The ATA Podcast

Each year the ATA Podcast hosts try to sit down with ATA's current president and president-elect for a conversation about the state of the translation and interpreting industry and what to expect for the upcoming Annual Conference. Everyone's lives felt a bit busy this summer, so the former ATA Halftime Show has been renamed the Presidents' Show in order to not miss the opportunity to hear from ATA's executive leadership on the podcast. In this episode, join co-host Adam Sachs as he sits down with ATA President Andy Benzo and President-Elect Ben Karl to hear what's on their mind as we enter the final quarter of 2026. From perspectives on AI to all of the changes in the industry over the last decade, this episode is full of thoughtful conversation. Ben and Andy delve into ATA's 67th Annual Conference happening October 28-31 in San Francisco, California and how the conference program is intentionally curated for what language professionals need in this era of T&I. The three also cover ATA's membership and how the landscape of member benefits is changing to accommodate the evolving needs of all professionals. From top to bottom, the Presidents' Show has all the insights you need for the coming end of year. Show Notes:

• Become a Voting Member: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/become-a-voting-member/
• ATA Elections: https://www.atanet.org/about-us/board/elections/
• ATA's 67th Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata67/
• Keynote address by Joachim Lépine: https://www.atanet.org/ata67/education/keynote/
• Microcredential Series: https://www.atanet.org/member-news/coming-soon-ata-microcredential-series/
• Contract Guidance: https://www.atanet.org/career-education/business-strategies/contracts/

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• Benefits of ATA Membership: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
• The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan

In this epsiode of the ATA Podcast, guests Olivia Caputo and Jamie Hartz tell us about Language Access Cards, a free downloadable resource from ATA that Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals can present in settings like hospitals and courtrooms to request assistance in their language and to prompt language services providers for assistance with language access resources. Historically, federal agencies and organizations that receive government funding have had to take reasonable steps to assist those who are LEP. If an agency or organization does not assist those who are LEP, it may be violating the law. ATA wants to help you access these services in your language! Download the Language Access cards here: https://www.atanet.org/client-assistance/know-your-rights-to-language-access/ If you don't see your language or would like to volunteer to translate a version of the card, reach out at [email protected]. Show Notes:

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): https://www.aclu.org/affiliates
• HHS Office for Civil Rights: https://www.stopbullying.gov/language-assistance-services
• Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/
• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/
• Language Access Resources by Location: https://www.atanet.org/client-assistance/know-your-rights-to-language-access

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• Benefits of ATA Membership: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
• The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/
• ATA's 67th Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata67/

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan

In this episode of the ATA Podcast, Andie Ho brings on Ted Wozniak to talk about the International Federation of Translators (FIT). FIT is an association of translation associations with global representation through their regional centres, and Ted explains how this relates to ATA and our members. From education to celebration, FIT supports the professions by hosting congress events, online education and resources, and International Translation Day.

Overall, FIT is the federation of professional associations of interpreters, translators, and terminologists, and their goal is to promote professionalism in the disciplines they represent. FIT seeks to improve conditions for the professions in all countries and to uphold translators' rights and freedom of expression through building community, visibility, and a sustainable future for the professions. Learn more about FIT, their mission, and our role in it in this episode!

Show Notes:

• International Federation of Translators (FIT): https://en.fit-ift.org/
• FIT North America: https://fit-northamerica-rc.org/
• Translatio, The newsletter of the International Federation of Translators: https://en.translatio.fit-ift.org/
• Babel, a Scholarly Journal: https://en.fit-ift.org/babel/
• FIT Events: https://en.fit-ift.org/events/

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• Benefits of ATA Membership: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
• The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/
• ATA's 67th Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata67/

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan

Preserving the past, supporting the present, and promoting the future of the translation and interpreting professions--That's the mission of the American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation (AFTI)! Since 1997, AFTI has served as the charitable arm of the American Translators Association. It is smaller in size and scope than ATA, so members and non-members may be unaware of the immense benefits they provide. In this episode, we sit down with AFTI chair, Caitilin Walsh, to talk about the history of the organization, what it is, and the many ways it supports language professionals. Tune in now and find out about AFTI's awards, scholarships, and the next AFTI game night! AFTI supports charitable activities, education, and research in support of the translation and interpreting professions. They promote this objective by sponsorship and dissemination of research and education in the fields of translation and interpreting through research grants, scholarships, conferences, and commissions for the production of education materials. When you support AFTI, you're promoting a lasting legacy of T&I support, recognition, and excellence for your colleagues and the next generation! Show Notes:

