¡Cuéntame! | Learn Spanish with Comprehensible Input

In today’s episode, we explore a tradition that is much more than a drink. Discover the customs, rituals, and social rules that surround mate in South America, and learn why it continues to bring people together every day. Grab a cup of coffee or a mate, and join us! Transcript here! ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be a break of several weeks due to family travel. Our next episode will be at the end of S...

In this episode, Marta explores the origins and history of mate, one of South America’s most beloved drinks. Learn how the Guaraní people first used yerba mate, why the tradition spread across countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and how mate became much more than just a drink. Transcript here! Click here if you are interested in my virtual classes. If you enjoy ¡Cuéntame!, please leav...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating tradition of Guatemala’s worry dolls, tiny handmade dolls that are said to take away your worries while you sleep. Where did this tradition come from, and why do so many people still love these little dolls today? Listen to find out! Transcript here! Email us!   Buy Me a Coffee       Facebook Group TikTok Instagram Leave your voice message at +1920-361-3...

Today we talk about a recent series of protests that resulted in the rescue of over 1,500 beagles. But, before we begin today’s episode, I want to give a small reminder that this story may be emotional for many listeners. It is a story that started a lot of conversations, not only in Wisconsin, but across the country. Today we are talking about animals, protests, and a situation that made many peo...

¡Hola, hola! Welcome to ¡Cuéntame! Today we’re traveling to Bolivia to learn about the incredible cholitas bolivianas. Who are they? Why do they wear colorful polleras and bowler hats? And how did they become symbols of strength, pride, and tradition? Stay with us as we explore the history, culture, and amazing stories of these inspiring women. Transcript here! Don’t forget to rate the podcast, le...

¡Hola, hola! Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame! Today we’re stepping into the exciting world of las luchas in Mexico! In this episode, you’ll learn about the colorful masks, the dramatic characters, and why lucha libre is such an important part of Mexican culture. Get ready for heroes, villains, acrobatics, and lots of fun while practicing your Spanish! Here is the transcript! If you enjoy the podcast, pl...

In this special episode of ¡Cuéntame!, we share all the unforgettable adventures from our school trip to Ecuador! From standing on the equator line in Quito to exploring ancient ruins, hiking through breathtaking mountains, visiting waterfalls, and learning about Ecuadorian culture, this trip was full of surprises, challenges, laughter, and incredible memories with our students. We also talk about...

🎙️ Episode 216: Let’s Go to Ecuador! In this episode, Marta shares exciting news. She is traveling to Ecuador with a group of students. She talks about the upcoming adventure, the travel itinerary, and the incredible places they will visit, including Quito, the equatorial line, waterfalls in Baños, Inca ruins, and beautiful cities in the Andes. She is excited… but also a little nervous because a s...

Welcome to ¡Cuéntame!, the podcast that helps you practice and improve your Spanish through stories from the Spanish-speaking world. In this episode, Marta shares a very special story. Not only is it one of her favorite legends, it is also the final episode in the series of legends from the Spanish-speaking world. Today’s legend comes from Mexico and tells the tragic and beautiful story behind two...

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta talks about the Super Bowl halftime show and Bad Bunny’s historic performance. She explores why the show was important for Latino representation, the reactions it generated, and what it reveals about culture, identity, and belonging in the United States. Transcript here! Listeners are invited to email the show , support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee , and joi...

This episode is a very special one. We’re welcoming the start of 2026 and continuing our Legends of the Spanish-Speaking World series with something a little different. Instead of focusing on just one country, today we’ll travel through several Spanish-speaking cultures to explore the beliefs and traditions connected to the New Year. Are they legends or traditions? Sometimes, they’re both—stories...

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta takes us to Peru to explore a beautiful Andean legend about the origin of Lake Titicaca , one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, located between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains. Considered a sacred place by Andean peoples, the lake is more than just a body of water—it is a powerful symbol of punishment, forgiveness, and new beginnings. ✨ A s...

In Episode 211 of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta travels to southern Chile to share a powerful Mapuche legend: Tren-Tren and Kai-Kai . This traditional story explains the eternal struggle between the sea and the land, told through two magical serpents—one protecting nature’s balance and the other punishing humans for their lack of respect. Through this legend, listeners learn about Mapuche culture, the import...

In this episode we travel to Ecuador to discover a beautiful and meaningful legend: La leyenda del colibrí . Learn why this tiny, colorful bird is considered a powerful symbol of love, hope, and connection, and how—according to legend—the colibrí became the secret messenger of thoughts and feelings between people. This story reminds us that you don’t have to be big to be important. If you enjoy th...

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , listeners travel to Argentina as the podcast continues its series of legends from the Spanish-speaking world. Marta tells the beautiful and inspiring legend of the ceibo flower , a powerful national symbol of Argentina. The story takes place before the conquest of the Americas and centers on Anahí , a young Indigenous woman who loved her land, her people, and her co...

🎧 Episode 208 – El Aparecido del Nevado del Ruiz In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta takes us to the cold, mysterious heights of Colombia to explore a fascinating legend from the Nevado del Ruiz. Surrounded by snow, fog, and danger, you’ll meet El Aparecido : a protective spirit who guides lost travelers to safety. This simple, engaging story is perfect for Spanish learners and invites us to re...

Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame ! I’m so glad you’re here. In today’s episode, we’re taking a break from our legends series to explore the real-life story behind one of the most famous animals in the world: Keiko, the orca from Free Willy . It’s a story full of emotion, hope, and big questions about animal welfare. Check out the comprehensible book about this story by Nelly Andrade-Huges and share your...

Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame! , friends! I’m so glad you’re here for another episode. Before we jump into today’s mysterious legend, I want to remind you that your support helps this podcast keep growing. If you enjoy these stories, please rate the episode , leave a review, and share it with friends, classmates, or anyone learning Spanish . Here is the form to complete if you are interested in taking...

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta dives into one of Mexico’s most fascinating legends—one filled with history, culture, and a very special kind of dog. Whether you’re a Spanish learner, a teacher, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode will take you somewhere unexpected. Transcript HERE! If you love learning through stories, don’t miss my original short novel for Spanish learne...

In this first episode of a new ten-part series on Latin American legends, Marta takes listeners to Venezuela to discover a mysterious and chilling tale just in time for Halloween. Using clear and comprehensible Spanish, this episode is perfect for learners who love stories, suspense, and culture. Listeners are invited to support the podcast by rating it, sharing it with friends, and joining the gr...

In this heartwarming episode, Marta shares a story especially close to her heart — one filled with compassion, second chances, and the unexpected ways love finds us. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful connections happen when we least expect them. Look for the pictures at the end of the transcript! If you are interested in taking a Spanish class online with me, complete this form to...

Hey friends, it’s Marta! In this episode, I take you into a chapter of my life I never saw coming. Let’s just say… one small decision turned my world upside down and opened a door I swore I would never walk through. 🤔✨ 👉 Want to know what happened? Hit play, share this episode with a friend, and don’t forget to leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating so more Spanish learners can discover ¡Cuéntame! 💌 Ema...

🎙️ Episode 201: My Life – Part 6: Hello, Wisconsin! In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta continues sharing the story of her life. After meeting Keith in Ixtapa, their long-distance relationship grew through phone calls and emails (back in the days before cell phones!). Marta invited Keith to her best friend’s wedding in Morelia, and soon after, it was her turn to visit him in Wisconsin. She opens...

Previously, Marta talked about life after university—living with her parents and teaching in two schools while searching for new opportunities. But everything began to change when a trip to Ixtapa with friends led her to Señor Frog’s… and that’s where she first locked eyes with Keith. What happened next? That’s the story listeners will hear in this episode. 👉 Stay connected with Cuéntame ! ✉️ Ema...

Welcome to another episode of ¡Cuéntame! , the Spanish podcast created especially for beginner learners. In this episode, host Marta shares part 4 of her personal story in Spanish — this time, focusing on her life after college and the challenges she faced trying to be productiva . As always, there are two versions of this episode. First, you'll hear a slower version with some helpful English...