Parking Lot Debrief

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.com
Deaf 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 Program
Deaf Spotlight: 
The Daily Moth: https://www.dailymoth.com/