Épisodes

  • #26 - 🎄 The Christmas Hero Who Rides A Donkey 🫏 — El Olentzero

    #26 - 🎄 The Christmas Hero Who Rides A Donkey 🫏 — El Olentzero
    Dec 1 2025
    Ever heard of the Basque Christmas gift-giver who replaces Santa Claus? 🎅

    In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, I talk with Aitor Pisos, a Spanish teacher from Bilbao, about Olentzero, one of northern Spain’s most unique holiday figures.

    We explore who Olentzero is, why he’s connected to coal, how he’s traditionally portrayed, and the modern celebrations featuring children’s letters, Basque carols, and lively Christmas Eve parades.

    Ready? ¡Vamos!

    📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️
    https://latinele.com/who-is-olentzero-basque-christmas/

    🌐 Connect with Aitor:
    Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/ElProfesorAitor
    Sitio web: https://www.elprofesoraitor.com/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElProfesorAitor
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elprofesoraitor/

    ✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

    ❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings. Cancel anytime.

    If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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    13 min
  • #25 - The Quick Way To Learn A Language For Travel (Feat. Lindsay Does Languages)

    #25 - The Quick Way To Learn A Language For Travel (Feat. Lindsay Does Languages)
    Nov 3 2025
    ✈️ Planning a trip and want to pick up the language fast?

    In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, I chat with Lindsay from Lindsay Does Languages about smart ways to prepare before you travel.

    We talk about what to focus on when time is short, how to make the most of your learning, and why a little language can go a long way when exploring a new country.

    Perfect for travelers who want quick, practical tips to boost their confidence abroad. 🌍✨

    📝 Study the episode along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog 👇
    https://latinele.com/language-learning-tips-for-travelers/

    🌐 Connect with Lindsay:

    👉 Lindsay's website: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com

    👉 Free Vocab List: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocablist

    👉 Language Life: https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll

    ✈️ Ready for your next Spanish adventure? Get our FREE SPANISH ADVENTURES COMPANION to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos! ⬇️

    ❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

    If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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    19 min
  • #24 - To Be a Don Juan ❤️ (and His Spooky Secret 👻)

    #24 - To Be a Don Juan ❤️ (and His Spooky Secret 👻)
    Oct 14 2025
    ✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

    Who was the real Don Juan, and what does he have to do with ghosts and All Saints’ Day? 👻

    In this episode, Marco chats with Spanish teacher Paloma García to explore the origins of the legendary womanizer, his role in Spanish culture, and why his story is traditionally told on November 1st.

    Get ready for a mix of history, literature, and a touch of the supernatural en español. ¡Vamos!

    📝 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog 👇
    https://latinele.com/story-of-don-juan-in-spanish-culture/

    🌐 Connect with Paloma 👇
    💻 Website: https://www.sicomprendo.net/
    🎁 Subscribe for a gift from Paloma: https://www.sicomprendo.net/cadeaux-de-bienvenue/

    ❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all PDF transcripts. Cancel anytime.

    If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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    11 min
  • #23 - The Basilica That Holds Back the Apocalypse 🇪🇨—Exploring Quito, Ecuador

    #23 - The Basilica That Holds Back the Apocalypse 🇪🇨—Exploring Quito, Ecuador
    Sep 22 2025
    ✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

    ⛪ What secret connects Quito’s Basílica del Voto Nacional with the end of the world?

    In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, we explore the capital with local teacher Andrés.

    From the lively Plaza Grande to Ecuador’s unique flavors—like cuy and the surprising meaning of merienda—this journey is packed with culture.

    And of course, discover why the Basílica is one of Quito’s most fascinating and mysterious landmarks.

    📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️
    https://latinele.com/quito-ecuador-spanish-listening/

    Join us for history, food, and fun curiosities that will bring Quito to life in Spanish!

    ❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

    If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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    9 min
  • #22 - 🇨🇱 Chile’s Culture Shock: Food, Friends & Celebrations

    #22 - 🇨🇱 Chile’s Culture Shock: Food, Friends & Celebrations
    Sep 1 2025
    ✈️ Ready for your next adventure? Get our FREE Spanish Adventures Companion to master key phrases for common TRAVEL SITUATIONS and wow your amigos!

    🇨🇱 What’s it really like to live in Chile? 🇨🇱

    In this episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, we chat with Spanish teacher Gianella Solari about Chile’s culture, food, and traditions.

    Is it true that making close friends in Chile can be a challenge? 😳

    Gianella shares her perspective and how finding a community through sports or language exchange can open doors.

    We’ll also dive into Chile’s delicious gastronomy—from sopaipillas to pastel de choclo—and explore the country’s biggest celebration, Las Fiestas Patrias, where food, music, and the cueca take center stage.

    Ready to explore Chile? ¡Vamos!

    📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️
    https://latinele.com/chile-culture-and-gastronomy/

    Reach out to Gianella ⬇️
    📩 Subscribe to her newsletter and get additional Spanish resources https://gianellasolari.com/
    ✉️ Email: hola@gianellasolari.com

    ❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

    If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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    15 min
  • Spanish for the Camino: Los otros Santiagos - Santiago de Chile 🇨🇱 ( Guest Episode)

    Spanish for the Camino: Los otros Santiagos - Santiago de Chile 🇨🇱 ( Guest Episode)
    Aug 7 2025
    🎧 Listen to Spanish for The Camino on all major listening apps.

    📚 Discover Spanish through story. Get a FREE chapter of "Mi Primer Camino" and get ready for your next aventura 👇
    https://www.spanishforthecamino.com/mi-primer-chapter

    Spanish for the Camino is available on all major listening apps ⬇️

    Listen on Spotify

    Listen on Apple Podcast

    Listen on Audible

    ¡Buen camino! 👋

    ___

    Soon more episodes of Basic Spanish Conversations, Stay tuned!

    Hasta la próxima,

    Marco


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/basic-spanish-conversations--6124549/support.
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    15 min
  • #21 - Julio Iglesias Takes Over July (Again)

    #21 - Julio Iglesias Takes Over July (Again)
    Jul 4 2025
    ✉️ Learn a new Spanish word every week! Subscribe to Latin ELE's newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.

    🎤 Why is Julio Iglesias all over Spanish-speaking memes every July?

    In thIis special July episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, Marco dives into the world of internet memes featuring Spanish singer Julio Iglesias.

    📆 You’ll learn who Julio is, why his face appears every July.

    We’ll also hear what Julio himself thinks about this meme tradition. What could his thoughts be? 🤭

    A light and cultural way to practice your Spanish and learn a bit of humor from the Spanish-speaking internet!

    📚 Study along with the transcript on Latin ELE's blog ⬇️
    https://latinele.com/why-julio-iglesias-is-a-july-meme/

    ❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

    If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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    6 min
  • #20 - Can a Millennial Survive Gen Z Spanish? 🤯

    #20 - Can a Millennial Survive Gen Z Spanish? 🤯
    Jun 2 2025
    ✉️ Learn one Spanish word a week—straight to your inbox! Subscribe free, unsubscribe anytime.

    Can a millennial decode Gen Z Spanish slang? 🤨

    In this fun episode of Basic Spanish Conversations, Colombian teacher Jessica, a proud millennial, takes on the challenge of guessing the meaning of words and expressions used by Gen Z.

    Will she keep up or get totally lost in translation?

    A great episode to learn modern Spanish slang and see how language changes across generations.

    ✉️ Learn a new word every week. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.

    ❤️ Join our SUPPORTERS CLUB on Spreaker and access all transcripts. No strings—cancel anytime.

    If you love this podcast, help others find it! Leave a five-star review and share it with your amigos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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    10 min