Podcast appearances and mentions of greg gazin

[39:59] In this insightful and timely episode, host Greg Gazin delves into the realities of the refugee experience with accomplished entrepreneur, advocate and author, Dalton T. Sirmans. They unpack the common myths and misconceptions surrounding refugees, moving beyond the headlines to reveal stories of incredible resilience, ingenuity, and significant economic contribution. Dalton introduces the core message of his book, "The Refugee Advantage," highlighting the remarkable strengths and hidden potential of those forced to flee their homes. Dalton shares his personal journey from the fintech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for refugee empowerment, a path that led him to at 60, pursue a Master's in International Relations at Harvard University to better understand the global challenges of displacement. He discusses the work of his firm, Amplio Ventures, which invests in refugee-led businesses and aims to create remote work opportunities for those in camps. Throughout the conversation, Dalton provides powerful examples and statistics that counter the narrative of refugees as a burden. He shares inspiring stories taken from his book of refugee entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable success, including: Andrew Ly, a Vietnamese refugee who, along with his brothers, reimagined a corner coffee shop the Sugar Bowl Bakery, now one of the largest Asian-owned bakeries in the United States. The Haddad Family, Syrian refugees in Canada who started the internationally recognized chocolate company, "Peace by Chocolate," becoming a major employer in their new community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. "JB," a former gymnast from Central Asia who, after becoming a Christian, facing persecution and imprisonment, built a successful set of gyms in Texas. TesfaMichael Yohannes's twin daughters, who fled Eritrea and later founded the successful 2•4•1 Cosmetics company, featured on Oprah's Favourite Things. Dalton explains that refugees often possess unique entrepreneurial qualities honed by their experiences, such as profound resilience, resourcefulness, and a refusal to accept failure. Statistics from a 2005-2019 U.S. study are shared, indicating that refugees contribute billions to the economy and become net-positive taxpayers faster than any other immigrant group. The conversation also touches on the quiet, yet significant, social and cultural impacts refugees have on the communities where they resettle, like in Clarkston, Georgia, known as the most diverse square mile in America. Dalton T. Sirmans is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and advocate for refugee empowerment. He co-founded Amplio Ventures, an investment firm supporting refugee-led businesses, and previously served as the CEO of Main Street Technologies. He holds a Master of Liberal Arts in International Relations from Harvard University and is the author of The Refugee Advantage, a book that blends research and storytelling to highlight the resilience and contributions of refugees. To learn more about these inspiring stories and the research behind them, visit TheRefugeeAdvantage.com where you can pre-order Dalton's book, The Refugee Advantage. Dalton lives in Palm Coast, Florida, where he lives with his wife Margie. He can be reached at Dalton@AmplioVentures.com.  

Our interview guest this week is Greg Gazin, host of the Toastmaster Podcast as well as the Toastcaster podcast, a member of Go Pro Speakers and owner of the gadgetgreg.com website.This episode is published on 19th April 2025 with Paul O'Mahony & Moira O'Brien DTM, edited & produced by Moira O'Brien.Contact us :email: ⁠info@irishtalkers.com⁠Website: ⁠www.irishtalkers.com⁠District 71 Website: d71toastmasters.orgDistrict 91 Website: d91toastmasters.org.ukToastmasters International: toastmasters.org

