¡Cuéntame! | Learn Spanish with Comprehensible Input

In this episode, Marta explores the origins and history of mate, one of South America’s most beloved drinks. Learn how the Guaraní people first used yerba mate, why the tradition spread across countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and how mate became much more than just a drink.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating tradition of Guatemala’s worry dolls, tiny handmade dolls that are said to take away your worries while you sleep. Where did this tradition come from, and why do so many people still love these little dolls today? Listen to find out!

Today we talk about a recent series of protests that resulted in the rescue of over 1,500 beagles. But, before we begin today’s episode, I want to give a small reminder that this story may be emotional for many listeners. It is a story that started a lot of conversations, not only in Wisconsin, but across the country.

Today we are talking about animals, protests, and a situation that made many people ask difficult questions. You may have already heard a little bit about it online or in the news… but maybe not the whole story.

In this special episode of ¡Cuéntame!, we share all the unforgettable adventures from our school trip to Ecuador! From standing on the equator line in Quito to exploring ancient ruins, hiking through breathtaking mountains, visiting waterfalls, and learning about Ecuadorian culture, this trip was full of surprises, challenges, laughter, and incredible memories with our students.

We also talk about the unexpected travel chaos that started our journey, the amazing moments that made it all worth it, and the lessons we learned along the way. If you love travel stories, cultural experiences, and comprehensible Spanish, you are going to love this episode!

🎙️ Episode 216: Let’s Go to Ecuador!

In this episode, Marta shares exciting news. She is traveling to Ecuador with a group of students. She talks about the upcoming adventure, the travel itinerary, and the incredible places they will visit, including Quito, the equatorial line, waterfalls in Baños, Inca ruins, and beautiful cities in the Andes. She is excited… but also a little nervous because a snowstorm in Wisconsin might affect the flight.

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta talks about the Super Bowl halftime show and Bad Bunny’s historic performance. She explores why the show was important for Latino representation, the reactions it generated, and what it reveals about culture, identity, and belonging in the United States.

This episode is a very special one. We’re welcoming the start of 2026 and continuing our Legends of the Spanish-Speaking World series with something a little different.

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta takes us to Peru to explore a beautiful Andean legend about the origin of Lake Titicaca, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, located between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains. Considered a sacred place by Andean peoples, the lake is more than just a body of water—it is a powerful symbol of punishment, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

✨ A story of respect, consequences, and rebirth—this legend reminds us why Lake Titicaca holds such deep cultural meaning.

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In Episode 211 of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta travels to southern Chile to share a powerful Mapuche legend: Tren-Tren and Kai-Kai. This traditional story explains the eternal struggle between the sea and the land, told through two magical serpents—one protecting nature’s balance and the other punishing humans for their lack of respect. Through this legend, listeners learn about Mapuche culture, the importance of the Mapudungun language, and a timeless message about respecting nature and living in harmony with the world around us.

In this episode we travel to Ecuador to discover a beautiful and meaningful legend: La leyenda del colibrí. Learn why this tiny, colorful bird is considered a powerful symbol of love, hope, and connection, and how—according to legend—the colibrí became the secret messenger of thoughts and feelings between people. This story reminds us that you don’t have to be big to be important.

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, listeners travel to Argentina as the podcast continues its series of legends from the Spanish-speaking world. Marta tells the beautiful and inspiring legend of the ceibo flower, a powerful national symbol of Argentina.

🎧 Episode 208 – El Aparecido del Nevado del Ruiz

Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame!, friends! I’m so glad you’re here for another episode. Before we jump into today’s mysterious legend, I want to remind you that your support helps this podcast keep growing. If you enjoy these stories, please rate the episode, leave a review, and share it with friends, classmates, or anyone learning Spanish.

In this first episode of a new ten-part series on Latin American legends, Marta takes listeners to Venezuela to discover a mysterious and chilling tale just in time for Halloween. Using clear and comprehensible Spanish, this episode is perfect for learners who love stories, suspense, and culture.

Listeners are invited to support the podcast by rating it, sharing it with friends, and joining the growing community of Spanish learners. Marta also welcomes participation — send her a voice message (in Spanish or English) at 1-920-361-3329, or email her your thoughts and questions!

💬 Get involved:

Hey friends, it’s Marta! In this episode, I take you into a chapter of my life I never saw coming. Let’s just say… one small decision turned my world upside down and opened a door I swore I would never walk through. 🤔✨

👉 Want to know what happened? Hit play, share this episode with a friend, and don’t forget to leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating so more Spanish learners can discover ¡Cuéntame!

🎙️ Episode 201: My Life – Part 6: Hello, Wisconsin!

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta continues sharing the story of her life. After meeting Keith in Ixtapa, their long-distance relationship grew through phone calls and emails (back in the days before cell phones!). Marta invited Keith to her best friend’s wedding in Morelia, and soon after, it was her turn to visit him in Wisconsin.

