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Communication & Leadership Learning Lab helps you become better communicators, public speakers & leaders
Episodes
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
[39:59] In this insightful and timely episode, host Greg Gazin delves into the realities of the refugee experience with accomplished entrepreneur, advocate and author, Dalton T. Sirmans. They unpack the common myths and misconceptions surrounding refugees, moving beyond the headlines to reveal stories of incredible resilience, ingenuity, and significant economic contribution.
Dalton introduces the core message of his book, "The Refugee Advantage," highlighting the remarkable strengths and hidden potential of those forced to flee their homes.
Dalton shares his personal journey from the fintech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for refugee empowerment, a path that led him to at 60, pursue a Master's in International Relations at Harvard University to better understand the global challenges of displacement. He discusses the work of his firm, Amplio Ventures, which invests in refugee-led businesses and aims to create remote work opportunities for those in camps.
Throughout the conversation, Dalton provides powerful examples and statistics that counter the narrative of refugees as a burden. He shares inspiring stories taken from his book of refugee entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable success, including:
- Andrew Ly, a Vietnamese refugee who, along with his brothers, reimagined a corner coffee shop the Sugar Bowl Bakery, now one of the largest Asian-owned bakeries in the United States.
- The Haddad Family, Syrian refugees in Canada who started the internationally recognized chocolate company, "Peace by Chocolate," becoming a major employer in their new community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
- "JB," a former gymnast from Central Asia who, after becoming a Christian, facing persecution and imprisonment, built a successful set of gyms in Texas.
- TesfaMichael Yohannes's twin daughters, who fled Eritrea and later founded the successful 2•4•1 Cosmetics company, featured on Oprah's Favourite Things.
Dalton explains that refugees often possess unique entrepreneurial qualities honed by their experiences, such as profound resilience, resourcefulness, and a refusal to accept failure. Statistics from a 2005-2019 U.S. study are shared, indicating that refugees contribute billions to the economy and become net-positive taxpayers faster than any other immigrant group.
The conversation also touches on the quiet, yet significant, social and cultural impacts refugees have on the communities where they resettle, like in Clarkston, Georgia, known as the most diverse square mile in America.
Dalton T. Sirmans is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and advocate for refugee empowerment. He co-founded Amplio Ventures, an investment firm supporting refugee-led businesses, and previously served as the CEO of Main Street Technologies. He holds a Master of Liberal Arts in International Relations from Harvard University and is the author of The Refugee Advantage, a book that blends research and storytelling to highlight the resilience and contributions of refugees.
To learn more about these inspiring stories and the research behind them, visit TheRefugeeAdvantage.com where you can pre-order Dalton's book, The Refugee Advantage.
Dalton lives in Palm Coast, Florida, where he lives with his wife Margie. He can be reached at Dalton@AmplioVentures.com.
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
[32:25] In this episode, we speak with Rick Voight, CEO Vivid-Pix where we dive into the concept of reminiscence therapy, focusing on photo reminiscence and its powerful role in enhancing mental well-being and how Vivid-Pix technology technology can be used to enhance that experience.
Reminiscence therapy uses personal memories to improve cognitive function and emotional health, and photo reminiscence specifically leverages cherished photographs to evoke memories and connections.
We’ll explore how Memory Station by Vivid-Pix is a hardware/software solution that uses cutting-edge technology to support this therapeutic practice by offering advanced photo-restoration and digitization services.
Rick will walk us through how Memory Station works, explaining their innovative approach to revitalizing old photographs and capturing memories. Discover firsthand how their system make vintage photos more accessible and meaningful, contributing to improved mental health outcomes. You'll hear stories about the benefits of photo reminiscence therapy and how it helps individuals reconnect with their past.
Memory Station can be useful in several contexts:
- Reminiscence Therapy: For individuals in therapeutic settings, especially those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s, Memory Station helps restore and digitize old photographs, making them accessible for reminiscence therapy. This can aid in memory recall, improve mood, and foster emotional connections.
- Family Archives: Families can use Memory Station to preserve and digitize their photo collections, ensuring that important memories are not lost over time. This is valuable for creating digital family albums and sharing historical photos with future generations.
