Podcasts
#274: Think Fast, Talk Smart: Meet the 2025 Golden Gavel Recipient – Matt Abrahams
Get to know Matt Abrahams, the 2025 Golden Gavel honoree, in this episode of the Toastmasters Podcast. Abrahams shares personal stories and practical communication strategies as he discusses communication in modern contexts, executive presence, and the evolving landscape of public speaking.
For more on Abrahams, read the May 2025 Toastmaster magazine.
#273: Dance Into the Future: 2025 International Convention Keynote Speaker – Anne Bonney
In this conversation, Anne Bonney, the 2025 International Convention keynote speaker, shares why—even though it’s part of everyday life—change still feels uncomfortable for so many. From recognizing the discomfort of change as a child to navigating a career spanning corporate marketing and animal training, Bonney shows how she’s learned to dance with discomfort—and how we can too.
Read more about Bonney in her Toastmaster magazine profile.
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Archive
#272: Cleared for Takeoff: A Pilot Trainer's Insights in Communication- Phil Wilkes
April 01, 2025
Phil Wilkes explains how lessons from the flight deck can benefit anyone. Wilkes talks about his background as a pilot, how his experience both helped and challenged his public speaking journey, and what inspired him to join Toastmasters.
#271: The Unexpected Power of Mentorship in Toastmasters – Marty Dickinson
March 15, 2025
Mentorship is more than just guiding someone—it’s about building lasting relationships that empower both the mentor and the mentee to grow. In this episode, Marty Dickinson shares how mentorship has been a cornerstone of personal development, club growth, and lasting connection.
Dickinson has mentored hundreds of members since joining Toastmasters in 1990 and now offers practical advice on building a rockstar mentoring program, supporting new members, and creating a welcoming environment for long-term development.
#270: Celebrating Women in Leadership and Toastmasters' Impact – Morag Mathieson
March 01, 2025
In this episode, celebrate International Women's Day with Past International President Morag Mathieson, DTM. She shares insights into her leadership journey as both a woman and someone from outside North America, discussing what inspired her to take this path.
For more from Mathieson and the three other women on the Executive Committee, read the March 2025 Toastmaster magazine.
#269: A Toastmaster's Golden Experience: Seeking Love on Reality TV – Bill Hernandez
February 14, 2025
It’s not every day that Bill Hernandez, DTM, gets an opportunity to put his communication skills to the test on network television—let alone while searching for love on an American reality TV show. In this episode, Hernandez shares his experience participating in ABC’s The Golden Bachelorette.
Don’t miss the article about his journey in the January 2025 issue of the Toastmaster.
#268: Stop Talking, Start Connecting: The Cure for Overspeaking - Joel Schwartzberg
February 01, 2025
Overspeaking—a term heard less often than overthinking or overanalyzing—is more than simply talking too much. Yet, like the other two, it can negatively impact effective communication. Communication coach and author Joel Schwartzberg is an expert in helping individuals navigate all three. In this episode, he sheds light on overspeaking.
Read more about the common concept, its consequences, and how to overcome in Schwartzberg’s Toastmaster magazine article.
#267: Meet Maureen Zappala, DTM, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker
January 15, 2025
In this episode, host Greg Gazin, DTM, speaks with Maureen Zappala, DTM, about her journey to become an Accredited Speaker at the 2024 Toastmasters International Convention. Zappala shares some key takeaways from her presentation and origin story.
Learn more in the Toastmaster magazine.