The Toastmasters Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bo Bennett, Ryan Levesque, and Greg Gazin
The Toastmasters Podcast is like a radio talkshow featuring interviews with Toastmasters usually featured in the Toastmaster magazine. But unlike a radio show, a podcast is on the Internet, and available, for free, to anyone in the world with an Internet connection, and a connected device capable of playing audio.
[24:16] CEO Dan Rex returns for part II - Sharing more new resources: Rollout of a 454 page book, 45 min historical documentary, special print magazine & more
[34:51] CEO Dan Rex joins us for a 2 episodes commemorating Toastmasters 100 covering a bit of its history, vision, growth, personal stories, anecdotes and more
[29:15] World Champion Luisa Montalvo shares her journey to victory, overcoming last-minute doubts & offers tips on speaking & dissects her inspiring speech
[29:17] Radhi shares with us stories about her incredible personal & Toastmaster’s journey of becoming the Int’l President & her vision for the new year
[24:39] Explore the difference between nice vs. kind with Ben Guttmann, a marketing expert & author, as he unpacks why kindness is key to better communication
[22:56] Pulitzer Prize-winning author uncovers the techniques supercommunicators use to enhance their conversation skills and build meaningful relationships
[21:34] Host co-chairs enlighten us about Anaheim and give us a sneak-peek around Toastmasters International 100th anniversary event August 14-17, 2024
[37:39] This award-winning Entrepreneur, speaker & author redefines confidence & inspires us with her incredible journey & a sneak-peek into her book & keynote
[28:22] Financial Planner Todd Bryant shares his Toastmasters journey & story & how a speaking award ribbon inspired his daughter, age 6 to speak at his club
[33:37] Discover insights on resilience & adaptability from the renowned keynote speaker for Toastmasters’ 100th anniversary convention in Anaheim, August 2024!
[25:01] New Zealand Author, Business Coach & Toastmaster shares how leading successful teams needs the same 12 conditions as healthy plants in order to thrive.
[28:47] Discover the essence of authenticity in public speaking with Liz Danziger. Learn to balance vulnerability and preparation for impactful presentations
[28:56] An interesting chat with a man embarking on a personal journey to improve his social skills, strengthen his mindset & build an incredible network
[29:52] Monthly ad hoc on-line group & invited guests toast Toastmasters then reads articles from Toastmaster Magazine aloud then has in-depth discussion them
[29:52] Olya Amelia burned out rebuilding her life from scratch, turning it into a career as a health & performance coach. She shares her story & lots of advice
[27:25] Karen Rae Hannah enlightens us on what Improv is, how we can use it in our clubs and have fun, while boosting our speaking & leadership skills
[29:39] A Roast is something you bake in the oven, but also a humorous way to honor or recognize an individual by poking fun at them in a good-natured way.
[48:22] Tune in to our interview with the newest Accredited Speakers (2023) – Stephanie Angelo, Verity Price, Dale Rees-Bevan & their incredible journeys
[34:07] Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE his stories, strategies, & mindset for dealing with unpredictable on-stage mishaps with grace. Bonus: Free digital book.
[29:17] Phil enlightens us a little about the fruits of his Toastmasters Communication & Leadership journey & how others can also benefit from the program
[29:58] People find their voice & purpose many ways. Kaur found hers through storytelling, writing, overcoming adversity, & Toastmasters speech competitions
[32:27] Aman Chopra, public speaking coach and a recent graduate from NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, on the intersection of AI, comedy, and authenticity
[30:44] Jocelyn Tyson - 2023 Toastmasters WCPS. Learn more about her journey, backstory & added pressures leading herself to the main stage & more.
[22:24] Jane shares her journey of confidence building, career enhancement and transformation through Toastmasters starting in Nigeria and now in Canada
[26:35] Mayuri Assudani, DTM shares her wisdom on the importance brand consistency and how she used a competition to spread awareness and encourage its use
[33:35] Imposter Syndrome is an obstacle that gets in the way of being an effective leader. Dr. Valerie Young help us loosen the grip this phenomenon may have
[37:41] International President Morag Mathieson from Germany—the second Int’l President from Europe and first female Int’l President from outside N. America.
[33:17] Spontaneous speaking expert Matt Abrahams helps us to Think Faster, Talk Smarter with exciting and valuable tips and ideas from his new book
[33:08] You’ve heard of a meditation practice, yoga, or writing practice, but a podcast practice? Tara demystifies this & shares her passion for it as well.