- Historical Preservation: Memory Station can assist historians, researchers, librarians, genealogical societies and others in digitizing and preserving historical photos and documents. This helps in maintaining historical records and making them available for study and education.
- Personal Projects: Individuals can use the services for personal projects, such as creating photo books, slideshows, or other keepsakes that feature restored family photos or significant life events.
- Event Planning: For events like anniversaries, reunions, or memorials, Memory Station can restore and prepare old photos for display, enhancing the event’s nostalgic and emotional impact.
Memory Station comes in various configurations including free trial software.
For more details on Memory Station and to learn how technology is bridging the gap between the past and present, enhancing our connection to treasured memories visit Vivid-Pix.com or MemoryStation.com and reach out through the contact page.
You can also view the Transcript of this episode on Apple Podcasts.
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
[36:11] In this fun and entertaining episode, Greg speaks with first-time novelist Jock Mackenzie who shares some of his adventures and misadventures in creating, writing, publishing and then promoting his newly published crime-novel, Dealing with Dymans.
Jock shares stories and offers some insights on how the novel came to be, including the creating and naming his characters. We hear how he leveraged resources with writing groups, experiences with editors, looking for publishers and how he went about finding places to promote and sell his book beyond places like Amazon.
And of course, as a former teacher Jock wares his heart on his sleeve with some of what he had gone through and deals out tips and advice for those who might be thinking of writing a novel, but may have this fear of starting or plagued with writer's block.
Jock also introduces us to the Scattergram (see below), a pencil and paper picture outline method he uses to organize his thoughts and prepared himself for this interview.
Jock Mackenzie is a former teacher and administrator with the Red Deer Public School Board in Alberta Canada for 31 years. A long-time Toastmaster, Jock has enjoyed speaking at teacher conferences across Canada as well as emceeing a variety of events.
He's also the author of a teacher reference book on essays, Essay Writing: Teaching the Basics from the Ground Up (2007), numerous magazine articles.
More recently, Jock has self-published a crime drama, Dealing with Dymans, about a shyster jeweler who switches out real gems for fake ones. Ex-RCMP officer, Jack Schmidt, finds out and the fun begins. And you don’t know Jack Schmidt until you’ve read it. You can get it directly from Jock and find it on Amazon.
Jock also appears on Episode 104 - 3I-Racer Technique for More Engaging Storytelling.
Jock Mackenzie can be reached by e-mail mackenzie.jock AT gmail.com and on his blog, Teacher Man, Teacher Ms.
Friday Jun 30, 2023
Friday Jun 30, 2023
[39:37] Wonder what it takes to be a great Emcee and Host? It takes more than just being able to be a good talker with an ability to wing it off the mic. Our special guest today Nathan Cassar is an award-winning professional and one of Australia's Premier Wedding & Corporate Emcees and known as the go-to guy for making any event unforgettable.
Nathan Cassar has over a decade of experience and a strong reputation in the entertainment industry, this includes being a former Entertainment Host for prestigious Princess Cruise Line for several years. Nathan has also had the privilege of performing for thousands of happy guests spanning 40+ nationalities across the globe.
Nathan shares with us a little about his journey starting with his humbled origins as a young bullied introvert who overcame adversity to today where he has become a world-class host and Master of Ceremonies.
Nathan also shares many tips and best practices on what makes a great emcee for those who may want to entertain that career path.
You’ll also hear many do's and don'ts and learn how to create your own improv treasure chest that can be used both onstage and offstage and in many other impromptu speaking environments. In addition to many entertaining stories full of his invaluable wisdom, Nathan also shares tips on what to look for if you are searching for an emcee for your event and more.
Nathan Cassar lives in Sydney, Australia an can be reached via his website NathanCassar.com.au as well as on his various social media platforms below.
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
[56:30] In the first half of 2023, Generative AI and apps like ChatGPT have hit us like a tidal wave and is already impacting our lives. Our expert guest today, Robert Lavigne always seems to ride ahead of the curve. Rob is a Generative AI and Digital Media Specialist and joins us today to help demystify this wild frontier for both techies and those new to AI.
Robert Lavigne is a Generative AI and Digital Media Specialist with a passion for audio podcasting and video production. He is the owner of The Digital Grapevine committed to serving as a thought leader in aligning digital branding and marketing strategies with a client’s business goals and objectives. With decades of experience, Robert helps guide clients in defining their digital vision by helping structure and present digital programs and recommendations to business owners and their respective decision makers He also provides ongoing support, mentoring, professional development and training to staff of client establishments when required.
In addition, Robert is also the host / producer of numerous podcast and video interview series. The Digital Grapevine recently re-launched their Content Creator For Hire platform to focus on Generative AI projects.
Rob is also the first person on the planet to have his own digital avatar complete with synthetic speaking in 10 languages modeled in his own vocal tone.
Robert Lavigne is from Brantford, Ontario, Canada. He can be reached on LinkedIn (rlavigne42) and at The Digital GrapeVine. You can also view many of his creations on YouTube.
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Rob generated the show notes below by feeding his side of the audio into AI tools.
AI Generated Show Notes:
Generative AI: Lavigne discusses the domains of generative AI, which include text, audio, video, and image generation, and stresses that they are machine learning systems, not self-aware entities.
Applications of Generative AI: Potential applications are identified across various sectors, including both white-collar and creative industries. Lavigne cites his use of ChatGPT-4 as a valuable tool in his creative process.
Concerns over AI (The Ugly): Job loss, misinformation, deepfakes, and potential misuse are cited as major concerns around AI. The potentially devastating impacts of AI misuse are likened to that of a nuclear bomb.
AI and Work: The potential for AI to take over mundane aspects of work is discussed, along with the challenges of achieving this ideal state.
Impact on Jobs (The Bad): Lavigne talks about how the rise of AI and automation, along with remote work and the gig economy, is intensifying competition for jobs.
Benefits of AI (The Good): Despite the potential downsides, Lavigne appreciates how AI has helped him deliver complex projects rapidly and improve the initial stages of his work.
AI in Creative Writing: Lavigne discusses his project, "The Digital Revolution," entirely written by GPT-4, highlighting the use of AI in creative writing.
Role of AI in His Work: Lavigne uses AI as a tool for producing desired outputs, leveraging its capabilities to aid his creative process.
Process of Using Generative AI: Lavigne explains his method of seeding the AI with basic factual information, leading to accurate, relevant outputs that can be used to generate impactful quotes and FAQs.
Quality of AI Outputs: The concept "garbage in, garbage out" is applied to AI, emphasizing the importance of good quality input to obtain valuable output.
Role of Prompt Engineers: The emerging role of "prompt engineers" who formulate prompts for AI is discussed, noting that those with a better understanding of language and question formulation tend to be more effective.
OpenAI and GPT-4: Lavigne speaks about OpenAI's role as a leading AI development company and their products such as GPT-4. He also talks about his use of ChatGPT, a product of OpenAI that uses GPT-4.
OpenAI and Microsoft Partnership: The partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft is discussed, with GPT-4 now powering Microsoft's Bing search engine.
New Features in GPT-4: Lavigne introduces the new features in GPT-4, including plugins that allow the AI to interface with other software and data.
Interpreting Internet Content with GPT-4: Lavigne uses GPT-4 to interpret web content directly, bypassing manual website navigation. He predicts this capability may change the future of SEO and web traffic patterns.
Real Data as Input: The importance of using real data to seed GPT-4 is emphasized to prevent the AI from generating unfounded information.
Impact on Industries: Lavigne discusses the potential impacts of AI on various industries, including job loss, especially in content creation and curation roles.
Advancements in Chatbots: The use of GPT-4 in newer chatbots, which can be trained on a document and interact in any language or style, is discussed.
Data Hallucination: Lavigne addresses the issue of data hallucination, where AI generates information that isn't based on input data, stressing the need for safeguards.
Importance of AI Ethics: The crucial role of ethics in AI development and use is emphasized, particularly given the potential for misuse and the inherent biases that can be reflected in AI outputs.
AI Legislation: Lavigne discusses the current state of AI legislation, stressing the importance of global cooperation in setting standards and regulations.
AI's Influence on Content Creation: Lavigne explores how AI is reshaping content creation, from writing scripts to editing video. He predicts that AI will allow creators to produce more while maintaining quality.
