Can an educated public really create a kinder, gentler, consumer society? Do informed buyers make decisions more sensitive to their world? Can you have your cake and eat it too? Some activists think that voracioius consumers need not be subdued, but only that their desires be tweaked, redirected…

Do those who control the wealth in a society also dictate its desires? In this segment we’re able to listen in on the discourse of Spanish intellectuals critical of the modern consumer culture, which they see as something of a Svengali-like oppressor and manipulator of the masses.

Can a consumer-driven market be replaced by an informed system of mutual cooperation by a like-minded populace? Is the market always at odds with the well being of the planet? Is it true that otro mundo es possible? Let’s find out what some experts think…

Depedro is the solo project of Spanish singer and guitar player Jairo Zavala. Here, Yabla talks to the talented musician from Madrid about his exploration of Latin American pop, picking up new instruments on tour in Mexico, his musical beginnings and his appearances with U.S.-based Calexico.

Depedro is the stage name of Spanish musician Jairo Zavala and also the title of his debut album. Before going solo, Zavala had already enjoyed a productive career as a singer, guitar player, and founder of the rock band Vacazul. Listen to his song La Memoria. It's a little gloomy but, hey... who isn't a little tired?

Dhira brings a heavy Hindu and Indian influence to the European club scene’s take on American hip-hop and club music. These late night party animals are said to be vegetarians who enjoy cheese sandwiches when they are not busy rapping.

Guided by Fermin, we immerse ourselves in San Sebastian's biggest and most lively celebration: the Tamborrada [Drum Parade], learning about its origins and how this twenty-four-hour party is celebrated.

San Sebastian? Barcelona? What’s the difference? Listen in to get an unbiased (wink, wink) comparison of the two Spanish cities from Ester, an instructor at San Sebastian's renowned Spanish language school, El Aula Azul.

Can money buy happiness? That’s the subject of this friendly debate between Ester and her friend…Ester. It seems that too much reasoning has split our El Aula Azul friend in two. Can money at least cure our friend Ester?

Silvia from San Sebastián shares her daily routine with us. She leads a very active lifestyle that includes a meal with her parents, work at a Spanish language academy for foreigners (El Aula Azul), a drink with friends, and even some quality time with her cats!

Ah, family… We love them all, each in their own special way. Ester, a teacher at San Sebastian's Spanish language school, El Aula Azul, tells us what makes cousin Carolina attractive and what makes us love cousin Pedro. These two Spaniards couldn’t be more opposite.

Listen to Silvia, a teacher at San Sebastian's Spanish language school, El Aula Azul, tell about her family, which she describes as a normal family: not too big. It’s not that small, either. You might want to take out a pen and map out her family tree!

A robbery in San Sebastian's renowned Spanish language school, El Aula Azul?. Whodunnit? What did they steal? Ester tells the story of the robbery and another story about a trip her school took.

We all have good friends, each one of them with distinctive qualities. Some of them are loud, some of them quiet. Ester, one of our friends, and a teacher at El Aula Azul, explains to us who her amigos are and how well they get along.

Ester brings lots of interesting and entertaining riddles to El Aula Azul. Think fast!