The Toastmasters Podcast
The official Toastmasters podcast features conversations on communication, confidence, leadership, and personal growth. Hosted by Greg Gazin, it explores topics relevant to Toastmasters members and anyone interested in self-improvement.
Episodes
#300: Reflecting Back on 300 Episodes and the Power of Conversation – Greg Gazin
[47:36] What happens when 20 years and hundreds of conversations change the way you communicate, listen, and tell stories? In this special milestone episode, guest host Ryan Levesque turns the microphone around on Greg Gazin to reflect on the journey behind The Toastmasters Podcast, ToastCaster, and the lessons learned along the way.From launching a podcast as a Toastmasters High Performance Leade
#299 Championing Workplace Well-Being: Meet the 2026 Golden Gavel Recipient - Jennifer Moss
[37:05] The Toastmasters International Golden Gavel is the prestigious annual award presented to an individual distinguished in the fields of leadership and communication. In this insightful and thought-provoking episode, Greg Gazin speaks with Jennifer Moss, award-winning author, workplace culture strategist, and the 2026 Golden Gavel Honoree. Jennifer shares personal stories and practical insigh
#298: Spotting & Resolving Generative AI Pitfalls for Communicators - Joel Schwartzberg
[31:42] Generative AI can help you work faster and sharpen your message, but only if you stay in control. In this episode, Greg Gazin speaks with Joel Schwartzberg about how to spot and resolve common AI pitfalls so your communication remains clear, credible, and authentic.Joel approaches AI as a tool—useful, but not a replacement for decision-making. It can improve clarity and efficiency, but it
#297: What Happens When Toastmasters Give Youth Voices a TEDx Stage – CeCe Espeut
[26:51] What happens when students are given a real stage and someone willing to guide them there? In this episode, Greg Gazin speaks with CeCe Espeut about helping students step onto South Florida’s TEDx Miramar stage and what unfolded along the way.CeCe Espeut, a two-time TEDx speaker, five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, and creator of TEDx Miramar, brought together Toastmasters to mentor stude
#296: Africa’s Ascent: What Drove Toastmasters Growth – Frank Tsuro
[28:53] Across parts of Africa, Toastmasters has seen double- and even triple-digit growth over a 10-year period—at a time when global membership has slightly declined. So what changed—and why did it stick? Frank Tsuro shares his experience, what contributed to that growth, and what others can learn—while offering a closer look at Africa and Toastmasters across the continent.Frank puts the g
#295: Taking Speaking Skills to TV’s Shark Tank — Ari Siegel
[25:38] Imagine preparing for a presentation so intensely that you create life-size cutouts of your audience just to practice answering their toughest questions. That’s exactly what one entrepreneur and longtime Toastmaster did before pitching his business TV’s Shark Tank. In this episode host Greg Gazin speaks with Ari Siegel, founder of History By Mail, about how Toastmasters hel
#294: Beyond 500 Lunches with Strangers: Lessons on Achieving Anything – Nick Bendel
[36:05] What would happen if you committed to having lunch with 500 strangers? In this episode, host Greg Gazin reconnects with Nick Bendel (Episode #250), who not only reached that goal, he surpassed it. What began as a business experiment to improve social skills became something much deeper, a lesson in confidence, curiosity and personal growth. This episode isn’t really about lunch. It’s about
#293: Personal Experience: Toastmasters, Rotary & the Alliance – Stephanie Steckel
With more than 30 years in Rotary, Stephanie was deeply engaged in community service long before Toastmasters entered the picture. When she later discovered Toastmasters through Rotary, she found a safe environment to practice speaking, calm presentation anxiety, and strengthen skills she could immediately apply back in Rotary meetings and projects.That experience turned Stephanie into an advocate
#292: Untangling Cultural Knots to Create Mutual Connection – Maria Garaitonandia
[32:03] Cross-cultural moments aren’t rare anymore—they’re woven into our daily conversations. In this episode, Greg speaks with leadership communication strategist Maria Garaitonandia about why well-meaning communication can miss the mark and how greater cultural awareness helps speakers, leaders, and teams avoid misunderstanding before it hardens into judgment.
