What makes somebody "Latin American?" (or Latino*?) Is it being born in Latin America? Is it being born to Latino parents? Or is it adopting the culture and actually feeling Latino?

In this special DUAL NARRATOR episode, we go over this frustration that so many Latinos and non-Latinos can go through, especially those who have been born to Latino parents outside of Latin America, or who have left Latin America at a young age.

Starring Elisa, a young Dominican Lady who left DR at a very young age, and Tobias, born and raised in the UK but now living in Argentina, we learn how the "Latinidad" is something that can be as easily born into as it can be acquired, and why Latino pride goes beyond blood.


Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/4472

*NOTE: In this episode, our host Anthony also explains why "Latinx" is actually not a thing, and why you should stop using this aberration of a word. Give it a listen!

There is a country in South America that is particularly "different" from its neighbors in many ways, but the most interesting is its language and culture: I'm talking about Paraguay.


Not only is the only nation where the most-spoken language is an indigenous language (Guaraní), but it also has a very strong "mestizo" presence (over 93%), making it one of the most homogeneous demographies in Latin America. 

But who are the Guaraní, and what makes them so special - and more importantly, what does the future hold for this unique culture, language, and Paraguay as the world evolves? Find out the answers and gain more Spanish fluency in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!


Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/4439

The US has done incredible things in its history, but it has also been involved in some of the most tragic events, too. The El Mozote Massacre that occurred on December 11, 1981, is among the worst of these US-sponsored tragedies.


With communist guerrilla movements spreading across El Salvador, both the American and Salvadoran governments knew that they had to quickly put a stop to this before it got out of their control, so they planned "Operación Rescate" (Operation Rescue), a so-called "anti-guerrilla" operation that would end up costing many hundreds of lives of innocents along the way.

But the worst of the operation occurred in a small rural community known as El Mozote, where demons dressed as men (so to speak) committed horrific crimes on men, women, and children. Find out more about this terrible tragedy and how the inhabitants of both El Mozote and El Salvador finally got justice for it recently in this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/3185

Despite the wars in the Middle East and Europe that have occurred in the past decades, Latin America has been a relatively conflict-free region in modern times… but what if you go back further? Centuries ago, Latin America was a perpetual war zone, with soldiers fighting endlessly for scraps of land on which to plant their flag. 19th Century Mexico was one such place, with the newly-independent United States looking to capture an important extension of its territories before the Mexicans could react.

Want to learn more of how Mexico lost over 50% (!) of its land, including Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado and more? Find out in our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1148

The beautiful region of Latin America has a darker side that not everyone is aware of, but certainly one that must be talked about. We are talking about the human trafficking and modern slavery that continue to affect the region and ruin the lives of men, women and children who are typically just looking to cross a border in search of a new life.

As this situation is seemingly worsening with the great exodus taking place from Central and South America, it is time that the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast took a close look at this plague of crime and injustice. Let’s dive in.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1147

On December 5, 1945, five General Motors TBM Avenger torpedo bombers disappeared from the face of the Earth during a training flight that took off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All 14 airmen were lost, never to be heard of again. A rescue plane with 13 crew members was sent to find them. It, too, was lost to oblivion. And to think that… these aren’t even the only disappearances that have taken place over or within the Bermuda Triangle.

This region of the world, so full of mystery and the location of many high-profile disappearances, still brings forth a feeling of terror to travelers and wonder to conspiracy theorists across the world. Are you ready to dive into the Bermuda Triangle (NOT literally) and find out more? Listen to our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1131

Maybe Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa aren’t real, but Blackbeard – or Edward Teach, as he was actually called – definitely did exist, and caused much pain and anguish to ships and their crew across the Caribbean. Likewise, Henry Morgan, Black Bart and Mary Read spread their tendrils across the sea, looting and pillaging when possible.

But if you want find out more about these legend’YARRR-y individuals, what they did and where they committed their crimes, you might want to listen to the latest episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast. 

