7 Ways to Sound Rude in Mexico Without Realizing It
Can correct Spanish still sound rude? Jim and May explore seven everyday situations in Mexico where greetings, tone, word choice, and context make a difference—and share warmer ways to communicate.
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10 Ways to Say “Die” in Mexico (and When NOT to Use Them)
Jim and May explore ten ways to talk about death in Mexico, from morir and fallecer to colgar los tenis and chupar faros. Learn how tone, trust, and context shape the meaning—and when an expression can sound insensitive.
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A Chat With My Barber in Mexico
Join Jim and his barber Pedro in Cholula, Puebla, for a haircut, a beard trim, and a natural conversation in Mexican Spanish. Learn how to describe your haircut, ask about services and prices, and handle payment and a tip.
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Why Can You Understand Spanish but Not Speak It?
Ever wonder why you can understand Spanish perfectly but freeze when it’s your turn to speak? In this episode, we explore why understanding and speaking are two different skills and share practical strategies to help you stop translating in your head, respond more naturally, and build confidence in Spanish conversations.
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What to Say When You Don’t Understand a Native Speaker
Have you ever answered someone in Spanish, only to realize they said something completely different from what you thought? In this episode, we share some of our own awkward misunderstandings and practical ways to handle those moments with more confidence.
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Analyzing My Spanish After 16 Years
After 16 years of learning Spanish, I decided to take a closer look at how far I’ve come—and the mistakes I still make. In this episode, May and I share the results of my personalized Spanish evaluation and explore how identifying our weaknesses can help us make more focused progress.
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How to Create Your Own Spanish Immersion Without Traveling
We share simple and practical ways you can create your own Spanish immersion at home, inspired by ideas from our friend Babbs, who has joined…
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The Influence of Arabic on Spanish
In this episode, we explore the fascinating influence of Arabic on the Spanish language and how history shaped the words we use today. Join us as we share surprising discoveries, real-life stories, and patterns that will change the way you hear Spanish.
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Cognates and False Friends in Spanish and English
In this episode, we talk about cognates and false friends between English and Spanish and why they can be both helpful and confusing for language learners. Join us as we explore how recognizing these patterns can expand your vocabulary and help you avoid common mistakes.
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Piropos in Spanish
In this episode, we talk about piropos — the famous compliments and flirtatious remarks you’ll hear in Spanish-speaking cultures. Join us as we explain what they really mean, when they’re appropriate, and when they can get you into trouble.
