Brand the Interpreter - podcast cover

Brand the Interpreter

What if La Malinche—the Indigenous woman who famously served as interpreter and advisor to Hernán Cortés during the Spanish conquest of Mexico—could share her stories? Imagine the insights and experiences she could offer about the power of language and navigating the complexities of two worlds. That’s the spirit behind the Brand the Interpreter Podcast!

Hosted by Mireya Pérez, an interpreter and personal brand advocate, this podcast gives today’s interpreters a platform to share their own fascinating stories, challenges, and triumphs. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the world of interpreting, from navigating high-stakes conversations to facilitating cross-cultural understanding, offering listeners a glimpse into the lives of the professionals who bring meaning across languages.

Whether you’re an interpreter, a bilingual professional, or simply curious about the magic that happens behind the scenes, Brand the Interpreter immerses you in the stories of language professionals making an impact every day. It’s more than just a podcast—it’s a celebration of language, connection, and the vital human element that makes communication possible.

Join us to explore how the power of language, driven by human connection, shapes understanding, opens new worlds, and transforms perspectives, revealing the deeper truths that unite us all.

Episodes

Is Language Access at Risk? Bruce Adelson Weighs In

The stroke of a pen in Washington D.C. sent ripples through the language access community earlier this year. When Executive Order 13166 was rescinded after nearly a quarter century, many interpreters and language professionals feared the worst. What would happen to language access rights? Would limited English proficient communities lose vital protections? In this illuminating conversation, former Department of Justice Senior Trial Attorney Bruce Adelson cuts through the confusion with clarity a...

Jun 13, 202554 minSeason 8Ep. 114

Listen Silently: The Inner World of an Interpreter with Ryohei Onishi

What does it truly mean to be an interpreter in the deepest sense? Is it merely transferring words between languages, or something far more profound? Ryohei Onishi, returning guest and two-time TEDx speaker from Japan, takes us on a transformative journey through the evolution of his understanding of interpretation. Five years after his first talk on "de-verbalization," Ryohei's perspective has deepened into something more spiritual – what it means to truly become "the voice of others." The cata...

Mar 28, 202556 minSeason 8Ep. 113

Vision, Language, and Inspiration: Ahmad Jaafil's Story

Discover the remarkable journey of Ahmad Jaafil, who transformed his life after facing serious challenges, including significant vision loss. In this inspiring episode of Brand the Interpreter, we celebrate five years of storytelling, exploring how Ahmad's passion for language and determination to advocate for himself fueled his success in the interpreting profession. From an early age, Ahmad showed a deep interest in English, partly due to the influence of American television and video games. T...

Feb 28, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 8Ep. 112

The Reflection Room: More Than Just a Hustle with Corinne McKay

In today's Reflection Room, we revisit Episode #111: The Business Mindset: More than Just a Hustle and recap on some great strategies Corrine shared with us. Such as: Freelancing is a journey requiring resilience, effective marketing, and continuous growth. • Resilience is crucial for freelance success • Proactive self-marketing is essential for attracting clients • Targeting specific niches can lead to steady work • Crafting concise, client-focused communication is vital • Joining professional ...

Jan 24, 202514 min

The Reflection Room: Interpreting Live Television with Denise Bobadilha

Welcome Back to the Reflection Room! This bite-sized episode offers a quick and engaging glimpse into the key highlights, thought-provoking moments, and valuable takeaways from Episode #108: The Emotional Toll and Triumphs of Live Interpreting with Denise Bobadilha . Designed for listeners on the go, The Reflection Room condenses the conversation into a brief, impactful reflection, perfect for sparking curiosity or revisiting the main ideas. Tune in for an insightful recap and then dive into the...

Jan 10, 202514 min

Season 7 Finale with Host Mireya Pérez

As we close out Season 7 of Brand the Interpreter, I take a moment to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of 2024. In this heartfelt finale, I share personal stories, the moments that reminded me why this podcast matters and my gratitude to all of you - listeners, guests, and supporters - who've made this journey possible. I'll also take a look back at some of the highlights from this season, revisiting memorable moments and impactful conversations that have shaped this year. Plus, hear what'...

Dec 30, 202427 min

The Reflection Room: Transforming Schools for Multilingual Success

Welcome Back to the Reflection Room! This bite-sized episode offers a quick and engaging glimpse into the key highlights, thought-provoking moments, and valuable takeaways from Transforming Schools for Multilingual Success with Mark Byrne . Designed for listeners on the go, The Reflection Room condenses the conversation into a brief, impactful reflection, perfect for sparking curiosity or revisiting the main ideas. Tune in for an insightful recap and then dive into the full episode for the compl...

Dec 27, 202418 min

Transforming Schools for Multilingual Success with Mark Byrne

Unlock the secrets of effective language access in education with our guest, Mark Byrne, a dedicated language access consultant. From a life-changing experience in Peru to a flourishing career in language access advocacy, Mark's journey is both inspiring and informative. In this episode, he shares personal stories and professional insights about building inclusive environments for multilingual students and families at the K-12 level. Discover how strategic language access planning not only foste...

Dec 20, 202459 minSeason 7Ep. 108

The Reflection Room: A Journey of War, Love, and Entrepreneurship

Welcome to the Reflection Room! In this inaugural episode, we’re diving deeper into the themes and moments from A Journey of War, Love, and Entrepreneurship. Join our two fictional hosts as they explore the challenges, emotions, and key takeaways that stood out most from the previous episode! Think of it as an intimate post-show conversation, where we reflect on the experiences shared and discuss how they resonate in the world of interpreting. Whether it’s unpacking ethical dilemmas, emotional m...

