Learn Spanish and Go

What happens when an entire country jokingly decides to “cancel” English for a day? In this episode, we explain the story behind Operativo No Inglés, the meaning of expressions like ponerse la verde and ¿Y si sí?, and the hilarious ways famous brands translated their names into Spanish to support Mexico’s national team. Along the way, you’ll learn about Mexican humor, internet culture, and some useful vocabulary and expressions that will help you better understand everyday Spanish and life in Mexico.
Key Takeaways:
Learn the meanings and cultural context of the expressions ponerse la verde and ¿Y si sí?
Discover the funniest Spanish versions of famous international brand names during Operativo No Inglés
Gain a deeper understanding of Mexican humor, patriotism, and how social media reflects everyday culture
Links And Additional Resources:
321 – El Fútbol en México – Soccer in Mexico
310 – Cognados y Falsos Amigos en Español e Inglés | Cognates and False Friends in Spanish and English
283 – Spanglish: Identidad, Mezcla y Aprendizaje | Spanglish: Identity, Mixture and Learning
278 – Fuera Gringo | Gringo Go Home
231 – Choques Culturales a la Inversa | Reverse Cultural Shocks
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Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
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Have you ever wondered how much of Nacho Libre is actually true? We talk about what the movie gets right (and wrong), the stereotypes it presents about Mexico, and the remarkable life of Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez—better known as Fray Tormenta—a priest who secretly became a luchador to support hundreds of children through his orphanage. We also celebrate our July Student of the Month, Jaime, whose inspiring language-learning journey reminds us that consistency and enthusiasm are the keys to making progress in Spanish.
Key Takeaways:
Discover the true story behind Nacho Libre and how Fray Tormenta dedicated his life to helping vulnerable children.
Learn how Hollywood adapted—and simplified—the real events, along with our thoughts on the movie’s portrayal of Mexico and Mexican culture.
Meet our July Student of the Month and hear practical advice for staying consistent and motivated while learning Spanish.
Links And Additional Resources:
321 – El Fútbol en México – Soccer in Mexico
318 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte I | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part I
314 – La Semana Santa en Iztapalapa | The Holy Week in Iztapalapa
243 – Alebrijes, Tonales, y Animales Fantásticos | Alebrijes, Tonales, and Fantastic Animals
211 – Cine y Series Para Mejorar tu Español | Movies and Series to Improve your Spanish
176 – La Lucha Libre | The “Lucha Libre”
Join La Escala to practice Spanish, stay consistent, and connect with other learners
Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet 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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If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya or simply want to understand one of the Caribbean’s biggest environmental challenges, this episode is for you. We explain what sargassum is, why so much of it has been washing ashore, how it impacts local communities and tourism, and what travelers can realistically expect during sargassum season. Along the way, we share our own experiences in Playa del Carmen, practical advice for staying flexible while traveling, and useful Spanish questions you can ask locals to find the best beach conditions and discover other amazing activities beyond the coast.
Key Takeaways:
Learn what sargassum is, why it has become more widespread, and the environmental factors contributing to its growth.
Discover practical tips for traveling during sargassum season, including how to check beach conditions and adjust your plans.
Practice useful Spanish phrases to ask locals for recommendations and confidently navigate unexpected changes during your trip.
Links And Additional Resources:
306 – Flor y Fauna en Yucatán con Flor Peraza | Flor & Fauna in Yucatan with Flor Peraza
294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
213 – Nuestra Boda Maya | Our Mayan Wedding
Join La Escala to practice Spanish, stay consistent, and connect with other learners
Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet 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

✈️ 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
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A lot can change in just one year! In this episode, we look back on our first year of parenthood, sharing the lessons, challenges, and joyful moments that have shaped our journey with Santi. We talk about how our confidence as parents has grown, the reality of raising a bilingual child, and the cultural differences we experienced while celebrating Santi’s first birthday in both Mexico and the United States. We also share some of our favorite milestones, from his first words and signs to walking, communicating, and developing his own unique personality.
Key Takeaways:
How parenting changes during the first year and the lessons we learned along the way
The joys and challenges of raising a bilingual child in a bicultural family
Cultural differences between birthday celebrations in Mexico and the United States
Links And Additional Resources:
284 – Un Progenitor, Un Idioma | One Parent, One Language
270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
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
253 – ¡Bebé a Bordo! | Baby on Board!
138 – Las Mañanitas | The Little Mornings
089 – El Curioso Origen de las Piñatas – The Curious Origins of Piñatas
016 – Alternancia de Código | Code Switching
Join La Escala to practice Spanish, stay consistent, and connect with other learners
Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet 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

✈️ 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

We take a deep dive into the Guelaguetza, Oaxaca’s iconic festival of sharing, community, and cultural pride. We talk about the origins of the celebration, the meaning behind the word “Guelaguetza,” what visitors can expect during the festivities, and how the event showcases the incredible diversity of Oaxaca’s Indigenous communities. Whether you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca or simply curious about Mexican culture, this episode will help you better understand the traditions, history, and spirit that make the Guelaguetza such a unique and unforgettable celebration.
Key Takeaways:
The meaning of Guelaguetza goes far beyond a festival—it represents reciprocity, generosity, and community.
The modern celebration grew from Indigenous traditions and helped Oaxaca recover after a devastating 1931 earthquake.
The Guelaguetza offers a unique opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity in one place.
Links And Additional Resources:
318 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte I | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part I
317 – ¿Qué es la UNESCO y Por qué Importa Cuando Viajamos? | What is UNESCO and Why Does it Matter When We Travel?
296 – La Cocina Ancestral Oaxaqueña con Evangelina | The Ancient Oaxacan Kitchen with Evangelina
258 – Las Mieles Oaxaqueñas | The Oaxacan Honeys
256 – Monte Albán – La Ciudad Sagrada de Oaxaca | Monte Albán – The Sacred City in Oaxaca
192 – Los 7 Moles Oaxaqueños | The 7 Oaxacan Moles
Explore Oaxaca and boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet 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

✈️ 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