SpanishPod101.com Blog

Hello Listener,

Mothers don’t choose favorites. But we do!

When it comes to apps, WordPower Spanish v4.0 has a special place in our hearts. And for good reason.

WordPower Version 4.0: Not Just an Update, It’s Like a Brand New App

WordPower for iPhone and iPad has been rebuilt from top to bottom and the reviews are coming in.

This latest update turns WordPower into your complete Spanish language and culture course. We’ve changed the look and added the Spanish Local List to the current list of 2,000 words.

The Spanish Local List contains words and phrases specifically related to Spanish daily life and culture.

Ever wonder what the most popular beverages are in Spain? Need to know the name of famous landmarks? You’ll learn all that and everything else you need if you’re traveling or living in Spain or another Spanish speaking country.

For even more insight, we’ve even included links to the each topic’s Wikipedia page. Trust us, you’re never putting this app away.

“2,000 words? That’s a lot! Where do I start?”

Great question. With WordPower 4.0, you can study on your own and browse our expansive list by category. Or, for more guidance, we’ve organized words into Study Courses. Start off with the Top 100 Spanish words every Spanish learner must know.

Once you’re done, dive into 10 course levels from Basic to Upper Intermediate and track your progress along the way.

Not Just a Vocab App, Learn How to Use the Vocab Too!
Brand new to WordPower is instant SpanishPod101 audio lesson access. Sign up for a Free Lifetime Account and access our latest lessons, week after week. From beginner to advanced, you’ll find lessons that meet your needs. WordPower arms you with the tools to transform you from a timid speaker with a big vocabulary into an unstoppable Spanish speaking machine!

Core Words? Check. Spain-Specific Words and Phrases? Check. Culture? Check.

Conversational Audio Courses? Yes, you get this too.

You gotta see it to believe it. And to see it, you gotta download it.

Click Here To Get Word Power Spanish for Free!
Click Here To Word Power Spanish Full with 2000 Words!

Here’s What’s New in WordPower Spanish version 4.0!

Let’s play a game of Would You Rather?

Would you rather have this…
Over 300 Spanish learning CDs (yeah, CDs…remember those?) piled to the ceiling in your bedroom next to stacks upon stacks of expensive, outdated textbooks that teach you dry, humorless Spanish conversation.

…or this?
The same amount of content, shrunken down to fit onto your smartphone or tablet. And all those lessons? They’ve been updated to teach you vocabulary, grammar and culture so that learning Spanish is actually fun!

The answer is clear. You’d rather have the SpanishPod101 Mobile!

The biggest Spanish course.
All on your tiny mobile device.

Introducing SpanishPod101 Mobile Beta!
Take all of your favorite Spanish lessons and lesson notes on the go, anywhere you have a WiFi or 3G/4G connection, anytime and on any device. That’s hundreds of Spanish lessons from Absolute Beginner to Advanced, available at the touch of a finger. Optimized for any screen, you’ll navigate through our rich collection of lessons and resources easily and intuitively.

No more zooming. No more squinting. This is language learning on-the-go!

Exclusive New Feature for 12-month and 24-month Premium Subscribers!
Whether you’re an iOS or Android user, Beginner or Advanced speaker, you can swipe your way to Spanish fluency as you go from lesson to lesson. Accessed through your device’s browser, once you log in and your 12-month or 24-month Premium membership has been authenticated, you’ll gain access to our entire lesson library including audio, video, lesson notes, line-by-line transcripts and vocabulary with audio.

Loading that many lessons onto your Phone would take up 20GB at least! With SpanishPod101 Mobile, you get all the content without giving up all that storage space. Save that extra space for more Instagram photos of your delicious Spanish lunch!

Log On to Tune In
Using any WiFi-enabled device, log in at mobile.Spanishpod101.com and tap on “Browse” to scroll through all seasons and lessons by difficulty. If you’d like to continue where you’ve left off, tap on “History.”

Most Lessons come with 3 Audio Tracks:

Plus, you get Lesson Notes and Supplementary Resources:

SpanishPod101 Mobile is currently available to 12-month and 24-month Premium and Premium Plus subscribers only. To access SpanishPod101 Mobile as well as the unlimited SpanishPod101.com access that comes with Premium and Premium+, click here to subscribe.

SpanishPod101 Mobile Launch Special: Save 20% on any 12-month or 24-month Premium Subscription until November 15th, 2012. Use coupon code MOBILE

If you have questions or feedback for us, send us a message here.

