🇨🇴 Colombian Spanish 🎙️Episodes

Historia de viaje: El camino a Palenque ♫ 230
230
July 8, 2025

Historia de viaje: El camino a Palenque ♫ 230

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 were missing a connection to the real world, this historia is for you. It's proof that the best language le...
Historia de viaje: Las calles de Cartagena ♫ 229
229
July 1, 2025

Historia de viaje: Las calles de Cartagena ♫ 229

What happens when a trip that was supposed to be a relaxing getaway goes completely off the rails? In this episode, find out how a travel plan gone wrong led to an unexpected solo adventure in the beautiful, historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. This story starts with a desperate, last-minute decision to scrap the original itinerary and fly to a new country, inspired only by a classic salsa song 💃🏽. What followed was an incredible adventure of spontaneity and discovery, from stumbling i...
What's It Like to Be an Expat in Colombia? (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 2) ♫ 102
Dec. 10, 2024

What's It Like to Be an Expat in Colombia? (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 2) ♫ 102

Can you imagine living on only $300 USD/month? That's exactly what Jamarr Black did when he first moved to Cali, Colombia. In part 2 of our conversation, Jamarr shares how much money you need to live comfortably in Cali--including the cost of health care. I asked him about the best places to dance salsa in the area, and how Americans are treated by the locals and the police. Jamarr also shares his #1 piece of advice for anyone thinking about moving abroad but is still on the fence. Learn Colombi...
Guest: Jamarr Black
Spanish Language Immersion in Colombia (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 1) ♫ 101
Dec. 4, 2024

Spanish Language Immersion in Colombia (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 1) ♫ 101

Every thought about leaving behind your life in the US an moving abroad? In my interview with Jamarr Black, he shares why he decided to leave his job as a technical writer in Washington, DC to move to Cali, Colombia and how he got there on a $5 flight. He also talks about how he overcame the frustration of being the only non-native Spanish speaker in a conversation and not understanding what was happening around him. Jamarr gives his recommendations on how to prepare before complete immersion in...
Guest: Jamarr Black
Juego de adivinanzas: 9 expresiones de Colombia ♫ 212
212
Sept. 24, 2024

Juego de adivinanzas: 9 expresiones de Colombia ♫ 212

In this episode, I'm joined once again by Kelly from Cuba 🇨🇺 and Maribel from Colombia 🇨🇴. This time, Kelly and I put ourselves to the test by trying to guess the meaning of 9 unique Colombian expressions that Maribel shares with us. Kelly and I do our very best to decipher what they really mean. Will you join us in the challenge? Try to guess along with us and discover how much you know about Colombian Spanish! 🕵️‍♀️ The 9 Colombian phrases we explore: ¡Qué chimba! / ¡Qué chimbada! No dé papaya...
Language Coaching for Spanish Fluency with Maribel Zapata ♫ 196
196
April 23, 2024

Language Coaching for Spanish Fluency with Maribel Zapata ♫ 196

En este episodio, hablamos sobre cómo puedes ir de estudiante de español a hablante de español. 🗣💬 Conversamos con Maribel sobre las mejores maneras de mejorar tu fluidez en español de manera divertida y efectiva . ✅ En este episodio aprenderás: La clave para mejorar tu fluidez en español 🔑 Los errores que muchas personas cometen al crear una meta de aprendizaje 🚫 Las diferencias entre enseñanza y coaching : ¿cuál es mejor para mí? 🗣 In this episode, we talk about how you can go from a Spanish l...
How to Understand Spanish Accents: A Conversation with Maribel Zapata ♫ 195
195
April 16, 2024

How to Understand Spanish Accents: A Conversation with Maribel Zapata ♫ 195

En este episodio, Maribel nos comparte sus experiencias viajando por Sudamérica y descubriendo los diferentes acentos que existen. 🌎 También nos dice qué hacer cuando no entendemos lo que dice alguien en español. 🤔 En este episodio aprenderás: La manera más fácil de iniciar conversacione s en español 👥💬 La diferencia entre acentos de Colombia y otros países hispanohablantes 💬 Cuál es el acento más difícil de entender 👂🏽 In this episode, Maribel shares her experiences traveling through South Amer...
Learn Colombian Spanish with Reggaeton Music: Qué Pena by Maluma feat. J Balvin ♫ 192
192
March 12, 2024