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1085

We may fear it, run from it, pretend it doesn’t exist or dedicate our lives to fixing it, but climate change is an absolutely real problem that the entire world is now facing. Scientists have found that – if we don’t act to stop the worst of the consequences – we may lose up to two-thirds of animal and plant species within the next 50 years, and hundreds of thousands of people could die from pollution-related causes.

But how is Latin America reacting to this phenomenon? And what is happening in this region, so full of biodiversity that is at risk of disappearing? Find out more in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1084

One of the most interesting thing about sports in Latin America is how varied they can be, with most of them having been imported from Europe. However, there is one particular sport that Latin Americans haven’t simply adopted but actually mastered, playing it at a level that surpasses those who influenced them to play it in the first place. We’re talking about baseball.

With countless athletes from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and both Colombia and Venezuela holding some of the most incredible world records, it is clear that Latin Americans have a level of domination seen in few other sports. Let’s dive into this subject in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1083

While it may be one of the most beautiful regions on the planet, it is no secret that most of Latin America is also one very dangerous place. With some of the deadliest cities on the planet and a questionable amount of corruption within governments and law enforcement entities, you wouldn’t be crazy to think twice before heading to the shady areas of the region.  

But it can’t all be bad, and this is what we want to cover in this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast. The good, the bad, and the ugly of crime and corruption in Latin America. 

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1082

Growing a startup to a billion dollars is already a huge challenge – for any founder on the planet, wherever they are. But we must admit that building a “unicorn” startup in Latin America is much harder than doing the same in London, Los Angeles or New York. Yet somehow, a number of founders have accomplished this goal, taking their companies to a valuation that surpasses a thousand million dollars.

But which companies are these and how did they accomplish this magnificent goal? In this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories, we discover these and more facts in Latin America’s own Silicon Valley.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1081

Since primitive times, man has sought to learn more about the “beyond” – those gods or other supernatural beings that are said to be in other dimensions or worlds we cannot access until we die. In the case of Latin America, a great number of such gods have caused wonder among many civilizations.

In modern times, one such interesting goddess exists, whom is related to death in such an intrinsic way that she is known as “La Santa Muerte” or “The Holy Death”, and both worshiped and prayed to by masses of believers. In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we learn more about the cult of La Santa Muerte and just exactly who she is and how her worshippers continue to grow all over the Latin American region.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1080

By now, if you’ve listened to our podcast, you’ll be aware that Latin America has plenty of Spanish, African, Dutch, French, Italian and even British influence which has helped shape the region and make it what it is today… but did you know that Japan has also brought its important share of influence to Mexico and several South American countries, and that there are a ton of Japanese migrants who have even forgotten their native language?

Yes, believe it or not, over the decades, Japan has seen a large number of migrants and workers seek new lives in the warmer, more relaxed climates of Central and South America and, though not always easy, have become fully integrated into their Latino communities. Want to find out more? Listen to our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories – Japanese Influence in Latin America.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1079

Today's episode is different. And it's different not because it's a true story (because we always feature those on our podcast), but because your narrator, Anthony, went through the events expressed in the tale.

This is the reality of how Venezuela collapsed, of what led 7 million people to flee the country and seek a better life elsewhere. It's an account of how any average family (in this case, a family that supported the government at its beginning) lost all its net worth and soon struggled to combat starvation.

This is the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, where we help you learn Spanish while showing you the reality of life in Latin America (both good and bad). So let's dive in, and we hope it helps you understand why so many Venezuelans are now spread across the globe.

 Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/3086

When it comes to dictators, Latin America has had quite its fair share of these, with both left and right-wing figures having subjugated and terrorized populations of several countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America throughout the decades. The Dominican Republic does not forget its own tyrant – Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, “Generalísimo” – who could basically do anything he wanted without consequence.

