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In this episode I’m joined by a new member of our team at Spanish con Salsa, Language Coach Celín Mesa.  She was born and raised in Cuba and now lives in Montevideo, Uruguay. Celín shares the expressions she had to learn from scratch after moving, the pronoun that threw her off completely, and the exact moment at a hotel bar in Varadero when she realized she was actually bilingual. Then she tells us what Guantanamera means — and once you hear it, it’s so obvious you’ll wonder how you never knew. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🇨🇺 What the word “Guantanamera” actually means — and the simple pattern Cubans use to describe people from any province 🗣️ The pronoun that you’ll hear all over South America but won’t find in most textbooks (hint: it's not not tú, usted, or vosotros) 💬 3 Uruguayan expressions a native Cuban speaker had to learn from scratch, including one that means “I’m into it” 🏝️ Why Cuban Spanish and Uruguayan Spanish can feel like two different languages 🎯 Why you shouldn’t expect to understand every accent — and what to focus on instead when you’re starting out 🎓 Celín is teaching a full class on this song — sign up at spanishconsalsa.com/liveclass Can’t make it live? Sign up anyway and you’ll get the recording. 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

Is love a thing of the past? In this episode of the Learn Spanish Con Salsa podcast, we analyze a powerful cross-generational collaboration between the queen of urban music, Karol G, and the legendary Marco Antonio Solís. We break down the lyrics of their emotional ballad, "Coleccionando Heridas", exploring the grammar and vocabulary used to express heartbreak, self-doubt, and resignation.  This song is perfect for intermediate learners because the pronunciation is super clear and it's packed with phrases you can actually use to talk about feelings and relationships. In this episode, you will learn: 🧠 How to talk about hypothetical situations in Spanish 🤔 A common Spanish phrase used in everyday conversation to express doubt 🗣️ Idiomatic phrases for natural conversation like "No se me da", "Hacer compañía", and "No para de..." 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

Grammar drills. Verb charts. Pronunciation practice. All useful — and all a little tedious after a while. 😴 Here's what changes everything: talk about something you actually care about. In this episode, we're practicing how to talk about your passions in Spanish — your favorite food, the music you love, the place you'd go back to tomorrow, the things you do just because they make you happy. When you talk about what you love, your energy goes up, the words stick, and you're learning vocabulary you'll actually use instead of memorizing a word list you'll forget by Friday. I'll walk you through a handful of questions you can ask (and answer), share my own responses as examples, and show you how to turn a one-word answer into a real conversation. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🍽️ How to answer "what's your favorite food?" in a full sentence instead of one word 🎶 A simple way to talk about the music you love — and why it's one of the easiest topics to practice with a native speaker ✈️ How to describe a place you love and why you'd go back 📚 Everyday vocabulary for hobbies, books, and movies you can start using today 🔄 The small move that turns your answer into an actual back-and-forth conversation 💡 Why talking about your passions helps you remember new words better than any vocabulary list 🎯 The question that gets people talking every time — no matter their Spanish level 🗣️ Ready to practice these questions with real people? Join our Spanish conversation community at spanishconsalsa.com/join 📞 Not sure where to start? Schedule a call with our team at spanishconsalsa.com/chat 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, Tamara Marie responds to listener Jo-Anne’s challenges with forgetting words and feeling nervous speaking Spanish with adults.  Tamara shares actionable tips for consistent practice, reducing anxiety, and building fluency. In this episode, she covers: Daily Practice: Learn how to schedule consistent, structured conversations with adults in Spanish.Stress-Free Learning: Discover techniques like meditation and yoga to ease speaking anxiety.Real-Life Tips: Practice everyday Spanish with grocery lists and common conversation phrases. 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we follow up on our lyrics breakdown of "Somos Más" — the official Telemundo anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Carlos Vives, Emilia, Wisin, and Xavi. We're reviewing 7 Spanish phrases from the song that you can use in daily conversation. Plus, I'll reveal the answer to our trivia question about Carlos Vives. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🗣️Conversational phrases that go beyond soccer — from expressing excitement to describing community 👚 How "ponerse la camiseta" means much more than putting on a shirt 🔄️ An easy way to memorize how to use reflexive verbs Listen to this episode to build vocabulary you'll actually use — in the World Cup and beyond. Related Links: 🎧 Episode 244: Learn Spanish with the World Cup Anthem "Somos Más" 🏆 Listen to all World Cup episodes 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this special World Cup episode, we break down "Somos Más," the official Telemundo anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performed by Carlos Vives (Colombia), Emilia (Argentina), Wisin (Puerto Rico), and Xavi (Mexico). We'll break down the song lyrics and review vocabulary for talking about sports, emotions, and coming together as a community. In this episode, you'll learn: ⚽ Essential fútbol vocabulary that every Spanish speaker uses during the World Cup 🌎 How 4 artists from 4 different countries come together in one anthem — and what that means for your Spanish 🏟️ The difference between "la cancha" and "el estadio" and other soccer terms you need to know 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

