Multilingual Family Podcast: All Episodes
Listen to the FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast in English, Español (Spanish), العربية(Arabic), or 한국어(Korean)
Listen and subscribe to a FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast to hear timely, important information related to school news. The podcasts are produced in conjunction with the Offices for ESOL Services, Family and School Partnerships and Professional Learning and Equity.
New Podcast Episodes
FCPS Family Resource Center: Resources and Supports (May 15, 2023)
Hear how the Family Resource Center (FRC) provides resources and supports for all families and school staff in FCPS. Meet Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, manager of the FRC and Amal Elsayed, FRC liaison. The Family Resource Center provides free library resources, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. Contact the Family Resource Center at 703-204-3941, by emailing at [email protected] or through their website at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/family-resource-center
Listen and subscribe.
Making the Transition to High School (May 8, 2023)
When teenagers move from middle school to high school, a world of opportunities open up. High school offers new courses, new friends, new activities, and new responsibilities. In this podcast, hear about these new opportunities in your teenager’s life and how parents can be supportive in the transition. Click for FCPS College and Planning Website.
Listen and subscribe.
Making the Transition to Middle School (April 21, 2023)
Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be both an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and child. In this podcast, hear ways to ease the transition by:
- understanding the developmental changes in your child,
- getting to know the middle school culture,
- encouraging independence, but remaining available,
- offering emotional support to your child,
- reiterating your family values and expectations, and
- staying involved in your child’s school.
The podcast infomercial is about summer camps. It’s not too early to start thinking about summer fun. The FCPS Tech Adventure Camp and the Career and Technical Education Camp are taking registrations for summer 2023.
Listen and subscribe.
Meet Dr. Reid: Hear Her Appreciation and Vision for FCPS (March 27, 2023)
Dr. Reid, FCPS Division Superintendent, offers a message of appreciation for the FCPS Community. As she concludes her first year, she reflects on what she has learned and how thankful she is of the students, staff, and families. Dr. Reid discusses the importance of family contributions to education and her vision for the future. Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections and see how she is making an impact.
Listen and subscribe.
Tutor.com: FCPS Online Tutoring Resource for Students (February 27, 2023)
Joash Chung, manager of Tutor.com is the featured guest. Listen to learn about the features and accessibility of this online tutoring service. Students have unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand service at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects. Tutoring is focused instruction provided to students in a one-on-one format (voice and/or text chat). Tutoring services may be accessed before, during or after school hours and/or weekends.
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FCPS Office of Ombuds: A helpful, supportive, and confidential resource (January 23, 2023)
This episode features, Dawn Clements, FCPS Ombuds, and Kathy Murphy, Assistant Ombuds for Special Education. Listen to learn why these roles are supportive and important for students, parents and staff. Contacting the Office of the Ombuds is an easy, confidential resource to resolve concerns and student-related issues. Call 571-423-4014 Email: [email protected]
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It’s Winter Break! Ease Stress and Stay Safe (December 19, 2022)
The podcast infomercial features the Parent Resource Center upcoming January webinars.
FCPS Advanced Academic Program Continuum of Services (November 16, 2022)
In this episode, the hosts discuss the FCPS Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Continuum of Services. Hear about the different levels of services for elementary and secondary students. All students from Kindergarten to grade 12 receive instruction to develop critical and creative thinking skills as part of AAP instruction. The goal is to build upon students’ individual talents and skills to maximize their academic potential as learners. Equity of access to the services is a priority within FCPS. For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs
Also, hear about the Fairfax County Public Libraries Program, Library to Go (Book Selection Service).
FCPS Trust Policy (September 27, 2022)
A safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment–that’s what our new Trust Policy is all about. The policy ensures all students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear of having their data disclosed to federal immigration officials. Also, hosts remind families to review the Student Rights and Responsibilities document. This annual document explains expectations for student behavior. It also explains how adults respond so that a fair, equitable and supportive school environment is maintained. Plus, this year, there are new cell phone use expectations. FCPS Ombudsman’s Office
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Preparing Our Children for a Successful School Year (August 29, 2022)
In this episode, podcast hosts offer back to school tips and registration reminders for Pre-Kindergarten and Early Childhood Programs. We encourage everyone to Be Wise, and Immunize! Immunizations are required for school registration. Any family interested in free or reduced-price meals must submit a new application, even if your child has received free meals in the past. Families preparation will help produce positive outcomes.
