NCIHC's Podcast Station

In this episode of Interpreting in Healthcare, we welcome Hans Verrept, a distinguished scholar in Germanic Philology and Social & Cultural Anthropology, and a long-time leader at Belgium’s Federal Public Service for Health. For more than two decades, Hans has directed the Intercultural Mediation and Diversity Management unit, overseeing Belgium’s national programme for intercultural mediation in healthcare. He has contributed as a consultant to the EU Council of Europe and the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe.Join us as we dig into his rich experience with migration, health, and culture: his anthropological research into healthcare access for the Moroccan community in Belgium, his practical work designing intercultural mediation frameworks in clinical settings, and his thoughts on what effective language access and cultural mediation really mean in today’s healthcare environment.Whether you’re an interpreter, a language access manager, a healthcare provider, or simply passionate about equitable communication in care, you’ll walk away with new perspectives on how linguistics, culture, policy, and human connection intersect in the health-care space.Tune in to gain key take-aways on:How cultural mediation differs from standard interpreting and why it matters.Real-world examples of mediation in multilingual healthcare settings.The evolving role of interpreters, mediators, and language professionals in shifting healthcare landscapes.Listen and subscribe on the NCIHC platform or YouTube channel. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that bridges academia, policy, and hands-on mediation work.

This month’s episode of the Interpreting in Healthcare podcast, sponsored by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC), welcomes a powerhouse of language access expertise—namely, Manuel Higginbotham — LBBP, CHI™-Spanish.Manuel brings 27+ years of frontline experience in language access, working passionately to improve care for Limited English Proficient individuals. From training interpreters and crafting language‐access programs for more than 140 hospitals, to leading interpreter teams (including the first program with 100% dually nationally certified staff), Manuel’s career spans consulting, ownership of a language services company, and leadership in healthcare for large hospital systems.He currently directs the Language Access Services Department at the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. His languages? Spanish, English and Portuguese.In this episode, you’ll hear:Manuel’s journey into healthcare language access and what drove him to lead.Inside stories of building new alliances and creating equity in access across communities.A peek into how top-tier hospitals approach language access and the strategies that make a real difference—like hosting your own conference on the medical center’s campus when budget constraints don’t allow you to pay for staff to attend professional events.A forward-looking take on where our profession is headed—and how YOU can stay ahead.Whether you’re an interpreter, trainer, program manager, or advocate for language equity, this conversation is packed with actionable insight and inspiration.Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify or wherever you get podcasts and don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in our field.

With 15+ years in healthcare interpreting, translation, and program development, Dr. Nosamiefan brings a rare cross-sector perspective that spans language access, emerging technologies, policy, and on-the-ground interpreter operations. He’s now leading the charge to establish the first PhD program in Medical Interpreting, aimed at boosting academic research, leadership, and policy in our field — and elevating interpreting to new heights of professional and scholarly recognition.Tune in to discover:🔹 The intersection of technology + language access: What’s next, and what must we guard against?🔹 What a doctoral-level program in Medical Interpreting could mean for the future of our profession and for equitable care🔹 Real-world stories: the successes, challenges and innovations in language access from someone who sees it from both caregiver & interpreter-program perspectivesWhether you’re a healthcare interpreter, program manager, language-access advocate, or simply passionate about equitable communication in care — this episode is for you.Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or visit ncihc.org/podcasts to catch up and share with your network!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ana Soler, Co-Chair of the National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Languages (NAETISL) and Founder of SeSo, Inc. In this episode, Ana speaks with Eliana Lobo, President of NCIHC and Chair of the Standards and Training Committee, about the vital intersection between education and healthcare interpreting.Ana shares insights from her groundbreaking work in interpreter education and certification, including the development of national training programs for interpreters in schools and her leadership in creating a research-based certification for interpreters in education. Together, Eliana and Ana explore how collaboration across sectors can strengthen language access and ensure that multilingual students and families receive equitable support.Tune in to hear about Ana’s journey—from her roots in social work and public health to her doctoral research in special education—and how her vision continues to shape the future of interpreting in both healthcare and educational settings.

