Intermediate Spanish - Spanish Obsessed
Intermediate Spanish from Rob and Lis of Spanish Obsessed. The couple, one Colombian and one English, hold natural and engaging conversations in slow Spanish. They cover a variety of topics while introducing useful phrases, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural notes. Lis speaks with clear Colombian Spanish, and guests bring other accents. New episodes are released weekly, with more materials available at SpanishObsessed.com.
Episodios
Culture swap
What are 3 things that Rob and Lis admire from each other's culture, and would like to introduce into their own?Check out our new Obsessives programme, for intermediate Spanish learners: https://www.spanishobsessed.com/become-an-obsessive/
Transformational tourism
Rob and Lis discuss how various "barrios" in Colombia's cities have undergone transformations, using tourism to rejuvenate themselves. We discuss the case of "Egipto" in Bogotá, and "Comuna 13" in Medellin. Have these projects been successful, and what are the tours like?For more Spanish materials, courses, and bonuses, head on over to spanishobsessed.com!
What we'll most miss about Colombia
So, our time in Colombia is nearly up! After over 4 years living here, we're leaving. In this episode, we reflect on what we'll most miss about the country.Head to spanishobsessed.com to check out our "Obsessives" programme!
5 mistakes you might be making with your Spanish
Rob and Lis break down 5 big areas that learners often go wrong when learning Spanish.For full transcripts, notes, and lots more learning material, head to spanishobsessed.com.
Private or public schools?
We talk about our opinions and philosophy of private and public schools (or "state and public" for our English listeners!). How do they compare in Colombia, and what's the perspective here?Don't forget to download your free Fluency Guide from spanishobsessed.com.
Colombia's weird Christmas traditions
Rob and Lis share how they passed Christmas and New Year's in Colombia's Coffee Country region. We share strange, symbolic traditions, and discuss how weird it is to have Christmas in warm sun!You can access the transcription for this podcast by purchasing the Transcription Bundle here: https://www.spanishobsessed.com/lessons/transcriptions/Check out all of our premium courses here: https
Colombia in the crosshairs?
Following the shocking capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas last Saturday, we sit down to give our reaction. Is Colombia next in line? Also, on a lighter note, Rob discusses turning 40!Head to spanishobsessed.com to get your free Fluency pdf, and check out all courses (including transcription for this episode and all others).
The emotions of language learning
We share a few anecdotes when our emotions got the better of us when learning or speaking a foreign language. What happened, and how can we deal with the frustration (and rage!!) that often accompanies communication difficulties in a foreign language?
Our next move...
Rob and Lis share news of what's coming for them next.
A "life update"
We give a quick "life update" - what's going on in our lives, and how did we get to this point?
Immersion in the Coffee Country
Lis and Rob discuss their recent immersion trip in Colombia's coffee country. What went well, what could they improve, and what did the participants make of it all?
How to say no
How do you say "no" in Spanish? Rob is fond of turning down invitations, and in this episode he discusses the hidden cost of saying "no" in Spanish-speaking cultures, and why many native speakers find it so hard.
How speaking Spanish changes us
Lis and Rob discuss how our personality and self-identity change when we speak a foreign language. They also talk about how certain Spanish phrases and sayings express something profound about native speakers see the world.
Álvaro Uribe
We discuss the ex-president of Colombia, Álvaro Uribe. Uribe was credited with creating the conditions for lasting peace in Colombia, and opening the country up to the world. He was a hero to many in Colombia, but recently has been faced with allegations that bring his legacy into question. Don't forget to claim your free downloadable gift at spanishobsessed.com!
Self comparison
Comparing ourselves to others is natural, but is it always harmful? Rob describes his problems with self-comparison, and with Lis discusses how to turn negatives into positives.Head to spanishobsessed.com to claim your free Fluency Phrasebook!
Small talk
We explore "la charla" - small talk. What is it, how is it used, and why? Find some tips for better smalltalk in Spanish in this episode!Don't forget to head to spanishobsessed.com to download your free gifts.
Friendship as adults - a loneliness epidemic?
We are apparently going through an "epidemic of loneliness" - especially middle aged men! What could be behind this, and do we see this in our own lives?Sign up for the full transcription at spanishobsessed.com.
The in-laws...
The infamous "suegra" - in-law. In Latin cultures, the suegra plays a pivotal part in a couple's life. In this episode, we explore their role, the stereotype, and reveal how we get on with our suegras.
Money and happiness
Money makes us happy, to an extent... But, how much do we need? In this episode, we discuss the link between happiness and wealth, and what our cultures and society teach us about happiness.
