Parking Lot Debrief

🧠💬 New Mini-Episode: Trust the StumblingInterpreter training is hard—messy, emotional, and sometimes lonely.This short episode is a letter from Andrea to students in the thick of it: the tears, the tests, the doubts.

Here’s the truth:

✋ No one learns it for you.

🎢 Discomfort = growth.

⏳ You haven’t failed—you just haven’t passed yet.

You’re not behind. You’re becoming. 🖤

*No CEU's offered for this short episode.

In this episode, guest Kyle Duarte joins us to unpack the realities of coordinating interpreters at conferences — sometimes viewed as the pinnacle of the profession. We explore what makes a truly coordinated experience (hint: it’s not just filling time slots), how to prep effectively, navigate team dynamics, and support Deaf professionals presenting their work. From thoughtful scheduling to trust-based teams, Kyle shares what it takes to do this work well and more importantly – why it matters.

Deaf Spotlight: 

• Signs and Smiles: https://www.signsandsmiles.org/

👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

In this episode, we talk with WOU MA in Interpreting Studies program graduates Catherine Maier and Lydia Rogers about their recent research projects.

Catherine explores how interpreters’ behaviors shift when no one is watching—highlighting the impact of presence, motivation, and authenticity in assessments, even if it’s just a video of a Deaf consumer. She asks: How can we better reflect real-world interpreting in testing and training?

Lydia examines how prepared 911 dispatchers are to handle VRS calls. Her findings point to a lack of training and awareness, and she shares practical tools she's developing to improve access and response during emergencies.

Tune in for an insightful look at two timely and important studies shaping the future of interpreting.

Lydia’s Info:

• Link to Research: CLICK HERE

• [email protected]

• [email protected]

Catherine’s Info:

• Link to Research: CLICK HERE

• [email protected]

  
  

  
  

  👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

This is a true parking lot debrief with Jose Peralez III — raw, real, and unfiltered. In this episode, we reflect on recent workshops, voice our frustrations about voicing, and dig into the lovely and messy side of mentoring, ethics, and our thoughts on certification testing. We also get honest about the emotional labor of this work, and how sharing our vulnerable moments creates connection, not weakness.

Deaf Spotlight: Crepe Crazy Restaurant, Austin Texas. https://www.crepecrazy.com

👉 CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

In this episode, I sit down with Jillian and Savana—two interpreters who graduated just 3.5 years ago and made the bold move to start their careers in a brand new state. They share honestly about learning curves, financial realities, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) pressures of being a new interpreter. From building relationships, teaming well, and choosing the right work and reflecting on what school didn’t teach them, this episode is packed with relatable insight and solid advice for new and aspiring interpreters.

Deaf Spotlight: 

• Bake it with Sass:   www.BakeItWithSass.com

• Kelvin Crosby:   www.DeafBlindpotter.com 

👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

In this episode, I sit down with Audrey, a professional interpreter and CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), for a candid conversation about the unique complexities of being raised in the Deaf world while working within it. We explore the weight of expectations placed on CODAs, from pedestal status to scrutiny and identity struggles. Audrey shares how her experience without formal interpreter training shaped her professional journey, the emotional toll of high standards, and the nuanced ways CODAs navigate boundaries, community trust, and interpreting. Whether you're a CODA, interpreter, or simply curious about this perspective, this episode offers rich insight into a deeply layered experience.

Deaf Spotlight: Tate Photography: https://www.tatetullierphotography.com

👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

In this episode, we dive into If I’m Honest, Keisha’s podcast, and the conversations that need to be had in the interpreting field. Why does growth feel stalled? What’s holding the profession back? We discuss everything from professionalism and tokenism to the interpreter shortage and the challenges of speaking up. Plus, Keisha shares the hardest part about podcasting, the response from the interpreting and Deaf communities, and why we need more voices in these public conversations.

If I’m Honest Podcast

• Apple Podcast 

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@withkeishaosborne

• Episodes: https://ifimhonestwithkeishaosborne.buzzsprout.com/ 

Deaf Spotlight: 

Streetcar 82 Brewery: https://streetcar82brewing.com/on-tap/

👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

**Apologies about the video squares issue midway through**

This week I talk with Deb Cates from the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE) about:

• CEUs, professional development & community

• EIPA limitations & push for higher standards

• Pay equity & school-based advocacy

• Tools to support interpreter roles in schools

• Shifting how people view educational interpreting

If you work in K–12—or care about the future of this niche—tune in! 🏫✨

Deaf Spotlight: - Diversity Academy for Interpreters - https://www.thediversityacademy.com/

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/naie

CEU's for all episode: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

Interpreters do more than convey language—they navigate ethical challenges, boundaries, and biases daily. In this episode, we explore when stepping outside the interpreter role helps or harms, how trust and advocacy shape our work, and the biases we bring to assignments. From tough on-the-job moments to teaming dynamics and maintaining neutrality, this conversation offers valuable insights for all interpreters.

Deaf Spotlight:

• Deaf Action Center: https://dactexas.org/

• Jooux: https://jooux.com/

  
  

  CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/tiffanyandjonathan

  
  

  👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

This week, Tiffany and I dive into the realities of the interpreting field—what’s missing, what needs to change, and why tough conversations matter. As an agency owner, she shares insights on working with interpreters, the gaps in our profession, and how we can bridge them. From training and self-reflection to skill-building and professionalism, we cover it all.

Deaf Spotlight: www.aslpinnacle.com

CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/tiffany

- CEU's: www.parkinglotdebrief.com