"Interpreting in Healthcare", the official podcast of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC), hosted by Eliana Lobo, is back with another inspiring interview!This episode features Anita Coelho Diabate, a nationally certified medical and behavioral health interpreter with nearly 20 years of experience. Anita shares her powerful journey working in a cutting-edge call center at Cambridge Health Alliance, and what it meant to achieve her national certification later in her career — a story that will resonate with many seasoned interpreters still considering taking that step.Tune in for:🔹 Real talk about certification: why it matters, and why it’s never too late🔹 Behind-the-scenes of remote interpreting in a clinical setting🔹 Tips for interpreter professionalism and collaboration with providers🔹 Insights from Anita’s years as a national trainer and advocate A must-listen for interpreters, trainers, and anyone working in language access.NCIHC proudly supports national certification for all healthcare interpreters. Let Anita’s journey empower yours.Available now on your favorite podcast platform or visit ncihc.org/podcast.

"Interpreting in Healthcare" – the official podcast of NCIHC – is back with a thought-provoking conversation you won’t want to miss!Join host Eliana Lobo, President of NCIHC and veteran trainer of healthcare interpreters, as she interviews Susana Bernardo of the University of Coimbra, Portugal.Susana is a seasoned translator with 25+ years of experience and a PhD researcher in Translation Studies. She shares insights from her recent fieldwork in the U.S., discusses her passion for specialized translation in healthcare and technology, and reflects on how interpreter training and research intersect across borders.Tune in to hear:🔹 What translation scholarship in Portugal can teach us🔹 How academic and real-world translation practice inform each other, and how we need to continue to partner and form alliances in the language access world🔹 Her perspectives on interpreter training, education, and international collaborationListen now and enjoy!

Get ready for an insightful conversation between two of the industry's thought leaders: Holly Silvestri and Eliana Lobo! What’s on the Agenda?Shared Journeys and Parallel Paths: From interpreting in a variety of multilingual environments to establishing successful language access businesses Holly and Eliana have remarkably similar journeys. Both have also played pivotal roles in professional organizations—Holly as a co-founder of AAITE and Eliana as the President of NCIHC—demonstrating their deep commitment to the field. Training and Nurturing the Next Generation: Passionate about the future of interpreting, both Holly and Eliana are committed to delivering top-tier education and training to aspiring interpreters, ensuring the highest standards in the industry.Trailblazing Thought Leadership: As influential figures in professional circles, Holly and Eliana don’t just participate—they lead. Eliana was part of the founding Spark group, which gave rise to the Safe AI Task Force, Holly now spearheads its publicity, marketing, and outreach efforts, showcasing their dedication to evolving our industry responsibly.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from two experts who have dedicated their careers to breaking down language barriers and elevating interpretation standards. Whether you're an interpreter, a language enthusiast, or simply curious about the industry, this episode promises to be chock full of valuable perspectives and inspiration!

 And just like that—Two seasoned interpreters turned trainers and business owners finally meet to exchange insights on the future of the interpreting profession, the importance of continuing education, and the growing impact of AI on the industry! Join Catalina Natalini and Eliana Lobo as they explore how to navigate AI's inevitable integration into interpreting. They discuss the importance of raising critical questions about emotional intelligence and the current limitations of AI in delivering nuanced communication. Discover where AI might actually enhance the field—allowing interpreters to focus on complex situations like End-of-Life care, Emergency Room scenarios, delivering difficult news, and other instances requiring culturally sensitive communication. Curious to hear more? Tune in and form your own opinion! 

Exciting News! Our Latest "Interpreting in Healthcare" Podcast Episode Features the Fabulous Ignatius Bau.Have you ever wondered how language access impacts healthcare equity? Tune in to our latest episode of the Interpreting in Healthcare podcast, where we sit down with Ignatius Bau, an expert in both health equity and immigration policy.With years of experience as a civil rights attorney, policy director, and program officer at The California Endowment, Ignatius shares his journey working with advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and national organizations to break down barriers in healthcare. Hear how he’s helped to expand language access and improve care for diverse communities through his work with organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Institute of Medicine, and more.Discover the vital role that language access plays in ensuring equitable healthcare for all, and gain insight from a true leader in the field!Listen now at ncihc.org or catch the episode on YouTube. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation with one of the key voices in health equity!