Dec 16, 202422 min

A Journey of War, Love and Entrepreneurship with Ana and Jordi Vidales

What happens when love and resilience intersect in the midst of chaos? Ana and Jordi Vidales found themselves in the heart of civil war in El Salvador, their lives forever changed yet intertwined by fate. As high school sweethearts torn apart by conflict, their journey eventually led them to Chicago, where they rekindled their connection and built both a family and a business. Their story is one of overcoming adversity and finding strength in each other, a testament to the enduring power of hope...

Nov 29, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 7Ep. 114

AI Meets Language Services: Opportunities and Dilemmas with Holly Silvestri

Unlock the secrets of integrating AI in language services with our latest episode featuring Dr. Holly Silvestri from the Safe AI Task Force. Gain insights into the innovative applications of AI in translating and interpreting, particularly in community settings. You'll discover how AI is transforming industry standards and explore the ethical and security considerations of using AI when handling sensitive materials. Dr. Silvestri shares her expertise on harnessing AI effectively, helping languag...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 7Ep. 113

Enhancing Language Access in U.S. Schools with Judy Cortés

Sponsored Episode Ever wondered how a young girl from Uruguay could rise to become a leading figure in the U.S. interpreting and education world? Join us as Judy Cortés opens up about her captivating journey from her early days in Paysandú and Montevideo to the unexpected cultural shocks of Los Angeles. Judy recalls her family's vibrant international restaurant, her strict yet enriching education, and the linguistic skills she honed along the way—all of which set the stage for her remarkable car...

Sep 13, 202449 minSeason 7Ep. 112

The Business Mindset: More Than Just a Hustle with Corinne McKay

Unlock the secrets of a rewarding career in translation and interpreting with our special guest, Corinne McKay. From her fascinating childhood across Southern California, New York, and New Jersey to her family's incredible feat of fostering over 110 animals since COVID, Corinne's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how her childhood dream of being a poet evolved into a thriving career in translation and interpreting, complete with a humorous high school memory of translating French p...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 7Ep. 111

From Reluctant Student to Accomplished Interpreter with Maru Lozano

What happens when a childhood spent resisting a second language transforms into a compelling career? Maru Lozano, our guest for this episode, shares her fascinating journey from her upbringing in Puerto Rico to becoming a professional translator, interpreter, and coach. Raised by a US-born father and an influential grandmother who taught English, Maru’s early aversion to learning English took an unexpected turn, molding her into an accomplished interpreter. This episode highlights the twists and...

Jul 26, 202455 minSeason 7Ep. 110

A Caribbean Interpreter's Tale: Language, Career, and Resilience with Gennike Mayers

Can you imagine uprooting your life in pursuit of language and culture, only to find yourself aiding in disaster-stricken Haiti? In this riveting episode of Brand the Interpreter, we sit down with Gennike Mayers, a multilingual language professional whose journey spans from the sugarcane fields of Trinidad to the serene shores of Tobago. Gennike's linguistic prowess in English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole has not only fueled her career as an interpreter but also as an author, speaker, an...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 7Ep. 109

The Emotional Toll and Triumphs of Live Interpreting with Denise Bobadilha

Join me, as I kick off Season 7 of Brand the Interpreter with a heartfelt recount of a challenging period that saw me lose my voice for over a month. This unexpected hiatus taught me the critical importance of listening to our bodies and taking necessary breaks. Amidst this, I navigated significant personal and professional changes, including a sudden move to the East Coast and embracing a new role. This season, I return with renewed energy and an unwavering commitment to bringing you insightful...

Jun 28, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 7Ep. 108

Season 6 Finale with Host Mireya Pérez

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 the r...

Dec 29, 202358 minSeason 6Ep. 107

Q&A: Associations vs Certifying Bodies

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 certifying ...

Dec 22, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 6Ep. 106

Q&A: A Distinction between Certification and Qualification in Interpreting

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 consult...

Dec 08, 202320 minSeason 6Ep. 105

Language Access Services in Non-Profit Organizations with Alisa Pifine

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 victims ...

Nov 10, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 6Ep. 104

Decoding the World of Remote Interpreting: A Deep Dive into the Remote Interpreter Textbook with the Authors

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 the ...

Sep 29, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 6Ep. 103

The Art of Self-Care for Interpreters: Exploring Strategies with Gabriela Bocanete

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 emotio...

Sep 22, 20231 hr 23 minSeason 6Ep. 102

The Essence of Interpreting with Dr. Sofía Garcia-Beyaert

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 community...

Sep 15, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 6Ep. 101

Across Continents and Cultures: An Interpreter's Journey with Hemi Pariyani

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 civil...

Aug 25, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 6Ep. 100

The Dark Side of Interpreting: Insights on human trafficking with Richard Aviles

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 from ...

Aug 11, 20231 hr 24 minSeason 6Ep. 99

The Intricacies of Implementing Language Access in Schools with Prof. Bruce Adelson

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, we'...

Jul 21, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 6Ep. 98

Interpreting with All Five Senses with Darinka Mangino

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 enlighte...

Jul 14, 20231 hr 31 minSeason 6Ep. 97

Thriving as an Interpreter Amid AI Advancements with Dr. Jonathan Downie

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 and d...

Jun 23, 202347 minSeason 6Ep. 95

Lessons from a Blind Interpreter with Jamey Cook

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 sch...

Jun 16, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 6Ep. 94

A Respected Profession with Jessie Liu

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 skil...

Jun 02, 20231 hr 14 minSeason 6Ep. 93
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