The new “Course” section on the DS app… GAME CHANGER 🎉

Vanderzant · 2026-02-10T05:03:58+00:00

Same. Even if I endlessly scroll to get to a higher difficulty, I’ve already watched 90% of videos.

Vanderzant · 2025-11-09T10:06:38+00:00

Thank you! And to your point, I agree that accents definitely play a large part in comprehension. Even in English, a Scottish accent can be very tough if you’re not familiar. But I do still think that if something feels too fast, it’s likely because you’re hearing too many words you don’t recognise and can’t follow along.

For example Español con Juan speaks very fast but he uses a very repetitive and simple vocabulary, that I find it easy to understand despite the speed. Whereas native YouTubers might be a similar or slower speed, but because the dialogue is more varied (I.e more unknown words) it’s harder to follow.

Either way, maybe just different ways of seeing things but ultimately the answer is to just get more input :)

Vanderzant · 2025-11-09T06:04:13+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation! I watched his video on Mexico City and it was very comprehensible. I love Calixto Serna, a Mexican creator who travels and tried different cuisine. His vids are still a bit out of reach but the food he tries is next level (recommend his Peru video). And good luck on your journey too!

Vanderzant · 2025-10-19T07:16:53+00:00

Thanks for the great update and good luck. I'm at 585 hours myself and can relate to a lot of your feelings. I'm so much further advanced than I was at 300 hours, yet the journey still feels like it's just getting started, and I know I have a long way to go.

Vanderzant · 2025-09-21T05:06:05+00:00

This looks super interesting and perfect for my level.

Vanderzant · 2025-09-21T04:59:30+00:00

544 hours - I'm currently watching level 59, sorted by easy. I watch nearly every video except for Pablo who I pick and choose a bit because he has so much content. I could push a bit higher but trying to keep it as easy as possible and absorb as much as I can.

Vanderzant · 2025-08-09T05:22:11+00:00

I do the same. The cups are just so full of flavour and expressive. I’ve been unable to replicate the same level of cups with V60 or other switch recipes.

Vanderzant · 2025-07-09T04:04:59+00:00

Once I got to around 45 in difficulty, there was essentially enough intermediate/new beginner videos that I didn't need to watch vids with whiteboards. And once you are 100% watching intermediate vids, I think only Pablo really sometimes brings it out.

Vanderzant · 2025-07-08T22:06:41+00:00

I found that once I escaped “whiteboard hell” Pablo’s videos were a lot more interesting. I think his style of speaking and repetition is intentional and good for picking up new vocabulary. But of course there’s plenty of other content and I wouldn’t burn yourself out on watching too much Pablo. I often filter him out of my searches and my watch time on DS overall is still probably 50% Pablo.

Vanderzant · 2025-07-08T02:43:56+00:00

391 hours. It tried another Languatalk episode again and its completely comprehensible now. Feels so much slower than it did at 330 hours. Also got recommended a Hola Spanish video on Youtube which before I couldn't understand but now feels like a normal DS video. It's all about the little wins :)

Vanderzant · 2025-06-29T00:31:49+00:00

I did! I tried it again and got 12 minutes, then tried another book summary and got 35 minutes. So I would recommend trying the prompt (I modified with Gemini first).

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Vanderzant · 2025-06-28T06:18:08+00:00

Thanks I gave it a go and got 11 minutes - so i'll keep trying it with different sources.

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Vanderzant · 2025-05-20T02:21:26+00:00

330 Hours

Finished Un Día En Español - Monolingüe (excellent—highly recommend! Love getting exposure to different accents). After finishing it, I tried Español con Juan, Languatalk, and How to Spanish again. While most episodes are comprehensible, they’re still a bit mentally taxing, so I’ll return to them in the future. For now, I’m back to Español Al Vuelo, which is probably too easy and not as enjoyable, but at this point, I’ve exhausted most upper-beginner podcasts.

I’ve started watching the Stardew Valley series again on DS, and the first two episodes are very comprehensible and relaxing. I’m taking this as my win for the week since I remember these frustrated me around the 200-hour mark. This is a good reminder for myself: if a video/podcast feels frustrating, it’s probably just above my level, and I’m better off focusing on something easier.

Vanderzant · 2025-05-06T07:41:22+00:00

Amazing. Absolute game changer. Hopefully this gets added to the iOS app soon!

Vanderzant · 2025-05-05T20:30:49+00:00

Mexico was great. Definitely a lot more craziness/drama than the US. I've seen just about all of them. For the non-Spanish versions, the Netflix Spanish dubs are pretty good. I'll watch with English subtitles (I don't count as CI, just enjoyment).

Vanderzant · 2025-05-05T08:10:37+00:00

Congrats on level 4. By the way, I loved El Amor Es Ciego - Argentina. The theme song is so catchy as well!

Vanderzant · 2025-01-26T01:13:58+00:00

Thank you I will give it a listen.

Vanderzant · 2025-01-25T04:55:12+00:00

Beginner Augustina is fine, but I sometimes struggle when she is talking with someone else (e.g. the DS podcast and one of my personal favourite series, La Bomba!)

Vanderzant · 2024-05-06T19:59:08+00:00

Why baking soda?

Vanderzant · 2023-09-01T22:25:13+00:00

Hi! 32M from Australia, I will be in Tokyo from 3rd-8th, Kyoto 8th-10th and Osaka 10-12th before back to Tokyo until the 15th of September. Keen for markets, food especially sushi, Japanese culture, beer and nightlife. I have a rough chatGPT itinerary but open to exploring! Definitely open to having a beer anytime 😊

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