Tune in to the latest episode of the NCIHC's podcast "Interpreting in Healthcare" with your host, NCIHC President Eliana Lobo, and special guest Jinny Bromberg!Jinny Bromberg, a certified court interpreter since 2004, has been a lifelong advocate for meaningful language access. She’s the visionary behind Bromberg & Associates, an award-winning, internationally recognized language and technology solutions company, offering expertise in over 200 spoken and sign languages.In this episode, Jinny shares her journey from founding Bromberg & Associates in 1999 to growing it into a leader in the industry. She discusses her passion for breaking down language barriers across diverse sectors.Discover how her dedication extends through her work with Linguist Education Online (LEO), providing top-tier training and testing for interpreters and translators globally.Don't miss out on this insightful conversation about the evolving role of interpreters in healthcare and beyond. How can we participate in the evolution of AI in language access in a way that gets us a “seat at the table” long before implementation is announced? How do we partner with those working to develop this technology, and how do we do it in a way that ensures patient safety? Eliana and Jinny both agree with Shirley Chisholm’s words of wisdom, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Jinny also observes, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”.Join in the conversation, and then join us in the fight for language justice!

Join us for an insightful episode of “Interpreting in Healthcare” featuring NCIHC President Eliana Lobo and former NCIHC President Rosanna Balistreri! In this engaging discussion, these two trailblazers dive into their vast experiences, sharing their insights on healthcare interpreting, cultural awareness, and health equity. Eliana, a seasoned interpreter, trainer, and advocate for language access, will be in conversation with Rosanna, a diversity leader and expert in health equity and trauma-informed care. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from these industry pioneers who love what they do!

Discovering Common Ground: When faced with a choice, two diversity trainers and business owners—Berthine Crèvecoeur West and Eliana Lobo—both realized they would choose to attend a Pro-Peace rally over an Anti-War one. They also share a passion for fostering meaningful connections through language access and an unwavering attitude of gratitude which defines their approach.Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of the interpreting profession, the growing influence of AI in the industry, and the vital role of interpreter and translator input in shaping better tools and processes. In a time when breaking out of silos and forging cross-industry partnerships is more important than ever, these conversations are crucial for creating client and patient-centered outcomes.Curious to learn more? Tune in and form your own perspective!

Join us for an engaging episode where thoughtful discussion transforms into a dynamic brainstorming session, sparking an exciting new idea!Curious about this groundbreaking idea? Tune in to find out! Here’s a hint: mark your calendars for these in-person events in 2025: The NCIHC Summit in Portland, Oregon, and the “Paving the Way” Medical Interpreter Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.If you're eager to create change and connect with professionals across the language access field, let's explore how we can make a difference together.Don’t miss out—join us and be part of the conversation!

The one where you get to meet this year’s NCIHC Language Access Champion, Mila Golovine!Not only that, but you get to hear and learn about all the other projects Mila is involved in and working on, including an especially timely group called the AI Task Force. Mila has shared the link to the research results extracted from the first AI Task Force survey, (which was first made public in March of 2024). Please take a look!   Link:   https://safeaitf.org/press/ Come listen to one of the best behind-the-scenes rainmakers as she shares her outlook on what truly matters in our world of language access, and how we can make a difference! (Hint: the word GRATITUDE takes up a lot of space here). Come join us, you’ll be glad you did!

The one where Three Musketeers: Eliana, Jorge and Johanna call for breaking down silos and making friends with allied healthcare workers for the brighter future of language access.Tune in to our two-guest podcast to learn about the important work Jorge (a new language access advocate) and Johanna (a CCHI vice-chair) do at the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI). Would you like to know what made Johanna fall in love with medical interpreting and give it preference over a conference interpreter career?Are you curious how imposter syndrome and exceptional communication skills helped shape Jorge’s professional life? Then you definitely need to listen to our thought-provoking conversation about: Doom and gloom feelings spreading among language professionalsSystemic gaps in the US healthcare system causing blocks to equal medical services for LEP patientsImportance of turning the end users into language access championsInterpreter outsourcing tendencies and their effects on the LSP market The time is now to listen to our podcast, get motivated, stop preaching to the choir and start knocking on the doors to make everyone aware of Title 6. By the end of the day, the one who walks will master the road. Let’s walk together!