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Season 2 - 2021-22 School Year
Episode 15: Keep Your Child Active Over the Summer
(June 13, 2022)
this episode, hear about FCPS and Fairfax County Summer Programs designed to keep your child engaged in fun social and physical activities. Also, the hosts talk about summer learning opportunities. Use the links below for more detailed information. This will be the final episode for this school year. Be safe and enjoy your summer vacation.
- Summer Learning
- FCPS Summer Pre-K-12 Intervention, Remediation, Credit Recovery and Credit Acceleration Opportunities
- Fairfax County Library Summer Reading Adventure
- Fairfax County Teen Centers
- Fairfax County Park Authority Rec-PAC (Pretty Awesome Children)
- FCPS Tutor.com
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Episode 14: Encore Episode: Parents Play an Important Role in Prevention of Substance Abuse Among Children
(May 31, 2022)
Meet members of the Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Beth Mohaupt and Bryan Villalobos are on the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Team. The pair explains their roles as counselors and gives parents information on how to be proactive in preventing substance abuse among children. View the video: Parent Presentation: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. For additional information, call 571-423-4270.
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 13: Preparing for the VA State Tests: Standards of Learning (SOL)
(May 9, 2022)
In episode 14, hosts explain the VA Standard of Learning Tests (SOL) and how parents might help their child prior to the tests. The SOLs are administered in FCPS in the May. SOL Elementary and Middle School Assessment SOL High School Assessment Frequently Asked Questions
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Episode 12: Encore Episode: Meet the FCPS Ombudsman and Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education
(April 18, 2022)
In this episode, you meet Armando Peri, FCPS Ombudsman and Dawn Clements, Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education. They explain their roles and responsibilities, how they help parents navigate difficult situations, and what parents can expect when they contact the Ombudsman. To contact them, call 571-423-4014 or email [email protected]
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 12: Encore Episode: What FCPS Families Should Know about ESOL Services
(April 18, 2022)
Listen to the latest Spanish, Arabic, and Korean podcasts on why Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) families should know about ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) services. Nearly 49 percent—or 87,571 students—speak a second language. Listen to a discussion about FCPS English language services. Rich Pollio, director of ESOL services, talks about why ESOL services are important, how families are notified about ESOL services, how families can help at home, new school-to-home communication tools, and adult English language classes.
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 11: Parents’ Voices and School Partnerships are Important!
(March 14, 2022)
Family-School partnerships lead to student success and are an essential part of building a caring culture. FCPS values family perspective or “voice.” Family perspective is critical in developing authentic school-family relationships. These partnerships inform and improve school practices to best support students. In this episode, hear more about the importance of family engagement. Dr. Renee LaHuffman-Jackson, FCPS Coordinator for Family-School Partnerships, is the guest in this episode. Families are also encouraged to participate in the annual FCPS 2021-2022 Family Engagement Survey. Results of the 2018-19 Family Engagement Survey are available. Read about the School Board's FCPS Family Engagement Policy.
Reminder: Kindergarten Registration has started for the 2022-23 school year. Contact your neighborhood school for more details.
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Episode 10: Making the Transition to High School
(March 7, 2022)
When teenagers move from middle school to high school, a world of opportunities open up. High school offers new courses, new friends, new activities, and new responsibilities. In this podcast, hear about these new opportunities in your teenager’s life and how parents can be supportive in the transition. FCPS College and Planning.
The podcast infomercial is about the upcoming Family Engagement Survey which opens on March 13 and invites parents to express their opinions on school operations.
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 9: Making the Transition to Middle School
(February 22, 2022)
Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be both an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and student. In podcast episode 9 for this school year, hear ways to ease the transition by:
- understanding the developmental changes in your child,
- getting to know the middle school culture,
- encouraging independence, but remaining available,
- offering emotional support to your child,
- reiterating your family values and expectations, and
- staying involved in your child’s school.
This podcast’s infomercial is about summer camps. It’s not too early to start thinking about summer fun. The FCPS Tech Adventure Camp and the Career and Technical Education Camp are taking registrations for summer 2022.
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 8: FCPS Parent Resource Center: Resources and Supports
(January 17, 2022)
In episode 8 for this school year, hear how the Parent Resource Center provides resources and supports for all families and school staff in FCPS and the surrounding communities. The Center provides free library resources, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. Meet Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham and Amal Elsayed.
Reach the Parent Resource Center by calling us at 703-204-3941, by emailing at [email protected] or the website at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center.
