Speak Arizona

What does it take to share a deeply personal story on a public stage without losing yourself in the process? Jennifer Emperador joins Rupesh Parbhoo to explore vulnerability, presence, self-worth, and the power of becoming more embodied. Jennifer shares her experience preparing for DEBx, how her Toastmasters skills helped her step into a larger speaking opportunity, and the meaning behind "Stop Apologizing for Your Amazing Presence." The conversation goes beyond public speaking to explore how we can feel difficult emotions, reconnect with the body, and show up more fully. Perfect for speakers and leaders who want to communicate with greater authenticity, courage, and presence.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma and sexual assault.

Key takeaways
- Vulnerability on stage can become a source of connection when a personal story is shaped with the audience in mind.
- Toastmasters can provide foundational speaking skills that help prepare speakers for larger and more demanding opportunities.
- Powerful speaking does not require eliminating emotion. It can mean learning to feel it, breathe, and continue.
- Embodiment is about reconnecting with the body and showing up with greater presence, power, and self-worth.
- "Stop apologizing for your amazing presence" is an invitation to stop shrinking yourself and recognize the value of being fully present.

Chapters
00:00 - Episode preview and content note
02:13 - Welcome to Speak Arizona
04:24 - Meet Jennifer Emperador
07:33 - Embodiment, identity, and finding your voice
09:20 - Jennifer's journey with Toastmasters
12:09 - From Toastmasters to the DEBx stage
16:30 - Vulnerability, emotion, and connecting with an audience
18:47 - Preparing and rehearsing a deeply personal story
27:00 - Embodiment and showing up more fully
33:36 - Rapid-fire questions
34:16 - Stop apologizing for your amazing presence
36:28 - Connecting to your deeper "why"
39:25 - Where to connect with Jennifer
40:16 - Closing

About the guest
Jennifer Emperador is a Holistic Embodiment Coach who helps people feel powerful and worthy.

Connect
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-emperador/
- Website: https://soldiscovery.com/
- Instagram (SOL Discovery): https://www.instagram.com/soldiscovery/
- Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/healwithzenjen/

DEBx

- https://www.youtube.com/live/5GxXizkF3Cw?si=p_umxzuo83niloLc&t=2580

Speak Arizona is back for Season 2! Host Rupesh Parbhoo gives a quick preview of the conversations ahead and shares how his approach to the podcast is evolving. This season brings together voices from across the communication spectrum, including an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, stand-up comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more. Rupesh also reflects on the difference between being a moderator and being a host, and why he plans to bring more of his own stories and experiences into the conversation. Expect fresh perspectives on communication, leadership, confidence, and what it means to find your voice. Perfect for professionals who want to communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and influence.

Key takeaways
- Season 2 brings a wide range of perspectives on communication, leadership, and confidence.
- Guests will include an Olympic gold medalist, an American Ninja Warrior, comedians, executive coaches, professional speakers, teenagers, and more.
- Rupesh is evolving from simply moderating conversations to bringing more of himself into the podcast.
- Communication is constantly evolving, from the language we use to the technology that shapes how we connect.
- Speak Arizona continues its mission of helping listeners find their voice and become stronger communicators and leaders.

Chapters
00:04 - Welcome to Speak Arizona
00:48 - Are you a podcast host or a moderator?
01:11 - Welcome to Season 2
01:27 - A preview of this season's guests
01:44 - Exploring different perspectives on communication
01:53 - What teenagers can teach us about evolving communication
02:33 - Communication, leadership, confidence, and finding your voice
02:47 - Rethinking the role of the podcast host
03:46 - Reflecting on communication and leadership experiences

Guest
Rupesh Parbhoo

About the guest
Rupesh Parbhoo is the Host of the Speak Arizona Podcast, powered by District 3 Toastmasters.

Connect
- Website: https://d3toastmasters.org/speak-arizona/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakArizona
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Speak-Arizona/61587110443189/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakarizona/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/speak-arizona
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakarizona

What does it take to create 100 podcast episodes? The Speak Arizona team turns the cameras around to share the work, mistakes, experiments, and relationships behind the finished product. Rupesh Parbhoo, Marie Feutrier, Vincent Feutrier, Matthew Malan, and Edna Saucke discuss accepting help, committing to a shared vision, learning unfamiliar technology, releasing imperfect work, and building trust through honest communication. They also reflect on the equipment failures, long editing sessions, unexpected opportunities, and vulnerable moments that helped the podcast and its team grow. Perfect for communicators, creators, volunteers, and emerging leaders who want to turn mistakes into progress and build something meaningful with a team.