Maria brings a p
#291: Using a Personal Energy Audit to Pause, Reflect, and Reset — Ambeka Khadse
[25:52] When managing your time isn’t enough, it may be time to look at where your energy is actually going. In this episode, host Greg Gazin speaks with Ambeka Khadse, a talent development leader and Toastmasters contributor, about how a personal energy audit helps speakers and leaders move from feeling busy to working with greater focus, clarity, and intention — without adding more hours to the
#290: Mental Workouts make for a Better Mindset & Stronger Speaking — Sarah Centrella
[32:40] Many of us learn early on how to train our bodies, and later, how to prepare a speech through practice and repetition. But when it comes to training the mind—especially under the pressure of a live audience—most speakers are left to figure it out on their own. In this episode, Sarah Centrella joins Greg to discuss mental fitness and how speakers can prepare mentally with the same intention
#289: Using AI as a Thinking Partner to Communicate with Clarity — Diane Windingland
[33:33] What if AI could help you think more clearly, simplify complex ideas, and sharpen your message—without replacing your voice or creativity? In this episode of the Toastmasters Podcast, Greg Gazin welcomes back Diane Windingland, DTM, for a practical conversation on using AI as a thinking partner to improve clarity, strengthen messages, and communicate with greater impact.
Diane offers
#288: Reflections on 11 Years of Writing for the Toastmaster Magazine – Bill Brown
[27:20] In this episode Greg Gazin welcomes back longtime contributor and speech delivery coach Bill Brown for a conversation that reflects back and shares lessons learned from more than a decade of writing for the Toastmaster magazine. A Toastmaster for nearly 20 years Bill has become a familiar name to readers through The Toastmasters Toolbox, The Answer Man, and dozens of feature articles
#287: Corporate Club Success: Gaining Executive Support is a Key – Lance Kotler
[31:36] What does it take to build a thriving Corporate Toastmasters club within a business—and turn it into a catalyst for professional growth and company culture? In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Lance Kotler, a Vice President at BNY Mellon and Vice President of Membership for the BNY Mellon Toastmasters Club in New York City.
Lance, one of five members featured in a recent Toastmast
#286: Sabyasachi (Saby) Sengupta — Meet the 2025 World Champion of Public Speaking
Saby, a behavioral change expert based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, rose above seven other finalists after several elimination rounds that began earlier in the year with thousands of participants from more than 100 countries. A two-time TEDx speaker and host of the Method and Madness podcast, he helps organizations embrace the human side of change—with energy, humor, and heart.Kissing the StageIn th
#285: Leading from Your Zone of Genius – Aligning Work with Passion — Katie Stoddart
Drawing from both personal experience and the concepts introduced in Gay Hendricks’ book The Big Leap, Katie explores the four zones of work—incompetence, competence, excellence, and genius—and explains why so many people get stuck in the “zone of excellence,” where they’re skilled but not truly fulfilled.Katie shares practical strategies for finding your own zo
#284: Singing: A Secret Weapon for Confident Communication – Jillian Mitchell
[39:37] What do singing and public speaking have in common? According to Jillian Mitchell, more than you might think. In this fun and hands on episode, host Greg Gazin chats with Jill about why singing isn’t just for performers—it’s a secret weapon for confident communication. A professional singer, recording artist, and vocal coach with nearly 20 years of experience, Jill explains how singing str
#283: Storytelling & Presentation Tips through Audio Book Narration – Karen Merritt
Drawing on her background in theater and years of voice acting, Karen shares the secrets of audiobook narration—from mastering vocal variety to creating authentic character voices. She reveals how narrators use pitch, pace, tone, and even body language to transport listeners into a story.You’ll also hear how Karen helps medical students build empathy as a standardized patient, teaches aspiring per
#282: Inviting Opportunity: Meet 2025-2026 International President Aletta Rochat, DTM
[30:44] Meet Distinguished Toastmaster Aletta Rochat, the 2025–2026 Toastmasters International President from Cape Town, South Africa. Aletta is an inner life skills wisdom partner and certified coach, an accomplished author and global speaker who has delivered training in 21 countries. She also coaches TEDx speakers to craft messages that leave a lasting impact. In August 2025, she made his
#281: Hummingbirds, Helicopters & an Underwater Guinness World Record – Eric Pittman
Eric Pittman’s life reads like an adventure novel. He began his career as a helicopter bush pilot in the wilds of Saskatchewan and British Columbia, building his first aircraft from wreckage to earn his wings. He later launched a glass recycling foundry, created choreographed light shows for royalty and rock stars, and eventually discovered a new obsession in his own backyard—filming hummingbirds.
