Podcasts about toastmasters

Rosa Hart sits down with Louisville keynote speaker and confidence curator Chris Fulkerson to talk about personal reinvention, empowering women, and the "F Words to Live By" framework she teaches across the country.In this episode:How Barbie birthday parties became a symbol of joy and resilience after profound personal lossThe journey from image consulting (closets, fashion shows, feng shui!) to full-time keynote speakingWhy dressing women on the outside can't work if they're not supported on the insideThe "F Words to Live By": Food, Fashion, Fitness, Fun & FriendshipA moving story from a Dress for Success Louisville fashion show that illustrates the power of community and saying yes to yourselfHow Toastmasters and the National Speakers Association transformed Chris's speaking careerDress for Success Louisville's work — including outreach to teachers and rural countiesTimestamps:1:17 – Meeting through Toastmasters & NSA Louisville1:38 – The Barbie birthday party origin story2:17 – Grief and the mindset shift behind the parties7:00 – Goal: a 100th Barbie party11:17 – What image consulting really involves14:45 – The mission: women saying yes to themselves17:00 – The F Words to Live By framework20:40 – Self-care is not selfish22:35 – Breaking cycles of self-sacrifice for our kids26:00 – Toastmasters & NSA journey30:20 – The power of storytelling36:38 – What Chris's business looks like today38:00 – Dress for Success: "Turning Over a New Leaf" story44:14 – Dress for Success mobile outreach46:07 – How to book Chris47:05 – Wags Pet Therapy & dog fashion show49:59 – OutroFind Chris: fwordstoliveby.comInstagram: @chris_fulkersonThe Lou Review podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing- Branding & Creative Strategy- Entrepreneurship & Startups- Local Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.Learn more about The Lou Review Foundation Inc at LouReview.comConnect with host, Rosa Hart on Instagram: @RosaRaves

Every decision you make today is a vote for the life you'll live tomorrow. What if you've been casting votes against your own future without even noticing? In this episode of Bounce Back Better, Hilary Saxton unpacks the idea that every small daily decision, from the snack to the scroll to the snappy text, is a vote being dropped into a ballot box you can't see. Over time, the count starts reflecting back to you in the shape of your health, your money, your relationships, your energy, and the version of yourself you've become. Drawing on the framework from her book 3-2-1 Done, including the story of a client she calls Rebecca, Hilary makes the case that awareness, not willpower, is the lever. There are two futures on the ballot: the default future you build by drift, and the chosen future that requires annoyingly consistent votes. This is a warm, honest, occasionally self-deprecating episode about the gap between what we say we want and what our weeks actually look like, and the one question that closes it. What you'll learn: - Why your future is being built right now by the mood, food, conversations, and excuses you're voting for today - The "three pairs of glasses" you choose between every morning, and how the choice shapes the entire day - The difference between cruel honesty and honest honesty when assessing your own patterns - Why current you and future you want different things, and who keeps paying the bill - The single question that interrupts unconscious decision-making and gives you back your power Timestamped highlights: [02:01] The three pairs of glasses on your bedside table [04:39] We can't expect to create one future while continuously voting for another [09:16] Rebecca's story from 3-2-1 Done [14:34] Current you sends the bill to future you [15:23] The Toastmasters confession [18:44] The one question that interrupts everything Quote from the episode: "We can't expect to create one future while continuously voting for another. So what are you voting for right now?" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Dominique "Dom" Brightmon, distinguished Toastmaster, certified Maxwell Leadership trainer, bestselling author, and host of the Going North Podcast. Dom shares his inspiring journey from discovering his voice as a teenager in church to becoming a respected speaker, author, and podcast host with more than 1,000 episodes under his belt. Along the way, he reveals how mentorship, personal growth, and a commitment to serving others helped shape his path.    In this episode, we discuss: How Dom discovered his purpose through public speaking and service The role Toastmasters played in developing his confidence and leadership skills Why self-leadership is the foundation for leading others effectively The Three E's of self-leadership: Examination, Execution, and Energy How personal setbacks can become catalysts for growth and transformation The importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire and challenge you Why encouraging others can help you reconnect with your own sense of purpose   No matter where you are on your journey, remember that your purpose is not something you have to chase. It is something you can uncover by leading yourself well, staying open to growth, and taking the next step forward with courage.    About Dom: Dominique “Dom” Brightmon, DTM, is a certified trainer with the Maxwell Leadership Team, bestselling author, and host of the Going North Podcast, a podcast committed to featuring authors from around the world to promote the power of the written word and inspire listeners to publish books of their own. His mantra is Advance others to advance yourself. https://www.dombrightmon.com/ ----- Connect with Candice Snyder! Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/ Go to FusionaryFormulas.com and use code PASSION at checkout for 15% off your first order.  Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

[18:39] The countdown is on for the 2026 Toastmasters International Convention taking place August 19 to 22, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In this annual convention preview episode, Greg Gazin speaks with Convention Host Co-Chairs Carole Murphy and Tom Jones for an early look at what attendees can expect and to learn more about the volunteers and leaders helping bring Toastmasters' largest event to life.You'll get to know Carole and Tom as they share how they unexpectedly received the invitation to serve, what their role as co-chairs involves, and how their different personalities and leadership styles complement one another and what they've learned along the way. You'll also hear why Vancouver, often called Hollywood North, continues to be a favourite convention destination and the meaning behind this year's convention theme: Wide Open Communication.Highlights this year include keynote speaker Jody Carrington and 2026 Golden Gavel honouree Jennifer Moss presenting Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants.You'll also hear about some of the convention activities, including:• Traditional opening ceremonies and the Parade of Flags• Semifinals and finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking• Accredited Speaker presentation and business meeting• First-timers activities and networking opportunities• Smedley Harbour Cruise and Smedley Fun Bingo evening events• Education sessions and Toastmasters Journey workshops including a new AI-focused session designed to help attract prospective members...and more!About:Carole Murphy, DTM, has been a Toastmaster for 31 years and serves as Convention Co-Chair for the 2026 Toastmasters International Convention.Tom Jones, DTM, is a Past International Director, entrepreneur, management consultant, and Convention Co-Chair for the 2026 Toastmasters International Convention.REGISTER NOWConvention details, agenda, volunteer opportunities, and Dear Boss resources.You can also read:1. Five Questions with Carole Murphy DTM and Tom Jones DTM: Behind the Scenes with the 2026 Convention Co-Chairs2. Wide-Open Communication: 2026 Convention: Head to Vancouver, Canada, for inspiration, education, and connection.Both articles appear in the June 2026 issue of Toastmaster Magazine.Related Episode:Episode #299: Championing Workplace Well-Being — Meet the 2026 Golden Gavel Recipient Jennifer Moss

Jessica talks with Chris Lele, an AI educator, learning strategist, writer, musician, and lifelong collector of difficult skills. He spent 20 years in test prep, creating thousands of SAT, GRE, and GMAT questions, publishing a bestselling vocabulary book, and reaching millions of students through YouTube. Today, he teaches professionals how to use generative AI without losing their originality, judgment, or voice. Chris is also a classical pianist, composer, Toastmasters speech competitor, fitness enthusiast, and occasional restaurant and bar performer. Whether teaching AI, playing Chopin, writing speeches, or explaining a brutal math problem, Chris is drawn to the art of making complexity come alive.Follow Chris:IG: @chris_on_the_keysYouTube: Ab-peggiosSpotify: The Tide BeneathApple Music: The Tide Beneath~About The Ampersand Manifesto:What happens when you refuse to choose just one path? On The Ampersand Manifesto, host Jessica Wan sits down with “the most interesting people at the dinner party” – those who have made their mark in two or more seemingly different worlds. Through candid conversations, we explore what it takes to navigate multiple callings, find the connection points between them, and redefine success on our own terms. Together, we're co-creating The Ampersand Manifesto: principles for leading a multi-passionate life.~About your host, Jessica Wan:Executive Coach | Classical Singer | Former Marketing Leader & Tech ExecutiveJessica helps founders and leaders make the invisible visible. With 20+ years of experience scaling brands like Apple, Smule, and the San Francisco Opera, and as an ICF-certified executive coach, she provides the clarity and strategy needed to lead bravely and find fulfillment in a multi-passionate life.Work with Jessica: Book a Free Intro CallJoin The Cohort: An Ampersand Community for Dual-Career ProfessionalsFollow the Journey: @ampersandmanifestoConnect: Jessica's LinkedInListen: Singing Excerpts~CreditsCo-produced and hosted by ⁠Jessica Wan⁠Co-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by ⁠Carlos Schmitt

In episode 251 of the Transition Drill Podcast, explores identity, resilience, and rebuilding after public scrutiny for veterans and first responders navigating career disruption, reputation loss, and life after service. You'll hear Kwesi Millington on what happens when one moment changes everything, and what it takes to rebuild purpose, identity, and a future when the career you expected disappears.Former RCMP officer and now resilience keynote speaker Kwesi Millington shares a story that starts far before policing and goes far beyond the incident that made international headlines.Raised in Toronto by a single mother after emigrating from Trinidad and Tobago, Kwesi describes a childhood that was ordinary by his standards. No clear career calling. No lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. He moved through school, completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus in finance, worked office and government jobs, and felt disconnected from the life he imagined for himself. Then one moment changed direction. Watching a police officer while walking a strike line, he realized he wanted work that put him outside, serving people and doing something that felt meaningful.That decision led him into the RCMP. He trained in Regina, Saskatchewan, entered frontline policing in British Columbia, and expected to build a long career. Instead, only a few years into service, a call at Vancouver International Airport became the defining event of his life. Kwesi walks through that night, the death that followed, the public reaction, the viral footage, internal conflict, investigations, public inquiry, and the long legal aftermath that eventually ended his policing career.But this conversation doesn't stop there.Kwesi talks openly about moral injury, accountability, identity collapse, incarceration, and the reality of trying to re-enter society carrying a criminal record and public history. He reflects on the jobs that never called back, rebuilding through personal training, and discovering that growth sometimes starts where status ends.What emerged next wasn't a return to who he was. Through fitness, Toastmasters, communication, and years of rebuilding, Kwesi found a different mission. Today he speaks to audiences on resilience, mindset, accountability, and navigating life after adversity.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:GRND Collective: Premium, veteran-owned sportswear built for those who show up, outwork the excuses, and give 100%. Score 15% off your order at thegrndcollective.com using promo code TRANSITION15 at checkoutBlue Line Roasting: Premium, law-enforcement-owned coffee roasted to fuel the shift. A portion of every order directly supports law enforcement families facing line-of-duty injury or loss. Save 10% at bluelineroasting.com with promo code Transition10Frontline Optics: Premium eyewear founded by a firefighter and built to withstand the job. Every single purchase helps support the First Responders Children's Foundation, serving families who've paid the ultimate price. Save 10% off your pair at frontlineoptics.com using promo code Transition10