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 7: Winter Vacation...Stay Calm, Set Expectations, Connect with Family and Friends (December 6, 2021)
(December 6, 2021)
In episode 7 for this school year, the hostesses offer tips and reminders to get through the holidays and vacation with joy and peace. They talk about staying calm, envisioning a realistic holiday, setting expectations, and connecting with family and friends. There is also a reminder about FCPS Food Distribution for Winter Vacation. Call the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800 with any questions about food distribution.
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 6: FCPS Advanced Academic Program Continuum of Services
(November 15, 2021)
In episode 6 for this school year, the hosts discuss the FCPS Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Continuum of Services. Hear about the different levels of services for elementary and secondary students. All students from Kindergarten to grade 12 receive instruction to develop critical and creative thinking skills as part of AAP instruction. The goal is to build upon students’ individual talents and skills to maximize their academic potential as learners. Equity of access to the services is a priority within FCPS. For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs.
Listen and subscribe:
Episode 5: Important FCPS Resources for Parents (November 1, 2021)
(November 1, 2021)
In episode 5 for this school year, hear about important FCPS Resources listed below. Find more information on these resources in schools and online. Click the hyperlinked text below to go to the FCPS designated webpage. Use the resources to help you navigate the FCPS systems.
- Health, Mental Health, and Community Resources Fairfax County’s Coordinated Service Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880, if you are facing any difficulties with food, shelter, employment, healthcare, and financial assistance.
- Family Liaisons
- FCPS YouTube Channel
- Parent Information Phone Lines
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Episode 4: Establishing Routines Help with Time Management
(October 18, 2021)
In episode 4 for this school year, hear suggestions for daily school routines to promote time management. Routines can offer parents a peace of mind and ease the stress of hectic days.
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Episode 3: Connecting Parents and School with Schoology
(September 20, 2021)
In episode 3 for this school year, hear Manuel Gomez Portillo, a FCPS ESOL Resource Teacher, answer questions about Schoology (pronounced SKOO-luh-jee). Schoology is the new FCPS learning management system. This system promotes communication, collaboration, and personalized learning for students.
Parents who use Schoology can stay connected to their child’s schoolwork and participate in specialized groups like PTA, sports, and band. Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; provide a safe forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects online; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
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Episode 2: Fairfax Health Department Specialist Talks about COVID Safety Protocols
(September 6, 2021)
In episode 2 for the 2021-22 school year, meet Kirsten Buchner, a community health specialist at Fairfax County Health Department. Buchner answers questions about wearing masks for COVID safety protocols and COVID vaccinations. For more information, Fairfax Health Department COVID phone line is 703-324-7404.
At the end of our podcast, the hosts offer families information on FCPS Parent Resource Center’s newest resource, the PRC Packs which are pre-packaged tote bags with books for adults and children on important topics like Supporting Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety, and Motivation.
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Episode 1: Welcome Back to School – Returning Strong to Five Days a Week (August 30, 2021)
(August 30, 2021)
In this first episode for the 2021-22 school year, podcast hosts offer Back-to-School tips and registration reminders for Pre-Kindergarten and Early Childhood Programs. Be sure to stay up-to-date on FCPS's return to school plans for 2021-22, FCPS's safety measures, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
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Season 1 - 2020-21 School Year
Episodio / Episode 11 - Prevention of Substance Abuse
Parents Play an Important Role in Prevention of Substance Abuse Among Children
Meet members of the Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Beth Mohaupt and Bryan Villalobos are on the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Team. The pair explains their roles as counselors and gives parents information on how to be proactive in preventing substance abuse among children. View the video: Parent Presentation: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. For additional information, call 571-423-4270.
Listen and Subscribe:
Spanish Podcast: https://anchor.fm/enpocaspalabrasfcps
Arabic Podcast: https://anchor.fm/inafewwordsarabicfcps
Korean Podcast: https://anchor.fm/inafewwordskoreanfcps
Episodio / Episode 10 - Edu Futuro: Empowering Students
Edu-Futuro: Empowering Students, Involving Parents and Transforming Communities
Listen to this informative and inspiring discussion about how Edu Futuro, a leading organization that advocates for families, prides itself in the whole family approach. They empower students, engage parents and transform communities. Victoria Mejía, Youth Programs Coordinator and Maria Mateus, Parent Support Specialist talk about the valuable programs that Edu Futuro offers families. They particularly talk about families goals of attaining a post-secondary education and career, and how Edu Futuro offers mentors and scholarships. To find out more about Edu Futuro, you can call 571-309-5455. Online their website is https://edu-futuro.org/
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FCPS المختصر المفيد عن • May 11 | Arabic
FCPS에 관한 몇마디 • May 11 | Korean
Episodio / Episode 9 - Meet the FCPS Ombudsman
Meet the FCPS Ombudsman and Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education
In this episode, you meet Armando Peri, FCPS Ombudsman and Dawn Clements, Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education. They explain their roles and responsibilities, how they help parents navigate difficult situations, and what parents can expect when they contact the Ombudsman. To contact them, call 571-423-4014 or email [email protected]
Listen and Subscribe:
FCPS المختصر المفيد عن • May 11 | Arabic
FCPS에 관한 몇마디 • May 11 | Korean
Episodio / Episode 8 - Attendance Matters
Yes, We Want Your Child Back in School! Attendance Matters!
