Becoming parents has given us a whole new appreciation for children’s songs, so in this episode, we’re sharing some of our favorites with Santi and the memories they bring back. We talk about bilingual nursery rhymes, classic Mexican lullabies, interactive songs that make little ones laugh, and why some English nursery rhymes have surprisingly dark (or misunderstood) histories. Along the way, you’ll learn about traditional songs like Los Pollitos Dicen, Martinillo, and Ricky Ran, discover how children’s songs are translated across languages, and hear us compare the games and counting rhymes we grew up with in Mexico and the United States. Whether you’re learning Spanish, raising bilingual kids, or simply feeling nostalgic about your childhood, this episode offers a fun glimpse into the music, traditions, and family moments that connect generations.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover popular Mexican and English nursery rhymes, their meanings, and the traditions behind them.
• Learn how children’s songs are translated across languages while keeping their rhythm, melody, and cultural charm.
• Compare childhood games, counting rhymes, and family traditions from Mexico and the United States through our own experiences.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 325 – Un Año con Santi: Lo Que Hemos Aprendido Como Papás | A Year with Santi: What We’ve Learned as Parents
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
• 247 – El Coco, El Ratoncito Pérez, y Otras Creencias de los Niños Latinos | El Coco, El Ratoncito Pérez, and Other Beliefs of Latin Children
• 108 – Errores en la Música en Español | Errors in Spanish Music
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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
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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Summer vacations mean something different depending on where you grew up, and in this episode, we look back on the childhood memories that shaped us—from playing outside in the rain in Mexico to biking through Minnesota during long summer days. We also talk about how owning a home and raising our son, Santi, has changed our relationship with travel, why we’re trying to squeeze in a few more trips before he turns two, and the realities of traveling as parents. Along the way, we compare summer traditions in Mexico and the U.S., explain why “summer” doesn’t always mean hot weather, share travel mishaps caused by unexpected climates, and discuss what an ideal vacation looks like for us today.

Key Takeaways:

• How becoming parents and homeowners has changed the way we think about traveling.
• The differences between summer vacations, weather, and school breaks in Mexico and the United States.
• Why some of our favorite childhood summer memories had nothing to do with traveling at all.everyday culture

Links And Additional Resources:

• 326 – Viajar al Caribe en Temporada de Sargazo | Traveling to the Caribbean During Sargassum Season
• 312 – Cómo Crear tu Propia Inmersión en Español Sin Viajar | How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 292 – Aprendizajes de Nuestro Primer Viaje con Santi | Learnings From Our First Trip with Santi
• 250 – Tipos de Viajes, ¿Cuál Prefieres Tú? | Types of trips, which one do you prefer?
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What happens when an entire country jokingly decides to “cancel” English for a day? In this episode, we explain the story behind Operativo No Inglés, the meaning of expressions like ponerse la verde and ¿Y si sí?, and the hilarious ways famous brands translated their names into Spanish to support Mexico’s national team. Along the way, you’ll learn about Mexican humor, internet culture, and some useful vocabulary and expressions that will help you better understand everyday Spanish and life in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the meanings and cultural context of the expressions ponerse la verde and ¿Y si sí?
• Discover the funniest Spanish versions of famous international brand names during Operativo No Inglés
• Gain a deeper understanding of Mexican humor, patriotism, and how social media reflects everyday culture

Links And Additional Resources:

• 321 – El Fútbol en México – Soccer in Mexico
• 310 – Cognados y Falsos Amigos en Español e Inglés | Cognates and False Friends in Spanish and English
• 283 – Spanglish: Identidad, Mezcla y Aprendizaje | Spanglish: Identity, Mixture and Learning
• 278 – Fuera Gringo | Gringo Go Home
• 231 – Choques Culturales a la Inversa | Reverse Cultural Shocks
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Have you ever wondered how much of Nacho Libre is actually true? We talk about what the movie gets right (and wrong), the stereotypes it presents about Mexico, and the remarkable life of Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez—better known as Fray Tormenta—a priest who secretly became a luchador to support hundreds of children through his orphanage. We also celebrate our July Student of the Month, Jaime, whose inspiring language-learning journey reminds us that consistency and enthusiasm are the keys to making progress in Spanish.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the true story behind Nacho Libre and how Fray Tormenta dedicated his life to helping vulnerable children.
• Learn how Hollywood adapted—and simplified—the real events, along with our thoughts on the movie’s portrayal of Mexico and Mexican culture.
• Meet our July Student of the Month and hear practical advice for staying consistent and motivated while learning Spanish.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 321 – El Fútbol en México – Soccer in Mexico
• 318 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte I | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part I
• 314 – La Semana Santa en Iztapalapa | The Holy Week in Iztapalapa
• 243 – Alebrijes, Tonales, y Animales Fantásticos | Alebrijes, Tonales, and Fantastic Animals
• 211 – Cine y Series Para Mejorar tu Español | Movies and Series to Improve your Spanish
• 176 – La Lucha Libre | The “Lucha Libre”
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If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya or simply want to understand one of the Caribbean’s biggest environmental challenges, this episode is for you. We explain what sargassum is, why so much of it has been washing ashore, how it impacts local communities and tourism, and what travelers can realistically expect during sargassum season. Along the way, we share our own experiences in Playa del Carmen, practical advice for staying flexible while traveling, and useful Spanish questions you can ask locals to find the best beach conditions and discover other amazing activities beyond the coast.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn what sargassum is, why it has become more widespread, and the environmental factors contributing to its growth.
• Discover practical tips for traveling during sargassum season, including how to check beach conditions and adjust your plans.
• Practice useful Spanish phrases to ask locals for recommendations and confidently navigate unexpected changes during your trip.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 306 – Flor y Fauna en Yucatán con Flor Peraza | Flor & Fauna in Yucatan with Flor Peraza
• 294 – Español Útil para un Viaje a México | Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico
• 213 – Nuestra Boda Maya | Our Mayan Wedding
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  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
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A lot can change in just one year! In this episode, we look back on our first year of parenthood, sharing the lessons, challenges, and joyful moments that have shaped our journey with Santi. We talk about how our confidence as parents has grown, the reality of raising a bilingual child, and the cultural differences we experienced while celebrating Santi’s first birthday in both Mexico and the United States. We also share some of our favorite milestones, from his first words and signs to walking, communicating, and developing his own unique personality.

Key Takeaways:

• How parenting changes during the first year and the lessons we learned along the way
• The joys and challenges of raising a bilingual child in a bicultural family
• Cultural differences between birthday celebrations in Mexico and the United States

Links And Additional Resources:

• 284 – Un Progenitor, Un Idioma | One Parent, One Language
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
• 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
• 253 – ¡Bebé a Bordo! | Baby on Board!
• 138 – Las Mañanitas | The Little Mornings
• 089 – El Curioso Origen de las Piñatas – The Curious Origins of Piñatas
• 016 – Alternancia de Código | Code Switching
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We take a deep dive into the Guelaguetza, Oaxaca’s iconic festival of sharing, community, and cultural pride. We talk about the origins of the celebration, the meaning behind the word “Guelaguetza,” what visitors can expect during the festivities, and how the event showcases the incredible diversity of Oaxaca’s Indigenous communities. Whether you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca or simply curious about Mexican culture, this episode will help you better understand the traditions, history, and spirit that make the Guelaguetza such a unique and unforgettable celebration.

Key Takeaways:

• The meaning of Guelaguetza goes far beyond a festival—it represents reciprocity, generosity, and community.
• The modern celebration grew from Indigenous traditions and helped Oaxaca recover after a devastating 1931 earthquake.
• The Guelaguetza offers a unique opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity in one place.

Links And Additional Resources:

• 318 – México Vivo: Los Trece Patrimonios Inmateriales de la UNESCO Parte I | Mexico Alive: The Thirteen Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO, Part I
• 317 – ¿Qué es la UNESCO y Por qué Importa Cuando Viajamos? | What is UNESCO and Why Does it Matter When We Travel?
• 296 – La Cocina Ancestral Oaxaqueña con Evangelina | The Ancient Oaxacan Kitchen with Evangelina
• 258 – Las Mieles Oaxaqueñas | The Oaxacan Honeys
• 256 – Monte Albán – La Ciudad Sagrada de Oaxaca | Monte Albán – The Sacred City in Oaxaca
• 192 – Los 7 Moles Oaxaqueños | The 7 Oaxacan Moles
• Explore Oaxaca and boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
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Pride celebrations are often associated with colorful parades and community gatherings, but there is a much deeper history behind them. We explore how the Stonewall uprising helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, highlight important milestones in the fight for equality, and examine how Pride is celebrated across Latin America and Spain today. Along the way, we discuss key Spanish vocabulary related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and inclusion, helping you expand your language skills while gaining a better understanding of the experiences, challenges, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the history behind Pride Month and the events that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
• Discover how Pride is celebrated throughout Latin America and Spain, along with useful Spanish vocabulary related to these events.
• Understand the differences between gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression, and learn ways to be a supportive ally.

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

✈️ Join La Escala, our online Spanish and Go community for Spanish learners who want more practice, structure, and connection. Annual plans include 2 months free.
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