Brand the Interpreter
by Mireya Perez
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 pr
Episodes
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A French-English Interpreter’s Blueprint For Finding New Markets with Jeremy Gerin
A lot of interpreters are told to “network more” or “find a niche,” but nobody explains what that looks like on Tuesday morning when you need work on the calendar. We sit down with Jeremy Gerin, a French-English translator and interpreter based in Charleston, South Carolina, to get specific about...
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Interpreter 2.0 Mindset with Dr. Bernard Song
A speaker’s mic cuts out, the Wi‑Fi stutters, and you’re still expected to deliver clean, confident interpreting. That pressure is real, and it’s exactly why we invited Dr. Bernard Song to the show. He’s a conference interpreter with 25 years in the booth, a PhD in computer engineering, and the...
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Down the Rabbit Hole with Dr. Ozum Arzik Erzurumlu
A childhood spent among Greek, Turkish, and Jewish neighbors can turn language into a way of being. That spirit runs through a candid, wide‑ranging conversation with conference interpreter, researcher, and choir singer Dr. Ozum Arzik Erzurumlu, whose path stretches from lyric notebooks and...
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Burnout To Purpose with Heidi Leal
What do you do when the work that once felt like a calling starts to drain you dry? I sit down with Heidi Leal to follow a courageous pivot from school counseling into professional interpreting, a shift sparked by a year of volunteering in Guatemala that reignited her sense of service and…
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Pressure, Presence, Meaning with Alain Breton
A trilingual childhood, a summer camp “gig” for a few bucks, and then a single moment that changed everything: the mic flipped on, and Alain Breton realized interpreting had a name and a future. I sit down with Alain to unpack how a life steeped in French, Spanish, and English turned into a craft...
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Evolving the Craft with Vladimir Kits
Ever wonder how a childhood love of RPGs could shape a world-class interpreting mindset? We sit down with conference interpreter Vladimir Kits to unpack a journey powered by curiosity, deliberate practice, and the habit of stepping inside someone else’s perspective. From snow-locked northern…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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!…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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Communicative Equity with Dr. Dominic Ledesma
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...
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Trial by Fire with Holly Mikkelson
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...
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Navigating Language Competency as Heritage Speakers with Gabriela Siebach
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...
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From Translator to Lobbyist with Dr. Bill Rivers
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…
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A Shift in Terminology with Dr. Casey Lion, Dr. Corrie McDaniel, and Dr. Desiree Yeboah
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…
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Adapting New Technologies with Carolina Romero Ramirez
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...
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The Inner Dialogue of Multiculturalism with Joana Tudela
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...
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Inspiring Creativity with Joey Cofone
Joey Cofone is the Founder & CEO of Baronfig, an award-winning designer and entrepreneur, and author of #1 bestselling The Laws of Creativity. Joey strives to make work that appeals to curious minds—work that’s beautiful, smart, and communicative. He believes that design is the least of a...
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Indigenous Interpreting with Eulogio Espinoza
Today's episode brings us Eulogio Espinoza an indigenous Mixteco language interpreter. Eulogio has been a professional interpreter for close to a decade. He's currently the Interpreter Coordinator at Centro Binacional (CBDIO), a non-profit organization working with the indigenous communities in...
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The Linguistic Minority with Sarah Baker
**Please note that the descriptions referred to in this program apply to certain groups within the Deaf community and are not meant to define the entire population at large.** As a second-generation ASL interpreter, Sarah Baker passionately provides equal access for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing...
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Mindful Interpreting with Francisca (Mana) Hoces
Francisca Hoces (Mana) is a Spanish consecutive remote interpreter. She is a certified yoga teacher with Yoga Soul Monkeys, RYS 200 hrs. She taught for years at an addiction recovery center, both acting and yoga. Francisca has a passion for learning and is continuously working to improve. Now…
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Season 5 Finale with Mireya Pérez
It's surreal to think that another season came and went for Brand the Interpreter. This season was filled with so many more amazing guests. I had the chance to speak with professionals of all stages in their interpreting journeys. I feel so honored and humbled that people have chosen this…
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The Messy Side of Interpreting with Razan Roumany
Razan Roumany is a medical interpreter who is also trained in remote simultaneous interpretation. Although she specializes in medical interpretation, she has also interpreted for lawyers, teachers, social workers, and even a psychologist in a correctional facility. Having grown up as an...
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Knocking on Doors with Carlos Nuñez
Today’s conversation is with Carlos Nuñez, a court-certified Spanish interpreter and a qualified medical interpreter with the Oregon Health Authority. Carlos grew up in Mexico and studied General Business at Eastern Michigan University. He is the president-elect for the Oregon Health Care...
About this show
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 pr
Hosted by
Mireya Perez