#280: Communicating With Teens—How Talking & Listening Help You Both – Alice Shikina
Drawing on her two decades of experience in theatre and conflict resolution, Alice offers eye-opening insights for fostering connection over control, using negotiation to build life skills, and showing up with curiosity instead of judgment.From funny anecdotes about coconut popsicles to powerful techniques based on Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication framework, Alice reminds us that grea
#279: The Power and Practice of True Collaboration – Monique Levesque-Pharoah
In this insightful, heartfelt and light-hearted conversation, Monique Levesque-Pharoah shares how Toastmasters shaped her approach to collaboration—not just as a leadership skill, but as a lifelong mindset. Through her experience serving on many committees including Toastmasters International Disciplinary Committee and charing others, she learned the true value of intentional listening, shar
#278: How to Take Great Photos: The Do’s, Don’ts & Tips – Bambi Cash & Blake Carver
[36:06] Ever wish you could retake that one photo—the one where someone blinked, the lighting was off, or the moment passed before you were ready? In this photo-themed episode, Toastmasters International’s visual media pros Bambi Cash and Blake Carver, the creative forces behind the stunning images and videos that define the organization’s brand share behind-the-scenes insights f
#277: Envision Y(OUR) Next Move: 2025 International Convention – Dilip Abayasekara
[33:30] Hosting a Toastmasters International Convention is no small feat—but when it’s the first convention of the organization’s second century and held in historic Philadelphia, the energy and symbolism are unmatched. In this episode, we chat with Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, Past International President, and the 2025 Host District Chair, all about it and what makes this year&rs
#276: Better Conversations – One Question at a Time (Part 2) – Dr. Alison Wood Brooks
[19:50] This episode is Part 2 of our conversation on The Toastmasters Podcast, in which host Greg Gazin continues his discussion with Harvard Business School professor and behavioral scientist Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they take a deeper dive into the underrated power of asking good questions, exploring the art an
#275: Better Conversations – One Question at a Time (Part 1) – Dr. Alison Wood Brooks
[32:16] In this enlightening episode (Part 1 of 2) of The Toastmasters Podcast, host Greg Gazin sits down with Harvard Business School professor and behavioral scientist Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they dive deep into the underrated power of asking good questions—revealing that it’s not just about what you ask, but h
#274: Think Fast, Talk Smart: Meet the 2025 Golden Gavel Recipient – Matt Abrahams
[31:15] The Toastmasters International Golden Gavel is the prestigious annual award bestowed upon an individual distinguished in the fields of leadership and communication. In this lively and insightful episode, Greg Gazin and guest co-host Ryan Levesque reconnect with Matt Abrahams, celebrated Stanford lecturer, podcast host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, and the 2025 Golden Gavel Award Honoree. Matt
#273: Dance Into the Future: 2025 Int'l Convention Keynote Speaker – Anne Bonney
[33:14] In this episode, we speak with the dynamic and energizing Anne Bonney, who will light up the stage with her opening keynote, Ignite Your Next Move: Courageously Dancing into the Future, at the upcoming Toastmasters International Convention, to be held in the "City of Brotherly Love" — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, August 20–23, 2025.
Our InterviewIn our lighthearted yet info
#272: Cleared for Takeoff: A Pilot Trainer's Insights in Communication- Phil Wilkes
[31:37] We rarely consider how skills from one profession apply to another—especially aviation. Beyond flying and landing a plane, what can pilot training teach us? You might be surprised! Today, our guest, Phil Wilkes shares how lessons from the flight deck benefit anyone, anywhere.
