Show Notes for D50 After Dark - Episode Featuring Victor Johnson

Where Does Our Recycling Really Go? An Industry Insider's View

Highlights

(3:40) China recycled 70% of world's recyclables using empty return shipping containers

(8:01) Environmental damage at Chinese ports led to "superfund sites"

(10:36) 2018-2022: Most US recycling went to landfills after China's ban

(11:46) US excels at metal recycling, but is poor at plastic

(15:15) Landfills create long-term real estate and gas release issues

(22:17) India pioneered e-waste recycling by extracting gold from microchips

Summary

In this fascinating conversation about recycling, host Mickey Bennett sits down with eco-entrepreneur Ezekiel Setne to explore what really happens to our recyclables. The discussion reveals surprising insights about the global recycling ecosystem and its recent dramatic changes.

The conversation begins with a look at the pre-2018 recycling world, when China dominated global recycling by cleverly taking advantage of empty shipping containers returning from delivering goods to other countries. China filled them with up to 70% of the world's recyclables, efficiently turning these materials into new products. However, this efficiency came at a cost, creating concentrated environmental damage around Chinese ports that eventually led to "superfund sites" requiring extensive cleanup.

When China banned recycling imports in 2018 through the National Sword Law, it created a crisis in the US. Ezekiel reveals how this led to several years where most recyclables ended up in landfills while new domestic infrastructure was developed.

The interview delves into the current state of different types of recycling. While the US excels at metal recycling with nearly 100% success rates, plastic recycling faces significant economic challenges. Oil companies keep virgin plastic prices so low that recycling often isn't economically viable, resulting in only 15-20% of plastic being recycled.

In discussing the controversial topic of landfills, Ezekiel acknowledged their usefulness while explaining their long-term drawbacks as cities expand around them. These sites occupy increasingly valuable property that is potentially unstable due to methane pockets. The conversation touches on more recent concerns like microplastics, where Ezekiel notes we're in an "awkward phase" of research where we suspect problems but don't yet fully understand the implications.

The discussion concludes with a fascinating story about the evolution of e-waste recycling. Recyclers in India extracted the gold from electronic components, transforming what was once a waste into a precious resource worth up to $50 per pound. Throughout the interview, Mickey's genuine curiosity and Ezekiel's industry knowledge combine to make complex topics accessible and engaging.

Despite some sobering realities about recycling's challenges, Ezekiel optimistically highlights how recycling continues to improve. The conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of an industry that impacts everyone but is understood by few.

The Art of Connection: Mastering Storytelling with Victor Johnson

(1:21 Discussion on why storytelling is important

(3:50) How to choose stories for different audiences

(6:56) Types of stories Victor uses

(7:07) Victor tells powerful personal story about family road trip and self-reflection

(10:21) Tips on finding and crafting impactful stories

(12:11) How to structure stories within a speech

(14:38) Using storytelling to motivate people

Host Mickey Bennett interviews professional speaker Victor Johnson about the art of storytelling in public speaking. The discussion covers why storytelling is crucial, how to craft effective stories, and tips for using narratives to connect with and motivate audiences.

Victor emphasizes that storytelling is essential for speakers because it helps them connect with the audience on a personal level. He explains, "If you can find ways to make them feel like it's something they can either relate to or they've been there... It helps them to follow along with whatever your topic is about." Victor says that stories humanize the speaker and add credibility to their message.

In examining how speakers can choose stories for different audiences, Victor stresses the importance of doing homework on the audience, understanding their challenges and goals, and then incorporating stories that will resonate with that specific group.

Victor shares a powerful personal story about a family road trip that became a turning point in his life. He describes catching his own reflection in the rearview mirror and not liking what he saw, which led to a profound moment of self-reflection and change. This story serves as an example of how vulnerability in storytelling can create a strong connection with the audience.

Victor advises speakers to be comfortable with that personal vulnerability. He states, "Oftentimes, your best stories are going to come from you sharing something that you may not want the world to necessarily know about you." He encourages speakers to dig deep and talk about experiences that truly transformed them.

The conversation also touches on how to structure stories within a speech. Victor credits his Toastmasters experience for helping him learn where to place stories for maximum impact, whether at the beginning, middle, or end of a presentation.

