Learn Spanish con Salsa | Spanish lessons with Latin music and conversational Spanish

In this episode, we follow up on our lyrics breakdown of "Somos Más" — the official Telemundo anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Carlos Vives, Emilia, Wisin, and Xavi. We're reviewing 7 Spanish phrases from the song that you can use in daily conversation. Plus, I'll reveal the answer to our trivia question about Carlos Vives. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🗣️Conversational p...

In this special World Cup episode, we break down "Somos Más," the official Telemundo anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performed by Carlos Vives (Colombia), Emilia (Argentina), Wisin (Puerto Rico), and Xavi (Mexico). We'll break down the song lyrics and review vocabulary for talking about sports, emotions, and coming together as a community. In this episode, you'll learn: ⚽...

Never watched a soccer match? No problem. The  FIFA World Cup i s coming to the US, Mexico, and Canada this summer — and it's the perfect excuse to level up your Spanish! ⚽ In this episode, we start from the very beginning — what the World Cup is, how the game works, and the key Spanish vocabulary you need to follow a match and have a conversation about the tournament in Spanish. What You&ap...

 In this episode, we’re breaking down the vocabulary of “Estocolmo” by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We extract 7 high-frequency words & phrases from the song that you can use in daily conversation immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🧐 How to describe someone who thinks too highly of themselves in Spanish (without being rude!) 😤 A common phrase used to express frustration w...

In this episode, we break down the dramatic hit "Estocolmo" from the joint album by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We analyze the lyrics of this intense song, exploring themes of jealousy, determination, and the "crime" of stealing someone's heart.  In this episode, you'll learn: 👮 A common phrase used in Latin America for "going to jail" that you won'...

You're in the middle of a Spanish conversation, everything is going great, and suddenly... your mind goes completely blank. 😳  Before you freeze up or sound like a textbook by saying '¿Puede repetir, por favor?' , listen up!  In this episode, I'm going to give you 10 Spanish phrases native speakers actually use to buy time, clarify, and keep the conversation going smoothly. 🗣️...

In this episode, host Tamara Marie talks with Brittany, a passionate educator, all about her journey to Spanish fluency. Despite years of studying Spanish, Brittany felt stuck when it came to real conversations. 😞 Her motivation? To connect better with her students and with Spanish speakers in her Zumba classes. 👟 Tamara and Brittany discuss why traditional learning methods often fall short and...

What type of language learner are you?  The type of language learner you are will influence how quickly you reach Spanish fluency. I will help you improve your Spanish and accelerate your path to fluency by helping you identify your language learning type. 📝 Take the Quiz >  https://www.learnspanishconsalsa.com/typequiz Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give...

How do you decide what type of Spanish to learn?   In this episode, I'll go over some key questions you should ask yourself to pick a type of Spanish.  I also explain how to get started if you're not sure what's the best type of Spanish for you to learn. Then, I give you some practical tips you can implement right away so you can focus on your type of Spanish and make progress faste...

Do you know what type of Spanish you should learn?   This is one of the most common questions I get asked. Should you learn Spanish from Spain or Mexican Spanish?  What are the differences between different types of Spanish?   I'll explain why it's important to pick a type of Spanish to avoid wasting a ton of time and confusion on your journey to Spanish fluency. Support the show ⭐Leave...

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the lyrics of "Nueva York" by Bad Bunny with Puerto Rican linguist Adriana Lopez. In Part 2, we explore the heavy cultural references in the song—from Dominican rap anthems to Puerto Rican boxing legends—and discuss the controversy surrounding Forbes naming Bad Bunny the "King of Pop." You'll also learn key vocabulary distinc...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the lyrics to Nuevayol by the Puerto Rican superstar and future Super Bowl 2026 headliner, Bad Bunny . Joined by Puerto Rican linguist Adriana Lopez, we explore how this song pays homage to the legendary salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Plus, you'll learn the cultural significance of the lyrics and the unique sounds of the Puerto Rican accent. Wha...