Future Predictions: Lavigne shares his predictions about how AI will evolve, especially in the context of content creation, and what implications this might have for society.
End Note: Lavigne wraps up by encouraging listeners to stay informed about the rapidly changing landscape of AI and to approach the technology with an open, but critical, mind.
Toastcaster 173: Demystifying Generative AI & ChatGPT - The Good, Bad & The Ugly - Robert Lavigne
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
[32:54] In this episode, Greg speaks with Oscar Santolalla about the Fireside Chat – a great alternative to a typical Q & A style one-on-one podcast interview. Oscar introduces us to the concept, where it originated and how he successfully adapted this 90 year old delivery format to his podcasts.
You'll also hear the pros and cons of the format and what you can do if you would like to try one for yourself.
Greg's shares his first experience with a recent Fireside chat on Oscar's podcast - what he learned, what surprised him - and more.
Oscar Santolalla is an accomplished speaker, author, coach, and Sales Engineer and Trainer for Ubisecure. His mission is to help people in technology companies present better, inspire others, and sell more.
Oscar is this author of: Rock the Tech Stage and Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo. He also hosts Time to Shine, a podcast about public speaking and as his company's podcast, “Let’s Talk About Digital Identity.”
You can find Oscar's interview on The Toastmasters Podcast about using Metaphors - to power your presentations - episode #218.
An example of a fireside chat: How to Give a Tech Talk Successfully with Greg Gazin & Heather Flanagan on Time to Shine Podcast #196.
Oscar Santolalla lives in Helsinki, Finland but is originally from Peru.
You can reach him at RockTheTechStage.com or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
[37:29] Think of AI (Artificial Intelligence), particularly health care and your brain might conjure up The Doctor - the Emergency Medical Hologram from Star Trek Voyager. But AI in healthcare is here, it’s real and it’s already disrupting healthcare and changing the ways in which we can - in the words of Mr. Spock, “Live Long and Prosper.”
In this non-technical and eye-opening episode, Greg speaks with Harry Glorikian —an influential healthcare entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and company leader—has been at the intersection of the fast-moving science and business of healthcare and biotechnology.
Harry offers us a number of insights from his new book: The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer - how AI is disrupting healthcare and what you need know to successfully navigate through it.
In our conversation, Harry also helps demystifies the term AI. He illustrates some of the ways it’s being used in research, at your local healthcare provider, at home and in everyday gadgets. You’ll hear AI is about playing a role with vaccine development and how technology is being used to proactively identify individuals who may be predisposed to certain types of cancers.
You’ll also be inspired on how this advancing technology can help us improve preventative and preemptive care (before things happen) vs sick-care (after the fact).
Harry also impresses upon us how we are still very dependant on the human brain. However, given the ability of a machine to handle lots of data along with AI technology, you’ll hear how the two together can help predictability that someone may be predisposed to a certain condition. You also be introduced to the term Digital Therapeutics on how non-medicinal treatments in some areas are already FDA approved to replace the need for meds. 
Harry also shares a number of personal stories and how he himself uses technology to better his personal health, and more.
Harry Glorikian lives int the greater Boston area and can be reached via LinkedIn or Glorikian.com .
His book The Future You: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You Get Healthier, Stress Less, and Live Longer is designed for anyone and includes over 50 pages of references, You can find the book on Amazon.
ToastCaster 169: How AI Can Help the Future You Live Longer & Prosper – Harry Glorikian
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
[27:53] In this episode Greg speaks with Varun Puri co-founder of Yoodli a web-based platform, that helps individuals practice, record, upload and store speeches or interviews and provides feedback and AI enabled analytics as well as an auto-generated transcript of the speech.
In our conversation, Varun enlightens us on a little more of what Yoodli is, why it was created it, how it was funded, how it works and why he refers to it as a “smart- mirror.”
He gives us a few examples and explains on how Yoodli, in real-time, provides users with personalized feedback such as filler and repeated words, body language, word pacing and more. We’ll also hear about the added bonuses like games you can play to further step-up those skills.