[26:57] Yoga is something in the past this podcast host (Greg Gazin) would have never considered. The way it's portrayed, it conjures up images of slim fit women who contort themselves into pretzels. But now I truly think different. I realize that Yoga is really for everybody. In fact I now practice it weekly and it's been transformational in terms of my well being. In today's episode we speak with Sharon McMullan-Baron, a yoga instructor but also a cancer survivor who I met through Wellspring Alberta.   Sharon's motto is: Remember to Live Simply, Speak Kindly, Care Deeply and Love Generously - and in this light-hearted episode, Sharon generously shares a little about her inspiring journey, how she discovered Yoga, what it has done for her and what it can do for you so you can take leadership of your mind, body and soul - regardless of age, gender or physical condition. Sharon dispels some of the myths about Yoga - how easy it is for anyone to do and how it's more than just a series of body movements. We learn about Wellspring - a no-cost, donor-funded, registered charity, community-based non-medical centre of support for cancer. Wellspring Alberta in Edmonton is where Sharon delivers her classes and has been instrumental in bringing her Yoga Thrive for cancer patients program to help them and their caregivers through challenging times. You'll also hear about how you can get started practising Yoga. Sharon shares resources - books, videos, names of people she admires in the Yoga world so you can check them out. . We also get a little hands-on Yoga practise you can do in real time while you are listening to the episode.   Resources mentioned: Wellspring Alberta and Wellspring (National) Book: Meditations from the Mat - Daily reflections on the Path of Yoga - Rolf gates and Katrina Kenison. Companion book : Meditations on Intention and Being - daily reflections on the path of Yoga, Mindfulness and Compassion by Rolf Gates Yoga teachers: Peggy Cappy - PBS programs for USA listeners, videos and books Susi Hately - Co-creator of Yoga Thrive - the hatha and restorative yoga program for those touched by cancer. Her website Functional Synergy has many resources. Yoga sutras by Patanjali. About Sharon Sharon McMullan-Baron has been teaching Yoga since 2009 focussing in the areas of Restorative Yoga and Hatha Yoga. Her certifications include Hatha Yoga, Yoga for the Low Back, Yoga Thrive for Cancer Patients, Healthy Breast, Tru North (a prostate cancer programme) Relax and Renew and more.  A cancer survivor herself, diagnosed in 2006, Sharon was instrumental in bringing, Yoga Thrive for cancer patients to the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton in 2010 and to Wellspring Edmonton when it opened its doors  Sharon strives to keep a balanced approach to every day.  When she's not on her mat, her survivorship includes a dedication to family and friends, extensive volunteer work, athletic, artistic and creative pursuits which may include wordsmithing poems and stories or playing with fabrics, creating quilts and other textile treasures. You can catch her on the bicycle or XC  ski trails, or out with her dog, if you can! Sharon lives in Edmonton, Alberta Canada and can be reached via email or via LinkedIn.  

[35:25] In this episode speak with Matt Abrahams—a return guest and a name synonymous with spontaneous speaking - about mastering the art of speaking on the fly. This is a special cross-over companion podcast to The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque #235: Think Faster, Talk Smarter in the Moment with guest Matt Abrahams. We're also thrilled to have Ryan Levesque also co-hosting today's episode. Today's episode Today we dive a little deeper into the concepts in Matt's book. He starts off by sharing what it's about and how you can use it. Matt explains why there's no right or wrong way to communicate–only better and worse ways. He demystifies a cognitive psychology concept of heuristics and explains their importance.  Matt suggests a helpful reframing of speaking opportunities as “Conversations, Not Performances.” He touches upon how improv has shaped his approach to communication and introduces us to the playfully-named “F-Word of Public Speaking.”  Matt offers additional examples of structures you can use to master your Q&A session, gives an easy-to-use format for apologizing successfully, and more. Sorry about that! :) Matt Abrahams is a Lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He's the author of two books, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, and his brand new book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, and the host of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast.  You can reach Matt and get his book at MattAbrahams.com. You can also find him on LinkedIn. Resources from Matt Abrahams at FasterSmarter.io. TC176: Think Faster, Talk Smarter—A Deeper Dive – Matt Abrahams    

[27:54] Hosts Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque share insight & stories from the Mar 2023 Toastmaster magazine article: Tune In to The Toastmasters Podcast

[06:31] Greg Gazin is interviewed on CHQR Radio about his Troy Media article Try Nightbuds Earbuds for a good night's sleep. For anyone who offers a product or service, or in my case writes about one, it's always important to be ready and always have a few talking points and a story or two in your back pocket in case the media literally comes calling. It's great PR for you and for the product or service you're talking about. This is also where your Toastmasters International Table Topics impromptu skills come in really handy.   

