Conquering Spanish: Interviews with Learners

Heather’s Spanish learning journey is more than just vocabulary and grammar—it’s about building confidence and meaningful human connection. In this episode, she shares how her one-on-one lessons have made Spanish feel personal, how she’s grown through her coach’s support, and the small wins that keep her going. It’s a beautiful reminder that language learning is not just academic—it’s emotional, empowering, and a lot of fun.

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In this episode of Conquering Spanish, we sit down with Chris Quintana, a San Francisco native whose journey with Spanish has been one of resilience, purpose, and heart. From giving a best man speech in Spanish to translating at work and practicing with his grandma, Chris shares how he's built confidence step by step — and how Spanish has become a meaningful part of his everyday life. Whether you're just starting out or n...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Victoria Marshall — a third-grade teacher, passionate swimmer, and lifelong learner. Born in Chile and raised in Philadelphia, Victoria’s journey with Spanish is one of rediscovering her roots, building deeper connections with her students and community, and embracing the language as a bridge to her birth culture and family. From classroom parent-teacher conferences to heartfelt ...

In this episode of Conquering Spanish, we sit down with Ryan McNichol, a dedicated Spanish learner who embarked on this journey to reconnect with his Mexican heritage and challenge himself in new ways. From overcoming self-doubt to immersing himself in the language through baseball and daily life, Ryan shares valuable insights on mindset, persistence, and embracing the learning process. His story is a testament to the transformativ...

Amanda Di Martino spent years studying Spanish but struggled to use it in real conversations. She knew the words, but when the moment came to speak, she froze. That all changed when she switched to personalized coaching, where real-world practice and 1:1 guidance helped her break through her fears.

In this episode, Amanda shares how she went from feeling stuck to using Spanish confidently while traveling, at work, and with...

In this episode of Conquering Spanish, Wendy, a lawyer and lifelong Spanish learner, shares how her heritage and passion for languages sparked her journey with Spanish. She reflects on the transformative role of Spanish55 in building her confidence, embracing imperfection, and making authentic connections. Wendy discusses the value of personalized lessons, cultural insights, and the joy of rediscovering her roots while balancing a ...

In this episode of Conquering Spanish, Sean shares his journey of learning Spanish, from early challenges to building confidence through consistent practice. Guided by his Spanish55 coach, he’s discovered the joy of connecting with people, exploring cultures, and setting goals for future travels. Tune in for inspiring insights and practical tips!

Shownotes:
00:00 - Intro
02:47 - Sean’s First Steps in Learning Spani...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Eileen and Vicente, a dynamic couple learning Spanish for travel and connection. Vicente shares how his Mexican soccer teammates sparked his passion for the language, while Eileen, a dedicated teacher, embraced Spanish to better communicate with her students' families.

In this episode, they reveal how learning Spanish opened doors to unforgettable experiences, including...

In this episode of Conquering Spanish, we sit down with Carolyn Huber, an entrepreneur and outdoor enthusiast who has embraced Spanish as a way to deepen her connections and enrich her adventures. Carolyn shares how learning Spanish has helped her build meaningful relationships within the La Ventana community, enjoy seamless conversations at local markets, and gain a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture.

Show Notes:

Mary’s connection to Spanish began with a friendship on her family’s farm in Pennsylvania. Her curiosity and commitment have taken her from classroom learning to unforgettable experiences in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Now, working with Coach Francis at Spanish55, Mary’s passion for Spanish is stronger than ever—her goal is to connect with her students’ families and community on a deeper level.

In this episode of Conquering ...

In our first episode of Conquering Spanish, we sit down with DeAnna Pursai, whose journey with Spanish is both inspiring and heartfelt. She shares how learning Spanish helped her connect more deeply with Spanish-speaking students at her college and even led her to lead translation efforts while traveling in South America. DeAnna offers advice for overcoming the nerves of speaking a new language, celebrating small wins, and always s...