🎙️Episodes

Hablando de La Copa Mundial ♫ 243
June 9, 2026

Hablando de La Copa Mundial ♫ 243

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 — w...
Spanish Vocabulary for Daily Life: 7 Phrases from Romeo Santos & Prince Royce ♫ 242
June 2, 2026

Spanish Vocabulary for Daily Life: 7 Phrases from Romeo Santos & Prince Royce ♫ 242

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 Le...
Learn Spanish with Bachata Music: 'Estocolmo' by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce ♫ 241
May 26, 2026

Learn Spanish with Bachata Music: 'Estocolmo' by Romeo Santos and Prince Royce ♫ 241

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 u…
No More Awkward Pauses: 10 Spanish Phrases to Keep Conversations Flowing ♫ 240
April 21, 2026

No More Awkward Pauses: 10 Spanish Phrases to Keep Conversations Flowing ♫ 240

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 ac…
The Secret to Speaking Spanish Confidently (Interview with Brittany Jones) ♫ 224 [ENCORE]
March 31, 2026

The Secret to Speaking Spanish Confidently (Interview with Brittany Jones) ♫ 224 [ENCORE]

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 motivat...
What is Your Language Learning Type? ♫ 134 [ENCORE]
March 24, 2026

What is Your Language Learning Type? ♫ 134 [ENCORE]

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 identif...
What Type of Spanish Should You Learn? (Part 2) ♫ [ENCORE]
Feb. 17, 2026

What Type of Spanish Should You Learn? (Part 2) ♫ [ENCORE]

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 im…
What Type of Spanish Should You Learn? (Part 1) ♫ 42 [ENCORE]
Feb. 10, 2026

What Type of Spanish Should You Learn? (Part 1) ♫ 42 [ENCORE]

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'...
7 Puerto Rican Spanish Words You’ll Learn from Bad Bunny: A Conversation with Adriana López ♫ 239
Feb. 3, 2026

7 Puerto Rican Spanish Words You’ll Learn from Bad Bunny: A Conversation with Adriana López ♫ 239

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 …
Learn Puerto Rican Spanish with Music [NUEVAYoL by Bad Bunny] ♫ 238
Jan. 27, 2026

Learn Puerto Rican Spanish with Music [NUEVAYoL by Bad Bunny] ♫ 238

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 lear…
How Do I Stop Forgetting Spanish Words in Conversations? [Q&A] ♫ 220 [ENCORE]
Jan. 20, 2026

How Do I Stop Forgetting Spanish Words in Conversations? [Q&A] ♫ 220 [ENCORE]

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 ...
7 Songs That Will Transform Your Spanish: Celebrating 7 Years of Learn Spanish con Salsa ♫ 237
Jan. 15, 2026

7 Songs That Will Transform Your Spanish: Celebrating 7 Years of Learn Spanish con Salsa ♫ 237

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 podcas...
The 5 Stages of Conversational Fluency ♫ 236
Jan. 7, 2026

The 5 Stages of Conversational Fluency ♫ 236

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 lev...
The Many Benefits of Learning Languages with Music ♫ 235
Dec. 30, 2025

The Many Benefits of Learning Languages with Music ♫ 235

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 h...
Learning Languages through Music with Desta Haile ♫ 234
Dec. 23, 2025

Learning Languages through Music with Desta Haile ♫ 234

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 D…
7 Spanish Verbs for Growth, Relationships, & Social Media ♫ 233
Dec. 16, 2025

7 Spanish Verbs for Growth, Relationships, & Social Media ♫ 233

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 r...
Learn Spanish with Bachata: 'Better Late Than Never' by Romeo Santos & Prince Royce ♫ 232
Dec. 9, 2025

Learn Spanish with Bachata: 'Better Late Than Never' by Romeo Santos & Prince Royce ♫ 232

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 re...
There's No Perfect Time to Get Fluent, A Conversation with Phillip Hargrove ♫ 185 [ENCORE]
Dec. 2, 2025

There's No Perfect Time to Get Fluent, A Conversation with Phillip Hargrove ♫ 185 [ENCORE]

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 …
Learn Spanish Grammar with Salsa Music: How to Stop Confusing Indirect Objects & Reflexive Verbs with ♫ 183 [ENCORE]
Nov. 28, 2025

Learn Spanish Grammar with Salsa Music: How to Stop Confusing Indirect Objects & Reflexive Verbs with ♫ 183 [ENCORE]

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…
3 Ways to Improve Your Spanish Listening Skills ♫ 167 [ENCORE]
July 29, 2025

3 Ways to Improve Your Spanish Listening Skills ♫ 167 [ENCORE]

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 l…
5 Tips to Prepare for Summer Travel to Spanish-Speaking Countries ♫ 119 [ENCORE]
July 23, 2025

5 Tips to Prepare for Summer Travel to Spanish-Speaking Countries ♫ 119 [ENCORE]

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 …
Cultura, Canciones y Pasiones: Cómo mejorar tu conversación y pronunciación ♫ 231
July 15, 2025

Cultura, Canciones y Pasiones: Cómo mejorar tu conversación y pronunciación ♫ 231

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.
Historia de viaje: El camino a Palenque ♫ 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...
Historia de viaje: Las calles de Cartagena ♫ 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 decis…