Podcasts
#278: How to Take Great Photos: The Do’s, Don’ts, and Tips – Bambi Cash and Blake Carver
Ever wish you could retake that one photo where someone blinked, the lighting was off, or the moment passed before you were ready? In this photo-themed episode, Toastmasters International’s visual media pros, Bambi Cash and Blake Carver, offer practical tips to help everyone—from your Vice President Public Relations to smartphone selfie-takers—capture better, more intentional photos.
Don’t miss out on even more tips in their article, “How to Take Great Photos”.
#277: Envision Y(OUR) Next Move: 2025 International Convention – Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS
In this episode, Greg Gazin, DTM, chats with Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, Past International President, and the 2025 Host District Chair, all about what makes this year’s convention extra special. They discuss the deep significance of Philadelphia as a launchpad for Toastmasters’ next 100 years and unveil the 2025 theme: “Envision Y(our) Next Move.”
Listeners will get a sneak peek of what they can expect from the event. Don’t miss the article in the June 2025 issue of the Toastmaster magazine for even more details!
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Archive
#276: Better Conversations – One Question at a Time (Part 2) – Alison Wood Brooks, Ph.D.
March 01, 2025
This episode is part two of Greg Gazin’s conversation with Harvard business school professor and behavioral scientist Alison Wood Brooks, Ph.D., author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. They take a deeper dive into the underrated power of asking good questions, revealing that it’s not just about what you ask, but how, when, and why you ask it.
Brooks also shares tips for reframing sensitive topics, using AI for preparation, and creating more emotionally engaging conversations.
#275: Better Conversations One Question at a Time (Part 1) – Alison Wood Brooks, Ph.D.
May 15, 2025
In part one of Greg Gazin’s conversation with Alison Wood Brooks, they dive deep into the underrated power of asking good questions. It’s not just about what you ask, but how, when, and why you ask it. Whether you're a speaker, a leader, or simply someone looking to have more meaningful interactions, this episode is packed with research-backed tips, memorable stories, and conversational golden nuggets.
#274: Think Fast, Talk Smart: Meet the 2025 Golden Gavel Recipient - Matt Abrahams
May 01, 2025
Get to know Matt Abrahams, the 2025 Golden Gavel honoree, in this episode of the Toastmasters Podcast. Abrahams shares personal stories and practical communication strategies as he discusses communication in modern contexts, executive presence, and the evolving landscape of public speaking.
For more on Abrahams, read the May 2025 Toastmaster magazine.
#273: Dance Into the Future: 2025 Int'l Convention Keynote Speaker – Anne Bonney
April 15, 2025
In this conversation, Anne Bonney, the 2025 International Convention keynote speaker, shares why—even though it’s part of everyday life—change still feels uncomfortable for so many. From recognizing the discomfort of change as a child to navigating a career spanning corporate marketing and animal training, Bonney shows how she’s learned to dance with discomfort—and how we can too.
Read more about Bonney in her Toastmaster magazine profile.
#272: Cleared for Takeoff: A Pilot Trainer's Insights in Communication- Phil Wilkes
April 01, 2025
Phil Wilkes explains how lessons from the flight deck can benefit anyone. Wilkes talks about his background as a pilot, how his experience both helped and challenged his public speaking journey, and what inspired him to join Toastmasters.
#271: The Unexpected Power of Mentorship in Toastmasters – Marty Dickinson
March 15, 2025
Mentorship is more than just guiding someone—it’s about building lasting relationships that empower both the mentor and the mentee to grow. In this episode, Marty Dickinson shares how mentorship has been a cornerstone of personal development, club growth, and lasting connection.
Dickinson has mentored hundreds of members since joining Toastmasters in 1990 and now offers practical advice on building a rockstar mentoring program, supporting new members, and creating a welcoming environment for long-term development.