D50 After Dark

D50 After Dark Podcast
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D50 After Dark is your gateway to the untold narratives within the Toastmasters community. Hosted by Mickey Bennett, DTM, this podcast brings together Toastmasters' finest to discuss the nuances of public speaking, share their journeys, and explore the diverse aspects of communication and leadership. Don't miss this chance to learn, grow, and engage. Mark your calendars for a thrilling podcast experience. Inquiries or suggestions? Contact us at D50AfterDark@d50tm.org. Let's empower District 50 Toastmasters together!

  1. MAR 3

    Unlock Your Voice: How Krishna Ravulapalli Conquered Fear

    Unlock Your Voice: How Krishna Ravulapalli Conquered Fear Show Notes: D50 After Dark | Episode: Meet Sri Krishna Ravulapalli From dodging the camera to delivering a speech at every single meeting, Sri Krishna Ravulapalli is the embodiment of the "imperfect action" mindset. In this episode, host Mickey Bennett sits down with Krishna, a software engineer and a rising star at Toastmasters Techno, to discuss his rapid 3-month transformation from an introvert to a club contest competitor. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The Catalyst for Change: How personal leadership coaching helped Krishna stop waiting for the "perfect moment" and start taking action during "imperfect scenarios". • The Power of Mentorship: The story of how an 8-time DTM inspired Krishna by sharing their own struggle with introversion and public speaking fear. • The "Speech-a-Week" Strategy: Why Krishna decided to sign up as a speaker for every single session he attended. • Finding Your Material: How Krishna uses his daily reading habits to ensure he never runs out of speech topics. • Overcoming the Fear of Judgment: Why Toastmasters is a "judgment-free" zone where you can mess up safely so you don't have to at work. • Tech and Focus: A look into Krishna’s life as a mainframe software engineer in Plano and how table tennis keeps his brain sharp. Episode Highlights: • [02:06] Three months in: The early Toastmasters journey. • [04:36] The Fall Converge experience that changed everything. • [07:35] Dealing with the "freeze" during the first speech and receiving constructive feedback. • [09:14] Taking the leap into the International Speech Contest. • [12:33] Mainframes and Table Tennis: High-speed tech and high-speed sports.

    14 min

  2. FEB 17

    Meet David Haney: From Early Computers to Toastmasters Leadership

    Join host Mickey Bennett for a warm, conversational ice-breaker with David Haney—semi-retired IT pro, former Town North Division Director in District 50 Toastmasters, and current assistant division director. Recorded live at Metrocrest Toastmasters Club 3318 (his home club, meeting Tuesdays at noon at New New Buffet in Addison, Texas), David opens up about his tech journey (starting at age 13 with a 1978 Tandy Radio Shack!), turning a hobby into a career, his overseas experiences, and why Toastmasters has been a game-changer since 2004. Hear about hybrid meeting flexibility, leadership mentoring that actually works, and a “greatest failing” in India that turned into quiet success. This is Episode 1 of our special series D50 After Dark with David Haney, diving into communication, leadership, and the intersection of tech and personal growth. Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & sponsor shout-out: New New Buffet in Addison 0:58 – Meet David Haney: Old-school tech guy who started when he had hair 2:14 – Toastmasters leadership path: Division Director to purposeful “demotion” as assistant mentor 4:11 – Metrocrest Toastmasters: Hybrid club life, steady growth, and real flexibility 7:55 – David’s tech origin story: 1978 Tandy Radio Shack to semi-retired IT coaching 10:11 – College pivot: Electrical engineering → history degree (minor in physics, thesis on Trajan’s Dacian Wars) 11:40 – Toastmasters timeline: Joined 2004, overseas gap, back strong since 2017 12:31 – India story: Country head role, attempt to start a corporate club, and the club that launched after he left 15:49 – Semi-retired life: Home network setups as a hobby + guiding startup IT teams 17:18 – David’s Call to Action: Get involved—you never know the doors that will open Key Takeaways for Toastmasters, Speakers & Leaders Hybrid meetings unlock real flexibility—Metrocrest averages ~25% online, helping busy professionals stay consistent. Smart leadership handoffs (like Town North’s year-2 assistant role) build stronger teams and smoother transitions. What looks like a “failure” can still plant seeds—David’s India club dream came true through the team he inspired. Toastmasters skills translate directly to career wins and unexpected opportunities. Coming Up in the Series More with David Haney: Hybrid Meetings in a Bag (practical setups and tools for running great hybrid sessions) Introducing Toastmasters to the World (global insights from his travels and experiences) Toastmasters and AI (how AI supports—not replaces—human growth in communication and leadership) David’s PPP reminder: Practice, Patience, and Persistence pay off every time. AI is not replacing people—it’s a tool that amplifies what humans do best. Call to Action Visit a club near you—try Metrocrest Toastmasters (Tuesdays at noon, hybrid at New New Buffet, 3822 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX). Step into leadership, volunteer, or just show up. The impact you’ll have (and receive) might surprise you. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for the full series—new episodes 2–3 times a month. Introducing Toastmasters to the World — one real conversation at a time. #Toastmasters #District50 #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipDevelopment #HybridMeetings #D50AfterDark #CommunicationSkills #MetrocrestToastmasters #NewNewBuffet