An excerpt from the Toastmasters Podcast featured in this article from the Toastmaster magazine, in which Kristen Hambling PhD is interviewed by Greg Gazin and Ryan Levesque and talks about how you can tame the fear of speaking in public ______________________________________________________________________ This is episode 2 from Programme 32 of the 2021/22 season - published on April 2nd with Ted Mellamphy & Paul O'Mahony, produced and edited by Moira O'Brien DTM. The show is in four parts and usually has this format: (1) Introducing a “Thought for the Week” and a “Word of the Week” together with general conversation arising out of these two topics. Published at 4pm on Fridays. (2) Either an Interview, the recording of a speech or external media. Published at 4pm on Saturdays. (3) Discussion on a topic usually led by Paul. Published at 4pm on Sundays. (4) Discussion on a topic usually led by Paul. Published at 4pm on Mondays We often film the recording of these shows to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZHVM9lgg2KJuZL6DcoUxD1_mVddOFe-J). Contact us : email: info@irishtalkers.com Website: www.irishtalkers.com Facebook: The Talk Show for Talkers Magazine: "Public Speaking Weekly" on www.irishtalkers.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/irish-talkers/message

[18:33] Milestones are achieved and celebrated every day and recognized in a variety of different ways. Celebrations are also often backward looking going back to where one once was to where they are now. But what if you commemorated by celebrating forward? Using the milestone as a way of encouraging a future activity. In this episode we look at the milestone of 200th episode of the Toastmasters Podcast and how instead of looking back at the first 200 episodes as many do, the hosts Greg Gazin and Ryan Levesque decided to create a contest - a Pitch Us Your Podcast Idea! contest.  The idea would be to create more buzz around podcasting and encourage members to give it a try. Members could submit their most creative idea - a pitch and an audio sample and they did not have to have an existing podcast.  The winner would be announced and  be a guest on Episode #200 where they could introduce themselves to the world and pitch their idea to Greg and Ryan.  When the dust settled, the winner was Rashmi Ketha from Ledgewood NJ, USA  with “The Experience Passport.” Personal development through hobby sampling. You can catch the 200th episode - shown above at ToastmastersPodcast.com, and Apple & Google Podcasts.  Also, if you want to find out a little more about the Toastmasters Podcast and its hosts, please check out: Tune In to The Toastmasters Podcast, in the March 2022 on-line issue of the Toastmaster Magazine.

[06:05] Hearing things being repeated can often drive you absolutely crazy. In this brief episode you'll learn that if used effectively, repetition in presentations, conversations and even recordings can truly be an effective tool in getting your message across. If you think about speeches like MLK Jr.'s, I Have a Dream, there's a perfect example. This podcast is also available as an article. The original article can be found at GadgetGreg.com.

(T.I.A. Ep 71). Greg Gazin, a Leadership and Technology Speaker, Tech Columnist, and Podcaster for Toastmasters International and Toastcaster, provides valuable insight into what makes a good leader; how the public speaking organization known as Toastmasters has helped to develop his communication skills for podcasting; and how Toastmasters helps its members build acute leadership skills. Greg also provides podcasting tips and takeaways; recommendations on researching and planning for podcast guests interviews; the skills involved in being a Toastmaster District Leader; how to recognize your growth in public speaking; lessons learned for technology speakers; and how he came about to write a children's book. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxI3ObPUQUo Greg Gazin Website 1: http://gadgetgreg.com/ Website 2: GadgetGuy.ca Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggazin/ Greg's Book https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/418588 Promotional price: $0.00 Coupon Code: VK54S Expires: November 15, 2021 Sponsored by: The Lewis Institute Website - https://lnkd.in/gfVabkm9 Project Leader Courses (60% discount) - https://lnkd.in/gghkcTp Business Agility Institute Emergence Journal - https://lnkd.in/g5yTrNgm promo code "analyst" (for 10% discount on annual subscription)