• American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation: https://afti.org/
• AFTI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-foundation-for-translation-and-interpretation-inc/about/
• S. Edmund Berger Prize in Excellence in Scientific and Technical Translation: https://afti.org/berger/
• Alicia Gordon Award for Word Artistry: https://afti.org/gordon/
• Marian S. Greenfield Financial Translation Presentation Award: https://afti.org/greenfield/
• First-time ATA Conference Attendee Scholarship: https://afti.org/ftas/
• ATA/AFTI Student Translation Award: https://afti.org/studenttx/
• Donate to AFTI: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML2H1J5JV4PJJ/checkout/YUQ53HCSXZCHBBFO7VGMQKOK

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• Benefits of ATA Membership: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
• The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/
• ATA's 67th Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata67/

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan

Standards are a way to signal to the world that you care about the quality of your work and product, and it is up to us to set and encourage best practices in a given profession. When clients can't easily judge the quality of the services they purchase, they turn to standards to help gauge it. In this episode of the ATA Podcast, ASTM subcommittee chair and ATA member Steve Lank discusses the origins of ASTM translation and interpretation standards, how they were developed, and what they mean in practice for language professionals. ASTM International is one of the world's largest international standards developing organizations, defining and setting standards to improve the lives of millions. Listen and learn how ASTM standards affect both language services providers and those receiving services by understanding what clients are looking for and what language professionals need to know to meet those expectations. Show Notes:

• ASTM International: https://www.astm.org/
• ASTM Standard Practice for Language Translation: https://store.astm.org/f2575-23e02.html
• ATA Certification: https://www.atanet.org/certification/
• International Organization for Standardization: https://www.iso.org/home.html

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
• The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan

The ever-changing landscape of working as a language professional prompts translators and interpreters to lean into unique areas and specialties. ATA offers a way to build communities around these interests in the form of officially recognized Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Similar to divisions, SIGs are a convenient way to provide ATA members the opportunity to build, connect, and grow with other linguists within their professional or non-working niche. We are joined in this ATA Podcast episode by Robert Sette, CT, a longtime translator who works in many language pairs and is the founder of ATA's SIGs membership benefit. Tune in as Adam interviews him to hear more about ATA's current SIGs and what you can gain by joining or forming your own. Show Notes:

• Mentoring Program: https://www.atanet.org/career-education/mentoring/mentoring-program/
• ATA's Board of Directors: https://www.atanet.org/about-us/board/
• ATA Divisions and SIGs: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/
• Join Divisions and Special Interest Groups: https://communityhub.atanet.org/mydivisions
  • Southeast Asian Languages SIG: https://www.atanet.org/special-groups/seal-sig-southeast-asian-languages/
  • Financial Translators SIG: https://www.atanet.org/special-groups/ft-sig-financial-translators/
  • Translators and Interpreters in Education SIG: https://www.atanet.org/special-groups/ite-sig-interpreters-translators-in-education/
• Benefits of ATA Membership: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/
• ATA Membership Categories: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/member-categories/
• American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education: https://www.aaite.org/

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
• The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly

Are you interested in taking the ATA certification exam? Want to know what to expect and how it works? In this episode, ATA Podcast host Adam Sachs interviews Elias Shakkour, co-deputy chair of ATA's Certification Committee, to understand the ins and outs of ATA certification. Elias shares insights into the certification program and also explains how it works, how to prepare, how it's graded, and how to get the most out of your results. ATA certification is one of the industry's most respected credentials for translators and is the only widely recognized measure of competence for translation in the U.S. ATA-certified translators earn a distinction that can open doors to career advancement and higher compensation. Adam and Elias discuss this distinction and much more in this episode of the ATA Podcast!

Show Notes:

• ATA Divisions and SIGs: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/
• ATA Certification: https://www.atanet.org/certification/
• Exam Schedule: https://www.atanet.org/certification/exam-schedule-and-registration/
• Practice Test: https://www.atanet.org/certification/practice-test/
• ATA Certification Exam Technical Requirements: https://www.atanet.org/certification/prepare-to-take-the-ata-certification-exam/restrictions-and-requirements/
• Online Resource List: https://www.atanet.org/certification/prepare-to-take-the-ata-certification-exam/restrictions-and-requirements/resources/
• Why ATA Certification? Benefits of the Credential: https://www.atanet.org/certification-exam/why-ata-certification-benefits-of-the-credential/
• The Ideal Candidate: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/highlights/the-ideal-candidate/

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn
• The ATA Chronicle: https://www.ata-chronicle.online/

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly

On March 1, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14224 designating English as the official language of the United States and revoking EO 13166, an executive order from 2000 aimed at improving language access. On this episode of the ATA Podcast, co-host Adam Sachs questions Dr. Bill Rivers on the order, its effects on language access, and how it affects language services providers. Dr. Rivers joins us with experience spanning over 30 years of research, advocacy, and work in translation and language access, and this episode thoroughly examines the new EO using his insights and expertise.