In this episode, we answer a listener question from Jo-Anne.  She struggles with forgetting words and feeling nervous speaking Spanish with adults.  Tamara shares actionable tips for consistent practice, reducing anxiety, and building fluency. In this episode, she covers: Learn how to schedule consistent, structured conversations with adults in Spanish 📆 Discover techniques to ease speaking anxie...

In this special 7th anniversary episode, we are celebrating a major milestone! To mark the occasion, I’m sharing 7 songs that will transform your Spanish . These are hand-picked favorites that have been featured on the podcast or in our courses because they teach specific grammar concepts, cultural nuances, and conversational phrases.  And of course, they're also great songs to dance to.💃🏽...

In this episode, we break down the 5 stages of Spanish Conversational Fluency.  Listen to find out what your true fluency level is, not a letter score based on a grammar quiz.  If you want to take your Spanish to the next level, this episode is for you. Get your FREE Spanish Fluency Assessment at spanishconsalsa.com/myfluencylevel Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might...

In part 2 of my conversation with Desta Haile, we explore how Spanish con Salsa got started, how learning languages can provide relief from the stress of daily life, and the many benefits of learning with music (beyond just having an amazing playlist 🎵).  I also share a few facts about the Piedra de Rosetta we saw in the British Museum in London. Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review...

In this episode, I'm sharing an interview with me and Desta Haile from Languages through Music.  This time, I'm in the guest chair as Desta asks me about my early experiences learning languages and how music makes learning languages easier and more relevant to conversations with real people. Support the show ⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might  give you a shout out on a fu...

In this episode, we follow up on our lyrics breakdown of Better Late Than Never by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We review 7 Spanish verbs from the song that you can use in daily conversation to discuss desires, goals, and relationships.  You'll also find out if you're a true Latin music fan when we reveal the easter eggs dropped in the bridge of the song. Plus, you'll learn the an...

 In this episode, we break down the long-awaited collaboration Better Late Than Never by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. We analyze the lyrics of this instant classic, exploring the drama, the romance, and the clever musical references hidden within the verses. You'll learn how to express regret, handle modern dating conflicts (like blocking exes), and use the subjunctive mood. In this episode...

If you're looking for the right time to dedicate to achieving Spanish fluency, you need to hear Phillip Hargrove's story. In this episode, he explains why he decided to take the leap on coaching and how the program's personalized approach forced him to rapidly improve his conversational fluency in Spanish . Phillip shares how he went from learning Spanish on Duolingo and not being c...

If you're learning Spanish, you probably find grammar challenging--especially when it comes to the dozens of verb conjugations.  In this episode, you'll learn why most Spanish learners mix up indirect objects with reflexive verbs and other verb conjugations (and why this can be a problem) We'll take a look at examples in the lyrics of the song Casi Te Envidio by Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 sals...

The number one reason most Spanish learners don't reach fluency is they can't understand native Spanish speakers . The reason we struggle with listening comprehension is because we go about it the wrong way from the beginning. In this episode, we'll share 3 simple ways you can improve your Spanish listening skills so you can confidently jump into conversations with native speakers....

If you're thinking about traveling to a Spanish-speaking country this summer, I know you'll want to be able to chat with native speakers while you're there. There are specific tactics you can use to help you improve your Spanish so you'll be prepared to chat with the locals. Listen to this episode before you book your next trip abroad. Show Notes: https://www.learnspanishconsal...

In this episode, we're joined by the newest member of the Spanish con Salsa team: José Hernández. José shares why he started learning languages, how music and literature opened the doors to new cultures, and his experience moving from a small town to the city in his native Dominican Republic. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   The differences between Spanish spoken in el campo 🛖 vs. la ciu...

In the last episode, I shared how a travel disaster turned into an unexpected viaje to Cartagena. In this episode, the journey continues with a spontaneous trip that will change my perspective forever: San Basilio de Palenque . This episode takes you inside Palenque, a place with deep African roots, a unique culture, and a language all its own.  If you've ever felt like your Spanish lessons w...