[29:55] Many people avoid meetings at all costs - they feel they're unproductive, a waste of time and simply a bandaid for bad communication in an organization. In this episode Greg speaks with return guest Matt Abrahams, educator and coach whose extensive exploration, research and experience has led him to discover a collaborative approach to keep meetings fun and exciting. More importantly they be can productive in achieving the goals of the organization and add value to the teams. And you might even be thanked for running a meeting. You'll learn about the importance of planning, executing and setting expectations up front - and even determining whether there is an alternative to holding a meeting.  You'll hear how to invoke emotion by leveraging meeting invites and making agendas valuable and how the information, emotion and actions are the three important key elements of any communication.   This includes the importance of paraphrasing and how that leads to better communication and boost engagement during the meeting.  He also stresses the value of focusing on the experience and the creative order of things and not just the content and also using physical engagement and leveraging the use of technology tools and more. Matt also touches on how to ensure the new way of running meetings endures and tips for running virtual meetings. And finally, Matt talks about his new podcast, Think Fast Talk Smart from Stanford GSB. Matt Abrahams teaches Strategic Communication for Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and Presentation Skills for Stanford's Continuing Studies Program and co-founder of coaching consulting practice Bold Echo Communication Solutions. If that's not enough, Matt is also the author of the book Speaking Up without Freaking Out, now in its 3rd edition.  You can also hear Matt on episode #93 Speaking up without freaking out and also on the Toastmasters Podcast, Episode 111, with Greg Gazin and Ryan Levesque where he spoke on how to be confident.

[32:53] Imagine the hardest speech you'll ever have to give. In this episode you'll hear about that speech, the process that went into it and the speech itself and how on that day, I felt a rollercoaster of emotions the likes of which I'd never experienced in my life. That day I was surrounded by loving friends and family as I said a final farewell to Elaine Baram, my best friend, my love, my wife, the sunshine of my life who I will miss forever .  It will also explain why there were no episode over the past months.     

Greg Gazin Serial Entrepreneur Gadget Guy, w/ Fong - PPSS #41 - USE THE MIND BUT FOLLOW YOUR HEART Interviewing Serial Entrepreneur Gadget Guy - Greg Gazin. We discuss his experience meeting Steve Jobs, the importance of communication technology, and WHAT IS SUCCESS LIKE...? Get ready to unlock your PEAK Potential!

[29:12] in this lighthearted yet informative episode, hosts Greg & Ryan lay their cards on the table sharing lessons learned from mistakes, missteps & miscues

Meet Greg Gazin, Podcaster Of TOASTCASTER! https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/toastcaster-speakcast-for-toastmasters/e/74051165 MORE ABOUT GREG HERE: http://gadgetgreg.com/about/ WANT TO GET ON http://OMGTALK.com small business owner podcast and wednesday virtual breakfast 8:30am EVERY WEEK? Kindest Regards, Paul Finkelstein DTM www.OMGTALK.com

WANT TO GET ON THE SHOW? http://omgtalk.com Meet Greg Gazin !! Want to get on the show? Leave your name email and phone and any comments. ( your 1st Born is not necessary ) here: www.omgtalk.com P your host omgtalk of small business owner and guests podcast #alignable #smallbusinessowner

[11:39] For a dedicated athlete or fit individual, walking a minimum of 10k steps a day for almost three years might seem like nothing. For me, a few decades older with ancient injuries walking roughly seven to eight kilometres a day that seems more like a pipe dream. Amazingly, I did it. I never thought I could.  In this episode, I share a little about my journey and how beyond the usual benefits of exercise the experience was transformational; I learned new things - many about myself. The text version of this podcast is entitled “What I learned from a Journey of over 11 million steps.”  There’s also an earlier related article, “One step at a time: a simple solution to a better life.”  The companion podcast is Toastcaster Episode: 90. Articles can be found at Troy Media.com Note: The photo shows me as I reached the 1000-day milestone. As I recorded this podcast 70 days later I had reached 12.3 million steps.  Sadly as I publish this podcast my journey has come to an end as a time slot has come up for my long awaited and overdue hernia operation.  But I will start again and learn many new things.   

