D50 After Dark Podcast

D50 After Dark Podcast

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Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow: Victor Johnson’s Mission to Mentor Youth

Highlights

0:00

1:31 – Victor Johnson published a mindset-focused book in 2018 which led to his first paid speaking engagement at Dallas College

2:01 – At Dallas College, Victor mentors men of color in leadership, financial literacy, and communication skills

5:01 – He observes that many young people struggle with communication despite being tech-savvy

11:23 – Victor’s Create Your Future Self Youth Program has mentored over 5,000 young people in the past five years

17:56 – Victor says that the unique selling point to the success of the youth program is to “keep showing up” with  consistency.

20:54 – He emphasizes how finding purpose empowers students by giving them a voice and role in “the greater scheme of things”

Summary

In this engaging conversation on D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Victor Johnson about his impactful work mentoring young people. Victor traces his journey from publishing his book “Proven Pathways to Wealth and Happiness”  in 2018 to becoming involved with Dallas College’s Male Achievement Program (MAP), which specifically supports men of color in their academic and professional development. He speaks candidly about the unique challenges these young men face, including pressure to appear “tough” and navigate societal barriers.

The discussion evolves to focus on Victor’s Create Your Future Self program, which remarkably adapted during the pandemic from a local Dallas initiative to reach students internationally. Now operating both in-person and online, the program has touched over 5,000 young lives, teaching everything from financial literacy to public speaking skills. Victor emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and consistency in mentoring, noting that “our biggest success… is we just keep showing up.”

Throughout the interview, Victor shares insightful observations about modern youth, particularly their struggle with face-to-face communication despite technological proficiency. He draws an interesting parallel between the predictability of technology and the unpredictable nature of human interaction, using this to explain why many young people need support developing interpersonal skills.

The conversation concludes powerfully with Victor’s perspective on helping students find their purpose and speaking with them rather than down to them. Mickey Bennett’s thoughtful questions and personal reflections, particularly about his own lack of purpose in high school, create a genuine dialogue that shows the potential of mentorship. The interview ends with information about accessing the program through ⁠bethevictor.us/⁠ particularly for the summer sessions which are open to students worldwide.

⁠bethevictor.us

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Maps, Members, and Moving Clubs: Ezekiel Reveals D50’s Realignment Puzzle

0:00 Highlights

(1:08) Ezekiel explains how he became involved with district realignment  

(2:53) Details the target district structure: 4-6 clubs per area, 5 areas per division, 6 divisions per district  

(4:07) Explains balancing factors: club numbers, member counts, and distinguished club status  

(5:13) Discusses geographical considerations in realignment  

(7:45) Reveals scope of recent realignment: only 5-6 clubs moved within the district  

(12:39) Mentions potential use of Alteryx software for future mapping  

(14:53) District Director typically handles any criticism of realignment decisions  

Summary In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Ezekiel Setne about the annual process of District 50 realignment. Ezekiel, who served as Realignment Chair, explains how clubs are distributed among areas and divisions to maintain organizational balance and effectiveness.  

The interview reveals that realignment follows specific Toastmasters International guidelines: each area should contain 4-6 clubs, each division should have 5 areas, and the district typically has 6 divisions. The process involves balancing multiple factors simultaneously: number of clubs, geographical proximity, membership levels, and the distribution of distinguished clubs to ensure fairness across areas.  

Ezekiel describes how the realignment committee, led by the District Director, develops proposed changes approximately three months before the annual meeting to allow time for review and feedback. In the most recent realignment, only 5-6 clubs were moved throughout the entire district, primarily due to some clubs disbanding and new ones forming.  

A significant challenge is ensuring that clubs within an area are reasonably close to each other, avoiding situations where one club might be 30 miles away from others in its area. The interview also addresses the emerging challenge of online and hybrid clubs, noting that Toastmasters International still requires these clubs to maintain a physical location.  

Ezekiel shares a potential improvement to the process, suggesting the use of Alteryx software to help visualize and analyze club locations and distributions. This data analysis tool could potentially streamline the realignment process by mapping club addresses and calculating distances between locations.  

The interview concludes with insights into the political aspects of realignment, revealing that while the committee chair does the detailed work, the District Director typically presents the changes and handles any criticism or concerns at the annual meeting. Ezekiel emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexity of the process, encouraging members to “go easy on your realignment committee chair, because they’re doing the best they can.”

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Rhonda Bunte, District 50’s Club Growth Director. The interview focuses on Rhonda’s personal journey in Toastmasters and the impact it has had on both her life and those around her. Rhonda begins by sharing her professional background, having spent 30 years at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as an audit specialist in the Office of Inspector General.

Her introduction to Toastmasters came through an unexpected source—the sound of laughter and applause from a nearby conference room—which stood out in contrast to the typically analytical environment of the FDIC. The interview reveals how Rhonda joined the “open corporate club” at FDIC, where the corporation supported employee membership while also welcoming outside members.

