Episodes
As your guide through the intricate world of language and interpretation, I, Mireya Pérez, extend a warm invitation to join an auditory expedition into the heart of our profession on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast. This season's tapestry weaves emotional self-care with Francisca "Mana" Hoce's wisdom, historical dives into the deaf community's technological strides, and the labyrinths of Indigenous languages with Eulogio Espinoza. Together, we've navigated the personal and systemic; from...
Published 12/29/23
Published 12/29/23
As we approach the final stretch of Brand the Interpreter's sixth season, I am thrilled to share an answer episode to a question submitted by listener Laura González in Pennsylvania, a query that mirrors many of your own curiosities and experiences. This exchange symbolizes the interactive and dynamic nature of the podcast, where listener engagement has continually shaped the conversation. I hope you find this episode relevant and useful in understanding the world of associations and...
Published 12/22/23
Ever wondered about the difference between being a qualified interpreter and a certified interpreter? Perhaps you're an interpreter looking to further your career or maybe you're an individual or business in need of interpreter services? Either way, we promise you'll gain clarity in our latest episode of the Brand the Interpreter Podcast.  As we navigate further into the labyrinth of interpretation qualifications, we reach out to two seasoned professionals in the field - a language access...
Published 12/08/23
Today's enriching conversation with Alisa Pifine, director of language access services for Catholic Charities in Louisville, Kentucky, gives a detailed insight into the evolution of language access in her community. From working at a credit union to becoming a crucial part of a non-profit organization, Alisa's journey is truly inspiring. She talks about the language access program at Catholic Charities, underlining the vital role of trained interpreters, especially in legal settings for...
Published 11/10/23
Imagine living in a world where technological advancements have revolutionized the profession of interpreting. This tantalizing episode features an enlightening conversation with the authors of a groundbreaking textbook on remote interpreting. We uncover how digital technology has not only modified the profession but also introduced a spectrum of competency levels among interpreters. The authors share their personal stories of collaboration on the textbook, and we take you on a tour through...
Published 09/29/23
What if there was a way to overcome the grueling challenges faced by interpreters and emerge from each assignment with energy to spare? That's exactly what we're exploring in today's episode with our special guest, Gabriela Bocanete. A veteran conference interpreter, trainer extraordinaire, and health coach, Gabriela is here to share a wealth of self-care strategies for interpreters. Her practical advice ranges from the importance of breaks and fresh air to ward off fatigue, to mental and...
Published 09/22/23
Unlock the secrets of interpreting with Dr. Sofía Garcia-Beyaert, a leading figure in the discipline of interpreting and a professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Imagine the power of communicative autonomy: this is the intriguing concept we examine, revealing its profound impact on interpreters and ultimately, the families they serve. Travel with us through Dr. Sofia's impressive 25-year journey, from the engaging world of conference interpreting to the fulfilling realm of...
Published 09/15/23
Have you ever wondered how a child growing up in Tehran, Iran, speaking Armenian and Farsi, could end up as a well-rounded interpreter in the United States? Well, that’s exactly the fascinating journey our guest, Hemi Pariyani has taken. She started off leading a group of dancers and singers at a summer concert in Iran, and dreamt of becoming a connector and mediator in the world. Her childhood experiences and aspirations, coupled with wide-ranging professional roles—ranging from a British...
Published 08/25/23
Our latest podcast episode brings you the extraordinary interpreter story of Richard Avilés, a man whose journey from the stunning beaches of Puerto Rico, to the freezing winters of Missouri, to serving as a military policeman is nothing short of inspiring. His tale is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of language. Richard's life began in Puerto Rico, where he enjoyed the simple pleasures of island life, taking the beach for granted until he moved to Missouri. The transition...
Published 08/11/23
Prepare for an intellectual journey with Professor Bruce Adelson, a seasoned expert in language services and non-discrimination law enforcement, as we passionately dissect the intricate world of language access in education. Are you aware of the crucial role the Department of Justice plays in implementing non-discrimination laws? Buckle up as we unfold this and more, enlightening you about the potential pitfalls of solely depending on bilingual staff for language access in schools. Moreover,...
Published 07/21/23
Let's immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of professional interpretation with Darinka Mangino, a seasoned interpreter from Mexico City. With over 25 years of experience, Darinka captivates listeners with stories about her childhood and how her upbringing in Mexico City helped shape her passion for languages. An early exposure to the Montessori system of education and the multilingualism of her parents laid the groundwork for her journey into the realm of interpreting. Let  Darinka...
Published 07/14/23
Subscriber-only episode Are we on the brink of a revolution in the world of interpreting? And no, I am not referring to the topic of AI in the interpreting industry. What if you could converse with other species or decipher near extinct languages? Brace yourselves, because this short episode of the podcast explores these very possibilities. I also delve into the buzz around creating a safety task force for ethical AI in interpreting. If you missed their first meeting, don’t worry, I've...
