The Toastmasters Podcast

In this episode, Arrington shares her experience as a REP Ambassador; what she's learned in the role; her thoughts about the upcoming changes to the educational program; and advice for Ambassadors and others interested in the program.

Kristin Arnold, a meeting facilitator, moderator, trainer and keynote speaker discusses best practices for moderating a panel discussion.

Part 2 of our convention sneak preview, featuring Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE; Darren LaCroix, CSP; and Alex Malley.

[31:27] In this episode, you'll meet four of the speakers scheduled to present at the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas next month, including: Marilyn Tam; Dana LaMon DTM, AS; Judy Carter; and Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE.

[22:13] Greg Gazin speaks with Shelly-Ann Lovell, the executive chef and operator of Firewood Food Stop, a Cajun and Creole restaurant in Trinidad. She's been a Toastmaster for two years with the Nepuyo Toastmasters in Arima. Chef Lovell, whose photo graced the cover of the May 2015 issue of Toastmaster magazine, discusses the importance of displaying leadership in the high-pressure environment of a restaurant kitchen. Lovell shares her recipe for  how she leads, inspires and motivates her team to reach their goals. She also talks about creativity—and even offers a tip for summer grilling!

John Lente, DTM discusses how he used the High Performance Leadership (HPL) program to take on a challenge in his community and make a lasting impact.

[19:00] Greg speaks with Peter Kossowan, known as “Mr. Toast”—a master club-builder who has chartered 164 clubs and counting. Peter is a Distinguished Toastmaster and Past District 42 Governor from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is also the recipient of two Presidential Citations from Toastmasters International. Peter has volunteered for over 80 nonprofit organizations, but his greatest passion is Toastmasters; he's been a member for 45 years. Now in his mid-80s and a survivor of both cancer and a heart bypass, he attends 300 club meetings a year and continues to serve and inspire others with his dedicated leadership.

Greg speaks with three of the 14 Chief Ambassadors (one from each region) who were interviewed in the March 2015 edition of the Toastmaster magazine.We get to meet Distinguished Toastmasters Jan Vecchio, Region 12, District 70, from Sydney, Australia; Carl Duivenvoorden, Region 9, District 45, from New Brunswick, Canada; and Pamela McCown, Region 3, District 56, from Pasadena, Texas. All three share their thoughts about taking on this important role.

[24:10] How can participation in Toastmasters help authors and aspiring authors develop and hone content for publication? Published author John Lesko, DTM, a past district governor, joins Bo and Ryan to discuss this unique topic.

[22:57] Greg speaks with Greg Van Borssum, filmmaker, inspirational speaker, former bodybuilding champion and Toastmaster. Van Borssum is co-founder of Australia-based Team Infinity, three self-described “ordinary Aussies” with “extraordinary stories” of success. He's also the fight choreographer and weapons advisor for the forthcoming movie Mad Max: Fury Road. Van Borssum, who was profiled in the January 2015 issue of Toastmaster magazine, shares the dramatics ups and downs of his professional and personal journey, and discusses how anyone can overcome serious obstacles in life.