That is, until a brave family of fearless women decided to stand up against him and say the word he never thought he would hear: “No”. A tale of tragedy, hope and rebellion, this episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast tells the tale of Las Mariposas: The Butterflies.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1078

Peru is a land of wonderful food, fascinating historic sites and rich traditions… but not all of its history has been a bed of roses. You see, in 1970, a great but terrible event changed everything for this nation: starting as a soft swaying of the ground but soon transforming into the terrifying rumble and ripping of the earth which brought buildings crashing down into rubble and destructive landslides tearing through villages and cities…

The Ancash Earthquake, a 7.9 seismic event on the moment magnitude scale, is remembered not only as Peru’s most catastrophic natural disaster, but also the cause of the world’s deadliest avalanche. In this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories, we discover exactly what happened on that fateful day, and find out why experts fear it may happen again in the near future…

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1077

Unless you’ve switched off the news for the past decade, you will probably have heard of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. With tragedies ranging from food shortages in the mid 2010’s to millions of migrants desperately crossing borders all over North and South America, this once wealthy region has fallen to its knees… and all of it thanks to the Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro governments.

But who exactly is Nicolas Maduro, and how did Chavez manage to accelerate the beginning of the end of this beautiful country? In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast – written and narrated by Venezuelans – you will discover the story that led to Venezuela’s collapse, and find out just how a South American power was destroyed by the ambition and incompetence of a hateful, divisive leader.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1076

After a successful first season, the Learn Spanish with Stories Podcast returns with Season 2! And in this season's premiere, we want to take you somewhere that is almost as unknown as it is underrated. We’re talking about Uruguay, South America’s most underrated nation.

Boasting one of the highest levels of human development, tolerance, peace, GDP growth and innovation, Uruguay is one of the most developed nations in Latin America and a growing economy with plenty to do and to see if you’re there as a tourist. But it doesn’t end there either, as you will join us in diving into its deep, bloody history, as we discover more about South America’s underrated “little giant”!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1075

We have reached the Season 1 Finale of our podcast – and this episode is a bit different. Although we have typically told the story from a third-person perspective (apart from Episode 2 – Últimas Horas), this episode is a first-person tale by your narrator, Anthony, in which he explains just how Latin America can take over your heart and mind. With its natural beauty, wonderful locations, lovely people and fantastic variety of cultures, Latin America is a place to love.

And just as importantly, he explains the problems that you may face while there, alongside how Latin Americans deal with them to be among the happiest and positive people on the entire planet. 

The end of the first season of our Spanish-learning journey, this is Episode 36 of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast – Why We Love Latin America. Enjoy… and see you in Season 2! (Coming in October 2022)

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1074

While Latin America has produced some of the most fascinating people in history, we cannot pretend that it hasn’t spawned its own monsters, as well. Merciless murderers, monstrous hunters of children and even bloodthirsty cannibals(!) have left a mark of pain and death on the Latin American legacy.

In this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we cover the stories of Pedro Nakada, Dorangel Vargas and Julio Pérez Silva, among others, as we speak of the men, women and even teenagers whose crimes have shocked the world at large.

Dive into this tale of bloodshed, agony and terror, as we learn more about Latin America’s Worst Serial Killers…

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1073

On March 13, 2013, a massive event took place within the Catholic Church – the first ever South American Pope, and the first from outside of Europe since the 8th century, was elected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who had resigned earlier.

This came as a shock to many – as respectable as he was, Pope Francis, who is actually called Jorge Mario Bergoglio – was something of a humble and less rigid figure, even considered a progressive by many. He had worked as a bouncer at a club in his youth, gotten involved in political controversies in native Argentina, he… he was different. And still is.

In the 34th episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we cover the story of Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and discover more of how this interesting individual came to represent the head of the largest Christian church on Earth and one of the most powerful institutions on the planet.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1071

Haiti – when you hear the name of this nation, what comes to mind? Usually, you can recall the hurricanes, earthquakes and other horrific tragedies that have hit the island and its people, plunging them further into a state of despair and disaster that they have suffered for decades now.

But Haiti is much more than disaster, pain and suffering. It is a nation with a rich history full of bravery and valor, in which the populace had to fight for its rights and throw off the yoke of French tyranny, along with other colonizers (including the United States!)

In our latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, Episode 33, we venture to this French-speaking part of Hispaniola – an island shared with Dominican Republic, by the way – and learn of the Haitian resilience before tragedy, invasion and political crisis, throughout several centuries of history.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1071

The deserts across the planet are some of the most majestic and impressive destinations you will ever witness; Latin America is no exception. But there is one specific Latin American desert that has managed to blow the minds of even the highest level of scientists on the globe: The Atacama Desert.

