Parking Lot Debrief

In this episode, I’m joined by a few certified hearing interpreters and a certified Deaf interpreter who share their experiences working in the White House during the Biden administration. We dive into what it’s like interpreting in high-stakes, highly visible settings, including the demands of preparation, navigating complex political language, and maintaining neutrality under pressure. The conversation also explores CDI/HI team dynamics, the realities of government work, and the logistics, security, and expectations that come with interpreting at this level—along with a few real-life stories that highlight both the challenges and rewards of the work.
Elsie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsiesue/ 

Deaf Spotlight: 
Maryland deaf community center: https://www.deafmdcc.org/ 
Deaf DAWN: https://deafdawn.org/ 
WASLI: https://wasli.org/

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