The Apex Toastmasters Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Shy teens don’t magically become confident speakers. They become confident by practicing, getting feedback, and realizing they can survive the moment when all eyes are on them. That’s why we sat down with Shelly and Simone to unpack what really happens inside the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program, an eight-week workshop that trains teens to run meetings, deliver prepared speec...

Send us Fan Mail Johnathan Buckner, Don Dickinson DTM, Ashley Seiman and George Caspar DTM break down how our club planned, staffed, and ran the International Speech Contest, from recruiting nervous first-timers to solving hybrid hurdles. Along the way we share why live energy matters, how interviews can shine, and how creativity on stage can still fit the rules. • roles of contest chair, contest...

Send us Fan Mail We trace Apex Toastmasters from a cozy sunroom club to a packed, high‑energy room, then through COVID disruptions into a pragmatic hybrid model. Don Dickinson DTM shares lessons on leadership, Pathways, and how to keep growth healthy without losing the club’s soul. • Apex origin story and early culture • Leadership continuity as the growth engine • Room changes and meeting design...

Send us Fan Mail We talk with Peter Rau about how practice, presence, and a strong club culture turn anxiety into real growth. From officiating weddings to participating in speaking contests, we weigh the limits of online formats and the power of in-person connection, improv, and well-run meetings. • early experiences in speech and debate • officiating weddings and preparing with intention • safe...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Kathy Berner describes her path from tentative guest to club builder, explore how welcoming habits create durable communities, and discuss why in-person energy still trains the best speakers. Vulnerability, humor, and small nudges become the tools that fuel the transformative power of public speaking. • early Apex culture of warmth and mentoring • table topics anxi...

Send us Fan Mail George Caspar shares his journey from corporate law to criminal defense, revealing how following his authentic interests transformed his career and life satisfaction. He discusses making the leap from a cubicle job that was "robbing him of his soul" to meaningful courtroom work where he can directly impact people's lives. • Switched careers to find work that directl...

Send us Fan Mail Kiran Manjunath is a unique member of Apex Toastmasters in that he was an in person member in 2008 for less than a year and now is a virtual member from his home in Toronto, Canada. In this episode we discuss his culture shock moving from Bangalore, India to Detroit, USA, thoughts on artificial intelligence,  his education, early career and experience finding Apex Toastmasters, an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I speak with Ashley Sieman the current president of Apex Toastmasters. We talk about her experience with Toastmasters and her plans for her term of office. ______ Apex Toastmasters is a President's distinguished club founded in 1996 and located in Apex, North Carolina, USA. We meet every Thursday night at 7:00 pm at the Apex Baptist Church and online. See club...

Send us Fan Mail This episode focused on Amy's journey with Apex Toastmasters, which she joined two years ago seeking social interaction after transitioning to remote work during the pandemic. Key discussion points included: Amy's growth in public speaking confidence through Toastmasters, progressing from an introverted financial analyst to confidently presenting with her CFO Career tran...

Send us Fan Mail Shelly Ryder is a long time member of Apex Toastmasters, joining the club in 2010. On this episode Shelly and I discuss Toastmasters in general and Apex Toastmasters in specific. Apex Toastmasters is a President's distinguished club founded in 1996 and located in Apex, North Carolina, USA. We meet every Thursday night at 7:00 pm at the Apex Baptist Church and online. See club...