The Court Reporter Podcast

Episod

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  96 | What Do Catholic Clergy, Big Tobacco & the Food Industry Have in Common? 10.08.2026 26min

  What happens when a court reporter is assigned to a case that's simply too personal to remain neutral?In this episode, Brynn explores one of the profession's most difficult ethical questions: Where is the line between impartiality and personal conviction? The conversation begins with her experience covering clergy sexual abuse litigation.From there, the discussion expands into a broader conversation about corporate accountability, public health, and the responsibility of those who document history as it unfolds. Drawing comparisons between the tobacco industry's past and today's food industry, Brynn examines whether the same patterns of corporate influence and deception are repeating themselves—and what that could mean for future litigation.She also discuss the idea of a modern-day "Mississippi moment," exploring how landmark legal cases have the power to reshape industries, influence public opinion, and hold powerful corporations accountable. Throughout the conversation, Brynn reflects on the emotional weight of reporting on cases involving widespread harm and why some stories change the people who document them just as much as the people involved.Whether you're a court reporter, attorney, or simply interested in the intersection of ethics, journalism, and public health, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about truth, responsibility, and the lasting impact of the legal record.In this episodeThe ethical challenges court reporters face when covering emotionally charged cases.How clergy sexual abuse litigation changed one reporter's perspective on neutrality.Why the food industry is increasingly being compared to Big Tobacco.What a new "Mississippi moment" could mean for corporate accountability.The role court reporters play in documenting history during landmark litigation.Why some cases leave a lasting emotional impact on the professionals who cover them.How legal proceedings can influence public awareness and drive systemic change.
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  95 | Norma Alicia Fame : 42 Years of Court Reporting 04.08.2026 27min

  From Hitchhiking to Realtime: 42 Years Behind the Steno MachineWhat do you do when your very first day on the job starts with no car... and ends with reading back testimony from double-sided paper notes because you ran out of paper?In this episode, I sit down with Norma Alicia Fame, an Official Court Reporter in Houston, Texas, who has spent more than 42 years in one of the most demanding professions out there.Norma shares unforgettable stories from the early days of court reporting, including hitchhiking to her first deposition, surviving some incredible career "horror stories," working with manual steno machines, and witnessing the evolution of our profession from paper notes to realtime technology.We also talk about AI, why the human element of court reporting still matters, and the advice she'd give to anyone considering this amazing career.Norma's passion is contagious, and after spending time with her, it's easy to understand why she's still just as excited about court reporting today as she was over four decades ago.In this episode:How Norma discovered court reportingSurviving the first days on the jobLife before computers and realtimeThe biggest changes she's seen in 42 yearsWhy AI can't replace skilled court reportersMentoring the next generationWhy she still loves the profession after all these yearsTakeawaysDetermination can take you a long way—even if it means knocking on a stranger's car window to get to your first job.Every experienced court reporter has stories that new reporters can learn from.Technology has transformed court reporting, but it hasn't replaced the need for skilled professionals.Realtime writing is becoming increasingly valuable throughout the profession.Mentorship plays an important role in helping future court reporters succeed.Loving what you do is one of the biggest keys to a long and rewarding career.Mentioned in this episodeRealtime reportingArtificial Intelligence (AI)Houston Civil Courts
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  94 | Kamryn & Whitney Part 2 | The Veritext Acquisition: What Really Happened 27.07.2026 26min

  Why would two of Southern California's most respected court reporters sell their agency to one of the industry's largest companies?In Part 2 of Brynn's conversation with Kamryn and Whitney, the twins address the questions and criticism that followed KW Court Reporting's acquisition by Veritext. They share why they made the decision, the realities of running an independent agency, and why they believe partnering with a larger company was the best path forward for their staff, clients, and the profession. It's an honest conversation about leadership, change, and the future of court reporting during one of the industry's most transformative periods.They explain what led to the acquisition, the realities of running an independent reporting agency, and why they believe the future of court reporting depends on adapting to a rapidly changing industry. The conversation explores everything from the nationwide court reporter shortage and evolving technology to the responsibility agency owners have to their reporters, staff, and clients.Kamryn and Whitney also respond to the criticism surrounding the acquisition, sharing why they believe compassion, transparency, and a willingness to embrace change are essential if the profession is going to thrive. Whether you agree with their decision or not, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the challenges facing court reporting today and the difficult decisions many agency owners may soon be forced to make.In this episodeWhy Kamryn and Whitney decided to sell KW Court Reporting to Veritext.The biggest challenges facing independent court reporting agencies today.How the nationwide court reporter shortage is changing the industry.The role technology and digital reporting are playing in the future of court reporting.How the twins responded to criticism following the acquisition.Why they believe leadership sometimes means making difficult decisions that others may not immediately understand.These sound more like reasons to listen than conclusions after listening.Companies mentioned in this episode:KW court reportingVeritext
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  93 | The Court Reporter Shortage: Is Hollywood Part of the Problem? 20.07.2026 17min

  Is Hollywood accidentally contributing to the court reporter shortage?It might sound like a strange question, but the way court reporters are portrayed on screen could be having a bigger impact than most people realize.In this episode, Brynn explores how decades of inaccurate portrayals have shaped public perception of the profession, why so few people understand what court reporters actually do, and how that misunderstanding may be contributing to the nationwide shortage.Brynn also shares a personal update after taking a short break from the podcast, what she's been working on behind the scenes, and why she's excited to be back with new episodes every Monday.Whether you're a court reporter, a legal professional, or simply curious about the future of the justice system, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a profession that often goes unnoticed—but is essential to making justice possible.Key TakeawaysWhy Hollywood's portrayal of court reporters may be contributing to the nationwide court reporter shortage.What court reporters actually do—and why they're an essential part of the justice system.The misconceptions that keep people from considering court reporting as a career.Brynn shares what she's been up to during her break from the podcast and why she's excited to be back.A behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of building a long-term career in court reporting.Why changing the conversation around court reporting could help inspire the next generation of professionals.Companies mentioned in this episode:IndeedLinkedInZipRecruiterUpworkPirozzi & Hillman ReportingLexitas
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  92 | Court Reporter Podcast Award Nominations Officially Open 01.06.2026 22min

  🏆 The Court Reporter Podcast Awards: Nominations Are OpenWhat makes an attorney unforgettable from a court reporter's perspective?It's probably not what you think.In this episode, Brynn officially opens nominations for the first-ever Court Reporter Podcast Awards and reveals some of the surprisingly small things that make a huge impact on the record.If you've ever worked with an attorney or judge who just "gets it," this episode is for you.🎙️ Listen now and nominate someone who deserves recognition.🔗 Nomination Form:[LINK COMING BY 6/2]
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  91 | 🎵 On The Record #2: ReporterFlow 30.05.2026 6min

  Episode 91 | 🎵 On The Record #2: ReporterFlowIf there is one song that captures the heart of the Court Reporter Podcast, this is it.ReporterFlow is about the transformation so many court reporters are seeking.Not just becoming a better writer or writing faster. Not just taking on more work (and then drowning in the admin). But finally creating a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.Most court reporters enter this profession because they love the craft. They love preserving the record, capturing testimony, and being part of the legal process.What they don't expect is the endless administrative work that comes with it.Scheduling. Billing. Collections. Scopist coordination. Workflow management. Team management. Production deadlines. And the mental load of trying to keep track of everything.ReporterFlow tells the story of what happens when you stop trying to carry all of that alone.It's about building systems, creating structure, developing a team you can trust. It's the mindset shift from freelancer to CEO.For me, that journey started in 2018 when I hired my first VTM, or Virtual Transcript Manager. It completely changed the way I operated my business and allowed me to focus more of my time and energy on the work I actually love.This song is more than a song! It's a reminder that success doesn't have to come from working harder... Sometimes it comes from building better systems.Turn it up. Play it at the gym. Play it before a deposition. Play it whenever you need a reminder that there is a better way to build your business, and you're almost there!Enjoy ReporterFlow.
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  90 | 🎵 On The Record #1: I'm on the Record 29.05.2026 7min

  What does a court reporter hear when everyone else is talking?Before you listen, I want to challenge you to listen to this song in two different ways.As court reporters, we have a unique perspective because we spend our lives preserving moments that everyone else forgets.In this special music episode of the Court Reporter Podcast, we hear a song inspired by the unique role court reporters play in preserving the spoken word. The song explores the pressure, responsibility, and quiet professionalism required to capture the record accurately while others focus on arguments, objections, strategy, and testimony. Some listeners may hear a song about court reporting. Others may hear a deeper story about truth, memory, accountability, and the lasting impact of our words. What do you think the song is really about?Send your thoughts to brynn@courtreporterpodcast.com.I'd love to hear your interpretation.New music episodes and traditional Court Reporter Podcast episodes are coming soon.
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  #89 - I Applied to Be a Digital Reporter… and Didn't Make It 07.05.2026 26min

  Lately, I’ve been questioning everything about my career path as a court reporter.In this episode, I share why I applied for a digital court reporting position… why I didn’t get the job… and what I learned.Topics covered:• the reality of juggling transcript production, deadlines, admin work, and life balance• why training my new VTM (Virtual Transcript Manager) has completely changed the way I view this profession• the hidden cause of so much burnout in court reporting• the CAPTUR merger between AAERT and STAR• why I believe the human being behind the record matters more than the tool being usedAnd for the first time ever… I’m releasing one of my original industry-inspired songs:🎵 “We Preserve the Testimony”This episode is honest, hopeful, personal, and the music is catchy!MENTIONS & LINKS🎵 Music created using Suno AI🎙️ Court Reporter PodcastOfficial Website📩 Interested in learning more about VTMs (Virtual Transcript Managers)?Email: brynn@courtreporterpodcast.com🎧 Follow me on Spotify for upcoming song releases inspired by the court reporting profession.🏛️ Organizations Mentioned:• AAERT• STAR• CAPTUR
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  #88 - From Steno Machine to CEO: How Two Court Reporters Built a 200-Reporter Agency from a Parking Lot 01.05.2026 28min

  Most court reporters don't go to school thinking they're going to become entrepreneurs. But that's exactly what happens — and nobody teaches you how.Whitney Kumar and Kamryn Villegas did it anyway. The identical twins — one minute apart — spent 13 years building KW Court Reporting from the ground up: a $350-a-month office, note cards with their names on them as business cards, and their parents following them in a separate car to law firm parking lots to watch the babies while they knocked on doors with a tin of their mom's famous chocolate chip cookies.In this episode, they walk us through exactly how they built one of Southern California's most respected court reporting agencies — a roster of 200 reporters, a reputation for treating reporters like partners, and a client base built entirely on loyalty and love for the profession.We get into:The no-backup-plan mindset that Kamryn says separates the people who make it from the people who don'tHow they ran their agency as the only two reporters on staff — and attorneys didn't even know there were two of themThe real challenge of being a freelancer and managing your time when you also want to build something biggerWhat it actually looks like to build a team around yourself so you're not the bottleneckAnd at the end — they're just about to tell us what happened with the Veritext acquisition. That's Episode 89. Don't miss it.Connect with Whitney & Kamryn: Website: kwcourtreporting.com Email: whitney@kwcourtreporting.com Instagram & Facebook: @kwcourtreporting
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  #87 - Train Your VTM (Virtual Transcript Manager) With Me! 20.04.2026 23min

  What is a VTM? A Virtual Transcript Manager is a project manager for court reporters. They manage the coordination between scopists and proofreaders, the data, the deadlines, the captions and appearances, everything that allows court reporters to focus 100% on the part of the workflow that only we can do: showing up and taking down the testimony as accurately as possible, in realtime.I already know what you might be thinking -- if you haven't heard me talk about the VTM before and explain in depth what it is, you might be jumping to conclusions about some kind of AI tool to manage our transcripts. While that is my ultimate goal, right now it's 100% human-led while we solidify the process -- so if you were ever interested in my VTM program, NOW is the time to follow along and train your VTM with me. All you have to do is pick the right person -- whether you have to post the job on Indeed and host interviews like I did, or whether you have a college student you trust and can train, or a loyal scopist that's willing to take on project management of your transcripts (for an agreed-upon rate), feel free to join my cohort (this is coming into existence as I'm writing this) and we can totally train our VTMs together! If not, don't worry, we'll find an efficient way to document the full training process and share everything. Terms that come up in this episode:VTM (Virtual Transcript Manager) A person who manages the entire transcript process for a court reporter, from organizing files to coordinating scopists and proofreaders, so the reporter can focus on writing and taking jobs.Freelance Court Reporter A court reporter who works independently, taking jobs from different agencies or clients rather than being employed by one court or company.Calendar Calls Routine court proceedings where multiple cases are quickly reviewed or updated, usually without testimony or detailed arguments.Contested Hearing A hearing where witnesses testify and evidence is presented because there is a dispute between parties.Transcript The official written record of everything said during a legal proceeding.Scoping The process of editing a transcript using specialized software to clean up translation errors while verifying against the audio which is synced to the transcript.Scopist A professional who edits transcripts for court reporters.Proofreader The final reviewer who checks transcripts for grammar, punctuation, and accuracy before submission.CaseCAT (CaseCATalyst) A widely used software program that court reporters use to write, edit, and produce transcripts.Realtime The ability for a court reporter to translate stenography into readable text instantly as they write.Includes Pre-set text elements (like appearances, headers, or formatting blocks) inserted into transcripts to save time and maintain consistency.Appearance Page A section at the beginning of a transcript listing all attorneys, parties, and participants involved in the case.Caption The case heading at the top of a transcript that includes the court, case name, and case number.Expedite / Overnight / Daily Different turnaround times for transcripts:Expedite: Faster than normal deliveryOvernight: Delivered the next dayDaily: Delivered the same dayBoard of Parole Hearings Administrative hearings where decisions are made about whether an inmate may be released from prison.Hard Stop A strict, non-negotiable time when work must end, regardless of whether proceedings are finished.Project Management (for Court Reporters) Tracking deadlines, managing transcript orders, coordinating team members, and ensuring timely delivery of work.Data Entry (in Court Reporting) Inputting case details, formatting elements, and transcript information into files and systems.OneDrive (Workflow Tool) A cloud storage system used to organize files, track deadlines, and collaborate securely.Mental Bandwidth The amount of mental capacity available to manage tasks, decisions, and responsibilities.Companies mentioned in this episode:VeritexCase CATIndeedManhattanvilleHonda Prologue
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  #86 - Expert Testimony, Sugar, and Cortisol: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Lustig 14.04.2026 21min

  In this episode of The Court Reporter Podcast, Brynn sits down with Dr. Robert Lustig, a leading expert in metabolic health, to explore the science behind sugar, energy, and what’s really happening inside the body.From the perspective of court reporters and legal professionals, this conversation goes beyond health advice. It offers insight into how expert witnesses think, how complex medical testimony is structured, and why understanding these concepts can elevate your confidence in the room.Dr. Lustig shares his journey from medicine to studying public health law, explains the difference between behavior and biochemistry, and breaks down how systemic factors may be influencing health outcomes on a much larger scale.The conversation also touches on practical, real-life strategies for maintaining focus and energy during long depositions — something every court reporter can relate to.In this episode, we cover:The difference between behavior and biochemistry in healthWhy “calories” are not the full pictureWhat ATP is and why it matters for energy and focusHow sugar impacts the body at a cellular levelThe concept of “regulation through litigation”What court reporters can learn from expert witness testimonySimple, practical ways to protect your energy during long depo daysKey Terms Mentioned:Parens patriaeFirst Law of ThermodynamicsAdiposityDEXA scanHypothyroidismMitochondriaATPCortisolRegulation through litigationResources & Further Reading:Fat ChanceThe Hacking of the American MindConnect & Share:If you found this episode helpful, share it with another court reporter!Coming Next:A conversation with Whitney and Kamryn breaking down the Veritext acquisition and what it means for court reporters.
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  #85 - Transforming from Average to Exceptional High-Stakes Realtime Reporter: Session 1 with Joshua Edwards, RMR, RDR 04.04.2026 43min

  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.
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  Interpreters & the Record: Where the Rules End and Reality Begins 27.03.2026 30min

  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.
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  #83 - What NOT to do During Remote Proceedings: Mistakes I've Learned Over Zoom 21.03.2026 20min

  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 📩 brynn@courtreporterpodcast.comNCRA-backed AI oversight bill receives sponsorshipU.S. Rep. Hageman and U.S. Sens. Wicker and Welch introduce
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  #82 - The CEO of the Record (and the Future of the Field) 13.03.2026 26min

  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.
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  #81 - Advancing Justice: Creating Sustainable Solutions for Court Reporters 06.03.2026 5min

  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! :)
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  #80 - Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Court Reporting Practices 27.02.2026 30min

  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.
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  #79 - When the Record Is Ignored: A Real-World Look at Talking Over the Court Reporter 20.02.2026 12min

  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
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  #78 - The Ghost in the Statute: New York’s Ambiguous Authority Mystery 12.02.2026 31min

  This wasn’t the episode I planned. I had a script ready, but I threw it out for something more honest.This is a "sprawled on the floor" conversation about the deep insecurities of working in a system—specifically New York's—that feels designed to keep us in the dark. We’re diving into the "New York Glitch": the jurisdictional ambiguity other states don’t have, and the moments I almost walked away from court reporting entirely.If you’ve ever felt like you're walking on thin ice despite your experience or credentials, this is for you.Companies mentioned:New York Career InstitutePlaza CollegeNational Notary AssociationNew York State Unified Court System
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  #77 - Scoping in the Age of AI with Rachel Harris 05.02.2026 35min

  In this episode, Brynn Seymour and Rachel Harris delve into the evolving landscape of technology in the court reporting industry, addressing the common question:Will court reporters or scopists be replaced by AI? How can scopists and court reporters make sure that they are not falling behind, but keeping up with technology in a safe and secure way? What should court reporters and scopists be focused on now?Listen to this episode to find out!Rachel Harris was featured in the JCR in December of 2025: Life as a professional scopistGain the freedom to work from anywhere. – Be wherever you want to be. Start your career as a scopist today.