Mickey brings up George Lucas's simple storytelling formula: introduce characters, present conflict, and resolve the conflict. Victor acknowledges the effectiveness of this approach while noting that not all speeches will follow this exact format.

The interview concludes with a discussion on using storytelling to motivate people. Victor emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience's needs and challenges, and then crafting stories that inspire and influence them to act.

Victor offers speaking and coaching at BeTheVictor.us. Looking toward the next episode on confidence and charisma, Mickey comments, "This guy knows a thing or two about confidence and charisma."

From Public Speaking to Eco-Entrepreneurship: How Communication Skills Launched a Recycling Empire

Highlights

2:52 - Ezekiel Setne’s struggle to pay for college and aversion to debt

4:41 - Ezekiel's early experience with recycling and scrap metal

7:49 - Development of Ezekiel's business pitch to mining companies

11:12 - Transition from using recycling to pay for education to making it a career

14:31 - Importance of communication skills in Ezekiel's current role

15:08 - Leadership experiences in 4-H and Boy Scouts

17:38 - Ezekiel's reasons for joining Toastmasters

19:04 - Discussion on communication skills lacking in younger generations

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Ezekiel Setne, an eco-entrepreneur who built a successful recycling business using his public speaking skills.

Ezekiel shares his journey from struggling college student to successful business owner. He explains how his early experiences with recycling and selling scrap metal led to an innovative business idea. Facing financial challenges during his college years, Ezekiel developed a unique pitch to mining companies, offering to clean up their scrap metal for free and even pay them a portion of the proceeds.

The interview highlights the crucial role of public speaking and communication skills in Ezekiel's success. He credits his background in 4-H and Boy Scouts for developing his leadership abilities, which proved invaluable in his business ventures.

Interestingly, Ezekiel reveals that he never took a business class until he was nearly 30, instead focusing on math and science degrees. He emphasizes how his public speaking skills were instrumental in launching and growing his business, EZA Recycling Solutions.

The conversation also touches on the importance of communication skills in today's job market, particularly for younger generations. Ezekiel and Mickey discuss the growing anxiety around phone communication among millennials and Gen Z, and how developing these skills can give job seekers a significant advantage.

Finally, Ezekiel explains his reasons for joining Toastmasters, including his desire to stay sharp and give back by helping others develop their public speaking skills.

The episode

In the next episode, Ezekiel answers the question, “Where does my recycling actually go?” in  a conversation focused entirely on recycling.

Area Directors: Club Champions Empowering Toastmasters Clubs

Highlights:

0:00 - Importance of engaging new members

1:41 - Kim reflects on her time as area director

3:31 - Area directors as “trusted advisors”

5:58 - Connecting clubs to district resources

10:35 - Need for continuous engagement  

14:19 - Recommended frequency of club visits

15:50 - Mickey's experience as area director

18:03 - Peer leadership between directors

20:25 - Kim's call to action

Summary:

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett

Kim describes area directors as “trusted advisors” for their

Regarding club visits, Kim recommends area directors visit

The conversation also touches on the “magical” peer

Kim's call to action is twofold: she wants to know why

Throughout the episode, Kim underscores the vital role of

The episode concludes with a message of resilience and

Victor Johnson Breaks the Ice: From Financial Struggles to Empowering Speaker

Highlights:

(0:00) Victor's story of overcoming financial struggles

(0:16) Introduction to D50 After Dark podcast

(0:44) Victor's roles at Prosperity Bank and as speaker

(1:11) Joining Toastmasters to improve skills

(2:32) Toastmasters' value for professional speakers

(3:26) Victor's work on increasing black homeownership

(5:10) Using personal story to inspire others

(6:12) Professional speaking journey since 2015

(7:08) Victor's book on wealth and happiness

(8:39) Advice for aspiring speakers

(9:55) Call to join local Toastmasters club

Summary:

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey

Victor’s personal experience overcoming financial challenges forms the basis of his 2018 book, "Proven Pathways to Wealth and Happiness," which offers practical advice on improving credit scores and investing in real estate. In his job as community outreach coordinator, he conducts financial literacy workshops aimed at increasing black homeownership in Texas and Oklahoma. It fulfills his deep passion to help people become financially strong. Mickey reacts to Victor’s description of his work by exclaiming, “Wow, that sounds like a dream job!”

