It Depends: Everyday Ethics Interpreters Face

In this episode, I’m joined by a few certified hearing interpreters and a certified Deaf interpreter who share their experiences working in the White House during the Biden administration. We dive into what it’s like interpreting in high-stakes, highly visible settings, including the demands of preparation, navigating complex political language, and maintaining neutrality under pressure. The conversation also explores CDI/HI team dynamics, the realities of government work, and the logistics, security, and expectations that come with interpreting at this level—along with a few real-life stories that highlight both the challenges and rewards of the work.Elsie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsiesue/ Deaf Spotlight: Maryland deaf community center: https://www.deafmdcc.org/ Deaf DAWN: https://deafdawn.org/ WASLI: https://wasli.org/

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Millios, a Certified Deaf Interpreter, to explore music translation through a Deaf lens—especially in platform, theater, and concert settings. We dive into the differences between interpretation and translation when it comes to music, the role of bilingualism, and why Deaf interpreters often bring a deeper level of nuance and connection to the work. The conversation also unpacks common assumptions about Deaf audiences, the importance of preparation and research, and how personal experience, movement, and meaning all shape how music is conveyed. Katie’s contact info: kmilliossolutions.comDeaf Spotlight: Deaf Dawn: https://deafdawn.org/

In this episode, I talk with Savy and Em,  two trans and gender-expansive interpreters about the gifts they bring to the field, and what they wish teams, agencies, and Deaf consumers understood. We explore why fear sometimes drives harmful behavior, the importance of safety and consent when discussing gender. Savy and Ëm share the daily challenges and joys of living and working in their identities, including gendered requests in VRI/VRS and moments of deep community bonding. We also touch on representation, code-switching, when (and when not) to educate others, and the realities of showing up authentically in interpreting spaces.Festival: Know Other Festival: https://www.knowotherfestival.com/ Deaf Spotlight: Gosia Pierogies:  https://www.gosiaspierogies.com/ Destiny Slater: https://www.sakeozo.com/ Rainbow Transport Services

This episode explores the real-life ethical situations we face as interpreters—from setting clear precedent,  to getting comfortable with silence when needed. Brielle, Calene, and I talk about how we balance ensuring full access for Deaf clients while still taking care of ourselves as interpreters. We share different perspectives and even some of our own mistakes as we work through scenarios like whether to stay in a hospital room when providers step out, how to handle meetings where hearing participants dominate the conversation, and what to do when a team interpreter is consistently late. Throughout our discussion, we focus on maintaining access, supporting our own well-being, and building healthy relationships with Deaf clients, hearing clients, and each other as colleagues.SignPlaying: https://signplaying.thinkific.com/ Trace Essence: https://traceessence.com/ 👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

In this episode, we unpack the realities of interpreting beyond what’s taught —everything from working into English to finding flexibility in a field that often starts with rigidity. We talk about the importance of trust, human connection, and the subtle feedback we give Deaf clients as we work into English. We also explore community expectations and the experiences of Black Deaf professionals seeking culturally aligned interpreters. It’s an open, honest conversation about what we’re seeing in the field today and how interpreters can continue to grow, show up, and better support the communities we work with.Paris: https://parismctizic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/parismctizic/ Deaf Spotlight: DJ Deaf Tunez: https://www.djdeaftunez.com/ Purple Rose Wellness: https://purplerosewellness.com/Book: ‘Articulate’ by Rachel Kolb

This episode looks at why new interpreters often leave training with solid skills but still feel unprepared for real-world practice. We explore the challenge of unconscious incompetence—when learners don’t yet know what they don’t know—and how confidence, self-awareness, and guided reflection are just as essential as technical ability. The discussion highlights the role of deliberate practice, supportive mentorship, and creating safe spaces to make mistakes and grow. We also examine the importance of Deaf mentors and intentional guidance to help new interpreters move from rigidity to clarity, developing genuine confidence and the metacognitive skills needed to thrive in the field.Amy’s Research: https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/case-study-formal-mentorship-program-uncovering/docview/2892782746/se-2 IMET mentorship program: IMET Mentorship ProgramDeaf Spotlight: The Daily Moth: https://www.dailymoth.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Stacey and Petra to talk about how we're training the next generation of interpreters and ASL practitioners. We dig into the exciting new direction at the University of Kansas, and the reframe that's happening in interpreter education. Instead of treating ASL and Deaf Studies as a stepping stone to interpreting, what if we centered them as the real foundation? We also get into the joys and headaches of running a 4-year program, staffing and the very real barrier that tuition costs create. Deaf Spotlight: National ASL Education of Heritage Language Learners: https://naslehl.org/Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture: https://www.museumofdeaf.org/ 

In this episode, Donavan shares 10 thought-provoking tidbits from his years in the interpreting field—ideas meant to give interpreters something to ponder, chew on, and discuss with others. We talk about the realities of “voicing” work, the fact that interpreters are human and make mistakes, why being a skilled interpreter doesn’t always mean being a great teammate, and the complexities of things like designated interpreting, teaming, and professional boundaries. This conversation invites interpreters to reflect on growth, humility, and sustainability in the work—while remembering that you are not your work, and interpreting often lives in the gray.Deaf Spotlight: Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind: https://asdb.az.gov/

In this episode, Sarah Wheeler and I explore an often-overlooked part of interpreter development: emotional intelligence, reflection, and the lack of ongoing professional support in the field. While interpreters are trained in technical skills, many leave training without guidance on processing difficult work experiences, monitoring their wellbeing, or developing the “soft skills” needed for long-term success. We discuss Sarah’s new platform:  InterpretRelfect and how it is designed, using AI, to help interpreters stay organized,  build awareness, and stronger decision-making in their work.InterpretReflect: https://www.interpretreflect.com/Deaf Spotlight: Inclusify Studio: https://www.inclusifystudio.com/(Dozanu) Pivot: https://gopivot.me/

This week, I talked with Windy about being a fat interpreter—and what it means to show up in a field and a society that often sees our bodies before our skills.We dig into: 🔹 Fatness as identity, not insult 🔹 Micro/macro aggressions on the job 🔹 The emotional + physical labor of taking up space 🔹 Biases in hiring, teaming, and “professionalism”It’s real, raw, and long overdue.Fat interpreters exist—and shouldn’t have to be exceptional just to be accepted.Deaf Spotlight: Laurie Landry (artist) - https://laurielandry.com/