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.

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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 distinctions and cultural nuances between island life and city life.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The meaning of 7 Puerto Rican Spanish words & phrases used in the song, like está buena, las gatas, and sacarla del estadio 🇵🇷
• How Bad Bunny really feels about being named "King of Pop" by Forbes Magazine (and how he addresses it in the lyrics) 👑
• The critical difference between the verbs mover and mudar (and why mixing them up changes your meaning completely) 💃🏽

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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.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🗣️The linguistic reason why Puerto Ricans pronounce "New York" the way they do (and the specific sound change that creates the Puerto Rican accent)

🥳The meaning of the slang word rulay and the specific feeling it describes when you are out with friends

🇵🇷 The classic 1970s salsa anthem Bad Bunny samples in this track and what it reveals about the history of the Puerto Rican diaspora

Listen to this episode to get ready for the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show 🏈 and learn more conversational Puerto Rican Spanish.

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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 anxiety 🧘🏽‍♀️
• Easy way to practice everyday Spanish and learn conversational phrases 🗣️

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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.💃🏽

Whether you want to master the subjunctive mood, understand colloquial expressions, or just get comfortable with the future tense, this curated playlist has something for every learner. You'll learn the lyrics, the meaning behind the music, and how to use these songs to take your Spanish to the next level.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to use the simple future to easily say what you're "going to do" without memorizing complex verb tables 🔮
• The difference between a verb tense and a "mood," and why it is the key to expressing wishes and emotions in Spanish 🇩🇴
• How to use diminutives to soften your speech and sound more authentic in daily conversation 🗣️

Listen to this episode to get the ultimate playlist for learning Spanish and celebrate 7 years of Learn Spanish Con Salsa!

Resources:

• Join the Spanish Fluency Club (Get free access to the 7 Mini-Lessons, exclusive artist interviews, and games for this anniversary special!)
• Become a Podcast Supporter (Get the transcripts and mini-courses sent to your inbox)
• Spotify Playlist: Songs from the Podcast
• Episode 237 Show Notes

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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

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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.

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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.

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⭐Leave us a rating & review and we just might give you a shout out on a future episode ;)

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