in love with the Latin rhythms of Spanish Harlem and made the bold choice of travelling to Cuba to experience the Cuban culture firsthand. Larry learned Spanish and became a santero. In addition to his passion for Latin culture and music, his talent and visionary business sense, changed the Latin American music scene.

Click play to learn about the "Judío maravilloso" whose love of salsa, Santeria and his own Jewish roots made him an unforgettable character among latinos all the way from New York to Medellín.

Literary cafés were spaces that sprung all over Europe during the 19th and 20th century where intellectuals, poets and artists gathered to discuss ideas. Madrid's cafés were the epicenter of Hispanic culture and the brightest writers, artists, scientists and thinkers of their time never missed the opportunity to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a lively debate.

Click play to hear about the rise and fall of los cafés literarios, their cultural legacy and their expansion across Latin American capitals.

Happy and prosper 2026! We want to share with you the resolutions and well-wishes of amigos from all over the Spanish-speaking world.

During the Spanish Civil War, three fearless photographers risked their lives to immortalize the raw and devastating realities of both the battlefields and daily life in Spain. Together, Robert Capa, Gerda Taro, and David Seymour (all pseudonyms) captured over 4000 film negatives that were kept locked for 70 years inside a suitcase that survived wars, dictatorships, and a voyage across the ocean until they were finally recovered in Mexico in 2007.

Click play to hear more about the amazing journey of the film negatives that redefined photojournalism and the invaluable historic record preserved inside una maleta mexicana.

Mole is more than just a sauce; it's a rich, elaborate and harmonious combination of ingredients and flavors that represents the complexity of Mexican culture. The origins of this delicious sauce date back to pre-Hispanic times where it was only served in religious ceremonies. It evolved into the exquisite dish we know today, thanks to the fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and the new European and Asian ingredients that became available in local markets.

Click play to hear about its history and the many different types of mole, starting with the iconic mole poblano, to learn why this is one of Mexico's star dishes.

25 years ago, a curious and enthusiastic Latina child named Dora made her TV debut in a highly-interactive and educational cartoon show for pre-schoolers. "Dora, la exploradora" completely broke the mold for kids' show: she was Latina, curious, she went on adventures, y hablaba español! Through this innovative show, kids all over the world have improved their motor, interpersonal, and linguistic skills (both in English & Spanish) while having lots of fun.

Click play to learn all about this groundbreaking cartoon adapted into 32 languages and how Dora became a cultural bridge in the United States!

Acacoyagua is a small town in Chiapas, Mexico, although at first glance you might think you took a wrong turn to Japan. This picturesque town is the first community of Japanese immigrants that settled in Chiapas in 1897, following a treaty between both nations. Those first immigrants and their descendants had to overcome many obstacles through the years, but now Mexican and Japanese traditions live in harmony in Acacoyagua, resulting in a unique cultural identity that can't be found anywhere else.

Click play to hear more about the origins of this flourishing Mexican-Japanese community in the heart of Chiapas.

Every November 1st and 2nd, thousands of Ecuadoreans gather at cemeteries bringing food, flowers, candles, and personal objects of the deceased to celebrate Día de los Finados. The Day of the Dead celebration combines Ecuador's ancestral indigenous traditions with Catholic practices to create a unique celebration of life and death that strengths community bonds and keeps the memory of their dearly departed dear and near to their hearts. Click play to learn all about the special foods, flowers and traditions that make el Día de Muertos ecuatoriano one of its kind!