Episodes

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!

Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Toastcaster 155: Repetition Can Be A Good Thing - Greg Gazin
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
[06:05] Hearing things being repeated can often drive you absolutely crazy. In this brief episode you'll learn that if used effectively, repetition in presentations, conversations and even recordings can truly be an effective tool in getting your message across.
If you think about speeches like MLK Jr.'s, I Have a Dream, there's a perfect example.
This podcast is also available as an article. The original article can be found at GadgetGreg.com.

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
Toastcaster 153: Making Freaking Meetings Fun & Productive - Matt Abrahams
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.

Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Toastcaster 152: Unexpected Leaders that Leave a Lasting Impression - Guinness
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
[15:26] In this episode Greg speaks about two incredible individuals whom we can call unexpected leaders. These are people who positively impact others not really with any intention but simply by doing what they do. In fact they may not even be aware of the impact that they are having on others and the long lasting impression they leave.
You’ll hear about, Reverend Kevin Fast (left) from Cobourg, Ontario, Canada is best described as a modern day Popeye and Brittany Walsh, a.k.a AcroBritt (RIGHT) from Portland, Oregon, U.S.A a dancer, a gymnast, former circus performer and acrobatic archer who both happen to be individuals featured in the 2020 Guinness Book of World Records.
Greg shares a little about each of their stories and 3 leadership lessons he’s taken away by speaking with them
Related Materials
If you'd like to read the related article Leadership tips from the Book of Guinness World Records you can find it at Troymedia.com.
To hear the full interview podcast with these two inspiring Guinness world record holder's along with a bonus interview with an official judge or adjudicator and hear them tell their stories, check out: Toastcaster 122: Setting a Guinness World Record – It Takes True Leadership.
A short link for that is bit.ly/toastcaster122.
Also please visit GuinnessWorldRecords.com

Saturday Jul 31, 2021
Toastcaster 151: Starting Effective Conversations that Yield Results – Chris Fenning
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.

Monday Jul 05, 2021
Toastcaster 150: Hardest Speech You‘ll Ever Have to Give - Greg Gazin
Monday Jul 05, 2021
Monday Jul 05, 2021
[32:53] Imagine the hardest speech you'll ever have to give.
In this episode you'll hear about that speech, the process that went into creating it and the speech itself and how on that day, I felt a rollercoaster of emotions the likes of which I’d never experienced in my life.
That day I was surrounded by loving friends and family as I said a final farewell to Elaine Baram, my best friend, my love, my wife, the sunshine of my life who I will miss forever . It will also explain why there were no episodes over the past months.

Saturday May 15, 2021
Toastcaster 149: How to Host a Live or Virtual TEDx Event Part 2 – Noel Bentley
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
Toastcaster 148: How to Host a Live or Virtual TEDx Event Part I – Noel Bentley
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
Toastcaster 147: Nurturing Young Minds Through Podcasting – Kevin Achtzener
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.