The one where Enrica shares true stories about her academic experience and draws your attention to researchers whose work is worth following.Tune in to our new conversation with Enrica Ardemagni, Professor Emerita of Spanish at Indiana University, one of the founding members of the Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters and NCIHC Ex-President for 6 years. From our new podcast, you will find out how our prominent guest manages to juggle her professor’s work at the university, court and medical interpreting sessions, and volunteering for several nonprofit organizations. Would you like to know which project has caused a domino effect on Enrica’s career journey? Then join us for a 30-minute podcast full of personal insights and stories generously shared with our listeners. Do the names of Andrea Henry, Chris Mellinger, Laura Gascone, and Josh Prada ring a bell? If not, they should! Tune in to find out more about ongoing research in the language field. If you want to know what Eliana’s aunt says about the English language and why colloquial speech is far more challenging to interpret than medical terminology, don’t hesitate to tune in to our new podcast now!

Exciting News Alert! Join us on “Interpreting for Healthcare”, NCIHC’s podcast, for an exclusive interview with the incredible Ewandro Magalhães – Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, and Coach extraordinaire!With over 30 years of experience, Ewandro has been at the forefront of language services, making waves as the former Chief Interpreter at the United Nations and the Head of the Conference Management Service for the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva, Switzerland. Ewandro is not just a language expert; he's also a published author of "Sua Majestade, o Intérprete" – the only book in Portuguese about the craft of language interpretation (2007), and "The Language Game: Inspiration and Insights for Interpreters" in English (2019). As the Co-Founder and Chief Language Officer at KUDO, an award-winning platform for live interpretation in online and hybrid meetings, Ewandro has been revolutionizing language communication since 2018. Currently, he serves as the Global Language Strategist at Nimdzi Insights, bringing his charisma and expertise to a global audience. Ewandro's voice has resonated with world leaders, pop singers, and professionals like you! Get ready for an inspiring conversation as Ewandro shares his journey, insights, and the secrets to bridging language gaps in today's interconnected world. Whether you're aiming to connect globally, communicate effectively, or grow your career, Ewandro has the wisdom you need! Don't miss out! Tune in to “Interpreting for Healthcare” and take part in this enlightening conversation with Ewandro Magalhães.

Welcome to Episode 22 of our podcast! In this captivating installment, language access advocates Margarita Larios and Eliana Lobo reunite after a year, delving even deeper into the nuances of success within the realm of language access. Tune in as they unravel the latest initiatives and ventures spearheaded by the newly established Office of Language Access for the state of New York, by its very first Executive Director.Discover the remarkable journey of the Office of General Services as they hit the road, engaging with New Yorkers firsthand in town hall settings across the state. Margarita enlightens us on the strides made during this inaugural year, likening it to a maiden voyage for the dedicated office staff. Unveiling the challenges faced by constituents in accessing language services, the podcast sheds light on the essential role played by the Office of Language Access.Join us as we explore how the power of connection, both within and beyond established systems, emerges as a pivotal factor for success in the pursuit of linguistic inclusivity. This episode reinforces the profound significance of cultivating allies to ensure a thriving and accessible linguistic landscape for all. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that goes beyond the surface, providing a comprehensive understanding of the evolving language access landscape in the state of New York!

The one where Tamas and Eliana discuss the groundbreaking work done in 29 languages at the Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP) in Seattle, Washington. Please join us for our new podcast with Tamas Farkas, a nationally certified medical interpreter (CoreCHI-P™) with proficiency in five languages and the Language Access Programs Director at CCHCP.Our guest has traveled the world like Marco Polo. He lived and studied in Switzerland, Puerto Rico, China, and Denver (Colorado) before he settled down in the Pacific Northwest. All Tamas’s roads have led to Seattle, where he currently is equipping aspiring language professionals with tools to help LEP patients navigate the healthcare system. If you would like to know more about Connecting to Care Curriculum and the mental health training available for interpreters, please listen to the conversation of two language enthusiasts now!Tune in to learn about the metaphors interpretation and get tips on places where the LLD interpreters can get useful resources like glossaries. Would you like to hear about a true case Eliana once had when interpreting in the mental health setting? Then you definitely won’t want to miss our new STC podcast episode. 

