Spanish Loops

Spanish Loops
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Spain! Open arms country. Path of cultures, tradition, hospitality. When passion for this country is mentioned among tour guides, Fran and Jorge, they could be talking for hours and hours. Whether historical or modern; gastronomy or flamenco, fun facts or curiosities; anything you can imagine from top to toe, our loops cover those topics, including actual facts. We hope to bring a smile to your face, a thought to your curiosity and transmit how proud we are of being from where we belong. Hoop with us from your side of the waves. It will be fun. Welcome to Spanish Loops!

  1. -2 H

    S3, Ep : 27. DNA of Spain: Who We Really Are.

    Spain is not a single story. It’s a living archive of human history. And it’s written in our DNA. In this episode of Spanish Loops, Fran and I explore Spanish heritage and the extraordinary mix of cultures that shaped the people of the Iberian Peninsula.  This land has never been the edge of Europe; it has always been a crossroads. For thousands of years, civilizations passed through, settled, mixed, and moved on leaving behind genetic, cultural, and historical fingerprints that still define Spain today. Celts, Romans, Phoenicians, Visigoths, Sephardic Jews, North African populations, and centuries of Islamic presence all contributed to what we now call Iberian ancestry.  In this conversation, we explore how migration, coexistence, conflict, and exchange shaped Spanish identity not just in monuments or traditions, but deep inside our genes. Fran shares his own DNA results. Jorge shares his. Together, we go beyond percentages and colourful maps to explain what ancestry tests really mean and what they don’t. Because there is no such thing as “pure” Spanish blood. (Almost) What exists instead is one of the most complex and fascinating genetic mosaics in Europe. This episode connects history, genetics, and modern Spanish culture to answer questions many people ask but few explore deeply.Why does Spain feel so layered?Why do traditions, food, accents, and attitudes change from region to region?Why does Spain sit culturally between Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean world? Understanding Iberian DNA heritage helps us understand modern Spain, its diversity, its contradictions, and its richness. It also reminds us that identity is not about borders or labels, but about movement, adaptation, and shared humanity. If you’re curious about ancestry, fascinated by human migration, or looking to understand Spain beyond clichés, this episode of Spanish Loops will change how you see the past and how you see yourself. Listen now and discover how history still lives inside us.

    22 min

  2. 4 FÉVR.

    S,3, Ep : 26. Spain, the Sea & the EU: Tuna, Cod and the Fishing Soul of a Nation.

    Spain has always lived facing the sea. And not just for the views. In this new episode of Spanish Loops, we (literally) dive into one of the most fascinating and sometimes controversial parts of Spanish life: fishing, Europe, and the quotas that shape what ends up on our plates. Spain is one of the biggest fishing nations in the European Union, but that comes with rules, limits and long negotiations in Brussels.  EU fishing quotas decide how much can be caught, where, and when. Sounds technical… but behind those numbers there are centuries of tradition, entire coastal towns, and families who have lived from the sea for generations. We travel along the coast of Cádiz, where the legendary bluefin tuna has been caught since Phoenician times using the almadraba technique, a ritual as old as history itself.  Then we head north to the Basque Country, where cod isn’t just food, it’s culture, memory and identity. And we stop by the estuaries and rías, where shellfish farming quietly produces some of the finest seafood in Europe. This episode is also about how fish defines Spanish gastronomy. From humble tapas to Michelin-starred kitchens, seafood is everywhere: grilled, cured, stewed, raw… always respected. Always central. Understanding fishing in Spain means understanding its past, its relationship with Europe, and its future at sea. So yes, this episode is going to sound a bit fish - ish.Happy listening!

    35 min

  3. 28 JANV.

    S3, Ep : 25. Madrid Market Magic: Foodie Treasures from Farmers to Fleas

    Welcome back to Spanish Loops, the show where we explore the heartbeats of Spain  and this week we walk through Madrid’s market culture. If you think markets are just places to buy groceries, think again. These vibrant spaces are living museums of food, history, and community where locals shop, chefs scout, and travelers fall in love. Not many farmer’s markets in Madrid due to the size, but the moment you go to areas where working class people live, there is a specific day of the week, goes on rounds, and those places can be found. Then there are Madrid’s flea and food markets, a totally different vibe. Here, food meets culture and curiosities. Think vendors selling vintage utensils next to artisan chocolate makers, and long tables where neighbours gather for a vermouth on weekends. It’s less transactional and more social, food as experience. For travelers, markets like these are must see cultural hotspots. They’re perfect for a casual lunch, a photo tour, or simply a sense of how Madrileños live their everyday lives. For locals, they’re community cornerstones, the places you bump into friends, discover seasonal gems, and pick up that cheese you always forget to shop for. Grab your tote bag and your appetite, we’re about to wander through the best markets Madrid has to offer. From farmers to flea finds, it’s all here in Madrid Market Magic. Happy Listening!!