We also hear a little bit about the recent partnership between Toastmasters International and Yoodli, giving Toastmasters members, at no-cost, a customized version of the Yoodli platform tailored to the Toastmasters experience including the ability to practice your Table Topics (impromptu speaking).
We’ll also hear about how you can get your analytics on your Zoom communication by inviting Yoodli to join your meeting through a pasted link or your calendar. (Public version only)
And finally Varun shares with us how the platform has helped him in fine-tuning his own communication skills.
Varun Puri, Co-Founder, Yoodli is based in Seattle, Washington and can be reached at Yoodli.ai where you can also access the public version of Yoodli.
Toastmasters members are encouraged to access the Toastmasters Yoodli by simply logging onto their accounts at Toastmasters.org/myhome.
You can also read more about Yoodli and the partnership in Laura Mishkind's new article on Yoodli in the Toastmaster Magazine On-line.
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
[29:17] “How Far? A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama” by Bob Wilber is a book written in the "historical fiction" genre, and features two fictional characters who "write" the book in their own voices. One is a baseball player from Southern California. The other is a hockey player from Roseau, Minnesota. When their very different lives intersect, they become friends and the drama begins.
It’s a life book told through a sports lens and - everyone can relate to it. It’s not only an incredible read and a great story but it’s also full of life and leadership lessons that anyone can benefit from.
In this episode we speak with the author about his book and why he wrote it and what's unique about it. We get to better understand about the genre of historical fiction and how it can be used for any type of storytelling.
We learn more about who Bob is, the skills he acquired including wisdom from his writing coach and the lessons he learned about himself on this journey and much, much more.
ABOUT Bob: Bob Wilber has been writing creatively since grade school and first published at age 16. He is the son of a former Major League baseball player and a mother who passed along her communications and public relations skills to her youngest son.
After earning a full athletic scholarship to Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, he spent six years in professional baseball as a player, coach, and scout for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bob then moved on to international sports marketing and eventually spent 22 years in the world of NHRA Drag Racing, as a PR representative and team manager for Funny Car drivers Del Worsham and Tim Wilkerson. In 2017, he published his autobiography "Bats, Balls, & Burnouts" and his latest book is "How Far?" A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama.
Bob lives in Minnesota with his wife Barbara and their cats Boofus and Buster. You can reach him at BobWilber.net where you learn more about Bob and purchase the book through links to Amazon.
Friday Jul 01, 2022
Friday Jul 01, 2022
[25:23] What can you learn from your first professional speech (outside Toastmasters)?
In this episode Greg speaks with copywriter Kate McClare who pulls back the curtain and shares five powerful lessons and more from her recent live presentation to a group of CPAs. These lessons are basic fundamentals but important reminders that every speaker should remember if they want to make an impact on their audience and of course the organization who engaged them.
You can also hear Kate in her interview with Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque on the Toastmasters Podcast, episode #201, Powerful Collaboration between Toastmasters International and Rotary International.
Kate McClare runs a company called Kate’s Copy, a writing and editing service. Specializing in Digital, Video and Print content for Marketing and PR professionals, Web Designers and Entrepreneurs.
Kate is passionate about Language and prides herself with her ability to harness the power of the written word for better storytelling. She’s is also a Distinguished Toastmaster and a frequent contributor to the Toastmaster Magazine.
Kate McClare lives in Hollywood, Florida and can be reached on LinkedIn or at KatesCopy.net.
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
[29:23] Writing and delivering a good Toast might seem to be something you can just stand up and deliver off the cuff but many YouTube #fails say otherwise. A great toast that makes an impact needs to be well thought out, well written and delivered properly.
In today’s episode we speak with professional speechwriter and newly published author Eddie Rice. Eddie shares with us some valuable tips and advice on preparing, delivering and mastering this ceremonial speech. He highlights his 7-step process and offers up some do’s and don’t when it’s time to raise a glass.
You’ll also learn about what the true purpose of a toast is and some of the different occasions a toast can be written for.
A lot of what Eddie shares is from his just released new book,
TOAST: Short Speeches, Big Impact, available on Amazon. 
We also learn a little about Eddie, how he transformed his career 180 degrees from being a Science Teacher to a Speechwriter and how Toastmasters helped him and continues to help him through that process. He also pulls back the curtain and shares some of the things he went through when writing his book including how he decided to first get feedback on his extensive outline which he in turn used to write his book.
