The PODCAST + SUBTITLES + SPANISHDICT + REPEAT combo (GOATED) 1️⃣ Find a YouTube Podcast you enjoy but challenges your listening (Think 70-75% understanding) 2️⃣ Add Spanish subtitles to the Podcast 3️⃣ Pause each time there's a word or phrase you don't know and look it up on SpanishDictionary 4️⃣ Read every example sentence using that word 5️⃣ Repeat until done 6️⃣ Rewatch same podcast a day or two later and repeat. Understand this can be EXHAUSTING. Assuming a 30-60 minute podcast, you might be looking up 50-100 words, (oftentimes the same words over again😅) making it truly a 2-2.5 hour commitment, but I promise it's worth it. The most important part is to do it again. The second or third listen is when you best convert those words to memory, because you'll be on autopilot for the easier dialogue. It lets you predict and isolate the difficult words while better understanding the context. Think about noticing new details in the show you watch for a second time. It's why I watched Narcos Mexico 4x (would recommend)

Hello All, Just some quick facts about how long I've been studying Spanish for context. (I encourage you to watch my intro video as well in classroom) Highschool: Spanish 1 through AP Spanish. I got a 3 on the AP exam but I hardly cared at the time because my university didn't take language credits. (I'm coping) College: No formal classes because I was a jackass! Instead, I self-studied and took probably 25 Italki lessons in total. Self study involved listening to Spanish podcasts / music and watching Spanish Language TV shows. Honestly a large step up in effort and ability from those 2-3 years. Outside of School: In the summer of 2022 I worked for a paint and drywall crew in Texas that was exclusively Mexican. Used Spanish pretty much every day at the time, but not exclusively, and always in limited fashion. (10 minute conversations at most. Classic beginner grammatical errors and trouble with future / past tense) Last few months: 1:1 sessions with the man Spanish w/ Nate. His impression of my Spanish gave me the confidence to start this community (He lied and said I was Advanced High 💪) Future: Ideally speaking for at least 5-6 hours every day with all of you studs.

(Post subject to bullying if too long or not that insightful.) Music: Essential in my opinion. Half of language learning is actually enjoying the process so find a genre you like! Even more, it's super valuable to read along the lyrics if you're listening. Make sure to look up any words or phrases you don't know. If you're on the more Intermediate-mid side, this can be exhausting because you'll be spending a lot of time on SpanishDictionary.com (download the app immediately if you don't already have it) but believe me IT WILL pay down the road. Half of learning is reminding yourself, so get used to looking up the same word 13 times over 6 weeks. You will not remember it perfectly the first time. Podcasts: Where music is helpful in building vocabulary and overall enjoyment of Spanish, the lyrics are usually not representative of commonly spoken Spanish. Podcasts are the real conversations. Most Apple Podcasts transcribe podcasts in Spanish now too, which is super helpful. Make sure you're adjusting your Podcasts as your listening ability strengthens. I've been told you want to understand about 75% of everything said and I've found that to be good advice. For example. My progression / recommendations: Espanolistos(2022-2023): Podcast dedicated to Intermediate speakers. A White Texan and his Colombian wife. Great lessons on the specifics of language but lacks a bit in normal conversation. Slowly spoken and the white guy doesn't speak that well so you can empathize with his blunders. Conversaciones Con Fernando Suarezserna Y Adrian Marcelo (2023-Current): Love this podcast, but it is a HUGE change in pace and difficulty. Audience is native speakers. Much more conversational, and tons of comedy. They have a variety of guests, so you have some range in topics which is great. I still actively listen to this. I think humor really communicates intelligence, so it's become a recent focus. Narcosistema con Anabel Hernandez (2024-Current): I'm a sucker for Narco lore, so this is a perfect fit for the top tier. Very formal Spanish, think CNN or Fox News type. No guests, just a monologued weekly report by Anabel. Really informative if you're interested, and a great resource to add a few advanced vocab words and phrases to your bag.