Published 06/28/23
Have you ever felt like you were on the wrong path in your interpreting career? Dr. Jonathan Downie joins us once again to share his inspiring journey of rediscovering his passion for church interpreting and overcoming mental health challenges along the way. You won't want to miss the valuable insights he shares about reevaluating your career choices and finding a healthy work-life balance. As we delve deeper into our conversation, we discuss the impact of AI on the interpreting profession...
Published 06/23/23
Imagine overcoming a disability and thriving in a world that may not always understand or accommodate your needs. In this empowering conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jamey Cook, a blind interpreter who has done just that. Join me as Jamey shares her journey of defying expectations, learning languages, and advocating for accessibility in various aspects of her life. Throughout our discussion, Jamey recounts her experiences growing up, being mainstreamed from preschool to high...
Published 06/16/23
Can you imagine being told by a fortune teller that you would have a career in speaking and then actually making it happen? That's the story of Jessie Liu, a court-certified Mandarin interpreter, conference interpreter, and advocate for the T&I profession. Join us as we explore her fascinating journey from growing up in a family of musicians to becoming a highly skilled interpreter, overcoming language barriers, and even boldly moving to England at the age of 14 with no English language...
Published 06/02/23
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ledesma, a language access and equity expert with a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Dr. Ledesma discusses his personal background and experiences with language and cultural diversity, as well as his research on language access and equity in public education. He emphasizes the need for a strategic and systematic approach to managing quality communication with families who speak languages other than English, and the...
Published 05/19/23
Subscriber-only episode Hello, hello exclusive listeners! Today I'll be touching on a question that often plays in my head rent free whenever I begin going down the path of negative thinking. Tune in and see if this resonates with you. Till next time! ~Mireya Thanks for tuning in, till next time! 👋 Subscribe to Exclusive access to premium content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/839080/supporters/new Connect with Mireya Pérez, Host www.brandtheinterpreter.com Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
Published 05/12/23
In this fascinating podcast episode, I delve into the life and career of Professor Mikkelson, a renowned expert in the field of interpreting and translating. The interview covers a wide range of topics, from Professor Mikkelson's childhood memories and early aspirations to her work as a court interpreter and her hopes for the future of community interpreting. Listeners will be captivated by Professor Mikkelson's personal story, which begins in the beautiful state of Oregon. Growing up, she...
Published 04/28/23
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing a very special guest who was once a cryptologic linguist in the military and an interpreter in educational settings, but her experience doesn't stop there. Today's guest shares her inspiring story of growing up in Houston, Texas, and how she discovered her passion for language. She also discusses the challenges and importance of professionalizing the interpreting and translating industry, particularly in educational settings. One of the...
Published 04/21/23
In this podcast episode, the host engages in a conversation with Dr. Bill Rivers, a highly respected advocate for language access and diversity. Dr. Rivers shares his extensive background and sheds light on the importance of acculturation over assimilation, the negative effects of shaming students for speaking their home language, and the challenges faced by language access providers due to insufficient funding. Additionally, he highlights the numerous benefits of being bilingual and...
Published 04/14/23
For nearly 50 years the term Limited English Proficient (LEP) has been continuously used to refer to our multilingual communities since it was first coined in the Lau vs. Nichols Supreme Court case of 1974.  As we shift towards a better understanding and appreciation of multilingualism, perhaps it's time we start having conversations about a shift in terminology that more positively reflects our communities that speak a language other than English. In today's enriching conversation I have...
Published 03/17/23
A Colombian native, Carolina Romero Ramirez is a passionate linguist on a mission to provide language access. In her roles as both Spanish teacher and community interpreter, she has interacted with diverse communities on the east and west coasts of the USA. She is a firm believer in continuing education and professional development and recently received her second master's degree with a focus on translation and interpretation. Today she's here to share her story and the steps she took in...
Published 03/10/23
Joana is a Luso-American Latina helping organizations provide quality language and cultural services to Latino, immigrant, BIPOC, and Limited-English Proficient communities. For over ten years, She has worked with healthcare, education, public health, and community organizations in multiculturalism, health & social disparities, Diversity & Inclusion, and intercultural communication. After graduating from Rush University with a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Joana started working...
Published 02/24/23
Subscriber-only episode Happy 3 year anniversary Brand the Interpreter listeners! So happy you're here. On today's subcsriber-only episode I will be sharing with you some behind the scenes information, my moments of imposter syndrome with the podcast journey, the importance of starting messy, and the feeling of fear.       I hope you enjoy this special episode! Your host,  Mireya Thanks for tuning in, till next time! 👋 Subscribe to Exclusive access to premium...
Published 02/20/23