Key takeaways

- Meaningful projects become stronger when leaders accept help, delegate responsibility, and allow others to contribute.
- Equipment failures, software problems, and imperfect recordings can become valuable learning opportunities.
- Consistency requires commitment, patience, and enough time for new skills and team rhythms to develop.
- Authenticity and vulnerability often create a stronger connection than a perfectly polished performance.
- Communication and leadership improve when people practice, review their work, and apply what they learn.

Chapters

00:00 - Cold open: Camera caps, dead batteries, and vulnerability
00:58 - Welcome and the 100-episode milestone
03:04 - Meet the Speak Arizona production team
05:19 - Accepting help and turning a project into a team
07:14 - Equipment failures and learning through mistakes
12:49 - How Rupesh became the podcast host
15:46 - The intervention and an 18-month commitment
21:16 - Choosing guests and imagining dream interviews
27:12 - Perfectionism, editing, and releasing the work
33:52 - Authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership practice
40:09 - Audience engagement and behind-the-scenes production lessons
50:16 - The future of Speak Arizona and growing the community

About the guests

Rupesh Parbhoo is the host of Speak Arizona and helps technical experts become more influential communicators.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupesh-parbhoo/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupesh.parbhoo/

Marie Feutrier is the PR manager for the Speak Arizona podcast team.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-feutrier-mh05/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marie.feutrier/
- Website: https://headshotsbymarie.com/

Vincent Feutrier is a video editor for the Speak Arizona podcast team.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentfeutrier/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent_feutrier

Matthew Malan supports the Speak Arizona podcast team with behind-the-camera production and software editing.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-malan8/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewmalan8/
- Website: https://matthewmalan.com/

Edna Saucke is the social media strategist for the Speak Arizona podcast team.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-saucke-328a33106/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellness_meet_edna/
- Website: https://beacons.ai/plhfdigital?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnVs8Gi5w07pL-xNtVw5Pn4vWy6mrzY8NOnlzWGaTR0Flt_VstHHHiD5NflEg_aem_8joNWtWwy1JHoB2lE6XYXg

In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo interviews headshot photographer Michael Schacht to explore how embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and internal work can create a truly magnetic personal brand. It’s not about polish or perfection but about revealing the parts of yourself that connect and resonate with others. This episode offers a powerful reminder that building a magnetic brand isn’t about hiding your true self but about revealing it intentionally and vulnerably to attract those who resonate with your authentic story.

Key Takeaways
• The importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance in branding
• How internal work and self-awareness influence authenticity
• Differentiating yourself in a crowded market through unique traits
• Overcoming fear and shame to connect authentically
• Practical tips for public speaking confidence
• Building community and accountability through leadership
• The role of internal reflection and continuous iteration in personal growth

Timestamps:
00:00 - Rethinking branding: beyond visual polish to inner authenticity 0
02:09 - The story behind Michael’s viral video and lessons on vulnerability
03:46 - How childhood experiences influence self-acceptance and branding
04:56 - Recognizing and embracing imperfections as assets
08:07 - Overcoming fear and embarrassment in public speaking
09:23 - The transformative power of feedback and self-awareness
10:36 - Connecting personal stories to professional growth
12:45 - The importance of being specific, authentic, and vulnerable
13:15 - How sharing imperfections creates connection and trust
16:05 - Developing a unique voice by reflecting on personal purpose and expectations
17:48 - Avoiding mediocrity by cultivating distinctiveness in branding
19:11 - Differentiating yourself in crowded markets using visual and personal traits
20:48 - The value of intentionality in sharing on social media and public platforms
25:11 - Using personal quirks and vulnerabilities as branding assets
27:54 - Common misconceptions about perceived flaws and how they can be strengths
33:40 - Building confidence through internal work and authentic connection
36:21 - The importance of confronting your shadow self for genuine branding
38:10 - Community building and accountability as tools for authentic growth
44:56 - The iterative nature of leadership and personal development
45:13 - How algorithms and social influences shape perspectives on branding
49:28 - Final thoughts on revealing your true self to attract the right audience

