Interpreters & Interrupters

Interpreters & Interrupters

Interpreters & Interrupters is the podcast for professional and student interpreters looking to refine their skills and stay inspired. In Season 2, we’re bringing you expert tips, insightful interviews, and discussions on the topics that matter most in the world of interpreting. Regardless of where your interpreting gigs take you, join us as we explore the art, challenges, and evolving landscape of interpretation.

Episodes

February 17, 2026 18 mins

Maritza and co-host Elena discuss why interpreting is more than just knowing two languages and translating words. They share five signs you might be well-suited to be an interpreter, or maybe not.



Send us Fan Mail

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Welcome to Season Three of 'Interpreters and Interrupters' hosted by Maritza! In this episode, Maritza shares detailed insights about her journey and experiences in becoming a medical interpreter after starting as a legal interpreter in 2007. She outlines valuable tips for anyone considering a career in interpreting, offers advice for job searching and preparing for interviews, and discusses the significance of certificat...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
January 20, 2026 12 mins

AI vs. Human Interpreters: A Deep Dive into the Future of Jobs and Ethics

In this episode of 'Interpreters and Interrupters,' host Maritza discusses the potential impact of AI on interpreting jobs and the broader implications for the workforce. She explores the ethical concerns highlighted by ethicistTristan Harris, featured in the documentary 'The Social Dilemma,' and delves into the technological advancements a...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
November 16, 2025 25 mins

From Language Lover to Interpreter: A Conversation with Athena Matilsky

Athena shares her journey into interpreting, which began with a love for Spanish.  Athena describes the differences between medical and court interpreting. She also emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, self-evaluation, and preparing for challenging certification exams. Athena reveals her passion for interpreting under pressure, her geeky approach to m...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
November 14, 2025 7 mins

The vocal mechanism is explained, including how vocal folds work and the impact of breath and body posture. Maritza shares practical tips for voice care, such as warming up with specific exercises, staying hydrated, dietary considerations, and avoiding harmful habits like throat clearing and smoking. Additional advice includes using a humidifier, practicing diaphragmatic breathing, and managing stress to maintain optimal vocal heal...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 26, 2025 2 mins

Fresh insights, practical tips, and career guidance. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, we've got you covered. 

Our host, Maritza brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. She is a legal and certified medical Spanish interpreter, linguistics enthusiast, and polyglot, who is dedicated to helping you elevate your skills and career.

Send us Fan Mail

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 13, 2025 22 mins

Emergency Room Interpreter: Chaos, Challenges, and Compassion 

Senior Spanish interpreter Elena Cruz shares her journey from starting as a phone interpreter to becoming an in-person interpreter in an emergency room. 

Elena discusses the challenges of interpreting in chaotic environments, the emotional toll, and how she manages her mental health. She also provides valuable tips for aspiring medical interpreters, including the importan...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 10, 2025 9 mins

Maritza shares a personal experience about the importance of being aware of your surroundings. She recounts a close call in an MRI room and underscores the consequences of not paying attention to safety protocols. 

Maritza offers practical advice on where to stand in various interpreting environments such as courtrooms, medical facilities, and community settings. 

The episode also touches on the challenges of certification tests and ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 29, 2025 5 mins

Whether you're in the legal or medical fields, this episode is a must-watch for professionals new to working with interpreters, as well as for interpreters looking to understand common challenges in the workplace.

Send us Fan Mail

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 1, 2025 8 mins

This episode addresses the complexities and surprises faced by interpreters in their daily work, revealing that even simple words can pose challenges. 

The recent political changes in the United States, including the new executive order designating English as the official language, raises concerns about the future of interpreters, particularly the removal of ASL interpreters from White House briefings. 

The episode also offers profes...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The Challenges and Rewards of Over-the-Phone Interpreting: Everything You Need to Know

The episode covers the history of OPI, its advantages and disadvantages, the skills required, and steps to become a telephone interpreter. Maritza provides practical advice for working conditions, handling difficult situations, and maintaining professional ethics. She also touches on the financial aspects of OPI, including compensation rates and t...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
August 25, 2025 8 mins

The Ethical Boundaries and Pitfalls of Professional Interpreting
In this episode of Interpreters and Interrupters, host Maritza discusses the case of Ippei Mizuhara, an interpreter who defrauded baseball star Shohei Ohtani, emphasizing the importance of integrity and confidentiality in the profession. The episode concludes with advice on handling over-the-phone and video remote interpreting, including the importance of vocabula...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Indigenous Language Interpreting Is In Demand

We delve into the world of interpreting indigenous languages, specifically Q'eqchi'. Featuring Jace Norton, founder and CEO of Maya Bridge Language Services, we explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of interpreting for indigenous communities. 

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the significance of language access and the efforts to bridge gaps for sp...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Razan Roumany, shares her journey and experiences as an Arabic and Spanish medical and conference interpreter. Razan details her early inspiration to become an interpreter, her challenges, and the fulfilling aspects of her career. From deciding between medical and legal interpreting to handling interruptions and working under pressure, Razan offers invaluable insights. She also discusses the importance of preparation, effective com...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Interpreters and Interrupters welcomes Ana Fauvet, a nationally certified medical interpreter and event organizer. They discuss the delicate balance of compassion and professionalism in medical interpreting. The conversation covers the controversies of advocacy in medical settings, strategies to express compassion without breaching professional boundaries, and the crucial role of interpreters as cultural brokers. Ana shares valuabl...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Ring of Fire 20 is the last installment of a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters and for all languages, including ASL. Terminology includes Medical, Legal, and General categories. Check out Practice 1 through 19.

CCHI Global Workforce Survey of Health Care Interpreters

In this Practice:
Legal Terms

Abstract; Brief; Bring an action; Care, custody and control; Carjacking; Cease and Desist; Change of Ve...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Ring of Fire is a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters, students, new and seasoned, and can be used for all languages, including ASL.

In this Practice:
Legal Terms
Interest Rate; Tax Rate; Exchange Rate; Rental Rate; Success Rate; Overtime Rate; Discount Rate; Royalty Rate; Rate of Return; Default Rate; Hourly Rate.

Medical Terms

Heart Rate; Mortality Rate; Respiratory Rate; Compli...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
December 10, 2024 13 mins

In this episode, we explore the steps to becoming an interpreter in the United States. We delve into the differences between translators and interpreters, types of interpreting, and essential questions to ask yourself before starting this career. Discover the pathways to training, certification, and job opportunities, including the nuances of working with agencies and hospitals. Whether you're switching careers or starting ane...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Ring of Fire is a weekly terminology practice session for all levels of interpreters, students, new and seasoned, and can be used for all languages, including ASL.

In this Practice:
Legal Category
Gross Misdemeanor, First Offender, Financial Statement, Voluntarily Committed, Reading of Rights, Burglarious Tools

General Category
Civil Celebrant, Sewar, Sewage, Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents, Impound, Eligibility Wor...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
December 3, 2024 6 mins

Maritza shares her personal experiences and challenges during interpreting tests and provides information on the different formats and requirements that will help you be successful. 

Send us Fan Mail

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices