Speak Arizona

What happens when you move to a new country at 35 and can't speak the language? Marie Feutrier grew up in France, lived in Japan for three and a half years, and moved to Arizona in 2008 with the ability to read English but not speak it. In this episode of Speak Arizona, she sits down with host Rupesh Parbhoo to talk about what it really feels like to not be understood, how frustration and anger show up when you can't find the words, and how Toastmasters became the place where she finally found her voice in English. Marie shares the networking event that broke her, the moment she decided to stop hiding, and why she believes learning a language is less about grammar and more about vulnerability. She also talks about the physical side of language that nobody warns you about, how French is spoken from the front of the face while English lives in the throat, and why something as simple as knowing where to put the emphasis on a word can be the difference between being understood and getting blank stares. Rupesh opens up about his own avoidance of learning Spanish in high school and why it took him years to realize he was just afraid of being bad at something. Together they explore what it means to be a beginner again, how to give yourself grace, and why finding your voice sometimes starts with being brave enough to sound terrible.

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What happens when you do everything right and the answer is still no? Rose Swearingen is a 25-year Toastmaster, former District Director, and one of the most experienced volunteer leaders in District 3 history. She recently ran for International Director on the Toastmasters International Board and was not nominated. In this episode of Speak Arizona, she sits down with host Rupesh Parbhoo to talk about what that moment really felt like, how she processed the disappointment, and why it didn't define her. This is not a comeback story. This is a conversation about resilience in real time. Rose shares how she evolved from a leader who walked into rooms with a marching band to one who leads with a string quartet. She talks about the difference between feedback that helps you grow and feedback that tries to make you smaller. And she explains why rejection is redirection, not the end of the road. Rupesh also opens up about his own experience of being passed over for a promotion, leaving his corporate career in anger, and looking back a year later at everything that came from it. If you've ever been told no when you knew you were ready, this episode is for you. Key takeaways Rejection does not define your value as a leader or a person Not all feedback deserves equal weight. Know who you're listening to Prepare for leadership physically, mentally, and spiritually, not just technically Have a plan B so your energy has somewhere to go when things don't work out Authenticity matters more than fitting the mold others built for you

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Toastmasters International has spent more than a century helping people become better speakers and leaders. But as communication changes through podcasts, video, AI tools, virtual communities, and short-form content, the question becomes: what does Toastmasters need to become next? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Stefano McGhee, DTM, International President Elect of Toastmasters International, about service, leadership, confidence, member experience, and his vision for the next year. Stefano shares why clubs remain the heart of Toastmasters, how leaders can better support volunteers, and why the organization must stay flexible while protecting what makes it powerful. Perfect for Toastmasters, emerging leaders, and communicators who want to lead with service and help others grow.

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What makes an elevator pitch memorable is not a perfect script. It is the ability to clearly share who you are, what you do, and why it matters in a way that feels natural and invites conversation. In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Tatum O'Kennedy talk with Eloïse Eonnet about how to move beyond rambling, résumé recitals, and self-doubt. They break down a practical framework for building an elevator pitch, explain why delivery matters just as much as content, and even workshop Tatum's pitch live on the show. Perfect for professionals, job seekers, and emerging leaders who want to communicate their value with more confidence and connection.

Key takeaways

- An elevator pitch should begin a conversation, not try to say everything at once.

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About the guest

About the co-host

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatum-o-kennedy/

What can adults learn from an 11-year-old motivational speaker? In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with William Miller about bravery, confidence, and using your voice before you feel fully ready. William shares how speaking at a city council meeting helped create change in his community, how he practices for major speeches, and why routine, repetition, and courage matter more than perfection. He also explains his belief that bravery is not the absence of fear, it is taking action anyway. This conversation is packed with practical lessons on confidence, preparation, and personal growth. Perfect for aspiring speakers, parents, leaders, and professionals who want to build courage and speak with more confidence.

- Bravery is not about being fearless - it is about taking action even when you feel afraid.

00:00 - Cold Open

About the guest

William Miller is an 11-year-old motivational speaker, kid reporter, and self-published Amazon author who leads a movement focused on bravery, youth leadership, and character development.

- Website: www.itswilliammiller.com

What if humor is not something you are born with, but something you can build? In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Paul Pastore about why humor works like any other communication skill: it can be practiced, refined, and used with purpose. They explore how speakers can build confidence by learning jokes, telling better stories, and paying attention to audience response. The conversation also goes beyond laughs into mentorship, long-term commitment, and what change management looks like inside volunteer organizations. Along the way, Paul shares practical wisdom on feedback, growth, and why continuous improvement matters. Perfect for professionals, speakers, and club leaders who want to communicate with more confidence, connection, and impact.

- Humor becomes more accessible when you treat it as a skill instead of a personality trait.

00:00 - Intro

Paul Pastore has been a residential real estate broker in Arizona since 1977. He is also a longtime Toastmasters member known for his humor, mentorship, and commitment to helping others grow as speakers and leaders.

- Email: [email protected]

Career change can feel like a mix of rejection, identity shake-ups, and pressure to have it all figured out fast. In this episode, Rupesh sits down with Caitlin Magidson to explore how self-awareness can reduce stress, sharpen decision-making, and strengthen how you communicate when the stakes feel high. They connect mindfulness to career pivots, unpack what is really underneath public speaking fear, and talk through how to separate who you are from a single tough moment. You will also hear practical ways to build emotional vocabulary and self-trust so you can show up with more clarity in work and life. Perfect for professionals in transition who want to make calmer decisions and communicate with confidence.

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In Part 2 of our conversation with The Bridge Improv Theater, host Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Rachel Perez dig into how improv skills translate directly to stronger leadership. Guests David Raftery and Jess Klemm share how "going with the flow" helps leaders navigate constant change, why leadership is a shared activity (not a single role), and how "Yes, And" creates momentum and trust on teams. They also explore the power of third spaces for community, and why authenticity will matter even more as AI and automation accelerate. Perfect for leaders and communicators who want to build trust, presence, and authentic connection.

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Guests and cohost

Jess Klemm is the education director at Bridge Improv Theater and began her improv journey in 2018.