Learn Colombian Spanish with Reggaeton Music: Qué Pena by Maluma feat. J Balvin ♫ 192

In this episode we take a look at the lyrics of the reggaeton song Qué Pena by Maluma and J Balvin, very famous Colombian singers. 🎤 We talk about the two different ways to say to know in Spanish and how we use it depending on the situation. In this episode you’ll learn: How to use the verbs saber vs. conocer – and a quick way to know when to use which one 🤔 A Spanish expression you can use to explain you are familiar with something 💡 A word used to describe women in Colombia 🇨🇴 (and why you mig...
Expand your Spanish Vocabulary with Music [El Jefe] ♫ 186
186
Dec. 12, 2023

Expand your Spanish Vocabulary with Music [El Jefe] ♫ 186

In this episode, we'll review the song El Jefe by Colombian artist Shakira in collaboration with Mexican group Fuerza Regida. Through the lyrics you'll learn Spanish phrases you can use in conversation to express things you want to do (and not do), frustrations, and your daily routine. I'll also share a Spanish translation hack that will add 50+ words to your vocabulary instantly. From this episode you'll learn: How to avoid mixing up two Spanish verbs that sound similar but have very different ...
Exploring Colombia's African Roots from Cartagena to Palenque with Kim Haas ♫ 184
184
Oct. 31, 2023

Exploring Colombia's African Roots from Cartagena to Palenque with Kim Haas ♫ 184

Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas is known for showcasing the Afro-Latino communities throughout Latin America and their rich and diverse legacy of creating vibrant cultures. In this interview with Kim Haas, Executive Producer, Host & Creator of Afro-Latino Travels, we discuss how the upcoming Colombian series shines a light, honors, and celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of Latin America’s African descendants. From this episode you'll learn: the history of Palenque , a histori...
Learn Colombian Spanish with Music [En Barranquilla Me Quedo] ♫ 179
179
Aug. 1, 2023

Learn Colombian Spanish with Music [En Barranquilla Me Quedo] ♫ 179

In this episode, we'll explore different Spanish expressions and phrases from the song En Barranquilla Me Quedo by Colombian singer Joe Arroyo. From this episode you'll learn: The Spanish spoken on the Caribbean coast of Colombia Spanish expressions and phrases from Barranquilla The cultural context of the expressions used in the song Do you struggle to understand native Spanish speakers because they talk TOO fast? 😖 Then this masterclass is for you -- learn my method to improve your Spanish lis...
Learn Spanish with Vallenato Music [La Bicicleta] ♫ 166
166
March 14, 2023

Learn Spanish with Vallenato Music [La Bicicleta] ♫ 166

In this episode, we’ll explore some common Spanish expressions used in the song La bicicleta by Colombian artists Shakira and Carlos Vives. You’ll learn: How to refer to things have been happening for a while or that happened in the past Different ways to express things you will not do How the English prefix ‘un’ is expressed in Spanish Do you struggle to understand native Spanish speakers because they talk TOO fast? 😖 Then this masterclass is for you -- learn my method to improve your Spanish l...
Conversaciones decembrinas de Colombia ♫ 157
157
Dec. 6, 2022

Conversaciones decembrinas de Colombia ♫ 157

During the fiestas decembrinas (winter holidays), Colombians have a special way of celebrating. In this episode, you'll hear a conversation about making plans with family and all the tasty dishes made in a typical Colombian household. To get access to the transcript from the conversation in this episode, sign up to be a show supporter at learnspanishconsalsa.com/support Go to learnspanishconsalsa.com/colombia for more information about Colombian Spanish and for more information about the Colomb...
Learn Colombian Spanish with Music: Mi Encanto [Part 2] ♫ 154
154
Oct. 18, 2022

Learn Colombian Spanish with Music: Mi Encanto [Part 2] ♫ 154

In this episode, we'll be reviewing a song by Carlos Vives from the Disney movie 'Encanto.' Spanish con Salsa Language Coach Maribel Zapata breaks down the song lyrics and tells us all about Colombian culture. Note: This episode is in Spanish. For a full transcript with English translation, sign up to be a show supporter (learnspanishconsalsa.com/support) > Did you like this episode? We'd love it if you gave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts! Just click here to leave a review or go to http...
Learn Colombian Spanish with Music: Mi Encanto [Part 1] ♫ 153
153
Oct. 11, 2022

Learn Colombian Spanish with Music: Mi Encanto [Part 1] ♫ 153

In this week's episode, you'll learn all about Colombian Spanish and culture through the country's music. Language Coach Maribel Zapata talks about music genres in Colombia from vallenato to salsa. Note: This episode is in Spanish. For a full transcript with English translation, sign up to be a show supporter (learnspanishconsalsa.com/support) > Did you like this episode? We'd love it if you gave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts! Just click here to leave a review or go to https://www.lear...
How to Achieve Conversational Fluency and Colombian Spanish ♫ 29 [ENCORE]
Oct. 4, 2022

How to Achieve Conversational Fluency and Colombian Spanish ♫ 29 [ENCORE]

Struggling to go from beginner to conversational fluency? In this episode, I talk to Shay Spence, the founder of Español en 3000 . We talk all about how he improved his conversational Spanish and some of his tips for how you can do the same. He also shares a little about the culture of Medellín and some Colombian slang that will be good to know if you plan to visit the country. At the end of our conversation, I'll give you more information on how you can get a special 7-day free trial for Españ...
The Black Expat: Redefining a Successful Life in Colombia (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 2) ♫ 102
102
Dec. 8, 2020

The Black Expat: Redefining a Successful Life in Colombia (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 2) ♫ 102

Can you imagine living on only $300 USD/month? That's exactly what Jamarr Black did when he first moved to Cali, Colombia. In part 2 of our conversation, Jamarr shares how much money you need to live comfortably in Cali--including the cost of health care. I asked him about the best places to dance salsa in the area, and how Americans are treated by the locals and the police. Jamarr also shares his #1 piece of advice for anyone thinking about moving abroad but is still on the fence. Learn Colom...
The Black Expat: Spanish Language Immersion in Colombia (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 1) ♫ 101
101
Dec. 1, 2020

The Black Expat: Spanish Language Immersion in Colombia (Interview with Jamarr Black, Part 1) ♫ 101

The Black Expat series continues with a spotlight on Colombia. In my interview with Jamarr Black, he shares why he decided to leave his job as a technical writer in Washington, DC to move to Cali, Colombia and how he got there on a $5 flight. He also talks about how he overcame the frustration of being the only non-native Spanish speaker in a conversation and not understanding what was happening around him. Jamarr gives his recommendations on how to prepare before complete immersion in a Spanis...
Learn Spanish with Salsa Music [Cali Pachanguero] ♫ 89
89
Sept. 8, 2020

Learn Spanish with Salsa Music [Cali Pachanguero] ♫ 89

In this episode, you'll learn new vocabulary from the salsa song Cali Pachanguero by Alberto Barros. We'll explore a few uses of the subjunctive, and different ways to use the word "que" in Spanish. You can find the full lyrics to the song, plus translation and quizzes, at https://yabla.com/salsa (Sign up with this link to claim your 15-Day Free Trial) __________________________________________ The Learn Spanish Con Salsa podcast is supported by Yabla . Language immersion through engaging video...
Conversación: Las diferencias entre Colombia y Venezuela [Nivel intermedio] ♫ 66
66
March 31, 2020

Conversación: Las diferencias entre Colombia y Venezuela [Nivel intermedio] ♫ 66

In this episode, we're going to listen to a conversation between Laura (from Colombia) and Lino (from Venezuela). They talk about the differences between the culture, food, and life in the 2 countries. This conversation comes from our friends at Español en 3000. Listen to the full conversation at learnspanishconsalsa.com/3000 and sign up the course risk-free for 30 days + get 23% off. Show Notes: https://www.learnspanishconsalsa.com/66 > LEAVE US A RATING & REVIEW < Let us know how we're doing p...