FILM FEST TIX: https://buytickets.at/thedopeyfoundation/2216905 FULL EPISODE: www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast Long Summary Dave welcomes Heart Attack Doug back to Dopey Tuesday on his birthday, though he's not exactly feeling celebratory after waking up groggy from NyQuil and discovering that his daughter forgot it was his birthday. Doug immediately notices Dave's low energy, launching a conversation about birthday expectations and disappointments. The bulk of the opening centers around a heated debate about the season finale of Euphoria. Dave argues that the show abandoned its core characters and became an entirely different series, while Doug enthusiastically defends it and praises the acting. The two argue over Nate's storyline, Rue's fate, Ali's character arc, and whether the show has any future after its finale. The conversation shifts into prison talk when Montana's latest letter arrives from a Texas prison. Montana shares updates about college classes, Toastmasters, prison job training officers, losing his dog, and staying sober. This leads Doug to speculate about how Dave would survive prison, suggesting he'd either join a gang or become part of a strange collection of intellectuals, misfits, and recovery people. Dave insists he'd survive through entertainment value and his connection to recovery. Dave also reflects on a recent doctor's appointment and how grateful he is not to be regularly drug tested anymore. The conversation spirals into stories about fake urine, the Wizinator, and the absurd lengths addicts go to avoid failing drug tests. The guys read Patreon and Spotify comments, discuss the upcoming Dopey Short Film Festival, promote Patreon, and eventually prepare to reveal the results of the Dopey Sticker Contest. JOIN PATREON FOR THE CONTEST! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mohnish Pabrai's Q&A session with Dakshana scholars at the JNV Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India on December 25, 2025.                        (00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:31) - Charlie Munger's mental models (00:05:40) - The Karam Yogi model; Mukesh Ambani & Jio (00:09:45) - Books: Time travel for entrepreneurs (00:12:01) - The Founders Podcast (00:16:01) - Giving back through Dakshana (00:20:29) - Upanishads: Your deepest desire is your destiny (00:24:13) - Building Dakshana: Cloned from the Super 30 model (00:33:32) - Follow your passion, success follows naturally (00:35:10) - With hard work think smart (00:36:42) - Clone smartly, compete confidently (00:39:05) - Technology is overrated, follow your passion (00:42:48) - Growth begins outside comfort zone; Toastmasters (00:46:25) - Cloning Dakshana from Super 30; Anand Kumar (00:50:36) - Human reciprocation mental model (00:57:28) - Execution and determination make the idea successful (01:00:29) - Life's reverses; Charlie's No self-pity mode The contents of this audio are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and do not purport to be, and are not intended to be financial, legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice. Investments or strategies that are discussed may not be suitable for you, do not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs, and are not intended to provide investment advice or recommendations appropriate for you. Before making any investment or trade, consider whether it is suitable for you and consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser.

[47:36] What happens when 20 years and hundreds of conversations change the way you communicate, listen, and tell stories? In this special milestone episode, guest host Ryan Levesque turns the microphone around on Greg Gazin to reflect on the journey behind The Toastmasters Podcast, ToastCaster, and the lessons learned along the way.From launching a podcast as a Toastmasters High Performance Leadership project in 2006 to becoming host and producer of The Toastmasters Podcast, Greg shares how podcasting transformed not only his communication skills, but also the way he approaches conversations, uncovers stories, and connects with people.Along the way, the conversation revisits unforgettable moments, including interviews that created vivid “movies in the mind,” emotional discussions that revealed the human side of leadership, and the unexpected lessons that emerged from hundreds of conversations inside and outside Toastmasters.Greg also reflects on how his interviewing style evolved over time. What began as a focus on asking the “right” questions gradually became something else: learning to listen more carefully, follow curiosity, and help stories unfold naturally. The episode also includes a few behind-the-scenes stories, podcasting flubs, and some unexpected moments listeners likely will not see coming.Listeners will also hear…• How podcasting and Toastmasters helped supercharge Greg's communication skills• How Greg evolved from question asker to “story builder”• Why curiosity matters more than asking the “perfect” question• The conversation that literally gave Greg shivers while recording• A few memorable podcasting flubs and behind-the-scenes moments• The origin of Greg's “conversational runway” interviewing approach• Why some of the best podcast moments happen completely off-script• Lessons learned from guest and former co-hostSome of the most meaningful moments did not come from carefully planned questions. They came from unexpected turns, honest reflections, and the willingness to go a little deeper.And after hundreds of conversations, one lesson stands out above all: when people feel heard, remarkable stories often emerge.Greg's article, Reflecting Back: How a Simple Podcasting Project Developed into an Incredible Journey, appears in the June 2026 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. .Some additional episodes and resources mentioned in this conversation include:• #082 Introducing Greg Gazin - Newest Host of The Toastmasters Podcast • #084 Meet the 2014 World Champion of Public Speaking, Dananjaya Hettiarachchi • #100 Meet the 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking, Mohammed Qahtani• #104 Surviving Everest & the Nepali Earthquake with Sara Safari• #169 Vision Beyond Eyesight with Deborah McAlexander• #172 Confessions of a Podcast Host• #179 Finding Healing Through Service and Leadership with David Jones• #208 Don't Let Fear Hold You Back with Robert A. Navarez• #222 Enhance Your Presentation with Clown Presence - Don Colliver• #225 This is Us: Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque - The Toastmasters Podcast• #250 500 Lunches with Strangers: Breaking Bread for Personal Growth • #266 Meet Lauren Parsons, 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker (Snack on Exercise)• #275 & #276 Better Conversations, 1 Question at a Time - Dr. Alison Wood Brooks (Part 1 & 2)• #267 Meet Maureen Zappala, 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker (Impostor Syndrome and “My Dot” • #294 Beyond 500 Lunches with Strangers: Lesson on Achieving Anything - Nick Bendel • #297 What Happens When Toastmasters Give Youth Voices a TEDx Stage with CeCe Espeut• #298 Spotting & Resolving Generative AI Pitfalls for Communicators with Joel Schwartzberg• TC056 Spanish Train: A Journey in Vocal Variety (ToastCaster)• TC150 The Hardest Speech You'll Ever Have to Give (ToastCaster)• YouTube: Spanish Train: A Journey in Vocal Variety (YouTube video)About Greg GazinGreg Gazin, DTM, is host and producer of The Toastmasters Podcast and creator of ToastCaster: Communication & Leadership Learning Lab. A 24-year Toastmaster, writer, speaker, and technology columnist, Greg has spent nearly two decades exploring communication, leadership, storytelling, and personal growth through podcasting.Greg is a Past District Governor and recipient of a Toastmasters International Presidential Citation. He is also a member of Spiritual Living Toastmasters in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Bil Lewis earned a Masters Degree in computer science at Indiana University in 1978, working in Integrated Development Environments and bioinformatics at Stanford, Tufts, MIT and Harvard.  He has taught at Stanford, Tufts, and MIT with a Sabbatical at L'ecole des Moines DuNanets. He is a Past District Governor for Toastmaster, an Eagle Scout, a Returned Peace Corps Officer, and an ecstatic graduate of Indiana University. Bil is talking today about his work in debugging.  Omniscient Debugging when the debugger knows everything. Bil is a frequent guest on Swimming Upstream and we fondly remember his touching interviews with the late Chief Justice Richard Guy of the Washington State Supreme Court . Bil turns his life around every few weeks, so keep watching, it will happen again soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of The Kash & Dash Show — Unscripted with Ted Kaasch and Owen Dashner is a little bit real estate, a little bit family life, and a whole lot of “this is why business is never as clean as people make it look online.”Ted and Owen talk Mother's Day, Father's Day traditions, dad memories, old business cards, garage sale chaos, Goodwill debates, and the random things that make you realize life moves way too fast.They also get into the real stuff: insurance sticker shock, commercial property expenses, car wash surprises, water heater costs, and the brutal reality that owning real estate is not always passive income. Sometimes it is just expensive problems wearing a cute little “investment property” hat.The Golden Nugget in this episode is simple: don't fake the rehab number. If you are an agent bringing a deal to an investor, your job is not to guess construction costs. Bring the ARV, bring the comps, bring what you can visibly see the property needs — but don't say it needs $20,000 in repairs when it is really a $50,000 problem. Bad numbers kill credibility and can blow up a deal fast. Ted and Owen also talk about public speaking, Toastmasters, improving as a presenter, and what it looks like when a speaker truly moves a room. Ted shares a personal moment about the passing of Kyle Loftus from 1320Video and the impact Kyle had on Omaha and beyond.If you enjoy the episode, subscribe, leave a review, and check out The Kash and Dash Show on YouTube. You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-todayOmaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIACheck out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/ Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/ Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com Owen's Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com www.reiquicktips.com Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/...

In this week's episode Paul looks at The Toastmaster Magazine, the word of the week is HARNESS and Shirley discusses the role of the Toastmaster of the Day.This episode is published on 23rd May 2026 with Paul O'Mahony, Dr Shirley Gallagher & 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

Learn about how the partnership between Rotary and Toastmasters can benefit members of both organizations, Toastmaster and Rotarian Jeremy Weinglass.

