Parking Lot Debrief

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 w...

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...

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 sha...

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 inter...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica, Ivy, and Jieli—three emerging interpreters navigating their first few years in the field. We talk about navigating their first jobs, impostor syndrome, and proving themselves in a field where experience rules. We dive into age bias, agency struggles, feedback challenges, and their hopes for themselves and the future of interpreting. An inspiring convo that...

CEU’s available: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com   Contact: parkinglotdebrief@gmail.com CEUparkinglotdebrief@gmail.com

This week, I’m honored to welcome Michelle Mansfield-Hom, a Deaf clinical herbalist 🌿✨, for a conversation that dives deep into the world of herbal healing, interpreting, and the Deaf experience. We explore how tinctures, teas, and flower essences can help interpreters stay grounded and resilient, even in the face of stress, anxiety, and vicarious trauma. Michelle shares insights on the importan...

Episode Info: In this episode, I chat with Amanda Smith about her podcast, Amanda’s Musings , and its first season, The Connected Interpreter . We explore the “why” behind it, who it’s for, and what’s ahead. We also dive into her journey as an interpreter educator—how the field has evolved, where we’re excelling, and where there’s room to grow. From working with students and fostering critical thi...

Episode Info: This week, I’m joined by Sarah Blattberg and Kirk Neuroth for an insightful conversation on interpreting into English for Deaf professionals. We dive into trust, transparency, and content knowledge—exploring how we prepare, refine our English register, and ensure the Deaf presenter remains the focus. From specialized terminology to mimicking professional dialogue styles, we discuss t...

This week we chat about how the yoga lifestyle can benefit sign language interpreters. We discuss how the physical, mental and emotional load of this career can wear on our bodies.  Jen shares the array of services she provides and advice for interpreters to help them with aches and pains that come along with our work. Contact info: Website: www.jenkaganyoga.com   Facebook group: ‘Yoga for Sign la...

In this episode, Chazz and I dive into the fast-paced world of sports interpreting! From K-12 settings to working with coaches, Deaf players, and technical jargon. We explore the unique challenges of interpreting on the field, in the locker room, and beyond. We discuss dynamics at play, like being a female interpreter for a male football team.  Plus the joys, struggles, and sports signs that we le...

This week we chat about interpreting in mainstream settings for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students that have experienced language deprivation.  Anna gives us an overview about what language deprivation is and how educational interpreters can most effectively interpret for these students. Instagram: diving.into.deaf.ed Article Mentioned: https://open.bu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/cfd133af-4ed7-4...

**ASL Version on Youtube Interpreter Income Survey – Share Your Input! How much do ASL interpreters really make? How does cost of living impact rates? The Interpreter Income survey is gathering real data to fill the information gap. We briefly explore why pay transparency matters, the impact on interpreters and the Deaf community, and how you can help shape the future of this work. If you earned m...

This week we chat about the joys and struggles of teaching in an Interpreter Training Program.  This casual conversation covers vulnerable topics, heartfelt moments with students and our own struggles with the current ITP/IPP system.  Deaf Spotlight: https://www.boardmeasure.com/ And. https://www.suncyclebakery.com/ CEU's for this episode: https://www.parkinglotdebrief.com/ceus/p/april CEU’s a...

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Don Miller, a Certified Deaf Interpreter and ASL instructor, about the invaluable role of CDIs in the interpreting field. We explore what he wishes hearing interpreters understood, the complexities of our work—both separately and together—and his vision for a CDI training program. Don shares the unique perspective of DeafBlind CDIs, who navigate the dual...

This week we chat about the ‘interpreter shortage’ study conducted by Cameo Hunsaker who is with the Arizona Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Cameo explains her research  which used the framework of the ‘Tseng model of professionalization’.  We walk through the characteristics that make a field truly professionalized and talk through where ASL interpreters are in that journey. Contact info...

This week we chat about the ‘interpreter shortage’ study conducted by Cameo Hunsaker who is with the Arizona Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Cameo explains her research  which used the framework of the ‘Tseng model of professionalization’.  We walk through the characteristics that make a field truly professionalized and talk through where ASL interpreters are in that journey. Contact info...

🚗 Welcome to Parking Lot Debrief ! 🎙️ Hey y’all, I’m Andrea, and this is Parking Lot Debrief —a podcast bringing those post-assignment parking lot conversations to the wider interpreting community. This is a space for raw, real discussions with experts, colleagues, and friends about the work we do, the struggles we face, and how we can grow together. From the certification gap and interpreter pay...

**A New Podcast!!!** The Parking Lot Debrief podcast aims to bring those ‘post assignment stand in the parking lot’ discussions to the community at large. This podcast is a collection of conversations with practitioners in the field and a space for resource sharing.  For interpreters, by interpreters, to better ourselves for the communities we work with. www.parkinglotdebrief.com