Phil shares his background as a pilot, how his experience both helped and challenged his public speaking journey, a
#271: The Unexpected Power of Mentorship in Toastmasters – Marty Dickinson
[34:13] Mentorship is more than just guiding someone — it’s about building lasting relationships that empower both the mentor and the mentee to grow. For our guest today, veteran Toastmaster Marty Dickinson, mentorship has been a cornerstone of personal development, club growth, and lasting connection. In Toastmasters, a strong mentoring program can be the key to building vibrant clubs and helping
#270: Celebrating Women in Leadership and Toastmasters' Impact – Morag Mathieson
[26:58] Toastmasters International was founded in 1924, but women weren’t admitted as members until 1973. Since then, they’ve made a lasting impact on the organization’s leadership. In 2025, four of the five Executive Committee members are women—and none were born in North America. In today’s episode, just in time for International Women's Day, we honor all women and speak with Toastmasters Immedi
#269: A Toastmaster's Golden Experience: Seeking Love on Reality TV – Bill Hernandez
[26:31] It’s not every day that Bill Hernandez gets a golden opportunity to put his communication skills to the test on network television—let alone bare his soul while searching for love in front of millions of viewers on an American dating reality TV series for 55+. But that’s exactly what happened to this charismatic, now 69-year-old retired videographer when he appeared on ABC’s The Golden Ba
#268: Stop Talking, Start Connecting: The Cure for Overspeaking - Joel Schwartzberg
[33:58] Overspeaking—a term heard less often than overthinking or overanalyzing—is more than simply talking too much. Yet, like the other two, it can negatively impact effective communication. Our guest today, communication coach and author Joel Schwartzberg, an expert in helping individuals navigate all three, will shed light on one in particular: overspeaking.
In this episode, Joel enlightens us
#267: Meet Maureen Zappala, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker (2nd of 2)
[30:33] Maureen Zappala is one of two members who successfully completed the final step of the Accredited Speaker (AS) application process at the 2024 Toastmasters International convention in Anaheim, California. She was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation joining an elite group of only 95 individuals to receive this accreditation and honor since the program began i
#266: Meet Lauren Parsons, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker (1st of 2)
[33:59] Lauren Parsons is one of two members who successfully completed the final step of the Accredited Speaker (AS) application process at the 2024 Toastmasters International convention in Anaheim, California. She was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation joining an elite group of only 95 individuals to receive this accreditation and honor since the program began in
#265: Holiday Harmony: Tips for Multicultural Workplace Celebrations – Dean Foster
Dean shares invaluable tips and strategies to make workplace holiday celebrations a success while embracing cultural diversity. He explains how companies can learn about various holidays by actively engaging their teams and celebrating without overstepping personal or religious boundaries. Dean highlights the importance of thoughtful timing and including remote employees in the festivities. With s
#264: Winning Wisdom: Speech Contest Secrets, Insights and Tips – Dilip Abayasekara
[28:38] Speech competitions are an excellent way to elevate your speaking skills. Our guest today, Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, and Past International President, has had an extraordinary speaking career, extensive experience, and a wealth of knowledge. His achievements include five district-level titles, two appearances at the World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS) finals, and an impressive s
#263: Dr. Ralph C. Smedley’s Legacy: Hidden Stories and Rare Finds – Bob Palmer
[28:26] In this episode, we speak with Bob Palmer, a retired elementary school teacher and Toastmaster with a passion for historical research, who helps us uncover some lesser-known facts and hidden mysteries about the father of Toastmasters International, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, and the early days of the organization before its official incorporation 100 years ago in 1924.
Bob shares a wealth of st
#262: Toastmasters: Celebrating 100 Years of History - Part 2 – Daniel Rex, CEO
[24:16] In Part 2 of Toastmasters 100, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex returns as our special guest. This time, Dan joins us to discuss the organization's centennial celebrations and how World Headquarters has compiled a variety of resources and action items to help you explore, celebrate, and learn from the past 100 years of Toastmasters history. You'll also hear personal stories that may enli
#261: Toastmasters: Celebrating 100 Years of History - Part 1 – Daniel Rex, CEO
In the first episode, CEO Dan Rex enlightens us with stories and a bit of background and history about Toastmasters, Dr. Ralph Smedley’s vision, and the organization's progression and growth. Dan will also share insights on the education program—past, present, and future—plus a few personal anecdotes about his own journey and more.Watch for part 2 coming November 1st.
