The Toastmasters Podcast

[31:37] We rarely consider how skills from one profession apply to another—especially aviation. Beyond flying and landing a plane, what can pilot training teach us? You might be surprised! Today, our guest, Phil Wilkes shares how lessons from the flight deck benefit anyone, anywhere.

Phil shares his background as a pilot, how his experience both helped and challenged his public speaking journey, and what inspired him to join Toastmasters. He explains how Toastmasters transformed his approach to communication.

We also hear about how he effectively communicates with passengers and crew, the structured processes pilots use to relay information, and one powerful pilot training mindset that every professional can benefit from and more.

Phil also discusses his podcast journey, the importance of sharing lessons from the flight deck with a broader audience, and how The Toastmasters Podcast, the Pitch Us Your Podcast (Idea) contest, to celebrate the podcast's 200th episode all played a role in inspiring him to launch his own show and subsequently get an article published.

About Phil:

Phil Wilkes' passion for human performance has led him on a unique journey—from amateur race-car champion to ski instructor, hockey coach, airline pilot, and now airline pilot trainer. He is the co-author of Performance Pilot, an Amazon best-seller exploring performance principles in aviation. His podcast, Like a Pilot, inspired by public speaking and Toastmasters, delves into how pilots' soft skills extend beyond the flight deck.

A Toastmaster since 2021, Phil is the Immediate Past President of Hawthorn Toastmasters.

His article, "A Pilot’s Perspective on Public Speaking: Taking My Lessons in Aviation from the Flight Deck to the Lectern," is featured in the My Turn section of the July 2024 issue of Toastmaster Magazine.

Phil lives in Melbourne, Australia, and can be reached at PhilWilkes.com, on his Facebook author page, and LinkedIn. His book, Performance Pilot, is available at PerformancePilot.net and on Amazon. His podcast, Like a Pilot, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

• Phil referenced: Stage Fright: A Psychologist’s Perspective – Episode #178 with Kristen Hamling, Ph.D.


• Documentary mentioned: Miracle on the Hudson – US Airways Flight 1549 IMDb


• Related interview: Toastcaster #144 – Stories & Leadership Lessons from a Top Gun Instructor with Dave "Bio" Baranek.

[34:13] Mentorship is more than just guiding someone — it’s about building lasting relationships that empower both the mentor and the mentee to grow. For our guest today, veteran Toastmaster Marty Dickinson, mentorship has been a cornerstone of personal development, club growth, and lasting connection. In Toastmasters, a strong mentoring program can be the key to building vibrant clubs and helping members thrive.

Marty, has mentored hundreds of members since joining Toastmasters in 1990. In this episode, Marty shares the unexpected powers of mentorship, how it shapes personal and professional growth, and why a well-structured mentoring program is essential for clubs to thrive.

Marty offers practical advice on building a rockstar mentoring program, supporting new members, and creating a welcoming environment for long-term development. He also reveals how mentoring isn’t just about helping others — mentors themselves gain valuable skills like adapting to different personality types, enhancing listening abilities, and even boosting their professional careers.

Beyond the club environment, Marty explains the lifelong value of mentorship and recounts stories of mentees stepping up to unexpected challenges. Whether you’re a new member, seasoned Toastmaster, or club leader, this conversation will help you see mentorship in a whole new light.

Check with club's executive to find out more about how mentoring works within your club - and don't forget to check out Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring in Level 2 of the Pathways Educational Program.

Marty Dickinson is a past president of Professional Presenters Toastmasters in Denver, Colorado, and has served as an Area and Division Governor. Over the past 26 years, he’s built three businesses almost entirely through public speaking and currently serves as the membership director for the Colorado chapter of the National Speakers Association.

To reach out to Marty or to request his mentoring checklist, email him at marty AT professionalpresenterstoastmasters.com.

🔗 Read Marty’s latest article: Build a Rockstar Mentoring Program: Having strong mentors helps clubs and members grow and stay vibrant, in the March 2025 issue of the Toastmaster Magazine.