[22:12] In part 2 Toastmasters Podcast  hosts Greg Gazin, DTM and Ryan Levesque, ACG, ALB continue the conversation on creating interesting podcast content in t

[26:02] In this two-part episode, Greg and Ryan step away from the typical interview format to talk about podcasting - specifically, how you can create interest

A recent interview with Greg Van Borssum after his successful performance on stage saw him awarded with his Accredited Speakers Designation, making him the first Australian speaker in history to receive the honour and just the 82nd person in the world in nearly 40 years. The interview was hosted by Greg Gazin on behalf of Toastmasters International Podcasts. Toastmasters International are a life changing organisation who assist people in building their confidence, speaking and leadership skills.Support the show (https://www.lifeline.org.au/support-lifeline/donate/make-a-single-donation)

[20:39] In a rare live interview opportunity, host Greg Gazin speaks with Daniel Rex, CEO, Toastmasters International during a Fall visit to District 99, Edmonton, Canada. In this episode, Dan talks about why he visited our fair city from Denver, CO and a special connection Dan has to our own Peter Kossowan, a.k.a. Mr. Toastmaster.  We also learn a little more about Dan, what he likes to do, interesting things you may not know about him, how he discovered Toastmasters and how he’s evolved since joining the organization over 25 years ago. As the CEO to one of the world’s largest not-for-profit communication and leadership organizations with 358K+ members worldwide, Dan shares some of his valuable leadership wisdom we can learn from. These include his thoughts on change, being a catalyst for change as well as his take on authentic leadership, and more. Please enjoy this informative yet fun interview with Dan as a perfect close for this year and this decade.

Every leader knows that cashflow is king. Very few use cheques or even carry cash these days. Enter Square a low cost secure mobile payment system. It’s an easy way for you to collect payments for products or services that’s also easy and convenient for your customers allowing them to pay by credit card, debit and other pay systems. In this episode your host Greg Gazin has a quick look at three different options offered by Square, what they do, what they cost including their latest all-in-one Square Terminal. The podcast is based on Greg’s two previously published articles: With Square, you too can accept wireless debit and credit card payments (Gadgetguy.ca) and It’s Hip to be Square published by Troy Media.

[36:13] On August 25th, 2018 at the 87th Annual Toastmasters International Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA, six Toastmasters earned the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation, from a record 24 applicants, bringing the total number of designations awarded to-date to 81. In the first part of a two-part episode, Greg Gazin speaks with three of the six including: Greg Wood, DTM from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (top left), Valda B. Ford, DTM from High Point, North . . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast

[31:08] In this episode we see a little switch as host Greg Gazin takes the other side of the mic and interviewed by guest host Ryan Levesque co-host of the Toastmasters Podcast. Motivated by reading the book, Ryan takes the host chair and gets Greg to come clean to finally speak in detail about his 1st book, Corey OutSMARTs the Butterflies.  Greg shares with Ryan a little about what his book is about and how he stumbled upon the idea and what and who inspired him to take on the project which lead him to find a new passion - writing for a young readers. Ryan gets Greg to pull back the the curtain to talk about his shy humble beginnings (long before he joined Toastmasters) but also what he learned about his journey, the writing process, the illustrations and what he’d do differently the next time. You’ll also here how it’s changed him and what people of all ages can learn or take away from reading the book including a glimpse into the book’s SMART model (not the one you’re thinking about). Ryan also give his take on the book and how he feels it can help his young daughter. There’s also a book give-away, but you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out more. OutSmartingtheButterflies.com Categories: Public Speaking, Confidence, Youth Leadership, ESL

Tonight Marcus returns to the Co-Host chair as they chat with Greg Gazin a man of many talents Gadget Guy, Author, Freelance Writer, Tech Columnist, Podcaster Leadership Facilitator, Toastmaster Corey OutSMARTs the Butterflies https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/418588 Promotional price: $0.00 Coupon Code: KG68R Expires: April 30, 2018 Twitter @gadgetgreg http://gadgetgreg.com/

[28:08] In this episode Greg Gazin speaks with communications expert Matt Abrahams who shares six of his many techniques to calm presentation jitters and a whole lot more. Matt is an educator and coach who teaches Strategic Communication for Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and Presentation Skills for Stanford’s Continuing Studies Program. He’s also co-founder of coaching consulting practice Bold Echo Communication Solutions where he helps presenters at all levels of an organization to become more confident and compelling speakers. He’s also the author of the Speaking Up without Freaking Out, now in its 3rd edition. You can also catch Matt on the Toastmasters Podcast, Episode 111, with Greg Gazin and Ryan Levesque where he spoke on how to Be Confident When Caught Off Guard. Matt’s Six techniques are also available as an infographic for quick reference. Matt can be reached at NoFreakingSpeaking.com.