#260: Luisa Montalvo — 2024 World Champion of Public Speaking
At 65, Luisa is a retiree and passionate dog rescue volunteer from San Juan, Texas, USA. She rose to the top, competing against seven other finalists after several elimination rounds that began earlier this year, with about 30,000 participants from 150 countries. However, she almost didn’t make it to the stage—last-minute uncertainty nearly held her back from competing. But in true cha
#259: Gearing Up for Growth: Meet 2024-25 International President Radhi Spear, DTM
You can also read her President's message each month in the Toastmaster Magazine including, "Fun and Friendship in Toastmasters," in the September 2024 issue.Radhi Spear, DTM, is from Piscataway, New Jersey USA. She is a software engineer for AT&T and a veteran in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years. She has expertise in software development, systems administration, and acceptanc
#258: Breaking Down Nice vs. Kind: A Deep Dive with Ben Guttmann
We'll also hear how sometimes it's okay to be kind and not nice, and learn the three principles of Benefits, Focus, and Empathy that Ben shares to help show kindness when it comes to feedback,.Ben’s article: "Kind vs. Nice Communication: Learn how to deliver an effective and considerate evaluation," can be found in the May 2024 edition of Toastmaster Magazine.Ben Guttmann is an experienced marketi
#257: How Supercommunicators Identify and Match Conversations – Charles Duhigg
CHARLES DUHIGG is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and the author of three best-selling books: The Power of Habit, which spent over three years on The New York Times bestseller lists, Smarter Faster Better, and his latest book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, which was published in February 2024.A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Charle
#256: 2024 Convention: Celebrating 100 yrs – Anaheim, CA – Joan Lewis & Jessica Allen
Joan and Jessica share their thoughts about this upcoming significant milestone event and how they became the host co-chairs. They enlighten us about what they have learned by taking on this role and how they used their family connection and skill and personality differences to help them excel in their roles.They give us a little sneak peek into what people can expect at the conference and share j
#255: Gravitas Personified: Meet the 2024 Golden Gavel Recipient – Lisa Sun
Lisa will be presented with her Golden Gavel award during the Toastmasters International's 100th Anniversary Convention being held in Anaheim, California August 14-17, 2024.The award ceremony and presentation can be seen live and live streamed on Friday, August 16, 1:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -7. You can also meet Lisa in person at 2:30PM following
#254: A Toastmasters Ribbon of Inspiration for my 6-Year Old Daughter – Todd Bryant
Todd recounts his daughter’s early interest in Toastmasters and her persistent desire to attend a meeting. We hear how she prepared, what transpired, and how she felt about the experience.Todd also shares how he discovered Toastmasters, what he has learned, and how it has helped him both as a professional and as a father. He also offers his advice to parents who want to encourage their child
#253: Meet the Resilient Shawn Ellis: 2024 International Convention Keynote Speaker
[33:37] In this episode, we speak with renowned motivational speaker Shawn Ellis who has the honor of being the opening keynote speaker, marking Toastmasters' 100th anniversary at the 2024 Toastmasters International Convention to be held in Anaheim, California from August 14-17, 2024.
Shawn shares with us a bit about his journey of resilience and adaptability, along with stories of some of the key
#252: Leading Successful Teams Like a Master Gardener – Lauren Parsons
Lauren’s article, "Lead Like a Master Gardener: Successful teams need the same 12 conditions as healthy plants in order to thrive," appears in the April 2024 Issue of the Toastmaster Magazine.Lauren Parsons is a speaker, author, business coach, and Wellbeing Specialist where, for over two decades, her practical solutions have helped thousands of busy people feel vibrant, confident, and energ
#251: Cultivating Your Authentic Self as a Speaker – Elizabeth Danziger
[28:47] For speakers to be effective, they not only need to be competent communicators and experts in their field, but they also need to be authentic to help build trust and credibility. In today's episode, our guest Elizabeth (Liz) Danziger will enlighten us on, "Cultivating authenticity as a speaker - helping us learn how to let your true self shine while presenting," which happens to be the ti
#250: 500 Lunches with Strangers: Breaking Bread for Personal Growth – Nick Bendel
[28:56] Step out of your comfort zone and imagine having lunch with 500 strangers to enhance your social skills, fortify your mindset, expand your network, and unlock new opportunities. In this, our 250th episode, we delve into his journey and speak with Nick Bendel, a dedicated Toastmaster whose lunch tally currently sits at 376.
