Episode · ¡Cuéntame! | Learn Spanish with Comprehensible Input
210: La leyenda del colibrí
22 Dec 2025 · 16 min
Episode notes
In this episode we travel to Ecuador to discover a beautiful and meaningful legend: La leyenda del colibrí . Learn why this tiny, colorful bird is considered a powerful symbol of love, hope, and connection, and how—according to legend—the colibrí became the secret messenger of thoughts and feelings between people. This story reminds us that you don’t have to be big to be important. If you enjoy the podcast, please support us by rating and reviewing , and share this episode with someone who loves legends and Spanish stories. Your support helps the podcast grow ❤️ Transcript HERE! Click here…
Podcast
¡Cuéntame! | Learn Spanish with Comprehensible Input
Marta Ruiz Yedinak · Learning · Spanish
Marta Ruiz Yedinak, a Spanish National Board Certified Teacher, uses basic to intermediate level Spanish to tell stories and talk about everyday topics. Second language acquisition takes place through comprehensible input, and when the topics are interesting and compelling to the learner, it happens
More from ¡Cuéntame! | Learn Spanish with Comprehensible Input All episodes →
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9 Mar 2026 · 17 min
215. La leyenda del Popocatépetl
Welcome to ¡Cuéntame!, the podcast that helps you practice and improve your Spanish through stories from the Spanish-speaking world. In this episode, Marta shares a very special story. Not only is it one of her favorite legends, it is also the final episode in the series of legends from the Spanish-speaking world. Today’s legend comes from Mexico and tells the tragic and beautiful story behind two of the country’s most famous volcanoes: Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. According to the legend, these volcanoes were once two people deeply in love. If you are interested in learning more about it,…
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16 Feb 2026 · 16 min
214. Bad Bunny y el Supertazón
In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta talks about the Super Bowl halftime show and Bad Bunny’s historic performance. She explores why the show was important for Latino representation, the reactions it generated, and what it reveals about culture, identity, and belonging in the United States. Transcript here! Listeners are invited to email the show , support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee , and join the Facebook Group . Follow ¡Cuéntame! on TikTok and Instagram for extra content and updates. If you are interested in my online class, click here! 🎙️ You can also send a voice message in Spanish…
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1 Jan 2026 · 16 min
213. Un nuevo comienzo
This episode is a very special one. We’re welcoming the start of 2026 and continuing our Legends of the Spanish-Speaking World series with something a little different. Instead of focusing on just one country, today we’ll travel through several Spanish-speaking cultures to explore the beliefs and traditions connected to the New Year. Are they legends or traditions? Sometimes, they’re both—stories that aren’t always told with words, but lived through actions, once a year, as people let go of the old and prepare for a new beginning. Transcript HERE Fill out this form if you want info about my…
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29 Dec 2025 · 15 min
212. El lago Titicaca
In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta takes us to Peru to explore a beautiful Andean legend about the origin of Lake Titicaca , one of the highest navigable lakes in the world, located between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains. Considered a sacred place by Andean peoples, the lake is more than just a body of water—it is a powerful symbol of punishment, forgiveness, and new beginnings. ✨ A story of respect, consequences, and rebirth—this legend reminds us why Lake Titicaca holds such deep cultural meaning. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it , rate the podcast , and help others…
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24 Dec 2025 · 17 min
211. Tren-Tren y Kai-Kai
In Episode 211 of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta travels to southern Chile to share a powerful Mapuche legend: Tren-Tren and Kai-Kai . This traditional story explains the eternal struggle between the sea and the land, told through two magical serpents—one protecting nature’s balance and the other punishing humans for their lack of respect. Through this legend, listeners learn about Mapuche culture, the importance of the Mapudungun language, and a timeless message about respecting nature and living in harmony with the world around us. Transcript here! If you enjoyed this episode, please support the…
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18 Dec 2025 · 17 min
209: La flor del ceibo
In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , listeners travel to Argentina as the podcast continues its series of legends from the Spanish-speaking world. Marta tells the beautiful and inspiring legend of the ceibo flower , a powerful national symbol of Argentina. The story takes place before the conquest of the Americas and centers on Anahí , a young Indigenous woman who loved her land, her people, and her community. Through her courage, voice, and resilience, the legend explains why the bright red flower of the ceibo tree became a symbol of love for the land, strength, and remembrance. Transcript here!…
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16 Dec 2025 · 14 min
208: El Aparecido del Nevado del Ruiz
🎧 Episode 208 – El Aparecido del Nevado del Ruiz In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta takes us to the cold, mysterious heights of Colombia to explore a fascinating legend from the Nevado del Ruiz. Surrounded by snow, fog, and danger, you’ll meet El Aparecido : a protective spirit who guides lost travelers to safety. This simple, engaging story is perfect for Spanish learners and invites us to reflect on respect for nature and the power of helping others. Transcript here! 💬 Did you enjoy the episode? Please support us by rating and reviewing the podcast and sharing it with friends, students,…
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26 Nov 2025 · 20 min
207. Keiko
Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame ! I’m so glad you’re here. In today’s episode, we’re taking a break from our legends series to explore the real-life story behind one of the most famous animals in the world: Keiko, the orca from Free Willy . It’s a story full of emotion, hope, and big questions about animal welfare. Check out the comprehensible book about this story by Nelly Andrade-Huges and share your thoughts about it! If you want info about the virtual class with me, fill out this form! Before we begin, I’d love your support!If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it, leave a review, and share it…
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25 Nov 2025 · 16 min
206. La Santa Compaña
Welcome back to ¡Cuéntame! , friends! I’m so glad you’re here for another episode. Before we jump into today’s mysterious legend, I want to remind you that your support helps this podcast keep growing. If you enjoy these stories, please rate the episode , leave a review, and share it with friends, classmates, or anyone learning Spanish . Here is the form to complete if you are interested in taking a virtual class with me. You can also support the show through Buy Me a Coffee , join our Facebook Group , or follow us on TikTok and Instagram for more content and updates. And of course, email us…
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17 Nov 2025 · 18 min
205. El Xoloitzcuintle
In this episode of ¡Cuéntame! , Marta dives into one of Mexico’s most fascinating legends—one filled with history, culture, and a very special kind of dog. Whether you’re a Spanish learner, a teacher, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode will take you somewhere unexpected. Transcript HERE! If you love learning through stories, don’t miss my original short novel for Spanish learners , a beginner-friendly book inspired by the legend of the xoloitzcuintle. It includes audio and accessible language perfect for learners. We’d love to hear from you! Email us anytime, join our…
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