The Story Behind Arizona's Public Speaking Podcast
From a Toastmasters Project to Arizona's Public Speaking Podcast
Speak Arizona was created by Sara Mayer, then District Director of District 3 Toastmasters, alongside cohost Serban Mare. Their vision was simple: take the powerful conversations happening inside Toastmasters meetings and bring them to a wider audience — anyone in Arizona and beyond who wanted to become a better communicator and leader.
When Sara and Serban moved on from the project, the podcast could have ended there.
It didn't.
The original Speak Arizona cover
How Speak Arizona Became Arizona's Only Public Speaking Podcast
Rupesh Parbhoo stepped in as host and brought a new energy to the microphone. Under his leadership, Speak Arizona evolved from a district project into Arizona's only podcast dedicated to public speaking, communication, and leadership.
The guests got bigger. The conversations got bolder. And the audience grew — because it turns out, people are hungry for honest, courageous conversations about what it really takes to find your voice and lead with purpose.
Today, Speak Arizona features everyone from World Champions of Public Speaking to first-time storytellers, delivering weekly episodes packed with real strategies and lessons you can use immediately.
Meet Rupesh Parbhoo — Arizona Speaker & Communication Coach
Rupesh Parbhoo is an Arizona-based speaker, podcast host, communication coach, and yoga instructor passionate about helping people lead, speak, and connect more authentically.
His path to communication started in 2017, working with engineers in Papua New Guinea. Their technical ability was outstanding, but Rupesh saw firsthand that technical skill alone wasn't enough — communication was what helped people build influence, create impact, and grow lasting careers. A local engineer introduced him to Toastmasters, and what began as something he encouraged others to do became an important part of his own leadership journey.
That perspective is also shaped by his work as a yoga instructor. Teaching yoga strengthened his ability to listen with intention, stay present, and connect beyond words — reinforcing the lesson that now defines his podcast: great communication is not about sounding perfect, but about being real.
Through Speak Arizona, Rupesh creates space for meaningful conversations that help people become stronger communicators, more confident leaders, and more authentic versions of themselves.
The Team Behind the #1 Communication & Leadership Podcast in Arizona
Matthew Malan
Marketing & Video
Matthew Malan is a marketing strategist and content creator who brings a data-driven edge to the Speak Arizona creative team. As Marketing Manager at Vemo Smart Energy, he leads an eight-person team focused on paid acquisition and lead generation. He channels that same strategic mindset into content — editing and shaping raw podcast episodes into sharp highlight reels for TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The result: every conversation is packaged to reach the right audience, on the right platform.
Vincent Feutrier
Video Editor
Vincent Feutrier brings precision from two worlds to Speak Arizona. By day, he leads teams in the semiconductor industry, where clear communication and attention to detail aren't optional — they're everything. By night (and weekends), he serves as Area Director for District 3 Toastmasters, supporting five clubs across the district. As the video editor for Speak Arizona, Vincent is the one who turns raw conversations into polished episodes ready for your screen. His leadership experience — both in the boardroom and in Toastmasters — gives him a sharp eye for what makes a message land.
Marie Feutrier
Public Relations Manager
Marie Feutrier is the voice, and the eye, behind the brand. A professional photographer and District 3's Public Relations Manager, she brings a rare combination of visual and strategic thinking to Speak Arizona. Marie leads social media, content creation, and brand strategy across every platform where the podcast shows up. Her camera captures the hosts and guests; her PR expertise makes sure every episode reaches the right audience. A Past President of Gilbert Toastmasters, she knows the Toastmasters journey from the inside. She believes your voice matters; now use it.
Powered by District 3 Toastmasters — Arizona's Public Speaking Community
Speak Arizona is proudly produced by District 3 Toastmasters, serving over 125 clubs across Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas. Toastmasters is the world's leading organization for developing public speaking, communication, and leadership skills through a supportive, peer-driven community.
With nearly 100 years of history, Toastmasters has helped millions of people around the world find their voice and grow as leaders. District 3 carries that mission forward in the Southwest — and Speak Arizona extends it beyond the meeting room to anyone with an internet connection and a desire to grow.
Whether you're a Toastmasters member or you've never heard of the organization, this podcast is for you.
Listen to Speak Arizona — Weekly Public Speaking Podcast
Speak Arizona is available wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe so you never miss a courageous conversation.
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