What makes you powerful - Toastmasters' TT groupImpromptu speeches(3) - Youtube (for entertainment purpose only with due respect to copyright holders )#speeches #toastmasters #impromptu #nagendrabharathi My Poems/Stories/Articles in Tamil and English are available at https://www.amazon.com/author/nagendrabharathi

[37:05] The Toastmasters International Golden Gavel is the prestigious annual award presented to an individual distinguished in the fields of leadership and communication. In this insightful and thought-provoking episode, Greg Gazin speaks with Jennifer Moss, award-winning author, workplace culture strategist, and the 2026 Golden Gavel Honoree. Jennifer shares personal stories and practical insights as the conversation explores communication, resilience, gratitude, workplace culture, and the evolving relationship people have with work in a rapidly changing world.Jennifer also reflects on the deeply personal experiences that shaped her work, including The Smile Epidemic, a gratitude project started by her husband during a serious health crisis that eventually spread to more than 100 countries. The experience reinforced Jennifer's belief in the power of gratitude, connection, and small behavioral shifts to positively influence people and organizations.Listeners will hear:• How Jennifer overcame intense fear before her first TEDx talk• Why preparation and subject mastery reduce speaking anxiety• Why conversational speaking can work better than memorizing scripts• How gratitude practices shaped Jennifer's work and leadership philosophy• What organizations often misunderstand about burnout and wellbeing• Why trust, fairness, and purpose drive engagement more than perks• Why communication and analytical thinking remain essential workplace skillsJennifer Moss is featured in the May 2026 issue of the Toastmaster magazine in Stephanie Darling's article, “Golden Gavel Recipient Jennifer Moss Champions Workplace Wellbeing.”Jennifer will receive the Golden Gavel award during the Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, August 19–22, 2026. The award presentation will take place Saturday, August 22 at 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time (UTC -7).Jennifer will also deliver a presentation based on her latest book, Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants, exploring hope, purpose, belonging, and psychological fitness in today's evolving workplace.TEDx Talk: The Epidemic of Smiles and the Science of Gratitude.About Jennifer Moss:Jennifer Moss is an award-winning international speaker, journalist, author, and workplace culture strategist. She is the author of Why Are We Here?, The Burnout Epidemic, and Unlocking Happiness at Work. Jennifer's research and insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Fortune. She is also co-host of the podcast How to Change Culture in 20 Minutes or Less.Jennifer Moss is from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and can be reached at: Jennifer-Moss.com.Register here: for the Toastmasters International Convention.

The NORAPONG gives an inspirational speech as he accepts the 2026 Toastmaster of the Year for the Hawaii District.

The NORAPONG gives an inspirational speech as he accepts the 2026 Toastmaster of the Year for the Hawaii District.

Dirk Daenen, the man who brought TEDx to Luxembourg, reveals the science and the secrets behind becoming a truly confident speaker. You'd think the man who coaches Luxembourg's most compelling public speakers would have been born fearless on stage. You'd be wrong. Professor Dirk Daenen, communication expert, TEDx Luxembourg organiser, and the person quietly responsible for some of the most-watched talks ever delivered on Luxembourgish soil started out as an introvert dreading the spotlight. In this candid conversation on The Lisa Burke Show, he opens up about fear, failure, the science of self-confidence, and why one talk filmed in front of 75 people in Wiltz went on to rack up 13 million views. If you have ever frozen in front of a room, gone blank at a podium, or quietly vowed to avoid public speaking for the rest of your life, this one is for you. TED vs TEDx: What's the Difference? Most people have heard of TED Talks. Far fewer know what the differential for TEDx is, or how accessible it really is. A standard TED conference ticket starts at around $20,000. You'll be sitting next to the world's most powerful minds, but the barrier is enormous. TEDx events, on the other hand, are independently organised under strict licence from TED, run entirely by volunteers, and designed to bring big ideas to local communities. Here in Luxembourg, that licence belongs to Dirk Daenen, and he has been running it for years. "I'm used to being the smartest person in the room as a teacher," Dirk says with a grin. "And then suddenly I'm surrounded by the most impressive people I've ever met: graffiti artists, photographers, scientists, a Belgian pop star. No money could pay for that.” "Luxembourg is a small country. But the ideas we spread are HUGE. Over 20 million views and counting." The Fear Is Real — and It Starts at School Up to 80% of people report some fear of public speaking. The academic figure sits closer to 40%. But according to Dirk, the number is almost beside the point, because wherever you land on that scale, the roots are almost always the same. "We are doing a quantitative survey right now," he explains, "asking people about their childhood experiences. And what we are finding is that most people who identify as having a fear of public speaking can point to a specific moment at school where it all started.” A teacher who snickered or a classroom that laughed at you. A presentation that went badly and was never properly supported. These are not trivial memories. Dirk calls them out for what they are: trauma. "If you do it badly, you end up with people carrying post-traumatic stress disorder because of something that happened in front of a classroom.” It is why his PhD research [yes, he is also completing a doctorate] focuses on finding the most effective way to teach public speaking to 16-year-olds, with the minimum possible trauma and the maximum boost to self-confidence. His dream: one full year of public speaking on the Luxembourg school curriculum. Not optional. A core subject, like French or German. "Europe's biggest social failure?" he asks. "We have an amazing education system. And yet we do not teach the one skill you need in every single job, every single day." The Science of Self-Confidence Dirk is a researcher as much as a coach, and he brings the science of psychology into every conversation about communication. The key framework he returns to is the work of psychologist Albert Bandura, whose four sources of self-efficacy - your belief in your own ability to do something - underpin everything Dirk teaches. The first and most powerful source is mastery: actually doing the thing and surviving it. The second is vicarious experience: watching someone just like you nail it, and thinking: if they can, so can I. The third is social encouragement: the right kind of feedback, delivered with care. And the fourth is physiological readiness: understanding that the butterflies you feel before speaking are not a warning signal. They are energy. "I still get the butterflies. But I have taught them to fly in formation.” Self-confidence, he explains, is not some vague quality you either have or don't. It is the sum of two measurable things: self-esteem (how much you value yourself) and self-efficacy (how capable you believe yourself to be). Public speaking, done well and in a safe environment, is one of the fastest ways to build both. What Actually Works on Stage So what does Dirk actually tell the people he coaches? Here are some of the most practical insights from the conversation. Your body will move whether you plan it or not. When you're nervous, adrenaline floods your system. Oxygenated blood pumps into your muscles. If you don't channel that energy intentionally, your body finds its own outlet: clicking pens, rotating wedding rings, crossing arms, hands shoved in pockets, the classic 'fig leaf.' The fix is not to stand rigid. It's to plan your gestures in advance. Identify your key words and decide how to show them physically. Do this for six months and those movements become automatic. Preparation is not the same as memorisation. One of the most striking stories in this interview involves Emma Bale, the Belgian pop star who had performed for 60,000 people at Dour Festival but was terrified of a TED Talk. She memorised her speech so perfectly it sounded robotic. The humanity disappeared. Dirk had to coach her to re-introduce vulnerability: a planned, spontaneous-sounding moment at the start. 'It takes a lot of preparation to be spontaneous,' he says. Tony Blair knew this. So did every great performer you have ever admired. The top 10 most-viewed TED Talks have no slides. Think about that the next time you spend three hours building a PowerPoint. Structure matters, yes. But the elements almost nobody teaches: voice, body language, audience engagement, are what people actually remember. The information-heavy slide culture in European education has produced presenters who hide behind their decks. Stop hiding. You are the presentation. Watch people who are like you. Bandura called this vicarious experience. You don't need to imitate a world-famous orator. You need to see a normal person, someone at your level, stand up and do it well. That is why TEDx Luxembourg matters. Local people, on a real stage, sharing real ideas. 13 million views from a room in Wiltz. Proof that it is possible. Just do it. There is no way around this one. Toastmasters. Improv classes. The TEDx stage. The school debate club your child has been avoiding. The skill builds only through exposure. 'I was a chef allergic to food,' Dirk says. 'I ate the food anyway. It wasn't poison. It was the best meal of my life.'

[31:42] Generative AI can help you work faster and sharpen your message, but only if you stay in control. In this episode, Greg Gazin speaks with Joel Schwartzberg about how to spot and resolve common AI pitfalls so your communication remains clear, credible, and authentic.Joel approaches AI as a tool—useful, but not a replacement for decision-making. It can improve clarity and efficiency, but it doesn't understand your priorities, your audience, or your voice. AI is a powerful assistant, but a poor decision-maker without human guidance.For Toastmasters, that distinction matters. Whether you are preparing a speech or refining an idea, AI can produce something polished that still misses the point. The value comes when you use AI to improve your thinking and not replace it.Joel's article, 7 Generative AI Pitfalls for Communicators; How to spot and resolve these blind spots before they cost you clarity and trust, appears in the March 2026 issue of the Toastmasters Magazine. Listeners will hear… • Why using AI does not make you a fraud as a communicator • How AI can improve your writing when used properly • How to spot and resolve common AI “Achilles heels” • Why authenticity flaws matter—and how to sound like yourself • How AI misplaces priorities and what to do about it • Why running your content through AI is like using a pasta makerAI can help you communicate more clearly and efficiently.But the message is still yours to shape. Your voice and experience are what make it connect.Joel will also be presenting at the Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday, August 21 at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, sharing insights on clear, focused communication.You may also enjoy his previous appearance:Stop Talking, Start Connecting: The Cure for Overspeaking (Episode #268)About Joel SchwartzbergJoel Schwartzberg, a long-time communications coach, a speechwriter, and the author of Get to the Point! Simplify, Sharpen, and Sell Your Message. And The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team.He's a former U.S. national and state champion in collegiate public speaking, and was inducted into the National Forensic Association Hall of Fame in 2002.Joel's insights on effective communication have been featured in many publications, including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CNBC, Newsweek, and Inc.com, as well as the Toastmaster magazine.Joel Schwartzberg lives in New Jersey and can be reached at: www.joelschwartzberg.net.