The one where Melissa Anderson talks about the vital signs of the deaf and hard of hearing community inclusion in the healthcare system. What did you do on January 11th, 2024? The NCIHC President, Carla Fogaren, attended the premier of the educational film "Vital Signs: Health Care Access for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Patients" in Boston, MA. Today we are thrilled to present you the conversation with Melissa Anderson, the Co-Director of DeafYES! Center for Deaf Empowerment and Recovery and the "Vital Signs" Executive Producer. Tune in to get a sneak peek at the behind-the-scenes work Melissa’s team accomplished to create a 30-minute film depicting four different scenarios of medical interactions between the deaf and hard of hearing patients and healthcare providers. Listen to learn more about the initial idea of the project and the changes its scope went through to result in the “labor of love” film. Why were recruitment and training of the deaf and hard of hearing actors, as well as coordination of four separate crew teams, the most challenging tasks? If you want to know how Melissa and her team intend to build new partnerships between deaf community agencies and academic medical centers and which are their next goals, you might want to keep your ear to the ground and spread the word about "Vital Signs".The deaf and hard of hearing communities have been underserved and underrepresented for decades. Let’s support them by watching the film on YouTube, leaving a comment below, and sharing it with others. https://youtu.be/xr-mlkuTBa4?si=ftKRENawZBHqX-K4Together, we can reduce healthcare disparities and raise awareness of the importance of equal access to medical services. 

The one where Eliana and Michael discussed the present and future of language access on all levels: federal, state, and local, and agreed upon the ‘Can you help me?’ request being the core motivation for reducing disparities and promoting civil rights observance.By popular demand from our membership, we invited Michael Mulé, Deputy Director of Civil Rights at the Department of Justice and an experienced civil rights attorney, to share the good news and harsh realities within the world of language access for LEP people. Tune in to hear about the personal story leading our guest to the field of his expertise. Would you like to know which one thing they don’t teach you in a law school, or why user testing should be done prior to adopting any program or services for non-English speakers? Then don’t hesitate to listen to our newest podcast episode!You will also learn about:A memo issued by the Attorney General in November 2022 and its implicationsThe increase in language access coordinator job positions in federal agencies and its causes A gap in interpreters’ assessment for fields other than healthcare or legal servicesProgress achieved in the language access industry in the past three yearsIf you would like to know more about Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the ways it can be applied to make a difference in the lives of LEP people, search no more—you are at the right place. Tune in to an insightful and inspiring conversation between Michael and Eliana to find out why addressing the US demographic reality is the inevitable step to be taken in the near future and whether AI is a viable alternative to human translation.

The one where Giovanna and Eliana dive into an insightful conversation about the inevitability of change, the technological revolution of the XXI century, and ways to preserve the heritage of the indigenous speakers.Make a cup of tea and listen to the bossa nova vibes of our new podcast episode with Giovanna Lester, an experienced Portuguese interpreter, mentor, writer and editor, and President of the Brazilian Association of Translators and Interpreters (ABRATES). Tune in to the dialogue between two Brazilian Amazons who keep on paving the path for wider technology integration and collaboration within the language services industry to learn about:●      Concepts of embracing change and the illusion of control;●      Efforts aimed at preserving languages of lesser diffusion;●      Places within a healthcare system where artificial intelligence would be a great tool to use;●      Ways of making your voice heard through participation in initiatives like SAFE AIWould you like to analyze the phenomenon of the internet and its impact on language access?  Let’s look back and see how far we have come! Do you agree with Abraham Lincoln, who believed that the way to predict the future is to create it? If you do, then be proactive and keep on pushing forward to achieve your professional goals and help us promote language access and safe AI strategies. Muito obrigada for all your support! 

The one where John and Fabiola are cracking the code to higher wages for interpreters and broadening their horizons.Please join us for our “fresh out of the oven” podcast with John Arroyave, Director of Cross Cultural Communications (CCC), the only international training agency in the United States for medical and community interpreting, cultural competence and language access.Fabiola and John discussed the controversial topic of artificial intelligence and its effects on the interpreting profession, agreed on core essentials for becoming a skilled and empowered interpreter, and tackled a notion of communicative autonomy that each and every language professional needs and deserves.Join us for a mission-driven and energy-infused conversation about challenges and opportunities John and Fabiola see in the professional development within the interpreting field.Did you know that 66% of freelance interpreters don’t make enough money to pay their bills in their first year?If you are a new or aspiring language professional, you don’t want to miss out on pieces of advice from John, who has interpreted since the age of seven and has a vast range of knowledge in consulting and process management.What are your thoughts on AI in general? Tune in to learn what our visionary guest has to say about it.Disclaimer: having listened to episode #17 of our STC podcast, you might start a LinkedIn profile and join a professional organization.Let it be NCIHC!Happy New Year and happy listening!