    39 min

  4. 21 JANV.

    S3, Ep : 24. Paradores of Spain: Sleeping in History, Chasing the Eclipse

    S3, Ep : 24. Paradores of Spain: Sleeping in History, Chasing the Eclipse In this new episode of Spanish Loops, we travel through one of Spain’s most unique and quietly ambitious success stories: Paradores de Turismo. More than just a hotel chain, Paradores is a living idea: one born from the need to protect Spain’s historical heritage while opening the country to travelers in a thoughtful, dignified way. The concept emerged in the early 20th century, when Spain realized that its castles, monasteries, palaces, and fortresses could have a second life. Instead of becoming ruins or museums frozen in time, they could welcome guests. The very first Parador opened in 1928 in the Sierra de Gredos, setting the tone for a model that blended hospitality, preservation, and national identity. From that moment on, sleeping in history became part of the journey. But Paradores are not just about beautiful rooms with thick stone walls and dramatic views. Over the decades, they have played a key role in boosting local economies, supporting rural areas, creating stable jobs, and protecting regional traditions. Their kitchens became ambassadors of local gastronomy,turning traditional recipes into something to be proud of, refined without losing their soul. Staying in a Parador often means tasting the region as much as seeing it. Today, Paradores stand as a symbol of Spain’s public hospitality model: elegant, rooted in history, and deeply connected to place. They represent a national style of hostelry that many countries admire and few have managed to replicate.  And in this episode, there is a big surprise. Jorge reveals a project he has been carefully developing for over a year: an extraordinary 2027 eclipse tour. During the longest total solar eclipse visible on Earth in the next 200 years, Ceuta (Spanish territory in Africa) will sit right at the center of the path of totality. We’ll experience the eclipse fromthe Parador of Ceuta, with the rest of the journey unfolding in Southern Spain near Málaga and finishing in the historic city of Cádiz. It will be summer, but don’t be fooled by the heat. We’ll be by the water constantly and the Mediterranean and Atlantic breeze cools the temperature down. And yes, we’ll cross the Strait of Gibraltar by helicopter. (There is an option B, just in case.) Seats are limited. If you want to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, write directly to Jorge at travelingwithjorge.web@gmail.com and get on the list. History, travel, and the sky itself. This episode brings it all together!

    37 min

  5. 14 JANV.

    S:3, Ep : 23. Mudejar vs Arabic Art: The Hidden Language of Spain’s Architecture

    In this week’s episode of Spanish Loops, we look into one of the most fascinating and misunderstood artistic languages of the Iberian Peninsula: Mudejar art. Together with Fran, we explore how Mudejar emerged in Christian territories between the 12th and 16th centuries, shaped by Muslim artisans who continued working after the Christian reconquest. While often confused with Islamic or Arabic art, Mudejar is not a religious style but a cultural and architectural hybrid, blending Islamic decorative techniques with Christian Romanesque, Gothic, and later Renaissance structures. We break down the key differences between Arabic art, developed under Islamic rule from the 8th century onward and Mudejar art, which reused elements such as horseshoe arches, intricate tilework, wooden ceilings, and geometric patterns, but placed them in churches, palaces, and civic buildings commissioned by Christian patrons. Fran and I guide you through timelines, visual clues, and real examples across Spain, helping you understand when, where, and why these styles evolved the way they did. More importantly, we share how recognizing these differences changes the way you look at Spanish cities forever. This episode is not just about art history. It’s about coexistence, adaptation, and the unique cultural DNA that defines Spain. Plug in, look closer, and let the walls speak.

    20 min

  6. 7 JANV.

    S3, Ep : 22. From Madrid to the Heavens: The Phrase That Defined a City

    There are phrases that define a city, and then there are phrases that become a destiny. In this new chapter of Spanish Loops, Francisco and I invite you to travel through one of the most powerful and recognizable expressions in Spain: “De Madrid al Cielo.” Where does this sentence come from? Who first dared to pronounce it? And why has it survived centuries, revolutions, monarchs, artists, and dreamers? In this episode, we unveil some legends behind the phrase, tracing its origins to the heart of the history of Madrid, where pride, irony, and ambition melts into a statement that promises there is nothing higher after experiencing the capital. We explore how this idea shaped Madrid’s identity and how it is still alive today, symbolically reflected in the two flags that represent the region. From the crimson red and seven stars of the Community of Madrid, echoing the sky over, to the historic bear and Strawberry tree (Arbutus Unedo) of the city itself, every element tells a story of power, resilience, and aspiration. This is not just a linguistic curiosity. It is a cultural manifesto. A declaration of love, rivalry, and belonging. “De Madrid al Cielo” explains how Madrid sees itself and how it wants the world to see it. Are you a lover of history, legends, urban symbolism, and hidden meanings behind famous sayings? This chapter is made for you. Put on your headphones and let Madrid lift you, because after this journey, you may finally understand why, from Madrid… there is only the sky. Above us all.

    21 min

  7. 31/12/2025

    S3, Ep : 21. What are we thankful for in 2025.

    Breaking news!! Stop what you're doing! Today, Spanish Loops, hosted by the brilliant Jorge and the ever witty Fran, aka, both of us… are dropping a chapter that’s not just another cultural detour from Spain to the world, no, no. This week, we two take a soulful splash into what we ourselves are thankful for in these utterly convulsive times we are living in, and we share powerful wishes for the new year that hit deep, resonate far, and shake off the noise like only real talk can. Forget the usual: this episode is gratitude honesty with a global heartbeat. We unpack the moments that make us pause, smile, and keep going… health, connection, creativity, resilience, and community. And then, with courage and clarity, we mean to look forward, offering heartfelt wishes not just for ourselves, but for all of us navigating uncertainty with hope. This isn’t fluff. It’s reflection. It’s human. It’s real talk for listeners who want meaning, connection, and clarity in a world that often feels upside-down. Tune in on Instagram Reels, Spotify, YouTube clips or full audio, this episode is designed to stop the scroll, warm the heart, and spark conversation. So hit play, tune in, and lean into this unique moment with Spanish Loops, because gratitude and hope. Always worth a listen. Fran and Jorge.

    29 min

  8. 24/12/2025

    S3, Ep : 20. From Kings to Counts: Spain’s Noble Secrets

    Hey Chicos! It’s Jorge and Fran! Welcome back again to Spanish Loops, the show where we loop you into the culture you love. This week we discuss something totally fascinating: Nobility titles in Spain. Yep, we’re talking kings, dukes, counts… and all that royal jazz with a Spanish twist. So first up: what are these titles anyway? From Rey/Reina (King/Queen) at the top down through Duque, Marqués, Conde, Vizconde, Barón… and even up to Señor, there’s a whole rank ladder. And Fran keeps reminding me: “Jorge, this isn’t Game of Thrones, these are real historical roles!” And you know what? He’s right. We’ll break down why these titles still exist. Spoiler: they’re mostly ceremonial now but loaded with history and prestige. Some families have held theirs for centuries, passing them through bloodlines like heirlooms. We also get into how you actually get one, inheritance vs. royal grant… and whether you can buy one (short answer: nope, not in any legit way). Listen as we unpack lineage, privileges, and the quirks of modern Spanish nobility, from aristocratic family dinners to titles that sound fancy but don’t come with castles or crowns anymore. Tighten your earbuds, amigos because we’re about to loop you all the way up the noble ladder!

    33 min
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À propos

Spain! Open arms country. Path of cultures, tradition, hospitality. When passion for this country is mentioned among tour guides, Fran and Jorge, they could be talking for hours and hours. Whether historical or modern; gastronomy or flamenco, fun facts or curiosities; anything you can imagine from top to toe, our loops cover those topics, including actual facts. We hope to bring a smile to your face, a thought to your curiosity and transmit how proud we are of being from where we belong. Hoop with us from your side of the waves. It will be fun. Welcome to Spanish Loops!

Informations

  • Création
    Spanish Loops
  • Années d’activité
    2021 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    222
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Spanish Loops
  • Site web de l’émission
    Spanish Loops