In this solo episode, I talk about my experience with Toastmasters and how it shaped how I view public speaking. For technical professionals who speak to decision makers, this episode was made with you in mind. __TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comFollow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

Riding Shotgun With Charlie #252 Jason Schaller The Rogue Banshee, For the Love of Guns Podcast   I was able to catch up with Jason at SHOT Show 2026. He's been hard to catch up with to have on the show. He lives in Montana and I haven't made it there yet. Special thanks to Michael Schwartz (RSWC #153) for letting us use his stagecoach for the show.    Jason grew up outside of Philadelphia. His dad had him shooting by age 7, going from BB guns to .22 then to .357. When he turned 21, he bought a GLOCK 17 and joined the GSSF, GLOCK Shooting Sports Foundation. He got his father into the GSSF and they used to compete. When his father passed, he let it go by the wayside. Years later he was married, he bought his wife a gun and got her into the GSSF but it wasn't something that kept her interested so he kept going by himself. With time and age setting in, he's doing more steel challenge shooting.   For 10 years, Jason was a "kitchen table FFL". He was doing cerakoting for people, but he charged people to take the gun apart and reassemble it. It was easier for him to make a video taking the gun apart and sending his clients the video so they could disassemble and reassemble it. That's how his YouTube channel started. At one point, the ATF agent came in and told Jason he was selling 2.3 guns per day. The kitchen table activity was able to fund the channel.   With the YT channel, everything he does is educational. When things changed politically, he noticed more videos were being watched, particularly the 80% builds. When the frame and receiver rule hit, everyone wanted to watch the videos while they could. After a while, he started doing some reviews and those were doing good. But since he was doing some gunsmithing and building, he had some sponsors. Doing interviews was something else he started doing on the channel.    Finally, he started getting some pushback from the videohost website due to selling items. Eventually, he had to part ways with the sponsors as their items were the things he was getting channel strikes for. To get  away from getting strikes, he started the For The Love of Guns Podcast. Having some Toastmasters experience, talking and connecting with others was something he was good at. He's finally figured out that deep cleaning is the way to keep the channel going without issues.    During an interview talking about outdoor mentorship for women, he gets yet another strike. All the stuff he was doing, the reviews, the interviews, and the smithing is done on the same channel. The host started taking 30 episodes a day. He was getting hammered with two strikes and they were keeping them on the record. Revamping the show and the layout, he's changed it to a deep cleaning channel. Despite the issues, he loves doing the channel and having an outlet.    There were some Montana state senators that were upset about the 80% content he was producing. They wrote a letter to YT to take the content down. The next morning, Jason noticed his numbers were down. He wrote to his senators and they did almost nothing. Then he decided to write to the Montana AG Austin Knudsen, who likes suing the federal government. None of the videos were doing anything illegal, just the host didn't like them. AG Knudsen ended up sending a Schoolhouse Rock video explaining to the other senators how bills become laws.    Jason's channel really is a useful resource for the community. He's got all kinds of content and a wide variety of projects he's done. And he's had to fight the powers that be. All the while, keeping a good attitude about the battles. During the day, he has a job doing IT security, so he's pretty handy with tech. And that job gives him the ability and skill to know he has to find the limit, and the way around what they don't want content creators to be doing.   Favorite quotes: "When political turmoil hits people are hitting my videos." "The firearm transfers were paying for the YouTube channel." "I have a long time to build a business to retire."   The Rogue Banshee website https://trb.fyi/   TRB YT https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRogueBanshee   TRB FB https://www.facebook.com/TheRogueBanshee/   TRB IG https://www.instagram.com/theroguebanshee/ Second Amendment Foundation https://secure.anedot.com/saf/donate?sc=RidingShotgun   Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms https://www.ccrkba.org/   Please support the Riding Shotgun With Charlie supporters.    US Law Shield Legal Defense for Self Defense. Use "RSWC" as the discount code and get 2 months for free! https://www.uslawshield.com   Patriot Mobile Use this link and get one month for free! https://patriotmobile.com/partners/rswc   Or listen on: iTunes/Apple podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riding-shotgun-with-charlie/id1275691565

Today is a super day - Dzisiaj jest super dzień Why - Dlaczego Today is Monday - Dziś jest poniedziałek Do you know the days of the week? - Czy znasz dni tygodnia? Monday - poniedziałek Tuesday - wtorek Wednesday - środa Thursday - czwartek Friday - piątek Saturday - sobota Sunday - niedziela Roy what do you do on Monday - Roy, co robisz w poniedziałek On Monday I study - W poniedziałek studiuję Polish language /Economics / Medicine - Język polski / ekonomia / medycyna On Tuesday I go to the Gym - We wtorek idę na siłownię On Wednesday I go to a Toastmasters meeting - W środę idę na spotkanie Toastmasters On Thursday I work - W czwartek pracuję On Friday I am with my son and we play - W piątek jestem z synem i gramy I go to the park on Saturday - Idę do parku w sobotę Lazy day on Sunday - Leniwy dzień w niedzielę I do nothing - ja nic nie robię Kamila what do you do on Monday - Kamila, co robisz w poniedziałek I have Polish lessons on Monday - Mam lekcje polskiego w poniedziałek I have yoga lessons on Tuesday - Mam lekcje jogi we wtorek I meditate on Wednesday(http://meditationpodcast.org/) - Medytuję w środę  On Thursday I walk in the park - W czwartek chodzę po parku On Friday I listen to relaxing music - W piątek słucham relaksującej muzyki On Saturday I shop in the supermarket - W sobotę robię zakupy w supermarkecie I rest on Sunday - Odpoczywam w niedzielę And what do you do on Sunday? - A co robisz w niedzielę? We wait for your comments - Czekamy na Twoje komentarze  Thank you very much - Dziękuję Ci bardzo   

It's not unusual for presenters to 'move on' from past presentations. Toastmasters is a good example. Today, Darren and Mark encourage you to 'go back to the well' and revisit old presentations. They may hold new value today.   SNIPPETS: • Maintain a story folder; an old story may have new significance • Don't discard/delete 'old' material   • "Unearth the old, uncover the GOLD" – Mark Brown   • Revisit old presentations   • Look for new value in old presentations   • Review, revise, rework, reinvent   • Enlist your list to learn what has resonated over time   • New experiences can enhance old material   • Apply newly gained wisdom, insight, and perspective to older presentations     Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com    

Taki Moore recently wrote that conviction is a shortcut to charisma. It's a clever line. It's also only half right, and the other half is quietly costing speakers bookings.In this episode, John unpacks why confident, polished speakers still fail to convert rooms into clients, referrals, or rebookings. The issue isn't delivery. It's the gap between creating a feeling of value and creating actual change, and those two things are not the same.What you'll take away:Why audiences stop looking for substance when the signals are right (and why that's a trap for strong speakers)The Toastmasters case study: total conviction, zero argument, room completely soldThe Monday morning test: the one question that separates speakers who get applause from speakers who get bookedHow to tell whether you're performing or actually shifting the roomWhy "I loved it" is three words that feel like a win and mean almost nothingIf you're getting great reactions but not great outcomes, this episode is for you.CHAPTERS00:00 Conviction and Charisma00:32 Mmmbop and Emotion01:28 Toastmasters Wake Up02:24 Applause Without Action03:33 Design Monday Changes04:30 Reframing Takis Quote05:02 Next Steps and OutroNext episode: A conversation with multi-Emmy-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman, who is also a professional speaker. Don't miss it. Follow the show so you don't.Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz.Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on.For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedInYou can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluenceThanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algo recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.Mentioned in this episode:Speaker Fee AuditFind out in less than a minute if you're undercharging for your speaking and where you need to look to fix any leaks with the Speaker Fee Audit. It's free to take and find out if you're missing out on money.

Salomé Mondelus Has Lupus, a Brain Tumor, and More Degrees Than ExcusesMeet Salomé Mondelus — Founder of Glow Foundation Alliance, nonprofit leader, realtor, immigration consultant, Toastmasters member, youth ministry director, and doctoral candidate serving women and youth facing severe skin diseases, autoimmune conditions, and related mental health challenges in Palm Beach County and beyond.Connect with Salomé: glowfoundationalliance.org---Kellen: Today on Diversified Game I have Dr. Glow, one year away from finishing her doctorate. Why did you start this nonprofit?Salomé: Glow started two years ago but the work has been going for seven years. There was a big gap in Palm Beach for people dealing with severe skin diseases and autoimmune conditions. It is based on my own journey. I have been dealing with this for 20 years.Kellen: Describe your personal journey.Salomé: I developed psoriasis in my 20s. After a biopsy they confirmed it. No cure. Stress triggers it. Confidence dropped fast. Then I developed arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, PCOS. One autoimmune problem led to others. Now I see my doctors regularly. Nutrition is everything.Kellen: Who has been your support?Salomé: My husband married me knowing there was no cure. My cousin Fabiola, my church family. I am a youth ministry director. I have no biological children due to infertility but I am a mother of many.Kellen: Why is Cap-Haïtien safe to visit?Salomé: Okap protects itself. Beautiful beaches, history, good food. I travel there every year. Do your homework and go. There are parts of America that are not safe either.Kellen: How are you connecting this work globally?Salomé: You have to prove yourself first. Collaborate, build your track record, show donors the work. A lot of kids wear long sleeves in Florida heat hiding skin problems and low self-esteem. Mental health is a huge part of this. The trauma from stigma is its own chapter.Kellen: What do we need to do to help?Salomé: Contact your congresspeople. There is not enough funding for psoriasis and autoimmune diseases. Show more compassion. Most skin conditions are not contagious. If you cannot be kind, do nothing at all.Kellen: Can you do this full time?Salomé: That is the goal. I use real estate income to fund Glow. I also do immigration consulting and taxes with my husband. I lost my mom at 13. I am being the mentor I needed. Everything comes back to community.Salomé: I have degrees in psychology, supervision and management, and ethical leadership. I am finishing my doctorate, doing Toastmasters, planning a TED Talk, and writing my memoir. My dissertation becomes my book.Kellen: She said all of that with a brain tumor. Every excuse to stop and she keeps going. Share this. Somebody you know is suffering with something they have not told you yet.---Learn the mindset and moves that lead to real results: http://diversifiedgame.com/

Brandon Mull was a guest on this podcast a few years ago in episode #251. We met when he was the Toastmaster at The Life, the Universe, and Everything Conference, after which he sent me a copy of “Fablehaven,” which became the topic of our first interview. This interview is about his newest release, “Guardians: Forbidden Mountain,” an epic adventure fantasy that can be enjoyed by YA as well as adult readers. He normally takes 6 months to write a novel, but this one took 2 ½ years due to the story's depth—and the fact that it is the first of a three-novel series. There are two hero journeys that gradually weave into each other. Mako Boughbreaker is along one path, and Arden is on the other side of the empire, walking her path. The book deftly addresses people's spirituality while weaving in the idea that one does have the choice to do the right thing—and that one's actions have consequences, good or bad —which is important. Possibly even more so these days. Learn more at brandonmull.com/

Brandon Mull was a guest on this podcast a few years ago in episode #251. We met when he was the Toastmaster at The Life, the Universe, and Everything Conference, after which he sent me a copy of “Fablehaven,” which became the topic of our first interview. This interview is about his newest release, “Guardians: Forbidden Mountain,” an epic adventure fantasy that can be enjoyed by YA as well as adult readers. He normally takes 6 months to write a novel, but this one took 2 ½ years due to the story's depth—and the fact that it is the first of a three-novel series. There are two hero journeys that gradually weave into each other. Mako Boughbreaker is along one path, and Arden is on the other side of the empire, walking her path. The book deftly addresses people's spirituality while weaving in the idea that one does have the choice to do the right thing—and that one's actions have consequences, good or bad —which is important. Possibly even more so these days. Learn more at https://brandonmull.com/

Mohnish Pabrai's Q&A session with Dakshana scholars at JNV Pune, Maharashtra, India on December 25, 2025  (00:00:00) – Introduction   (00:01:09) - Charlie's mental models: Take a simple idea and take it seriously     (00:03:13) - Be a Karam Yogi     (00:07:12) - Focus at improving human lives: Narayana Healthcare Systems     (00:10:52) - Purpose over profit always wins     (00:13:47) - Inner scorecard beats outer approval     (00:16:06) - Cloning: Anand Kumar and Super 30     (00:19:56) - Learn to build from zero: The Origin and Evolution of New Businesses     (00:23:02) - The Founders Podcast     (00:28:40) - Singular focus: Dronacharya & Arjuna - eye of the bird     (00:32:18) - Your Deepest Desire Is Destiny     (00:34:10) - Adversity is part of life     00:36:30) – Toastmasters     (00:37:46) - Usain Bolt from Jamaica; Illustrated Weekly of India: Khushwant Singh     (00:44:00) - Take a decision and move forward     (00:45:18) - Be the change you wish to see     (00:47:03) - Principles create advantage in life; The Founders Podcast     (00:50:12) - Focus on relevant things in life     (00:56:35) - Rule of 72     (01:00:04) - The wealth creation paradox      The contents of this audio are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and do not purport to be, and are not intended to be financial, legal, accounting, tax, or investment advice. Investments or strategies that are discussed may not be suitable for you, do not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs, and are not intended to provide investment advice or recommendations appropriate for you. Before making any investment or trade, consider whether it is suitable for you and consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser.    