[10:49] For whatever reason, over 80% of New Year's resolutions fail within the 1st two weeks of February. Perhaps we're going about this all wrong.  In this episode your host Greg Gazin shares a personal journey that shows perhaps why we might be more successful if we create visions rather that resolutions.

[53:22] On August 26th, 2017 at the 86th Annual Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, Canada, a record six Toastmasters earned the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation bringing the total number of designations to 75. In the first part of a two-part episode, Greg Gazin speaks with three of the six, who are all from Canada: Angela Louie, DTM from Vancouver, British Columbia (left); Freddi Dogterom, DTM, from Lethbridge, Alberta (lower center) and Joe Grondin, . . . See the complete description at The Toastmasters Podcast

[19:26] Toastcaster Podcast is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. In this episode Greg grabs the mic and takes an impromptu journey back a decade to its humble beginnings starting from the pilot episode featuring then District 42 Governor Mona Cooley, DTM. What started as an idea in 2006 for an HPL (High Performance Leadership) project has blossomed into 77 episodes, almost 200K downloads and 1.5M feed hits and counting. You'll hear how Toastcaster was conceived and get highlights from a number of the episodes and some of the people Greg has interviewed. Greg will also share what he's learned from this process and how it's changed him and how he now looks at podcasting. A huge thanks to all those that helped make it happen and for all the listeners for tuning in. Happy Birthday Toastcaster Podcast  

Looking to jumpstart your productivity? DTM and expert Kevin Achtzener returns to Toastcaster and speaks with Greg Gazin about Visual Productivity the new Mind Mapping. He also introduces his new book appropriately entitled - Visual Productivity. (25:33)

Greg Gazin was one of the feature speakers at DEXIO 2014 in Edmonton (DEXIO.biz), along side Dr. John Gray, Arkadi Kuhlmann, Fran Hewitt and Nicole Farley.  Greg shared with the audience his entrepreneurial and Toastmasters journey. Here's a clip from the projection screen feed of Greg talking about how he discovered Toastmasters and how it can transform you.  (NOTE: This is a Projection Screen Capture)

I sit down again with Greg Gazin to put him through the paces with XMind. We'll go over setting up an XMind capture system, and how to translate those ideas into goals you can take action on. I've also added more content to the FAW (Follow Along Workbook), so that's definitely worth checking out. http://traffic.libsyn.com/ymm/YMM037-Getting-Started-With-Mind-Maps-Pt3.mp3 […] Thanks for subscribing to Visual Productivity. I hope you enjoyed Getting Started With Mind Mapping – Part 3 – YMM#37. This blog is a success because of you and your support.

Recorded live from the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention. We introduce the Official Toastmasters Podcast by interviewing co-hosts Bo Bennett & Ryan Levesque formerly of Talking Toastmasters. They share with us what to expect from the new podcast and how will it will differ from their previous incarnation. They'll also talk about a couple of episodes they've already done, including their take on SpeakEasy -the forthcoming documentary on Public Speaking and stories emanating from this year's Convention here in Mashantucket, CT.  Be sure to tune in - it'll be loads of fun and quite a few laughs too as Bo & Ryan do their thing and also poke fun at yours truly, Greg Gazin.

  Photo of Martin Presse, From District 42 after Winning the Region IV International Speech Contest in Rapid City South Dakota. Martin Speaks to Karen Tober, Editor Prairie Horizons about his experience as one of the 10 finalists at the International Speech Contest, held in Calgary, Alberta Canada, Aug 2008.   Part 1 of 2.  Produced by Greg Gazin