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Wendy Durfee is the 2022 Spring Conference chair and in this episode, she shares the many exciting reasons to attend this year's Spring Conference May 20-21, 2022. The venue is Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa and information about the conference can be found at https://aztoastmasters.org/district-conference.

Barbara Chandler Schumacher was invited to speak on radio station KRIM in Payson, Arizona. Listen in as radio host Randy Roberson and Barbara talk about Toastmasters opportunities in the Payson area. (Recorded January 3, 2022)

Meet Angel Larena, a relatively new member who has quickly learned many ways the Toastmasters program can help her. She’s a member of multiple clubs, an active participant in the District 3 Speakers Bureau, and currently serves as an Area Director. Angel learns something from each of her clubs and from each new volunteer role. More importantly, however, she is rapidly discovering her potential to lead and influence people. (Recorded December 28, 2021)

The podcast caught up to Sara Mayer, the District 3 Chief Judge for 2021-2022. In addition to explaining the process, roles, and responsibilities of judging a contest, Sara discusses the ways judges can garner valuable leadership experience. The next time you are given the chance to go beyond your club and be a judge, say “Yes.” (Recorded January 6, 2022)

If you have ever wondered whether to say ‘yes’ when it’s time for contest season, this podcast is for you. A twenty-year Toastmasters veteran who’s competed in over eighty speech contests, Michael Desiderio knows what it takes to win. Indeed, he’s taken home many trophies, but more importantly, Michael understands the long-lasting benefits and advantages of being a Toastmasters competitor. (Recorded January 12, 2022)

Lisa Raymond joined Toastmasters seven years ago and has been actively involved in District 3 leadership service for six of those years! Lisa’s first district activity was attending Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) and she’s now come full circle in her present role as this year’s TLI chair. Listen as Lisa talks about learning, leadership, and personal development in Toastmasters and offers some great advice to new members. (Recorded October 16, 2021) Speakers Bureau: speakers@aztoastmasters.org Toastmasters Leadership institute: tli@aztoastmasters.org

Sara Mayer is a charter member of Junior League of Phoenix Toastmasters and a goal setting and time management expert. Active in Toastmasters leadership, Sara is the 2021-2022 Contest Chair and member of the District 3 Speakers Bureau. In this episode Sara shares her passion for Junior League, Toastmasters, and helping people and organizations become more productive. To contact Sara, visit saramayer.com (Recorded October 7, 2021)

Our guest is Distinguished Toastmaster and Past District Director, Peter Salazar. During his stint in the United States Marine Corps, Peter learned that his communications skills needed work and was told he should join Toastmasters. Years later, Peter acted on that advice and joined Tempe Toastmasters. Listen as Peter outlines his Toastmasters journey and his enthusiastic involvement in district leadership, contests, and the Speakers Bureau. (Recorded October 5, 2021)

Originally from Korea, Su Fong is an experienced educator who joined Airpark Toastmasters to improve her adopted second language - English. In just a few years at Airpark, Su has became a confident speaker and inspiring leader within her club and a member of the District 3 Speakers Bureau. She wants everyone to know that Toastmasters is the best professional development she's ever had! (Recorded September 24, 2021)

Serban Mare joined Toastmasters because he was afraid to speak in public. However, after just one speech, he quit, unable to conquer his fear. Fortunately for all of us, Serban gave Toastmasters another chance, this time with a new attitude and a determination to succeed. And succeed he did! (Recorded September 18, 2021)

Dr. Steve Broe has been active in Toastmasters for thirty-one years and is an author, college instructor, and amateur musician. In this episode Steve shares his philosophy of learning and explains why he's stayed in Toastmasters for over three decades. (Recorded September 10, 2021)

Antonio Valles shares lessons from his twenty-six years as a Toastmaster member, including his love of speech contests, his role as a speech coach, and his current involvement in the District 3 Speakers Bureau. Tony’s advice to beginners and veterans alike? Be proactive! (Recorded September 1, 2021)

Meet Lauren Riley, member of Old Town Toastmasters in Scottsdale, Arizona, District 3 Area Director, and member of the District Speakers Bureau. Lauren joined Toastmasters to gain the skills necessary to deliver an important message about perseverance in the face of obstacles. Lauren works everyday to overcome the effects of cerebral palsy and strives to become a professional speaker, encouraging people to reach for their goals and not take “no” for an answer! (Recorded August 19, 2021)

Grand Canyon Echoes welcomes Karen Hewitt, DTM, the 2021-2022 District 3 Program Quality Director. In this episode, Karen explains her current role in the district, her involvement with the District Speakers Bureau, and the reasons she joined Walkie Talkies and S.L.E.E.K Toastmasters. Karen is passionate about mentoring and leverages her Toastmasters skills to reach audiences with her compelling story of adversity and triumph. [Recorded August 17, 2021]

Our guest is Randy Casarez, an eleven-year Toastmaster from Tucson. Randy is an active member in multiple clubs and organizer of the upcoming district-sponsored Impact Events. He likes participating in speech contests and recently joined the District 3 Speakers Bureau to receive expert advice and tips that enhance his presentations. Randy advises all members to keep speaking, keep learning, and keep improving your skill set [Recorded August 15, 2021]

Stephanie Angelo is an actress, Toastmaster, and professional speaker specializing in helping organizations create a great company culture. In this interview, we learn how Stephanie got started as a professional speaker, how Toastmasters helps her in her work, and some fun stories about her acting career! [Recorded September 2, 2021] Website: https://stephanieangelo.com/ Email:      stephanie@stephanieangelo.com     

Our podcast guest is Travis Hardin, a Toastmaster and member of the District 3 Speakers Bureau. Travis was a professional speaker before joining Toastmasters but admits that he’s learned from his time as a member and especially from his association with the Speakers Bureau. In his professional speaking, Travis’s target audience is anyone in need of hope, encouragement, and love! (Recorded August 9. 2021) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travishardin/   Email: travishardin@hotmail.com 

Eza Israel is a member of Elite Toastmasters and presents on leadership, financial planning, marketing, and motivation. In this episode, Eza discusses how he got started in Toastmasters and the benefits of being a member. He also shares his experiences as a member of the District 3 Speakers Bureau. Contact Eza at ezaisrael1@gmail.com or by phone at (347) 543-5333. (Recorded August 13, 2021)

Today's guest is Steve Feld, Distinguished Toastmaster and manager of the 2021-2022 District 3 Speakers Bureau. In addition to explaining the new and improved Speakers Bureau, Steve shares how Toastmasters helped him develop the confidence and self assurance needed to be successful in his career as a business coach and professional speaker. We also learn great tips to help clubs transform visitors into members. (Recorded August 14, 2021) www.bizcoachsteve.com https://aztoastmasters.org/speakers-bureau/ 

In this episode we chat with District Director David Hopper, DTM, Program Quality Director KAren Hewitt, DTM, and Club Growth Director, DJ Reed, DTM. Let's learn about their Toastmasters beginnings and get a glimpse into what's happening now and in the near future for District 3. (Recorded July 11, 2021)