The Court Reporter Podcast

Hosted by Brynn Reynolds Seymour

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Court Reporter Podcast is a space for court reporters who want to leverage technology and streamline their workflows, to move from feeling overwhelmed and scattered to clear, confident, and assertive in their work and their lives. Hosted by Brynn Reynolds Seymour, this podcast offers grounded conversations, practical insight, and perspective drawn from real experience inside the courtroom. Each episode explores the mental, professional, and relational challenges court reporters face but rarely talk about openly, from managing stress and self-doubt to communicating effectively with attorneys, advocating for yourself, and creating systems that support clarity and balance. Rather than quick fixes or industry noise, this podcast focuses on thoughtful guidance, mindset shifts, and simple strategies that help you show up with confidence on the record and off. You will hear honest reflections, professional coaching insights, and real-world lessons on time management, boundaries, communication, and leadership within the justice system. If you are a court reporter who wants to trust yourself more, think more clearly, and build a sustainable business without burnout, The Court Reporter Podcast is for you.

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60 recent

August 18, 202623 min

97 | Stop Doing Everything Yourself: How Top Court Reporters Build Teams, Earn More & Avoid Burnout with Cindy Sebo

From a Chance Encounter to 30+ Years in Court Reporting In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Sebo , a court reporter certified across 16 states with more than 30 years of reporting experience. If you weren't already convinced from my 96 other episodes that you need a VTM (Virtual Transcript Manager, basically like a super-scopist & project manager of the entire production pipeline), I think you will finally be convinced after listening to this. Cindy shares the unexpected story of how she discovered court reporting (and how similar it is to mine!!!) and how to earn more as a court reporter... spoiler alert: it's by having your own dedicated VTM! This episode was recorded live at the NCRA convention expo hall, specifically at a booth that Steno had set up which worked out very well for podcast recordings. Listen to learn business and leadership tips that will empower you to go from "transcript-to-transcript" to CEO, running the show :)

August 10, 202626 min

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

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 episode The 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.

August 4, 202627 min

95 | Norma Alicia Fame : 42 Years of Court Reporting

From Hitchhiking to Realtime: 42 Years Behind the Steno Machine What 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 reporting Surviving the first days on the job Life before computers and realtime The biggest changes she's seen in 42 years Why AI can't replace skilled court reporters Mentoring the next generation Why she still loves the profession after all these years Takeaways Determination 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 episode Realtime reporting Artificial Intelligence (AI) Houston Civil Courts

July 27, 202626 min

94 | Kamryn & Whitney Part 2 | The Veritext Acquisition: What Really Happened

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 episode Why 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 reporting Veritext

July 20, 202617 min

93 | The Court Reporter Shortage: Is Hollywood Part of the Problem?

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 Takeaways Why 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: Indeed LinkedIn ZipRecruiter Upwork Pirozzi & Hillman Reporting Lexitas

June 2, 202622 min

92 | Court Reporter Podcast Award Nominations Officially Open

🏆 The Court Reporter Podcast Awards: Nominations Are Open What 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]

May 30, 20266 min

91 | 🎵 On The Record #2: ReporterFlow

Episode 91 | 🎵 On The Record #2: ReporterFlow If 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.

May 29, 20267 min

90 | 🎵 On The Record #1: I'm on the Record

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.

May 7, 202626 min

#89 - I Applied to Be a Digital Reporter… and Didn't Make It

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 used And 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 Podcast Official 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

May 1, 202628 min

#88 - From Steno Machine to CEO: How Two Court Reporters Built a 200-Reporter Agency from a Parking Lot

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't How they ran their agency as the only two reporters on staff — and attorneys didn't even know there were two of them The real challenge of being a freelancer and managing your time when you also want to build something bigger What it actually looks like to build a team around yourself so you're not the bottleneck And 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