As your guide through the intricate world of language and interpretation, I, Mireya Pérez, extend a warm invitation to join an auditory expedition into the heart of our profession on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast. This season's tapestry weaves emotional self-care with Francisca "Mana" Hoce's wisdom, historical dives into the deaf community's technological strides, and the labyrinths of Indigenous languages with Eulogio Espinoza. Together, we've navigated the personal and systemic; from the rebranding of patients in healthcare to the cold touch of AI on our field, each narrative thread is a ..read more

As we approach the final stretch of Brand the Interpreter's sixth season, I am thrilled to share an answer episode to a question submitted by listener Laura González in Pennsylvania, a query that mirrors many of your own curiosities and experiences. This exchange symbolizes the interactive and dynamic nature of the podcast, where listener engagement has continually shaped the conversation. I hope you find this episode relevant and useful in understanding the world of associations and certifying bodies. I also encourage you to submit your question to the Brand the Interpreter Podcast for an opp ..read more

Ever wondered about the difference between being a qualified interpreter and a certified interpreter? Perhaps you're an interpreter looking to further your career or maybe you're an individual or business in need of interpreter services? Either way, we promise you'll gain clarity in our latest episode of the Brand the Interpreter Podcast.  As we navigate further into the labyrinth of interpretation qualifications, we reach out to two seasoned professionals in the field - a language access consultant in healthcare and a federally certified court interpreter. They each bring a unique perspe ..read more

Today's enriching conversation with Alisa Pifine, director of language access services for Catholic Charities in Louisville, Kentucky, gives a detailed insight into the evolution of language access in her community. From working at a credit union to becoming a crucial part of a non-profit organization, Alisa's journey is truly inspiring. She talks about the language access program at Catholic Charities, underlining the vital role of trained interpreters, especially in legal settings for victims of crime. Among the many topics we cover, the significance of mental health for interpreters stands ..read more

Imagine living in a world where technological advancements have revolutionized the profession of interpreting. This tantalizing episode features an enlightening conversation with the authors of a groundbreaking textbook on remote interpreting. We uncover how digital technology has not only modified the profession but also introduced a spectrum of competency levels among interpreters. The authors share their personal stories of collaboration on the textbook, and we take you on a tour through the diverse platforms employed for remote interpreting. This episode then takes a technological deep di ..read more

What if there was a way to overcome the grueling challenges faced by interpreters and emerge from each assignment with energy to spare? That's exactly what we're exploring in today's episode with our special guest, Gabriela Bocanete. A veteran conference interpreter, trainer extraordinaire, and health coach, Gabriela is here to share a wealth of self-care strategies for interpreters. Her practical advice ranges from the importance of breaks and fresh air to ward off fatigue, to mental and emotional preparation techniques that ensure you're in the best shape to take on your assignment. We also ..read more

Unlock the secrets of interpreting with Dr. Sofía Garcia-Beyaert, a leading figure in the discipline of interpreting and a professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Imagine the power of communicative autonomy: this is the intriguing concept we examine, revealing its profound impact on interpreters and ultimately, the families they serve. Travel with us through Dr. Sofia's impressive 25-year journey, from the engaging world of conference interpreting to the fulfilling realm of community interpreting. A deep dive into her research unveils the absolute need for a macro-level understand ..read more

Have you ever wondered how a child growing up in Tehran, Iran, speaking Armenian and Farsi, could end up as a well-rounded interpreter in the United States? Well, that’s exactly the fascinating journey our guest, Hemi Pariyani has taken. She started off leading a group of dancers and singers at a summer concert in Iran, and dreamt of becoming a connector and mediator in the world. Her childhood experiences and aspirations, coupled with wide-ranging professional roles—ranging from a British civil engineering company to customer service and leadership roles—have shaped her into an interpreter ex ..read more

Our latest podcast episode brings you the extraordinary interpreter story of Richard Avilés, a man whose journey from the stunning beaches of Puerto Rico, to the freezing winters of Missouri, to serving as a military policeman is nothing short of inspiring. His tale is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of language. Richard's life began in Puerto Rico, where he enjoyed the simple pleasures of island life, taking the beach for granted until he moved to Missouri. The transition from the tropical warmth of Puerto Rico to the icy cold of Missouri was just one of the significant shift ..read more

Imagine overcoming a disability and thriving in a world that may not always understand or accommodate your needs. In this empowering conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jamey Cook, a blind interpreter who has done just that. Join me as Jamey shares her journey of defying expectations, learning languages, and advocating for accessibility in various aspects of her life. Throughout our discussion, Jamey recounts her experiences growing up, being mainstreamed from preschool to high school, and adapting to her unique circumstances in order to excel in her education and career. We als ..read more