Saturday Dec 19, 2020
Saturday Dec 19, 2020
[29:38] Everyone is trying to be better informed and protect themselves and others and reduce exposure to the Covid-19 virus. They’re social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands, but how many of us think about our smartphone as a major source of a threat to our health? Or how many of us are missing key pieces of information that can help us and our loved ones stay safe?
In this episode Greg speaks with June Lai, founder and CEO of Catalyst, a high tech accessories maker but first and foremost a scientist. June offers an authoritative insight on PPE and on helping us all stay safe.
By the end of this podcast, you’ll better understand the difference between bacteria and a virus, what terms like anti-microbial really means. You’ll also learn how to properly disinfect your phone, what to use, what not to use and what to watch out for and suggestions on proper Covid phone safety etiquette.
You’ll also discover how waterproof cases, like those from Catalyst can not only protect your valuable smartphone investment, but one that is also washable can effectively reduce the risk of infection when properly implemented into your daily protection routine.
The techies will also love to hear what makes for a great waterproof case, and methods and technology Catalyst used in perfecting their patented waterproof seal.
You’ll also learn a little more about June, a glimpse into her journey, how the company came to be and how its skillset and innovation has now lead them to develop much needed quality PPE including novel items like a mask wallet.
June Lai, originally from Vancouver, Canada, now based in Hong Kong is the founder and CEO of Catalyst - a global consumer high tech high performance electronics accessories brand. She’s also a scientist who oversees R&D at the company who is in the business of inventing unique patented products that combine world-class design with performance. You can find out more about about Catalyst at CatalystCase.com.
If you’re interested in learning more about viruses, June suggests checking out TWiV - This Week in Virology - a podcast about viruses.
![Toastcaster 145: Podcasting 101: Hosting & Interview Techniques - 2018 Live Educational [Toastmasters ]](https://deow9bq0xqvbj.cloudfront.net/image-logo/2613/NewGregPodcastPic3000_500K_300x300.jpg)
Monday Nov 30, 2020
Monday Nov 30, 2020
[43:52] When I first started podcasting 15 years ago, the most frequently asked question was, ‘What’s a Podcast?” Five years ago, It was, “Why are you doing podcasts? It’s going the way of the radio, video is where it’s at. Today I’m often asked, “What are the benefits of podcasting?” And “How can I get involved? How do I get started?”
In April 2020 Apple Podcasts had over 1M podcast and over 35 million episodes. With the lockdown I’ve heard estimates ion 1.5 million and many many more episode. So Podcasting is not going away any time soon.
People do want to know more. In fact I’m questioned about podcasts and podcasting everyday.
As luck would have it, I recently came across a 2018, recording of a Podcast educational session I delivered - in a last minute request, to a group of Toastmasters which covers many of those questions and more. And while podcasting certainly continues to evolve, the information presented is still relevant today
This episode is not only for Toastmasters but for any communicator or leader who may be curious or interested in this topic.
- We’ll look at what a podcast is, what it can do for you; the benefits of podcasts from a listeners, guests and a creator’s perspective.
- You’ll hear stories along with tips and tricks in preparing, creating, hosting and moderating a podcast.
- You’ll discover how to preparing effective questions and interviewing Techniques.
- We’ll also make reference to a number of resources, other podcasts,
- and more.
You can also download a PDF of the slides used in the presentation. http://bit.ly/gregtli2018
You may also want to check out The Toastmasters Podcast: Creating Interesting Podcast Content (Part 1) episode #157 and (Part 2) episode #158, featuring yours truly and co-host Ryan Levesque.
I also encourage you to read, "Is there a Podcast in Your Future," feature cover story in the Jan 2021 issue of Toastmaster Magazine.
Look for other upcoming podcast themed episodes here at ToastCaster and the Toastmasters Podcast.

Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020


Sunday Oct 25, 2020
Sunday Oct 25, 2020

Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020

Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Toastcaster 141: How to Use Subtle Words that Sell - Paul Ross
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020

Monday Aug 31, 2020
Monday Aug 31, 2020
[29:21] Just when we thought the world had enough jargon, acronyms and other confusing verbiage, Grant Crowell, a self-professed social wordsmith comes along and creates his own words or “Grantasms.” His motives are sincere – his intention, to make communication fun again while helping people build confidence, better relationships and increase their productivity.
In this light hearted yet informative episode you’ll learn why he wrote this book, what you can take away from it and how he himself uses his own Grantasms for laughs, socio-emotional wellness, and his own ADHD management. Listen for new terms like spousish, GERK, fillerflabber, messy-tasking, acronumb, playful mindfulness and more.
Grant Crowell is a learning facilitator for Dell Technologies Digital Events team and is the author of GRANTASMS: Twisted Creative words for cool people! He lives in Durham, North Carolina USA. Grant and can be found on LinkedIn and get his book on Amazon.