233: Interview: 2023 Toastmasters International Co-Chairs Tony Longley & Pamela D. Rolle who enlighten us about the event & a little about their journeys
[31:20] Strategic business consultant Sara Mayer provides tips and strategies to achieve success without burning out.
[27:39] Maureen shows us how international travel can pay endless dividends and have bountiful benefits especially for Toastmaster members
[29:58] If you find Small Talk to be awkward, uncomfortable or unnecessary, our guest offers tips to help you excel & create meaningful conversations
[28:21] Eddie Rice “Toast Master" professional speaker & speechwriter demystifies preparing and delivering the ceremonial Toast & offers insights, tips & advice
[34:46] Jolene Stockman, speaker, author discusses neurodiversity, her embrace of her own autism, & why Toastmasters is a perfect place for neurodiverse people
[24:35] When her Father told her she wouldn’t make it as an entrepreneur, Diana Robertson defied his expectations. & became a successful communicator & leader
[33:53] Jillian Mitchell, vocal coach and all-around voice advocate, explores vocal tone and provides tips and techniques to optimize your vocal quality.
[27:54] Hosts Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque share insight & stories from the Mar 2023 Toastmaster magazine article: Tune In to The Toastmasters Podcast
[29:55] Jean Small joined Toastmasters at 68. At 88 she’s unstoppable in her accomplishements & proves that you can reinvigorate yourself after retirement.
[24:57] Dave Henson, The Slide Presentation Man, shares tips and best practices for effective slide presentations.
[32:37] Light-hearted & informative presentation on how Clown Presence can take your presentations to the next level. Based on Toastmasters article & Book: Wink
[30:35] Ryan Levesque shares about his article ’Meet Your Future Self - Today! New research in psychology can help you design your future & achieve your goals’
[28:32] Dr. Kevin Snyder shares about his experience with pursuing—and achieving—the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation from Toastmasters International
[27:25] You’ll hear about an incredible journey how Cristóbal Colón took a passion for Toastmasters & Podcasting, how it transformed his life & lessons learned
[25:07] Speaker & Author Oscar Santolalla who enlightens us on how & why we can use metaphors in our presentations, their powers in communication & persuasion
[30:33] Fiona Swee Lin Price shares the importance of pronouncing names and offers tips on how we can better at it
[30:07] Meet Cyril Junior Dim the 2022 Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking from Wroclaw, Poland. At 24 he’s the youngest ever champion
[31:22] Exploring the ongoing legacy, leadership, and wisdom of Past International President, Ted Corcoran of Ireland
[27:24] Novelist and former Toastmaster Katherine Collette discusses her latest novel, set in a fictional world of competitive public speaking
[29:59] Presentation coach & author Joel Schwartzberg shares tips & techniques on how leaders can truly up their listening skills.
[33:25] Meet Matt Kinsey, the 2022-23 International President of Toastmasters International. Hear about his Toastmasters & Leadership journeys & other lessons.
[33:55] Dr. Shirley Davis PhD – 2022 Golden Gavel Recipient keynote sneak-peek: Leadership 2030 & Beyond: New Skill Sets, Mindsets & Competencies We Will Need
[20:05] Don Bittick, Host District Chair shares about the first hybrid 2022 Toastmasters International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
[28:52] From her expertise and personal experiences, Dr. Caren Neile helps us through the Prevention & Recovery Onstage Mishaps including talking a tumble
[23:20] Learning from his father’s wisdom & struggles, Robert Nevarez conquered the fear of public speaking his father had not been able to confront.
[28:31] Dr. Cokley is no imposter. In our episode today, he’ll be demystifying this often misunderstood phenomenon & sharing ideas on how to approach it.
[28:25] A look at the art of receiving feedback with speech delivery coach and author of the monthly "Toastmaster Toolbox" column,Bill Brown
[29:31] Jess Roper - 2x English Kickboxing Champion & Toastmaster shares her incredible journey and talks about Developing a Champions Mindset
[24:21] W.C. "Bobby" Blackmon, DTM lost his eyesight at 5 years old, and learned to accomplish big goals with something more powerful—mind vision.
[25:03] Gwenydd Jones, DTM, experienced translator and copywriter offers tips and guidance on making the most from attending bilingual Toastmasters meetings
[32:15] After studying 5K speakers over 7 years, David JP Phillips identified & distilled communication’s core skills & subskills which he uses extensively
[22:26] Author Kate McClare shares stories about the Toastmaster and Rotary strategic alliance and the some of the collaborations
[27:56] 200th Episode: Meet Rashmi Ketha, the winner of our "Pitch Us Your Podcast (Idea)" contest, & hear about her exciting idea, "The Passport Experience."
