Do you want to learn Spanish and travel? Learn Spanish and travel the world with Jim and May from Spanish and Go.
Advance your listening comprehension through incredible travel stories, cultural conversations, Spanish tips, and interviews with Spanish speakers from around the world.
You’ll hear natural conversational Spanish perfect for the intermediate or advanced Spanish learner. With Spanish and Go, not only will you supercharge your Spanish, but you’ll gain the tools to travel abroad with confidence.
May is a Spanish teacher from Mexico, and Jim is a gringo with a passion for adventure. Together they’ll help you take your Spanish to the next level.
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Pride celebrations are often associated with colorful parades and community gatherings, but there is a much deeper history behind them. We explore how the Stonewall uprising helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, highlight important milestones in the fight for equality, and examine how Pride is celebrated across Latin America and Spain today. Along the way, we discuss key Spanish vocabulary related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and inclusion, helping you expand your language s...
Have you ever wondered why the axolotl has become such a beloved symbol of Mexico? In this episode, we dive into the history, mythology, and science behind this remarkable amphibian that calls Xochimilco home. We talk about its connection to ancient Mexica culture, its appearance on Mexico’s famous 50-peso bill, and its astonishing ability to regenerate parts of its body. We also discuss the conservation challenges threatening wild axolotl populations, the impact of invasive species and pollutio...
Soccer in Mexico is much more than just a sport, and in this episode, we dive into why it feels almost like a religion for so many people. We talk about how soccer first arrived in Mexico through British miners, how teams like América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, and Pumas became symbols of different identities, and why the World Cup creates so much excitement across the country. Along the way, we share popular soccer slang and expressions you’ll hear in Mexico, from echarse una cascarita to árbitro vend...
We dive into the fascinating world of avocados, from their ancient origins in Mesoamerica to their modern global popularity. We share personal stories about growing up with avocados, our favorite dishes like chilaquiles, ceviche, and guacamole, and even reveal some of our secret ingredients for making guacamole at home. Along the way, we explore the meaning behind the word “aguacate,” the story of the famous Hass avocado, Mexico’s role as the world’s top avocado producer, and how this fruit beca...
In the second part of our series about Mexico’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, we dive deeper into some of the country’s most fascinating traditions and cultural expressions. We talk about the Totonac Indigenous Arts Center in Veracruz, the world of charros and charrería, the famous Talavera pottery of Puebla, romantic bolero music, and massive community celebrations like the Romería of the Virgin of Zapopan and the Passion of Christ reenactment in Iztapalapa. Along the way, we share perso...
We take you beyond landmarks and into the living traditions that define Mexico’s cultural identity. We explore UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage like Day of the Dead, the Voladores de Papantla, traditional cuisine, and mariachi—breaking down their deeper cultural, spiritual, and historical significance beyond what most people see on the surface. By the end, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how these traditions are preserved, why they matter, and how they continue to shape communities ac...
You’ve probably seen the “UNESCO World Heritage Site” label while traveling—but do you actually know what it means? In this episode, we reveal the surprising truth behind UNESCO, from how places earn this prestigious title to the hidden responsibilities that come with it. We also share real examples from our travels in Mexico, uncover lesser-known types of recognitions (yes, even food and traditions!), and explain why this global system plays a much bigger role in culture, tourism, and even prot...
We take you through Zacatlán de las Manzanas in Puebla, a lush highland town surrounded by forests, ravines, and cool mountain air. From its rich apple industry—turned into cider, pies, breads, and more—to its vibrant cultural identity shaped by the Pueblos Mágicos program, this town is full of unexpected discoveries. We also share our experience riding a local tram tour that revealed historic landmarks, canyon viewpoints, and the fascinating Callejón del Hueso with its legendary stories and ico...
We talk about how a simple conversation about Santi’s zodiac sign made us realize we had never explored horoscopes on the podcast before. From growing up with horoscope segments on TV in Mexico to seeing how common they are in media, we reflect on their cultural presence and why people find them so appealing. We also break down the basics of astrology, explore the traits of each zodiac sign, and discuss whether horoscopes are just fun entertainment or something people take too seriously when mak...
We take you inside the dramatic Semana Santa celebration in Iztapalapa, where the Passion of Christ is brought to life in a way that’s both emotional and incredibly realistic. We talk about how this tradition started nearly 200 years ago during a cholera outbreak and how it has grown into a massive event recognized by UNESCO, attracting millions of spectators each year. Along the way, we share our thoughts on how religion and culture often overlap in Mexico, what it takes to participate in this ...
May talks about the novel El Murmullo de las Abejas by Sofía Segovia, a beautiful and emotional story set in Linares, Nuevo León, during the early 1900s. We explore the life of Simonopio, a mysterious child with a deep connection to nature, and how his presence shapes the Morales family through times of revolution, land reform, and the Spanish flu pandemic. Along the way, we share why this novel is so memorable, how it blends history with subtle magical elements, and why it’s a great recommendat...
We share simple and practical ways you can create your own Spanish immersion at home, inspired by ideas from our friend Babbs, who has joined several of our immersion retreats in Mexico. We talk about activities like narrating your daily life in Spanish, cooking using Spanish recipes, and finding small real-world opportunities to practice speaking—even if it’s just asking a question at a restaurant or market. We also explain how teaching someone else, trying a “Spanish day,” and adjusting these ...
We dive into how Arabic influenced Spanish vocabulary through centuries of cultural exchange during the time of Al-Andalus. We share a personal story that sparked our curiosity, explore patterns like the “al-” prefix, and break down common words you probably didn’t know came from Arabic—like almohada, azúcar, and ojalá. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these connections in everyday Spanish, but also gain a deeper appreciation for how languages evolve and reflect history across cultures. Key...