If you've ever wondered how to handle stage fright before a speech, you're in good company. Even experienced speakers feel the adrenaline spike before walking on stage, opening a Zoom room, or stepping up for table topics. The goal isn't to eliminate nerves completely. It's to keep them from taking over. That matters because stage fright shows up in real ways: a dry mouth, shaky hands, a racing heart, a blank mind right when you need your first sentence. The good news is that these reactions are manageable. With the right preparation, you can turn that energy into focus instead of panic. This guide is for speakers, Toastmasters members, workshop presenters, and anyone who wants a practical way to calm down and perform well. It's not about pretending to be fearless. It's about having a repeatable process you can use every time. How to handle stage fright before a speech starts Stage fright is usually strongest in the minutes before speaking, not during the speech itself. That means your best tools are the ones you use before you begin: preparation, breathing, body language, and a clear starting routine. Think of stage fright like a fire alarm. It's loud, but not always accurate. Your body is telling you that something important is happening. That energy can help you if you know how to direct it. 1. Prepare for a strong opening, not a perfect speech A lot of speaking anxiety comes from trying to remember everything at once. A better approach is to make the beginning of your speech automatic. Memorize the first 20 to 30 seconds. Know your opening line, your first transition, and the first point you want to make. If you can get through the start smoothly, your confidence usually rises quickly. Here's a simple prep checklist: This is especially helpful in Toastmasters speech contests, meeting presentations, and client talks, where nerves tend to spike at the beginning. 2. Use a breathing pattern that slows the body down When people ask how to handle stage fright before a speech, breathing is usually one of the first things mentioned, and for good reason. Your breathing tells your nervous system whether to stay on alert or settle down. Try this before you speak: The longer exhale is the key. It signals that you're safe enough to relax. If you're backstage or sitting in a meeting room, this can be done quietly and discreetly. Another option is the “physiological sigh”: take one normal inhale, then a short second inhale on top of it, followed by a long exhale. Do that two or three times. It's a quick reset when nerves are strong. 3. Loosen the body before the mind starts spiraling Stage fright often shows up physically before it becomes a thought problem. Your shoulders rise. Your jaw tightens. Your hands feel awkward. If you don't notice those signals, they can feed the fear. A quick body scan can help: This matters because speakers often try to solve anxiety by thinking harder. Sometimes the faster path is to change the body first. A calmer posture often leads to calmer thoughts. 4. Reframe the feeling instead of fighting it One of the most useful mindset shifts is this: nerves are not proof that you are unprepared. They are proof that you care. Before your speech, try replacing “I'm nervous” with something more useful, such as: That may sound simple, but language shapes attention. The words you use before a speech can either calm you or intensify the spiral. A practical pre-speech routine for nervous speakers If you want a reliable answer to how to handle stage fright before a speech, create a routine you can repeat. A routine removes guesswork. It gives your brain a familiar sequence to follow when your adrenaline is high. Here's a 10-minute routine you can adapt: 10 minutes before speaking 2 minutes before speaking At the moment you begin That last point is important. Nervous speakers often speed up. A deliberate pause at the start creates control and gives the audience a moment to settle in. Why practice under pressure helps more than rehearsal alone It's one thing to rehearse alone at home. It's another to practice while feeling observed. Stage fright improves when you train under conditions that resemble the real event. That's why speaking clubs, peer feedback, and low-stakes practice matters. Toastmasters members often build confidence because they get repeated exposure to the very situation that causes nerves: standing up and speaking while others watch. If you want to reduce stage fright, don't only rehearse the content. Rehearse the conditions: For speakers who like to learn from real examples, Toastmasters Podcast often features interviews with people who have dealt with fear, performed on bigger stages, and built confidence through repetition. Hearing how others manage their nerves can make your own process feel more normal. What not to do when stage fright hits Some advice sounds helpful but makes the problem worse. If you're trying to figure out how to handle stage fright before a speech, avoid these common traps: Instead, focus on controllables: breath, opening, posture, pace, and message. How to handle stage fright before a speech in different settings Not all speaking anxiety looks the same. The way you prepare may change depending on the setting. For a Toastmasters speech Use the opportunity to practice recovery as well as delivery. If you lose a word or sentence, pause, breathe, and continue. Audiences are more forgiving than speakers think, especially in a learning environment. For a work presentation Focus on structure. When content is organized clearly, your mind has fewer places to wander. A simple format such as problem, solution, next step often reduces stress. For a speech contest Expect nerves to be stronger than usual. Contests add pressure because the stakes feel higher. In that case, over-practice the opening and closing, and keep your routine consistent. For online speaking Camera anxiety is real. Look at the lens occasionally, not just the screen. Keep notes nearby, but avoid reading from them continuously. A clean environment also helps you feel more composed. A simple mindset shift that changes everything People often think confidence comes before action. In speaking, it usually comes after action. You build confidence by doing the thing while nervous and discovering that you can survive it. That's why the most effective answer to how to handle stage fright before a speech is not a single trick. It's a small system: Do that consistently and the fear usually becomes more manageable. Not gone, just smaller and less in charge. Quick stage fright checklist If you need a fast reminder before walking up to speak, use this: If you can answer yes to most of those, you're ready enough. Final thoughts Learning how to handle stage fright before a speech is less about becoming fearless and more about becoming prepared. Nerves may still show up, but they don't have to dominate the moment. With a practiced opening, slower breathing, and a steady routine, you can step into the room with more control and less self-doubt. And if you want more perspective from people who speak for a living, learn through coaching, or have turned nervous energy into confidence, Toastmasters Podcast is a useful place to hear real stories from the speaking world. Start small. Rehearse the first minute. Use your breathing. Speak once. Then do it again.

[26:51] What happens when students are given a real stage and someone willing to guide them there? In this episode, Greg Gazin speaks with CeCe Espeut about helping students step onto South Florida's TEDx Miramar stage and what unfolded along the way.CeCe Espeut, a two-time TEDx speaker, five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, and creator of TEDx Miramar, brought together Toastmasters to mentor students preparing for their first talks. What began as a simple idea quickly became something more for the students, the mentors, and for CeCe herself.Using a one-to-one mentoring approach, each student was paired with a Toastmaster. But it didn't take long to realize this wasn't just about coaching speeches. It was about learning how to listen, adapt, and meet each person where they are.Listeners will hear…How a one-to-one mentor model changed the dynamic for both students and coachesWhy “no crying allowed” forced mentors to rethink how they give feedbackThe surprising difference between youth talks and adult TEDx ideasHow experienced speakers had to adapt—fast—to truly connectWhat “accomplishment bonding” looks like—and why it mattersSome of the biggest shifts didn't happen on stage. They happened in the way people communicated—with each other, and with themselves.And in the end, it wasn't just about the talks—it was about what it took to get there. Youth didn't just find their voice. They helped others rediscover theirs. CeCe is featured in the March 2026 Toastmaster Magazine article Youth Take the Stage: South Florida Toastmasters Help Young People Find Their Voice with TEDxMiramar Youth by Kate McClare.About CeCe EspeutCeCe Espeut is a two-time TEDx speaker, five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, and creator of TEDx Miramar. A former U.S. Marine, she is also an author and leadership mentor dedicated to helping others find and share their voice. She has been a Toastmaster since 2016, is a past Division Director, and a member of three clubs in District 47. CeCe lives in Miramar, Florida and can be reached at: Cece@tedxmiramar.com.Additional Resources:CeCe refers to Zone of Genius. You can also listen to Toastmasters Podcast Episode #285: Leading from Your Zone of Genius: Aligning Work with Passion, with Katie Stoddart.

[26:51] What happens when students are given a real stage and someone willing to guide them there? In this episode, Greg Gazin speaks with CeCe Espeut about helping students step onto South Florida's TEDx Miramar stage and what unfolded along the way.CeCe Espeut, a two-time TEDx speaker, five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, and creator of TEDx Miramar, brought together Toastmasters to mentor students preparing for their first talks. What began as a simple idea quickly became something more for the students, the mentors, and for CeCe herself.Using a one-to-one mentoring approach, each student was paired with a Toastmaster. But it didn't take long to realize this wasn't just about coaching speeches. It was about learning how to listen, adapt, and meet each person where they are.Listeners will hear…How a one-to-one mentor model changed the dynamic for both students and coachesWhy “no crying allowed” forced mentors to rethink how they give feedbackThe surprising difference between youth talks and adult TEDx ideasHow experienced speakers had to adapt—fast—to truly connectWhat “accomplishment bonding” looks like—and why it mattersSome of the biggest shifts didn't happen on stage. They happened in the way people communicated—with each other, and with themselves.And in the end, it wasn't just about the talks—it was about what it took to get there. Youth didn't just find their voice. They helped others rediscover theirs. CeCe is featured in the March 2026 Toastmaster Magazine article Youth Take the Stage: South Florida Toastmasters Help Young People Find Their Voice with TEDxMiramar Youth by Kate McClare.About CeCe EspeutCeCe Espeut is a two-time TEDx speaker, five-time Distinguished Toastmaster, and creator of TEDx Miramar. A former U.S. Marine, she is also an author and leadership mentor dedicated to helping others find and share their voice. She has been a Toastmaster since 2016, is a past Division Director, and a member of three clubs in District 47. CeCe lives in Miramar, Florida and can be reached at: Cece@tedxmiramar.com.Additional Resources:CeCe refers to Zone of Genius. You can also listen to Toastmasters Podcast Episode #285: Leading from Your Zone of Genius: Aligning Work with Passion, with Katie Stoddart.

