#281: Hummingbirds, Helicopters & an Underwater Guinness World Record – Eric Pittman

[30:29] What do Shakespeare, children’s stories, and medical role-playing have in common? For Karen Merritt, they’re all part of her fascinating journey as an actor, voiceover artist, audiobook narrator, and Toastmaster. In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Karen about how the art of audio & voice narration can sharpen your storytelling, boost your confidence, and bring any presentation to life.

[30:44] Meet Distinguished Toastmaster Aletta Rochat, the 2025--2026 Toastmasters International President from Cape Town, South Africa. Aletta is an inner life skills wisdom partner and certified coach, an accomplished author and global speaker who has delivered training in 21 countries. She also coaches TEDx speakers to craft messages that leave a lasting impact. In August 2025, she made history as the first International President from Africa and only the tenth woman in 100 years to lead Toastmasters International.

[24:08] What do helicopters, hummingbirds, and an underwater puppet show have in common? In the world of Eric Pittman—just about everything. From bush pilot to wildlife filmmaker to Guinness World Record holder, this Toastmaster has lived a life full of bold pivots, creative stunts, and surprising impact. In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Eric about filming for BBC and Netflix, building a foundry, saving orcas, and how Toastmasters helped him find his voice—on stage and on camera.

[33:47] Navigating conversations with teenagers can often feel like stepping into a minefield—especially when met with shrugs, silence, or eye-rolls. In this episode, Greg Gazin chats with Alice Shikina, a seasoned mediator, negotiation coach, and author, who shares practical strategies from her recent Toastmaster Magazine article, Tips for Communicating with Your Teen.

[29:47] What does real collaboration look like in action? In this episode, we explore how intentional listening, relationship-building, and shared leadership can transform how we work together‚Äîboth inside Toastmasters and out. You’ll hear how one leader, Past International Director Monique Levesque-Pharaoh applied these principles in her personal and professional life, and how embracing collaboration can help others feel seen, heard, and empowered. Z10M5fKrdMeNNlGQ591G

[36:06] Ever wish you could retake that one photo‚Äîthe one where someone blinked, the lighting was off, or the moment passed before you were ready? In this photo-themed episode, Toastmasters International’s visual media pros Bambi Cash and Blake Carver, the creative forces behind the stunning images and videos that define the organization’s brand share behind-the-scenes insights from global events and offer practical tips to help everyone‚Äîfrom club PR officers to smartphone selfie-takers‚Äîcapture better, more intentional photos.

[33:30] Hosting a Toastmasters International Convention is no small feat‚Äîbut when it’s the first convention of the organization’s second century and held in historic Philadelphia, the energy and symbolism are unmatched. In this episode, we chat with Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, Past International President, and the 2025 Host District Chair, all about it and what makes this year’s event extra special.

[19:50] This episode is Part 2 of our conversation on The Toastmasters Podcast, in which host Greg Gazin continues his discussion with Harvard Business School professor and behavioral scientist Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they take a deeper dive into the underrated power of asking good questions, exploring the art and science of conversation through the lens of inquiry—revealing that it’s not just about what you ask, but how, when, and why you ask it. If you haven’t already done so, you might want to listen to Part 1, Episode #275 first.

[32:16] In this enlightening episode (Part 1 of 2) of The Toastmasters Podcast, host Greg Gazin sits down with Harvard Business School professor and behavioral scientist Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they dive deep into the underrated power of asking good questions—revealing that it’s not just about what you ask, but how, when, and why you ask it. Whether you’re a speaker, a leader, or simply someone looking to have more meaningful interactions, this episode is packed with research-backed tips, memorable stories, and plenty of conversational “golden nuggets.”

[31:15] The Toastmasters International Golden Gavel is the prestigious annual award bestowed upon an individual distinguished in the fields of leadership and communication. In this lively and insightful episode, Greg Gazin and guest co-host Ryan Levesque reconnect with Matt Abrahams, celebrated Stanford lecturer, podcast host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, and the 2025 Golden Gavel Award Honoree. Matt shares personal stories, practical communication strategies, and his excitement for his upcoming keynote, From Silence to Brilliance: How to Craft Compelling, Clear Communication. The episode blends humor, warmth, and wisdom as the trio explores communication in modern contexts, executive presence, and the evolving landscape of public speaking.