In this episode of Court Reporter Confidential, Isaiah Leslie sits down with Colin Brehm, State Government Relations Manager at the National Court Reporters Association, to break down what advocacy really looks like behind the scenes and why it matters more than ever.

From lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. to the growing conversation around artificial intelligence, Colin shares insight into how NCRA is working to protect the integrity of the record and the future of the court reporting profession.

Isaiah and Colin discuss:

• What NCRA advocacy actually does and how it impacts court reporters

• Behind-the-scenes stories from lobbying and legislative efforts• The role of the NCRA PAC

• How AI and digital recording are shaping policy conversations

• What every court reporter can do to get involved

• NCRA Boot Camp and the value of industry events and conventions

Whether you’re a student, working reporter, or firm owner, this episode offers a clear look at what’s at stake and how you can be part of protecting the profession.

🎧 Listen now and stay informed on the future of court reporting.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or questioned whether you can do this — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Court Reporter Confidential, Stephanie Leslie sits down with Jen Porto to share a powerful story of perseverance in court reporting.

Jen was ready. She had the speed. She had the skill. But test anxiety stood in the way.

In this episode of Court Reporter Confidential, Stephanie Leslie sits down with Matt Murphy, former homicide and sexual assault prosecutor, ABC News legal analyst, author, and podcast host.

After 21 years prosecuting some of California’s most notorious murder cases, Matt shares what it takes to pursue justice in the most high-stakes courtroom environments.

In this special year-end bonus episode of Court Reporter Confidential, co-founders Isaiah and Stephanie Leslie reflect on the past year at Regal Court Reporting and share what’s ahead in the new year. From lessons learned and growth moments to exciting plans on the horizon, they talk candidly about navigating change, staying grounded in ethics, and building with intention.

Stephanie sits down with Cheryl Haab Scott, a highly experienced California court reporter and realtime expert. Cheryl shares candid insights on the evolving court reporting industry, including the impact of AI and "digital recorders", rising court reporting rates, and the realities of staying competitive in today’s legal services market. Perfect for court reporters, CSRs, legal professionals, and anyone curious about the future of official reporting, Cheryl’s real talk offers invaluable advice and perspective on navigating the challenges and opportunities in the profession.

In this episode we’re switching perspectives and stepping behind the camera. Isaiah sits down with licensed legal videographer Robert Velasco of Visual Discovery to talk about the essential role videographers play in capturing and preserving the record.

Robert breaks down what really happens behind the lens, from managing audio to handling the high-pressure moments that come with filming legal proceedings. He also shares how videographers and court reporters can work together more seamlessly, what makes a great deposition setup, the realities of traveling for depositions, and why high-quality video will always beat amateur recordings.

Stephanie chats with newly California Certified Shorthand Reporter Natalie Ruben. Natalie talks about her journey through court reporting school, the transition from training to taking the record in a live courtroom, the challenges new reporters face, and what has helped her build confidence on the job. She also shares practical advice for students, tips for improving speed and accuracy, and what surprised her most during her first few weeks as an official.

In this episode, Vanessa (aka @MissSteno) shares what it’s been like stepping into her new role as a Washington Official Court Reporter, how her captioning experience shaped her journey, and the lessons she’s learned in her first month on the job.