    19 min

  3. JAN 28

    How to Finally Write Your Book Without Burnout or Writer’s Block

    In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett speaks with Gaurav Shekhar, educator and former district director, about the real mechanics of writing a book while managing a demanding academic and professional career. Gaurav shares how early-morning writing, structured accountability, and audience-first thinking helped him complete his upcoming textbook, Business Intelligence Simplified. This conversation avoids inspiration fluff and focuses on systems, relevance, and execution. Key Takeaways: Why writer’s block is usually a focus and timing issue How quiet mornings improve cognitive bandwidth Using deadlines to protect relevance and momentum Writing simply without losing sophistication Why “good enough” beats perfect in publishing Ideal Audience:District leaders, educators, analysts, authors, and professionals converting expertise into publishable knowledge.

    17 min

  4. 12/28/2025

    Jesse Oakley III on Leadership, Love, and Hosting the Toastmasters International Convention

    Episode HighlightsJoin host Mickey Bennett for an inspiring conversation with Jesse Oakley III, a distinguished Toastmaster from Las Vegas, as he shares heartfelt stories of passion, teamwork, marriage, and one of the biggest leadership challenges in Toastmasters: co-chairing the 2015 International Convention. Key Moments & Takeaways Finding Your PassionJesse opens with wisdom on discovering that “snap and click” moment—the feeling when you know you’ve found something you’re good at and truly enjoy. For him, Toastmasters has been that lifelong passion. Advice: Keep exploring until you feel that spark—the rest is gravy!The Ultimate Toastmasters Accomplishment: Marriage!Jesse proudly declares that his greatest achievement isn’t a title or role—it’s marrying fellow Toastmaster Dana Walblin Oakley in 2012. In a brilliant move, Dana used their wedding planning as her High Performance Leadership (HPL) project to earn her DTM. Their honeymoon? The 2015 International Convention in Orlando! Their love story even landed them on the cover of the Toastmasters magazine (February 2013 and June 2015 editions). Co-Chairing the 2015 International Convention in Las VegasJesse and Dana stepped up to host the global event at Caesars Palace after a personal invitation from then-Executive Director Daniel Rex. Biggest Challenges & Lessons LearnedInspiration for the Next GenerationJesse encourages young people and engineering students feeling isolated in today’s remote/social-media world to push past reluctance and speak in front of live audiences. Toastmasters is the perfect place to find connection, confidence, and that “snap and click.” Parting Wisdom from a Toastmasters LegendJesse shares advice passed to him by the late Don Inch:“Stay the course. Never quit—quitting is worse than failing. Focus on the journey, because sometimes the journey is better than the end result.” Jesse’s Projects to Check Out Podcast: Sunday Morning Chat Series on YouTube – uplifting interviews with positive people making a difference.Book: Greetings Happy People: Positive Words and Wisdom Through the Eyes of Mr. III by Jesse Oakley III (available on Amazon).Final ThoughtAs Jesse reminds us: “The journey continues.” Whether you’re leading a club, planning a conference, or simply showing up to your next meeting, embrace the “we” mindset, stay the course, and keep growing together. Thank you for tuning in to D50 After Dark! If this episode inspired you, share it with your fellow District 50 Toastmasters. See you at the next meeting—and keep leading with heart! 🚀

    21 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Red Flags That Kill Clubs (And How to Fix Them Before It’s Too Late)