2020 and 2021 have posed many challenges for all of us. We miss our students who have been absent. FCPS wants your child back in school and is ready to help. Listen to the latest Spanish, Arabic, and Korean podcasts on why we want your child back in school. We care and attendance matters! The podcasts hosts and guests engage in a passionate discussion on how we care, why attendance matters, common reasons for absence, school procedures regarding attendance, and what parents can do to partner with the school to get students back on track and in school.
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FCPS المختصر المفيد عن • Apr 28 | Arabic
FCPS에 관한 몇마디 • Apr 28 | Korean
Episodio / Episode 7 - ESOL Services
What FCPS Families Should Know about ESOL Services
Listen to the latest Spanish, Arabic, and Korean podcasts on why Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) families should know about ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) services. Nearly 49 percent—or 87,571 students—speak a second language. Listen to a discussion about FCPS English language services. Rich Pollio, director of ESOL services, talks about why ESOL services are important, how families are notified about ESOL services, how families can help at home, new school-to-home communication tools, and adult English language classes.
Listen and Subscribe:
FCPS المختصر المفيد عن • Apr 21 | Arabic
FCPS에 관한 몇마디 • Apr 21 | Korean
Episodio / Episode 6 - Kindergarten and Early Childhood Programs
FCPS Kindergarten Registration and Early Childhood Programs
Listen to the latest Spanish, Arabic, and Korean podcasts on FCPS Kindergarten Registration and Early Childhood Programs. FCPS Family Services staff share information on Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) and Early Head Start (EHS) Programs. The FCPS Pre-K and EHS Programs provide an early education program for families who meet income requirements and live in Fairfax County. For information on how to apply, visit Pre-K and EHS Programs' website and/or call 703-208-7901. It's time for FCPS Kindergarten registration for children who will be 5 years old on or by September 30. The goal of every podcast is to help families access key resources and understand how to best support their children’s education.
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FCPS المختصر المفيد عن • Apr 8 | Arabic
FCPS에 관한 몇마디 • Apr 8 | Korean
Episodio / Episode 5 - Superintendent Brabrand Interview
Dr. Brabrand’s Multilingual Podcast Interviews: A Message of Hope, Appreciation and Readiness!
These podcasts bring families timely, important information in three languages - Spanish, Arabic, and Korean. Listen to the most recent podcast where Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Schools, is interviewed and offers a message of hope, appreciation and readiness. Dr. Brabrand expresses how proud he is of the students, staff, and families. He discusses how FCPS is Safe, Steady and Ready for students to either return to classrooms or continue virtual learning at home. He thanks families and gives information on school safety strategies which are detailed in the Family Guide to Return to School. Dr. Brabrand also talks about the importance of students’ social-emotional well-being.
Listen Now
El Dr. Brabrand, Superintendente de División de FCPS, ofrece un mensaje de esperanza y expresa lo orgulloso que está de los estudiantes, el personal y las familias. Habla de cómo FCPS ha creado un ambiente seguro y estable y está listo para que los estudiantes regresen a las aulas o continúen con el aprendizaje virtual en casa. Agradece a las familias y brinda información sobre las estrategias de seguridad escolar que se detallan en un folleto de la Guía familiar de FCPS. El Dr. Brabrand también habla sobre la importancia del bienestar socioemocional de los estudiantes.