Saturday Aug 22, 2020
Toastcaster 139: Finding Your New Learning Curve - Bob Hooey
Saturday Aug 22, 2020
Saturday Aug 22, 2020
[28:50] When the current pandemic became a global reality, suddenly Bob Hooey found his speaking business more or less obliterated.
In this episode, Bob expresses to Greg how he felt and how he dealt with the situation while perhaps realizing his and and maybe our biggest fears.
After overcoming the initial shock, Bob realised, "I can't travel, but my message can." Pulling from years of experience, he decided instead of spiralling downward, he could pivot. So even at age 71, he found his new learning curve and embraced his new playing field. "I'm still learning," he says.
What Bob did, many of us can do too as he discovered new technologies and used the power of partnering, creativity and the often forgotten value of simply asking for help to move forward. Additionally Bob also shares the wisdom of some of his past experiences, much of which can apply to all of us and our businesses today in his own entertaining way.
FREE BOOK
As a gift to our listeners, Bob is offering, free to all readers a copy of his latest book,
Succeed! Idea-rich strategies to succeed in business despite global disruptions.
Bob Hooey is the Canadian "Ideaman." He's an accomplished speaker, prolific author of over 30 books on leadership and career success and travels the world (when its open) sharing his innovative Ideas At Work. He's also a long-time Distinguished Toastmaster, Past District Governor and Accredited Speaker.
Bob lives in Egremont Alberta Canada and can be reached at Ideaman.net or SuccessPublications.ca.

Friday Jul 31, 2020
Friday Jul 31, 2020
[27:41] Looking at how a pandemic has changed the way we dine and how restaurants operate and literally ravaged the industry. As some cities begin to re-open, you can’t help but wonder what the new normal is or might be or what future looks like moving forward.
In this episode, our guest Brittain Brown offers us a little insight into that arena. From his experience, he’ll share some of his observations what’s going on in the minds of restaurant owners and operators, staff and patrons. You’ll hear about some of the changes in store beyond merely servers in face masks, constant cleaning and reassuring customers as factors whether restaurants can successfully reopen and stay in business.
He addresses some of the challenges today’s leaders are facing, but also some of the opportunities that this represents including some food for thought on how leaders need to rethink and evolve their business models and adopt new technologies which are already driving the new normal and what might happen if they don’t.
What you’ll hear will be of interest and value to you regardless as to whether you’re a restauranteur, a patron or a leader in any other industry. Brown’s insights can apply to anyone.
Brittain Brown, B.A. is from Toronto, Canada. He’s the President of Givex, a global company that provides the restaurant, retail, and other industries with the latest tech solutions and analytics that help clients drive sales and make better business decisions. He can be reached at Givex.com.

Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
Toastcaster 137: Discover the Future of the Future AGAIN! (FREE Summit) – Angelo Tirhas
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
[30:30] For Angelo Tirhas, like many around the world, everything more or less came to a dead halt when the current global crisis hit, leaving him stuck with literally nothing to do.
Instead of wallowing in defeat asking the same questions on everyone’s mind, his professional mind kicked in realizing that he had to define the problem and find solutions. He asked himself: “What’s the biggest problem in the world today, what are people what most scared of and can we help them?”
Of course he realized people were already overloaded with data they couldn’t make sense of and he himself didn’t have all the answers. He had an epiphany. “Let’s get all these people into one place and share what the future possibilities are and figure out what to do to survive the future. Get people asking questions in touch with those who have answers and let them have a chat with each other.
And thus Future Summits Online series was born.
In this entertaining and informative episode we learn more about Angelo’s journey, what he saw, what he heard, stories and insights and why he vetted and handpicked from over 150 speakers. You’ll also learn about his F.A.I.T.H framework (Fundamentals Awareness Implementation, Transformation and Humanity) and how it’s being incorporated into the summit – and more.
Angelo Tirhas is keynote speaker, corporate trainer and coach specializing in transformation, business and personal development, founder and host of "Future Summits Online”, the first ever Global Future Focused Online Summit Series. Angelo can be reached on LinkedIn or via e-mail.
About the Future of the Future Summit (On-Line)
Date: NEW!!! SEPTEMBER 17-22, 2020.
Cost: FREE. Low cost VIP packages with added benefits also available.
Takeaway: Actionable information, skills, strategies and insights from 25 leading global experts, futurists, innovative thinkers and thought leaders to help you prepare, be future ready and future proof. (4 speakers/ day)
Tickets: Visit now to get more information on the Summit or to get FREE Tickets
This episode: bit.ly/toastcaster137