In this episode of Software People Stories, Gayatri speaks with Muthusamy Vetrivel, Manager – Business Analytics at Saudi National Bank (formerly Saudi French Bank), about a career that spans over four decades of technological disruption.Vetrivel's journey is anything but conventional.He began in the granite export business — negotiating documents and standing nervously at bank counters. That experience sparked curiosity: “What happens behind the counter?” That curiosity led him into banking.In the mid-1980s, when computers first entered Indian banks, he was among a select group trained in programming through Aptech — at a time when unions resisted “computers” and they were rebranded as Advanced Ledger Posting Machines (ALPM).From:Assembly language and MS-DOS20 MB storage limits286 machines and floppy disksWriting modules for savings and current accountsTo:Oracle databasesLAN networksCore banking migrationsAnd today — analyzing 5 million customer records in secondsVetrivel has lived through every wave of banking transformation.Now in Riyadh, he leads Business Analytics — studying customer behavior, spending patterns, and helping the bank design better financial products while staying compliant with regulations governed by the Saudi Central Bank.Beyond banking, he serves as a community leader with the Riyadh Tamil Sangam — supporting migrant workers, coordinating repatriation flights during COVID, promoting Tamil literacy, and building recognized Tamil-speaking Toastmasters clubs globally.His philosophy is simple:Be sincere. Be honest. Contribute a little more than expected.A rare combination of technical depth, regulatory understanding, business acumen, and grassroots community service — this episode is a masterclass in longevity, relevance, and purpose.Muthusamy Vetrivel is a seasoned Banking and Data Analytics Specialist with over three decades of combined experience in both information technology and banking operations. He currently serves as Manager – Business Analytics at Saudi National Bank (formerly Banque Saudi Fransi), where he leads analytics initiatives that harness customer insights, large-scale data, and business intelligence to drive product design, customer understanding, and strategic decision-making.Vetrivel's career uniquely spans core banking systems, software project management, and data analysis, rooted in deep experience with legacy banking platforms and modern analytics environments. Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of banking technology — from early MIS and core banking implementations to advanced analytics workflows processing millions of records.Beyond his professional domain, Muthusamy is also known for community leadership, particularly through his involvement with expatriate cultural and support initiatives, mentoring, and building networks that bridge technical expertise with service and social impact.Vetrivel can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvetrivel/

Send us Fan MailWe hit the road to Northeast PELS and hand the mic to presidents-elect, district leaders, and longtime Rotarians who are stepping into big roles. The stories range from hilarious name-tag moments to serious talk on membership, global service, and leading from peace instead of chaos. • Live voices from President-Elect Training and why it matters for Rotary leadership • What assistant governors do and how districts keep tabs on club health • Preparing for district leadership and building a team mentality • A Haitian physician's path into Rotary and what it means to have both received and given service • Vocation, faith, and service above self as one integrated life • Membership challenges, attendance culture, and why flexibility can strengthen engagement • Balancing club traditions with needed change in long-established Rotary clubs • Partnering with Kiwanis, Toastmasters, and other service organizations • Global grants and international service projects including El Salvador and Ukraine support • The leadership lesson that lands hardest: human beings, not human doings Most importantly, I want you to remember that this whole thing is on YouTube. The Action to Impact YouTube channel. Check it out. If you want me to hit your Pels next year, let me know. Rotarianpod at gmail.com. Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact all over the world. #BE THE CHANGE

Communication is one of those things we all think we're doing well… until we realize we're not being fully understood. In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth sits down with Pamela McCown to talk about how developing real communication and leadership skills can completely shift your personal and professional life. Pamela shares how her journey began at Chase Bank and unexpectedly led her to Toastmasters International, where she eventually stepped into a global leadership role. What stands out in this conversation is how much of communication comes down to simplicity. Pamela explains how easy it is to use language that doesn't connect, especially when you're speaking to people from different backgrounds. Learning how to slow down, listen, and make your message clear is what really makes an impact and increases the changes of the other person really hearing what you're saying. Mary Ann also shares her own experience of joining Toastmasters when she was nervous about giving a speech, and how quickly that turned into something much bigger. Being encouraged to step into leadership early on pushed her outside of her comfort zone, but it also helped her grow in ways she didn't expect. That's a theme throughout the episode, that sometimes other people see something in you before you see it yourself. At the end of the day, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn't happen in isolation. Being part of a community that supports you, challenges you, and helps you build real skills can make a huge difference. Resources Pamela McCown on Toastmasters Houston | Annual District Conference - April 2026 | LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

[28:53] What led to rapid Toastmasters growth across Africa while global numbers declined? Frank Tsuro shares his experience and leadership insights others can use.

[28:53] Across parts of Africa, Toastmasters has seen double- and even triple-digit growth over a 10-year period—at a time when global membership has slightly declined. So what changed—and why did it stick? Frank Tsuro shares his experience, what contributed to that growth, and what others can learn—while offering a closer look at Africa and Toastmasters across the continent.Frank puts the growth into perspective, explaining that it was years in the making—built on long-term thinking, leadership continuity, and a willingness to expand beyond familiar territory.He also points to a shift in how growth was approached—moving beyond simply adding clubs to thinking more strategically about how they support each other. That helped address one of the key challenges he describes: isolation, where single clubs struggled to sustain momentum on their own.At the same time, Toastmasters met a real need. In many parts of Africa, people conduct business in English or French—even when those aren't their first languages. It provided an accessible way to build communication skills, connect across cultures, and invest in personal growth—while opening the door for more people to step into leadership.You can read Paul Sterman's article, Africa's Ascent: The continent has soared in Toastmasters growth, visibility, and performance, in the April 2026 issue of the Toastmaster magazine. You can also check out Family Ties and Toastmasters: Joining a Club Together Strengthens Bonds and Boosts Communication in the December 2025 issue.Listeners will hear…What drove double- and triple-digit Toastmasters growth across parts of AfricaWhy a multi-year plan created momentum that carried across leadership teamsHow one leadership visit helped shift the trajectory of an entire regionWhy growing areas—not just individual clubs—leads to more sustainable successHow isolation can impact clubs—and what helps them stay strongHow younger leaders contributed to the growth and energy across the continentFrank's perspective reminds us that meaningful growth comes from consistency, shared vision, and people willing to step forward.Along the way, it also offers a deeper appreciation for the diversity and potential across Africa—and the role Toastmasters can play.About Frank TsuroFrank Tsuro works with first-generation leaders—individuals who have risen through talent and determination but were never handed the traditional leadership playbook. He has been a Toastmaster since 2012, is a Past International Director, and is a dual member of the Entrepreneurs Club and L'Avenir Toastmasters in Johannesburg. He lives between Harare, Zimbabwe, and Johannesburg, South Africa.Frank Tsuro lives between Harare, Zimbabwe, and Johannesburg, South Africa, and can be reached via Facebook and LinkedIn or email: ftsuro@toastmasters.org

This one feels a little vulnerable to share. It started with a post Diane almost didn't publish… her goal of having 50 meaningful friendships by the time she turns 50.In this episode, she opens up about the “50 Friends by 50” challenge, why it matters more than she expected, and what it's revealing for her.She also gets honest about the difference between knowing many people and having truly close friendships—and why she's choosing to be more intentional about making that change.Listen to learn these key takeaways:The high school revelation: knowing lots of people from sports, clubs, and student council, but sitting at home waiting for the call about where everyone was going and never getting itWhy everyone thought everyone else was inviting Diane to parties, and the shock when a Toastmasters friend said, "I thought you would have so many friends to hike with."The uncomfortable truth about running eight Dynamic Women® locations with hundreds of women, but feeling weird asking people to her birthday partiesWhat happened at other people's 50th birthday parties that made Diane think "Wow, I want that" The friend who taught Diane how to build closer friendships by doing one simple thing every week (and how it made Diane feel special)The powerful realization: "I've been intentional about growing my business, but not nearly as intentional about growing my friendships."Why the meal train story revealed something Diane didn't want to admit, and the baby shower question that felt weird to answerThe moment Diane almost deleted the post, and the amazing response that showed how common this feeling actually isWhat Diane discovered in her phone notes when she started categorizing potential friends into groupsThe three upcoming episodes Diane is planning about friendships, including the friendship gap no one is talking aboutThis isn't about the party with 50 friends. It's about the process and the joy that come with strong friendships and not leaving connection to chance. Can you relate? If knowing lots of people but not having tons of close friends resonates with you, share this with a friend (or potential friend) to start the conversation.Want to be invited to join Diane's NEW high-level, like-minded group of women? Email her at diane@dianerolston.com.Do you prefer reading blogs or watching videos?Read Diane's blogs here: https://www.dianerolston.com/blogWatch Diane's videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachDianeRolstonThis show's host, Diane Rolston, is called THE Expert on Being Dynamic and living a Dynamic Life. She specializes in coaching high-achieving women who want to be successful AND satisfied. She is a Certified Professional Coach, International Speaker, 11-time Author, and host of the five-time award-winning Dynamic Women Podcast, ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts.Diane has been recognized with multiple awards for her professional accomplishments and for the powerful impact she has on the women she inspires and empowers. Chicken Soup for the Soul co-creator Jack Canfield describes her as “an amazing woman” doing “incredible work helping women develop holistic lives of balance.”Through her program, VA Made Easy, she helps entrepreneurs go from task overwhelm to business ease by hiring and training Virtual Assistants for them while also providing proven systems, processes, and strategies for success.Outside of her work, Diane is a mother of two, a soccer player, and a stand-up comedy rookie, always embracing new challenges and personal growth.You're invited to reach out to Diane and visit her website: www.dianerolston.com Check out what Diane is up to and other opportunities here: linktr.ee/dianerolstonConnect with me on your favourite social platform:https://www.facebook.com/LifeCoachDianehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dianercoaching/https://twitter.com/DianeRCoachinghttps://www.instagram.com/coachdianerolston/https://www.youtube.com/user/DianeRolstonCoachingPersonal Email: diane@dianerolston.comDiane believes we are not defined by our titles or our roles. Instead, we are more powerful and happy when we can be who we are. This brought out her book Dynamic You™, based on a successful program, where she reveals the secret code to confident, wealthy, and successful women and leads women to unleash the Dynamic Woman™ in them!Grab your copy of Diane's autographed Dynamic You™ Book at a special Discount:https://www.dianerolston.com/store/p3/Autographed_Dynamic_You%E2%84%A2_Book.htmlThanks for listening!It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast!With this podcast, we are building an international community of Dynamic Women®. We aim to inspire more women to unleash their dynamic selves and enhance their lives across all areas, particularly in business. If you know someone who would benefit from this message or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device.Leave us a reviewWe appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value-adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us give you more of what you want, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on Apple Podcasts and other apps goes a long way! If you do, send a screenshot along with your mailing address to our team team@dianerolston.com and you'll receive something in the mail!