FCPS المختصر المفيد عن • Mar 12 | Arabic
FCPS에 관한 몇마디 • Mar 12 | Korean
Episodio / Episode 4 - Estratégias para el bienestar familiar / Enhancing Parents’ Well-Being
March 2, 2021 (15 minutes)
Estratégias para el bienestar familiar
Escuche a Siliva Stone, una psicóloga escolar de FCPS, compartir estratégias que padres de familia pueden usar para su bienestar y el de sus hijos, la importancia de tomarse el tiempo para uno mismo, como reconocer las señales de estrés en los niños y a quién acudir en las escuelas por ayuda. Además, usted encontrará información sobre el procedimiento de cancelación de clases y actividades por condiciones meteorológicas.
Strategies for Enhancing Parents’ Well-Being
Listen to Silvia Stone, an FCPS school psychologist, share strategies that parents can use to manage their and their children's stress, the importance of self-care and how to recognize signs of stress in their children, and the resources available in the schools that can help. In this episode, we also remind families of the FCPS Weather Cancellation Procedures.
Episodio / Episode 3 - Programas de Educación para Padres / Parenting Education Programs
February 16, 2021 (11 minutes)
Programas de Educación para Padres de Familia
Infórmese sobre los distintos programas de educación para padres de FCPS y del condado de Fairfax. Estos programas están diseñados con el fin de fortalecer los vínculos entre padres y sus hijos. Los programas de FCPS son HIPPY, Early Literacy Program y el Family Literacy ESOL Program.
Parenting Education Programs for Families
Learn about free virtual Parenting Education Programs that provide families with the tools and skill sets to develop healthy relationships with their children. The FCPS Programs are Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Early Literacy and Family Literacy ESOL Program.
Episodio / Episode 2 - Recursos para Familias / Key Family Resources
February 2, 2021 (8 minutes)
Introducción del Podcast & Servicio de Comidas para Llevar
Las presentadoras de este Podcast compartirán las últimas noticias y recursos de FCPS y lugares de distribución de comida para los niños.
Introduction and Grab & Go Meals
In this Podcast, the hosts share with families the latest news and Grab and Go Meal resources from FCPS.
Episodio / Episode 1- Servicio de Comidas para Llevar / Grab & Go Meals
February 2, 2021 (8 minutes)
Introducción del Podcast & Servicio de Comidas para Llevar
Las presentadoras de este Podcast compartirán las últimas noticias y recursos de FCPS y lugares de distribución de comida para los niños.
Introduction and Grab & Go Meals
In this Podcast, the hosts share with families the latest news and Grab and Go Meal resources from FCPS.
Podcasts on Services
Listen and subscribe to the podcasts on one of the following services:
- Spotify: العربية (Arabic) | 한국어 (Korean) | Español (Spanish)
- Apple: العربية (Arabic) | 한국어 (Korean) | Español (Spanish)
Podcast Hosts and Guests
The Multilingual Family podcasts are a service to families and an opportunity for families to hear timely, important information related to school news and resources from FCPS family engagement advocates and school leaders.
Guests
Guests on the podcast serve FCPS families across the school division of over 189,000 students. They are school parent liaisons, school registrars, teachers, parents, school guidance counselors, social workers, school psychologists, administrators, and community members. Guests will discuss realistic situations that families are facing and offer ways to address the situations.
Hosts
The Multilingual Family podcast hosts’ offer many years of service and experience to FCPS.
Almokhtasar Al Mofeed Arabic Podcast Hosts
- Gigi Hammoud is an FCPS Early Literacy team Leader and an Outreach Representative to the Arabic speaking community in the Office of Family and School Partnerships.
- Hiba Abdulwahhab is a Family Liaison at Baileys Primary and Baileys Upper Elementary Schools and she advocates for all families.
In a Few Words Korean Podcast Hosts
- Sara Tae has been actively serving diverse FCPS families the past 16 years, currently as Asian Outreach Representative in the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement. She is passionate about advocating for families and enabling the power of education to meet every child’s potential.
En Pocas Palabras Spanish Podcast & In A Few Words English Podcast Hosts
- Micheline Lavalle is the Family Literacy Specialist in the Office for ESOL Services, FCPS. For over twenty years, she has been dedicated to advancing family engagement and amplifying EL families' voices. She is a proud parent of five FCPS graduates.
- Linda Ferguson is an administrator in the Office of Professional Learning and Equity and recent elementary school principal. Her passion is advocating for children and families’ rights and engagement in education as well as the professional growth and development of FCPS colleagues.
Suggestions or Questions
Want to suggest a podcast topic? Have a question you'd like answered? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us.
- العربية (Arabic) Podcast: [email protected]
- 한국어 (Korean) Podcast: [email protected]
- Español (Spanish) Podcast: [email protected])