Viva Spanish - The Podcast

Do you hold yourself back from speaking Spanish because you feel your grammar "isn't good enough yet"? Or do you catch yourself waiting until you finally reach B1 or master the subjunctive before having a real conversation? You're not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, Lee challenges one of language learning's biggest myths: the idea that grammar terminolo...

Why Locals Switch to English When You Speak Spanish 🇪🇸🍽️ (And Why It’s NOT Your Fault!) Have you ever walked into a café or restaurant in Spain, proudly said a few words in Spanish, only for the waiter to reply straight back in English? You're not alone!  In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, Lee breaks down one of the biggest confidence killers for language learners: the dreaded Engli...

Tired of Spanish conversations feeling like a job interview or interrogation? You're not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, Lee breaks down a simple 4-step formula that will help you hold natural, flowing conversations in Spanish—even if you only know basic vocabulary. Learn how to break out of stiff "question-and-answer" patterns, buy yourself time to think, and ge...

Do you feel overwhelmed trying to memorize thousands of individual Spanish words and grammar rules? You're not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, Lee breaks down why you actually know way more Spanish than you realize. Discover how pattern recognition, word families, and smart speaking chunks can replace endless flashcards and make conversational Spanish feel significantly ea...

Do you freeze up and panic whenever it's your turn to speak Spanish? You're not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, Lee breaks down the biggest barrier holding language learners back: the myth that you need perfect grammar before you speak. Discover why confidence is built step-by-step, why making mistakes is your real superpower, and how shedding your shyness can transfo...

Do you freeze up whenever you try to speak Spanish because you're terrified of getting things wrong? You're not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, I breaks down one of the biggest mindset hurdles language learners face: treating mistakes as failure instead of essential feedback. Discover why waiting until you're "ready" is holding you back, how the "b...

Do you feel overwhelmed by complex grammar terms, verb tables, and endless vocabulary lists? You're not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, Lee breaks down the biggest secret to reaching real fluency: pattern recognition. Discover why understanding a rule isn't the same as actually owning it, how your brain naturally acquires language through conversation, and why treatin...

Do you feel guilty whenever you sit down to relax without being "productive"? You're not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, we talk about one of the greatest life lessons Spain has to offer: the art of guilt-free rest . Discover why slowing down isn't "falling behind," why rest is where real mental growth happens, and how changing your pace can actual...

Ever noticed how easy it is to strike up a random conversation in Spain? Whether you're waiting for a bus or buying a loaf of bread, Spaniards love to chat! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, we explore the art of spontaneous conversation in Spain, why true fluency has nothing to do with fancy grammar, and how shifting your focus from being interesting to being interested will trans...

Ask anyone what Spain is like, and they’ll usually mention paella, beaches, or flamenco. But the real essence of Spain is something far deeper: it's the people, the presence, and the art of slowing down. In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, we explore what it actually feels like to live in Spain and why learning Spanish is so much more than memorizing vocabulary—it’s a gateway to new...

"I'm just not a language person." How many times have you said or heard that phrase? In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, we bust the biggest myth in language learning once and for all. If you can speak your native language, your brain is already built for Spanish! Discover why consistency beats talent every single time, why comparing yourself to others is killing your progr...

Ever feel like you’ve been studying Spanish for months, but the moment a native speaker opens their mouth, it sounds like absolute fast-forward chaos? You are NOT alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, we uncover the real reason native Spanish feels so fast—and it’s not what you think. Learn how to train your brain to hear patterns instead of individual words , stop panicking when you...

Ever wondered why the streets of Spain are completely packed at 10:00 PM while the rest of the world is heading to bed? Or why a simple coffee invite can turn into a three-hour deep dive into the meaning of life? In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, we break down the beautiful, chaotic, and heartwarming lifestyle differences between Britain and Spain. Discover why adjusting to the Spanish...

Ever feel like you’ve studied Spanish for years, but the second you step off the plane in Madrid, you can’t understand a word? You are not alone! In this episode of the Viva Spanish Podcast, we’re throwing out the rigid grammar worksheets and diving into the real, living language used by native speakers every day. From enthusiastic interruptions to the art of Spanish exaggeration, discover why com...

Ever freeze up when trying to speak Spanish, even though you understand it perfectly? You are completely normal! In this video, we break down why the "blank mind" happens and how to overcome it. What You'll Learn: The "Blank Mind" Myth: Why struggling to speak is actually a sign of language progress. Redefining Mistakes: Why the fastest-improving students aren't the g...

If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to do it all, or stuck in a loop of planning without doing, this one is for you. We explore why success isn't about perfection, but rather the boring, beautiful grind of consistency. Key Takeaways & Spanish Phrases from this Episode: The "Do-It-All" Trap: Why trying to be the teacher, marketer, accountant, and video editor was holding...

It’s been a while, but the mic is officially back on! 🎙️ In this catch-up episode, I’m sitting down to give you a proper update on everything that’s been happening behind the scenes at Viva Spanish - from the business evolution and life lessons to our recent expansion into Leeds. If this journey has taught me anything over the last few years, it's that consistency beats perfection every singl...

In this episode, Viva Spanish gets to know a bit about one of the BIG HITTERS in the Spanish language learning world  @LightSpeedSpanish  and discuss all things around the language - including the characteristics for what would make an ideal student! Don't forget to follow  @vivaspanishlee on all social media and  @LightSpeedSpanish  across all platforms too! Follow me @ https://www.facebook....

After a bit of time of to build the teaching side of Viva Spanish, we are back! With inspo coming from the new students that I'm working with, this episode touches on the untapped potential of having lived a multitud of situations, thereby being able to predict the likely structure of conversations. Also, that 'thread' of masculine/ feminine/ plural that runs throughout Spanish is e...

Neil has jumped on the podcast to chat about how he's finding things as a student six months into his Spanish journey as a Viva Spaniard in the Viva Spanish - Lunes de Locos group. Topics covered include working in education, his history with Spain and being inspired by Viva Spaniard #001 Joey... This episode gives a real insight into what language learning in a group environment can do beyon...

Joey - Viva Spaniard student 001 from when before Viva Spanish existed and the biggest supporter and backer of the Viva Spanish movement. In this episode, we discuss learning from scratch with just an hour or two per week of classes over time... Hear Joey get put on the spot regarding what he finds trickiest in Spanish and maybe use the conversation to clear up some doubts that you have too! Follo...

Dan from New Jersey, born to Spanish mum and American dad that is currently in Warsaw via Peru and Madrid… such an interesting conversation about established languages within relationships, nights out in Madrid and alcohol importation struggles! Follow @vivaspanishlee on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for más y mejor... Follow me @ https://www.facebook.com/VivaSpanishLee https://www.insta...

This episode has guest @theupliftgrazing come on and talk about settling into life in a new country, Spanish food, English people's Spanish and Spanish people's English! All 'entre muchas risas' having a good laugh along the way. Follow Betty at @theupliftgrazing on Instagram. Follow @vivaspanishlee on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for más y mejor... Follow me @ https...

Viva Spanish student Dale joins the podcast today to discuss parallels in what he does with fitness and Viva Spanish does with teaching Spanish. The conversation talks around mindset, the kind of people that seek out self-improvement, the importance of consistency and what Spanish classes give Dale aside from the obvious... Follow him at @db.fitness.lincoln on Instagram and Dale Bowman PT on Faceb...

Joining me today was Adele, a former secondary school teacher in the UK that has seen the language journeys of many and embarked upon a variety of methods to learning multiple languages herself. Find out her opinion on what it is to be a student and teacher of languages and what it means to be a language teacher at a secondary school in a deprived area and the outlook that the children she has wor...