🎙️ Listen to more: Check out other inspiring stories on the Toastmasters Podcast, available on Toastmasters.org, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[26:58] Toastmasters International was founded in 1924, but women weren’t admitted as members until 1973. Since then, they’ve made a lasting impact on the organization’s leadership. In 2025, four of the five Executive Committee members are women—and none were born in North America. In today’s episode, just in time for International Women's Day, we honor all women and speak with Toastmasters Immediate Past International President Morag Mathieson, DTM. 

She shares insights into her leadership journey as both a woman and someone from outside North America, discussing what inspired her to take this path. We explore how Toastmasters has shaped her journey to becoming International President, as well as how the mentors, people, and skills she gained have influenced her career and leadership roles outside of Toastmasters—particularly in high-impact organizations.

Morag also provides some interesting trivia on the evolution of International Women’s Day and previews her role as moderator in an upcoming Toastmasters webinar, Women Reflect on the Leadership Journey, sharing what attendees can expect.

She wraps up with sage advice for women looking to take their first or next step into leadership.

Morag is also featured, along with three other board members, in the article Leadership Skills at the Top: How Toastmasters Roles Shaped Four Women on the Executive Board by Laura Amann, in the March 2025 issue of Toastmaster magazine.

Morag Mathieson, PIP DTM, is a self-employed professional development consultant and chair of the child sponsorship charity Living Water Germany.

She previously led pharmacy operations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, managing strategy, service development, and business growth. She holds an MBA from The Open University and has served on pharmacy boards in both regions. She also oversaw finance for USA Girl Scouts Overseas in Southern Germany.

A Toastmaster since 2006, she is a member of Erlangen Toastmasters in Bavaria and served as International President for the 2023–24 term.

Fun Fact: Morag is only the second International President from Europe and the first female International President from outside North America.

On March 5, 2025, Morag will moderate a special free webinar:
Women Reflect on the Leadership Journey, featuring a live panel discussion and Q&A with her fellow Executive Committee members:

• Radhi Spear, DTM – Toastmasters International President


• Aletta Rochat, DTM – President-Elect


• Gauri Seshadri, DTM – Second Vice President

You can also check out our previous interview with Morag from September 2023:
🎧 Episode #236: Never Close the Circle—2023–24 International President Morag Mathieson, DTM.

[26:31] It’s not every day that Bill Hernandez gets a golden opportunity to put his communication skills to the test on network television—let alone bare his soul while searching for love in front of millions of viewers on an American dating reality TV series for 55+. But that’s exactly what happened to this charismatic, now 69-year-old retired videographer when he appeared on  ABC’s The Golden Bachelorette.

In this fun and lighthearted episode, fitting for Valentine’s Day, Bill shares how he got on the radar of ABC producers, how he ended up on the show, and what it was like to go through the reality TV experience.

As a videographer, Bill was used to being behind the camera, capturing the stories of others. But this time, the lens was on him. “It was an entirely different experience being on the other side," he says, describing the surreal feeling of living the moment instead of recording it—while millions watched.

Bill walks us through the nerve-wracking first moments of meeting the Golden Bachelorette, where he carefully balanced charm and sincerity to make a great first impression. He shares what it was like to go through the months-long selection process, including hours of interviews, personal moments from the show, and the tension-filled rose ceremony—held at around 4 AM! He also reflects on how he felt after the entire experience was over.

As a dedicated Toastmaster, Bill reveals how the skills he developed in Toastmasters helped him navigate the show’s many interviews and emotional moments. While non-disclosure agreements prevent him from sharing every detail, he emphasizes how much the experience challenged him, enriched him, and reinforced the value of strong communication skills. He also shares some valuable lessons he learned along the way.

One of the most heartwarming parts of his journey? What his Toastmasters club did for him after the show aired—a story you won’t want to miss.

Bill Hernandez is a retired videographer and an outgoing, charismatic man who is ready to meet "the one." A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, Bill says, “I am Latin; romance is in my blood!”