Following EO 14224 being issued, six of the nation's leading professional T&I organizations issued a joint statement opposing the order. ATA stands with its members and the communities we serve, and ensuring language access for limited-English-proficient (LEP) individuals is a key part of ATA's mission. Voice your support for language access provisions by contacting your representatives and ensuring that the LEPs you engage with are aware of their language access rights, and listen to the ATA Podcast to stay informed and vigilant about this consequential topic and to hear other ways ATA is pushing back and standing up for language access.

Show Notes:

• ATA Divisions and SIGs: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/
• ATA's Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata66/
• Executive Order 13166: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/
• Executive Order 14224: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/08/16/00-20938/improving-access-to-services-for-persons-with-limited-english-proficiency
• Joint Statement on the Trump Administration's Executive Order 14224: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/leading-language-organizations-oppose-executive-order-14224-warn-of-potential-consequences/
• Lau v. Nichols: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/414/563/
• Meyer v. Nebraska: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/262/390/
• Title VI, U.S. Constitution: https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI#:~:text=Title%20VI%2C%2042%20U.S.C.,activities%20receiving%20federal%20financial%20assistance
• LEP.gov: https://www.lep.gov/

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly

Join ATA Podcast co-host Adam Sachs as he interviews ATA President Geoff Koby and ATA President-Elect Andy Benzo about ATA's standout accomplishments this year and what we can expect in the months to come! From reviewing ATA's recent advocacy efforts to how the upcoming ATA Annual Conference is shaping up, you'll get an all-around view of ATA's full 2025 agenda.

Insights from the ATA leaders in this episode include updates about membership and member benefits, ATA's new association management system (AMS) and online directory, and where we and our members stand in the face of artificial intelligence. Geoff also mentions a new strategic plan in the works by the Board, and we hear what it means to be an involved and voting member. If you're catching up or new to ATA, this is the episode for you!

Show Notes:

• ATA Divisions: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/divisions/
• ATA's Statement on AI: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/ata-statement-on-artificial-intelligence/
• Joint Statement on the Trump Administration's Executive Order 14224: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/leading-language-organizations-oppose-executive-order-14224-warn-of-potential-consequences/
• ATA's Letter in support of Afghan interpreters: https://www.atanet.org/advocacy-outreach/ata-urges-u-s-government-to-reinstate-safe-pathways-for-afghan-allies-who-served-alongside-u-s-troops-as-interpreters-and-translators/
• Become a Voting Member: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/become-a-voting-member/
• ATA Elections: https://www.atanet.org/about-us/board/elections/
• ATA's Annual Conference: https://www.atanet.org/ata66/

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly

In this episode of the ATA Podcast, Adam Sachs connects with Eve Bodeux and Jamie Hartz to explore ATA's newly published Guide to Buying Translation Services and Guide to Buying Interpreting Services. Whether you are seeking professional language services or are a practicing translator, interpreter, or agency, these guides are invaluable reference tools to show you what working with a language service provider looks like and how to streamline every aspect of the process.

Tune in as Eve and Jamie walk us through what it was like to put these guides together and what information is at your disposal to optimize your endeavors. Are you new to interpreting and trying to get a sense of which official credentials will be valuable? Are you looking to hire a translator for a special project and want to know what kind of factors to consider to find the best fit? For providers and end users alike, this episode and these guides are a great way to map what your partnership should look like!

Show Notes:

• ATA66 Hotel Information: https://www.atanet.org/ata66/hotel/
• ATA's Language Services Guides: https://www.atanet.org/client-assistance/buying-language-services/
• Find a Language Professional: https://www.atanet.org/directory/
• ATA Compass Blog: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-compass/
• Guide to ATA Certification: https://www.atanet.org/certification/guide-to-ata-certification/
• Credentialed Interpreter Designation: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/credentialed-interpreter-designation/

• Join ATA: https://www.atanet.org/member-center/join-ata/
• The ATA Podcast Archive: https://www.atanet.org/news/the-ata-podcast/
• ATA Events Calendar: https://www.atanet.org/ata-events/
• ATA Socials: https://linkin.bio/americantranslatorsassn

Please send comments, questions, or requests about this podcast to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Audio Production: Derek Platts | Technical Support: Trenton Morgan, Teresa Kelly