Send us Fan Mail"I haven't had to make a new friend in 15 years. Where do I even start?"If your social circle vanished when your marriage ended, you are not alone. Many married men compartmentalize their friendships or rely on their wives to act as the "social director". When the divorce happens, that social calendar goes completely blank—and the silence can be deafening.Today, we are changing how we look at loneliness. We aren't just talking about how much it hurts; we are treating it as a highly fixable skill deficit.My guest is Dr. Ronald Riggio, a social personality psychologist and expert in interpersonal relationships and nonverbal communication. We break down the stark difference between solitude (being alone) and loneliness (the psychological pain of feeling disconnected). Dr. Riggio explains the terrifying physical toll of chronic loneliness—likening it to smoking 15 cigarettes a day—and gives us the exact blueprint for rebuilding our social lives from scratch.If you are tired of spending your weekends alone but feel too "rusty" to put yourself out there, this episode is your roadmap to building a new, resilient social circle.In this episode, we cover:The Loneliness Epidemic: Why the psychological pain of isolation is as dangerous to your health as smoking.Solitude vs. Loneliness: How introverts use solitude to recharge, and how to stop letting alone-time turn into painful isolation.Male vs. Female Friendships: Why men tend to have fewer, more compartmentalized friendships, and why we need to build deeper emotional connections with our buddies.Curing "Social Atrophy": What to do when your dating and socializing skills have completely atrophied during your marriage.Practical Reps: Why joining Toastmasters, taking an improv class, or practicing the "art of small talk" are the fastest ways to build your social courage.Stop Sending "Stay Away" Signals: How to adjust your nonverbal cues—like eye contact and posture—so you don't accidentally push people away.Guest Bio:Dr. Ronald Riggio is a social personality psychologist, researcher, and recognized expert in leadership and interpersonal skills. He is the author of the Social Skills Inventory, a tool designed to map out interpersonal strengths and limitations.Resources:Social Skills Inventory: mindgarden.com (Search: Social Skills Inventory)  Support the showhttps://www.risingphoenixpodcast.com

“Your thoughts create your life.” – Lisa B. SchermerhornToday's featured #1 international bestselling author is a mom, transformational leader, award-winning keynote speaker, multi-certified coach, hypnotherapist, and Master NLP Practitioner, Lisa Schermerhorn. Lisa and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, ”In Every Belief Is a Lie”, starring in Dr. Joe Vitale's movie, “Zero Limits”, her inspiring journey overcoming learning disabilities, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Lisa to become an author and have a unique array of healing modalities in her toolbeltHow Lisa ended up being featured in the Movie “Zero Limits”How the Hawaiian forgiveness prayer works, and its impact on the worldHow to discern the difference between perseverance and knowing when to move on from a goalWhat led her to join Toastmasters and strengthen her skills as a presenterLisa's Site: https://lisaschermerhorncoaching.com/Lisa's Book: https://a.co/d/0dYMvL2YThe Movie: https://zerolimitslive.com/home-650609-9935?am_id=lisaschermerhorn7339The opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…545 – The Maestro Monologue with Rob White (@RobWhiteMedia): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-545-the-maestro-monologue-with-rob-white-robwhitemedia/#FourFoldFormula Ep. – Waiting for Half-and-Half with Gina Lobito: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/fourfoldformula-ep-waiting-for-half-and-half-with-gina-lobito/261 – How Thoughts Become Things with Douglas Vermeeren (@DougVermeeren): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/261-how-thoughts-become-things-with-douglas-vermeeren-dougvermeeren/328 – The Greatest Secret with Hale Dwoskin (@sedonamethod): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-328-the-greatest-secret-with-hale-dwoskin-sedonamethod/273 – Rewiring Your Brain for Manifestation Success with Bob Doyle (@bobdoyle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/242 – The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield (@James_Redfield): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/242-the-celestine-prophecy-by-james-redfield-james_redfield/975 – Awaken The Authentic & Connected Author Within with Inna Segal (@InnaSegalauthor): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-975-awaken-the-authentic-connected-author-within-with-inna-segal-innasegalauthor/777 – Attract & Manifest Good Luck with Victoria Marie Gallagher (@LOAHypnotist): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-777-attract-manifest-good-luck-with-victoria-marie-gallagher-loahypnotist/309 – “Home Worthy” with Sandra Rinomato (@SandraRinomato): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-309-home-worthy-with-sandra-rinomato-sandrarinomato/201.5 (Thanksgiving Bonus Episode) - Believe In Divine Intervention with Ellie Pechet (@PhoenixRisingUS): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/2015-thanksgiving-bonus-episode-believe-in-divine-intervention-with-ellie-pechet-phoenixrisingus-chaostoclarity/275 – How Thoughts Become Things with Dr. Marina Bruni (@DrMarinaBruni): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/275-how-thoughts-become-things-with-dr-marina-bruni-drmarinabruni/514 – Re-Awaken You with Jenny Mannion (@jennymannion): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-514-re-awaken-you-with-jenny-mannion-jennymannion/613 – Radical Intuition with Kim Chestney (@KimChestney): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-613-radical-intuition-with-kim-chestney-kimchestney/

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy! Check out the full episode: https://greatness.lnk.to/1900DM Lewis had the raw ingredients: Curiosity. Courage. Good with people. But he couldn't monetize any of it. So he got obsessive. He studied copywriting from every blog and book he could find. He showed up to Toastmasters every single week for a year. He ran webinars just to get reps in. The feedback came. People wanted more. Confidence followed. That grind, skill stacked on top of skill, was already generating millions before School of Greatness ever had a name. If you've been sitting on a dream because the timing isn't right, this one's for you. Sign up for the Greatness newsletter: http://www.greatness.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Toastmasters helps a lot of people with their speaking. I've never used them, but I did give a speech at their conference once that was wonderful AND got me into trouble! Know the rules of what you're going into before you go into it I guess! Here's my quick Toastmasters story - can you relate?   https://www.TheWorkLady.com  Jan McInnis is a top change management keynote speaker, comedian, and funny motivational speaker who helps organizations use humor to handle change, build resilience, and strengthen leadership skills. With her laugh-out-loud stories and practical tips, Jan shows audiences how humor isn't just entertainment—it's a business skill that drives communication, connection, and stress relief.   A conference keynote speaker, Master of Ceremonies, and comedy writer, Jan has written material for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as radio, TV, and syndicated cartoon strips. She's the author of two books—Finding the Funny Fast and Convention Comedian—and her insights on humor in business have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Huffington Post. For over 25 years, she has been helping leaders and teams discover how to bounce back from setbacks, embrace change, and connect through comedy.   Jan has delivered keynote speeches at thousands of events nationwide, from the Federal Reserve Banks to the Mayo Clinic, for industries that include healthcare, finance, government, education, women's leadership events, technology, and safety & disaster management. Her client list features respected organizations such as: Healthcare: Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Health Information Management Associations, Assisted Living Associations Finance: Federal Reserve Banks, Merrill Lynch, Transamerica Insurance, BDO Accounting, American Institute of CPAs, credit unions, banking associations Government: U.S. Air Force, Social Security Administration, International Institute of Municipal Clerks, National League of Cities, public utilities, correctional associations Women's Leadership Events: Toyota Women's Conference, Go Red for Women, Speaking of Women's Health, Soroptimists, Women in Insurance & Financial Services Education: State superintendent associations, community college associations, Head Start associations, National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals Safety & Disaster: International Association of Emergency Managers, Disney Emergency Management, Mid-Atlantic Safety Conference, risk management associations   Her background as a Washington, D.C. marketing executive gives her a unique perspective that blends business acumen with stand-up comedy. Jan was also honored with the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives "Excellence in Education" Award. Along with her podcast Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips from a Comedian, Jan also produces Comedian Stories: Tales From the Road in Under 5 Minutes. Whether she's headlining a major convention, hosting a leadership retreat, or teaching resilience at a safety conference, Jan's programs give audiences the tools to laugh, learn, and lead.  

In this episode, our 52nd episode, we talk with Nana Hong of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.  Nana has been in Toastmasters since 2019  and has completed the Innovative Planning and Presentation Mastery Paths, and is in both the Dynamic Leadership and Engaging Humor Paths.In this episode, we discuss:Real Estate InvestingElegant Speakers Listeners (ESL) Non-Native English Speakers ClubLeadershipNana Hong can be contacted via:LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/in/nana-hongWebsite @ https://kangarooinvestmentgroup.com/This podcast episode is sponsored by our 2024-2026 Calendar Year Sponsor District 31 Toastmasters ~ serving Eastern Massachusetts, USA, and Rhode Island, USA.  District 31 (“D31”) helps Toastmasters become better Communicators, and Leaders.  Learn how D31 Toastmasters can help you become a more powerful speaker and impactful leader by visiting district31.org/talkingtoastmasters.

