Episodes

  • Entrenar con dolor: conversación en español para estudiantes intermedios y avanzados

    Entrenar con dolor: conversación en español para estudiantes intermedios y avanzados
    Jan 26 2026
    El dolor crónico cambia la forma en que te mueves, comes y piensas… pero no siempre tiene que controlar tu vida. En este episodio 100% en español, enfocado en estudiantes intermedios y avanzados, hablo con Tom Pfeiffer, personal trainer y chronic pain coach en Williamsburg, Brooklyn, sobre cómo entrenar sin miedo cuando hay dolor, por qué dejar de moverte muchas veces empeora la situación y qué papel juega la alimentación en la recuperación. Platicamos de mitos comunes sobre el dolor, del famoso “no pain, no gain”, de cómo la relación con la comida puede ayudar o sabotear tu progreso, y de por qué la constancia suele ser más importante que la dieta o el entrenamiento perfectos. Si estás aprendiendo español y te interesa el fitness, la salud o entender mejor tu cuerpo sin extremos ni promesas mágicas, este episodio es para ti.
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    18 mins
  • Spanish for Daily Life: Conversations You’ll Actually Use (B1)

    Spanish for Daily Life: Conversations You’ll Actually Use (B1)
    Jan 23 2026
    In this episode of Your Mexican Friend, you’ll practice real-life Spanish through natural conversations designed for B1-level learners.
    The episode is mostly spoken in Spanish, with occasional English support only to provide clear instructions or brief context. This is not textbook Spanish, but the kind of Spanish people actually use in everyday life in Mexico. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear common situations such as:
    • Shopping for clothes
    • Asking for information about a tour in Mexico
    • A conversation between friends talking about their past vacations
    The goal is to listen first, then repeat out loud, and gradually get used to the rhythm, pronunciation, and expressions of everyday Spanish. At the end of each dialogue, you’ll find comprehension questions to help you check how much you understood and reinforce your learning.
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    14 mins
  • Mexico City on the Move: The Public Transport Guide

    Mexico City on the Move: The Public Transport Guide
    Jan 20 2026
    Mexico City on the Move: From Combis to the MetroGet ready to navigate the heart of the city! 🚇 In this bilingual episode (Spanish/English), we dive into the organized chaos of Mexico City’s transit system. From the iconic orange Metro and high-speed Metrobús to the legendary microbuses, combis, and Ecobici.We explore the unwritten rules of the commute, the challenges of urban mobility, and the unique stories that only happen when 20 million people are on the move. Whether you're a local "chilango" or just visiting, this is your ultimate guide to surviving and thriving in Mexico City traffic.
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    17 mins
  • De Rusia a México: Dima en Cirque du Soleil Joya

    De Rusia a México: Dima en Cirque du Soleil Joya
    Jan 16 2026
    In this episode, I have a very special conversation with Dima, a Russian artist who currently works at Cirque du Soleil Joya in Mexico. We talk about what it was like to arrive from Russia to a completely different country, his process of adapting to Mexican culture, and how he ended up becoming part of one of the most important shows in the world. Dima shares what life is like behind the scenes, what it’s really like to work at Cirque du Soleil Joya, the physical and emotional challenges of the circus, and how Mexico became his second home. We also talk about language, cultural differences, discipline, teamwork, and what it means to live “the Mexican way” as a foreigner. 👉 Important: this episode is entirely in Spanish, designed so you can practice real listening with a natural, clear, and authentic conversation.
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    22 mins
  • Why Mexico Loves Lucha Libre (and Why the World Does Too)

