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¡Hola! I'm Jaime, Spanish coach, integration mentor & director of ABLAAcademy.com I'm a Spanish native, been an expat since 2001, lived in five countries, learned four languages, and for the past decade, I’ve guided over 300 clients to become Good Expats in Spain - helping them integrate and feel proud of making Spain their home, without language barriers or insecurities holding them back. Here, you’ll discover how to learn Spanish effectively, develop a confident mindset, and build meaningful connections with locals - so you TOO can embrace and enjoy your new life in Spain “the right way."
Discover how to get more out of your Duolingo practice in this episode of The Good Expat. If you’ve been using the app to learn Spanish but feel like you’re not progressing or want to make the most of your time on it, this is for you.
I’m Jaime, a Spanish coach, integration mentor, and director of ABLA Academy. I help expats feel more connected and confident as they build their lives here in Spain, sharing insights and real stories from my clients and experience.
Today, I’ll cover my top five tips for using Duolingo effectively - from structuring your practice to adding real-life interactions - so you can go beyond the basics and move closer to becoming a Good Expat in Spain!
🫶🏼 Connect with Coach Jaime:
https://www.instagram.com/ablaacademy
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://ablaacademy.com/workshop
https://ablaacademy.com/blog/understand-more-in-spanish
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💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://ablaacademy.com/assessment
🔥 Want to speak CONFIDENT SPANISH in 10 weeks to integrate in Spain? - Read about who our Spanish coaching programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
Build a positive attitude and enjoy your life in Spain to the fullest. In this episode, you’ll discover simple tips to help you embrace the wonderful aspects of your expat experience.
I chat with sisters Mayan and Gal, co-founders of Smoozitive. As a mindfulness coach and positive psychology expert, they’ve dedicated themselves to supporting expats in building a happier life abroad through mindset and positivity.
We explore practical ways to shift your perspective, connect with the small joys around you, and find confidence in new challenges. By combining the right mindset with helpful tips, Mayan and Gal share how to create a life in Spain that feels fulfilling, even on the hard days.
🎥 Chapters: (00:00) Opening (02:08) About Maayan & Gal (05:34) The Problems Expats Face Abroad (07:42) Step 1: Decide What Life You Want (12:02) Step 2: Begin with Small Steps (14:08) Positivity & Gratitude (15:46) The Role of Knowledge (20:07) Step 3: Take Action (23:44) About Syla App
🫶🏼 Connect with Maayan & Gal:
https://www.instagram.com/smoozitive/
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://syla.onelink.me/CSl4/ablaacademy
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💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://ablaacademy.com/assessment
🔥 Want to speak CONFIDENT SPANISH in 10 weeks to integrate in Spain? - Read about who our Spanish coaching programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
Want to improve your Spanish and feel more at home in Spain? This episode dives into the benefits of cultural and language immersion; and how it can transform the way you learn and connect with locals!
My guest, Brigida Herrera, Neurolanguage Coach and Co-founder of LinGo Immersion, shares her unique approach, using neuroscience and immersion to help learners build confidence and tackle language barriers.
Together, we explore why immersion is more than just a learning method, how real-life connections boost language retention, and practical tips for overcoming challenges like culture shock.
🎥 Chapters: (00:00) Opening (02:34) Who today’s episode is for (04:12) What is a Neurolanguage Coach? (06:55) Benefits of immersion (13:52) Online vs in-person learning (19:57) Overcoming language & cultural challenges (26:36) Dealing with stress when immersing (30:22) The power of positive immersion (31:23) Immersion first, grammar is secondary (35:16) About LingGo Immersion (41:49) Immersion recommendations
🫶🏼 Connect with Coach Brigida:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigidaherrera
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://ablaacademy.com/workshop
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💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://1sh.in/assessment
🔥 Want to work with ABLA Academy? - Read about who the programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
If you want to understand how the mind works to pick up new Spanish words and grammar faster, you’ll definitely enjoy this episode!
I chat with Damir Butkovic, who has tons of experience in coaching NLP. With his unique insights, Damir explains how to tap into the brain’s patterns to make learning not just efficient but also enjoyable.
In our engaging conversation, we discuss several key topics, including how the mind works, ways to boost motivation for faster learning, the quickest and easiest methods to make new information stick, how to create an environment that supports learning and retention, a fun speech technique to enhance memory, and a few handy memory tricks.
🎥 Chapters: (00:00) Opening (01:53) What is Biohacking? (04:46) How mind works? (06:08) Reframing negative self-talk (09:19) Power of repetition (14:11) Get things wrong fast (18:00) Use new words in real conversation (23:07) Funny voices to remember better (25:18) Memorising tricky words (28:30) This works on everybody? (33:22) Connect new words with you life
🫶🏼 Connect with Coach Damir:
https://www.instagram.com/damiric76
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://ablaacademy.com/workshop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/confidentspanish
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💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://1sh.in/assessment
🔥 Want to work with ABLA Academy? - Read about who the programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
In this episode, I speak with language coach David Cabezas, who brings a powerful topic that’s especially relevant for students, language learners, and professionals moving to new countries.
We dive deep into the issue of perfectionism in language learning, and how striving for perfection can actually hold you back. David shares insights from his experience coaching students, where the pressure to speak perfectly often hinders real progress.
We discuss the importance of making mistakes, focusing on communication over perfection, and setting realistic goals. David highlights the process of shifting mindsets, prioritising fluency, and embracing imperfections as part of the learning journey. He also offers practical advice to track progress and goals.
