Podcasts
#270: Celebrating Women in Leadership and Toastmasters' Impact – Morag Mathieson
In this episode, celebrate International Women's Day with 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.
For more from Mathieson and the three other women on the Executive Committee, read the March 2025 Toastmaster magazine.

#269: A Toastmaster's Golden Experience: Seeking Love on Reality TV – Bill Hernandez
It’s not every day that Bill Hernandez, DTM, gets an opportunity to put his communication skills to the test on network television—let alone while searching for love on an American reality TV show. In this episode, Hernandez shares his experience participating in ABC’s The Golden Bachelorette.
Don’t miss the article about his journey in the January 2025 issue of the Toastmaster.

Archive
#268: Stop Talking, Start Connecting: The Cure for Overspeaking - Joel Schwartzberg
February 01, 2025
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. Communication coach and author Joel Schwartzberg is an expert in helping individuals navigate all three. In this episode, he sheds light on overspeaking.
Read more about the common concept, its consequences, and how to overcome in Schwartzberg’s Toastmaster magazine article.
#267: Meet Maureen Zappala, DTM, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker
January 15, 2025
In this episode, host Greg Gazin, DTM, speaks with Maureen Zappala, DTM, about her journey to become an Accredited Speaker at the 2024 Toastmasters International Convention. Zappala shares some key takeaways from her presentation and origin story.
Learn more in the Toastmaster magazine.
#266: Meet Lauren Parsons, DTM, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker
January 01, 2025
Lauren Parsons, DTM, is one of two members who earned the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation in 2024. In this episode, Parsons shares highlights and valuable lessons from her AS final presentation and personal story.
Learn more in the article, “New Accredited Speakers Exemplify Resilience”.
#265: Holiday Harmony: Tips for Multicultural Workplace Celebrations – Dean Foster
December 15, 2024
In this episode, Dean Foster tackles an essential question: How can we ensure holiday celebrations are inclusive and respectful of everyone’s traditions in a multicultural environment? Foster shares invaluable tips and strategies to make holiday celebrations a success while embracing cultural diversity.
Read “Celebrating the Holidays in a Multicultural Workplace” for eight tips to make everyone feel welcome.
#264: Winning Wisdom: Speech Contest Secrets, Insights and Tips – Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS
December 01, 2024
Past International President Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, has accumulated a treasure trove of wisdom, captivating stories, and winning secrets for speech contests. He offers valuable insights on how he learned from others and tools and techniques he used to perfect his craft.
For more advice on how to elevate your speaking skills, read his article.
#263: Dr. Ralph C. Smedley’s Legacy: Hidden Stories and Rare Finds – Bob Palmer
November 15, 2024
Bob Palmer is a Toastmaster with a passion for historical research, who shares some lesser-known facts and hidden mysteries about Toastmasters founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. Palmer’s vast knowledge is on display in this episode and in this magazine article about the first Toastmasters club.