Resources & Links:
• https://312elements.com/
• https://headshothotsauce.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/312elements
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischacht/

Growth requires more than encouragement. It requires honest feedback, the willingness to act on it, and the commitment to keep going when change feels uncomfortable. In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Paul Brunoforte about lessons from 42 years in Toastmasters, the three principles behind The Olympic Method, and why coachability means more than politely saying thank you. Paul also explains how bad habits derail goals, why accountability and "skin in the game" help lessons stick, and how leaders can protect high standards without losing sight of people. The conversation closes with practical advice on taking speaking risks, entering contests, volunteering for more roles, and stretching beyond the safe version of yourself. Perfect for speakers, coaches, and leaders who want to turn feedback into lasting growth.

Key takeaways

- Honest, specific feedback helps people recognize where they are underperforming and what they can improve.
- Coachability means applying suggestions, making adjustments, and practicing even when it feels uncomfortable.
- The Olympic Method focuses on three principles: coaching, coachability, and commitment.
- Lasting goal achievement requires replacing bad habits, creating accountability, and treating growth as a continuous process.
- Speakers improve by taking risks, entering contests, accepting more speaking roles, and deliberately stretching beyond what feels safe.

Chapters

00:00 - Why protecting feelings can prevent growth
02:06 - Speak Arizona and guest introduction
04:13 - What 42 years in Toastmasters teaches you
09:21 - From professional speaking to humor, leadership, and mentorship
16:23 - The Olympic Method: coaching, coachability, and commitment
21:45 - How bad habits and weak accountability derail goals
25:42 - Lessons from decades of goal-setting workshops
33:01 - Leadership advice for maintaining high club standards
38:41 - Honest evaluations and the Whitewash Award
52:32 - Why speaking contests accelerate growth
54:36 - Inspiration, speaking risks, major milestones, and rapid-fire advice
66:47 - Connecting with Paul and closing thoughts

Guest

Paul Brunoforte

About the guest

Paul Brunoforte is a Distinguished Toastmaster who runs The Olympic Method, where he helps people maximize their potential through coaching, coachability, commitment, goal setting, and accountability.

Connect

- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paul-brunoforte-mba-dtm-24b705a
- Email: pbruno2@cox.net

Referenced in the episode

- Paul Brunoforte's speech, "The Great Race": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37DUE55cJY&t=203s

Luis Garay won the District 3 Tall Tales contest after only a few months in Toastmasters, but his story goes far beyond one trophy. In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Luis about storytelling, humor, stage presence, addiction, sobriety, and the ayahuasca experience that helped him hear a powerful message: use your voice. Luis shares how a wild story about a self-driving Tesla, Optimus Prime, and Mesoamerican mythology became a district-winning speech rooted in real life. This episode is for educational purposes, not individual advice. Perfect for speakers, leaders, and storytellers who want to connect their personal journey with a more powerful voice.

Key takeaways
- A great tall tale can be wildly exaggerated while still carrying real emotional truth.
- Luis’s Toastmasters journey began after an ayahuasca ceremony helped him recognize his voice as a tool for growth.
- New speakers can bring freshness, instinct, and presence that energize a stage.
- Speaking confidence can grow from purpose, visualization, lived experience, and practice.
- Fear can point toward the conversations, stages, and goals that matter most.

Chapters
00:00 - Addiction, ayahuasca, and what it means to use your voice
01:54 - Welcome to Speak Arizona
02:49 - A different kind of contest winner
03:52 - Luis Garay introduces himself
05:49 - What an icebreaker is and why it can feel hard
08:43 - What makes a Tall Tale work
12:56 - The self-driving Tesla, Mesoamerican mythology, and the winning speech
15:09 - How being late to a club meeting sparked the contest speech
17:26 - Ayahuasca, healing, and the story behind the story
25:11 - The ceremony message that led Luis to Toastmasters
31:22 - Purpose, dharma, and finding your natural gifts
39:23 - The setbacks behind the “overnight success” story
44:08 - Visualization, confidence, and preparing to win
46:34 - Table Topics: inspiration, speaking pet peeves, fear, and advice
54:31 - Sobriety, connection, and where to find Luis

Luis Garay is a mortgage loan originator.