[29:50] Members can find a creative outlet and new skills while having fun through specialty-themed Toastmasters clubs around the world - Megan Preston Meyer
[28:03] Social Media is popular but our guest today David F. Carr gives us compelling reasons why a club’s website is a great marketing and recruiting asset
[28:42] Cathey Armillas shares how to break through the "invisible wall" and connect with your audience
[30:08] Virtual Reality—How can communicators, speakers, professionals, and Toastmasters use VR to enhance their communications, connection and careers?
[25:57] Introducing Forrest Tuff, Toastmasters’ Newest Accredited Speaker. Tuff shares stories from his journey and many of the obstacles he had to overcome
[29:22] Claudia Hehr: Modern Day Dr. Doolittle & internationally-respected animal communications expert, author, coach shows us how we can "talk" to our animals
[28:05] Gavin Meikle, DTM, a trainer for 25+ years, unpacks the skills necessary to facilitate learning and deepen one’s training impact
[23:07] Amanda Mae Gray shares tips & techniques for being a great virtual event host, on Zoom, YouTube and related platforms while maximizing engagement
[27:04] A lifelong stutterer, Joze Piranian conquered his fear and became a successful motivational speaker and standup comedian.
[25:57] Verity Price, the 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking provides practical wisdom for life, and insights into speech writing and presenting virtually.
[29:16] Dennis Chase tells us a little about his journey to a $50K Jeopardy payday and how his Toastmasters skills had come into play
[28:42] Meet and learn from Margaret Page, DTM, the incoming 2021 - 2022 International President of Toastmasters International.
[23:57] Tips for supercharging your resume and profile with achievements and skills and acquired through Toastmasters – Victoria Salem
[28:50] Communicating with clients and colleagues from a different culture is challenging. Our guest shares how to improve communication in a globalizing world.
[25:27] 2020-21 Toastmasters International President Virtual World Tour - Richard E. Peck visits 140+ clubs
[22:30] Ravin Lama shares strategies for building Toastmasters clubs gleaned from his experiences in both Nepal and Mauritius.
[23:13] Due to his Orthodox upbringing Shlomo Noskow at 21 had no marketable skills. Ultimately he became a Doctor & Toastmasters is helping him find his voice
[29:52] In this episode Lesley Stephenson will enlighten us with what a good title is & why it’s important that you pay attention to it when creating content
[23:27] Skills learned in Toastmasters equip healthcare professional Michael Osur, DTM to combat the COVID crisis with communication and leadership.
[27:53] Expert Hybrid Meeting tips, resources and best practices from TEDx speaker, event host, comedian and Toastmaster Markus Seppälä
[24:35] David Jones, DTM shares the emotional story of losing his wife in a tragic car crash, and how that experience inspired him to serve others.
[29:45] Exploring the psychological dimensions of stage fright, and tools for managing it effectively.
[26:18] What are the vital communication skills necessary for successful entrepreneurship, and how can you develop them?