The one where Allison Larimore, a trauma and vascular research nurse for the University of Washington Surgery Department at Harborview Medical Center, sets a great example of a healthcare professional who works closely with medical interpreters and sees them as full-fledged members of the healthcare team.Tune in to our new podcast episode to get inspired by our dynamic guest, an advocate for equitable patient access to care and clinical research, and, as she calls herself, “a loud nurse”. Are you curious to know how a helicopter sound affected Allison’s career choice and what critical change she brought to an investigational device study decades later? Listen to what Allison has to say about serving the underserved, lifting roadblocks in the non-English speaking subjects’ enrollment for clinical trials and getting feedback from the patients who no longer feel excluded from a variety of healthcare choices and new treatments. It’s refreshing to realize that superstar nurses like Allison are real people, not just fictional characters from the Grey’s Anatomy series. If you don’t want to miss a chance to ignite your hope for better days ahead of language access for LEP patients, you must make time for our newest podcast episode #16!

The one where the NCIHC president, Carla Fogaren, cuts to the chase and talks about language access pitfalls, prospects, and a promising future. Our short but meaningful conversation with Carla will provide you with valuable tips on how to stay afloat in the medical interpreting industry, equip you with knowledge on the biggest hurdles patients face these days, and give a glance at AI—the new chapter in the interpreting field. If you want to know more about Carla’s biggest career accomplishments and her firm beliefs in regard to professional development and involvement, tune in to STC podcast #15.Did you know that the Bureau of Labor predicts a 20% increase in medical interpreter jobs by 2031? How does this statistic translate into the current and upcoming challenges for the language access industry? Do not miss our conversation with Carla Fogaren—a pioneer who paved the way to equal rights for LEP patients 30 years ago and is still carrying the torch of language access in the US.  

The one where Eliana and Olena invite you to join the NCIHC as a volunteer, and unleash your talents while helping to promote language access in the US. Please join our new podcast with Olena Hart, a Core Certified Healthcare Interpreter, and an advocate for immigrants who shared her personal stories of struggles and achievements in the United States, so you can feel empowered and ready to find your place in the sun. We are inviting you to listen to the expressive conversation tackling the issues of:-Monolingual society in a multilingual country;-Lack of training resources for the LLD interpreters;-The benefits of kids learning foreign languages at the earliest age;-Preserving your identity and validating your origin while adapting to the American culture and lifestyle.Would you like to know how quitting smoking can relate to language access awareness, and how the need for an X-ray machine connects to qualified medical interpreters? Then listen to our November podcast #14 now! If you are curious to take a peek at Eliana’s mom’s immigration journey and want to find out an interesting fact about Brazilian diplomas, then press the play button. Do not stay in your bubble! We need your voice, your skills and your expertise at the NCIHC table.

The one where language access gets dissected into pieces to be studied and then reinvented by industry mavens—Eliana Lobo and Joana Ramos.Please join our newest podcast with an advocate and counselor in health policy, a founding member of the Washington State Coalition for Language Access (WASCLA), director of the Washington Coalition for Prescribing Integrity, Joana Ramos.  Our today’s guest wore many hats. She took on many roles and responsibilities throughout her career but always stayed devoted to equality, social justice and language access for all.  If you are a resident of Washington State, you must listen to the conversation of two Washington-based language access champions—Eliana and Joana. You will feel privileged to live there and experience support from the WASCLA. If you are not a resident of Washington State, tune in to hear true stories of how collaborative effort and perseverance can shift the governmental organization’s approach in the right direction and have a considerable impact on illuminating language barriers in the lives of the LEP people.  Either way, do not miss the STC podcast #13, and you will find out:-What David and Goliath story makes Joana most proud of having accomplished?-Why must a coherent language plan be a  necessity rather than a luxury for a healthcare facility?-How to untangle the Gordian knot of insufficient navigation of interpreting services in healthcare systems, gaps in reporting, understanding and commitment to covering all LEP language needs?-Which circumstances can drastically diminish the language proficiency of native English speakers and those whose native language is non-English?Please listen to our freshly released podcast and support groups like WASCLA that educate people on their rights and make all voices heard. If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle. Let’s break down these hard-crusted silos together! 

