If you’ve ever wondered what mole poblano is—or why it’s considered by many to be Mexico’s national dish—this episode is for you. We talk about the ingredients that make it so complex, its colonial and pre-Hispanic roots, and how it’s typically served during major celebrations like weddings and New Year’s. From our own tasting experiences to the endless variations across regions, we explore what makes mole more than just food—it’s a reflection of Mexico’s history and identity.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the fascinating legends behind the invention of mole poblano and how it evolved over time.
• Discover what goes into making this richly flavored dish—from chiles and spices to chocolate and even tortillas.
• Understand why mole poblano holds such a special place in Mexican culture and how it brings people together during important celebrations.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 192 – Los 7 Moles Oaxaqueños | The 7 Oaxacan Moles
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We explore why Cholula sauce, named after our hometown, isn’t actually made here—and why most locals don’t even use it. From its humble beginnings in a Mexican kitchen to its massive $800 million acquisition by McCormick, this episode uncovers the cultural, historical, and economic journey behind one of the world’s most popular hot sauces. Plus, we share personal stories and local perspectives that reveal how much (or how little) this famous sauce matters to everyday Mexicans.

Key Takeaways:

• The real story behind Cholula sauce—and why it’s not made in Cholula
• Why hot sauce can cost $1 in Mexico but $12 abroad
• How marketing, history, and globalization turned a homemade recipe into an international empire

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 104 – ¡Al Chile! – Chilis: Straight To The Point
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  • Get 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
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We explore the BCG vaccine and why it’s commonly given to newborns in countries like Mexico. You’ll hear what we learned from our pediatrician, how vaccine practices differ around the world, and why this immunization still plays a critical role in public health. Whether you’re a parent or simply curious about global healthcare, this conversation offers helpful context and cultural insight.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the BCG vaccine is still necessary in countries like Mexico
• What makes this vaccine different from those given in the U.S. or Canada
• How a small scar can carry cultural meaning and public health significance

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs
• 253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!
• 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
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
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We’re officially parents! Just a few days after welcoming baby Santiago into our lives, we’re sharing all the details — from the surprising calm before the cesarean to the emotional rollercoaster of choosing the right doctor and hospital in Mexico. We talk about the decisions we had to make, the challenges we faced, and how it all led to a beautiful and safe birth that changed our lives forever.

Key Takeaways:

• Why we chose a scheduled cesarean and how May’s medical history influenced that decision
• How we selected the hospital and doctor we felt safest with
• What it really felt like becoming first-time parents in a foreign country

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 167 – La Cirugía Y Recuperación De May | May’s Surgery And Recovery
• 253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!
• 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
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get 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

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxim

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Have you ever wondered why the dollar sign is used for both U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos? We’ve had students ask if ATMs in Mexico give out dollars or pesos, all because of that same “$” symbol. In this episode, we break down the real history behind the sign—from colonial-era Spanish pesos to silver mines and the American Revolution—and reveal how the U.S. didn’t create the symbol, but actually adopted it from Latin America.

Key Takeaways:

• The “$” symbol likely originated from the abbreviation “PS” for pesos, not from U.S. dollars.
• Mexico—and many other countries—used the symbol before the U.S. did.
• While the symbol is shared globally, each currency it represents is distinct and independent.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get 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’ve ever wanted to read One Hundred Years of Solitude but felt intimidated by its complex narrative, this episode is for you. May breaks down why this novel is more approachable than it seems, especially when paired with the new Netflix adaptation, and how its cyclical structure and recurring themes reflect Latin American history and identity. May also shares tips for navigating the story, from keeping track of the Buendía family to appreciating the magic woven into the everyday.

Key Takeaways:

• One Hundred Years of Solitude is ideal for intermediate to advanced Spanish learners due to its accessible language and cultural depth.
• Understanding the novel’s cyclical narrative and repeated names can enhance your reading experience.
• Watching the Netflix adaptation can help visualize the characters and make the story easier to follow.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 221 – Como Agua Para Chocolate | Like Water For Chocolate
• 242 – Pedro Páramo | Pedro Páramo
• 265 – Cómo Ver Series En Español Y No Morir En El Intento | How To Watch Series In Spanish And Not Die Trying
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  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
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Saying “yes” or “no” in Mexico isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this episode, we unpack the social and cultural nuances behind these everyday responses, especially when someone offers you food, help, or an invitation. Whether you’re learning Spanish or planning a visit, this episode will help you sound more natural, polite, and culturally aware in real conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn fun and informal ways to say “yes” in Mexico, like jalo, va, and órale.
• Discover how to soften a “no” using polite phrases like ahorita no, gracias and lo voy a pensar.
• Understand why cultural context matters when rejecting offers—especially when food is involved.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get 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

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próx

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While choosing wallpaper and curtain rods for our new home studio, we came across color names like “royal blue” and “matte nickel,” sparking a fun conversation about how color terms vary in English and Spanish. From “colorado” to “rosa mexicano,” we unpack the emotional, cultural, and regional meanings behind these colors—and how they don’t always translate directly. Whether you’re into design, language learning, or just love the little quirks of vocabulary, this episode will help you see color in a whole new light.ually enjoying the process!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how color names like “colorado,” “café,” and “morado” vary across Spanish-speaking regions.
• Discover why direct translations like “royal blue” or “lavender” can miss the cultural context behind each shade.
• Understand how specific terms like “matte nickel” and “rosa mexicano” reflect design, emotion, and identity.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get 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

If you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próxima!

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