Episodes

  • #286: Sabyasachi (Saby) Sengupta — Meet the 2025 World Champion of Public Speaking

    #286: Sabyasachi (Saby) Sengupta — Meet the 2025 World Champion of Public Speaking
    Nov 1 2025
    [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.”
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    Less than 1 minute
  • #285: Leading from Your Zone of Genius – Aligning Work with Passion — Katie Stoddart

    #285: Leading from Your Zone of Genius – Aligning Work with Passion — Katie Stoddart
    Oct 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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    Less than 1 minute
  • #284: Singing: A Secret Weapon for Confident Communication – Jillian Mitchell

    #284: Singing: A Secret Weapon for Confident Communication – Jillian Mitchell
    Oct 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 articulation, improves pitch, and builds stamina. More than mechanics, she reveals how singing taps into the emotional side of the voice, helping speakers connect with authenticity and presence.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • #283: Storytelling & Presentation Tips through Audio Book Narration – Karen Merritt

    #283: Storytelling & Presentation Tips through Audio Book Narration – Karen Merritt
    Sep 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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    Less than 1 minute
  • #282: Inviting Opportunity: Meet 2025-2026 International President Aletta Rochat, DTM

    #282: Inviting Opportunity: Meet 2025-2026 International President Aletta Rochat, DTM
    Sep 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 President from Africa and only the tenth woman in 100 years to lead Toastmasters International.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • #281: Hummingbirds, Helicopters & an Underwater Guinness World Record – Eric Pittman

    #281: Hummingbirds, Helicopters & an Underwater Guinness World Record – Eric Pittman
    Aug 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 Toastmasters helped him find his voice—on stage and on camera.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • #280: Communicating With Teens—How Talking & Listening Help You Both – Alice Shikina

    #280: Communicating With Teens—How Talking & Listening Help You Both – Alice Shikina
    Aug 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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    Less than 1 minute
  • #279: The Power and Practice of True Collaboration – Monique Levesque-Pharoah

    #279: The Power and Practice of True Collaboration – Monique Levesque-Pharoah
    Jul 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 seen, heard, and empowered. Z10M5fKrdMeNNlGQ591G
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    Less than 1 minute