Nick pulls back the curtain and sheds light on the motivations behi
#249: Group Wisdom: Reading The Toastmaster Aloud – Dorothy Chanakira & Viola Dondo
[29:52] The Toastmaster Magazine serves as a rich source of monthly inspiration for our guests, Dorothy Chanakira DTM and Viola Dondo DTM, both from Zimbabwe. They’ve taken the lead in combining their passion for Toastmasters, learning, and reading. Their creative approach involves establishing an online group TOAST & READ Along with Coach, where participants give a toast to Toastmasters
#248: How One Person Beat Burnout Through Personal Daily Routines – Olya Amelina
Olya’s article appears in the January 2024 Issue of the Toastmaster Magazine: Finding a Balance to Beat Burnout: Daily routines deliver big benefits when personally tailored to your lifestyle.In our podcast interview, Olya pulls back the curtain taking us back to how and when the downward spiral began, manifesting to the point where she left a well-paying job in the corporate world. Sh
#247: Improv: Laugh While Flexing Your Spontaneous Speaking Skills – Karen Rae Hannah
[27:25] Improvisation—or improv—the art of saying or doing something relevant to the moment, yet completely unplanned, is a great way to get people laughing and flexing their spontaneous speaking skills. In this episode, we speak with Karen Rae Hannah, a 16-year Toastmaster who belongs to five clubs, two of which are dedicated to humor and improv and one of which she is the President.
In this lig
#246: The Roast: Lightheartedly "Grilling" the Person of Honor – Chris Arning
[29:39] A Roast is something you can bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes per pound but it’s also a humorous way to honor or recognize an individual by poking fun at them in a good-natured way. (Remember the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts?) On today’s episode, our guest, Chris Arning demystifies and enlightens us on this time-honored topic - also in a good-nat
#245: Meet the Newest Toastmasters International Accredited Speakers 2023
The Accredited Speaker (AS) Program recognizes some of the most exceptional professional speakers in Toastmasters. It is designed for sought-after presenters who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with mastery of the spoken word. This AS awardmrequires applicants to pass two levels of judging, is the highest-earned designation recognized by Toastmasters International.In this episode,
#244: Handling Presentation Misfortunes & Mishaps with Grace – Jim Cathcart
[34:07] Even when you've thoroughly prepared for a presentation, things can go awry that you could never possibly anticipate. Today's guest, Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE has faced the impossibly unpredictable countless times. He joins us to share his stories, strategies, and mindset for dealing with the unexpected with grace. Jim is a professional speaker who has delivered more than 3,500 convention sp
#243: My Toastmasters Education is like a College Degree – Philip Wilkerson III
[29:17] Our guest today Philip Wilkerson III likens his four years of Toastmasters membership to being equivalent to receiving a college degree. He enlightens us a little about the fruits of his Toastmasters journey and how others can also benefit from the program. He also shares about how his communication and presentation skills continue to blossom and how mentors help guide him and encourage h
#242: Finding Her Voice and Purpose Creates a Path of Opportunities – Kelly Kaur
We also hear how her 15 years of Toastmasters speeches helped her realize the dream of becoming a fiction writer, and about her latest novel, 'Letters to Singapore.'Kelly enlightens us on how she said NO to an arranged marriage, and found herself moving to Calgary, Alberta, Canada from Singapore to pursue an education and Master's degree. Her writing is now finding itself on a Lunar Codex project
#241: AI, Authenticity, and…Stand-Up Comedy?—Aman Chopra
About Aman ChopraAman Chopra is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and public speaking coach based in New York City. He hosts and produces an innovative AI x Comedy show with his team, ComedyBytes, where human comedians collaborate with AI robots in live performances. Alongside his stage endeavors, Aman runs a podcast and offers professional public speaking coaching. His passion lies in authenticity
#240: Jocelyn B. Tyson—2023 World Champion of Public Speaking
