Is bullfighting a sacred art form steeped in honor, or simply normalized cruelty masquerading as culture? And why do so many expats fail when trying to build a life in Mexico?

In Episode 7 of Navigating Mexico, Mike Stoltz tackles one of Latin America's most deeply polarizing traditions: the corrida de toros. Joined by a diverse panel of experts, we examine this controversial blood sport from every angle:

• • Carlos Rangel (Investigative Journalist, Newsweek en Español) shares his firsthand immersion into the world of matadors and the shocking paradox of how bullfighters revere the animals they kill.

  • Dr. Beatriz Vanda Cantón (Professor of Veterinary Pathology and Bioethics at UNAM) debunks common myths about adrenaline numbing the pain, breaking down the exact physiological and neurological trauma the bull endures.

  • Prof. Stephen Neufeld (Historian and author of The Perilous Beast) explores how death became a commercial spectacle and what our fascination with violence says about society.

In the second half, serial entrepreneur Wendy North (MedMex Travel, Navigating Vallarta) joins the show for an honest reality check on expat life. We unpack why chasing a "Beverly Hills lifestyle on an Encino budget," fleeing problems back home, and hiding in the "expat bubble" lead so many newcomers straight to burnout.

Finally, we kick off our new segment, Lost in Translation, alongside Jessie Ruiz, deciphering the hilarious and confusing quirks of Mexican Spanish—including false friends like embarazada and why everything negative relates to madre while everything cool is padre.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.
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