The Toastmasters Podcast

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[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"

[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.

[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

[26:31] Bill shares his experience on ABC's The Golden Bachelorette, what he learned & how Toastmasters helped him on his quest to find love on Reality TV

[26:31] Bill shares his experience on ABC's The Golden Bachelorette, what he learned & how Toastmasters helped him on his quest to find love on Reality TV

[33:58] Overspeaking disrupts meetings. Learn why & strategies to improve communication, manage time & stay focused on key goals for effective collaboration.

[33:58] Overspeaking disrupts meetings. Learn why & strategies to improve communication, manage time & stay focused on key goals for effective collaboration.

[30:33] Discover how a rocket scientist-turned-keynoter overcame Impostor Syndrome, earned an AS designation & inspires others to build confidence & do the same

[33:59] Discover how resilience & wellbeing can transform you as Lauren shares insights, lessons & inspiring stories from her AS journey & final presentation

[27:02] Get expert advice on creating inclusive holiday celebrations at work that honor diverse cultures, foster connection, and make everyone feel valued.

[28:38] D. Abayasekara DTM, AS, PIP shares treasure troves of wisdom, captivating stories & secrets, helping him win titles leading him to the WCPS world stage.

[28:26] Retired elementary school teacher & historical researcher, helps us uncover lesser-known facts & mysteries about Toastmasters and it's founding father

[24:16] CEO Dan Rex returns for part II - Sharing more new resources: Rollout of a 454 page book, 45 min historical documentary, special print magazine & more

[34:51] CEO Dan Rex joins us for a 2 episodes commemorating Toastmasters 100 covering a bit of its history, vision, growth, personal stories, anecdotes and more

[29:15] World Champion Luisa Montalvo shares her journey to victory, overcoming last-minute doubts & offers tips on speaking & dissects her inspiring speech

[29:17] Radhi shares with us stories about her incredible personal & Toastmaster's journey of becoming the Int'l President & her vision for the new year

[24:39] Explore the difference between nice vs. kind with Ben Guttmann, a marketing expert & author, as he unpacks why kindness is key to better communication

[22:56] Pulitzer Prize-winning author uncovers the techniques supercommunicators use to enhance their conversation skills and build meaningful relationships

[21:34] Host co-chairs enlighten us about Anaheim and give us a sneak-peek around Toastmasters International 100th anniversary event August 14-17, 2024

[37:39] This award-winning Entrepreneur, speaker & author redefines confidence & inspires us with her incredible journey & a sneak-peek into her book & keynote

[28:22] Financial Planner Todd Bryant shares his Toastmasters journey & story & how a speaking award ribbon inspired his daughter, age 6 to speak at his club

[33:37] Discover insights on resilience & adaptability from the renowned keynote speaker for Toastmasters' 100th anniversary convention in Anaheim, August 2024!

[25:01] New Zealand Author, Business Coach & Toastmaster shares how leading successful teams needs the same 12 conditions as healthy plants in order to thrive.

[28:47] Discover the essence of authenticity in public speaking with Liz Danziger. Learn to balance vulnerability and preparation for impactful presentations

[28:56] An interesting chat with a man embarking on a personal journey to improve his social skills, strengthen his mindset & build an incredible network

[29:52] Monthly ad hoc on-line group & invited guests toast Toastmasters then reads articles from Toastmaster Magazine aloud then has in-depth discussion them

[29:52] Olya Amelia burned out rebuilding her life from scratch, turning it into a career as a health & performance coach. She shares her story & lots of advice

[27:25] Karen Rae Hannah enlightens us on what Improv is, how we can use it in our clubs and have fun, while boosting our speaking & leadership skills

[29:39] A Roast is something you bake in the oven, but also a humorous way to honor or recognize an individual by poking fun at them in a good-natured way.

[48:22] Tune in to our interview with the newest Accredited Speakers (2023) – Stephanie Angelo, Verity Price, Dale Rees-Bevan & their incredible journeys

[34:07] Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE his stories, strategies, & mindset for dealing with unpredictable on-stage mishaps with grace. Bonus: Free digital book.

[29:17] Phil enlightens us a little about the fruits of his Toastmasters Communication & Leadership journey & how others can also benefit from the program

[29:58] People find their voice & purpose many ways. Kaur found hers through storytelling, writing, overcoming adversity, & Toastmasters speech competitions

[32:27] Aman Chopra, public speaking coach and a recent graduate from NYU's Tandon School of Engineering, on the intersection of AI, comedy, and authenticity

[30:44] Jocelyn Tyson - 2023 Toastmasters WCPS. Learn more about her journey, backstory & added pressures leading herself to the main stage & more.

[22:24] Jane shares her journey of confidence building, career enhancement and transformation through Toastmasters starting in Nigeria and now in Canada

[26:35] Mayuri Assudani, DTM shares her wisdom on the importance brand consistency and how she used a competition to spread awareness and encourage its use

[33:35] Imposter Syndrome is an obstacle that gets in the way of being an effective leader. Dr. Valerie Young help us loosen the grip this phenomenon may have

[37:41] International President Morag Mathieson from Germany—the second Int'l President from Europe and first female Int'l President from outside N. America.

[33:17] Spontaneous speaking expert Matt Abrahams helps us to Think Faster, Talk Smarter with exciting and valuable tips and ideas from his new book

[33:08] You've heard of a meditation practice, yoga, or writing practice, but a podcast practice? Tara demystifies this & shares her passion for it as well.