This club has remained her home club for 26 years, demonstrating her long-term commitment to the organization. Throughout the conversation, Rhonda shares several inspiring success stories of fellow Toastmasters. One particularly powerful narrative involved a colleague who initially joined to develop facilitation skills and eventually became an assistant professor and professional coach in FDIC’s leadership program. Another compelling story featured a self-described shy member who transformed through Toastmasters and rose to an executive position, later becoming an advocate for referring her staff to the program.

The highlight of Rhonda’s own leadership journey is her experience organizing a division contest during the pandemic. This challenge forced her out of her comfort zone, requiring her to adapt to online formats and develop new networking skills. She emphasizes how this experience contributed to her growth in leadership. The interview concludes with information about “Sell the Sizzle,” a District 50 promotion encouraging members and clubs to share their Toastmasters success stories through videos.

Incentives are “Bookstore Bucks” that can be used for Toastmasters merchandise and conference tickets. Throughout the conversation, Rhonda emphasizes the dual benefits of Toastmasters: professional development and personal transformation. Her stories consistently highlight how the organization helps members develop not just public speaking skills, but also leadership abilities, networking capabilities, and personal confidence.

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes for D50 After Dark – Episode Featuring Victor Johnson

00:00 – Intro
00:42 – A Man With Charisma, Victor Johnson
01:37 – Charisma Translates into Confidence
03:13 – Developing Confidence Leads to Charisma
04:28 – Confidence Conveys Credibility
05:42 – How Does Victor Recommend Building Confidence?
07:44 – Fear Can Help with Charisma?
09:45 – What Else Can We Do to Demonstrate Charisma?
13:24 – Call To Action

Victor Johnson’s Information:
Website: http://www.bethevictor.us

Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethevictor-us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethevictor.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethevictor.us
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@createyourfutureself/videos
X: https://x.com/AbundantVJ

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

Highlights

(3:40) China recycled 70% of world’s recyclables using empty return shipping containers

(8:01) Environmental damage at Chinese ports led to “superfund sites”

(10:36) 2018-2022: Most US recycling went to landfills after China’s ban

(11:46) US excels at metal recycling, but is poor at plastic

(15:15) Landfills create long-term real estate and gas release issues

(22:17) India pioneered e-waste recycling by extracting gold from microchips

Summary

In this fascinating conversation about recycling, host Mickey Bennett sits down with eco-entrepreneur Ezekiel Setne to explore what really happens to our recyclables. The discussion reveals surprising insights about the global recycling ecosystem and its recent dramatic changes.

The conversation begins with a look at the pre-2018 recycling world, when China dominated global recycling by cleverly taking advantage of empty shipping containers returning from delivering goods to other countries. China filled them with up to 70% of the world’s recyclables, efficiently turning these materials into new products. However, this efficiency came at a cost, creating concentrated environmental damage around Chinese ports that eventually led to “superfund sites” requiring extensive cleanup.

When China banned recycling imports in 2018 through the National Sword Law, it created a crisis in the US. Ezekiel reveals how this led to several years where most recyclables ended up in landfills while new domestic infrastructure was developed.

The interview delves into the current state of different types of recycling. While the US excels at metal recycling with nearly 100% success rates, plastic recycling faces significant economic challenges. Oil companies keep virgin plastic prices so low that recycling often isn’t economically viable, resulting in only 15-20% of plastic being recycled.

In discussing the controversial topic of landfills, Ezekiel acknowledged their usefulness while explaining their long-term drawbacks as cities expand around them. These sites occupy increasingly valuable property that is potentially unstable due to methane pockets. The conversation touches on more recent concerns like microplastics, where Ezekiel notes we’re in an “awkward phase” of research where we suspect problems but don’t yet fully understand the implications.

The discussion concludes with a fascinating story about the evolution of e-waste recycling. Recyclers in India extracted the gold from electronic components, transforming what was once a waste into a precious resource worth up to $50 per pound. Throughout the interview, Mickey’s genuine curiosity and Ezekiel’s industry knowledge combine to make complex topics accessible and engaging.

Despite some sobering realities about recycling’s challenges, Ezekiel optimistically highlights how recycling continues to improve. The conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of an industry that impacts everyone but is understood by few.

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

(1:21 Discussion on why storytelling is important
(3:50) How to choose stories for different audiences
(6:56) Types of stories Victor uses
(7:07) Victor tells powerful personal story about family road trip and self-reflection
(10:21) Tips on finding and crafting impactful stories
(12:11) How to structure stories within a speech
(14:38) Using storytelling to motivate people

Host Mickey Bennett interviews professional speaker Victor Johnson about the art of storytelling in public speaking. The discussion covers why storytelling is crucial, how to craft effective stories, and tips for using narratives to connect with and motivate audiences.

Victor emphasizes that storytelling is essential for speakers because it helps them connect with the audience on a personal level. He explains, “If you can find ways to make them feel like it’s something they can either relate to or they’ve been there… It helps them to follow along with whatever your topic is about.” Victor says that stories humanize the speaker and add credibility to their message.

In examining how speakers can choose stories for different audiences, Victor stresses the importance of doing homework on the audience, understanding their challenges and goals, and then incorporating stories that will resonate with that specific group.

