Have you always wanted to learn Spanish but thought “I don’t have time,” “I’m too old,” or “this feels too hard”? You’re not alone — and this episode is here to change that 💥

In Episode 42, our very first episode of 2026, Em and Val break down how beginners can actually start learning Spanish, stay motivated when life gets busy, and build a realistic plan that works long-term.

This is a highly interactive episode designed to help you set clear goals, overcome mental blocks, and take real action — not just dream about learning Spanish.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll:

✅ Break through common limiting beliefs about learning Spanish ✅ Learn how to start Spanish as a beginner (even with a busy life)

✅ Discover how to stay motivated without burning out

✅ Build a realistic Spanish learning action plan for 2026

✅ Learn why consistency matters more than perfection

🎯 Reto de la Semana (Challenge of the Week)

This week’s reto is all about goal setting 💪👉 Tell us your Spanish goal for this year (in English)👉 Share 1–2 concrete actions you’ll take to make it happen

Example:“I want to have a basic conversation in Spanish by June, so I’ll listen to this podcast every week and take one class per week.”

Comment or DM us on Instagram @spanglish_friends — we’ll shout out one of your goals in a future episode!

💛 Don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who wants to learn Spanish in 2026. Let’s start strong together ✨

📲 Instagram & TikTok → @spanglish_friends

📧 Contact: spanglishfriendspodcast@gmail.com

📚 1-on-1 Spanish lessons with Val: spanishlessonsbyval@gmail.com

🎶 Music by @scotairdmusic

Want to talk about Christmas in Spanish? 🎄

In Episode 41 — our final episode of 2025 — we’re diving into Christmas vocabulary, festive phrases, and cultural traditions from Spanish-speaking countries.

Learn how to say Feliz Navidad, talk about gifts, family meals, and understand how Christmas is celebrated around the Spanish-speaking world.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll:

✅ Learn Christmas greetings: Feliz Navidad, Feliz Nochebuena & Feliz Año Nuevo

✅ Discover key Christmas vocabulary: árbol de Navidad, regalo, villancicos & Nochebuena

✅ Understand how Christmas is celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries

✅ Listen to a festive mini conversation in Spanish

🎉 Spanglish Friend Shout-Out of the Week

This week’s shoutout goes to Ohemaa from Ghana for sharing the love and supporting the podcast!

✏️ Challenge of the Week

We’d love to hear from you! 👉 Write a short sentence in Spanish about how you celebrate Christmas 👉 Use phrases from today’s episode like “Voy a pasar la Navidad con mi familia” Comment or DM us on Instagram @spanglish_friends — we might feature you in a future episode!

💛 Don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow Spanish learners!

📲 Instagram & TikTok → @spanglish_friends

📧 Contact: spanglishfriendspodcast@gmail.com

📚 1-on-1 Spanish lessons with Val: spanishlessonsbyval@gmail.com

🎶 Music by @scotairdmusic

Did someone say something in Spanish and your brain just froze? Episode 40 of Spanglish Friends teaches you exactly what to say when you don’t understand — without panicking, pretending, or switching to English. You’ll learn powerful beginner phrases like ¿Puede repetir?, ¿Qué significa?, and Lo siento, no entiendo so you can survive real conversations with confidence.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll:

✅ Learn how to ask for clarification: ¿Cómo se dice…?, ¿Qué significa…?, ¿Cómo se escribe…?

✅ Practice essential “panic-saving” phrases: ¿Puede repetir, por favor? and ¿Puede hablar más despacio?

✅ Learn how to say you’re a beginner politely: Estoy aprendiendo & Solo hablo un poco

✅ Hear a practical breakdown of what to say when you feel lost in conversation

🎉 Spanglish Friend Shout-Out of the Week

This week’s shoutout goes to Tumi, who bravely shared their very first Spanish sentence and their love for Spanish culture — we’re so proud of you!

✏️ Challenge of the Week

We’d love to hear from you!

👉 Which phrase will help you most: ¿Puede repetir? or ¿Cómo se dice…? 👉

Do you know any other helpful beginner phrases? Comment or DM us on Instagram @spanglish_friends — you might get a shoutout in an upcoming episode!

💛 Don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow Spanish learners!

📲 Instagram & TikTok → @spanglish_friends

📧 Contact: spanglishfriendspodcast@gmail.com

📚 1-on-1 Spanish lessons with Val: spanishlessonsbyval@gmail.com

🎶 Music by @scotairdmusic