Another Fall has come and gone and just like that, another iPhone model has hit the market, along with iOS updates for all. If you’ve updated your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to iOS 6 already and tried looking for your favorite InnovativeLanguage.com podcast, you may be scratching your head wondering if we’ve packed our bags and closed up shop.

We haven’t. In fact, we continue to release new lessons every single week in over 25 languages!

Here are some tips on where to find us and listen on-the-go!*

Using the Podcast App

To find these apps using iOS 6, you’ll need to download Apple’s Podcast app. (Here’s a quick link to the free download.) Once you have the Podcast app installed, you’ll be able to find us under Education or by searching for us. With one tap of a finger, you can download our latest lessons and subscribe to our feed. Once you’re subscribed, these podcast feeds will be added to your library in the Podcast App.

The app itself is made with podcast users in mind. Jump forward and backwards by 10 and 30 second intervals (great for when you want to jump right to the grammar or go back to review the vocabulary) and share your favorite lessons through Twitter, Message and email. The recent update of the Podcast app also allows you to keep your podcast library up-to-date across devices using iCloud.

Using iTunes to Sync

If you prefer using the built-in Music app on your iPhone or iPad, you can still access your podcasts by syncing with iTunes on your computer. Just be sure to delete or not download the Podcast App and know that you won’t be able to download new lessons from your device. (Unfortunately, that’s only possible through the Podcast app.) Using the Music app, you can still tap to view our lesson dialogue and create your own playlists.

No matter how you choose to listen to our lessons, be sure to sign up for a Free Lifetime Account at SpanishPod101.com to access 7 days of free Premium access and free tools like the Spanish Word of the Day, Core 100 Words List and more!

Click here for your free account now!

*These tips are up to date as of October 10th, 2012

Dear Reader,

“You’ll Never Master a Language!”

That’s what my foreign language teacher, Mr. Barry, told me many years ago. “I’m sorry, you just don’t have an aptitude for languages” is what he added.

Well, he was wrong, and I knew it.

I went on to master Japanese, a much harder language than the one Mr. Barry taught, obtaining a master’s degree from a top Japanese university and founding a Japanese company headquartered in Tokyo.

My name is Peter Galante, founder of Innovative Language Learning, and I’m here to tell you the story of how I proved them wrong.

So how did I go from language class failure, to founder of a language learning company with over 200 million language lessons delivered?

The secret lies in my story below. Most people will spot it the first time through. So read slow and carefully.

First, learning a language – what does it take? Brains? Genes? Memory?

Sure, they help. But as my teacher had honestly pointed out, I couldn’t do it.

Learning Japanese as it’s spoken in real life was my goal. I wanted to use Japanese I heard in real life, in movies, songs, online, in letters from friends.

I didn’t want to learn boring grammar out of a book…I wanted to speak to people, watch movies and learn about Japanese culture.

But this was frowned upon. Using fun and interesting phrases outside the textbook was frowned upon. We were studying to pass some silly tests.

My passion for learning languages was deep; however, and I stuck with learning languages on my own. When I learned Japanese, I learned from Japanese speakers who give you what you need to know – authentic, real life Japanese.

It’s no different for you and Spanish.

With lessons that guide you through conversation and translations that break it all down, word by word, grammar point by grammar point.

After all, if you had all this, you’d be ready to speak Spanish right away, right?

Well, this is the fun, fast, and easy method I learned with.

And this is the same exact way the very first lesson was created. And the method works. How do I know? Because these lessons have reached over 200 million downloads worldwide and that number grows hourly.

“You’ll Never Master A Language?”

Wrong. You’ll start speaking Spanish minutes into the first lesson at . All with 900+ Audio and Video lessons, from Beginner to Advanced. Plus, our system includes lesson notes, personalized learning, progress tracking and more to make sure you master Spanish. As a BONUS, you’ll get our 7-day Fluency Fast Course where time-tested language learning secrets and strategies are revealed.

Click Here To MASTER Spanish at 20% OFF and Get a BONUS Fluency Fast Course!

Joining is Risk-Free! Click on any link to grab this 20% off discount until Friday only. If you’re not speaking Spanish as fast as you like, contact us for a full refund. No questions asked.