On today's episode, Greg and Ryan speak with Jocelyn, a first-time speech contest competitor, about her journey. You'll learn about the additional pressures Jocelyn was facing at the time of the competition, the back story behind her championship-winning speech, and much more. Jocelyn and the other finalists were featured in the November issue of the Toastmaster. Watch Jocelyn's winning speech: ht
#239: Finding Confidence & Enhancing My Career on Two Continents – Jane Osemwegie
[22:24] Toastmasters changes lives. In this episode, host Greg Gazin speaks with Jane Osemwegie. In her youth, Jane was bullied and called names, never feeling like she would ever amount to anything. With dedication, determination and Toastmasters,Jane, in her own words says, "(Now) I see a blessed, confident, Black, and gifted woman in me.” Jane enlightens us, sharing a little about her journey
#238: Take a Stand for the Brand: Why Brand Consistency Matters – Mayuri Assudani
[26:35] While most organizations recognize the importance of brand consistency and uniformity, getting everyone on board to follow brand guidelines can sometimes be a challenge. Today we speak with Distinguished Toastmaster Mayuri Assudani who single-handedly took a stand for the brand, cascading brand awareness through her entire district—including through a live competition, no less.
Mayur
#237: Loosening the Grip on Impostor Syndrome – Dr. Valerie Young
[33:35] For some of us, Imposter Syndrome is an obstacle that gets in the way of being an effective leader. In this episode, Greg and Ryan speak with Dr. Valerie Young who helps demystify this topic to loosen the grip this phenomenon can have on us. Dr. Young is a featured expert in an article appearing in the August 2023 issue of the Toastmaster written by Maureen Zappala called “The Secret to C
#236: Never Close the Circle—2023-24 International President Morag Mathieson, DTM
The Toastmaster magazine featured International President Morag Mathieson in the Sept 2023 issue. Read President Mathieson's profile in the September 2023 issue of the Toastmaster:https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2023/sept/meet-morag-mathieson
#235: Think Faster, Talk Smarter in the Moment – Matt Abrahams
[33:17] Spontaneous or impromptu speaking—or Table Topics, as we practice it in Toastmasters—is something that we have to do every day. Returning to the podcast for the 5th time, we welcome Matt Abrahams, an expert whose name has been synonymous with Spontaneous Speaking from a ripe young age. Matt has dedicated his career to assisting others with their communication. In this episode,
#234: The Practice of Podcasting – Tara McMullin
[33:08] You've heard of a meditation practice, a yoga practice, or a writing practice. But a podcast practice? Today's guest, Tara McMullin—a podcast fanatic and audio aficionado—suggests just such an approach to podcasting. Tara demystifies how to do that and along the way shares her passion for the medium. This episode is a follow-up to Tara's article in the August 2023 issue of the
#233: 2023 Hybrid Int'l Convention – Nassau, Bahamas – Tony Longley & Pamela D. Rolle
Pamela & Tony tell us what it's like to be the co-chairs, how they've shared the role, what they've learned, and how Toastmasters has played a role in their development. They also enlighten us with little-known facts as they share the wonders the Bahamas has to offer, even beyond the picturesque pink-sandy beaches.Listeners will also hear what attendees may expect at the Convention and i
#232: Keeping Burnout At Bay: Advice from a Strategic Business Coach — Sara Mayer
Sara is a Distinguished Toastmaster, currently serving as the Program Quality Director for District 3 in Arizona. She wrote an article in the July 2023 issue of the Toastmaster magazine called "Are Your Behavioral Patterns Causing Burnout? Advice for managing your mental state."Read Sara's article: https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2023/july/burnoutListen to Sara's podcast, Bol
#231: Traveling Internationally? Experience Toastmasters on Vacation– Maureen Zappala
[27:39] Traveling internationally can open our eyes to a whole new world of experiences, especially for Toastmasters, given there are clubs located all over the world. Back for the third time, our guest today Maureen Zappala has connected with several members with Toastmasters-inspired experiences and stories and shares them with us today. She also offers tips for enhancing your travel abroad by v
#230: Small Talk, Big Results – Diane Windingland
