Episodes
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
Toastcaster 115 Authentic Leadership and What it Really Means - Jeff Davis
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
[31:57] We’ve all heard the term Authentic Leadership, but what is it really all about? In this episode we demystify the topic as Greg speaks with entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and author and Jeff Davis. Davis, who is passionate about Authentic Leadership, shares his personal experiences and offers an insight on why it’s important and practical strategies on how we can all become authentic leaders.
We learn that the road to Authentic Leadership begins way before we become a leader or even get our first job. We will realize that things you have been afraid or embarrassed to share before can help you and others. In fact, Jeff demonstrates the value is of being vulnerable wearing his heart on his sleeve about how he was bullied in school, how that followed him into college and how he had to deal with it. We also learn about some of the challenges of becoming an authentic leader especially in an environment or culture that doesn’t value it.
We also hear a little about his books with big titles, The Power of Authentic Leadership: Activating the 13 Keys to Achieving Prosperity Through Authenticity and Reach Your Mountaintop: 10 Keys to Finding the Hidden Opportunity in Your Setbacks, Flipping What You’ve Heard on Its Head, and Achieving Legendary Goals.
Jeff Davis, originally from Newtown, Connecticut, USA now lives in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He can be reached at JeffDSpeaks.com
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Toastcaster 108 How to Photoshop Your Career & Your Life - Joe MacKay
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Saturday Nov 17, 2018
Toastcaster 106 Learn in Business how to know what you don’t know - Lance Miller
Saturday Nov 17, 2018
Saturday Nov 17, 2018
[39:45] There are the usual things you need to know when launching a new product, service or business - and you can easily Google those but the one factor, which can mean the difference between success and failure, is discovering what you don’t know and actually preparing for it.
In this episode, Greg speaks with our guest, Lance Miller. From Glendale, California, Lance is a world renowned, keynote speaker, trainer, coach & author. Most of us know him as the Toastmasters' 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking but he’s also a successful businessman - having launched five successful new business start-ups and over two dozen new product/service launches. But admittedly, he’s also had a dozen or so failures.
So today, Lance, a regular on Toastcaster, shares some of what he knows and how he discovered what he didn’t know on his journey and how we can learn from what he experienced. This includes his brand new start-up venture - The World Champion Online Speakers Summit where people have an opportunity to watch and hear in depth over 24 World Champs about their journeys, lessons learned and even his or her winning speech.
Lance can be reached at LanceMillerSpeaks.com. You might also want to check out the World Champion Online Speakers Summit, where you can get a free introductory access.
Sunday Sep 30, 2018
Toastcaster 103 Is Leadership for Me? Guest: Mohammed Murad, DTM, PIP
Sunday Sep 30, 2018
Sunday Sep 30, 2018
[27:58] At every step of your life, our guest Mohammed Murad believes that we need to ask ourselves, the thought provoking question, “Is leadership for me?”
In this episode Murad gives context to this question and explains what this means. He also impresses upon us how Leadership is different for everyone. He also shares his vast leadership journey and gives us his 4 H’s of Leadership and what motivated him to take voluntary early retirement from the police force after 20 years of service to pursue his entrepreneurial journey.
Mohammed Murad is from Dubai, UAE. He is an entrepreneur and managing director of three companies. He has extensive experience in global marketing and branding emergency medical services management, human resource development and strategic planning for organizations. He is a Distinguished Toastmaster and Past Toastmasters International President 2014-15. (Orginal Interview 06/2017)
Murad delivered his keynote, “Is Leadership for Me?” as an educational at the recent 2018 Toastmasters International Convention in Chicago. You can subscribe to the recording at ToastmastersOnDemand.com.
Friday Aug 31, 2018
Friday Aug 31, 2018
[28:17] In this episode we speak on a more serious note – the topic of Mental Health. Our guest is Mona Cooley, family support advocate and founder of Cool Family Solutions, Calgary, Canada. She is also a Distinguished Toastmaster, Past District 42 Governor and regular guest on Toastcaster.
Mona has taken leadership in her community with respect to Mental Health. Not only is she a subject matter expert, her family has also struggled with it. Mental Health is everywhere and it affects people young and old and from all walks of life. All you have to do is turn on the news – people are stricken with anxiety, depression and death by suicide has gone out of control. Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, Rick Genest (Zombie Boy) are just a few who have taken their lives.
Mona says families are struggling and don’t know what to do adding that things can and are being done – and one way is through having honest conversations. In this podcast, Mona talks about this serious subject, shares some of her stories including one that saved a life and offers some thoughts on what people can do.
Our conversation with Mona is timely. According to a recent article in the Guardian (U.K.) Lady Gaga, had cast her friend Genest in her Born This Way video and wrote on Twitter. ”The suicide…is beyond devastating. We have to work harder to change the culture, bring mental health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other.”
You can reach Mona at Cool Family Solutions.com. There you can also find a great resource page.
