[30:44] Jocelyn Tyson, a 42-year-old pharmacist from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, won the Toastmasters World Championship of Public SpeakingÆ at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort and Convention Center in Nassau, Bahamas this past August. Jocelyn, along with seven other final contestants, reached the championship level after several eliminating rounds that began more than six months ago with 30,000 participants from 148 countries. She took home the first-place trophy with an inspirational speech titled, "Have You Been There?"

[22:24] Toastmasters changes lives. In this episode, host Greg Gazin speaks with Jane Osemwegie. In her youth, Jane was bullied and called names, never feeling like she would ever amount to anything. With dedication, determination and Toastmasters,Jane, in her own words says, "(Now) I see a blessed, confident, Black, and gifted woman in me.”   Jane enlightens us, sharing a little about her journey of confidence building, career enhancement and transformation through Toastmasters starting where she grew up in Nigeria and now in Canada where she currently lives.

[26:35] While most organizations recognize the importance of brand consistency and uniformity, getting everyone on board to follow brand guidelines can sometimes be a challenge. Today we speak with Distinguished Toastmaster Mayuri Assudani who single-handedly took a stand for the brand, cascading brand awareness through her entire district—including through a live competition, no less.

[33:35] For some of us, Imposter Syndrome is an obstacle that gets in the way of  being an effective leader. In this episode, Greg and Ryan speak with Dr. Valerie Young who helps demystify this topic to loosen the grip this phenomenon can have on us. Dr. Young is a featured expert in an article appearing in the August 2023 issue of the Toastmaster written by Maureen Zappala called “The Secret to Confidently Humble Leadership: Learn to balance a strong skill set with the ability to admit what you don’t know.”

[37:41] Meet Morag Mathieson, the 2023--2024 Toastmasters International President from Germany. Morag is Toastmasters’ second-ever International President from Europe, and the first female International President from outside North America. A member for 17 years, she is a member of 3 clubs. On today’s episode, President Matheison shares about her Toastmasters journey, her leadership philosophy, and her post-pandemic vision for the organization.

[33:17] Spontaneous or impromptu speaking—or Table Topics, as we practice it in Toastmasters—is something that we have to do every day. Returning to the podcast for the 5th time, we welcome Matt Abrahams, an expert whose name has been synonymous with Spontaneous Speaking from a ripe young age. Matt has dedicated his career to assisting others with their communication. In this episode, we talk with Matt about Mindset and Message—two critical elements of spontaneous speaking.

You’ll hear why Matt suggests you "dare to be dull," plus receive tips on removing unnecessary filler words and understanding "what’s needed." Matt also provides simple structures you can use to sharpen your message.

[33:08] You’ve heard of a meditation practice, a yoga practice, or a writing practice. But a podcast practice? Today’s guest, Tara McMullin‚Äîa podcast fanatic and audio aficionado‚Äîsuggests just such an approach to podcasting. Tara demystifies how to do that and along the way shares her passion for the medium. This episode is a follow-up to Tara’s article in the August 2023 issue of the Toastmaster magazine, "Put Your Podcast in Practice."

[29:37] Chairing a Toastmasters International Convention can be a rewarding experience, but combining that journey with a three-decade-long friendship can enhance the magic even more. Today we have the honor of speaking with co-chairs Tony Longley & Pamela D. Rolle, from District 47. This dynamic duo will welcome Toastmasters around the world to the tropical paradise of Nassau in the Bahamas for the hybrid International Convention taking place August 16-19, 2023.

[31:20] Are you overwhelmed? Could you be at risk of burnout? Today’s guest has the know-how and tips to help you keep burnout at bay. Sara Mayer is a strategic business consultant and the CEO of Sara Mayer Consulting. She believes you can set and crush bold goals without working double-time‚Äîor burning out.

[27:39] Traveling internationally can open our eyes to a whole new world of experiences, especially for Toastmasters, given there are clubs located all over the world. Back for the third time, our guest today Maureen Zappala has connected with several members with Toastmasters-inspired experiences and stories and shares them with us today. She also offers tips for enhancing your travel abroad by visiting clubs and making new connections.