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

Court reporting isn’t just about the record—it’s about the business you’re running (or the one that’s running you).In this episode, Brynn Seymour cuts through the industry noise to address the "hidden" side of the profession: the struggle to maintain total accuracy while managing the chaos of being a solo entrepreneur. Most reporters are trained to be brilliant stenographers, but they’re left in the dark when it comes to being CEOs.What we’re covering:The Business Gap: Why the transition from reporter to business owner is failing so many, and how to bridge it.The LA Executive Roundtable: A look inside the upcoming "Tea Party" at the Biltmore—where we’re sitting the "Old Guard" (Veritext/Esquire) across from the "New Tech" (Steno/Filevine) to demand transparency.The Workflow Revolution: A first look at Brynn’s automation system designed to kill the administrative burnout—from goal tracking to automated invoicing.This isn't just a podcast; it’s a call to action. It’s time to stop waiting for the "9-to-5ers" to fix our industry and start building the solutions ourselves.Key Takeaways:Own the Business, Not Just the Seat: Why you need to view your reporting as a high-margin enterprise.Tech as a Teammate: How automation (and our new app) is solving the "admin tax" on your time.The Power of the Room: Why our LA Summit is the most important conversation happening in the industry this year.

The court reporting profession is confronted by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and an alarming rise in reporter burnout. As the mechanisms for capturing and delivering the official record evolve, court reporters find themselves grappling with the immense responsibilities of their roles, often at full capacity. This episode delves into the tensions that have emerged within the industry, as well as the solutions.We advocate for a future where technology and the expertise of court reporters coexist harmoniously, building hybrid models that enhance efficiency without compromising the integrity of the profession. Our mission is to cultivate a collaborative environment that empowers reporters, optimizes administrative workflows, and ultimately upholds the pursuit of justice.Takeaways:The court reporting profession stands at a critical juncture, facing challenges that require our full attention.Advancements in technology and AI, artificial intelligence, are transforming the methods of record capturing and delivery.Court reporters are confronting unprecedented levels of burnout while maintaining the official record's integrity... which will be explored more thoroughly in a future episode!A collaborative approach between stenographers and tech is essential for the profession's sustainable future.The "old" system is deemed unsustainable by many practitioners, necessitating urgent reform to address systemic issues.Leadership and vision are imperative to ensure that the profession evolves while preserving vital expertise.And then, of course, my personal story for the last 5 minutes! :)

Scoping in the Age of AI (Part 2): Workflow Mastery, Coaching, and Avoiding AI "Scopist” Scams.In this episode, we continue the conversation as a Part 2 of Episode 77. Brynn discusses with Rachel Harris about hands-on coaching to streamline scoping and editing, including observing reporters via Zoom plus FaceTime to see exact mouse and keyboard actions, identifying repetitive pain points, and customizing macros, keyboard mappings, and EZ Speaker usage to reduce steps and save time.Rachel shares how she gamified learning shortcuts to avoid the mouse, explains why many reporters were never taught CaseCATalyst capabilities, and suggests a small set of high-impact shortcuts can be “life changing,” while fixes must be tailored to each workflow.Brynn describes pausing her VTM approach to build a more sustainable app focused on dashboards, bookkeeping, billing, deadlines, and transcript tracking.Rachel warns about marketplace confusion and Facebook “scams” involving non–court-reporting-trained “AI/digital” scopists, urging mastery and clear “steno scopist” labeling. Rachel shares where to find her coaching and Scoping International.00:00 Welcome Back Part Two00:24 Hands-on Coaching Setup02:07 Macros And EZ Speakers02:59 Keyboard-Only Scoping05:19 Overcoming the Awkwardness07:12 You're Not Supposed To Know09:08 Five Shortcuts That Matter11:42 Building A VTM App14:19 Scams with "Steno Scopists"19:42 Where AI Fits In23:01 How To Find Rachel23:52 Scoping International And Certs26:22 Favorite Hidden Text Shortcut27:49 Wrap Up And Next Episode28:18 VTM App (New Version)Takeaways:In this episode, we delve into hands-on coaching techniques that enhance scoping and editing processes for court reporters.We emphasize the importance of observing reporters in their natural workflows to identify efficiency improvements.A significant focus is placed on the customization of keyboard shortcuts and macros to streamline repetitive tasks.The conversation highlights the necessity of mastering software tools to alleviate burnout and stress among court reporters.We explore the implications of AI in the court reporting industry and the need for discerning its impact on workflows.Lastly, we discuss the emerging trend of digital scopists and the importance of understanding the foundational skills required for effective scoping.

What happens when the court reporter’s voice is ignored?In this episode, we take an honest, grounded look at one of the most exhausting parts of our profession: protecting the record when multiple people are talking over each other despite repeated attempts to speak up. This conversation is for court reporters who have ended a deposition feeling completely drained… not because of the length or the terminology, but because of the behaviors of the participants...We are not here to bash anyone. We are here to talk about reality.🎯 What This Episode CoversWhy court reporting is ranked as one of the most stressful professions (and why we still do it!)The real source of that stress (and it’s not what most people think)The invisible mental labor of managing chaos calmlyThe difference between being “confrontational” and protecting the recordHow boundaries protect both the transcript and your nervous systemWhy this issue is systemic, not personal