The Toastmasters Podcast

The Toastmasters Podcast

[24:08] What do helicopters, hummingbirds, and an underwater puppet show have in common? In the world of Eric Pittman—just about everything. From bush pilot to wildlife filmmaker to Guinness World Record holder, this Toastmaster has lived a life full of bold pivots, creative stunts, and surprising impact. In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Eric about filming for BBC and Netflix, building a foundry, saving orcas, and how Toastmasters helped him find his voice—on stage and on camera.

Episodes

#281: Hummingbirds, Helicopters & an Underwater Guinness World Record – Eric Pittman

August 15, 2025
[24:08] What do helicopters, hummingbirds, and an underwater puppet show have in common? In the world of Eric Pittman—just about everything. From bush pilot to wildlife filmmaker to Guinness World Record holder, this Toastmaster has lived a life full of bold pivots, creative stunts, and surprising impact. In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Eric about filming for BBC and Netflix, building a foundry, saving orcas, and how Toastma...
Mark as Played

#280: Communicating With Teens—How Talking & Listening Help You Both – Alice Shikina

August 1, 2025
[33:47] Navigating conversations with teenagers can often feel like stepping into a minefield—especially when met with shrugs, silence, or eye-rolls. In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Alice Shikina, a seasoned mediator, negotiation coach, and author, who shares practical strategies from her recent Toastmaster Magazine article, Tips for Communicating with Your Teen.
Mark as Played

#279: The Power and Practice of True Collaboration – Monique Levesque-Pharoah

July 15, 2025
[29:47] What does real collaboration look like in action? In this episode, we explore how intentional listening, relationship-building, and shared leadership can transform how we work together‚Äîboth inside Toastmasters and out. You’ll hear how one leader, Past International Director Monique Levesque-Pharaoh applied these principles in her personal and professional life, and how embracing collaboration can help others feel s...
Mark as Played

#278: How to Take Great Photos: The Do’s, Don’ts & Tips – Bambi Cash & Blake Carver

July 1, 2025
[36:06] Ever wish you could retake that one photo‚Äîthe 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 from global events and offer practical...
Mark as Played

#277: Envision Y(OUR) Next Move: 2025 International Convention – Dilip Abayasekara

June 15, 2025
[33:30] Hosting a Toastmasters International Convention is no small feat‚Äîbut 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’s event extra special.
Mark as Played

#276: Better Conversations – One Question at a Time (Part 2) – Dr. Alison Wood Brooks

June 1, 2025
[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 and science of conversation through t...
Mark as Played

#275: Better Conversations – One Question at a Time (Part 1) – Dr. Alison Wood Brooks

May 15, 2025
[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 how, when, and why you ask it. Wheth...
Mark as Played

#274: Think Fast, Talk Smart: Meet the 2025 Golden Gavel Recipient – Matt Abrahams

May 1, 2025
[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 shares personal stories, practical...
Mark as Played

#273: Dance Into the Future: 2025 Int'l Convention Keynote Speaker – Anne Bonney

April 15, 2025
[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.
Mark as Played

#272: Cleared for Takeoff: A Pilot Trainer's Insights in Communication- Phil Wilkes

April 1, 2025
[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.
Mark as Played

#271: The Unexpected Power of Mentorship in Toastmasters – Marty Dickinson

March 15, 2025
[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 members thrive.
Mark as Played

#270: Celebrating Women in Leadership and Toastmasters' Impact – Morag Mathieson

March 1, 2025
[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 Immediate Past International President Mo...
Mark as Played

#269: A Toastmaster's Golden Experience: Seeking Love on Reality TV – Bill Hernandez

February 14, 2025
[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 Bachelorette.
Mark as Played

#268: Stop Talking, Start Connecting: The Cure for Overspeaking - Joel Schwartzberg

February 1, 2025
[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.
Mark as Played

#267: Meet Maureen Zappala, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker (2nd of 2)

January 15, 2025
[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 in 1981.
Mark as Played

#266: Meet Lauren Parsons, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker (1st of 2)

January 1, 2025
[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 1981.
Mark as Played

#265: Holiday Harmony: Tips for Multicultural Workplace Celebrations – Dean Foster

December 15, 2024
[27:02] With the holiday season upon us, many workplaces everywhere are buzzing with festivities. But not everyone celebrates the same holidays—or even at the same time. Our guest today, Dean Foster, tackles an essential question: How can we ensure holiday celebrations are inclusive and respectful of everyone’s traditions in a multicultural environment?
Mark as Played

#264: Winning Wisdom: Speech Contest Secrets, Insights and Tips – Dilip Abayasekara

December 1, 2024
[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 second-place finish in 1992. He has ...
Mark as Played

#263: Dr. Ralph C. Smedley’s Legacy: Hidden Stories and Rare Finds – Bob Palmer

November 15, 2024
[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.
Mark as Played

#262: Toastmasters: Celebrating 100 Years of History - Part 2 – Daniel Rex, CEO

November 1, 2024
[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 enlighten, inspire, or even make you la...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    The Breakfast Club

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Bobby Bones Show

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.