The Toastmasters Podcast

The Toastmasters Podcast

[36:05] On the Toastmasters Podcast, it’s our annual tradition—and a true pleasure— for us to speak with the newest World Champion of Public Speaking. This year, we’re thrilled to feature Sabyasachi “Saby” Sengupta, who captured the 2025 title this past August at the Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his speech titled “Just Nod.”

Episodes

#285: Leading from Your Zone of Genius – Aligning Work with Passion — Katie Stoddart

October 15, 2025
[29:47] What if success wasn’t just about working harder‚Äîbut about working from your "Zone of Genius?" In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Katie Stoddart, founder and CEO of The Focus Bee, about how to identify and lead from that sweet spot where your strengths and passions align.
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#284: Singing: A Secret Weapon for Confident Communication – Jillian Mitchell

October 1, 2025
[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 strengthens your voice, sharpens artic...
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#283: Storytelling & Presentation Tips through Audio Book Narration – Karen Merritt

September 15, 2025
[30:29] What do Shakespeare, children’s stories, and medical role-playing have in common? For Karen Merritt, they’re all part of her fascinating journey as an actor, voiceover artist, audiobook narrator, and Toastmaster. In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Karen about how the art of audio & voice narration can sharpen your storytelling, boost your confidence, and bring any presentation to life.
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#282: Inviting Opportunity: Meet 2025-2026 International President Aletta Rochat, DTM

September 1, 2025
[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 history as the first International Presiden...
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#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...
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#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.
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#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...
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#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...
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#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.
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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.
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#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.
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#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.
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#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...
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#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.
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#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.
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#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.
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#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.
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