At (now) 69 years old, he enjoys his retired life but was searching for someone to share his golden years with. He has two daughters, who were fully supportive of his journey on The Golden Bachelorette and his hope of finding love again.

Bill had tried every dating site with little success in his local singles' scene. When he isn’t spending time with family, he enjoys playing guitar, public speaking, and rocking out to The Beatles.

He hoped that meeting Joan (The Golden Bachelorette) would end his search for true love—fingers crossed!

• ☕ Dreams of owning a coffee shop called Billy Beans.


• 🎬 Watching his way through every Academy Award Best Picture winner.


• 🗣️ A dedicated Toastmaster for 18 years, Bill is a member of Sporty Speakers and West Beaverton Toastmasters in Beaverton, Oregon.

Bill Hernandez lives in Beaverton, Oregon, and can be reached at [Bill Hernandez at Comcast.net].

📰 Bill’s profile is featured in the January 2025 issue of Toastmaster Magazine, in an article by Laura Mishkind titled, A Golden Experience: One Toastmaster Took His Communication Skills to Reality Television.

📸 Photo Credit: ABC Television Network.

[33:58] Overspeaking—a term heard less often than overthinking or overanalyzing—is more than simply talking too much. Yet, like the other two, it can negatively impact effective communication. Our guest today, communication coach and author Joel Schwartzberg, an expert in helping individuals navigate all three, will shed light on one in particular: overspeaking.

In this episode, Joel enlightens us on the concept of overspeaking—why it's so common, particularly in the workplace, its consequences, and how to overcome it. He shares practical strategies to improve communication, manage time, and keep discussions focused on key goals for effective collaboration.

Beyond offering sage advice, Joel provides actionable steps leaders can take to manage overspeaking. He also introduces us to a new concept: the Rabbit Hole Minder—and more.

Joel Schwartzberg has been a communication coach and speechwriter for nearly two decades. He is the author of The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team and Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter.

A former U.S. national and state champion in collegiate public speaking, Joel was inducted into the National Forensic Association Hall of Fame in 2002. His insights on effective communication have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Toastmaster Magazine, CNBC, Newsweek, and Inc.com, along with guest appearances on numerous business and communication podcasts.

Joel Schwartzberg lives in New Jersey, USA  and can be reached at JoelSchwartzberg.net, where you’ll find all his articles and reference materials organized by skill set.

🔗 Read Joel's latest article: Stop Talking So Much! Why People Overspeak and How to Keep Discussions Concise, that appears in the January 2025 issue of Toastmaster Magazine.

🎙️ Listen to our previous interview with Joel on Episode #213: Techniques for Supercharging Your Listening Skills:
Listen here

[30:33] Maureen Zappala is one of two members who successfully completed the final step of the Accredited Speaker (AS) application process at the 2024 Toastmasters International convention in Anaheim, California. She was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation joining an elite group of only 95 individuals to receive this accreditation and honor since the program began in 1981.

In this episode, host Greg Gazin speaks with Maureen Zappala. You'll hear inspiring and fascinating stories about her AS journey, as well as her, Toastmasters, and personal experiences. Maureen also shares highlights and valuable lessons from her presentation and origin story, Confidence is NOT Rocket Science. You might just pick up some valuable tips along the way - including learning about imposture syndrome and how to find your DOT. ( You'll have to listen to learn what that means)!

Maureen Zappala has been a Toastmaster for 25 year and is a former NASA propulsion engineer or “rocket scientist,” who works with high-performers to overcome Impostor Syndrome, the secret self-doubt that haunts competent professionals.

At NASA, she was the youngest and first female manager of the Propulsion Systems Laboratory, a jet engine test facility. Don’t let that Big Bang theory Geekiness fool you – she’s an award- winning keynote speaker and author of five books, including the most recent: Get Your Best People to Give Their Best Effort.

In 2019 after 36 years in Cleveland, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada – a warmer climate. (Good thing – Maureen still can’t find her winter coat, but she’s perfectly okay with that!)

