The Toastmasters Podcast

[25:38] How Toastmasters skills helped one entrepreneur stay calm pitching on national TV—while sharing fascinating stories from history

[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 what happens when you choose discomfort long enough to grow.

[36:05] A follow-up to 500 Lunches reveals what happened next and the lessons on confidence, conversation and achieving meaningful goals.

[31:27] What happens when two century-old organizations dedicated to leadership and service intersect in one person's life? In this episode host Greg Gazin speaks with Stephanie Steckel, a longtime Rotarian and newer Toastmaster, who enlightens us about the benefits of each organization and how the Rotary–Toastmasters alliance shows up in real, practical ways—far beyond a formal agreement.

[31:27] A longtime Rotarian and newer Toastmaster shares how the Rotary–Toastmasters alliance shows up in real life—not just as a concept, but lived experience

[32:03] Cross-cultural moments aren’t rare anymore‚Äîthey’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.

[32:03] Learn why well-meaning communication can miss the mark & how cultural awareness builds bridges & prevents misunderstanding from hardening into judgement

[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 day.

[25:52] Time management isn't always the answer. Discover how a personal Energy Audit improves clarity, follow-through, and presence for speakers and leaders.

[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 they bring to their speeches.

[32:40] What if training your mind mattered as much as training your body? Learn how mental fitness helps speakers achieve their goals

[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.

[33:33] What if AI could help you think more clearly and sharpen your message? This episode explores practical, human-first ways to use it.

[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 written since 2014.

[27:20] Discover insights, challenges, & lessons gained from more than a decade of writing for Toastmaster magazine—and how they can elevate your skills!

[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.

[31:36] Discover how corporate Toastmasters clubs boost workplace communication, leadership, and engagement—and how executive support can help them thrive.

[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.”

[36:05] From self-doubt to the world stage—hear how a speaker's love for storytelling and humor led to victory at the Toastmasters 2025 World Championship

[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.

[29:47] Discover how working from your strengths and passions can unlock clarity, boost performance, and bring more fulfillment to how you lead and live

[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.

[39:37] Voice coach & expert demonstrates how singing & practicing strengthens your speaking skills—improving clarity, confidence, presence, & vocal stamina

[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.

[30:29] Toastmaster, actor, and audiobook narrator shares storytelling secrets—discover how narration skills can elevate your speeches and presentations

[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.

[30:44] Aletta shares with us stories about her remarkable personal & Toastmaster's journey to becoming the Int'l President & her vision for the new year

[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.

[24:08] A Toastmaster's wild journey from bush pilot to wildlife filmmaker to Guinness World Record holder—plus orcas, hummingbirds, and underwater PR.

[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.

[33:47] Navigating teen talks can be tough. Learn expert talking & listening skills to build connection, ease conflict, and foster life skills for all relations

[29:47] Discover how collaboration—when done with intention—can elevate leadership, foster trust, and create lasting impact within and beyond Toastmasters.

[29:47] Discover how collaboration—when done with intention—can elevate leadership, foster trust, and create lasting impact within and beyond Toastmasters.

[36:06] Get insider advice from the creatives who bring Toastmasters visuals to life—covering events, selfies, group shots, and everything in between

[36:06] Get insider advice from the creatives who bring Toastmasters visuals to life—covering events, selfies, group shots, and everything in between

[33:30} Past Int'l President reveals what's ahead for the 2025 Philadelphia Convention—surprises, insights & how you can help shape Toastmasters' next century!

[33:30} Past Int'l President reveals what's ahead for the 2025 Philadelphia Convention—surprises, insights & how you can help shape Toastmasters' next century!

[19:50] A top Harvard professor shares how asking better questions boosts connection, deepens dialogue, & transforms conversations—backed by research- Part 2/2

[19:50] A top Harvard professor shares how asking better questions boosts connection, deepens dialogue, & transforms conversations—backed by research- Part 2/2

[32:16] A top Harvard professor shares how asking better questions boosts connection, deepens dialogue, & transforms conversations—backed by research- Part 1/2

[32:16] A top Harvard professor shares how asking better questions boosts connection, deepens dialogue, & transforms conversations—backed by research- Part 1/2

[31:15] Award-winning Stanford lecturer/podcast host shares insights on clear communication, anxiety management & upcoming keynote, "From Silence to Brilliance"

[31:15] Award-winning Stanford lecturer/podcast host shares insights on clear communication, anxiety management & upcoming keynote, "From Silence to Brilliance"

[33:14] Discover why change feels uncomfortable, learn to Dance with Discomfort, build resilience with “Sassy Backtalk,” and embrace change with confidence

[33:14] Discover why change feels uncomfortable, learn to Dance with Discomfort, build resilience with “Sassy Backtalk,” and embrace change with confidence

[31:37] In this lighthearted episode, a pilot trainer shares how lessons from the flight deck can improve anyone's public speaking and professional skills.

[31:37] In this lighthearted episode, a pilot trainer shares how lessons from the flight deck can improve anyone's public speaking and professional skills.

[34:13] Marty Dickinson shares the unexpected powers of Toastmasters mentorship its impact on personal growth & how building a strong program helps clubs thrive

[34:13] Marty Dickinson shares the unexpected powers of Toastmasters mentorship its impact on personal growth & how building a strong program helps clubs thrive

[26:58] Chat with Past Int'l President Morag Mathieson about her journey, how Toastmasters shapes the roles of Women leaders & celebrating Int'l Women's Day

[26:58] Chat with Past Int'l President Morag Mathieson about her journey, how Toastmasters shapes the roles of Women leaders & celebrating Int'l Women's Day