Victor shares a powerful personal story about a family road trip that became a turning point in his life. He describes catching his own reflection in the rearview mirror and not liking what he saw, which led to a profound moment of self-reflection and change. This story serves as an example of how vulnerability in storytelling can create a strong connection with the audience.

Victor advises speakers to be comfortable with that personal vulnerability. He states, “Oftentimes, your best stories are going to come from you sharing something that you may not want the world to necessarily know about you.” He encourages speakers to dig deep and talk about experiences that truly transformed them.

The conversation also touches on how to structure stories within a speech. Victor credits his Toastmasters experience for helping him learn where to place stories for maximum impact, whether at the beginning, middle, or end of a presentation.

Mickey brings up George Lucas’s simple storytelling formula: introduce characters, present conflict, and resolve the conflict. Victor acknowledges the effectiveness of this approach while noting that not all speeches will follow this exact format.

The interview concludes with a discussion on using storytelling to motivate people. Victor emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience’s needs and challenges, and then crafting stories that inspire and influence them to act.

Victor offers speaking and coaching at BeTheVictor.us. Looking toward the next episode on confidence and charisma, Mickey comments, “This guy knows a thing or two about confidence and charisma.”

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

From Public Speaking to Eco-Entrepreneurship: How Communication Skills Launched a Recycling Empire

Highlights

2:52 – Ezekiel Setne’s struggle to pay for college and aversion to debt

4:41 – Ezekiel’s early experience with recycling and scrap metal

7:49 – Development of Ezekiel’s business pitch to mining companies

11:12 – Transition from using recycling to pay for education to making it a career

14:31 – Importance of communication skills in Ezekiel’s current role

15:08 – Leadership experiences in 4-H and Boy Scouts

17:38 – Ezekiel’s reasons for joining Toastmasters

19:04 – Discussion on communication skills lacking in younger generations

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Ezekiel Setne, an eco-entrepreneur who built a successful recycling business using his public speaking skills.

Ezekiel shares his journey from struggling college student to successful business owner. He explains how his early experiences with recycling and selling scrap metal led to an innovative business idea. Facing financial challenges during his college years, Ezekiel developed a unique pitch to mining companies, offering to clean up their scrap metal for free and even pay them a portion of the proceeds.

The interview highlights the crucial role of public speaking and communication skills in Ezekiel’s success. He credits his background in 4-H and Boy Scouts for developing his leadership abilities, which proved invaluable in his business ventures.

Interestingly, Ezekiel reveals that he never took a business class until he was nearly 30, instead focusing on math and science degrees. He emphasizes how his public speaking skills were instrumental in launching and growing his business, EZA Recycling Solutions.

The conversation also touches on the importance of communication skills in today’s job market, particularly for younger generations. Ezekiel and Mickey discuss the growing anxiety around phone communication among millennials and Gen Z, and how developing these skills can give job seekers a significant advantage.

Finally, Ezekiel explains his reasons for joining Toastmasters, including his desire to stay sharp and give back by helping others develop their public speaking skills.

The episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of entrepreneurship, public speaking, and environmental sustainability, offering listeners a unique perspective on building a successful career through effective communication.

In the next episode, Ezekiel answers the question, “Where does my recycling actually go?” in  a conversation focused entirely on recycling.

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

Victor Johnson Breaks the Ice: From Financial Struggles to Empowering Speaker

Area Directors: Club Champions Empowering Toastmasters Clubs

Highlights:

0:00 – Importance of engaging new members

1:41 – Kim reflects on her time as area director

3:31 – Area directors as “trusted advisors”

5:58 – Connecting clubs to district resources

10:35 – Need for continuous engagement  

14:19 – Recommended frequency of club visits

15:50 – Mickey’s experience as area director

18:03 – Peer leadership between directors

20:25 – Kim’s call to action

Summary:

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews District Director Kimberly Ross about the crucial role of area directors as “club champions.” Kim emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement with clubs, especially given the influx of new members—30 in July alone. She reflects on her own experience as an area director, acknowledging she could have done better due to life circumstances.

Kim describes area directors as “trusted advisors” for their clubs, highlighting their role in connecting clubs to district resources and support. She stresses the need for ongoing engagement, as the audience is ever-changing with new members joining regularly.

Regarding club visits, Kim recommends area directors visit their clubs once a month, or 4 times every 6 months. Mickey shares his experience of monthly club visits as an area director, explaining how it significantly developed his leadership skills.

The conversation also touches on the “magical” peer leadership that can develop between area and division directors. Kim encourages this collaboration, noting how it can lead to innovative ideas and better support for clubs.

Kim’s call to action is twofold: she wants to know why members Toastmaster, and she encourages everyone to lean into the district and their leaders. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out, whether it’s to area directors or division directors, especially if facing challenges.

Throughout the episode, Kim underscores the vital role of area directors in club success and member engagement. She highlights the personal growth opportunities the position offers, encouraging Toastmasters to embrace new challenges and learn from them.

The episode concludes with a message of resilience and community. Kim emphasizes the importance of showing up, bringing your best, and supporting each other in the Toastmasters journey, even when faced with difficulties.