The Toastmaster's Experience

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The Toastmaster's Experience

Evelyn Calaunan

53 episodes

3 weeks ago

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I take you to the heart of London to visit City of London Toastmasters, a club that will be proudly celebrating its 30th Anniversary in November. 🎉 During my visit, I had the chance to sit down with passionate members, enthusiastic guests from other London clubs, and even a Toastmaster visiting from China 🌏. The evening was buzzing with energy as the club hosted its Table Topics and Humorous Speech Contest — a reminder that every great competiti...

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All content for The Toastmaster's Experience is the property of Evelyn Calaunan and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I take you to the heart of London to visit City of London Toastmasters, a club that will be proudly celebrating its 30th Anniversary in November. 🎉 During my visit, I had the chance to sit down with passionate members, enthusiastic guests from other London clubs, and even a Toastmaster visiting from China 🌏. The evening was buzzing with energy as the club hosted its Table Topics and Humorous Speech Contest — a reminder that every great competiti...

Show more...

Episodes (20/53)

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 52 - A Toast to 30 Years: City of London Toastmasters in Action

In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I take you to the heart of London to visit City of London Toastmasters, a club that will be proudly celebrating its 30th Anniversary in November. 🎉 During my visit, I had the chance to sit down with passionate members, enthusiastic guests from other London clubs, and even a Toastmaster visiting from China 🌏. The evening was buzzing with energy as the club hosted its Table Topics and Humorous Speech Contest — a reminder that every great competiti...

3 weeks ago

23 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 51 - The Resource Round-Up: 8 Toastmasters Share Their Favorites

On The Toastmasters Experience, I love shining a light on one powerful question: 💡 “What books, podcasts, tools, or routines have shaped your self-development?” In this special compilation, you’ll hear from eight inspiring voices—each with a unique perspective on where they turn for wisdom, confidence, and inspiration. 🎙️ Lana (Ep. 24) shares how following domestic politics and programs like Insiders and The Party Room sharpened her listening and speaking skills. 🎙️ Vicki (Ep. 26) turns to ...

2 months ago

14 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP - 50 - Maria’s Message: Find Your Voice, Change Your Life

Maria’s Toastmasters journey began in 2009 after a staff retreat conversation made her realise she had no hobbies outside of work and family life. Caring for her husband after a major accident and raising three children had left little time for herself. Remembering her love of speaking, she found Bosley Park Toastmasters — and has been active ever since, now belonging to four clubs, including one in Canada. Her leadership path evolved naturally, serving as Club Growth Director, then Program Q...

2 months ago

38 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 49 - Top 28 Finalist: Remona’s Remarkable First Year in Toastmasters

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn welcomes back Remona Moodley—one of Toastmasters’ Top 28 semi-finalists in the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking. Even more remarkable: it’s Remona’s first year in Toastmasters. Remona shares her thrilling and somewhat nerve-wracking journey of finding out she was selected. From obsessively refreshing the website to seeing her name on the list in the early hours of the morning, she describes a quiet moment of personal t...

3 months ago

32 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 48 - Katie YZ Joined Toastmasters and Found Comedy!

In this lively episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I interview Sydney-based Toastmaster and stand-up comedian Katie YZ. Katie shares her unique motivation for joining Toastmasters back in 2019—not to win contests, but to save her marriage. Frustrated by poor communication with her husband, Katie found that Toastmasters offered a far more cost-effective solution than marriage counselling—and it worked. She learned the art of constructive feedback, transforming not only her marriage b...

3 months ago

29 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 47 - Zoom, Speeches & 143 Countries: Richard Peck’s Presidential Reign

In this insightful episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I welcome Richard Peck, former International President of Toastmasters, who shares his extraordinary journey from reluctant speaker to global leader. Richard’s Toastmasters story began in 2006 after an encounter with legendary speaker Les Brown, who encouraged him to join. Within six months, Richard unexpectedly became Club President—after stepping out during officer elections! 🎙️ His leadership ascent continued rapidly, holding vario...

4 months ago

36 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 46 - From Brooklyn to the Big Stage with Marc Williams

c In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Marc Williams—educator, speaker, and three-time Toastmasters International Speech Contest finalist—shares his 14-year journey with Toastmasters, starting with a simple DVD recommendation that sparked a life-changing pursuit. From his first hesitant visit to LIU Brooklyn Toastmasters to standing on the world stage multiple times, Marc’s path is one of purpose, passion, and personal growth. Marc reveals that his entry into Toastmasters...

4 months ago

53 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP - 45 - Mark Walker’s Legacy as District 90 Toastmasters Director

Mark, a seasoned Toastmaster of 20 years, joined in 2005 to sharpen his presentation skills for his medical career. A psychiatrist by profession, Mark has since embraced both the communication and leadership aspects of Toastmasters. He is a dedicated member of multiple clubs, including Glenbrook, Enhanced, Penrith CBD, and the online Koala Communicators Club. Mark has held significant leadership roles over the years, including Area Director, Western Division Governor, and twice District Direc...

4 months ago

28 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 44 - Still Standing Strong: Ramona J. Smith’s Journey

What a delight interviewing, Ramona J. Smith, 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking. Motivated by a love of public speaking, she joined Toastmasters in 2010 to polish her communication skills—encouraged by her sister. She now belongs to Post Oak Toastmasters in Houston and strongly advocates for in-person meetings for their immersive energy. Her performance roots trace back to a vibrant childhood filled with dance, drama, and music, where presence and expression were second nature. Alt...