Never watched a soccer match? No problem. The FIFA World Cup is coming to the US, Mexico, and Canada this summer — and it's the perfect excuse to level up your Spanish! ⚽ In this episode, we start from the very beginning — what the World Cup is, how the game works, and the key Spanish vocabulary you need to follow a match and have a conversation about the tournament in Spanish. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🏆 What 'La Copa Mundial" means and why it's such a big deal in the Spanish-speaking world ⚽ The basic reglas de fútbol explained— positions, scoring, and how a game is won 🎙️ The exact words and phrases you'll hear during a Spanish-language broadcast Listen to this episode and you'll be ready to watch every match en español! 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we’re breaking down the vocabulary of “Estocolmo” by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We extract 7 high-frequency words & phrases from the song that you can use in daily conversation immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🧐 How to describe someone who thinks too highly of themselves in Spanish (without being rude!)😤 A common phrase used to express frustration when you've reached your limit, like saying "It's the last straw!"📝 The other way to say "to fear" in Spanish and a different way talk about your plansListen to this episode to add more conversational Spanish vocabulary to your toolkit. 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we break down the dramatic hit "Estocolmo" from the joint album by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We analyze the lyrics of this intense song, exploring themes of jealousy, determination, and the "crime" of stealing someone's heart.  In this episode, you'll learn: 👮 A common phrase used in Latin America for "going to jail" that you won't find in most textbooks 🧗 The specific verb needed to describe climbing physical objects (like a balcony!) 😠 Expressions you can use when you're frustrated or annoyed with someone 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

You're in the middle of a Spanish conversation, everything is going great, and suddenly... your mind goes completely blank. 😳  Before you freeze up or sound like a textbook by saying '¿Puede repetir, por favor?', listen up!  In this episode, I'm going to give you 10 Spanish phrases native speakers actually use to buy time, clarify, and keep the conversation going smoothly. 🗣️ Whether you need a second to gather your thoughts, want to ask someone to repeat themselves, or just want to sound more natural when clarifying a point—we’ve got you covered. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Conversational phrases to use when you need to buy time  or gather your thoughts 🧠 ✅ How to politely ask someone to repeat themselves without sounding like a robot 🤖 ✅ 5 natural expressions to ask for clarification like a native speaker 🤔 💬 Get the Bonus list of 21 Conversational Spanish Phrases to Keep Your Conversations Flowing (complete with examples in context, translations, & audio), transcripts, and our 7 Songs to Transform Your Spanish 🎵 course when you sign up as a show supporter at learnspanishconsalsa.com/support 🔗 Episode Show Notes at learnspanishconsalsa.com/240 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, host Tamara Marie talks with Brittany, a passionate educator, all about her journey to Spanish fluency. Despite years of studying Spanish, Brittany felt stuck when it came to real conversations. 😞 Her motivation? To connect better with her students and with Spanish speakers in her Zumba classes. 👟 Tamara and Brittany discuss why traditional learning methods often fall short and how a personalized approach can make all the difference. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why academic Spanish often fails in real-world conversations 🤓How Brittany built confidence speaking with native speakers (even after making a few embarrassing mistakes 🫢)The power of music and culture in language learning 🎶How accountability and coaching can help you overcome mental blocks 💡Before you download another app or sign up for another program, listen to this episode. Resources Mentioned: Spanish Language Coaching (1:1 Spanish Language Coaching)Spanish Fluency Club (Group Coaching Program)🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

What type of language learner are you?  The type of language learner you are will influence how quickly you reach Spanish fluency. I will help you improve your Spanish and accelerate your path to fluency by helping you identify your language learning type. 📝 Take the Quiz >  https://www.learnspanishconsalsa.com/typequiz 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

How do you decide what type of Spanish to learn?  In this episode, I'll go over some key questions you should ask yourself to pick a type of Spanish.  I also explain how to get started if you're not sure what's the best type of Spanish for you to learn. Then, I give you some practical tips you can implement right away so you can focus on your type of Spanish and make progress faster. 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

Do you know what type of Spanish you should learn?   This is one of the most common questions I get asked. Should you learn Spanish from Spain or Mexican Spanish?  What are the differences between different types of Spanish?   I'll explain why it's important to pick a type of Spanish to avoid wasting a ton of time and confusion on your journey to Spanish fluency. 🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the lyrics of "Nueva York" by Bad Bunny with Puerto Rican linguist Adriana Lopez. In Part 2, we explore the heavy cultural references in the song—from Dominican rap anthems to Puerto Rican boxing legends—and discuss the controversy surrounding Forbes naming Bad Bunny the "King of Pop." You'll also learn key vocabulary distinctions and cultural nuances between island life and city life. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The meaning of 7 Puerto Rican Spanish words & phrases used in the song, like está buena, las gatas, and sacarla del estadio 🇵🇷How Bad Bunny really feels about being named "King of Pop" by Forbes Magazine (and how he addresses it in the lyrics) 👑The critical difference between the verbs mover and mudar (and why mixing them up changes your meaning completely) 💃🏽🗨 FREE SPANISH CONVERSATION GUIDE [DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation  Your step-by-step guide to know *exactly* what to say when you meet a native Spanish speaker in less than 30 minutes! >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com  Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a future episode ;) 📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways Connect with us... 📲 Follow us on Instagram 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Facebook Community ▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel 📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter