Parking Lot Debrief

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/

In this episode, I sit down with Stacey and Petra to talk about how we're training the next generation of interpreters and ASL practitioners. We dig into the exciting new direction at the University of Kansas, and the reframe that's happening in interpreter education. 
Instead of treating ASL and Deaf Studies as a stepping stone to interpreting, what if we centered them as the real foundation? We also get into the joys and headaches of running a 4-year program, staffing and the very real barrier that tuition costs create. 
Deaf Spotlight: 
National ASL Education of Heritage Language Learners: https://naslehl.org/

Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture: https://www.museumofdeaf.org/

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/

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/

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/