🎥 Chapters: (00:00) Opening (02:40) The Elusive Nature of Perfection (03:58) Identifying Perfectionism (05:36) Steps to Overcoming Perfectionism (11:04) Mindset Shifts in Coaching (14:27) A Student’s Breakthrough Story (19:36) The Beauty of Imperfection (21:55) Connection Over Perfection
🫶🏼 Connect with Coach David:
https://lmidiomas.com
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://ablaacademy.com/workshop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/confidentspanish
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💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://1sh.in/assessment
🔥 Want to work with ABLA Academy? - Read about who the programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
In this episode, I chat with Coach Paco, a talented life coach and my head coach at ABLA Academy. He’s the ideal guest to shed light on the difference between traditional teaching methods, which often emphasise memorising vocabulary and grammar, and coaching, which focuses on personalised learning experiences that empower clients to step outside their comfort zones.
Through a mix of practical insights and personal stories, Paco and I share our perspectives on navigating the complexities of learning languages while adapting to life abroad.
Plus, I share all the latest changes and updates at ABLA Academy with Paco for the first time.
🎥 Chapters: (00:00) Opening (02:55) Meet my head coach, Paco (11:26) What does a coach do? (17:38) Is coaching for everyone? (22:35) The Role of Vulnerability in Learning (25:33) Teacher Vs coach support (30:13) Teaching = WHAT / Coaching = WHO (33:13) Surprise for Paco: New Coaching Programme Reveal
🫶🏼 Connect with Coach Paco:
https://www.lifegiftscoaching.com
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://ablaacademy.com/workshop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/confidentspanish
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💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://1sh.in/assessment
🔥 Want to work with ABLA Academy? - Read about who the programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
If you’re thinking about learning Spanish to integrate in Spain, TIME is most likely a major concern for you. You’re probably wondering: • Will you have enough time to commit? • How can you fit Spanish learning into your busy life? • How long will it take to reach your language goals?
In today’s episode, I look into this common challenge, helping you view TIME as less of a barrier on your path to becoming a Good Expat in Spain.
🎥 Chapters (00:00) Opening (03:08) 4 reasons why TIME is an obstacle (04:55) A different approach (05:31) Strategy 1, Change your Perspective (07:21) Strategy 2, Maximise your efforts (09:26) Strategy 3, Build in Flexibility (11:35) Strategy 4, Now is the perfect time! (13:04) Strategy 5, Follow a clear Timeline (14:21) Proof that THIS system works!
🫶🏼 Connect with Coach Jaime:
www.instagram.com/ablaacademy
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://ablaacademy.com/workshop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/confidentspanish
------------
💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://1sh.in/assessment
🔥 Want to work with ABLA Academy? - Read about who the programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
In this episode, I speak with Dax Mohan, a motivational business coach specialised in personality development and team building.
We explore the challenges of moving to Spain, emphasising the importance of adapting to local customs and cultures. Dax I discuss how personal growth, resilience, and mindset shifts are essential for integrating into new environments, and how changing one’s emotions and actions can help in this process.
🎥 Chapters: (00:00) Opening (02:09) Introduction to Personality and Personal Reality (06:55) Starting the Transformation Journey (08:06) Dealing with Resistance to Change (10:37) The Importance of Setting Intentions and Goals (14:48) The Role of Curiosity in Personal Growth (17:39) Building Communities for Change (23:10) The Overlooked Aspect of Self-Development in Language Learning
🫶🏼 Connect with Dax:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daxmohan
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode: https://ablaacademy.com/workshophttps://www.facebook.com/groups/confidentspanish
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💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://1sh.in/assessment
🔥 Want to work with ABLA Academy? - Read about who the programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
In this first episode, Coach Jaime explains the concept of a Good Expat.
🎥 Chapters (00:00) Opening (01:48) Feeling nervous! (07:42) The origins of the Good Expat idea (08:52) The responsibilities of a Good Expat (10:47) The 5 traits of a Good Expat (14:47) What to expect on the Good Expat podcast
🫶🏼 Connect with Coach Jaime:
https://www.instagram.com/ablaacademy
💛 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
https://ablaacademy.com/workshop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/confidentspanish
------------
💡 Curious why you're STUCK with Spanish? - Answer 15 easy questions - Receive a free personalised report - Get actionable tips https://1sh.in/assessment
🔥 Want to work with ABLA Academy? - Read about who the programme is for - Fill out the application form - If successful, we'll schedule a call with you https://ablaacademy.com/mentorship-application
Moving to Spain could be one of the best things to ever happen to you, a new chapter in your life to re-invent yourself, grow, and learn from a new culture. And a good expat is someone who wants to make the most of this opportunity to integrate, belong, and participate in the local community with the intention of feeling at home in Spain.
In my experience, for such an ambitious goal, memorising a few words and studying some grammar just to order coffee and say good morning to your neighbour in Spanish isn’t enough to get you there. You need a different strategy that offers you more support.
So my mission with this podcast is to inspire you and guide you through the common challenges that good expats often face, so you stop getting stuck when trying to speak Spanish with your neighbours, stop feeling like a shy and nervous 3-year-old in shops and restaurants, or like an isolated tourist, disconnected from the locals.
Here, we’ll talk about language learning, productivity, mindset, self-development, relationships, and everything you need—not just to get by in Spain—but to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life as an expat.
I’ll share the coaching techniques I normally reserve for my paying clients, and we’ll have experts on the show breaking down the best ways for you to pick up Spanish, show up with confidence, and build meaningful relationships with the locals, so you and your family can fully enjoy everything Spain has to offer.
And while this podcast is mainly for expats living in Spain, it’s also for anyone who’s curious, loves learning, and wants to discover new ways to get more out of life.
So, if you’re ready to grow, connect, and embrace your new life in Spain “the right way,” hit subscribe and join me on The Good Expat podcast.
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
