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 a special place in our hearts.

Key Takeaways:

• Tabasco sauce is named after the chili, not the Mexican state where many assume it comes from
• Its global popularity contrasts with how Mexicans typically experience and use hot sauces
• Homemade salsas remain central to Mexican food culture, flavor, and identity

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 104 – ¡Al Chile! – Chilis: Straight to the Point
• 272 – ¿La Salsa Cholula no Viene de Cholula? | Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn’t Come from Cholula?
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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 refuses to respond.

Key Takeaways:

• PROFECO can successfully force companies in Mexico to respect consumer rights.
• You don’t need to be a Mexican citizen or resident to file a PROFECO complaint.
• Persistence, documentation, and knowing the law can make a real difference in high-value purchases.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 289 – La Saga del Sillón y la PROFECO Parte I | The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part I
• 222 – Protégete de las Estafas con la PROFECO | Protect Yourself from Scams with PROFECO
• How to Defend Your Consumer Rights in Mexico With PROFECO [Blog Post]
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  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
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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 food is such a powerful part of Mexican identity. immersion retreats and a community platform to future travel, plus why this kind of reflection can help you appreciate your own progress too.

Key Takeaways:

• Why bread, though not originally Mexican, is deeply woven into Mexico’s daily life and traditions
• How history, colonization, and local ingredients shaped uniquely Mexican breads
• What pan dulce and common Spanish expressions reveal about Mexican culture and values

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 209 – La Feria Más Bonita de Comala – Ponche, Pan y Café | The Most Beautiful Fair of Comala – Ponche, Bread, and Coffee
• 082 – El Pan de Muerto | Bread of the Dead
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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 appreciate your own progress too.

Key Takeaways:

• Why reflecting on milestones helps you see growth you might otherwise miss
• How major life changes reshaped our priorities, work, and travel
• What exciting projects and goals we’re working toward next

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

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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 experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Master practical Spanish Christmas vocabulary used in real conversations
• Understand the meaning behind Mexican holiday traditions and symbols
• Speak more naturally about Christmas while traveling or celebrating in Spanish

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 036 – Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas | Mexican Christmas Parties
• 037 – Diferencias Navideñas Entre México Y EEUU | Christmas Differences Between Mexico And The US
• 141 – Villancicos Navideños | Christmas Carols
• 142 – La Rama: El Árbol Navideño Mexicano | The Branch: The Mexican Christmas Tree
• 195 – Ponche – El Olor De La Navidad En México | Ponche, The Smell Of Christmas In Mexico
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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 connecting with people beyond the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• Why meals in Mexico don’t end when the plate is empty
• How la sobremesa reflects deeper cultural values around time and connection
• How you can use la sobremesa to practice Spanish naturally and confidently

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

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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 tools. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Oxxo is more than a convenience store—it’s a powerhouse woven into the daily rhythm of Mexican life.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Oxxo is considered one of the most important convenience stores in Mexico.
• How its everyday services—from bill payments to cash deposits—make life easier for millions.
• The surprising products, expansion, and financial tools behind Oxxo’s massive success.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 264 – Medicina Extremadamente Barata en México | Extremely Affordable Medicine in Mexico
• 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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