The one where Analia Castillero-Lang and Giovanna Carriero-Contreras, the agents of change in the language access industry, will empower you to take a step towards joining an advocacy group. Please listen to an animated conversation with Giovanna, a remarkable leader in the profession, a co-author of The Community Interpreter International Program (TCII), a Master Trainer of Trainers, one of the Founding Members, and a Chair of the American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (https://www.aaite.org).  If you want to know how the aviation industry’s loss became the interpreting industry’s gain as well as get living proof that our profession often chooses us and not vice versa, tune in to an inspiring career story Giovanna disclosed to the public at large. Our language access “black belt” guest tackled two main challenges she sees in the industry and offered proactive solutions to both.  Don’t hesitate to join us for:-Spreading awareness of the DEI strategies with language as another variable in the equation;-Reflecting on artificial intelligence in the language services industry and safe ways to incorporate it into our work as interpreters;-Getting motivated to participate in the work of professional organizations and associations that need more hands to “clean the boat faster”;Do you want to know why you should never be ashamed of saying “I do not know”, or what Giovanna called her most recent dream come true accomplishment? Then definitely find 30 minutes in your busy life to tune in to our podcast #12.  We promise, it will be an enlightening experience you will not regret!

The one where Katharine Allen reflects on her impressive biography, shares memories of being at the forefront of the interpreting profession’s emergence in the US, and offers her vision of artificial intelligence (AI) spreading across the globe.This conversation is a must-hear for all new and seasoned language professionals. Tune in!  Katharine recalled how she came into the interpreting field in 1996 and joined CHIA (California Healthcare Interpreting Association), first as a member and later as president of the organization.  Our impactful language access champion takes most pride in contributing to the development of the interpreters’ training curriculum and certification programs. Another milestone of her career was Katharine’s advocacy work with Interpret America, launched in 2010–2011. Listen to podcast #11 to find out more about:-the notion of "an interpreting home," and see if you belong to any of them. -the division between the on-site and remote interpreter workforces, and offer your solutions for erasing it.-a positive effect the COVID pandemic had on the interpreting world.-a new textbook, "The Remote Interpreter”, which Katherine co-authored.-the fast expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide and how we should act on it.We promise that you will get some high-quality food for thought after listening to a futuristic discussion between Katharine Allen and Yulia Speroff.  As they say, “forewarned is forearmed”.  Don’t stay away from the dialogue on the challenges and prospects of the language industry’s future.  You are invited to tune in to our fresh from the oven podcast today! 

The one with Mireya Perez, Brand the Interpreter podcast creator and host, who will inspire you to dream big and make you rewatch the Friends episode #18 from season 7, “The One with Joey's Award”.This half-hour conversation between Yulia Speroff and Mireya Perez has the potential to shape your outlook on life and interpreting. Tune in to learn:- What an impostor syndrome is and how to go around it fulfilling your out-of-the-box ideas- What are the prerequisites of a successful project - Why a unified effort is necessary for establishing an entire undivided system of language access Mireya will highlight the impressive workshops and training sessions she attended at the 23rd Annual CHIA Conference in San Diego, CA and share details on promoting her podcast via social network algorithms.  If you are curious to know how Grammy, Soapy and, possibly, “Interpy” awards are related, do not miss a laid-back and funny, yet informative and entertaining podcast episode #10.  Trust us, it is worth listening to. 

The one where Eliana, Esther and Amy show how three bright minds can dig to the bottom of the language access wellspring full of roadblocks and uncertainties to find out ways to overcome them once and for all.You don’t want to miss this conversation! Amy and Esther shared their work on the research involving the voices of medical interpreters, physicians, pediatric practitioners and the language access management team. Our guests discussed their recent contributions to Just. Journal of Language Rights and Minorities issued by the University of Valencia, Spain ( here is the link to their website https://ojs.uv.es/index.php/JUST/index )- Why is it wrong to perceive translation as a magic wand?- How to use machine translation appropriately? - Which puzzle piece is constantly being lost when using CAT tools? - What is the cause of chaos in language access nowadays?- How did Swedish social work practices reveal the spectrum of issues faced by migrant populations?- What is “translational science” and how to apply it to convert lessons learned into policies established?By listening to episode #9 of STC Podcast you will find out about the solutions Amy and Esther offer to all these problems and see the light at the end of the language access tunnel. If you are an advocate or an ally of communication equity, tune in to get plenty of insights and feel inspired by their priceless work aimed at debunking myths within the language industry.