Connect
- Casa de los Abuelos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadelosabuelos_official/

What makes a speech feel powerful, memorable, and emotionally true? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Bryan Wammack about the hidden craft behind his contest-winning speech. Bryan breaks down how he shaped a personal story into a polished speech through stronger hooks, dialogue, humor, gestures, emotional pacing, feedback, and repetition. This conversation goes beyond winning a contest. It is about learning how to turn lived experience into a story that helps an audience feel, connect, and remember. Perfect for speakers, leaders, Toastmasters, and communicators who want to tell stories that land with more clarity, emotion, and craft.

Key Takeaways
- A powerful hook can place the audience inside the story within seconds.
- Dialogue helps listeners experience a moment instead of just hearing about it.
- Humor can support emotional storytelling when it is tested, refined, and placed with intention.
- Gestures work best when they feel natural, specific, and connected to the speaker’s message.
- A contest-level speech is not just a good story. It has a clear point, emotional shape, and refined delivery.

Chapters
00:00 - The first line that made the room lean in
01:40 - Welcome to Speak Arizona
02:18 - The hidden craft behind Bryan’s speech
03:24 - Bryan’s Toastmasters story
05:03 - The personal story behind the speech
08:58 - How the contest journey began
13:56 - Building a powerful opening hook
17:34 - Dialogue, humor, and living the story
28:52 - Emotion, repetition, gestures, and refinement
38:57 - Rapid fire, advice, and where to connect

About the guest
Bryan Wammack is the 2026 District 3 Toastmasters International Speech Contest Champion.

Connect
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanwammack/

What makes a speech connect, land, and win? In this special Speak Arizona episode, Matt Malan steps into the host seat for a live workshop with Darren LaCroix, the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. Darren gives real-time feedback on Matt's Division contest speech and breaks down practical ways to make a message more memorable. They explore how to use dialogue instead of narration, create vivid scenes, build emotional moments, speak directly to the audience, and stay coachable on the path to stronger communication. Perfect for Toastmasters, speakers, leaders, and presenters who want to turn a good speech into one that truly connects.

Key takeaways
- Use dialogue to create a scene instead of simply narrating what happened.
- Make the audience feel like you are speaking to them one by one.
- Build speeches around emotional moments, not just events.
- Add sensory detail to help listeners see, hear, feel, and remember the story.
- Stay coachable because the right feedback can completely change a speech.

Chapters
00:00 - Intro and why this episode matters for speakers
01:52 - Matt welcomes Darren LaCroix to Speak Arizona
02:25 - The International Speech Contest journey
04:25 - Darren's first speech and learning to be coachable
08:04 - Why clarity matters more than cleverness
13:43 - What Darren notices first in Matt's speech
18:55 - How to step in and out of a scene
19:30 - Use "you" language to connect with one listener at a time
21:45 - Turn narration into dialogue and emotional moments
26:55 - Introduce characters with vivid detail
30:00 - Use sensory details to build a memorable scene
34:04 - Stage Time University and the value of stronger feedback
39:05 - Darren's final advice: decide to be world class

About the guest
Darren LaCroix is the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. After a rough first comedy club set, he committed to mastering the craft of speaking and eventually became a world champion. Today, Darren helps presenters, executives, professional speakers, and trainers become more unforgettable on stage through his coaching, keynote work, books, and Stage Time University.

Connect
- https://darrenlacroix.com/
- https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenlacroix/

Watch Matt's full 2nd Place Contest Winning Speech:

- https://youtu.be/kWtvZWwhblI?si=bgnyHvWjZZb0gN3B

 

About the host

Matthew Malan is a data-driven marketer and Marketing Manager at Vemo Smart Energy. He focuses on growth, experimentation, and performance, with experience leading digital acquisition across paid social, email, and content. He is also the editor on the Speech Arizona Podcast and hosts his own podcast called Stay Hungry.