We break down the differences between true cognates, near cognates, and false friends in English and Spanish. We share examples of words that look similar across both languages—some that mean the same thing and others that can easily trick learners into saying the wrong thing. By understanding these patterns and learning from common mistakes, you’ll discover how to build your Spanish vocabulary faster and communicate with more confidence. Key Takeaways: True cognates are words that look almost i...
After many of you reached out to ask if we were safe, we decided to dedicate this episode to explaining what really happened during the recent violence in states like Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán. We break down the timeline of events—from the military operation in Tapalpa to the 250+ road blockades, airport disruptions, burned businesses (including dozens of Oxxos), and the wave of misinformation spreading on social media. We also share our honest thoughts about safety in Mexico, what this mea...
Este episodio analiza el show de medio tiempo de Bad Bunny en el Super Tazón, explorando el profundo significado cultural y político detrás de su actuación. Se discuten la historia de Puerto Rico como territorio de EE.UU., la falta de representación y símbolos clave como la bandera azul celeste y el jíbaro. El show visibilizó la identidad puertorriqueña, la clase trabajadora y la lucha por la independencia, celebrando la cultura latina y el empoderamiento femenino.
We break down what a piropo actually is and why it’s more than just a romantic line — it’s a mix of language, humor, and culture. We share cute, funny, and cheesy examples you might hear in movies or conversations, and we also explain the street piropos you should understand but probably never use. Most importantly, we help you learn the social rules behind them so you don’t accidentally sound rude or awkward while speaking Spanish. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these expressions in real...
We sit down with Flor, a local Spanish teacher with a background in biology and a master’s focus on ecology, to talk about her journey, her Yucatecan roots, and how she became part of our immersion program in Mérida. Together, we explore fascinating topics like whether coyotes in Yucatán are invasive or naturally expanding, and we highlight emblematic animals of the region such as the jaguar (Balam), pink flamingos, endemic rattlesnakes, white-tailed deer, and the iconic pájaro reloj. We also ta...
From figuring out which bus to take to knowing when and how to signal the driver, we walk you through the reality of using urban buses in Mexico. We talk about routes, schedules (or the lack of them), payment methods—from cash to modern app-based systems like Mérida’s Va y Ven—and the essential Spanish phrases you’ll actually need on board. Along the way, we share etiquette tips, safety advice, and personal stories that will help you avoid common mistakes and turn public transportation into a fu...
From Cholula to Tabasco, we explore how some of the world’s most famous hot sauces are named after places they don’t actually come from. We break down the real origins of Tabasco sauce, how it was created in Louisiana using Tabasco chilies, and how it became the best-selling hot sauce in the world—traveling everywhere from seafood plates to space missions. We also share our honest take on its flavor, how it’s used differently in the U.S. versus Mexico, and why homemade Mexican salsas still hold ...
We explore the growing fear that AI and instant translation tools make language learning unnecessary, and we explain why that mindset misses the point. From real-life cultural misunderstandings and gestures to sarcasm, tone, and relationship-building, we share examples that show what technology simply can’t teach. You’ll walk away with a clearer idea of how to use AI as a powerful learning tool—without losing the deeper goal of language learning: connecting with real people and cultures. Key Tak...
In this episode, we conclude our real-life battle with Sam’s Club after buying a couch that arrived incomplete and went unresolved for months. We share how filing a complaint through PROFECO and ConciliaNet led not only to a full refund, but also to the legally required 20% compensation—despite resistance and delays from the company. If you live in, travel to, or shop in Mexico, this episode shows you that you do have rights as a consumer and that PROFECO is a powerful tool when a business refus...
In episode 301, May takes the mic solo to respond to claims that Mexico lacks a true bread culture, using this moment to explore how wheat arrived during the colonial period and evolved into something uniquely Mexican. We walk you through the history of bread in Mexico, its role in everyday life and religious celebrations, and the incredible variety of pan dulce that defines Mexican bakeries today. Along the way, you’ll gain cultural insight, expand your vocabulary, and better understand why foo...
We reflect on reaching 300 podcast episodes and five years of Spanish and Go, a journey that started during the pandemic in Puerto Rico and led us to where we are today. We talk about the biggest moments of the year—buying a house, becoming parents, favorite podcast episodes, and how slowing down helped us grow in unexpected ways. You’ll also hear what we’re planning next, from new immersion retreats and a community platform to future travel, plus why this kind of reflection can help you appreci...
We walk you through essential Christmas words and traditions in Mexico, from nacimientos and Christmas trees to poinsettias, piñatas, and festive street decorations. We also explore classic holiday food and drinks like tamales, ponche, rompope, and buñuelos, plus the music, posadas, and expressions you’ll hear everywhere. Whether you’re traveling, living in Mexico, or simply want to sound more confident during the holidays, this episode helps you connect language with real-life Christmas experie...
We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and truly c...
We dive into the surprising reach of Oxxo, from its 22,000+ stores across Mexico to its rapid growth in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. We discuss the 2,500 products you can find in a single location, the ready-to-eat foods, and the essential services it offers—like paying bills, withdrawing cash, buying bus tickets, and even handling government payments. We also explore Spin by Oxxo, its growing financial service that’s helping millions of people access convenient banking tool...
May talks with Evangelina about the origins of Cocina Nana Vira and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles— coloradito , mole negro , and mole chichilo —and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oax...
We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as dígrafos rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for dec...
We’re sharing the essential everyday phrases you’ll hear constantly in Mexico — and how to use them confidently and politely. You’ll learn when to say provecho, por favor, gracias, con permiso, disculpa, perdón, and salud , plus the cultural meaning behind each expression, so you know exactly what feels natural to locals. We also talk about the importance of asking permission before taking photos and how these small habits can help you navigate markets, restaurants, and crowded streets with ease...