Por and Para: Part two
Part two of Rob's conversation with Johana. Discover how to master two essential uses of 'por' and 'para' in Spanish: time expressions and opinions. Learn the crucial differences between phrases like "para mañana por la mañana" and why "por mí está bien" means something different from "para mí está bien." Through practical examples from everyday Spanish conversations, you'll finally under
Por and Para: Part one
Rob and Johana discuss "por" and "para". Why are these words so difficult for learners, and what approach can we take to tackling them? In this episode, we'll look at two common uses for por and para.
Should you learn slang?
Join Rob and Spanish teacher Johana in a conversation about Spanish slang. What are the difficulties for us as learners in learning slang, and is it even worth it?
El Clasismo...
Rob and Lis discuss an infuriating situation where they live, and what this shows about classism in Colombia
Too old to learn Spanish?
We discuss learning Spanish later in life. While we are not (just yet) in that situation, we have inspiring students who have shared with us how they are successfully learning Spanish in their senior years.
Can you teach a 2 year old Spanish and English?
Our experiences trying to teach our 2 year old daughter Spanish and English.
Bogota Immersion trip: what we learned
We recently held our first full Spanish immersion trip in Bogota, where we were joined by 10 participants. Here's how it went.
How to get a native Spanish accent
How important is a native accent, and is it possible to develop one? Is it even desirable? Rob and Lis talk about their own efforts to develop better accents, and some reasonable goals for learners.
¿Las protestas siguen funcionando?
Earlier this year, two protestors threw soup over the Mona Lisa. This follows a long list of similar protests of vandalism of artwork - they got our attention, but do the ends justify the means? And, are these types of protests still effective?
Positive Thinking?
We discuss the trend of "positive thinking" - where does this trend come from, and how have we found it? Also, how is it connected to the concept of "manifestation"?
A new life in... The Coffee Country
Rob and Lis recently moved to the "Coffee Axis" in Colombia, not just so Rob could feed his caffeine addiction.They discuss their new lifestyle, and how it compares to city living (so long, Bogota!).
We got hooked on Traitors
Have you seen the show "Traitors"? Rob and Lis got hooked on it, and discuss it in this episode.
Why we find people so annoying
Have you met someone truly "toxic"? What do you think made them that way? In this episode, Lis and Rob discuss the "Fundamental Attribution Error" - when we try to explain someone's behavior based mostly on their personality and don't think enough about the situation they are in.
El secreto del amor...?
¿Qué hace que una relación a largo plazo tenga éxito, y hasta qué punto podemos predecirlo de antemano? ¿Existe un alma gemela para todo el mundo, o podemos decidir a quién queremos?
La procrastinación: 3 estrategias para superarlo
Why do we decide to bake cookies when we've got a deadline tomorrow?How has procrastination affected us, and what can we do about it? Lis and Rob explore their own experiences with procrastinating, and discuss 3 effective strategies to combat it.
Status Symbols
Status symbols... How do people mark themselves as high status around the world, and have we fallen into these traps?
Ser empresario
We discuss coming up with business ideas, and how running a business has changed our lives. Also, some new business ideas, both from us and our friends! Rob describes his "Ayahuasca for Silicon Valley" business idea, as well as new cafe concept called "The hangover"...
La contaminación acústica
Lis and Rob talk noisy neighbours, sounds of the city, and noise pollution. How noisy are our cities, and how much does this bother us?
Entrevista: Spanish Land
We chat with Andrea and Nate, who run Spanish Land. They divide their time between USA and Colombia - how do they find life compares in the two countries, and what are their plans for the future?
Being parents: Expectations vs reality
We've been parents to our daughter, Ana Paz, for nearly a year now. Here, we reflect on what we expected going into it, and how things really were in reality.
5 things we love about Bogotá
We've been living in Colombia over a year! Lis and Rob talk about what they most like about life in Bogotá.
Introducing Ana Paz
Rob and Lis talk about the arrival of their daughter, Ana Paz. How were those first days, and do they have any advice for other first time parents?
First days in Bogotá
Rob and Lis talk about their move to Bogotá: arriving at chaotic El Dorado airport, somehow getting picked up, catching covid, and the saga of the apartment.
Arriving in Bogotá
Rob and Lis talk about their arrival and first few days in Bogotá
Last days in London
Rob and Lis talk about the final few days in London before moving to Colombia: saying goodbye to friends and family, eating out of a saucepan, and forgetting passports...
Moving to Colombia
Rob and Lis talk about their decision to move to Colombia in 2021, post pandemic.
Intermediate 40: La isla
What would you bring to a deserted island? Rob and Lis discuss their suggestions, to feed both body and mind.
Intermediate 39: Eventos inexplicables
Some strange things have happened to Rob and Lis over their lives. Hear three stories including witches, fortune tellers, and a strange encounter with a taxi driver...
