The Toastmasters Podcast

Greg Gazin
  • 3.8 (49)
  • Education
  • Updated Semimonthly

The official Toastmasters podcast featuring conversations on communication, confidence, leadership, and personal growth.

  1. 1d ago

    #302: Your Club’s Secret Ingredient – The Immediate Past President

    [31:52] What happens after the gavel changes hands? In this episode Greg Gazin speaks with Distinguished Toastmaster António Mendes about one of Toastmasters’ most overlooked leadership roles: the Immediate Past President (IPP). Drawing on his experience serving as club president and Immediate Past President four times, António shares why this role may continue to influence a club long after a leadership transition. António shares how what began as a search for stronger business pitches eventually became a 12-year Toastmasters journey that continues today. You’ll also hear how encouraging newer Toastmaster Ana Natário to step into leadership helped shape António’s thinking about the IPP role. Watching her grow as club president and later continue supporting the club as Immediate Past President showed him how leadership continuity, encouragement, and a strong club culture can create lasting impact long after a term ends. That experience became one of the strongest examples behind his belief in the value of an engaged IPP. Listeners will also hear: • Why António believes leadership does not end when a presidency ends • Why he compares the IPP to an airbag • What it means to be a bridge between past and future leadership • How supporting newer Toastmaster Ana Natário helped reinforce his view of the role • Why a formal handover meeting can help set new officers up for success • How clubs can preserve traditions while remaining open to change You can read António’s article, The Unsung Hero of Toastmasters: Discover the Value the Immediate Past President Can Provide a Club in the July 2026 issue of Toastmaster magazine. About António Mendes António Mendes, DTM, has been a Toastmaster for 12 years and currently serves as Immediate Past President of Setúbal Toastmasters Club in Portugal. Over a 46-year career in technology, he worked as an IT manager, consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader and now advises organizations on cloud, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. He has served in multiple club and district leadership roles and helped establish and revive clubs while sharing ideas to help clubs grow and strengthen member engagement. António Mendes lives in Setúbal, Portugal and can be reached via e-mail: mendes.ajs [at] gmail [dot] com, Instagram: @mendes.ajs, Facebook: mendes.ajs LinkedIn: ajsmendes.

  2. Jun 15

    #301: Meet the 2026 Int'l Convention, Vancouver Canada Co-Chairs - Carole Murphy & Tom Jones

    [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 NOW Convention 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-Chairs 2.     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

  3. Jun 1

    #300: Reflecting Back on 300 Episodes and the Power of Conversation – Greg Gazin

    [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-host Some 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 Gazin Greg 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.

  4. May 15

    #299 Championing Workplace Well-Being: Meet the 2026 Golden Gavel Recipient - Jennifer Moss

    [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 skills Jennifer 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.

  5. May 1

    #298: Spotting & Resolving Generative AI Pitfalls for Communicators - Joel Schwartzberg

    [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 maker AI 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 Schwartzberg Joel 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.

  6. Apr 15

    #297: What Happens When Toastmasters Give Youth Voices a TEDx Stage – CeCe Espeut

    [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 Espeut CeCe 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.

  7. Apr 1

    #296: Africa’s Ascent: What Drove Toastmasters Growth – Frank Tsuro

    [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 Tsuro Frank 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

  8. Mar 15

    #295: Taking Speaking Skills to TV’s Shark Tank — Ari Siegel

    [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 Copperfield About Ari Siegel Ari 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.com You can also watch Ari's Shark Tank Pitch as well as his follow up appearance on YouTube.

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3.8
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About

The official Toastmasters podcast featuring conversations on communication, confidence, leadership, and personal growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Gazin
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2026
  • Episodes
    303
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, Archieboy Holdings, LLC.
  • Show Website
    The Toastmasters Podcast

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