¿La Salsa Cholula no Viene de Cholula? - Cholula Hot Sauce Doesn't Come from Cholula?
We explore why Cholula sauce, named after our hometown, isn’t actually made here—and why most locals don’t even use it. From its humble beginnings in a Mexican kitchen to its massive $800 million acquisition by McCormick, this episode uncovers the cultural, historical, and economic journey behind one of the world’s most popular hot sauces. Plus, we share personal stories and local perspectives that reveal how much (or how little) this famous sauce matters to everyday Mexicans.Key Takeaways:The real story behind Cholula sauce—and why it’s not made in CholulaWhy hot sauce can cost $1 in Mexico but $12 abroadHow marketing, history, and globalization turned a homemade recipe into an international empireRelevant Links And Additional Resources:104 – ¡Al Chile! – Chilis: Straight To The PointLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizIf you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Support the show
--------
25:00
La Vacuna BCG - Un Símbolo de Identidad Mexicana - The BCG Vaccine - A Symbol of Mexican Identity
We explore the BCG vaccine and why it’s commonly given to newborns in countries like Mexico. You’ll hear what we learned from our pediatrician, how vaccine practices differ around the world, and why this immunization still plays a critical role in public health. Whether you’re a parent or simply curious about global healthcare, this conversation offers helpful context and cultural insight.Key Takeaways:Why the BCG vaccine is still necessary in countries like MexicoWhat makes this vaccine different from those given in the U.S. or CanadaHow a small scar can carry cultural meaning and public health significanceRelevant Links And Additional Resources:171 – Turismo Médico En México – Experiencias Y Costos | Medical Tourism In Mexico – Experiences And Costs253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!263 – Lo Que Nadie Nos Dijo Del Embarazo – Sorpresas, Retos Y Momentos Reales | What No One Told Us About Pregnancy – Surprises, Challenges, And Real Moments270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!Level up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizIf you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listSupport the show
We’re officially parents! Just a few days after welcoming baby Santiago into our lives, we’re sharing all the details — from the surprising calm before the cesarean to the emotional rollercoaster of choosing the right doctor and hospital in Mexico. We talk about the decisions we had to make, the challenges we faced, and how it all led to a beautiful and safe birth that changed our lives forever.Key Takeaways:Why we chose a scheduled cesarean and how May’s medical history influenced that decisionHow we selected the hospital and doctor we felt safest withWhat it really felt like becoming first-time parents in a foreign countryRelevant Links And Additional Resources:167 – La Cirugía Y Recuperación De May | May’s Surgery And Recovery253 – ¡Bebé A Bordo! | Baby On Board!263 – Lo Que Nadie Nos Dijo Del Embarazo – Sorpresas, Retos Y Momentos Reales | What No One Told Us About Pregnancy – Surprises, Challenges, And Real MomentsLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizIf you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pandora. This helps us reach more listeners like you. ¡Hasta la próximSupport the show
--------
32:40
¿Dolar o Peso? La Historia y Uso del Signo - Dollar or Peso? The History and Use of the Symbol
Have you ever wondered why the dollar sign is used for both U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos? We’ve had students ask if ATMs in Mexico give out dollars or pesos, all because of that same “$” symbol. In this episode, we break down the real history behind the sign—from colonial-era Spanish pesos to silver mines and the American Revolution—and reveal how the U.S. didn’t create the symbol, but actually adopted it from Latin America.Key Takeaways:The “$” symbol likely originated from the abbreviation “PS” for pesos, not from U.S. dollars.Mexico—and many other countries—used the symbol before the U.S. did.While the symbol is shared globally, each currency it represents is distinct and independent.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion RetreatsLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizIf you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Support the show
--------
22:26
Cien Años de Soledad - One Hundred Years of Solitude
If you’ve ever wanted to read One Hundred Years of Solitude but felt intimidated by its complex narrative, this episode is for you. May breaks down why this novel is more approachable than it seems, especially when paired with the new Netflix adaptation, and how its cyclical structure and recurring themes reflect Latin American history and identity. May also shares tips for navigating the story, from keeping track of the Buendía family to appreciating the magic woven into the everyday.Key Takeaways:One Hundred Years of Solitude is ideal for intermediate to advanced Spanish learners due to its accessible language and cultural depth.Understanding the novel’s cyclical narrative and repeated names can enhance your reading experience.Watching the Netflix adaptation can help visualize the characters and make the story easier to follow.Relevant Links And Additional Resources:221 – Como Agua Para Chocolate | Like Water For Chocolate242 – Pedro Páramo | Pedro Páramo265 – Cómo Ver Series En Español Y No Morir En El Intento | How To Watch Series In Spanish And Not Die TryingLevel up your Spanish with our Podcast MembershipGet the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a wordListen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrasesTest your comprehension with a multiple choice quizIf you enjoy Learn Spanish and Go, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing our podcast on Apple Support the show
Do you want to learn Spanish and travel? Learn Spanish and travel the world with Jim and May from Spanish and Go.Advance your listening comprehension through incredible travel stories, cultural conversations, Spanish tips, and interviews with Spanish speakers from around the world.You’ll hear natural conversational Spanish perfect for the intermediate or advanced Spanish learner. With Spanish and Go, not only will you supercharge your Spanish, but you’ll gain the tools to travel abroad with confidence.May is a Spanish teacher from Mexico, and Jim is a gringo with a passion for adventure. Together they’ll help you take your Spanish to the next level.Get the most out of each episode by signing up at https://spanishandgo.com.