Victor's professional speaking career accelerated in 2019 after a job elimination, which he used as an opportunity to

Despite being an established speaker since 2015, Victor joined Toastmasters in 2023 to further refine his skills. He discusses how Toastmasters has enhanced his speaking abilities, particularly in speech structure and delivery.

The episode concludes with Victor encouraging listeners to join their local Toastmasters club, specifically ecommending

Breaking The Ice w/ Ezekiel Setne: Unlikely Public Speaking Journey from 4-H to Eco-Entrepreneur

Highlights

1:15 - Ezekiel's background in rural Western Virginia

1:42 - Early public speaking and leading experiences in 4-H

5:13 - Ezekiel's late introduction to Toastmasters

7:07 - Ezekiel's college experience at Ivy Tech Community College

8:07 - Joining the new biotechnology program at Ivy Tech

9:02 – Benefits from pitching the biotech program to high school students

13:16 - Ezekiel's current roles in Toastmasters

Summary:

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Ezekiel Setne, Area 61 Director in District 50 Toastmasters. Ezekiel shares his fascinating journey

 Ezekiel's path took an interesting turn when he enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. There, he joined a brand-new biotechnology program with only three students across all Ivy Tech campuses. This unique opportunity led him to pitch the program to local high schools, further honing his “on-the-fly” public speaking skills and securing a grant that helped him stay in school during financially challenging times.

 Even though he had early success in public speaking in 4-H and in college, Ezekiel didn't join Toastmasters until his early 30s, initially believing it was only for elite speakers. Now, he serves as the president of Plano Toastmasters and Area

 Throughout the interview, Ezekiel and Mickey discover shared experiences, including both having attended Ivy Tech, which they jokingly refer to as their "Ivy League" education. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next

Highlights:

1:13 - Is Toastmasters fun?

2:23 - What Toastmasters is really like

4:29 - Post Toasties and themed meetings

7:22 – Table topics and creative formats

10:02 - Toastmasters as a bright spot in the week

13:35 - Club open houses and social events

14:41 - World Championship of Public Speaking watch parties

16:34 - Outdoor Toastmasters meeting idea

19:26 - Call to action for listeners

In this delightfully lively episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett, DTM, and District Director Kimberly Ross, DTM, meet at a coffee house and explore the fun side of

Kim kicks things off by declaring that Toastmasters provides a choice of a "jillion clubs" where members can meet people from around the world. It's the perfect, safe place to practice your speaking, to learn to lead, and just to be transparent and get to know other people.

The dynamic duo then takes us on a whirlwind tour of Toastmasters' greatest hits of fun. It includes ice

Mickey regales with tales of "Post Toasties", when his club gathers at a bar after their meeting and members philosophize over drinks. Kim, not to be outdone, shares stories of concerts, photo booths, funny hats, and division directors on a mission to inject fun into every meeting. She emphasizes that a Toastmasters meeting, even in the middle of a busy workday during a hectic week, is energizing.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Mickey reveals his secret dream of hosting a meeting in a hidden amphitheater that he discovered while on a walk deep in the woods at a local park. Kim enthusiastically jumps on board, suggesting they turn it into a podcast episode. It’s possible that D50 After Dark might be coming to a forest near you!

The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to join this woodland adventure, promising FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) for those who don't participate. It's clear that in the world of D50 Toastmasters, fun is not just encouraged— it's practically mandatory!

Listeners, let us know that you want to join the fun on a Toastmasters nature event. 

Email us at [email protected] or D50 Cares at [email protected]

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Episode 

Chapter 2: Understanding the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) 

Chapter 3: The Vision for District 50 

Chapter 4: Historical Context and District Pride 

Chapter 5: The Role of Every Member in the District's Vision 

Chapter 6: Challenges and Strategies for Membership Growth 

Chapter 7: Call to Action and Leadership Contact 

Show Notes for D50 After Dark - Episode 5: "Toastmasters in College"
Episode Description:

Key Takeaways:
Call to Action: