Learning Spanish - Podcast & Notes in Spanish

After Destinos along came podcasts; to be honest they were around for a few years before I discovered them. I started out recording them onto CDs before I got an iPod. The first one I found was ‘Trying to Learn Spanish.’ It was produced by a guy from Colorado. His focus was on how to help you learn Spanish rather than learning Spanish. It was delivered in a deadpan voice – the guy voice seemed to say – I’m the most boring person alive, but the information was interesting despite the voice. Actually, I kind of admired the guy, he was doing something; in its own kind of way it was encouraging –he wasn’t letting his limitations stop him. I liked it; it appealed to my ‘power to the people’ inclinations. It hasn’t published in about a year; I wished it was still going.

Next I found Notes in Spanish, published by Ben Curtis and Marina Diez – the Curtis and Diez language and travel empire. I’m not sure how it all began, but what I know of it is an interesting story, and inspiring. Ben Curtis is a writer, he moved to Spain about nine years ago, met Marina – through an intercambios I believe. They fell in love and got married. Marina worked in the computer industry. Ben and Marina started a podcast on teaching the real Spanish – the Spanish that is not taught in book. The idea was simple Ben and Marina would talk about a subject for about ten minutes. The subjects were all over the place, it was easy and relaxed. No language tape regimentation, no language instructors speaking to you like a kid – it was a real conversation between two adults. Don’t get me wrong, it only appeared casual, I am sure that they spend a great deal of time preparing for each podcast -I am sure it is not as easy to do as it sounded – what is? But that’s the beauty of it, it sounds natural and relaxed and it helps you learn Spanish, Spanish culture, and anything else that popped into their heads. As time when on they have branched out, diversified you might say. Currently they publish the following podcasts:

Notes in Spanish Intermediate

Notes in Spanish Advanced

Notes from Madrid

Notes from Spain

Notes in Spanish TV

Learn Spanish: Notes in Spanish Inspired Beginners

They also have a web site, Notes in Spanish; it includes a lively forum that covers language, travel to Spain, living Spain, various threads of interest to the Spanish learner or traveler. Ben also does an occasional podcast for Lonely Planet. One last note before I sound like a complete shill for Ben and Marina; Ben has written a book about his experiences in Spain, entitled Errant in Iberia. I haven’t been sufficient motivated to fork out the money to purchase it but someday I might, it sounds interesting.

Next time, I'll talk about my adventurers i n the world of intercambios.