- https://matthewmalan.com/

- https://www.youtube.com/@matthewmalan

What changes when public speaking stops being about applause, trophies, or proving yourself? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Don Ratliff and Matthew Malan about mentorship, belief, and learning to speak from the heart. Matthew shares how bullying, stuttering, and years of speech therapy shaped his relationship with his voice, while Don reflects on what it means to see potential in someone before they can see it in themselves. Together, they explore how coaching, encouragement, and service can transform a speaker from performer to messenger. Perfect for speakers, mentors, coaches, and leaders who want to communicate with more courage, connection, and purpose. Key takeaways

• Mentorship can help someone rebuild belief when their own confidence feels fragile.
• A speaker grows faster when coaching includes both honest feedback and heart-centered encouragement.
• Public speaking becomes more powerful when the goal shifts from performing to serving.
• Speaking from the heart helps create real connection with an audience.
• The best mentors do more than improve speeches. They help people see what is already inside them.

Chapters
00:00 - Cold open: The neck brace story and the power of eye contact
00:19 - Speak Arizona intro
00:56 - Host intro and episode setup
01:14 - Matthew's voice, bullying, stuttering, and rebuilding trust
02:02 - Why this story is also about mentorship
02:49 - Don and Matthew join the conversation
05:47 - Why mentorship and service matter in this story
09:01 - What Don saw in Matthew
10:14 - Don shares why he wanted to pass mentorship forward
11:21 - Generational service and mentorship
23:08 - Moving from performance to service
23:15 - Speaking from the heart, not just the head
43:53 - Advice for new public speakers

Guest: Don Ratliff

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-ratli...

About the guest
Matthew Malan is a data-driven marketer and Marketing Manager at Vemo Smart Energy. He focuses on growth, experimentation, and performance, with experience leading digital acquisition across paid social, email, and content. His work combines analytics, campaign execution, and marketing systems to generate measurable business results. Connect

• Website: https://matthewmalan.com/

We often think communication begins with words, but the body is already speaking before we ever say a thing. In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Robin Afinowich about embodied communication, yoga, trauma-informed leadership, and what it means to listen with more than just language. Robin shares how presence, breath, intuition, nervous system awareness, and authentic self-expression can change the way we speak, lead, teach, and connect. The conversation explores public speaking, de-armoring, reading a room, moving beyond performance, and learning to trust the body as a source of wisdom. Perfect for speakers, leaders, coaches, and professionals who want to communicate with deeper presence and connection.

Key takeaways
- Communication is not only verbal. The body communicates through posture, breath, energy, and nervous system signals before words ever land.
- Presence is a leadership skill. Reading the room, staying grounded, and adapting in the moment can build trust with an audience.
- Authenticity deepens expertise. Robin explains that mastering content matters, but showing up as your whole self gives the message meaning.
- Breath and movement can help people de-armor. Simple practices like breathing, shaking, and slowing down can support safety, connection, and readiness to learn.
- Connection matters more than perfection. Whether teaching, speaking, or leading, the goal is not flawless performance. The goal is shared humanity and meaningful connection.

Chapters
00:00 - Intro and welcome to Speak Arizona
00:39 - Rupesh introduces communication beyond words
02:00 - Robin shares her work in yoga, somatic therapy, trauma resolution, and consulting
04:30 - A yoga class moment that helped Rupesh hear, "You're good at what you do"
06:25 - How Robin reads body language, nervous systems, energy, and presence
12:35 - Rupesh connects Robin's words to teaching yoga and trusting the next step
14:30 - Being good at what you do by being fully yourself
18:45 - Work identity, golden handcuffs, entrepreneurship, and the leap of faith
22:27 - Testing decisions through the body instead of only the intellect
24:28 - Hiring, leadership, presence, and looking beyond credentials
26:25 - Notes, public speaking, and moving from content to embodied delivery
33:14 - How speakers can de-armor before presenting
38:27 - Breathwork, shaking, introductions, and helping an audience feel safe
41:12 - Robin's breathwork language and why predictability supports the nervous system
43:20 - Authenticity, stuttering, and letting the whole story be heard
45:00 - Contest speaking, intention, and sharing instead of performing
47:21 - Connection before perfection
49:50 - Robin's message on embodiment, resilience, and helping people show up whole
53:33 - Rapid fire: inspiration, public speaking pet peeves, collaboration, and advice

About the guest
Robin Afinowich is a licensed trauma therapist, Master Yoga teacher, and nationally recognized presenter specializing in somatic psychology, trauma resolution, and body-mind interventions.

Connect
- Trauma Forward: https://trauma-forward.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-afinowich-47237232/
- Website: https://www.robinafinowich.com/