[25:38] Imagine preparing for a presentation so intensely that you create life-size cutouts of your audience just to practice answering their toughest questions. That's exactly what one entrepreneur and longtime Toastmaster did before pitching his business TV's Shark Tank. In this episode host Greg Gazin speaks with Ari Siegel, founder of History By Mail, about how Toastmasters helped him prepare for one of the most high-pressure speaking moments imaginable—presenting his idea on national television in front of five investors and millions of viewers.Ari explains that months of preparation allowed him to walk into the studio feeling excited rather than nervous. Ari studied past episodes, anticipated the kinds of questions investors might ask, and practiced his responses repeatedly. By the time he stepped into the tank, the pitch felt less like a risky moment and more like a well-rehearsed presentation.One of Ari's most interesting insights is how closely the format of the show resembles a Toastmasters meeting. Ari also shares how storytelling plays a central role in his business. His company, History By Mail, sends subscribers replicas of historical documents along with guides that explain the stories behind them. That same ability to bring history to life helped him communicate his idea clearly to the investors—and even led to an unexpected interaction with legendary magician David Copperfield.Ari shares more about this experience in the Toastmasters Magazine article “Taking My Speaking Skills to TV: How Toastmasters Prepared Me for Shark Tank,” published in the March 2026 issue.Listeners will hear…• Why Ari says Shark Tank is surprisingly similar to a Toastmasters meeting—• The unusual preparation method Ari used before appearing on the show: • How Table Topics experience helped him respond to rapid-fire questions from multiple investors• Why body language, posture, and eye contact play an important role in building credibility with an audience• How storytelling helped Ari clearly explain the idea behind History By Mail• What happened after the episode aired and the powerful “Shark Tank effect” that followed• How Ari's passion for historical storytelling eventually led to an unexpected interaction with magician David CopperfieldAbout Ari SiegelAri Siegel is the founder of History By Mail, a subscription service that delivers replicas of historical documents along with the stories behind them. A longtime Toastmaster, Ari credits the organization with helping him develop the communication skills that prepared him to pitch his business on national television on Shark Tank.Ari Siegel lives in Chicago, Illinois and can be reached at: https://historybymail.comYou can also watch Ari's Shark Tank Pitch as well as his follow up appearance on YouTube.

[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. Now, at 516 lunches and counting, Nick reflects on what changed, not just in his network, but in himself, and in the ordinary people with extraordinary stories he's met along the way.More importantly, he discovered something about human nature: we're all riddled with insecurities. Once you understand that, it becomes easier to do the very things that scare you.In this follow-up to our first interview, you will hear:Why achieving 500 lunches was satisfying, but not the real winHow meeting strangers strengthened Nick's social skills and mindsetHow his conversations evolved from trying to impress to truly listeningHow a quarterly coffee meetup sparked an unexpected matchmaking ideaWhy confidence comes after action, not beforeNick also shares a practical framework he discovered through experience and his four keys to achieving anything. It's simple, but grounded in lived experience.Referenced in this episode:500 More Lunches with Strangers: This Toastmaster Is Hungry to Continue — Toastmaster Magazine, January 2026,500 Lunches with Strangers — Toastmaster Magazine, April 2024,#250: 500 Lunches with Strangers: Breaking Bread for Personal Growth — The Toastmasters Podcast,#275 & #276: Better Conversations, One Question at a Time – Dr. Alison Wood Brooks — The Toastmasters Podcast. About Nick BendelNick Bendel is from Sydney, Australia, and is the owner of Hunter & Scribe, a copywriting agency serving property and finance businesses. A Toastmaster since 2016, he is a member of Dynamic North Shore Toastmasters Club in Sydney, Australia.Nick can be reached via LinkedIn.

"Don't be afraid to say I don't know. - Will Ritter"  Corrosion is expensive, relentless, and easy to underestimate—until a "lasagna battery" turns aluminum foil green and reminds you what electrochemistry can do in the real world. This conversation reframes corrosion coupons as what they actually are: a repeatable field test that can sharpen your decisions—if you treat the process with consistency.  Respect the coupon, protect the data  Trace breaks down why coupons became non-negotiable in his systems: they turn guesswork into usable corrosion-rate intelligence. Will Ritter of MetaSpec (formerly Pacific Sensor) explains the fundamentals—pre-weighed coupons, exposure time, cleaning, and calculating corrosion rate in MPY (mils per year). The point isn't that the coupon is your pipe; it's that the coupon becomes a reliable, relative gauge over time when variables are controlled.  The "five things" that make results repeatable  Will outlines practical failure points that quietly ruin comparisons quarter to quarter: alloy selection (and staying consistent), surface area (and what happens when hardware covers the coupon), surface finish (including why scratches and pits matter), weight accuracy (and why kitchen/postage scales don't belong in the workflow), and protective VCI packaging that prevents premature corrosion in storage and transit.  Brand building, trade shows, and getting comfortable saying "I don't know"  Will shares his path from Pacific Sensor to MetaSpec and what it looks like to merge brands intentionally heading into 2026. The discussion also moves into trade show presence and digital marketing, plus a simple confidence framework: get comfortable saying "I don't know, but I can find out," and build communication reps—he points to Toastmasters as a low-stakes way to do that.  Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!    Timestamps  02:20 — Trace sets the stage: why corrosion coupons matter as diagnostic data 04:05 — What a coupon is (size, pre-weighed precision) and why tiny changes matter 06:14 — Trace's "four things" water treaters manage (and what microbial control is not)  07:07 — The "lasagna battery": anode/cathode/electrolyte/path in a real-life example 08:50 — Defining corrosion (ISO 8044 and NACE definitions referenced) 09:50 — Corrosion cost perspective: "2.5 trillion" and "3.5% of global GDP" (as cited)  10:53 – Words of Water with James   12:38 – Events for Water Professionals  14:56 — Will Ritter introduction and why the podcast helped him understand the industry 18:30 — How Will got into coupons: Pacific Sensor, mentors, and early AWT exposure 24:36 — Trade show mindset: don't be afraid to say "I don't know" 27:50 — Toastmasters as a practical system for better speaking and confidence 31:25 — Pacific Sensor → MetaSpec; co-branding and planned transition "starting in 2026" 34:06 — Coupon basics and MPY explained in clear operational terms 36:51 — The big misunderstanding: coupons as a relative gauge (not "the pipe") 40:06 — The "five key characteristics" behind usable coupon data 58:10 — Best-practice takeaway: treat coupons like a lab test brought into the field 01:06:35 — Close: why Trace "owes a lot" to that "little slip of metal"    Quotes "Use the coupon as a relative gauge of the corrosivity of the system." - Will Ritter "Surface finish is critical… a change in surface finish is going to impact corrosion results." - Will "Treat your coupons… like you are taking a laboratory test and bringing it into the field." "It's not a piece of metal. It's very special. Treat it as such." "Digital marketing is free… small businesses need to take advantage of free resources."   Connect with Will Ritter   Phone: (713) 882- 1427  Email: williamrritter@gmail.com   Website: Pacific Sensor - Buy Corrosion Coupons and Test Specimens   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamryanritter/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-sensor/about/      Guest Resources Mentioned   Material World: The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization by Ed Conway (Audiobook)  Steel Isn't Hard (To Learn) by Shane Turcott (Paperback)  The Goal: 40th Anniversary Edition: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M Goldratt (Author), Jeff Cox (Author)  Toastmasters International  Pacific Sensor Corrosion Coupon Installation Guide  Water Treatment Flyer- Pacific Sensor  Metaspec Capabilities Presentation NACE SP0775-2023 Preparation, Installation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Corrosion Coupons in Hydrocarbon Operations  ASTM-G1-25 Standard Practice for Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Corrosion Test Specimens  TP25-18 The Impact of Metal Surface Roughness on Corrosion Monitoring Water Treatment    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Submit a Show Idea  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  The Rising Tide Mastermind 304 Pinks and Blues: Corrosion Coupons  075 The One that's All About Corrosion Coupons  AWT Guidelines on Corrosion Coupons   Corrosion cost perspective: "2.5 trillion" and "3.5% of global GDP"    Words of Water with James McDonald Today's definition is any of the elements found in Group VIIA, also known as Group 17, of the Periodic Table, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine, characterized by the ability to disinfect water.   2026 Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.   

Bryan and Nick are starting a new adventure! Deep dives into the stand-up comedian world. You remember how Bryan and Nick are Toastmasters? (of course you do, they only mention it every chance they get) Well, as Toastmasters they have gotten in the habit of evaluating people speaking. It was only a short step to get to their new podcast, "Laughs Per Minute". They will be doing a deep dive with a guest into stand up comedians by evaluating them up and down, backwards and forwards. We will be releasing episodes every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. So if you even slightly enjoyed listening to Help Yourself, then you'll for sure slightly enjoy Laughs Per Minute. 

In this episode, Ben reflects on four of the most important things he did for his career and what thoughtful leaders can learn from them. He explains how mindfulness helped him manage frustration and build emotional regulation over time, why joining Toastmasters reduced his fear of public speaking, and how listening to informal mentors shaped key career decisions. Ben also shares how studying for an MBA while working full time built discipline, healthy habits, and ultimately created the space to start Thoughtful Leader. The episode encourages leaders to work on themselves so they are better equipped to handle whatever challenges arise. Resources mentioned in this episode: Headspace app Waking Up app – Sam Harris Toastmasters International Work with Ben: Coaching.

When you write a book, you're not just sharing your knowledge, you're planting the seeds for long-term growth. Your book can open unexpected doors: attracting ideal clients, boosting your visibility, and positioning you as a trusted authority in your space. But to make that kind of impact, you need more than a finished manuscript—you need a strategy that helps your book connect with the right people and lead them back to your business. That's exactly why I started the Biz Book Pub Hub. It's a free resource where experts, authors, and writers come together to support each other through every stage of the book journey—from blank page to book launch and beyond. You can explore all of it at www.BizBookPubHub.com . Today, I'm excited to introduce two incredible authors: Antonio Valles wrote “Empower Your Presentation Skills: The Confident Entrepreneur's Guide to Grow Your Business,” a hands-on guide for professionals ready to level up their speaking skills and use presentations as a tool for building authority and closing more business. Kathy Sparrow is the author of “Ignite Your Leadership: Proven Tools to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum, and Accelerate Results,” a book packed with powerful tools and insights to help leaders inspire their teams and create lasting organizational success. Please join me in welcoming Antonio and Kathy.  In this episode, we discuss the following:

ad free on patreon @www.patreon.com/dopeypodcastThis week on Dopey! It's Christmas Eve! Wishing all the listeners a Merry Fucking Christmas! This week we open the show reminding everyone about patreon and reading a note from incarcerated Dope - Montana about prison life, Toastmasters, college aspirations, and his badass DIY cubicle decor.We reflects on Christmas's universal meaning – love, hope, togetherness – while sending love to the Reiner family. The main interview features longtime friend and DopeyCon organizer Rachel Hechtman (@soberincentralpark), recorded the day the Nick Reiner news broke. Rachel shares her wild journey: early drinking and coke at 14, boarding school antics (including Paris Hilton-sourced coke), dealing at Dartmouth, drug-induced psychosis, a secret marriage to an Italian guy (Giuseppe!), massive weight loss (80 lbs), and getting sober through daily Central Park walks with her dog George during COVID – no 12-step, just determination, walking, and community-building.All that plus copious Nick Reiner Spotify comments on this brand new Wednesday version of that good old dopey show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.