5 months ago

25 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 43 - Colin Williams on Confidence, Cruises, and Connection

Colin Williams, a seasoned Toastmaster and former speech competitor, shares how joining Toastmasters a decade ago became a turning point in his life. Initially drawn in by a newspaper ad and finally walking into Redlands Toastmasters after 20 years of procrastination, Colin instantly felt he had “found his people.” He went on to compete in speech contests, winning both the International and Humorous contests at District level and earning a spot as a semifinalist on the world stage in Los Ange...

5 months ago

27 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 42 - Radhi Spear Visits, District 70 Rises – A Toastmasters Conference to Remember

In this special episode of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn takes you behind the scenes of the 2025 District 70 Conference, held at the Campbelltown Catholic Club from May 2–4. With her roving reporter style, Evelyn interviews key figures who helped shape the event, including members of the District 70 Trio, the Region 12 International Director, and the standout guest of honour—Toastmasters International President Radhi Spear. Radhi reflects on her global tour, visiting five districts over...

5 months ago

26 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 41 - Voices of District 70: StageTime Toastmasters & the 4 Big Contests

In this special two-part edition of The Toastmasters Experience, Evelyn takes listeners behind the scenes at the 2025 District 70 Conference, held at Campbelltown Catholic Club. As a roaming reporter, she captured the energy, emotion, and excellence of the weekend through candid interviews with contestants and passionate members. The conference featured all four major contests—Humorous, Table Topics, Evaluation, and International—with strong representation from StageTime Toastmasters, includi...

6 months ago

33 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 40 - Waves of Toastmasters Wisdom with Urmi

To connect with Urmi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/ https://www.instagram.com/wil_victoriachapter/ https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain Urmi's Book: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle – Available on Amazon In this episode, I welcome Urmi Hossain, a passionate Toastmaster, now living in Montreal. Urmi joined Toastmasters in 2019, inspired by her love for TED Talks and a desire to one day deliver a TEDx talk. Initially hesitant, it took her eight mo...

6 months ago

37 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 39 - Frankie Uncluttered: The Evaluator’s Mind at Work

Frankie joined Toastmasters out of love—curious about her then-boyfriend’s eloquence and weekly meetings. Her first impression of Parramatta Breakfast Toastmasters was all the clapping, but she quickly saw the confidence it instilled. Though her early Toastmasters journey paused due to work, she rejoined in 2019 at Dural Toastmasters and has now been an active member for six years. Her involvement led to professional growth, including a transition into training and ultimately starting her own...

6 months ago

36 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 38 - Beauty Queen, Boardroom and a Bicycle: Remona's Toastmaster's Journey"

In this inspiring episode, Ramona Moodley shares her journey from shy child to confident communicator, blending personal transformation with professional growth. Ramona joined Toastmasters in August 2024, seeking to move from knowing what makes a good speaker to truly embodying it. She calls Toastmasters her “bicycle” — a place to practice, fall, and improve through doing. She's now a member of three clubs, driven by a love of learning and growth in high-pressure environments. Her speaking jo...

7 months ago

28 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 37 - Helping others shine with Verity Price

In this inspiring episode of The Toastmasters Experience, I interview 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking, Verity Price. Verity shares her Toastmasters journey, beginning in 2011 when she joined out of curiosity after seeing the impact it had on her sister. Despite being a professional speaker, she discovered profound growth through Toastmasters, particularly in leadership. She recounts earning her Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) during pregnancy and how intense p...

7 months ago

37 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 36 - 10 Toastmasters, 1 Question: Life-Changing Advice

This special episode of The Toastmasters Experience compiles powerful advice from 10 seasoned Toastmasters, including award-winning speakers, coaches, and leaders with over 100 years of combined experience. Each offers heartfelt encouragement for those considering joining Toastmasters. Their key messages? Just take the first step. Don’t let fear or perfectionism stop you—growth happens through consistent effort, mistakes, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Find a club that fits you...

7 months ago

13 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 35 - Alchemy in Action: Jody on Speaking and Becoming

To connect with Jody – https://www.jodydontje.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jodydontjecoaching/?hl=en In this vibrant and heartfelt interview, Jody Dontje shares her inspiring journey as a speaker, coach, and changemaker. 🎙️ She reflects on how Toastmasters shaped her identity as a public speaker after years of speaking for charity in Nepal and for women's empowerment in London. Joining Toastmasters in 2018, Jody quickly excelled, winning district contests in Table Topics...

7 months ago

41 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP 34 - Roger’s Rise: Third and Wise, Mentoring Lives

Roger Caesar shares his inspiring journey in Toastmasters, joining in 2011 to gain confidence in business meetings. He co-founded Raising Champions Advanced Toastmasters and quickly developed a passion for public speaking. Competing in multiple contests, he reached the World Championship of Public Speaking four times, placing third in 2021. His journey was marked by challenges, including an emotional first Semi-Final speech about his grandmother, who passed away just before the competit...

7 months ago

48 minutes

The Toastmaster's Experience

EP - 33 Greg North: The Hat-Swapping, Rhyme-Slinging Bush Poet

Greg North, a seasoned Toastmaster and award-winning bush poet, shares his journey through public speaking and poetry in this engaging interview. His Toastmasters adventure began in the 1990s in Parramatta, inspired by a desire for personal growth. After a hiatus due to work commitments, he joined Springwood Toastmasters, where he has been a member for over 22 years. He attributes his long-standing commitment to the club to the inspiring stories shared by members and the personal growth he ha...

8 months ago

32 minutes