La "Epa" Colombia
We tell the story of "Epa" Colombia, an internet sensation who became a millionaire in Colombia, all off the back of the most ridiculous videos we've ever seen. However, la "Epa" is now facing a possible prison sentence. What happened?
De tú y usted
Tú and usted... We learn in our first Spanish class how to use these two pronouns, but it seems that native speakers don't follow the rulebook. We explore the different shades of meaning of usted and tú, and when to really use which.
Intermediate 36: Porque el optimismo nos parece simplón
Link to El País article
Intermediate 35: Nuestras historias en objetos
Lis and Rob discuss some of their most precious items, and why they are important to them in their lives.
Intermediate 34: Volver de compras
The shops are finally open again, and Rob and Lis are let loose to go shopping. Hear about their experiences in retail therapy, and learn about "window shopping" in the Spanish-speaking world!
Intermediate 33: Los estereotipos
Rob and Lis discuss stereotypes, and why they are a problem. ¿Somos todos sesgados? ¿Todos hacemos juicios de valor?
Intermediate 32: Los hipster
Rob and Lis discuss hipsters around the world, and whether they consider themselves to be hipsters!
Intermediate 31: Construction
Our house is slowly falling apart, and the neighbour started complaining. This would never happen in Colombia... Plus, building an apartment in Colombia, and our dream home.
Intermediate 30: Life in lockdown
Rob and Lis discuss how they've spent their days in lockdown
Intermediate 29: Worst jobs
We discuss the worst jobs we've ever had
Intermediate 28: Uber
We discuss Uber, and the future of the Gig Economy
Intermediate 27: The Earthquake
Rob travelled around Mexico, and was in Ciudad de Mejico during a large earthquake. Hear about his firsthand experience.
Intermediate 26: News
Why do we follow the news? Does it make us good global citizens, or is it merely entertainment? Rob and Lis discuss this and more.
Intermediate 25: Birthdays
We talk about birthdays, and how these are celebrated in Hispanic cultures. You’ll learn about Lis’s family’s birthday songs and traditions, why Rob is sick of birthday cake, and we talk about who exactly is responsible for planning your birthday!
Intermediate 24: Glastonbury (part 2)
Lis continues telling us of her time in Glastonbury Festival.
Intermediate 23: Glastonbury (part 1)
Lis tells us of her experience in Glastonbury Festival this June, one of the largest and best known music festivals in the world! Part two follows.
Intermediate 22: El viaje
We talk about the final few days of our time in Spain, when we visited Rob’s favourite city – Valencia.
Intermediate 21: Una Colombiana en España
We talk about the next part of our holidays, where we travel to Barcelona.
Intermediate 20: Viaje a Francia
We took some holidays recently (again - we do work sometimes, honest!), starting with a wedding in Toulouse, France. Here, we talk about our experience in a French (and Colombian) wedding.
Intermediate 19: Cultural etiquette
We talk about a few of the cultural norms in both England and South America, and how different they can be!
Intermediate 18: 5 surprising things about Colombia
Rob tells Liz about 5 surprising things he learnt when he was in Colombia.
Intermediate Spanish 17: Vivir con los padres
According to recent statistics, 55% of Spanish people between 25-29 live at home with their parents - part of an increasing trend around Europe. Here, we talk about our experiences living with parents, as well as the pros and cons.
Intermediate Spanish 16: Las Mascotas
Liz and Rob talk about their childhood pets, and Liz's suicidal chickens!
Intermediate Spanish 15: La Finca
Liz tells us about her Aunt and Uncle's farm in Moniquira, Colombia!
Intermediate Spanish 14: Addiction
Do you think there's such a thing as an "addictive personality"? Do you have one? Here, we discuss our various addictions, both good and bad.
Intermediate Spanish 13: Pastimes
We talk about our "hobbies, pasatiempos, y aficiones" - do you know the difference? Do you have any hobbies or pastimes? Or, did you used to have some, but now regret dropping them?
Intermediate Spanish 12: Los Mercados
We recently started to shop in markets, rather than supermarkets, and have really come to appreciate them. We talk about the day we went shopping in our local market, and how it compares to the same experience in Colombia!
Intermediate Spanish 11: El Dinero
We talk about the grease that keeps our capitalist wheels spinning, including slang phrases and terms, and a crazy story about a Colombian Pyramid Scheme which has to be heard to be believed!
Intermediate Spanish 10: La Fruta Tropical
Tropical fruits from Colombia
Intermediate Spanish 9: Coffee
The world's most popular drug: Coffee!
Intermediate Spanish 8: Sleep
We talk about our sleeping habits and customs
Intermediate Spanish 7: Fashion
We discuss English and Colombian attitudes to fashion
Intermediate Spanish 6: White Lies
We discuss "las mentiras piadosas" - white lies!
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