    Why Mexico Loves Lucha Libre (and Why the World Does Too)
    Jan 13 2026
    In this fully bilingual (Spanish/English) episode of Your Mexican Friend, Carlos takes you through the magic, the myth, and the business of Lucha Libre—from its modern origins in 1933 with Salvador Lutteroth and the birth of what we now know as CMLL, to its massive boom in the 1950s thanks to television. You’ll meet the legendary icons who shaped Mexico’s cultural identity—El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Máscaras—and discover why Lucha Libre is far more than a sport: it’s a universal story of the Técnico vs. the Rudo, a collective emotional release inside the arena, and a powerful symbol of identity and resilience. Carlos also breaks down the modern scene: CMLL vs. AAA (tradition and classic technique vs. spectacle and drama), and how Lucha Libre has become a global phenomenon through major international connections with AEW, WWE, and NJPW. Plus, you’ll get essential arena vocabulary so you can understand the energy and the chants. The episode closes with one clear idea: Lucha Libre reflects Mexico—colorful, loud, and always ready to rise after a fall.
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    15 mins
  • Listening – Comprehension: Daily Life in Mexico

    Listening – Comprehension: Daily Life in Mexico
    Jan 8 2026
    This listening episode (A1–A2 level) is narrated by Carlos and introduces learners to a typical day in Mexico and how people get around in everyday life. First, Carlos describes his daily routine. He wakes up early, prepares coffee, and has a simple breakfast with common foods such as eggs and tortillas. Then, he talks about leaving home to work or study. Carlos explains that in Mexico the main meal of the day is usually eaten between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., and it often includes rice, beans, chicken or meat, and almost always salsa. In the evening, people relax, watch TV or listen to music, and get ready to sleep. Next, the episode focuses on transportation in Mexico. Carlos explains that in big cities like Mexico City, many people use public transportation, especially the subway and buses, which can be very crowded during rush hour. He also mentions that driving a car can be difficult because of heavy traffic. In smaller cities and towns, people often walk, ride bicycles, or use local taxis. The episode ends by highlighting that at night transportation is calmer and it is a good time to rest after a long day.
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    20 mins
  • If you’re learning Mexican Spanish… travel to Mexico (and here’s why).

    If you’re learning Mexican Spanish… travel to Mexico (and here’s why).
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode of Your Mexican Friend, Carlos explores how traveling can transform the way you learn a language, not only through practice, but through the mindset shift it creates. He explains that traveling turns the language into a real-life tool: you’re no longer speaking “to practice,” you’re speaking to handle everyday situations like ordering food, asking for directions, or introducing yourself. Throughout the episode, Carlos shows how this kind of exposure helps you tolerate the discomfort of making mistakes, build confidence, and understand that the goal is communication, not perfection. He also explains that language sticks better when it connects to emotions and real experiences: you don’t just remember words, you remember moments. In addition, he shares practical recommendations to make the most of a trip: preparing useful phrases before leaving, focusing on listening and observing how people actually speak, choosing natural interactions in markets and small cafés, and not relying on English all the time. Finally, he gives tips to keep your progress after returning home by using the language in your routine and revisiting the trip through writing, speaking, and related content. The final message: traveling isn’t required, but it can be a powerful part of the journey because it turns language into something you live, not just study.
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    17 mins
  • Learn Spanish in 2026 Without Frustration: 10 Real Tips

    Learn Spanish in 2026 Without Frustration: 10 Real Tips
    Jan 1 2026
    In this episode of Your Mexican Friend—spoken bilingually in Spanish and English—Carlos explains why learning Spanish in 2026 is different: there are more tools and technology than ever, but also more distractions, pressure, and frustration to “learn fast.” With a friendly yet professional tone, he shares 10 practical and realistic tips to improve your Spanish without stress: studying with better focus instead of more hours, prioritizing daily listening before aiming for perfect speaking, accepting that you’ll sound “weird” at first, learning useful phrases rather than just word lists, and integrating Spanish into your daily routine (phone settings, music, short videos, and thinking in Spanish). He also emphasizes avoiding comparisons with other students, making mistakes on purpose to overcome fear, exposing yourself to real-life Spanish (fillers, pauses, emotion) beyond textbook language, and using technology intentionally (fewer tools, but consistently). The final message is clear: Spanish isn’t a race, it’s a process—if you enjoy the journey, progress comes more naturally and lasts longer.
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    18 mins