    D50 After Dark – Episode Show Notes Episode Title: Red Flags That Kill Clubs (And How to Fix Them Before It’s Too Late) Guest: Past District Director Gaurav Shekhar Host: Mickey Bennett Release Date: October 31, 2025 Listen Now: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Episode Summary One canceled meeting? No big deal. Three in a row? Your club is bleeding. Past District Director Gaurav Shekhar returns to reveal the 3 crimson-red flags that forecast Toastmasters club failure — and the battle-tested fixes that turn dying clubs around. If you’re a club officer, VP Education, or a member who refuses to let your club fold — this is your early warning system. Timestamps 0:00 – The “Punch” Analogy: Why Canceling Meetings Starts a Death Spiral 1:27 – Red Flag #1: Canceled Meetings 4:23 – Red Flag #2: Role Scramble & Absenteeism 9:26 – Red Flag #3: No Educational Clarity 11:33 – Fixes: Never Cancel, Call Absentees, Goal-Setting Huddles 19:40 – When to Merge (Not Fold) + Club Coaches 23:17 – Final Advice: Your Area Director Is Your Best Friend Key Takeaways Red Flag - Fix (Do THIS Tonight)Canceled Meetings Breaks trust → members make other plansNever cancel. 3 people? Table topics. 1 speech? Round-robin eval. Role Scramble / Absentees1 person = 3 roles → burnout Call every absentee. Ask: “Short-term or permanent?” Transfer if needed. No GoalsMembers drift → ghostVP Ed: Run goal-setting sessions. Schedule roles 4 weeks out. Pro Move: “Your Area Director is your BEST FRIEND. Tag them: ‘We need a coach. Help!’” Action Steps for Your Club Audit: How many meetings canceled in the last 6 months? Call 3 absent members this week. Ask: “What’s changed?” Schedule a goal-setting huddle with your VP Education. Engage your Area Director — request a club coach if needed. Resources Mentioned Toastmasters International: Pathways Learning Club Coach Program: Request a Coach District 50 Leadership: Find Your Area Director SEO Keywords toastmasters club success, toastmasters red flags, failing toastmasters club, how to save toastmasters club, toastmasters meeting canceled, toastmasters attendance problems, toastmasters member retention, toastmasters club officer tips, toastmasters area director help, toastmasters club coach, toastmasters pathways goals, toastmasters leadership, district 50 toastmasters, Gaurav shaker toastmasters, d50 after dark podcast, toastmasters public speaking, toastmasters club culture, toastmasters membership renewal, toastmasters vetting members, toastmasters table topics Hashtags #Toastmasters #ClubSuccess #RedFlags #SaveYourClub #ToastmastersTips #PublicSpeaking #Leadership #D50AfterDark #Gaurav Shaker #ToastmastersPodcast #ClubOfficers #MemberRetention #Pathways #AreaDirector #ClubCoach #NeverCancel #ToastmastersJourney Coming Up Next Gaurav Shaker’s Book-Writing Blueprint For every Toastmaster who’s ever said, “I should write a book…” Listen. Act. Save your club. —Mickey & Gaurav Subscribe to D50 After Dark for weekly leadership drops.

    24 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    Jesse Oakley III on D50 After Dark: Leadership, Positivity, and Toastmasters Journey

    Jesse Oakley III shares his Toastmasters journey, leadership roles, podcast, and book on D50 After Dark. Keywords: Toastmasters, leadership, positivity, podcast, Sunday Morning Chat, Las Vegas.In this engaging episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Jesse Oakley III, a seasoned Toastmaster with over 30 years of experience. Jesse recounts his leadership journey, from District Director (2012–2013) to Regional Advisor (2016–2017) and International Director (2022–2024), highlighting the global connections he forged with Toastmasters from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. He shares heartwarming stories, including meeting his wife, Dana, through Toastmasters, and the two-year journey to ask her out. Jesse also discusses his career as an associate engineer at the Nevada Department of Transportation, emphasizing how Toastmasters enhanced his communication and leadership skills. His podcast, Sunday Morning Chat Series, and book, Greetings Happy People, reflect his commitment to positivity and community impact. This episode is a blend of inspiration, leadership insights, and personal anecdotes, perfect for Toastmasters enthusiasts and those seeking positivity. Highlights with Chapter Markers: 0:00–1:00: Introduction to Jesse’s Toastmasters leadership roles (District Director, Regional Advisor, International Director). 1:18–2:08: Welcome to D50 After Dark and Jesse’s 30-year Toastmasters journey, starting with Speech Path and Star Masters club in 2002. 2:29–2:53: Jesse describes Las Vegas weather and monsoon season. 3:08–4:29: Insights on being an International Director, working with a global board and headquarters staff. 6:11–8:20: Jesse’s election as International Director in 2022 and his wife’s role as campaign manager. 8:21–9:27: Heartwarming story of meeting his wife, Dana, through Toastmasters in 2006. 9:37–11:00: Jesse’s career at Nevada DOT, focusing on materials testing and Toastmasters’ impact on his professional growth. 14:27–17:02: Introduction to Jesse’s Sunday Morning Chat Series podcast, launched in 2020 to spread positivity. 18:00–19:15: Overview of Jesse’s book, Greetings Happy People, emphasizing positive life lessons. 19:59–21:01: Closing remarks and teaser for future episodes on Jesse’s hosting and early Toastmasters experiences. Subscribe and Listen to D50 After Dark Podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d50-after-dark-podcast