Tuesday Aug 14, 2018
Toastcaster 100: Humble Beginnings & Lessons Learned Over 100 Episodes
Tuesday Aug 14, 2018
Tuesday Aug 14, 2018
[28:46] In the 100th episode of Toastcaster, we have a look back to our humble beginnings; some discoveries and lessons learned over 100 episodes. We also invite back Mona Cooley, Founder, Cool Family Solutions, Past Toastmasters District 42 Governor from Calgary, AB and first guest for the inaugural episode 1 recorded back in 2006 when podcasting was in its infancy and its technology still crude.
We hear how the podcast started as a High Performance Leadership Project (HPL) for Toastmasters. And with 100 episodes, over 220,000 downloads and 2,000,000 feed hits later, the podcast now serves as a resource not only for the Toastmasters Community, but for anyone who wants to build their confidence and improve both their communication and leadership skills.
We also hear how both Toastcaster Host Greg Gazin and Mona were excited yet nervous about taking on the project; some of the things they’ve learned about podcasting, the interview process and things they learned about themselves. You’ll hear why the audio format is good and get an insight on Greg’s vision for the podcast and what you can forward to in the future as the podcast evolves.
As you listen, you’ll pick up a few tips and tricks about preparing and conducting interviews, especially the importance of asking the right questions, finding focus and preparing for nervous guests.
And finally, thanks to you, all our listeners for tuning in for every episode and to all the suggestions and feedback you’ve given us. We hope you continue to enjoy the Toastcaster Podcast.
Saturday Jul 21, 2018
Saturday Jul 21, 2018
[23:41] In this episode Greg speaks with Natalie Torres-Haddad who has become a voice for Latino millennials. She first found her niche in her community and is now expanding her reach around the world advocating for financial literacy and to uplift those feeling overwhelmed by debt.
Natalie, a.k.a The Financially Savvy Latina, shares a little of her journey, offering tips on taking on leadership within your community. She also gives us an insight on her unexpected TEDx talk experience entitled The Foreign Language of Financial Literacy and more.
Greg previously spoke with Natalie on the Toastmasters Podcast and Natalie also co-hosted with Greg a bilingual (English and Spanish) Toastmasters Podcast in 2017.
Natalie was raised in Inglewood (a southwest Los Angeles county). She’s also, an International Award Winning Author with her book, Financially Savvy in 20 mins (and a new podcast of the same name in both English in Spanish), a workshop facilitator, Real Estate investor and Toastmaster.
Natalie can reached via her website, Twitter @finsavvylatina and other social media platforms.
Monday Feb 19, 2018
Monday Feb 19, 2018
[30:20] What are “enlightened super achievers?” What are these influential leaders’ timeless secrets? If you want to know more tune in to our latest episode. Greg speaks with Corey Poirier, a multiple-time TEDx, highly sought-after speaker and featured in numerous media outlets. Corey is also the host of the top-rated radio show “Conversations with Passion,” where he’s interviewed over 4,000 top leaders and great minds, the likes of Robin Sharma Robin, Jack Canfield, Zig Ziglar, Dr. John Gray, John Maxwell, Stephen MR Covey, Arlene Dickinson and more.
Corey who’s been successful on both sides of the mic, also shares some insights on how he reached his personal success and offer tips from his signature presentations. We'll also hear about his brand-new book, The Book of Why (And How) – Discover the Timeless Secrets to Meaning, Success and Abundance. Corey can be reached at ThatSpeakerGuy.com.
Thursday Feb 01, 2018
Toastcaster 90 Leadership of Your Life: Create Visions Not Resolutions - Greg Gazin
Thursday Feb 01, 2018
Thursday Feb 01, 2018
[10:49] For whatever reason, over 80% of New Year's resolutions fail within the 1st two weeks of February. Perhaps we're going about this all wrong. In this episode your host Greg Gazin shares a personal journey that shows perhaps why we might be more successful if we create visions rather that resolutions.
Wednesday May 31, 2017
Toastcaster 83 Employer Resources for Developing Leaders - Marc Haine, DTM
Wednesday May 31, 2017
Wednesday May 31, 2017
Friday May 19, 2017
Toastcaster 82 Reformation: When Districts Get Too Big - Ken Tanner DTM, PID
Friday May 19, 2017
Friday May 19, 2017
Thursday Sep 29, 2016
Thursday Sep 29, 2016
[19:15] In this episode we speak to Toastmasters International Immediate Past President Jim Kokocki, DTM, from New Brunswick, Canada. We learn a little about his Toastmasters journey including his year as President, an insight on leadership and maybe a sneak peek at his Keynote and Plenary session he'll be presenting at the inaugural Fall Conference for the newly created District 99 to be held in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Oct 21-22, 2016. If you are interested in attending, check out the D99tm.org Fall 2016 Conference Page.