Eddie Rice is a professional speechwriter with over a decade of experience in helping business leaders, keynote speakers, TED talk presenters, Nonprofit organization and everyday people, enhance the messages they tell through great storytelling and structure.
Eddie is from Cleveland Ohio and can be reached at http://ricespeechwriting.com
Thursday Mar 31, 2022
Thursday Mar 31, 2022
[37:21] Wonder how did a shy, socially awkward introvert turn into a successful serial entrepreneur and master relationship builder? Just ask Monica Parkin, who on today’s show will give us an insight into the answer to that question and more by telling us about her recent book, part memoir, part instruction guide, Overcoming Awkward: The Introvert's Guide to Networking, Marketing, and Sales.
You don’t have to be an introvert to benefit from Monica’s wisdom. In this fun and lighthearted episode, you’ll hear honest stories (many from the book) of her often sometimes challenging but fruitful transformation and overcoming her obstacles. You’ll hear about a number of lessons she’s learned and how these can be applied in many areas of one’s personal, professional, business life and even through social media.
You’ll hear how things blossomed for “Mortgage Monica” as she revealed her authentic self and how her moniker as a “crazy goat lady” who lives on a small farm with an assortment of furry creatures actually contributes to her business success and more.
Some of the other topic areas she touches upon include: Difficult conversations, asking questions, setting boundaries, mentorship, Toastmasters and her podcast Juggling Without Balls.
Monica Parkin is from Courtney, British Columbia, Canada. She’s a licensed mortgage broker and successful serial entrepreneur an award-winning international speaker, author, podcaster and Toastmaster.
You can find her book: Overcoming Awkward: The Introvert's Guide to Networking, Marketing, and Sales on Amazon.
Monica can be reached at MonicaParkin.ca.
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Monday Jan 17, 2022
[25:28] Resolutions for many just don't seem to work but our guest today, Dave Fuller uses "Naming Your Year" as a method to accomplish what resolutions are meant to do.
In this episode Dave shares how he stumbled upon this method; what it does and how it works. You'll hear how puts it into practice at home, at the office for both himself, his team and his clients and learn how you can implement it for yourself. You'll also hear about how Naming can also help achieve goals and how Dave uses this to help focus on a 12-week planning method.
David (Dave) Fuller MBA, is an award-winning business coach and a partner in Pivotleader Inc. and the Author of Profit Yourself Healthy.
You can also read Dave's article at Troy Media, New Year's Resolutions are out, naming the year is in, at Troy Media.
Email him at Dave AT Pivotleader.com. Dave would love to hear what you named your year.
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
[26:00] As we reflect back on this year, caregiving can mean many things to many people. Some people are caregivers in the traditional sense, others give care in many forms to others. In this episode we bring back author and former co-caregiver Rick Lauber. The idea of his return was prompted by a recent insightful tweet he made.
“As a #caregiver, please don't ever question the difference you make in someone's life. Thank you so much to all caregivers for everything they do.”
This episode is for those who give care, receive care or know someone who is either.
In this episode Rick enlightens us with what prompted him to share that wisdom. He reflects upon his own personal experiences sharing some of his thoughts and feelings, even those of guilt, which are also likely felt by many others - particularly during the holiday season and this past year.
Listeners are also in for a learning experience as Rick also reflects back with respect to what he’s learned, how he’s coped, some of the actions and steps he’s taken and continues to take and some of what he’s still dealing with even after many years.
He also shares with us how you can go about resetting your life when you are no longer a caregiver, and more.
Rick Lauber is from Edmonton, Alberta Canada. You can reach him at RickLauber.com or on Twitter @CDNCaregiver. You can also find his two best-selling guide books – Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians (2nd edition) and The Successful Caregiver’s Guide (U.S) on Amazon and the usual outlets.
You can also listen to past episodes with Rick Lauber. Toastcaster 69 How Toastmasters helps Authors and Toastcaster 127: Caregiving - The Ultimate Leadership Role.
Happy New Year 2022!
