Parking Lot Debrief

💼✨ In this episode, we dive into the business side of interpreting — taxes, income, and staying organized as a freelancer. From understanding the difference between W-2 and 1099 work, to setting aside money for quarterly taxes, to what deductions actually mean (explained simply!), we break it all down. You’ll also get practical tips on bookkeeping, bank account setups, and tools to keep your finances in order — plus a free resource list to help you start strong. Whether you’re staff or freelance, this convo will help you feel more confident about the money side of interpreting.

Rosemary’s Info:  QuickGuideTax.com 
0.1 GS CEU self-study course to help interpreters cope with loss of work due to the government shutdown: quickguidetax.com/shutdown.

Deaf Spotlight: 
- Dozanu Innovations: https://dozanu.com/
- The ASL Shop: https://www.theaslshop.com/

This episode looks at how freelance vs. staff interpreting aligns with our personalities, and how we continue to show up when we’re carrying grief, heartbreak, or heavy life news on the job. Jose joins the conversation to name tokenism, allyship, and the extra burden of self-advocacy placed on interpreters from marginalized communities, while challenging us to practice real self-reflection, accountability, and responsibility for our growth and the future of the field.
Deaf Spotlight:Lotz of BBQ: https://lotzofbbqtx.com/
👉 CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

Legal interpreting goes way beyond the courtroom. It’s intense, technical, emotionally heavy — and incredibly meaningful work. In this convo, we unpack the realities: mastering legal English, navigating jargon, handling high-pressure environments, and the myth that “legal signs” exist.
We talk gatekeeping, the need for diverse legal interpreters (including CDIs), the challenges of limited staffing, and how to hold your ground with courts and counties that don’t always get it.
Contact Anna: [email protected]
Deaf Spotlight: Hands On Travel: https://handson.travel/ 
👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

🌲 “Off the Grid, On the Job: Interpreting Outdoors”
Wanda (hearing), Sam (Deaf) and I talk about what it take. to be an interpreter in the wilderness? From camps and conservation projects to climbing walls and multi-day trips, outdoor interpreting demands more than language skills.
In this episode, we dive into:
What outdoor interpreting can look like

Unique demands and settings (hiking, boats, climbing, biking)

Boundaries, safety, and teamwork on multi-day trips

Self-care when the work is physically and mentally demanding

Deaf Spotlight: 
Deaf Way Colorado - https://deafway.co/
Corps That - https://corpsthat.org/

👉  CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com

In this episode, we sit down with Lee and Martin—members of the BEI Advisory Board—to discuss what interpreters really need to know about the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification. They break down test logistics, levels, misconceptions, and raters’ expectations in a refreshingly honest way. Whether you’re prepping for Basic or aiming for Master, this convo dives into the English TEP, performance tips, and test-day mindset (spoiler: confidence is key). 
Deaf Spotlight: 
Deaf artisans market day (DAMD): https://deafartisanmarketday.com/ 

BEI Resources: 
Texas BEI 
Study Guide
BEI Recommended Levels
BEI Recommended Levels Michigan
BEI Rater Open Enrollment

👉 CEU's available here: www.parkinglotdebrief.com