Known for being the most arid (driest) desert outside of Antarctica, Atacama has still managed to sustain life, and is the place where you are most likely to have the best visibility of distant stars and galaxies – so much, in fact, that NASA extensively studies space from there.

Furthermore, its potential for tourism is so high that more and more people are crossing Chile and South America to visit it every year. Want to know more? Listen to our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories and enjoy!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1070

When thinking of South America, people across the world typically recall Brazil and its beaches, Argentina’s football and history, or perhaps the beautiful northern coasts of Colombia and Venezuela… but you can bet that hardly anybody remembers that the Guianas even exist!

But our goal is to change that: you see, Guyana, Suriname and the French Guiana are extremely singular, lush locations that are just as emblematic to the region as any other country. When you look at their history, their capitals and the people that make up these territories (French Guiana isn’t a “nation”, per se), you’ll realize how special they are and why they should be featured in a podcast episode such as this one.

So, let’s present this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories and tell you – it’s time to discover new lands that you probably didn’t know -anything- about!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1069

The lithium in your phone's battery, maybe the device you're using to read this - it may probably have come from Chile, and the copper in the wires of your charger may have come from Peru... Latin America is and has always been one of the main provider of precious metals in the world.


And this didn't begin with the Spanish and Portuguese colonization, either... the natives had been mining long before the arrivals of Europeans, and knew how to keep these operations sustainable (something we struggle with today). However, when these outsiders arrived, production took the main stage, and millions of tons were extracted and taken from the Americas to Europe.

But returning to the present: how does Latin America help keep the world running with its resources, and what is the story behind this? Let's dive in, in this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!


Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/3020

You may have heard of “The 33”, a group of miners who were unexpectedly trapped in a mine back in 2010… but do you know the full story? It all started with one big uproar – a loud boom of noise and collapse of earth that would set a series of events in motion that would shift all eyes from across the world to a small mine in the north of Chile. 

A terrible tragedy, a magnificent show of humanity of an entire world united and even the appearance of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (or NASA, as you may know it as) to bring cutting-edge technology in this battle against time… in short, this is a story you’ll definitely want to hear.

In Episode 30 of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we tell the tale of “The 33” and how hope is humanity’s powerful driving force, no matter the situation.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1068

In the history of world football, we have seen many great legends – men and women who have not only help build the sport, but also bring to it a mythical quality from which the greatest stories have been told. One such figure was Diego Armando Maradona. Born in Argentina to a poor family that lived in a shantytown, this skillful young man would grow up to become one of the best football players ever (some would argue -the best-).

But there are controversies that helped make El Diego who he was – the biggest of many, his “Hand of God” moment – the instant which defined him, his career and his entire legacy, for better or for worse. 

In Episode 29 of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast, we cover the story of El Pelusa, El Diego or La Mano de Dios, as he known around the world. A man of many facets and a truly wondrous reputation (good or bad, depending on one person to the next), his story will blow your mind.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1067

When traveling across Latin America, especially at night, you may find that some towns and small populations will recommend you to stay indoors after the sun comes out, but why? Sure, some countries aren’t as safe as others, but it’s not always -human- threats that they’re worried about…

You see, in Latin America, there is said to be a number of dark, supernatural threats that await unwary travelers, sometimes monsters with horrific forms, while other times they are what we could have once known as “people” that are now more like bloodthirsty specters and cursed ghosts.

Don’t believe me? Check out our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories to discover just how spooky things can get when you’re alone in the dark… it won’t seem so farfetched then!

Just a reminder: if you’re looking to learn how to speak Colombian Spanish – or just know more about the fascinating nation of Colombia – check out the amazing Spanish Colombiano podcast, hosted by Jorge. Find it on: https://www.spanishcolombiano.com/episodios 

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1066

For all of its beauty and the “magical realism” that make Latin America such a wonderful place on Earth, even the most passionate of the region’s admirers must accept that the economy can sometimes be a bit… messy. Terrible politics, weak currencies and a general chaotic economic reality make Latin America a roller coaster when it comes to saving and/or investing.

