When we first sat down to brainstorm ideas for a new project, we knew we wanted to create something meaningful for the interpreting community. As interpreters ourselves, we’ve experienced the highs and lows of this profession, the rewarding moments of bridging communication gaps, but also the challenges that come with the job. While there are plenty of resources out there about how to be a better interpreter, we felt something was missing. That’s why we decided to start a podcast, not just to share tips and tricks, but to dive deeper into the often-overlooked aspects of being an interpreter: mental health, well-being, and the real, unfiltered insights of life in this field.
The Gap We Noticed
Let’s be honest: interpreting is hard. It’s mentally exhausting, emotionally draining, and often isolating. Whether you’re working in a high-stakes medical setting, a fast-paced conference, or a sensitive legal environment, the pressure to perform flawlessly is immense. And yet, when we looked around, we realized that much of the conversation in the interpreting world revolves around skill-building, vocabulary, techniques, and certifications. While these are undeniably important, they only scratch the surface of what it means to thrive as an interpreter.
What about the toll this work takes on our mental health? What about the moments of self-doubt, burnout, or the emotional weight of carrying someone else’s story? What about the loneliness that can come with freelancing or the struggle to set boundaries in a demanding profession? These are the topics that rarely get the attention they deserve.
Why a Podcast?
We chose the podcast format because it feels personal. It’s a space where we can have real, raw conversations, not just about the technicalities of interpreting, but about the human side of the job. A podcast allows us to connect with you in a way that feels authentic like we’re sitting down for a coffee chat with a fellow interpreter.
Through this medium, we want to create a community where interpreters feel seen, heard, and supported. We want to talk about the things that don’t always make it into training programs or professional development workshops. Because let’s face it: being a great interpreter isn’t just about knowing the right words, it’s about taking care of yourself so you can show up as your best self, both professionally and personally.
What We Hope to Achieve
Our goal with this podcast is twofold:
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To Normalize Conversations About Mental Health and Well-Being
We want to break the stigma around discussing mental health in the interpreting world. It’s okay to admit that this job is tough. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Through interviews, personal stories, and expert advice, we hope to provide tools and strategies for managing stress, avoiding burnout, and finding balance in your life as an interpreter. -
To Share Real Insights About the Profession
Beyond the technical skills, we want to explore what it really means to be an interpreter. From the emotional labor of interpreting traumatic stories to the challenges of navigating cultural differences, we want to shed light on the less-talked-about aspects of the job. We also want to celebrate the joys and triumphs of being an interpreter, because despite the challenges, this work is incredibly meaningful and rewarding.
Join Us on This Journey
If you’re an interpreter, whether you’re just starting out or have been in the field for years, we want this podcast to be a resource for you. A place where you can find support, inspiration, and a sense of community. We’re not claiming to have all the answers, but we’re here to start the conversation.
So, whether you’re tuning in during your commute, on a break between assignments, or while you’re decompressing after a long day, we hope you’ll join us. Let’s talk about what it means to be an interpreter, not just in terms of skills, but in terms of heart, mind, and soul.
Because at the end of the day, being a great interpreter isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you are. And we believe that taking care of yourself is the first step toward being the best interpreter you can be.
Welcome to the conversation.
Interpreters Behind The Mic – Because interpreters deserve more than just tips.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these blog entries are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the company. Any content provided by the author is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.