You can connect with Maureen through her website, MaureenZ.com which also offers a wealth of resources including her programs, demo video and blog. You can also watch her entire AS presentation on YouTube.

You can also read the article, New Accredited Speakers Exemplify Resilience: The Two Accomplished Women Who Persevered Through Previous Doubts, by Stephanie Darling, in the January 2025 issue of Toastmaster magazine.

The Accredited Speaker (AS) Program recognizes some of the most exceptional professional speakers in Toastmasters. It is designed for sought-after presenters who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with mastery of the spoken word. This AS award requires applicants to pass two rigorous levels of judging and is the highest-earned designation recognized by Toastmasters International. 

[33:59] Lauren Parsons is one of two members who successfully completed the final step of the Accredited Speaker (AS) application process at the 2024 Toastmasters International convention in Anaheim, California. She was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation joining an elite group of only 95 individuals to receive this accreditation and honor since the program began in 1981.

In this episode, host Greg Gazin speaks with Lauren Parsons. You'll hear inspiring and interesting stories about her AS, Toastmasters, and personal journeys. Lauren also shares highlights and valuable lessons from her AS final presentation and personal story, Resilience: To not just survive, but to thrive. You might just pick up some valuable tips along the way including how to adopt an Attitude of Gratitude, How to be Present and to proverbially Snack on Exercise.

Lauren Parsons is a Distinguished Toastmaster, speaker and wellbeing specialist, with over 20 years of experience. She is a Certified Speaking Professional, New Zealand's current Keynote Speaker of the Year and Educator of the Year as awarded by the Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand. A TEDx speaker, author, and host of the Thrive TV Show and Podcast, Lauren is dedicated to helping people and leaders create thriving workplaces.

Lauren is passionate about helping people thrive, helping leaders create thriving workplaces. Working full-time as a speaker, Lauren regularly travels to speak at conferences and in-house on topics such as wellbeing, resilience, and communication, helping leaders create thriving teams. Her practical solutions have helped thousands of busy people feel vibrant, confident, and energized. 

Lauren Parsons lives in Manawatu, New Zealand, where she is also a wife, and a mother of three. 

You can connect with Lauren through her website, LaurenParsonsWellBeing.com which offers a wealth of articles and resources. You can also watch her entire AS presentation on YouTube or her TED Talk, Snack on Exercise she referenced in the interview.  

You can also read the article, New Accredited Speakers Exemplify Resilience: The Two Accomplished Women Who Persevered Through Previous Doubts, by Stephanie Darling, in the January 2025 issue of Toastmaster magazine.

The Accredited Speaker (AS) Program recognizes some of the most exceptional professional speakers in Toastmasters. It is designed for sought-after presenters who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with mastery of the spoken word. This AS award requires applicants to pass two rigorous levels of judging and is the highest-earned designation recognized by Toastmasters International. 

Dean shares invaluable tips and strategies to make workplace holiday celebrations a success while embracing cultural diversity. He explains how companies can learn about various holidays by actively engaging their teams and celebrating without overstepping personal or religious boundaries. Dean highlights the importance of thoughtful timing and including remote employees in the festivities. With stories and creative ideas, he reveals how organizations can celebrate not just year-end holidays but traditions throughout the year, fostering stronger communication and collaboration across cultures.

Dean's article, "Celebrating the Holidays in a Multicultural Workplace: 8 Tips to Make Everyone Feel Welcome," appears in the December 2024 issue of Toastmaster magazine.

Dean Foster, founder of DFA Intercultural Global Solutions and President of Dean Foster Global Cultures, has over 20 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, governments, and NGOs like the UN. He’s traveled to 100+ countries, aiding organizations in navigating cultural complexities.

Dean hosted CNN’s “Doing Business in…” series and has appeared on CNN, CNBC, and the BBC. Featured in Newsweek, USA Today, and The New York Times, he authored five books, including Bargaining Across Borders and the Global Etiquette Guide series.