But a potential solution is growing in popularity and utility across the region, as more and more Latin Americans, including entire governments, look to include cryptocurrency into their financial plans. Whether they’re introducing Bitcoin (BTC) as their legal tender, setting up mining farm or simply allowing citizens to trade in these interesting assets, cryptocurrency is taking over Latin America.

Find our more about how NFTs, bitcoin and crypto in general are taking Central, South America and the Caribbean by storm in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Oh, and if you’re looking to learn how to speak Colombian Spanish – or just know more about the fascinating nation of Colombia – check out the amazing Spanish Colombiano podcast, hosted by Jorge. Find it on: https://www.spanishcolombiano.com/episodios 

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1065

Latin America has one of the most heterogeneous populations in the world – in other words, you can find countless ethnic groups, backgrounds and cultures that make it a true gem of humanity. One of the most precious groups that can be found in the region is that of the Garifuna (or Garinagu). Descendants of West African and indigenous Central American natives, this group represents not only a mix of cultures but a beautiful fusion of continents separated by an ocean.

But the Garifuna have – in recent times – become victims of persecution and murder due to the greedy ambitions and financial desires of powerful entities, who wish to displace them from their lands and take their homes from them. 

Find out more about the history, culture and struggles of the Garifuna in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/1011

One of the things that we seem to know a lot about but strangely, at the same time, not much at all is the Spanish colonization of South America and the Caribbean. Some sources have led us to believe that huge armies of conquistadors traveled from nation to nation, killing, plundering and burning down everything they came across on their conquest… but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Mostly explorers (or at least at the beginning they were), the Spanish conquerors of Latin America were able to use brains more than brawn to achieve their objectives: through manipulation of political alliances and rivalries between the natives, psychological trickery and superior military tactics, a few hundred Spaniards were able to take down empires and achieve one of the biggest conquests in the history of humankind. But what happened when these European conquerors started getting too power-hungry and the fighting began between them?

Find out more in the latest episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast by Lingo Mastery!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/973

Despite the extensive mountain ranges across the Alaska, Canada and mainland United States, it is in South America where you can find the tallest peak – Mount Aconcagua. An incredible geological formation, this massive stone giant stands at a height of just over 6,960 meters, representing not only the tallest peak in the Americas but also in the Western and Southern Hemispheres.

But our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories is more than just about how tall a mountain is – did you know that Inca human sacrifices used to take place here? Or the fact that the mountain was scaled by a boy aged ten just recently? All of this and more in Episode 24 of the Learn Spanish with Stories Podcast by Lingo Mastery!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/898

Throughout Latin America’s turbulent history, the region has been witness to terrible and unforgettable events, often orchestrated by heartless men and women who care more about their political gain than the lives of their people. One such event – and among the worst – was the right-wing, government-sponsored massacre which occurred in the Southern Cone of the South America, and in which even the CIA and U.S. Government were involved.

Resulting in the kidnapping, torture, murder and disappearance of hundreds, in this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories we cover the tale behind “Operation Condor”.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/897

About 1,000 kilometers away from the coasts of Ecuador lies an archipelago where Mother Nature’s deepest secrets were uncovered – the origin of all species. Discovered and ignored by many different explorers across the centuries, it was not until a young British scientist named Charles Darwin came across it that the value of the Galapagos Islands was finally discovered.

In this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories, we travel to the islands where biology, science and the world were changed forever, and find out more about the potential that this magnificent location holds for those willing to uncover it.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/855

Of all the works of engineering around the world, one of the most incredible and unique is the Panama Canal: bridging the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, this fascinating structure is much like an engineering masterpiece of the last century, with bright minds and big pockets making it happen in a country which, today, is immensely proud of this landmark.

With around 14,000 ships going through annually, the Panama Canal connects 1,900 ports via 180 shipping routes – it is a true treasure for world trade, and the shipping and delivery of goods in and around the Americas would be unimaginable without it.

But what is the history behind this structure, and how is it that the U.S. practically took the project from under France’s nose? Find out more in the latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/854

The gods of ancient Latin American belief were very interesting and different from what we have to come to know in Asia, Europe, and North America... they were somewhat more human, said to walk among us when they felt like it, and collaborated closely with animals and nature to make things occur.


Quetzalcóatl, the Feathered Serpent, is one such example, perhaps the greatest of them all... disguised as a noble but aging traveler, he walked among men and taught them the marvels of science and engineering, until he was targeted by Tezcatlipoca, the god of conflict. Today, we tell their stories.

And the coolest thing about this episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast? It's not just about what was going on in Mesoamerica, but also what was happening in the Inca Empire, when Inti (the Sun) and Mama Quilla (the Moon), made their appearance and began to influence life itself. Check it out and enjoy!


Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/2888

Around five-hundred years ago, when America was still considered “The New World”, there were countless treasure hunters and adventurers who made their way to these exotic lands, chasing not only the hopes of acquiring power, but of obtaining the famed riches that so many of its discoverers had talked about. Soon, the biggest rumor of them all began to spread – the existence of a place named “El Dorado”, where a lake full to the brim with gold awaited any brave enough to venture into the jungle.

And so it began – a desperate, crazed series of exploratory journeys through the region containing the Amazon Forest – or Amazonia – with the Spanish conquistadors leading them at the forefront.

How did they end, and what did they find? Discover this and more in the latest episode of our Learn Spanish with Stories podcast.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/853

Many people are aware of the legendary Che Guevara, having seen him in old photos and on the front of many T-shirts. But how much do is really known about him? Few know what he studied at university or what his philosophies were (beyond Marxism), and how his philosophy actually began as that of a pampered rich young man. 

Furthermore, few know that he was actually one of South America’s biggest explorers, having traveled its four corners in his youth.

In this episode, we dive into the life and story of Ernesto “Che” Guevara and discover more about what led him to become who he came to be.

Transcript of this episode available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/852

The Mexico-United States border – a place of great hope for some and yet also a location of extreme terror for others. For those wishing to live “The American Dream”, this border can soon turn into their worst nightmare. From the cartels picking off anybody who hasn’t paid the price of passage to the heat that can dehydrate and cause harm to any type of traveler crossing these dry lands, the border between these two nations has equally spawned countless stories of bravery and despair that will live on for ages.

In this episode, we cover the truth behind the events that migrants must go through to cross from Mexico to United States, and what comes after the crossing for those desperate individuals looking to start a new life in the States.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/830

Across the world, we may witness fascinating places that are unlike any other location on the globe – such extreme and fascinating places that tourists are dragged there by their reputation alone. The Salar de Uyuni is one such place. Found in Bolivia, this MASSIVE salt flat has not just been a filming location for Star Wars and countless amateur YouTube travel videos, but also represents the world’s single largest lithium reserve. A place you will love to learn about, this great expanse of salt and dust also is able to act like a huge mirror: one which may explain why – at the end of the day – we are witnesses to a magnificent sky of salt on Earth.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/829

The Angel Falls. Yes, the tallest waterfall in the world – you probably have heard this quite a few times… but do you know the myths and legends behind this wonderful location? Found in Venezuela’s southeastern region of La Gran Sabana (a magical creation of nature in itself), this waterfall has a rich history that has captivated travelers and scientists for at least the last century, and which requires an interesting but very challenging journey to reach. In this episode, we dive from the summit of this fascinating waterfall and venture through the huge green plains of La Gran Sabana. Oh – and one last thing, in case you weren’t aware – you’re also going to learn about the oldest type of mountain in the world. All of this and more in our latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/828

When we talk about World War II and how it ended for the Nazis, it’s almost always about their defeat and how they ended up paying (in one way or another) for their crimes. However, you may not be aware that a small but privileged group of their officers were actually offered a new avenue and a hope for a fresh life – one without justice catching them. 

