Episodios

  • Why Mexico Loves Lucha Libre (and Why the World Does Too)

    Why Mexico Loves Lucha Libre (and Why the World Does Too)
    Jan 13 2026
    In this fully bilingual (Spanish/English) episode of Your Mexican Friend, Carlos takes you through the magic, the myth, and the business of Lucha Libre—from its modern origins in 1933 with Salvador Lutteroth and the birth of what we now know as CMLL, to its massive boom in the 1950s thanks to television. You’ll meet the legendary icons who shaped Mexico’s cultural identity—El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Máscaras—and discover why Lucha Libre is far more than a sport: it’s a universal story of the Técnico vs. the Rudo, a collective emotional release inside the arena, and a powerful symbol of identity and resilience. Carlos also breaks down the modern scene: CMLL vs. AAA (tradition and classic technique vs. spectacle and drama), and how Lucha Libre has become a global phenomenon through major international connections with AEW, WWE, and NJPW. Plus, you’ll get essential arena vocabulary so you can understand the energy and the chants. The episode closes with one clear idea: Lucha Libre reflects Mexico—colorful, loud, and always ready to rise after a fall.
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    15 m
  • Listening – Comprehension: Daily Life in Mexico

    Listening – Comprehension: Daily Life in Mexico
    Jan 8 2026
    This listening episode (A1–A2 level) is narrated by Carlos and introduces learners to a typical day in Mexico and how people get around in everyday life. First, Carlos describes his daily routine. He wakes up early, prepares coffee, and has a simple breakfast with common foods such as eggs and tortillas. Then, he talks about leaving home to work or study. Carlos explains that in Mexico the main meal of the day is usually eaten between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., and it often includes rice, beans, chicken or meat, and almost always salsa. In the evening, people relax, watch TV or listen to music, and get ready to sleep. Next, the episode focuses on transportation in Mexico. Carlos explains that in big cities like Mexico City, many people use public transportation, especially the subway and buses, which can be very crowded during rush hour. He also mentions that driving a car can be difficult because of heavy traffic. In smaller cities and towns, people often walk, ride bicycles, or use local taxis. The episode ends by highlighting that at night transportation is calmer and it is a good time to rest after a long day.
    Más Menos
    20 m
  • If you’re learning Mexican Spanish… travel to Mexico (and here’s why).

    If you’re learning Mexican Spanish… travel to Mexico (and here’s why).
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode of Your Mexican Friend, Carlos explores how traveling can transform the way you learn a language, not only through practice, but through the mindset shift it creates. He explains that traveling turns the language into a real-life tool: you’re no longer speaking “to practice,” you’re speaking to handle everyday situations like ordering food, asking for directions, or introducing yourself. Throughout the episode, Carlos shows how this kind of exposure helps you tolerate the discomfort of making mistakes, build confidence, and understand that the goal is communication, not perfection. He also explains that language sticks better when it connects to emotions and real experiences: you don’t just remember words, you remember moments. In addition, he shares practical recommendations to make the most of a trip: preparing useful phrases before leaving, focusing on listening and observing how people actually speak, choosing natural interactions in markets and small cafés, and not relying on English all the time. Finally, he gives tips to keep your progress after returning home by using the language in your routine and revisiting the trip through writing, speaking, and related content. The final message: traveling isn’t required, but it can be a powerful part of the journey because it turns language into something you live, not just study.
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    17 m
  • Learn Spanish in 2026 Without Frustration: 10 Real Tips

    Learn Spanish in 2026 Without Frustration: 10 Real Tips
    Jan 1 2026
    In this episode of Your Mexican Friend—spoken bilingually in Spanish and English—Carlos explains why learning Spanish in 2026 is different: there are more tools and technology than ever, but also more distractions, pressure, and frustration to “learn fast.” With a friendly yet professional tone, he shares 10 practical and realistic tips to improve your Spanish without stress: studying with better focus instead of more hours, prioritizing daily listening before aiming for perfect speaking, accepting that you’ll sound “weird” at first, learning useful phrases rather than just word lists, and integrating Spanish into your daily routine (phone settings, music, short videos, and thinking in Spanish). He also emphasizes avoiding comparisons with other students, making mistakes on purpose to overcome fear, exposing yourself to real-life Spanish (fillers, pauses, emotion) beyond textbook language, and using technology intentionally (fewer tools, but consistently). The final message is clear: Spanish isn’t a race, it’s a process—if you enjoy the journey, progress comes more naturally and lasts longer.
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    18 m
  • Spanish Listening Practice – My Life in Mexico City

    Spanish Listening Practice – My Life in Mexico City
    Aug 6 2025
    Hi, I’m Carlos. In this episode, I’ll tell you what my life is like in Mexico City: what my neighborhood is like, my favorite place in the city, and the Mexican traditions I love. You’ll hear about the typical city noise, the tacos I love most, how I get around the streets, and the celebrations I share with my wife Denisse. It’s an easy-to-understand episode, with real expressions we chilangos (Mexico City locals) use every day. This episode is perfect for practicing your listening skills and learning more about daily life in Mexico. Listen to it slowly and repeat the parts you like most!
    Más Menos
    20 m
  • Spanish in Real Life: Directions, Moving & Interviews (Intermediate)

    Spanish in Real Life: Directions, Moving & Interviews (Intermediate)
    Aug 2 2025
    🎙️ Spanish Conversations (Intermediate Level): Asking for Directions, Moving, and Job Interviews 🇲🇽
    In this episode, we’ll practice three essential situations for any intermediate Spanish learner:
    🧭 How to ask for and give directions,
    📦 How to talk about moving to a new city,
    💼 And how to prepare for a job interview. Through real-life dialogues, useful vocabulary, and common expressions from Mexico and Latin America, you’ll improve your comprehension and your ability to communicate in everyday Spanish. 🌆 The episode features a colorful and dynamic visual style, perfect for learning in a fun and natural way. Listen, repeat, and keep learning with us on “Your Mexican Friend”! 🇲🇽🎧
    Más Menos
    16 m
  • 10 songs to learn (and fall in love with) Spanish 🎶

    10 songs to learn (and fall in love with) Spanish 🎶
    Jul 31 2025
    Can you really learn Spanish by listening to music? Absolutely — especially when it comes from 10 incredible artists who not only make great music, but also help you absorb the language through rhythm, emotion, and culture. From the intimate style of Natalia Lafourcade, to the urban melancholy of Julieta Venegas, the joyful chaos of Café Tacvba, the rebellious energy of Manu Chao, and other voices that have shaped Spanish-language music — each song brings you real expressions, emotions, and phrases we use every day in Mexico and Latin America. We’ll talk about:
    🎶 Useful vocabulary
    🎶 Everyday expressions
    🎶 Natural pronunciation
    🎶 Cultural context (yes, even the fun gossip matters) 🧠 Perfect for A2–B2 level learners
    💬 If you love learning through art, rhythm, and real meaning — this episode is for you.
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    18 m
  • 📚 Learn Spanish with the Most Famous Mexican TV Shows

    📚 Learn Spanish with the Most Famous Mexican TV Shows
    Jul 29 2025
    🎙️ Episode: Iconic Mexican TV Series In this episode, I take you on a nostalgic and fun journey through some of the most iconic Mexican TV shows — from timeless classics like Chespirito and El Chavo del 8 to more recent hits like La Rosa de Guadalupe and Narcos: Mexico. We explore how these series reflect Mexican culture, humor, everyday expressions, and even regional accents. You’ll also learn how to use these shows as tools to improve your Spanish in a natural, fun, and effective way. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate learner, this episode will help you deepen your understanding of both the language and Mexican identity.
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    14 m
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