Speak Arizona

District 3 Toastmasters
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Bimonthly

Welcome to Speak Arizona, the ultimate podcast for professionals looking to elevate their speaking skills in the workplace, meetings, and beyond. Whether you’re aiming to captivate an audience, lead a successful meeting, or enhance your professional presence, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories. Join us as we delve into the art of effective communication, share proven strategies, and interview top speakers and coaches who have mastered the craft. Tune in to Speak Arizona and unlock your potential to speak with confidence, influence, and impact. Powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Subscribe now and take the first step towards becoming the speaker you’ve always wanted to be!

  1. 4d ago

    Stop Apologizing for Your Amazing Presence | Jennifer Emperador

    What does it take to share a deeply personal story on a public stage without losing yourself in the process? Jennifer Emperador joins Rupesh Parbhoo to explore vulnerability, presence, self-worth, and the power of becoming more embodied. Jennifer shares her experience preparing for DEBx, how her Toastmasters skills helped her step into a larger speaking opportunity, and the meaning behind "Stop Apologizing for Your Amazing Presence." The conversation goes beyond public speaking to explore how we can feel difficult emotions, reconnect with the body, and show up more fully. Perfect for speakers and leaders who want to communicate with greater authenticity, courage, and presence. Content note This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma and sexual assault. Key takeaways - Vulnerability on stage can become a source of connection when a personal story is shaped with the audience in mind. - Toastmasters can provide foundational speaking skills that help prepare speakers for larger and more demanding opportunities. - Powerful speaking does not require eliminating emotion. It can mean learning to feel it, breathe, and continue. - Embodiment is about reconnecting with the body and showing up with greater presence, power, and self-worth. - "Stop apologizing for your amazing presence" is an invitation to stop shrinking yourself and recognize the value of being fully present. Chapters 00:00 - Episode preview and content note 02:13 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 04:24 - Meet Jennifer Emperador 07:33 - Embodiment, identity, and finding your voice 09:20 - Jennifer's journey with Toastmasters 12:09 - From Toastmasters to the DEBx stage 16:30 - Vulnerability, emotion, and connecting with an audience 18:47 - Preparing and rehearsing a deeply personal story 27:00 - Embodiment and showing up more fully 33:36 - Rapid-fire questions 34:16 - Stop apologizing for your amazing presence 36:28 - Connecting to your deeper "why" 39:25 - Where to connect with Jennifer 40:16 - Closing About the guest Jennifer Emperador is a Holistic Embodiment Coach who helps people feel powerful and worthy. Connect - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-emperador/ - Website: https://soldiscovery.com/ - Instagram (SOL Discovery): https://www.instagram.com/soldiscovery/ - Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/healwithzenjen/ DEBx - https://www.youtube.com/live/5GxXizkF3Cw?si=p_umxzuo83niloLc&t=2580

  2. Sep 15

    Ready to find your voice? Speak Arizona Is Back | Rupesh Parbhoo

    Speak Arizona is back for Season 2! Host Rupesh Parbhoo gives a quick preview of the conversations ahead and shares how his approach to the podcast is evolving. This season brings together voices from across the communication spectrum, including an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, stand-up comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more. Rupesh also reflects on the difference between being a moderator and being a host, and why he plans to bring more of his own stories and experiences into the conversation. Expect fresh perspectives on communication, leadership, confidence, and what it means to find your voice. Perfect for professionals who want to communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and influence. Key takeaways - Season 2 brings a wide range of perspectives on communication, leadership, and confidence. - Guests will include an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more. - Rupesh is evolving from simply moderating conversations to bringing more of himself into the podcast. - Communication is constantly evolving, from the language we use to the technology that shapes how we connect. - Speak Arizona continues its mission of helping listeners find their voice and become stronger communicators and leaders. Chapters 00:04 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 00:48 - Are you a podcast host or a moderator? 01:11 - Welcome to Season 2 01:27 - A preview of this season's guests 01:44 - Exploring different perspectives on communication 01:53 - What teenagers can teach us about evolving communication 02:33 - Communication, leadership, confidence, and finding your voice 02:47 - Rethinking the role of the podcast host 03:46 - Reflecting on communication and leadership experiences Guest Rupesh Parbhoo About the guest Rupesh Parbhoo is the Host of the Speak Arizona Podcast, powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Connect - Website: https://d3toastmasters.org/speak-arizona/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakArizona - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speak-Arizona/61587110443189/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakarizona/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/speak-arizona - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakarizona

  3. Jul 28

    Behind the Mic: 100 Episodes of Lessons and Growth

    What does it take to create 100 podcast episodes? The Speak Arizona team turns the cameras around to share the work, mistakes, experiments, and relationships behind the finished product. Rupesh Parbhoo, Marie Feutrier, Vincent Feutrier, Matthew Malan, and Edna Saucke discuss accepting help, committing to a shared vision, learning unfamiliar technology, releasing imperfect work, and building trust through honest communication. They also reflect on the equipment failures, long editing sessions, unexpected opportunities, and vulnerable moments that helped the podcast and its team grow. Perfect for communicators, creators, volunteers, and emerging leaders who want to turn mistakes into progress and build something meaningful with a team. Key takeaways - Meaningful projects become stronger when leaders accept help, delegate responsibility, and allow others to contribute. - Equipment failures, software problems, and imperfect recordings can become valuable learning opportunities. - Consistency requires commitment, patience, and enough time for new skills and team rhythms to develop. - Authenticity and vulnerability often create a stronger connection than a perfectly polished performance. - Communication and leadership improve when people practice, review their work, and apply what they learn. Chapters 00:00 - Cold open: Camera caps, dead batteries, and vulnerability 00:58 - Welcome and the 100-episode milestone 03:04 - Meet the Speak Arizona production team 05:19 - Accepting help and turning a project into a team 07:14 - Equipment failures and learning through mistakes 12:49 - How Rupesh became the podcast host 15:46 - The intervention and an 18-month commitment 21:16 - Choosing guests and imagining dream interviews 27:12 - Perfectionism, editing, and releasing the work 33:52 - Authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership practice 40:09 - Audience engagement and behind-the-scenes production lessons 50:16 - The future of Speak Arizona and growing the community About the guests Rupesh Parbhoo is the host of Speak Arizona and helps technical experts become more influential communicators. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupesh-parbhoo/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupesh.parbhoo/ Marie Feutrier is the PR manager for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-feutrier-mh05/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.feutrier/ - Website: https://headshotsbymarie.com/ Vincent Feutrier is a video editor for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentfeutrier/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent_feutrier Matthew Malan supports the Speak Arizona podcast team with behind-the-camera production and software editing. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-malan8/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewmalan8/ - Website: https://matthewmalan.com/ Edna Saucke is the social media strategist for the Speak Arizona podcast team. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-saucke-328a33106/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellness_meet_edna/ - Website: https://beacons.ai/plhfdigital?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnVs8Gi5w07pL-xNtVw5Pn4vWy6mrzY8NOnlzWGaTR0Flt_VstHHHiD5NflEg_aem_8joNWtWwy1JHoB2lE6XYXg

  4. Jul 22

    Why Imperfection Builds Trust and Connection - Michael Schacht

    In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo interviews headshot photographer Michael Schacht to explore how embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and internal work can create a truly magnetic personal brand. It’s not about polish or perfection but about revealing the parts of yourself that connect and resonate with others. This episode offers a powerful reminder that building a magnetic brand isn’t about hiding your true self but about revealing it intentionally and vulnerably to attract those who resonate with your authentic story. Key Takeaways • The importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance in branding • How internal work and self-awareness influence authenticity • Differentiating yourself in a crowded market through unique traits • Overcoming fear and shame to connect authentically • Practical tips for public speaking confidence • Building community and accountability through leadership • The role of internal reflection and continuous iteration in personal growth Timestamps: 00:00 - Rethinking branding: beyond visual polish to inner authenticity 0 02:09 - The story behind Michael’s viral video and lessons on vulnerability 03:46 - How childhood experiences influence self-acceptance and branding 04:56 - Recognizing and embracing imperfections as assets 08:07 - Overcoming fear and embarrassment in public speaking 09:23 - The transformative power of feedback and self-awareness 10:36 - Connecting personal stories to professional growth 12:45 - The importance of being specific, authentic, and vulnerable 13:15 - How sharing imperfections creates connection and trust 16:05 - Developing a unique voice by reflecting on personal purpose and expectations 17:48 - Avoiding mediocrity by cultivating distinctiveness in branding 19:11 - Differentiating yourself in crowded markets using visual and personal traits 20:48 - The value of intentionality in sharing on social media and public platforms 25:11 - Using personal quirks and vulnerabilities as branding assets 27:54 - Common misconceptions about perceived flaws and how they can be strengths 33:40 - Building confidence through internal work and authentic connection 36:21 - The importance of confronting your shadow self for genuine branding 38:10 - Community building and accountability as tools for authentic growth 44:56 - The iterative nature of leadership and personal development 45:13 - How algorithms and social influences shape perspectives on branding 49:28 - Final thoughts on revealing your true self to attract the right audience Resources & Links: • https://312elements.com/ • https://headshothotsauce.com/ • https://www.instagram.com/312elements • https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischacht/