    21 min

  7. 09/03/2025

    From Toastmasters Timer to Career Climber: Unlocking Leadership Secrets with Gaurav Shekhar

    Join host Mickey Bennett in this lively chat with past Toastmasters District Director Gaurav Shekhar. They dive into how everyday club roles—like secretary, evaluator, or timer—build real-world skills that boost your career. From note-taking promotions to mastering feedback and trusting the process (with a Gandhi twist!), discover why Toastmasters isn't just about speeches—it's your leadership launchpad. Perfect for aspiring leaders looking to level up. Highlights (Chapter Markers): 0:00 - Intro Teaser: The Superstar Member Dilemma -0:36 - Welcome and Episode Overview - 1:02 - Toastmasters as an Educational Journey -2:34 - Why People Join and Stay: Learning and Fun -3:37 - Setting Boundaries in Leadership -4:24 - Risks of Over-Reliance on Superstars - How clubs can capsize without balanced leadership, 5:20 - Evolving Needs and Core Skills - How members' needs change but the drive for confidence in speaking and leading remains. 6:31 - Real-World Translations of Roles - 7:35 - Personal Growth from Evaluations -8:58 - Critical Listening from Ah-Counter Role - 9:42 - Feedback in Work and Toastmasters -11:52 - Post-Evaluation Conversations - The value of follow-up talks after evaluations, 13:12 - Believing in the Process: Gandhi's Story -16:42 - Trusting Toastmasters Processes - Lessons from roles like timer on pacing speeches 18:05 - Pathways and Project Thoughtfulness - How Toastmasters' structured paths ensure maximum learning from time invested. 18:47 - Processes in Business and Education - Parallels to workplace frustrations, 20:42 - Dangers of Cutting Corners -21:48 - Episode Wrap-Up and Teaser -

    23 min

  8. 08/26/2025

    Ever Wonder Why EQ Beats IQ in Tough Spots? Chatting Emotional Intelligence with Monnica Rose

    In this engaging episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett dives deep with past international director Monnica Rose on emotional intelligence (EQ). They explore how self-awareness of emotions can supercharge leadership, resolve conflicts, and boost team dynamics—without any scores involved! From real-life examples like mishandled dinner orders to Toastmasters projects, learn practical ways to level up your EQ for better communication and growth.Whether you're navigating corporate meetings, club conflicts, or personal growth, this episode reveals why EQ is key to avoiding blow-ups and fostering strong teams. Monica shares personal stories, like adapting communication with her millennial kid, and how HPL projects stretch your abilities. Tune in for actionable insights on journaling emotions, opening dialogues with "I feel" statements, and pushing beyond your first DTM for continuous improvement.Highlights:0:00 - Intro Teaser: Millennial Parenting Meets Leadership – 0:43 - Welcome and EQ Basics (Chapter 1: What is Emotional Intelligence?) – 2:14 - EQ in Everyday Scenarios (Chapter 2: From Dinner Disasters to Daily Reflections) –5:16 - EQ Beyond Conflicts (Chapter 3: Joy, Excitement, and Leadership Flow) 6:29 - EQ in Team Leadership (Chapter 4: Managing Disruptors and Low-Energy Days) 8:17 - Communication Techniques (Chapter 5: Timing Talks and Filtering Words) 10:51 - Developing Leaders with EQ (Chapter 6: From Conflicts to Candid Feedback) 14:38 - Self-Reflection Practices (Chapter 7: Journaling and Mental Registration) 16:52 - EQ in Toastmasters (Chapter 8: Pathways to Growth) 19:04 - Deep Dive on HPL (Chapter 9: Teams, Feedback, and Stretching Limits) – 21:43 - Multiple DTMs Worth It? (Chapter 10: Beyond the First Award) – 24:32 - Closing Thoughts (Chapter 11: Gratitude and Paying It Forward) – Subscribe and Listen to D50 After Dark Podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/d50-after-dark-podcast

    26 min
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About

D50 After Dark is your gateway to the untold narratives within the Toastmasters community. Hosted by Mickey Bennett, DTM, this podcast brings together Toastmasters' finest to discuss the nuances of public speaking, share their journeys, and explore the diverse aspects of communication and leadership. Don't miss this chance to learn, grow, and engage. Mark your calendars for a thrilling podcast experience. Inquiries or suggestions? Contact us at D50AfterDark@d50tm.org. Let's empower District 50 Toastmasters together!

Information

  • Creator
    D50 After Dark Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © D50 After Dark Podcast
  • Show Website
    D50 After Dark