These lucky (and powerful) figures relocated to South America, joining right-wing tyrants such as Juan Domingo Perón in Argentina as they hid their true identities and managed to live out their full lives in a certain kind of tropical anonymity. Find out more about these fortunate fascists in the latest episode of Learn Spanish with Stories.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/827

One of the most remote places in the world, Easter Island is as far as 3,500 kilometers from the coast of the country it belongs to – Chile. A land with a troublesome and even bloody history, few tourists of today (who visit the island for its wonderful Mo’ai statues) have any idea of how much pain and suffering the Islanders have gone through throughout the centuries.

In this episode, we talk of the history of this fascinating and very unique island, and tell the story of what Mo’ai statues are and how they came to exist until this day. But be warned – there is more than meets the eye to the Easter Island, or as the natives know it as… Rapa Nui.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/826

Often disregarded by tourists, travel influencers and the general public, Paraguay is actually a fascinating destination with a rich history and the incredibly unique triple frontier. But if travel isn’t your thing and you’re more into business, Paraguay has just what you need – extremely low taxes, quick and easy incorporation of companies and the third largest free-trade zone in the world – you are going to love the Heart of South America!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/825

Across history and throughout the world, even now, humanity has witnessed the rise and fall of terrible dictators – leaders who may have initially had good intentions but who ended up becoming terrible figures of authority who destroyed their nations and took many lives. The following episode is one of great duality in terms of bad leaders. From Allende, who tore apart the economy of a booming Chile to Pinochet, the man who overthrew him and executed thousands in a desperate fight for power, this episode will open your eyes on how the political landscape has helped ruin nations across Latin America. This is the story of General Augusto Pinochet, the Dictator.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/625

There are locations across the world that are shrouded in great mysticism. Whether because of their history or because magical things occurred there, these places carry the essence of myths and legends that make them special. Between Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, a great civilization spread in the 13th Century, ruling over a population of 10 million people. This empire – the Inca Empire, to be exact – was said to have been born in the mystical lake of Lake Titicaca. Even the Sun itself is said to have been forged in this incredible lake if the legends are to be believed. In this episode, we find out more about how the ancient founders of the Incas came to existence and how the lake has evolved over the centuries.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/624

Retiring in Latin America as a foreigner = 👍​

Retiring in Latin America as a Latin American = ​☠️​


Let's face it - when you think of the Caribbean, Brazilian beaches, the Angel Falls in Venezuela, Mexican resorts and Argentine plains, there's a feeling of relief and joy that you can spend your final years just exploring the land and living for cheap.

But what does it look like for a native, and how they survive while receiving a pension that is probably 30% (on average) of what they used to earn while working? 

In this episode, we find out more first-hand from Juan, a new retiree who, after doing his initial paperwork, has just found out the sad reality of being a native retiree in Latin America. Enjoy this week's episode of the Learn Spanish with Stories podcast!


Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/2756

Lightning – electrostatic discharges that light up the sky and crash down to the ground every single second across the world. Scientists have calculated the frequency of these flashes: up to 1.4 billion lightning discharges occur every year. But what if we told you that there is a place – a single location – where thousands of flashes occurred every night, with even 40 of them occurring in a single minute? This place truly exists and is known as “El Relámpago del Catatumbo” (The Catatumbo Lightning). As one of the most fascinating locations in the Latin world, it is time we told you more about it. Discover the Catatumbo Lightning in this episode of Learn Spanish with Stories!

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/623

Around the world – but especially in the United States, Spain and Venezuela - there are over 1 million Cubans who have left their country and been forced to start a new life. The Castro dictatorship, which has ruled Cuba since 1959, has forced most of these people into exile due to the complete lack of economic security, food and goods, and even basic human rights abuses that are witnessed on the island. In this episode, we discover more about the causes behind this massive exodus and what positive things it has brought.

Transcript of this episode is available at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/611

Throughout history, we have witnessed terrible aircraft accidents and other horrific incidents that have cost the lives of hundreds. One of the most tragic plane crashes in Latin American history occurred on October 13, 1972, in which a plane filled with young rugby players and their families crashed in a remote location in the Andes mountain range. What followed was a tale of heroism and complete horror, as they were forced to challenge their bodies, minds and even spirits as they sought to survive against all odds.

Transcript of this episode can be found at: https://podcast.lingomastery.com/listen/610