Honored with the Worldwide ERC’s “Hall of Leaders” induction and the Forum for Expatriate Management’s Lifetime Achievement Award, he serves on American University’s Intercultural Management Institute faculty and co-hosts the podcast Oops, Your Culture’s Showing!.

Dean Foster lives in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A and can be reached at DeanFosterGlobal.com.

[28:38] Speech competitions are an excellent way to elevate your speaking skills. Our guest today, Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, and Past International President, has had an extraordinary speaking career, extensive experience, and a wealth of knowledge. His achievements include five district-level titles, two appearances at the World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS) finals, and an impressive second-place finish in 1992. He has accumulated a treasure trove of wisdom, captivating stories, and winning secrets, some of which he’ll be sharing with us today.

Dilip shares what drew him to speech competitions and how they have shaped him not only as a speaker and speech competitor but also as a leader.

He offers valuable insights on how he learned from others, along with the tools and techniques he used to perfect his craft. Dilip enlightens us on how we can develop our own speeches, using his 1992 second-place finish at the World Championship of Public Speaking as an example. He walks us through his thought process, revealing how the speech underwent 18 revisions and 360 rehearsals, and sharing stories on how he actively sought and received feedback, some of which came from unexpected sources and more.

Dilip’s article, "Speech Contest Winning Secrets: Get Ready to Become the Best Contestant You Can Be," can be found online and in the November 2024 issue of Toastmaster magazine. Read it here.

Dilip Abayasekara joined Toastmasters in 1986, crediting the organization with transforming his life. The self-discoveries he made as a Toastmaster led him to change careers multiple times—from chemist to trainer and keynote speaker, college professor and administrator, and finally pastor. As International President in 2005-2006, his theme was “Find Your Voice – Serve Your World.”

Now retired from the ministry, Dilip and his wife live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he continues to mentor Toastmasters across the USA and around the world in both speech contests and leadership development.

Dilip can be reached at [email protected].

[28:26] In this episode, we speak with Bob Palmer, a retired elementary school teacher and Toastmaster with a passion for historical research, who helps us uncover some lesser-known facts and hidden mysteries about the father of Toastmasters International, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, and the early days of the organization before its official incorporation 100 years ago in 1924.

Bob shares a wealth of stories, including how he identified people in an undated, unannotated photo from 1925 that hung on a wall at Toastmasters' world headquarters for nearly a century and discovered the exact building in Bloomington, Illinois, where Smedley started his first club.

He tells us about Dr. Smedley’s humble beginnings, his education, his work as an educational director at the YMCA, and how all of this unfolded. We also learn about a little-known fact regarding Smedley and why, despite being the founder, he was not the organization's first International President, and more.

Bob shares his own introduction to Toastmasters 51 years ago, back in August 1973, and also introduces us to several resources where people can see, read, and hear about some of his findings and the untold history of Dr. Smedley, including his blog and a flipbook he created.

Bob Palmer has been a Toastmaster since 1973 and is a member of Prime Time Toastmasters in Riverside, California. His vast knowledge makes him a walking encyclopedia on the topic; we dub him the "Indiana Jones of all things Smedley and Toastmasters." Bob has been on a crusade for over three decades.

His passion for historical research began over 30 years ago, uncovering materials that have been referenced or used for both the Toastmasters' 90th and 100th celebrations and numerous articles.

Bob Palmer can be reached at ToastmastersAt100.blogspot.com as well as on Facebook.

You can also find resources at Bob’s Prime Time Toastmasters club at https://130.toastmastersclubs.org and Pomona Valley Toastmasters at https://12.toastmastersclubs.org.

Additionally, you may want to check out the "Untold Smedley Flipbook," a collection of various artifacts compiled by Palmer. 

Stephanie Darling’s article referenced in this episode, Club Follows in Smedley’s Footsteps: Toastmasters’ Original Club Is Still Going Strong, can be found in the October 2024 edition of the Toastmaster Magazine.

For more on the organization’s first hundred years, hear Toastmasters CEO Daniel Rex in #261: Celebrating 100 Years of History – Part 1 and Part 2.