Peter Galante,
InnovativeLanguage.com, Founder

P.S. Are you ready to master Spanish and prove everyone wrong? Save 20% on all Basic and Premium subscriptions ‘til Friday, October 12th.

P.P.S. Hope you’re reading this, Mr. Barry!

Hello Listener,

Just one thing is missing from making your Spanish perfect.

A native Spanish speaker.

Someone who can correct your mistakes. Someone who understands your strengths and weaknesses and tells you what to study next. Someone to practice with.

Ready to improve your Spanish?

The NEW Premium PLUS subscription at SpanishPod101.com, like Premium, gives you unlimited access to the entire SpanishPod101 website. You’re getting:

• 900+ Audio and Video lessons and the lesson notes with every lesson,

• Premium Tools such as 2000 Core word list, Spaced Repetition Flashcards, Line by Line pronunciation, Voice Recorder, and more.

But here’s how you reach Spanish perfection:

Premium PLUS gives you access to your own personal Spanish instructor so you get…

• 1-on-1 Professional Assessment

Get a personal assessment of your Spanish skills. Understand your strengths and weaknesses so you know what to study next.

• Personalized Self Study Curriculum

Your instructor will create a study plan based your needs. If speaking is your weak point, your instructor will design a study plan to help you start speaking like a native. Everyone’s experience will be different!

• Personalized Instruction

Get personalized instruction from a native speaker for continuous feedback on writing, pronunciation, and other language skills.

Click Here To Start Mastering Spanish with Premium PLUS

Premium PLUS has been a hit on JapanesePod101.com for years and we’re quickly developing more Premium PLUS programs for all our languages. Stay tuned for more news on Premium PLUS!

Hi there Listener,

Your first Spanish phrase.

It’s the first step to speaking Spanish

Basic phrases like “How are you,” “Thank you,” and “Where’s the bathroom!?” are what beginners learn first. And since you’ll use them daily in Spain or other Spanish speaking countries, mastering these phrases is a must.

Learn the Essential Phrases with the Spanish Key Phrases List!

The Spanish Key Phrase List is free and the newest addition to the Spanish Resources Corner. You learn the most commonly used phrases of the Spanish language with this list. Each phrase comes with the native audio pronunciation, Spanish translation, transliteration, and an illustration to make it memorable.

Mastering these basic phrases takes minutes!

Just browse through the list, play and repeat to rapidly improve your listening and speaking skills. That’s it! Premium members can add these phrases to the WordBank, Spaced Repetition Flashcards, and review with AutoPlay.

Access the Spanish Key Phrase List in the Spanish Resources of the main menu at SpanishPod101 or by clicking on the link below!

Click Here To Learn The Most Common Spanish Phrases!

Hello Listener,

Last July, the SpanishPod101 Dashboard made its first appearance. It provides a great place to start if you’re completely new to SpanishPod101 and don’t know where which level is right for you.

In short, the Dashboard allows you to:

And the feedback? It was incredibly positive and filled with great suggestions. Thank you for reaching out to us! We listened and this past month, applied the suggestions to your Dashboard.

Your New Dashboard V1.1: Take control of your Spanish learning!

What’s New?

Want to study on your own terms? Skip the recommended lesson and customize your learning! With the new update, you can now:

Customizing Your Dashboard

The Dashboard is now fully editable (add, remove, reorganize, set a target series) and there is no limit on how many series you can add. You’ll see the top 3 series that you’re currently working on, while the rest can be viewed by clicking on “See All.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Add A Series

Go to ”Browse Lessons”, find the series you want and click on it. On main series page, just below the description, click on the “Add to Dashboard” checkbox. It will now appear in “My Courses” on your Dashboard. If you have more than three series already, you’ll be able to find it by clicking on “See
All.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Remove A Series.

While in the “My Courses” section of your Dashboard, click on “Edit” just below the “Study” Button. To remove it, click on the No Symbol (). Once you’re done, press “Done Editing.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Reorganize Your Dashboard

While editing your dashboard, click on a series and drag it to your desired location. Once you’re done, press “Done Editing.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Set Your Target Course

Notice the green target symbol ( ) while in “Edit” mode? That is your main course which will appear in the lesson recommendation list below. To change it, simply click on the gray target symbol of a different series and you’ll see a green notification that your target has been changed. Your lesson recommendation list will also be updated.

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Quick “Study” Button

Quickly jump to the next lesson of your course! Just like the “Study Now” button in the lesson recommendation list, this will take you to the next lesson of that series.

We hope you enjoy the brand new Dashboard! We’ll of course continue to listen to our fans and tweak the Dashboard to provide the very best experience for everyone. If you have questions or feedback for us, send us an email here.

Click Here To Test The New Dashboard At SpanishPod101.Com!

Hello Listener,

What’s one day of Spanish learning?

Simple phrases? Takes 5 minutes. 30 new vocabulary words? At least 30 minutes. New grammar and creating your own sentences? Let’s say an hour.

And we’re still just 2 hours and 35 minutes into the day.

You won’t master Spanish in one day but you’ll make big progress. One day is enough to start learning, start speaking, and improve your Spanish.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but streets and city blocks here.

So, if you tune into the fun, fast and easy lessons, you start speaking minutes into the lesson. Just one lesson. Imagine how much more you’ll learn in one day?

It only takes one day to speak better Spanish.

Start today and save 27% on all Basic and Premium subscriptions until September 28th!

Click here to start speaking better Spanish with SpanishPod101 & SAVE 27%!

And you’re getting ALL Audio and Video Lessons and PDF Lesson Notes from Beginner to Advanced levels. Just set your learning level, start at the recommended lesson and we track your progress.

Start speaking immediately with lessons. You get the conversation first, the grammar and vocabulary after. Our lesson hosts break it down word by word, and translate it so you start using what you’ve learned.

Make sure you know it all. PDF Lesson notes give you the lesson in writing: the transcript, translation, grammar and vocabulary. Read along as you listen or review after.

Done with a lesson?

Cut your study time in half. Master vocabulary, pronunciation, and more with Premium tools:

• Drill vocabulary with Spaced Repetition (SRS) Flashcards
• Save words for later study with Word Bank
• Get conversationally fluent with the 2000 Most Common Spanish Words List
• Practice pronunciation with line-by-line transcripts
• Record yourself with the Voice Recorder to see how close you are
• …and more!

One day. How good will your Spanish be after today? A week? A month? Start today and save 27% on all Basic and Premium subscriptions until September 28th!

Click here to get 27% OFF! 2-Year Basic is as low as $2.92/month and 2-year Premium is $7.30/month!

Love the fast, fun and easy lessons at SpanishPod101?

Love free stuff? (who doesn’t!)

Then you’ll love this!

Just in case you didn’t know…there are free Spanish lessons at SpanishPod101. They don’t stop. They’re published weekly. They’re yours. And that’s just the tip of the Free Feature iceberg when you get a Free Lifetime Account!

Here’s what you get…

Every New Lesson From The Past 3 Weeks
You’re not getting just one little lesson. We publish several lessons weekly so you have 3 weeks worth of audio and video lessons to learn with. You can find them by clicking on the “Newest Lessons” tab in the top menu at SpanishPod101

First 3 Lessons Of Every Season And Series
New to SpanishPod101? Get a feel for how each season is taught and which topics are covered. Browse through the many lesson seasons and series and access the first 3 lessons by clicking on the “Browse Lessons” tab in the top menu at SpanishPod101

Just sit back and learn real-life Spanish with every new lesson that comes out. No cost whatsoever. These lessons are just one of many awesome freebies you get with a Free Lifetime Account at SpanishPod101.

Hello Listener,

No textbooks. No deadlines. And you’ll never oversleep.

You don’t have to go back to school to learn Spanish the way it’s spoken in real life.

You need to learn from real-life conversations, not textbook examples. And you learn it from our Spanish lesson hosts who break down the necessary words and grammar so you start speaking immediately. No dry textbook conversations here!

Start your Spanish semester at SpanishPod101!

Until August 31st, save 20% on all Premium Subscriptions and get unlimited access to all lessons, all PDF Lesson Notes, and Premium Tools.

Click Here To Save 20% On Premium Subscriptions!

From beginner to advanced video and audio lessons, our Spanish lesson hosts break down the basics the fast fun and easy way. Set your learning level, start a recommended lesson and track your progress as you improve!

You master:

And go up to intermediate and advanced concepts like:

Done with a lesson? Cut your learning time in half with Premium tools:

You don’t have to go back to school to learn Spanish as it’s spoken in real life. Go at your own pace with SpanishPod101 and save 20% on all Premium subscriptions ‘til August 31st!

Learn To Speak Spanish with SpanishPod101! Click Here To Save 20%!