The one where language access warriors Margarita Larios and Eliana Lobo open up a whole new level of discussion about language access and its core values.Margarita talked about her recipe for becoming a successful professional. Spoiler alert: main ingredients are parental support, creativity and pursuing your dreams.Eliana and her guest agreed on the importance of searching for allies who deeply realize the necessity of language justice which can only be built on prioritizing language and its meaning in every person’s life. Margarita underlined the two most challenging parts of language access: implementing it after the theoretical framework has been figured out and accumulating the resources by increasing the higher officials’ awareness of the language access barriers. Would you like to know…What unites the states of New York and Hawaii?What are the two prerequisites for a brighter language access future?What is the downfall of the most developed hospital systems? Then listen to Margarita and Eliana cranking it up a notch in the meaningful conversation. 

The one where Dr. Jeni Rodrigues and Eliana Lobo cracked the cipher of the language access for D/deaf and hard of hearing community.Jeni shared highlights of her dissertation, a study about barriers to receiving adequate medical care and stigma towards the D/deaf and hard of hearing people. She is determined to compile a step-by-step guide on using the best practices when providing healthcare services to D/deaf and hard of hearing patients based on her research. If you want to know how the study was conducted and get the answers to the questions like: Is every D/deaf and hard of hearing patient able to lip read?Do all healthcare providers know the legal obligations towards ASL patients?How Covid pandemic affected the ASL interpretation field?What are the differences and similarities between interpretation for LEP patients and D/deaf and hard of hearing patients?What could make a real change in the approach to language access in general and ASL interpreting in particular?And finally, how does the “if you build it, they will come”-philosophy relate to the language access planning within the US healthcare system?

The one where Xiomara Armas confesses why one might call her a dreamer, but reveals that she is definitely not the only one. Xiomara shared her career transition experience from the finance industry to the interpreting field when she came to the US from Venezuela over 20 years ago and the steps leading to her volunteering for NBCMI. Xiomara has also mentioned the biggest accomplishments of the NBCMI highlighting the certification and scholarship programs for aspiring medical interpreters as the initiatives she is most proud of. Eliana, Maria and Xiomara discussed all the advantages a single national certification body could bring to the table and tackled the idea of promoting high school and college training programs for the new generation of interpreters.  If you want to know how the laws of physics, acceleration and velocity could benefit the medical interpreter profession, and why synergy is a key to opening the right doors, listen to what Xiomara has to say. Tune in to our podcast #6 to keep pace with the evolution of the interpreter profession!

The one where Gustavo Negrete (the Chair of NBCMI) talks about the roads we take to become Interpreters.Gustavo shared his background and career experience as a self-made Mexican male playing a major part in the US language industry.  Eliana, Maria and Gustavo discussed the steps to be made toward more efficient collaboration between two major interpreter certification organizations- NBCMI and CCHI. Do you wonder if it’s too late for you to become an interpreter? If so, listen to Gustavo’s story. It might be the sign you were waiting for! If you want to know what challenges Gustavo faces as a Chair of NBCMI, which projections he has on the future of interpreter's certification process, and how the jobs of a firefighter and an interpreter are similar, tune in to our podcast #5! 

In this month's podcast, learn all about the new ETOE™ Exam!CCHI just launched a new CoreCHI-Performance™ credential, using the monolingual interpreting performance ETOE™ (English-to-English) exam. This performance credential is available to interpreters of all languages.Host, Eliana Lobo interviews Natalya Mytareva to find out how and why CCHI decided to expand its testing for interpreters of all spoken languages in both written and performance-based assessments.

Profile of Dr. Carey Jackson, founder of the Community House Calls Program and EthnoMed, medical director of the International Medicine Clinic, and Interpreters Services at Harborview Medical Center.

How did the NCIHC get started? Who were the stakeholders and founders sitting at the table and how did they make it happen? Find out from two providers and early champions for language access in this episode of Interpreting for Healthcare.

Eliana Lobo, Chair of NCIHC's Standards and Training Committee, hosts the premiere episode. Every podcast will ask three questions of our guest, (loosely based on Charles Dickens' book "A Christmas Carol", where the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future share visions with the main character).The podcast questions will always be:Looking back, what are you most proud of?Currently, what do you see as the biggest challenge?Looking forward, what would you love to see happen?Watch the video to see how our first guest, Vonessa Costa, responds to these questions.