  5. Jul 16

    Stop Protecting Feelings and Start Unlocking Potential - Paul Brunoforte

    Growth requires more than encouragement. It requires honest feedback, the willingness to act on it, and the commitment to keep going when change feels uncomfortable. In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Paul Brunoforte about lessons from 42 years in Toastmasters, the three principles behind The Olympic Method, and why coachability means more than politely saying thank you. Paul also explains how bad habits derail goals, why accountability and "skin in the game" help lessons stick, and how leaders can protect high standards without losing sight of people. The conversation closes with practical advice on taking speaking risks, entering contests, volunteering for more roles, and stretching beyond the safe version of yourself. Perfect for speakers, coaches, and leaders who want to turn feedback into lasting growth. Key takeaways - Honest, specific feedback helps people recognize where they are underperforming and what they can improve. - Coachability means applying suggestions, making adjustments, and practicing even when it feels uncomfortable. - The Olympic Method focuses on three principles: coaching, coachability, and commitment. - Lasting goal achievement requires replacing bad habits, creating accountability, and treating growth as a continuous process. - Speakers improve by taking risks, entering contests, accepting more speaking roles, and deliberately stretching beyond what feels safe. Chapters 00:00 - Why protecting feelings can prevent growth 02:06 - Speak Arizona and guest introduction 04:13 - What 42 years in Toastmasters teaches you 09:21 - From professional speaking to humor, leadership, and mentorship 16:23 - The Olympic Method: coaching, coachability, and commitment 21:45 - How bad habits and weak accountability derail goals 25:42 - Lessons from decades of goal-setting workshops 33:01 - Leadership advice for maintaining high club standards 38:41 - Honest evaluations and the Whitewash Award 52:32 - Why speaking contests accelerate growth 54:36 - Inspiration, speaking risks, major milestones, and rapid-fire advice 66:47 - Connecting with Paul and closing thoughts Guest Paul Brunoforte About the guest Paul Brunoforte is a Distinguished Toastmaster who runs The Olympic Method, where he helps people maximize their potential through coaching, coachability, commitment, goal setting, and accountability. Connect - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paul-brunoforte-mba-dtm-24b705a - Email: pbruno2@cox.net Referenced in the episode - Paul Brunoforte's speech, "The Great Race": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37DUE55cJY&t=203s

  6. Jun 23

    Ayahuasca, Toastmasters, and One Wild Tall Tale - Luis Garay

    Luis Garay won the District 3 Tall Tales contest after only a few months in Toastmasters, but his story goes far beyond one trophy. In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Luis about storytelling, humor, stage presence, addiction, sobriety, and the ayahuasca experience that helped him hear a powerful message: use your voice. Luis shares how a wild story about a self-driving Tesla, Optimus Prime, and Mesoamerican mythology became a district-winning speech rooted in real life. This episode is for educational purposes, not individual advice. Perfect for speakers, leaders, and storytellers who want to connect their personal journey with a more powerful voice. Key takeaways - A great tall tale can be wildly exaggerated while still carrying real emotional truth. - Luis’s Toastmasters journey began after an ayahuasca ceremony helped him recognize his voice as a tool for growth. - New speakers can bring freshness, instinct, and presence that energize a stage. - Speaking confidence can grow from purpose, visualization, lived experience, and practice. - Fear can point toward the conversations, stages, and goals that matter most. Chapters 00:00 - Addiction, ayahuasca, and what it means to use your voice 01:54 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 02:49 - A different kind of contest winner 03:52 - Luis Garay introduces himself 05:49 - What an icebreaker is and why it can feel hard 08:43 - What makes a Tall Tale work 12:56 - The self-driving Tesla, Mesoamerican mythology, and the winning speech 15:09 - How being late to a club meeting sparked the contest speech 17:26 - Ayahuasca, healing, and the story behind the story 25:11 - The ceremony message that led Luis to Toastmasters 31:22 - Purpose, dharma, and finding your natural gifts 39:23 - The setbacks behind the “overnight success” story 44:08 - Visualization, confidence, and preparing to win 46:34 - Table Topics: inspiration, speaking pet peeves, fear, and advice 54:31 - Sobriety, connection, and where to find Luis Luis Garay is a mortgage loan originator. Connect - Casa de los Abuelos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadelosabuelos_official/

