Podcasts
#308: Let's Hear from Toastmasters International Convention Attendees
What was it like to experience the 2026 Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada? The Toastmasters Podcast host Greg Gazin, DTM, and fellow podcaster Toastmaster Michael Dugan, DTM, turn the microphone over to the people who were there, including many experiencing their first International Convention.
#307: Highlights and Takeaways from the International Convention
The 2026 Toastmasters International Convention brought 1,137 attendees, including 392 first timers, to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in August for four days of learning, inspiration, and connection.
For this special episode, Greg Gazin, DTM, is joined by fellow podcaster and 12-year Toastmaster Michael Dugan, DTM, of Seattle, Washington, who traveled to Vancouver for his first International Convention. Together, they look back at some of the people, learning, and memorable moments from Vancouver.
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Archive
#306: Introducing 2026-2027 International President Stefano McGhee, DTM
September 1, 2026
Stefano McGhee is a senior IT executive and Toastmaster since 2005. He is also an aviation enthusiast, motorcyclist, and yacht club leader who readily admits that becoming International President was never part of his original plan.
In this episode, we explore McGhee's experiences that shaped his approach to communication and leadership. He also reflects on the confidence he gained through Toastmasters and why continually asking "why" has become central to how he leads. For more, don't miss his profile in the Toastmaster magazine.
#305: Beyond First Impressions: Making Your First 30 Seconds Count – Lauren Parsons, DTM, AS
August 15, 2026
We've all heard the old cliché about first impressions. But what if the biggest lesson isn't about making a better first impression at all? In this episode, Accredited Speaker Lauren Parsons, DTM, challenges us to think differently about those first 30 seconds, explaining why they're really about building trust, creating connection, and focusing on your audience rather than yourself.
Read more from Parsons in the July Toastmaster magazine.
#304: How Toastmasters Changed a Teen's Life and Inspired Young Voices – Runfeng Bruce Yu
August 1, 2026
In this episode, Greg Gazin, DTM, talks with 16-year-old Runfeng Bruce Yu, whose first Toastmasters experience inspired him to help other young people discover the confidence and encouragement that changed his own life. Yu chartered the Sea Dragons Gavel Club, creating a supportive environment where students could grow as communicators and leaders. Along the way, he discovered that creating a welcoming community was every bit as important as helping members become better speakers.
#303: What Can Finding Nemo Teach Us About Growing a Toastmasters Club? – Suneet Singh
July 15, 2026
Some of life's best lessons come from the most unexpected places. In this episode, Suneet Singh shares how Pixar's Finding Nemo helped transform his club's approach to growth. Hear the story behind the journey, the lessons learned along the way, and how one unexpected idea led to remarkable results.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your club, inspire your members, or simply see your club through a different lens, you'll come away with ideas worth exploring. Don’t miss even more from Singh in the Toastmaster magazine.
#302: Your Club’s Secret Ingredient – The Immediate Past President
July 1, 2026
What happens after the gavel changes hands? António Mendes, DTM, draws on his experience serving as Club President and Immediate Past President (IPP) to share why the IPP may continue to influence a club long after a leadership transition.
To read more about the role, check out the July 2026 article by Mendes.
#301: Meet the 2026 Convention Co-Chairs – Carole Murphy, DTM, and Tom Jones, DTM
June 15, 2026
The countdown is on for the 2026 Toastmasters International Convention in August, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In this annual convention preview episode, Greg Gazin, DTM, speaks with convention host co-chairs Carole Murphy, DTM, and Tom Jones, DTM, for a look at what attendees can expect and to learn more about the volunteers and leaders helping bring Toastmasters’ largest event to life.