🗪 Interview 🎙️Episodes

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 how a personalized approach can make all the difference. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why academ...

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 R...

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.

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. [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* wh...

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. [FREE DOWNLOAD] Quick Guide to Your First Spanish Conversation >> Click here to download or go to www.spanishconversationguide.com - Learn *exactly* what to say when you meet someon...

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 comfortable with speaking Spanish to easily having a 30-minute conversation with a native Spanish speaker in less ...

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.

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 how a personalized approach can make all the difference. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why aca...

In this episode, we’re talking to a Spanish learner that’s probably a lot like you. Brittany feels a connection with Latino culture, music, and her local community. After downloading numerous apps and stocking up on textbooks, Brittany was still unable to have a conversation in Spanish. 💬 Brittany shares the strategy that led her to a 549-day Spanish learning streak . I hope this conversation helps you to find an approach to learning Spanish that will inspire you to reach your goals. 🎯 Links ...

Do you ever get nervous when someone asks you a question in Spanish? Has your mind ever gone completely blank when you're trying to respond, even if you KNOW you know what you want to say? In this episode, you'll hear from Dani Dancing -- a Spanish learner like you who was able to shed her fear of speaking Spanish and get more comfortable having conversations . She shares how she was able to conquer her anxiety when talking to native Spanish speakers , and how she found a better way to approach ...

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...

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...

Do you dream about leaving everything behind and moving to a Spanish-speaking country? 💼 If you're thinking about taking the leap, then you'll want to hear Kai Cesaire's story. Kai runs a YouTube channel called Kai's Foreign Adventures where you can find out anything you need to know about moving to and living in Spain from the experience of an African-American. 🇪🇸 ✊🏽 Kai lives in Spain and he speaks Castilian Spanish. In part 1 of our conversation he shares why he decided to move to Spain and h...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Kelly Delgado and Maribel Zapata on how to translate American English expressions 🇺🇸 to Spanish You'll learn: Latin American expressions for the American English expressions get cold feet ❄️👣 and the ball is in your court 🏀 How to ask someone if they're serious or joking in Spanish (it's nothing like "are you pulling my leg?" 🦵🏽 ) The translation for the American slang term "ride or die" in Spanish, and why it may be a red flag in relationships ...

In this episode, we shift gears from our recent focus on Colombian and Cuban Spanish to explore some common American English phrases 🇺🇸 Tamara takes the expert seat as Kelly and Maribel attempt to guess the meanings behind these expressions. We’ll find out whether these American phrases have similar expressions in Spanish , so you can connect with native speakers more effectively. 🌎 You'll learn: The different Spanish expressions used in Colombia and Cuba for the American English expressions bit...

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...

In this episode, I’m joined by two special guests from our Language Coaching team at Spanish con Salsa—Kelly Delgado from Cuba 🇨🇺 and Maribel from Colombia 🇨🇴. We're sharing 8 unique Cuban Spanish phrases that you’ll definitely want to add to your vocabulary! But here’s the twist... Maribel and I have to guess the meanings of these phrases before Kelly reveals what they really mean. 🤔 Can you guess along with us? Let’s see how many you get right!😅 ✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode : How to sa...

In this episode, Tamara interviews Cynthia, a dedicated member of the Spanish Fluency Club, who shares her journey to becoming fluent in Spanish. She talks about the challenges she’s faced over the years, like dealing with language differences in her Cuban family and the lack of resources when she first started learning. 💬 If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to reach conversational fluency or get nervous speaking with native speakers, Cynthia’s experience will definitely resonate with you. Listen t...

In this episode, host Tamara Marie continues the conversation with Spanish con Salsa coaches Kesia Sosa, Jael Tórrez, and Kelly Delgado. The discussion covers favorite places to relax in their cities, dream concerts, and the most special trips they’ve taken. This episode is a great opportunity to practice your listening skills as the entire conversation is in Spanish. Whether you're an intermediate learner or just looking for an engaging way to immerse yourself in the language, you'll enjoy this...

Ready to take your Spanish listening skills to the next level and learn more about Latin American culture? 🎧 In this episode, host Tamara Marie is joined by Language Coaches Jael Tórrez, Kelly Delgado, and Kesia Sosa from the Spanish con Salsa team for an engaging conversation. We talk about cultural superstitions from Nicaragua 🇳🇮, Cuba 🇨🇺, and the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴. Listen to find out: Does the rain make you sick or bring good luck ? 🌧️🍀 Has technology improved or worsened personal relatio...

In this episode, we’re talking to a Spanish learner that’s probably a lot like you. Brittany feels a connection with Latino culture, music, and her local community. After downloading numerous apps and stocking up on textbooks, Brittany was still unable to have a conversation in Spanish. 💬 Brittany shares the strategy that led her to a 549-day Spanish learning streak . I hope this conversation helps you to find an approach to learning Spanish that will inspire you to reach your goals. 🎯 Links ...

Do you freeze up when talking to a native Spanish speaker? Is it hard to find someone to speak to in Spanish where you live? If you're struggling to reach conversational fluency in Spanish, or feel nervous about talking to native speakers, this episode is for you. Ryan shares his story about how he went from not knowing what to say during his first language exchange to chatting with native Spanish speakers on his last trip abroad. Want to join Spanish Con Salsa ? Click here to sign up for the wa...

In this episode, we get to know Marla Rivera from Puerto Rico, the newest member of our Spanish con Salsa team. Marla talks about how she became a language coach and interpreter, what it was like growing up bilingual in Puerto Rico, and the challenges she faced learning multiple languages. 💬 In this episode you’ll learn: Her experience growing up bilingual in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 How to overcome language nerves from Marla's experience 😨 The most difficult part of being an interpreter and the different...

In this episode we chat with Sherly from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and Kesia from the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 to uncover the differences and similarities between these two cultures. Learn the fun and unique slang used on each island and pick up tips on understanding and speaking Caribbean Spanish like a local. In this episode you’ll learn: How to say words like gossip, beer and cool in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic 🗣️ Words that have different meanings in each country 🔄😯 Controversies such as the or...