  7. Jun 9

    The Hidden Craft Behind a Contest Winning Speech - Bryan Wammack

    What makes a speech feel powerful, memorable, and emotionally true? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Bryan Wammack about the hidden craft behind his contest-winning speech. Bryan breaks down how he shaped a personal story into a polished speech through stronger hooks, dialogue, humor, gestures, emotional pacing, feedback, and repetition. This conversation goes beyond winning a contest. It is about learning how to turn lived experience into a story that helps an audience feel, connect, and remember. Perfect for speakers, leaders, Toastmasters, and communicators who want to tell stories that land with more clarity, emotion, and craft. Key Takeaways - A powerful hook can place the audience inside the story within seconds. - Dialogue helps listeners experience a moment instead of just hearing about it. - Humor can support emotional storytelling when it is tested, refined, and placed with intention. - Gestures work best when they feel natural, specific, and connected to the speaker’s message. - A contest-level speech is not just a good story. It has a clear point, emotional shape, and refined delivery. Chapters 00:00 - The first line that made the room lean in 01:40 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 02:18 - The hidden craft behind Bryan’s speech 03:24 - Bryan’s Toastmasters story 05:03 - The personal story behind the speech 08:58 - How the contest journey began 13:56 - Building a powerful opening hook 17:34 - Dialogue, humor, and living the story 28:52 - Emotion, repetition, gestures, and refinement 38:57 - Rapid fire, advice, and where to connect About the guest Bryan Wammack is the 2026 District 3 Toastmasters International Speech Contest Champion. Connect - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanwammack/

  8. Jun 2

    10 Public Speaking Tips from a World Champion - Darren LaCroix

    What makes a speech connect, land, and win? In this special Speak Arizona episode, Matt Malan steps into the host seat for a live workshop with Darren LaCroix, the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. Darren gives real-time feedback on Matt's Division contest speech and breaks down practical ways to make a message more memorable. They explore how to use dialogue instead of narration, create vivid scenes, build emotional moments, speak directly to the audience, and stay coachable on the path to stronger communication. Perfect for Toastmasters, speakers, leaders, and presenters who want to turn a good speech into one that truly connects. Key takeaways - Use dialogue to create a scene instead of simply narrating what happened. - Make the audience feel like you are speaking to them one by one. - Build speeches around emotional moments, not just events. - Add sensory detail to help listeners see, hear, feel, and remember the story. - Stay coachable because the right feedback can completely change a speech. Chapters 00:00 - Intro and why this episode matters for speakers 01:52 - Matt welcomes Darren LaCroix to Speak Arizona 02:25 - The International Speech Contest journey 04:25 - Darren's first speech and learning to be coachable 08:04 - Why clarity matters more than cleverness 13:43 - What Darren notices first in Matt's speech 18:55 - How to step in and out of a scene 19:30 - Use "you" language to connect with one listener at a time 21:45 - Turn narration into dialogue and emotional moments 26:55 - Introduce characters with vivid detail 30:00 - Use sensory details to build a memorable scene 34:04 - Stage Time University and the value of stronger feedback 39:05 - Darren's final advice: decide to be world class About the guest Darren LaCroix is the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. After a rough first comedy club set, he committed to mastering the craft of speaking and eventually became a world champion. Today, Darren helps presenters, executives, professional speakers, and trainers become more unforgettable on stage through his coaching, keynote work, books, and Stage Time University. Connect - https://darrenlacroix.com/ - https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenlacroix/ Watch Matt's full 2nd Place Contest Winning Speech: - https://youtu.be/kWtvZWwhblI?si=bgnyHvWjZZb0gN3B   About the host Matthew Malan is a data-driven marketer and Marketing Manager at Vemo Smart Energy. He focuses on growth, experimentation, and performance, with experience leading digital acquisition across paid social, email, and content. He is also the editor on the Speech Arizona Podcast and hosts his own podcast called Stay Hungry. - https://matthewmalan.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@matthewmalan

See All (100)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Speak Arizona, the ultimate podcast for professionals looking to elevate their speaking skills in the workplace, meetings, and beyond. Whether you’re aiming to captivate an audience, lead a successful meeting, or enhance your professional presence, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories. Join us as we delve into the art of effective communication, share proven strategies, and interview top speakers and coaches who have mastered the craft. Tune in to Speak Arizona and unlock your potential to speak with confidence, influence, and impact. Powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Subscribe now and take the first step towards becoming the speaker you’ve always wanted to be!

Information

  • Creator
    District 3 Toastmasters
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Speak Arizona