Finding Our Voice: Karen Banfield & Severo Lara with the Ojai Valley Speech Club

Ojai has always been a place where voices matter — artists, thinkers, seekers, misfits, and makers.But what happens when a public-speaking club sheds the corporate rules and reinvents itself in the spirit of this valley?In this week’s episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, I sit down with Karen Banfield, founder and president of the new Ojai Valley Speech Club, and Severo Lara, its vice president, to explore how they transformed a fading Toastmasters chapter into a vibrant, heartfelt community.When Karen stepped in to rescue what remained of the old club— just six members and dwindling fast — she realized the structure itself was part of the barrier. So she did something bold: she let it go.What emerged is something distinctly Ojai: A relaxed gathering focused not on rigid rules or corporate polish, but on authenticity, intuition, creativity, and real human connection.Members now give talks on everything from personal vulnerability to quantum physics, from life lessons to the mysterious ways intuition shapes the choices we make. The club has nearly tripled in size, and the energy in the room is unmistakable — a sense of growth, bravery, and community.In our conversation, Karen and Severo discuss:How they redesigned public speaking for the Ojai spiritWhy ditching formality invites deeper honestyThe surprising subjects their members exploreHow a small group grew into an inspired communityAnd why learning to speak from the soul is more important than everWhether you’ve always wanted to improve your public speaking or simply love stories of grassroots community-building, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a reminder that finding your voice is an act of courage — and connection.Tune in, get inspired, and maybe even consider stepping up to the mic yourself. (Note: we did not talk about Walter Payton's MVP season, origami or metalworking.)Learn more about the Ojai Valley Speech Club at https://www.ojaivalleyspeech.club/