Diane Windingland, DTM is an author, speaker, and presentation coach from St. Paul, MN. She is a member of two clubs: PowerTalk Toastmasters and Readership Toastmasters, and the author of over 10 books related to communication. Diane wrote an article in the December 2022 issue of the Toastmaster magazine called 7 Tips to Brush Up Your Small Talk. Diane's article: https://www.toastmasters.org/
#229: Mastering the Toast—CHEERS! – Eddie Rice
Eddie’s article, It’s Your Turn to Toast: Get past your fear by learning to C.H.E.E.R.S. will appear in the June 2023 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. Eddie Rice is a professional speechwriter with over a decade of experience in helping business leaders, keynote speakers, TED talk presenters, nonprofit organizations and everyday people, enhance the messages they tell through great storytelling
#228: Understanding & Celebrating Neurodiversity – Jolene Stockman
Jolene Stockman is an award-winning writer, author, and TEDx speaker. She is a Master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and one of the youngest people in the world to achieve the Distinguished Toastmaster Award. Jolene lives in New Zealand and speaks globally through the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau.You can read Jolene's article, Learning to Love My Autistic Identity: Toastmasters turne
#227: Defying Dad’s Expectations Leads to Flourishing Leadership - Diana Robertson
[24:35] As a teenager, Diana Robertson was crushed when her Father told her she didn't have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. She set out to show him otherwise. In this episode, Greg speaks with Diana about how this once shy introverted young woman overcame challenges through a mix of determination and help from Toastmasters in both Russia and the U.K. Diana's journey included participating in
#226: Tone-Up Your Voice – Jillian Mitchell
To help listeners with their vocals, Jillian offers 5 Exercises to Vocal Tone.Jillian Mitchell is a vocal coach, recording artist, vodcast host, writer, and all-around voice advocate. She is the founder of Voxsana, an online platform dedicated to voice empowerment. Jillian lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and two children. Jillian penned an article published in the Apr
#225: This is Us – The Toastmasters Podcast – Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque
[27:54] In the latest episode, co-hosts Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque offer insight as a follow-up to the March 2023 article in the Toastmaster magazine: Tune In to The Toastmasters Podcast: Learn about the organization’s official podcast series and its hosts, written by Shannon Dewey. The hosts share their experiences, starting with how the podcast began, the partnership with the Toastmaster magazin
#224: Reinvigorate Yourself After Retirement – Jean Small PhD, DTM
[29:55] Many in their retirement years may not know what to do with themselves. Some may feel a loss of purpose because some define themselves by their jobs or feel they are too old to do new things. Our guest today is Jean Small. At 88, she seems unstoppable and today she'll illustrate with a glimpse into her ongoing incredible journey that anything is possible.
Jean retired in 2003 at the
#223: Breathe Life Into Your Slide Presentations - Dave Henson
Dave is a member of Bromley Speakers based in Kent, England.His article, “5 Basic Tips for Effective Slide Presentations,” can be found in the February 2023 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. Read Dave's article: https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2023/feb/effective-slide-presentationsVisit Dave's website: https://www.theslidepresentationman.co.uk/View Dave's PowerPoint animatio
#222: Enhance Any Presentation with Clown Presence – Don Colliver
You’ll also discover what a public run-through is, how you can use it, the value of vulnerability from his personal experience and a whole lot more.Read more about this topic in Don’s article in the January 2023 issue of the Toastmaster magazine entitled: “Clowning Around: Discover three easy techniques for adding some good-natured fun to your presentation.” Some of our discussion also includes ma
#221: Leveraging Emerging Research & Insights from Future-Self Science—Ryan Levesque
A student of the topic, Ryan shares his thoughts and favorite insights from the emerging field of future-self science, citing psychological researchers and other experts. Some of the experts referenced in Ryan's article include, organizational psychologist Benjamin Hardy, Ph.D; Dan Gilbert, Ph.D., of Harvard University; Hal Herschrielf, Ph.D. from UCLA; German academic and psychologist, Gabriele O
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