Friday Sep 16, 2016
Toastcaster 73 100 Conversations in the City - Robert Lavigne
Friday Sep 16, 2016
Friday Sep 16, 2016
[31:05] Robert Lavigne, The Digital Grapevine, Digital Strategist and Podcaster moved from Toronto, Ontario Canada 99 km to Brantford, birthplace of the telephone and legendary #99 Wayne Gretzky.
What started as an exercise in brand building and a series of individual topics in Robert’s new hometown became a humbling learning experience of 100 podcasts, 100 conversations over 2 years that weaved together stories that transformed him and helped bring their community closer together. Robert shares his experience and also how the series concluded with an interview with a man who represents community - Walter Gretzky, affectionately known as "Canada's Hockey Dad," father of #99 and Lord Mayor of Brantford. The City of Brantford recently recognized Robert for all his efforts.
Monday Feb 15, 2016
Toastcaster 62 Lance Miller: Bad Super Bowl Interview/Dealing With Failure
Monday Feb 15, 2016
Monday Feb 15, 2016
[27:44] Greg speaks with Lance Miller 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking as he shares his insights about Cam Newton's defeated attitude during a post Super Bowl 50 media interview. Lance reflects on lessons learned, dealing with defeat and adversity taking a page from his own life both in business and journey to the World Championship. Read the Post at LanceMillerSpeaks.com
Sunday May 03, 2015
Toastcaster 54 Mad Max: Fury Road Critical Communications on a Movie Set
Sunday May 03, 2015
Sunday May 03, 2015
It's not often that we have a guest on our show that has both a tie-in to Toastmasters, Public Speaking and a major motion picture release - in this case the much anticipated Mad Max: Fury Road starring Tom Hardy & Charlize Theron which will hit theatres May 15th 2015.
In this episode, Greg speaks with Greg Van Borssum who hails from just outside of Sydney Australia. Greg, had a real rough start when it came to public speaking in years gone by but has become a motivational speaker and strategic thought leader. He’s also been the crowds director and motion capture director on the Academy Award winning Happy Feet films & most recently as Fight Choreographer and Weapons Specialist on the new Mad Max: Fury Road, where he trained some of Hollywood's finest actors. Greg tells us a little about the movie, his incredible roles in the film and what it’s like communicating both with A-list Hollywood actors in situations that can not only be challenging they can be downright dangerous. [Greg’s life journey can be found on The Official Toastmasters Podcast #089] (32:33) photos: Greg Van Borssum
Sunday Jun 08, 2014
Toastcaster 45 - Emcee Tips for Charity Fundraisers
Sunday Jun 08, 2014
Sunday Jun 08, 2014
As a Toastmaster you might be asked to host or emcee an event. Have you ever been asked to emcee a charity fundraiser? My first time is coming up, so to prepare, I checked in with good friend and Distinguished Toastmaster Jim Ewing, Pro-Vision Solutions, Edmonton who has experience on this area. Have a listen to our chat.
Saturday Jul 18, 2009
Saturday Jul 18, 2009
Guest Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS President Toastmasters Int'l 2008-2009. Jana takes us beyond the Courage to Conquer - impressing upon us that we all have the potential to do great things. She shares with us about who in her life has influenced her, and how things people say- positive or negative, can impact your life. She explains how's she's different and how she overcame those obstacles. We hear success stories on how others have had the Courage to Conquer. Jana also comes clean about her first interview and trip to the International Speech Contest (Regional) Finals that didn't really work out as planned and why, after 25 years, she's still a Toastmaster. An inspiring, motivating and entertaining conversation with one incredible lady, just following her visit to District 42's Spring Convention in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada.
Monday Feb 16, 2009
Toastcaster 18 - The Club Coach Experience
Monday Feb 16, 2009
Monday Feb 16, 2009
Club Coach Experience- Doug Doughty District 19 Governor. Doug and Toastcaster Greg discuss what a Toastmasters Club Coach is, what are the qualities of a good club coach are; What are the requirements for a club to qualify to get a club coach. Doug also goes over the 8-step process from the time when a club coach begins through the efforts of a club to reach distinguished status and thus makes the coach successful. We cover some of the barriers to successful club coaching and materials that can be made available. PowerPoint Presentation. VIEW or DOWNLOAD
Tuesday Jan 20, 2009
Toastcaster 17 - The Truth Behind TLI- Toastmasters Leadership Institute
Tuesday Jan 20, 2009
Tuesday Jan 20, 2009
The Truth Behind TLI - Toastmasters Leadership Institute. Guest - Alice Elliott, ACG. It's more than just Club Officer Training and more than just for leaders. Listen and find out.
Tuesday Jan 08, 2008
Creating Your Future w/Craig Valentine
Tuesday Jan 08, 2008
Tuesday Jan 08, 2008
It's this time of the year where we think about resolutions. Many of us break them by Jan 15th. Perhaps we may be motivated by looking at our future instead of just the next 12 months. I had an incredible conversation with 1999 World Champion Craig Valentine.Please sit back and enjoy this special presentation. (28:44)