Our main interview this episode features Ashley Tobin, a District 71 International Speech champion in 2020, who recently delivered a brilliant TEDx talk on the Menopause. Also in this episode, we hear from our brand new member, Florence Osuagwu and Laura Heathfield shares her icebreaker speech with us.

Our main interview this episode features Rich Hopkins, an elective amputee, who is known for his 'Win Anyway' mentality. Hear Rich's story as he battled his way to the Toastmasters' World final stage twice, finishing in third place in 2008. Also on this episode, Huzefa Khan, shares her icebreaker speech with us. And Angela Cook interviews our brand new member, Laura Heathfield.

Gerard Mannix, former District 71 Director, joins us in the executive chair and shares his views on the current state of Toastmasters. Angela Cook interviews Andrew Graner, our latest new member and Audry Lowe shares some beautiful reflections on ranching.

In our Executive Chair this month is Femi Olulaja, Division E Director in District 91. A global citizen and renaissance man, Femi tells our Club President Violeta Saladiene, the life-changing experiences he gained both inside and outside of Toastmasters. Also on this episode, catch a tip-top quality speech 'Beyond Everest' from Olusola Olateju, which is evaluated by Anthony.

From next year, online competitors are banned from competing in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. Hear the reasons why, from International President-Elect, Stefano McGhee and hear the reaction of our podcast host, Anthony Garvey. Also on the show, a cracking interview with Dr David Jones, six-time District table-topics champion and an excellent icebreaker speech from our newest member, Huzefa Khan.

If you want to be the Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, these tips and hints from Fursey Gotuaco will be invaluable. Fursey was one of eight competitors in the Grand Final in Anaheim in August and he delivered a speech which brought the house down. His insights will help raise your speaking abilities to the next level. Also hear from Audrey Lowe and from Angela Cook as she talks to another member in the interview hot-seat.

Many of us would LOVE to attend a Toastmasters International Convention, but is it worth the time, effort and expense to travel around the world to attend? Hear the answer from our roving reporter, Paul O'Mahony, who made the long trek from Cork, Ireland to Anaheim, USA. Learn first-hand whether you should mark late August in your calendar for a trip to Philadelphia in 2025 or whether you should simply stay at home. At Shilling Speakers, we recently held the 'Unofficial' Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking. But would the results have been any different if there had been no time disqualifications? TI cannot tell you, but we can share our 'unofficial' results with you. Listen to new Shilling Speakers member Gisela Baeyens introduce herself to the club. She joins us all the way from Belgium and is interviewed from Mexico by Angela Cook. And finally, icebreaker speeches send a shiver up the spine of even the most seasoned of speakers. We have a cracking icebreaker for you from Irish hotelier, Brian Scally.

This month we celebrate the magic of the Irish at the SHILLING SPEAKERS Toastmasters Club! In this episode, we bring you an evening filled with Irish charm,captivating tales, and inspiring speeches. They say magic happens when the Irish gather, and we're ready to experience it. Get ready for an unforgettable experience featuring:

· Mary Kate O Flanagan, a grand slam storytelling champion and TikTok sensation, whose speech will tug at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes. · Paul Greenway, our poet of the day, sharing his evocative verses that capture the essence of Ireland. · Sean Lyons, a consummate storyteller and public speaker, whose myths and legends transport us into the rich history of Ireland and showcase why the Irish are renowned storytellers. · Dr. Siobhan Fitzgerald, an amazing TEDx speaker, podcaster, and 72-district champion speaker, taking us back to the 1990s with her transformative speech. · Yasmin Hassan, star of the Sur Optimus annual public speaking competition, with her inspiring insights on leadership. Podcast host Violeta Saladiene interviewed a special guest who is non other that Anthony Garvey, an Irishman, a Toastmaster, a writer and a award winning presenter who will reveal some interesting stories behind the scenes of Irish themed meeting. Dive into the richness of Irish culture with poetry readings and speeches. Tune in, immerse yourself in the charm of the Emerald Isle, and enjoy an episode brimming with Irish enchantment!