Sunday Oct 31, 2021
Sunday Oct 31, 2021
[37:43] With Livestreaming, you are both a producer and performer. These are words from our guest today, Markus Seppälä, who adds that it’s also public and live and lonely and dependent on tech which can certainly make it a challenge. It’s with his comedic side that he jokingly takes on a sarcastic view of Livestreaming.
For Markus however, it’s rewarding. He loves every minute of it and is with us to share his expertise and some of the things he’s learned along the way.
He enlightens us on how using live-streaming tools, learning from those tools and leveraging the communication skills and other disciplines you’ve already mastered you can super-charge those skills to a whole new level just as our guest today has done - and he shares with us some of the specifics he has accomplished.
You’ll hear how livestreaming is a mode of communication and how it differs from platforms like Zoom and Netflix.
Plus, you’ll discover how you can “level-up your tech” with free tools like OBS and Melon that also integrate with Zoom that add a dynamic level of uniqueness and professionalism to your presentations.
Markus also offers tips on planning a livestream, where to place your most important content and why, answering questions, and ways to engage the audience and keep them listening (not necessarily in ways you might think) and what to do when you get no audience reaction and how not to be dependent on it.
Your livestream will live on-line forever. Markus touches upon on how you can best plan to balance your live feed to maximize the delivery of your content yet maintain its long-term replay value.
Any the end of the interview I’m sure you’ll all want to get started in Livestreaming.
You can also listen to our interview with Markus on the Toastmasters Podcast Episode #180: Comedian Masters Hybrid Meetings.
Also check out Markus’ YouTube videos: How live streaming will improve your communication skills (5 tips) and How to share PowerPoint slides on Zoom with OBS Virtual Camera
Markus Seppälä is a two-time TEDx speaker, event host and stand-up comedian who brings fun to the corporate stage. You can catch Markus on YouTube where you will find a plethora of videos - with tutorials one an array of different videos showcasing his talents with teachings on topics like - Zoom, Streaming, Hybrid Meetings, Video conferencing and ways you can be a better speaker.
Markus is based in Basel, Switzerland where he runs Comedy Basel, the biggest comedy club in town. You can find him at MarkusPresents.com.
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
[29:55] Many people avoid meetings at all costs - they feel they’re unproductive, a waste of time and simply a bandaid for bad communication in an organization. In this episode Greg speaks with return guest Matt Abrahams, educator and coach whose extensive exploration, research and experience has led him to discover a collaborative approach to keep meetings fun and exciting. More importantly they be can productive in achieving the goals of the organization and add value to the teams. And you might even be thanked for running a meeting.
You’ll learn about the importance of planning, executing and setting expectations up front - and even determining whether there is an alternative to holding a meeting.
You’ll hear how to invoke emotion by leveraging meeting invites and making agendas valuable and how the information, emotion and actions are the three important key elements of any communication. This includes the importance of paraphrasing and how that leads to better communication and boost engagement during the meeting.
He also stresses the value of focusing on the experience and the creative order of things and not just the content and also using physical engagement and leveraging the use of technology tools and more.
Matt also touches on how to ensure the new way of running meetings endures and tips for running virtual meetings.
And finally, Matt talks about his new podcast, Think Fast Talk Smart from Stanford GSB.
Matt Abrahams teaches Strategic Communication for Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and Presentation Skills for Stanford’s Continuing Studies Program and co-founder of coaching consulting practice Bold Echo Communication Solutions. If that’s not enough, Matt is also the author of the book Speaking Up without Freaking Out, now in its 3rd edition.
You can also hear Matt on episode #93 Speaking up without freaking out and also on the Toastmasters Podcast, Episode 111, with Greg Gazin and Ryan Levesque where he spoke on how to be confident.
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
Saturday Jul 31, 2021
[31:31] Conversations are fundamental to everyday life – at work or at home, yet little emphasis is ever put on improving it as a skill, particularly in getting one started and keeping them a succinct as possible.
In this episode, Greg speaks with Chris Fenning - subject matter expert and author of the new book, The 1st Minute: How to Start Conversations that gets Results. Chris will share his expertise and insight with lessons taken for the book that you can apply in many communications situations, like job interviews, conversations with the boss, presentations and even written communications.
You’ll discover some of the most common mistakes made in that first minute and some of the misconceptions that surround it. You also learn about when that first minute really starts.
You’ll takeaway two methods you can out to use right away:
1) Framing, a simple 3-part process that in 15 seconds helps you provides context, clarifies your intentions, and makes your message clear: and
2) Structured Summary: How everything we do can be described in the form of a GPS – no, not your car’s GPS but rather Goal, Problem & Solution.
You’ll also learn why you should never ask someone, “Do you have a minute,” and more…
Chris Fenning, in addition to author is also a husband, father and communications instructor. He lives in Amsterdam in The Netherlands and can be reached at ChrisFenning.com.
Saturday May 15, 2021
Saturday May 15, 2021
[27:39] This episode, Part 2 is the final part of our conversation with Noel Bentley on how to host a TEDx event where he continues to share his expertise on being the best host you can be.
Noel also talks about getting help by borrowing - not copying but rather be inspired by others and other TED or TEDx events but at the same time being you own person and letting your own personality shine through.
Noel also shares additional best practices along with a few do’s and don’ts and how you can prepare yourself even for impromptu situations and the unexpected.
You’ll also learn about some of the differences between live and virtual presentations and what you can do to make the latter seem more natural. He also shares some of the special considerations they had to make given the current global climate and environment which they knew could change without notice. He used real examples from TEDx BearCreekPark 2021 that took place just one month ago.
Noel Bentley is a speaker, humorist, storytelling coach, emcee and Toastmaster. He started project called Power of 3 Speaking, a new way of doing keynote speaking. He can be reached at https://powerof3speaking.com or coming soon at NoelBentley.ca
You can also watch the latest TEDx BearCreekPark 2021 at https://tedxbearcreekpark.ca
If you missed part 1, you can find it (Toastcaster 148) at: http://bit.ly/toastcaster148
Saturday May 01, 2021
Saturday May 01, 2021
[27:28] There’s a plethora of resources spotlighting do a TED Talk or speaking on the TEDx stage, but few realize that a great host or emcee can make or break that event. In this episode Greg speaks with Noel Bentley, a three-time TEDx host who’s hosted both live and virtual events at TEDx Bear Creek Park in Surrey BC, Canada.
In Part 1 of this 2 part series, Noel inspires us with his own story, what it means to be a TEDx host, what the role entails and the excitement and opportunities it presents for speakers and individuals. You’ll as be introduced to TEDx BearCreekPark and a glimpse as to what goes on behind the scenes of a TEDx.
Noel enlightens us with his experience in his role as a TEDx host - how he got there, what he learned, how he (over) prepares mentally and physically and about the help he got along the way. You’ll also learn about other key players like the curator, speaker coach, program coordinator and of course the speakers and how the host interacts with them. You’ll also find out what speakers have to go through to be on that stage.
Noel will also share some of his best practices and things to avoid, touching on the topics of introduction, bridging between speakers, scripting and humour.
Noel Bentley is a speaker, humorist, storytelling coach, emcee and Toastmaster. He started project called Power of 3 Speaking, a new way of doing keynote speaking. He lives in Surrey, BC, Canada and can be reached at https://powerof3speaking.com or coming soon at NoelBentley.ca.
You can also watch the latest TEDx BearCreekPark 2021 at https://tedxbearcreekpark.ca
Watch for Part 2 (Toastcaster 149) coming up.
Friday Jan 01, 2021
Friday Jan 01, 2021
[22:13] Kevin Achtzener, DTM is in the process of doing his practicum at a Spanish bilingual school to earn an after degree in Education. He had the idea to teach his students new material as part of a Spanish Language Arts curriculum by getting them to create their own podcasts.
In this episode, Kevin, a regular on ToastCaster, shared his experience as to why he chose podcasting as a teaching medium, what he was trying to accomplish, how the class took to it and how the podcasts turned out. He talks a little about the methods he used, the subjects he selected as well as what both he and his students learned from the process.
He also tells how he got our Podcast Host Greg Gazin involved by interviewing him as both a sample podcast and as a way to share his knowledge with the students through a podcast which was to be played in the classroom.
Kevin Achtzener is from Edmonton, Canada and can be reached at VisualProductivity.net.