Lessons from Experience: 10 tidbits for Interpreters

Lessons from Experience: 10 tidbits for Interpreters

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/ [https://asdb.az.gov/]

From Burnout to Insight: InterpretReflect - A tool for interpreters

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/

Interpreting While Fat: Access, Identity, and Marginalization of Interpreters of Size

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/ [https://laurielandry.com/]

Unpacking the Hidden Layers of Interpreting Agencies

In this episode, I chat with Sign Language Studios LLC about what really happens behind the scenes at interpreting agencies. We unpack how CEUs are created, who decides who's qualified to present, and how agencies juggle supporting Deaf clients, interpreters, and hearing entities all at once, all while ensuring access and quality stay at the forefront. We also dive into pay transparency, subcontracting and what they wish both interpreters and the Deaf community understood about agency work. A real, honest look at the inner workings of agencies and CEUs! Sign Language Studios: https://www.signlanguagestudiosllc.com [https://www.signlanguagestudiosllc.com] Instagram: @signlanguagestudiosllc Deaf Spotlight: https://www.whitedfamilyfarm.com/ [https://www.whitedfamilyfarm.com/]

Dear Interpreters…. An honest convo with Deaf friends.

In this powerful conversation, I meet with Jac and Sabrina, my Deaf friends and working Deaf professionals as they reflect on their real-life experiences with ASL interpreters — from moments of deep connection to situations where interpreters caused harm. They share how interpreter privilege shows up, and what they wish every interpreter understood. We cover: ✨ Why interpreter fit matters ⚡ Interpreter power + privilege 🤝 How trust is built (or broken) A must-listen for interpreters who care about community, connection, and accountability. Deaf Spotlight: - DOVE: https://deafdove.org/ - Inner Alignment Leadership (IAL): https://www.inneralignmentleadership.com