[28:47] Lindy MacLaine 2nd runner-up 2020 WCPS shares how to become an A.C.E. at virtual speaking
[26:56] Banker Stephan Dyer becomes accidental comedian through Toastmasters - shares his journey and comedy tips
[28:34] Meet Mohamed Shukri - Toastmasters newly minted Accredited Speaker. Hear about his journey and how a safety shortcut can lead to a great safety culture
[32:43] On August 24th, 2019 at the 88th Annual Toastmasters International Convention in Denver, Colorado USA, six Toastmasters earned the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation, bringing the total number of designations awarded to-date to 87.In the first part of a two-part series, Ryan Levesque speaks with three of the six including: Paul Artale, DTM, Swartz Creek, MI, USA; Thomas Iland, DTM Los Angeles, CA, USA; and Sima Dahl, DTM, Chicago, IL, USA.Each of the Accredited Speakers shares. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[21:45] In this episode, Greg and Ryan speak with Dr. Wenjing He, M.D., Ph.D., a member of an elite global team of surgeons and scientists conducting cutting-edge research at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada. Dr. He is also one of several members of the research team who also belong to the College Plaza Toastmasters Club, featured in the December 2019 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. Dr. He joins the show to speak both about the fascinating research taking place in her . . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[22:02] Most networking goals are business-related: build a clientele, get referrals, find a job prospect. What if, instead of “networking,” professionals could learn to think of it as “building connections”? Building more meaningful connections can accomplish all of these things while also filling a deeper need and importantly, there’s more than one right way to do it.Maureen Zappala, DTM, joins us in follow-up to her June 2019 article in The Toast. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[26:19] It’s been said that Emotional Intelligence (EI) a.k.a EQ can sometimes be more important than IQ. In this episode, Greg and Ryan speak with EI expert, speaker and author Harvey Deutschendorf. Harvey’s article, Emotional Intelligence: The Other Kind Of Smart, was the cover story for the July 2019 issue of The Toastmaster Magazine.Harvey enlightens us with what EQ is, how he discovered it and how it’s impacted his life. He also shares with us why it matters and what you c. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[33:02] In Part 2 of our interviews with the 2018 Toastmasters International Accredited Speaker (AS), host Ryan Levesque speaks with the final three of the six: Maurice DiMino from Los Angeles, California, Tamara Hamilton from Reston, Virginia, and Terry Watson from Chicago, Illinois.Similar to Part 1, you’ll once again learn about these three extraordinary and fascinating individuals, hear about their AS journey, including what they learned from their accomplishment, and some very valuable less. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[36:13] On August 25th, 2018 at the 87th Annual Toastmasters International Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA, six Toastmasters earned the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation, from a record 24 applicants, bringing the total number of designations awarded to-date to 81. In the first part of a two-part episode, Greg Gazin speaks with three of the six including: Greg Wood, DTM from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (top left), Valda B. Ford, DTM from High Point, North . . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[39:38] Building and Sustaining Vibrant Toastmaster Programs in Corporations is an important subject for anyone involved with corporate clubs, either as a sponsor, mentor, coach, member, potential member or district leader. In this extended interview, Greg and Ryan speak with Pat Johnson, DTM PIP about her new step-by-step handbook of the same name. Pat offers a deep dive into the subject which suggests alternative ways Toastmasters can work within the corporate world. We learn about h. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[22:30] There’s a strong link between yoga and public speaking, according to Christine Clapp, DTM. Listen as she enlightens us about an epiphany she had and whether you’re into yoga or not and on how connecting the two can offer great insights into helping you become a better speaker.Christine can be reached at info@spokenwithAuthority.com or on Twitter at @ChristineClapp. You can find her book Presenting at Work: A Guide to Public Speaking in Professional Contexts at Presenting. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[18:43] A Toastmasters for 25 years, Lark Doley, DTM, of Jonestown, Texas has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters, including her current role as International President. Doley shares how she was first introduced to Toastmasters and her attraction to the Toastmasters Leadership track. She also tells us about her unique lighthouse home, her progress this year as President, including the Wow!Factor Project and enlightens us with her story behind her infatuation wi. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
What does creativity have to do with leadership? How can leaders utilize leadership, and encourage it among their teams? Stuart Pink, CC, CL joins the show to explore these questions and more. Pink is a keynote speaker and coach on creativity who earned third place in the 2012 Toastmasters World Championship of Public SpeakingÆ. He is also the author of Brainarium: Exercise Your Creativity. Visit https://www.brainarium.com to learn more. See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[25:59] Toastmasters’ Accredited Speaker (AS) program has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1981. In this episode, Greg speaks with Bob Hooey, PDG AS who achieved his AS designation in 1998, long before podcast was even a word and is #48 of only 81 who have earned this Toastmasters professional designation.Bob "Idea Man" Hooey is a professional speaker, his motto is, "Have Mouth, Will Travel.” Bob has been enlightening audiences around the world for over a quarter century and . . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[23:57] On Saturday August 25, 2018, Ramona J. Smith of Houston, Texas, U.S.A, District 56, became the 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking. Her contest speech, "Still Standing" was delivered to an audience of nearly 2,000 people from around the world during the finals of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.Smith is a high school educator, speaker, author, blogger and poet and is only the fifth woman to capture the title of World Champion of. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[26:24] Toastmasters’ most prestigious award is the Golden Gavel. Since 1959, the award has been given annually to an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership.Toastmasters International has named Keith Ferrazzi as its 2018 Golden Gavel recipient for his leadership in the field of networking and relationship-building. The award recognizes Ferrazzi’s extensive influence in encouraging individuals and organizations to build trusting, mutually beneficial relations. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[19:38] In this episode, Greg speaks with the attendees from the floor at the 2017 International Convention in Vancouver. You’ll learn about who they are, where they come from, their experiences, takeaways and their favorite highlights of the convention.You’ll hear from Toastmasters from all around the globe, ranging from local Toastmasters to others who trekked up to 40 hours to get to Vancouver to attend the premier event. Some are new Toastmasters, joining within the last month and other. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[27:05] It takes a lot of helping hands to make an International Convention successful. In this episode, recorded live in Vancouver at the 86th annual International Convention, Greg has a conversation with Joe Da Silva, DTM who tells us - what’s involved in his role as Volunteer Coordinator Chair overseeing some 240+ volunteers; some of the things he’s learned and what people can expect, learn and experience as a volunteer.In the second half of the podcast, you’ll get to meet seven volunteers, m. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[43:05] In this first of a two part series, Greg, Ryan and Bo speak with four of the presenters who will grace the stage at the 2018 International Convention, August 22--25, in Chicago, Illinois: - Steve Gilliland: Follow Me (Keynote) - Lars Sudmann: The Innovative Toastmaster: Spice up your leadership and communication skills with practical innovation strategies - Eldonna Lewis Fernandez: Think Like a Negotiator &ndas. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[26:21] In this episode, Greg speaks with Toastmasters Past International President Pat Johnson, DTM. In 2017, Johnson held the honor of host district convention chair for the International Convention in Vancouver, Canada.Johnson, a coach and Toastmaster since 1983, shares her experience about the role as chair and why she said yes to taking on such major endeavor; what was involved and her experience putting together and working with such an incredible team. We learn about her leadership j. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
Marc Williams, ACS, ALB, witnessed an unspeakable tragedy at three years old, when two intruders broke into his home, and murdered his thought-to-be-father. The son of an illiterate, single mother who could not help him with his homework, Marc rose above his struggles, and went on to earn a master’s degree in speech communication from New York University. He left a job as an assistant principal at Brooklyn Technical High School to become the principal and turn around an underserv. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[26:31] In this episode, Greg and Ryan speak with Myles Drake, CC. Drake is an adventurous young man from Ontario, Canada who after nearly failing out of school, eventually landed his dream job as a design engineer building cars for the Subaru Rally Team USA after touring the facility. Less than two years later and with the skills he’s gained from Toastmasters, his adventurous journey has taken him from beyond his comfort zone to the stage where he’s been having an impact on students. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[23:39] Meera Manek is a Kenyan-born, of Indian descent, speechwriting coach, meeting facilitator, trainer, realtor and stand-up comedian who moved to California from Nairobi at age 7 and joined Toastmasters at age 18. Manek is featured in the Q & A section of the March 2018 issue of the Toastmaster.In this episode, Manek joins Greg and Ryan to discuss how being a Toastmaster made her better at her craft, and how she approaches her work like a doctor.Manek also share. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[24:34] On Friday evening August 25, 2017, Manoj Vasudevan of Singapore, District 80, became the 2017 World Champion of Public Speaking. His contest speech, "Pull Less, Bend More" was delivered to an audience of nearly 2,500 people from around the world during the finals of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.Vasudevan, a management consultant and leadership coach gives us his insights on his journey to the world stage, including how he came up wi. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
As a college senior, John Mabry was involved in tragic car crash that killed one of his close friends, and resulted in a partial amputation of one of his legs. Mabry subsequently struggled with depression, addiction, and PTSD for more than a decade. He worked as a stuntman and actor, appearing in American TV series such as NCIS, ER and Cold Case, and appearing in the films Superbad and Sublime. John is featured in the November 2017 issue of theToastmaster. Now a Toastmaster, Mabry. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
On August 26th, 2017 at the 86th Annual Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, Canada, a record six Toastmasters earned the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation bringing the total number of designations to 75. In this second part of a two-part episode, the hosts speak with the final three newly-designated Accredited Speakers: Robert Cravalho, DTM from Honolulu, Hawaii (left); Donny Crandell, ACS, ALB from Reno, Nevada (right) and Clare Crowther, ACS, ALB from Elloughton, Br. . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast
[53:22] On August 26th, 2017 at the 86th Annual Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, Canada, a record six Toastmasters earned the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation bringing the total number of designations to 75. In the first part of a two-part episode, Greg Gazin speaks with three of the six, who are all from Canada: Angela Louie, DTM from Vancouver, British Columbia (left); Freddi Dogterom, DTM, from Lethbridge, Alberta (lower center) and Joe Grondin, . . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast