Learn Spanish con Salsa | Spanish lessons with Latin music and conversational Spanish

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

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

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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

Support the show

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

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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.

Support the show

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

📩 Join our e-mail list and be the first to know when new episodes are released, plus get access to exclusive listener discounts + giveaways

Connect with us...
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📜 Get transcripts when you sign up as a show supporter