The Court Reporter Podcast

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a decision I’ve been talking about for years… but am finally executing.At the start of 2026, I made a commitment to either walk away from this profession or step fully into becoming a high-level, real-time court reporter. No more in-between.So I did something different.I reached out to some of the top real-time reporters in the industry and offered $10,000 for true coaching and accountability. Not casual mentorship, but real structure, real expectations, and real follow-through.Joshua Edwards was the first to say yes.This episode is a raw recording from our first session together. It’s unfiltered, honest, and full of the kinds of conversations that don’t usually get shared publicly… but probably should.We talk about:The hidden gaps between court reporting school and real-world expectationsWhy doing everything manually is slowing you down and causing burnoutThe importance of setting boundaries with agencies (including not acting as a remote technician)The difference between federal and state proceedings in a practical, usable wayWhy so many reporters feel like they’re “missing something”… and what to do about itThe systems, habits, and mindset required to move from average to exceptionalThis is just the beginning.I’m documenting the entire journey as I work toward becoming a real-time reporter, not just for myself, but for anyone else who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what they’re missing.If that’s you… you’re not alone.

What is the court reporter’s role when something on the record feels… wrong? And how can court reporters and interpreters work together effectively to enhance the record-taking process?In this episode, Brynn explores one of the most nuanced and debated issues in court reporting: working with interpreters (including "underqualified" or reporter-illiterate interpreters). Where is the line between neutrality and responsibility? When should a reporter remain silent, and when is it necessary to speak up?Drawing from real deposition experiences, industry discussions, and state rules across New York, California, Texas, and Illinois, this episode breaks down what the law says and what actually happens in the room.More importantly, it challenges a deeper question:Are we simply capturing the record… or are we responsible for protecting it?🎧 In This EpisodeThe difference between interpretation and verbatim testimonyWhy third-person interpreting creates serious transcript issuesThe real problem with mixing English and interpreted answersWhat state rules actually say about the reporter’s roleA critical distinction between content vs. structure of the recordWhen speaking up may be necessary to preserve clarityWhy this issue points to larger gaps in interpreter and legal training⚖️ Rules & Authorities ReferencedThis episode references the following rules and professional guidance:New York – CPLR § 3113(b) Requires that testimony be recorded verbatim by the deposition officerCalifornia – Court Reporters Board Best Practices States that reporters should not interrupt or correct interpretation and are responsible for capturing, not creating, the recordTexas – Rules of Civil Procedure 203.1 & 203.2 Defines the deposition officer’s role as neutral and limited to recording testimonyIllinois – Supreme Court Rules 206 & 207 Requires the officer to record testimony and certify it as a true recordNational Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Code of Professional Ethics Emphasizes impartiality, professionalism, and maintaining the integrity of the reporting profession🎯 Key TakeawayThere is a critical difference between:Intervening in interpretation (not our role) vs.Intervening when the structure of the record breaks downThis episode explores where that line may exist—and why it matters.🎤 Join the ConversationHave you experienced this in a deposition?Would you speak up… or stay silent?🎙 You can now leave a voicemail directly for the podcast.Visit the Court Reporter Podcast website and click the green microphone button in the bottom right corner to record your message (up to 2 minutes).Longer thoughts? Submit multiple messages.Selected responses may be featured in an upcoming episode.🔗 Connect & ShareIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow court reporter, scopist, or legal professional.This is a conversation our industry needs to have.

Episode DescriptionYou know what no one tells you about remote depositions?It’s not the big mistakes that trip you up… It’s the small, seemingly harmless ones.The moments where you think you’re being helpful. The times you speak up when you shouldn’t… or stay quiet when you shouldn’t.In this episode, I’m sharing real stories from the field—times I learned the hard way what not to do as a court reporter.From awkward read-and-sign situations… To accidentally overstepping with attorneys… To one simple assumption that humbled me instantly…These are the lessons that don’t always get taught—but absolutely matter when you’re on the job.If you’re a new reporter—or even experienced—this episode will help you avoid the kinds of mistakes that can quietly impact your professionalism, confidence, and relationships with counsel.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why you should never bring up read and sign unless it’s mentionedThe “helpful” question that can actually create more work for everyoneHow one small assumption can instantly shift the tone of a proceedingWhat to do when exhibit numbering goes wrong (and why timing matters)The Zoom habit that can make you miss critical moments on the recordHow to stay in your role while still being proactive and professionalKey TakeawayIn court reporting, it’s often the smallest decisions that have the biggest impact.Learning how to navigate those moments with clarity, neutrality, and confidence is what separates someone who is simply “getting through the job”… from someone who is truly in control of the room.Share This EpisodeIf this episode helped you, share it with another court reporter—especially someone who’s just getting started. These are the lessons we usually learn the hard way… but they don’t have to be.Connect With Me🎙️ The Court Reporter Podcast 📩 [email protected] AI oversight bill receives sponsorshipU.S. Rep. Hageman and U.S. Sens. Wicker and Welch introduce