She opens up about the cultural challenges of making that decision, her family’s reactions, and how love led her to take a brave step. Just months later, she and Keith were married in Las Vegas, beginning a new chapter of their lives together.

This episode gives learners a chance to hear real-life Spanish while following Marta’s story of love, culture, and difficult choices.

👉 If you’re enjoying the podcast, please rate it with stars and share it with others so more Spanish learners can find us!

Previously, Marta talked about life after university—living with her parents and teaching in two schools while searching for new opportunities. But everything began to change when a trip to Ixtapa with friends led her to Señor Frog’s… and that’s where she first locked eyes with Keith. What happened next? That’s the story listeners will hear in this episode.

👉 Stay connected with Cuéntame!

Welcome to another episode of ¡Cuéntame!, the Spanish podcast created especially for beginner learners. In this episode, host Marta shares part 4 of her personal story in Spanish — this time, focusing on her life after college and the challenges she faced trying to be productiva.

🎧 Episode 198: Mi vida – Part 3: La universidad

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta shares the ups and downs of her college years. From exploring dentistry and chemistry to discovering a passion for computer science—and ultimately finding her calling in Communications—her journey is full of relatable twists, doubts, and aha moments. She reflects on the friendships she formed, the challenges she faced, and the joy of finally finding a path that truly fit her personality and strengths.

🎧 Episode 197: Mi vida - Part 2: La adolescencia

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta continues sharing her life story—this time focusing on her teenage years. She reflects on the joys of high school, her love of language learning, and the challenges of growing up in a conservative family. From movie nights with friends to strict rules at home, listeners get a personal glimpse into her adolescence in coastal Mexico—and how societal expectations shaped her experience.

This episode is perfect for Spanish learners! It includes two versions: first, a slower-paced version with some English translations to support comprehension, followed immediately by a normal-paced version without translations. Be sure to stick around after the main content for a five-sentence translation quiz to test your understanding!

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta takes Spanish learners on a heartfelt and humorous journey through her childhood in the coastal city of Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico. From being a top student to getting into a bit of mischief—like passing notes, saying bad words, and even bringing cigarettes to school—Marta shares it all with honesty and charm. Despite the discipline issues, her childhood was filled with joy, outdoor adventures, and love.

This episode is specially designed for Spanish learners. First, you'll hear a slow version of the story with English support and brief translations to help you understand. Right after, you'll hear the same story at a natural pace with no translations, so you can challenge your listening skills. And at the very end, stick around for a five-sentence translation quiz to review and reinforce what you learned!

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it and share it with a friend who’s also learning Spanish. Your support helps the podcast grow and reach more language learners worldwide.

Welcome to ¡Cuéntame!, a podcast designed especially for Spanish learners who want to improve their listening skills through real stories and authentic topics—in real Spanish!

In Episode 195, host Marta talks about a powerful emotion that keeps us going during difficult times: hope—la esperanza.

This podcast episodes include two versions to support different learning levels:

1. First, there’s a scaffolded version, where Marta speaks slowly and includes some English to help guide comprehension.

2. Immediately after, listeners will hear the same episode at a natural pace, without translations, for a more immersive experience.

At the end of the episode, there’s a translation quiz to review key vocabulary and check understanding—so be sure to listen all the way through!

Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the podcast to help it grow and reach more Spanish learners around the world.

🎙️ Episode 194: Artificial Intelligence

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta dives into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. What is AI? How does it work? And more importantly, how do we use it responsibly? From Siri to ChatGPT, this episode explores how AI is part of our daily lives, the benefits it offers, and the concerns it raises.

🎓 Episode 193: Tips for Graduates

In this special episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta shares six powerful and inspiring tips for graduates—but these lessons are helpful for anyone at any stage of life. From perseverance to self-care and authenticity, each piece of advice is designed to motivate and uplift. Whether you're graduating or just navigating life, this episode is for you!

💬 Have a thought or message to share? Call or text us at 1-920-361-3329 in English or Spanish!

NEWS: #EQUIPOGATO HAS WON THE CONTEST!

🎙️Episode 192: Adopt or Buy a Pet?

In this episode, Marta invites listeners to reflect on the ways we choose to bring a pet into our lives. Is it better to adopt or to buy a pet? Why do we choose one over the other, and what impact does that decision have? Marta shares personal experiences—both buying and later adopting dogs—and challenges some common misconceptions about pet adoption, breeding, and animal health. Whether you're a lifelong pet owner or considering your first companion, this episode offers thoughtful insights and encouragement to make informed, compassionate choices.

🎙️191. ¿Perros o gatos? Parte 2

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta explores the pros and cons of having a cat as a pet. From their elegant independence to their quirky behaviors, you'll hear what makes cats lovable and sometimes a little challenging. After covering the perks and pitfalls of both dogs and cats in recent episodes, it's time for you to decide: which is the perfect pet?

🎙️ Hello! In this episode, Marta is diving into a classic debate: dogs 🐶 vs. cats 🐱. Dog owners say dogs are the best, while cat owners argue that cats reign supreme. But who’s right? In this episode, we’ll focus on dogs—their pros, cons, and what makes them such beloved companions. Next time, it’ll be the cats’ turn, and at the end, you will decide! Yes, get ready to vote!!

Before we start, take a moment to rate this episode—it really helps!

In this episode of ¡Cuéntame!, Marta shares her exciting experience visiting a rage room, a place where people can safely break objects like plates, bottles, and even computers! She tells us about going to the rage room to celebrate the birthday of one of the exchange students that she and her husband are hosting this year. While rage rooms can be a fun way to release stress, are they really beneficial for mental health? Marta reflects on the pros and cons of these spaces and asks: Do you think rage rooms are a positive way to cope with emotions?

Stay tuned until the end for a quiz to test your comprehension!

If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to rate and review it—your support helps others find us! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Pelé, one of the most iconic soccer players in history! Learn how a young boy from Brazil with big dreams became a global football legend. You'll hear about his career, achievements, and impact on the sport and culture, all in clear and accessible Spanish to help improve your comprehension.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast and share your thoughts! Your support helps us continue creating fun and engaging content for Spanish learners. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. From her humble beginnings in Cuba to becoming an international icon, we discuss her incredible career, personal life, activism, and generosity. Discover how her music and message continue to inspire generations. If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to rate and leave a comment on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode, Marta celebrates Black Heritage Month by exploring the history and contributions of Afro-Latinos. She explains how African people were forcibly brought to Latin America during European colonization and how their presence has shaped the region's culture. From music genres like salsa and reggaetón to culinary and artistic influences, Afro-Latinos have played a vital role in Latin American identity. Marta also highlights the countries with significant Afro-Latino populations and previews upcoming episodes featuring notable Afro-Latinos.

In this episode, we delve into the devastating wildfires in California, examining their possible causes, widespread destruction, and the heroic efforts of firefighters battling the flames. We also highlight ways you can help prevent future fires and support those impacted by this disaster. Don't miss this important and eye-opening discussion.

In this episode, we explore two intriguing and controversial topics surrounding Christmas. First, we discuss the idea that giving gifts during the holidays may encourage materialism and distract from the true spirit of Christmas: love and spirituality. Then, we delve into the debate over whether traditions like Santa Claus, Los Reyes Magos, and El Niño Jesús are harmless fun or misleading lies for children. While respecting all opinions, we also share personal reflections on the joy of gift-giving and cherished childhood memories of the Día de Reyes. Tune in for a thoughtful and balanced conversation about these festive traditions!

In this podcast episode, we explore the origin and rich Mexican tradition of the Day of the Holy Innocents, celebrated on December 28th. Throughout the episode, we unravel the biblical story behind this commemoration, which remembers the massacre of children ordered by King Herod, as told in the Gospel of Matthew. However, in Mexico, this date has taken on a more festive tone, transforming into a day of jokes and pranks, similar to April Fools' Day in other countries. With a mix of humor and reflection, we discuss how families, friends, and the media participate in this tradition, bringing with them a series of customs and popular anecdotes that make this day uniquely Mexican. We also analyze how this celebration reflects aspects of Mexican culture, such as community spirit, humor, and resilience. Join us in understanding why December 28th remains a date that, beyond the pranks, is a symbol of Mexico’s history and folklore.

Join Marta as she dives into the transformative power of empathy, exploring how it shapes our world and enhances overall well-being. Packed with practical tips to help you cultivate more empathy in your daily life, this episode also introduces something new: comprehension questions at the end—an idea inspired by one of our listeners, Gyan Hylton! If you find this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate the podcast, share it with your friends, and help spread the message of empathy far and wide!

Marta continues celebrating Hanukkah, and this time, she talks about the rituals and events in general that the Jewish community holds in honor of this important holiday.

Marta talks about the history behind Hanukkah, and why it is such an important celebration for the Jewish people.

Marta gives an update on her breast cancer diagnosis and expresses her gratitude to all who reached out to her in solidarity.

To close the celebration of HIspanic Heritage Month, Marta celebrates the life and legacy of Juan Gabriel.

Continuing the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Marta talks about the life and legacy of Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tex-Mex.

Our amazing caller for this episode is Monty, from Texas, but who lives in Florida :) Gracias, Monty!

Leave your voice message at +1 (920)361-3329

Continuing with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Marta talks about Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic woman to become a US Supreme Court Justice.

Marta talks about Hispanic Heritage Month in the USA, how it began, why is it in this particular timeframe, and why it is important to celebrate it. This month, we will celebrate SHM by publishing episodes talking about some of the many amazing Hispanic people who contribute to the growth of this country.