On The Toastmasters Experience, I love shining a light on one powerful question:
💡 “What books, podcasts, tools, or routines have shaped your self-development?”

In this special compilation, you’ll hear from eight inspiring voices—each with a unique perspective on where they turn for wisdom, confidence, and inspiration.

🎙️ Lana (Ep. 24) shares how following domestic politics and programs like Insiders and The Party Room sharpened her listening and speaking skills.
🎙️ Vicki (Ep. 26) turns to TED Talks and speech and drama lessons as resources that expand her speaking repertoire beyond the club room.
🎙️ Roger (Ep. 34) credits mentors like Craig Valentine, Simon Sinek, and Eric Thomas for fueling his energy and growth.

🎙️ Jody (Ep. 35) — Sparked by Brené Brown’s Power of Vulnerability, Jody stepped into deeper, more authentic storytelling. She also recommends William Whitecloud’s The Secrets of Natural Success, and finds ongoing inspiration in Lewis Howes, Brendon Burchard, Gabby Bernstein, and Gabor Maté.

🎙️ Frankie (Ep. 39) — A bedside staple: James Clear’s Atomic Habits—especially habit stacking and trigger design. For podcasts, Frankie rotates Diary of a CEO, Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom and Andrew Huberman for science-backed performance.

🎙️ Ramona (Ep. 44) — Two words: Nancy Levin. Her book Worthy reframed Ramona’s self-worth and pricing (a recommendation via Craig Valentine). A must-read for anyone who senses a gap between talent and income.

🎙️ Marc (Ep. 46) — A teacher at heart, Marc’s communication canon includes Carmine Gallo’s Talk Like TED, Nancy Duarte’s Resonate, James C. Humes’ Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln, and Chip Heath’s Made to Stick—practical blueprints for memorable messaging.

🎙️ Maria (Ep. 50) — Oprah & Dr. Bruce Perry’s What Happened to You? shifts the lens from “what’s wrong” to “what happened,” deepening empathy in education and in club culture. She also highlights Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership by Kirstin Ferguson, championing service-first leadership that empowers others.

🎧 If any of these spark curiosity, dive back into their full episodes for the complete stories and strategies.