D50 After Dark

HIGHLIGHTS

(1:50) Denise Castile joined Toastmasters in January 2019 and has quickly risen to Program Quality Director.

(3:40) Nine years ago, Denise survived a Widowmaker heart attack while on a business trip in Michigan.

4:49) This experience inspired her to start a business focused on teaching lifesaving skills.

(6:16) Her CPR training business now has contracts with major organizations including the Department of Defense.

(7:27) She describes a heart attack feeling "like an elephant sitting on your chest" and recalls being alone and scared during the experience.

(9:09) Memorable moment when ICU nurses comforted her, saying, “we'll be your family” when she was crying about being alone.

(16:05) Denise urges everyone to learn CPR, whether through her company at anydaycpr.com or another provider.

SUMMARY

This episode of D50 After Dark features an interview with

This near-death experience transformed her life's purpose.

Through her company, anydaycpr.com, Denise advocates for universal CPR training, emphasizing that these skills are crucial for everyone, not just medical professionals or those in specific occupations. Her personal brush with mortality has become a powerful force for positive change, enabling others to

anydaycpr.com

Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow: Victor Johnson’s Mission to Mentor Youth

Highlights

0:00

1:31 - Victor Johnson published a mindset-focused book in

2:01 - At Dallas College, Victor mentors men of color in leadership, financial literacy, and communication skills

5:01 - He observes that many young people struggle with

11:23 - Victor’s Create Your Future Self Youth Program has

17:56 - Victor says that the unique selling point to the

20:54 - He emphasizes how finding purpose empowers students by giving them a voice and role in "the greater scheme of things"

Summary

In this engaging conversation on D50 After Dark, host Mickey

The discussion evolves to focus on Victor's Create Your

Throughout the interview, Victor shares insightful observations about modern youth, particularly their struggle with face-to-face communication despite technological proficiency. He draws an interesting parallel between the predictability of technology and the unpredictable nature of human interaction, using this to explain why many young people need support

The conversation concludes powerfully with Victor's

bethevictor.us

Maps, Members, and Moving Clubs: Ezekiel Reveals D50's Realignment Puzzle

Highlights

(1:08) Ezekiel explains how he became involved with district realignment

(2:53) Details the target district structure: 4-6 clubs per

(4:07) Explains balancing factors: club numbers, member

(5:13) Discusses geographical considerations in realignment

(7:45) Reveals scope of recent realignment: only 5-6 clubs

(12:39) Mentions potential use of Alteryx software for future

(14:53) District Director typically handles any criticism of

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett

The interview reveals that realignment follows specific

Ezekiel describes how the realignment committee, led by the District Director, develops proposed changes approximately three months before the annual meeting to allow time for review and feedback. In the most recent

A significant challenge is ensuring that clubs within an area

Ezekiel shares a potential improvement to the process,

The interview concludes with insights into the political

Following the Laughter: How Rhonda Bunte Discovered Toastmasters

Highlights

(2:06) Rhonda Bunte’s career as an audit specialist

(4:35) – Inspired by hearing laughter and applause from a conference room

(7:27) – The open corporate club at FDIC welcomes both employees and outside members

(9:18) - Shares success stories of helping fellow members

(14:36) - Describes pivotal leadership experience organizing division contest

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Rhonda Bunte, District 50's Club Growth Director. The interview focuses on Rhonda's personal journey in Toastmasters and the impact it has had on both her life and those around her.

Rhonda begins by sharing her professional background, having spent 30 years at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as an audit specialist in the Office of Inspector General. Her introduction to Toastmasters came through an unexpected source—the sound of laughter and applause from a nearby conference room—which stood out in contrast to the typically analytical environment of the FDIC.

The interview reveals how Rhonda joined the "open corporate club" at FDIC, where the corporation supported employee membership while also welcoming outside members. This club has remained her home club for 26 years, demonstrating her long-term commitment to the organization.

Throughout the conversation, Rhonda shares several inspiring success stories of fellow Toastmasters. One particularly powerful narrative involved a colleague who initially joined to develop facilitation skills and eventually became an assistant professor and professional coach in FDIC's leadership program. Another compelling story featured a self-described shy member who transformed through Toastmasters and rose to an executive position, later becoming an advocate for referring her staff to the program.

The highlight of Rhonda's own leadership journey is her experience organizing a division contest during the pandemic. This challenge forced her out of her comfort zone, requiring her to adapt to online formats and develop new networking skills. She emphasizes how this experience contributed to her growth in leadership.

The interview concludes with information about "Sell the Sizzle," a District 50 promotion encouraging members and clubs to share their Toastmasters success stories through videos. Incentives are "Bookstore Bucks" that can be used for Toastmasters merchandise and conference tickets.

Throughout the conversation, Rhonda emphasizes the dual benefits of Toastmasters: professional development and personal transformation. Her stories consistently highlight how the organization helps members develop not just public speaking skills, but also leadership abilities, networking capabilities, and personal confidence.

The interview ends with a promise of a follow-up episode focusing specifically on Rhonda's role as Club Growth Director, suggesting more insights to come about district leadership and growth strategies.

Check out https://d50tm.org/incentives/ “Sell the Sizzle” parts 1 & 2

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