Brynn Reynolds Seymour and Rachel Harris follow the fault lines: a near-split vote, frustrated translation rates, and tools that promise more than they deliver. What happens when mask tech, software shifts, and courtroom culture collide—and the record still has to be right? Step inside the tension to hear where standards hold, where they bend, and what seasoned reporters are watching next.

Rachel Harris is a court-reporting consultant to the Lagos judiciary, where she’s building standards, training judges on effective reporter utilization, and leading projects to retrain voice writers to stenography. A longtime scoping coach, she bridges real courtroom workflows with practical training, helping reporters translate tech into clean, certifiable records.

Enjoyed the episode? Drop a 5-star rating or a quick line about your takeaway—those signals help more reporters and attorneys find the show. Thanks for listening and for supporting the podcast.

The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the complexities and frustrations associated with the notary requirements for court reporters, particularly in the context of the differing regulations across jurisdictions. I delve into my personal experience of preparing for the notary test, which I undertook under challenging circumstances, and reflect on the relevance of the material to my profession. The episode serves as a platform for exploring the broader implications of certification and compliance in our field, while also questioning the necessity of certain regulations that may not correlate with our day-to-day responsibilities as court reporters. I invite listeners to engage in this discourse, fostering a community of shared insights and experiences. Ultimately, we aim to illuminate the pathways toward professional development and clarity within the court reporting profession.

Takeaways:

1. This podcast emphasizes the importance of reflective practice in the court reporting profession, urging listeners to consider their roles deeply.
2. Listeners are encouraged to navigate the complexities of notary law and CSR certification with confidence and clarity.
3. The conversation highlights the necessity of movement and action in addressing complaints, thereby facilitating personal and professional growth.
4. The podcast discusses the disconnect between notary law and court reporting duties, questioning the relevance of notary certification for court reporters.
5. It is suggested that the court reporting community advocate for a more coherent licensing system, similar to that of California.
6. Listeners are reminded that one's perspective can be transformed through movement, encouraging proactive engagement with challenges.

It’s officially 2026.

In this New Year kickoff episode, Brynn reflects on what 2025 revealed, celebrates unexpected milestones, and lays out a clear vision for what’s ahead on the Court Reporter Podcast.

This episode introduces the podcast’s new season-based format, the core themes for the year, and a transparent look at Brynn’s personal recommitment to growth, including her journey toward the RPR and deeper national-level understanding of the profession.

This is not about perfection.

It’s about clarity, structure, and doing the work out loud.

If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or like you’re just figuring things out as you go, this episode sets the tone for a different kind of year.

• Why 2026 is the Year of Transformation

• A behind-the-scenes look at the podcast’s growth and milestones

• What’s changing with the podcast structure and why

• The four core principles that define court reporting across all jurisdictions

• Brynn’s honest recommitment to pursuing the RPR and true professional mastery

• A preview of each season planned for 2026

• Why expertise is more than credentials

• What it really means to build confidence, clarity, and authority in this profession

• Ethics, licensure, certification, and professional identity

• Assertive communication and confidence on the record

• Business systems, burnout reduction, and future-proofing your career

• Judicial interviews, community conversations, and national observances

• The launch of the Court Reporter Podcast Awards

This podcast exists to bridge gaps, elevate standards, and support court reporters and litigation professionals navigating real-world challenges with intention.

If this episode resonates, stay connected.

Sign up for the newsletter at courtreporterpodcast.com to receive updates, episode drops, and invitations to upcoming discussions and accountability sessions.

This is the year we do things differently.

Join me for finance management accountability sessions! I'll send the schedule via the newsletter which you can join by going to: courtreporterpodcast.com

Today we're wrapping up the mini episode series with Tips #8–10 on how attorneys can work best with their court reporters. This is important because they don't seem to teach it much in law school, so hearing directly from a court reporter all the things we want attorneys to know, can be so helpful. Attorneys, this is for you. Listening to this series will put you one step ahead of all of your colleagues.

Feel free to email brynn@courtreporterpodcast.com!

If this series helped you lead the room and protect the record, please leave a 5-star rating or a short review—even a quick star rating helps more reporters and attorneys find the show.

When the record is on the line, every micro-decision matters. If you wait until the end to request a rough or let crosstalk slide “just this once,” you invite stress, corrections, and a messy review. In this episode, you’ll learn simple moves that keep you impartial, in control, and confident from gavel to goodbye.

If this helped you protect the record, please leave a 5-star rating or short review—even a star rating helps more reporters and attorneys find the show.

When the record is on the line, even small decisions can make or break accuracy. What you say, when you speak up, and how you confirm the record all affect the clarity of the transcript and the pace of the proceeding. This episode shares the etiquette every attorney needs to know—so you can work with your reporter, not against them, and ensure the record stays clean.

In Part 1 of this mini series, host Brynn Reynold Seymour explains why the record is the primary product of any proceeding—and why assumptions can undermine it.

This episode addresses the most common mistakes attorneys make, probably unknowingly, when trying to make the record in depositions.

Brynn shares how simple attorney habits—clear cues, verbalizing the record, and proactive introductions—make proceedings smoother for everyone and protect the record in high-stakes settings.

• Contact: brynn@courtreporterpodcast.com
• Instagram & Facebook: @courtreporterpodcast
• Court Reporter CEO Mindset Program signup

If this episode brought you value, please leave a 5-star rating and quick review. Your support helps more attorneys and reporters discover the tools and insights they need to succeed. And don’t forget to subscribe—Parts 2 and 3 are coming soon.

When the record is on the line, every micro-decision matters. What to say, when to speak up, how to follow up, how to respond—these split-second choices can easily lead to overwhelm and burnout if we don’t prepare in advance. That’s why we gathered a roundtable of seasoned professionals to talk it through—so you can step into every proceeding with the confidence and etiquette of a true guardian of the record.

In this episode, we explore the core of court reporting professionalism: neutrality, boundaries, and room control. Special guest Vicki Poole, CSR, RPR, RMR, shares field-tested strategies for staying impartial, from setting the tone the moment you arrive to avoiding even the appearance of bias.

Voices in This Episode

• Hosts: Brynn Seymour | Treissa Matakaetis | Lisa Thomas | Brooke Skau, RPR
• Guest: Vicki Poole, CSR, RPR, RMR
• Cassandra Ellis, RMR, RDR, CRR — President of MCRA
• Cinnamon Krauss, CSR, CRR
• Sheena Selvera, CSR, CVR

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⭐ Leave Us a Review!

If this episode brought you value, take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and a quick review. Your support helps more court reporters discover the community, tools, and encouragement they need to succeed. Even a simple star rating makes a big difference!

What if you could stop reacting to chaos and start running your business like a CEO? In this episode, I share the exact 5-step framework — Groundwork, Assess, Visualize, Execute, Leverage & Lead — that will transform how you work.

The doors to the VTM program are open for 10 founding members. DM me “VTM” now to lock in 50% off and lifetime VIP perks before spots run out!! Can't wait to see you there... UBUNTU!