Making Elephants Fly | Conversations with High Octane Leaders, Dreamers, & Creatives

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Leslie Weaver. Join Leslie and Terry as they talk about their incredible health journey, the unexpected challenges they faced during "the thing" event in Orlando, and the power of community in times of crisis. Leslie Weaver helps everyday people see themselves as leaders and lead with confidence. With more than 25 years of experience across education, nonprofits, and organizational leadership, she has built and developed leaders from the inside out. Leslie currently serves in a senior leadership role in one of the nation's top school systems, leading teams of over 600 and shaping experiences for thousands of students. Known for her practical, down-to-earth teaching style, her work centers on self-leadership, simple systems, and consistent action. She is a regular main-stage favorite at The Thing and lives in Nashville with her husband, Terry, and their miniature schnauzers. They share candid stories about navigating hospital stays, the importance of advocacy, and lessons learned about self-care, leadership, and the value of surrounding yourself with the right people. One big idea from this episode: When life gets overwhelming, it's the strength of your community—and your willingness to ask for and accept help—that truly makes all the difference. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live You can donate to the Weavers' GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/64eea4665

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Robert Kaelin, a multifaceted influencer, leader, and author of "Generous Influencers”. Robert Kaelin is an author, speaker, trainer and coach after graduating with a degree in leadership from Faith International University. He is a visionary leader, launching Counter Culture Leadership which helps equip leaders to reach their full potential so they can change the world with positive impact. He is also the founder of Generous Influencers, a non-profit that is on a mission to influence communities with generosity through community events and building local partnerships. Robert lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Jackie. They have three children and love spending their time adventuring and soaking in the world around them. Join Robert and Terry as they talk about the journey from personal hardship to influential leadership, the transformative power of generosity in all facets of life, and the pivotal concepts of valuing oneself and nurturing one's superpower to make an impact. Dive into a compelling conversation that challenges the scarcity mindset and embraces living like a river — constantly giving and enriching the lives of others. Robert emphasizes that his approach to generosity extends beyond financial giving—it encompasses offering one’s time, talents, and treasures. He and Terry promote the notion of adding value to others as an essential aspect of successful leadership and life. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry Weaver sits down with himself to reflect on the journey of the podcast. Join Terry as he talks about the trials and tribulations of starting and running a podcast, the incredible growth along the way, and the invaluable lessons learned from 100 episodes. In this milestone reflection, Terry unpacks what it means to be consistent in the right things, the need to bet on oneself, and the invaluable impact of clarity and purpose. Don’t miss the Pop Playlist Framework that he shares for the first time. He underscores the crucial role of clarity in understanding one's purpose and employing one’s unique abilities to make an impact in the world. Terry conveys the necessity of being true to one's own dreams and ambitions. This episode will leave listeners empowered to take action toward their goals, encouraged to invest in their potential, and motivated to consider the lasting legacy they wish to create. Moreover, it provides them with practical tools for gaining clarity on their desires and emphasizes the value of surrounding themselves with a supportive community. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with former WWE wrestler and actor Dylan Postl. Dylan, known by his ring name Hornswoggle, and now Swoggle, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He gained fame in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2006 to 2016 as the sidekick of Finlay. His comedic antics and underdog persona made him a quick fan favorite, and he held the WWE Cruiserweight Championship during his tenure. He has since pursued a career in independent wrestling and is an owner at the Wisconsin wrestling school ACW Wisconsin. ​ Dylan is also an accomplished author, stand-up comedian, and has appeared in several movies, including "Muppets Most Wanted," "Leprechaun: Origins," and most recently "Jingle Smells. In January 2022, Dylan started a podcast titled "Going Postl" where he discusses his wrestling career, becoming a father, and his unique life experiences. Join Dylan and Terry as they talk about the grit and passion required for professional wrestling, the challenges of representation in the acting world for dwarves, and the adventure of navigating a post-WWE career. Discover how Dylan's love for the entertainment industry drives him to constantly reinvent himself and how he maintains joy and practicality through life's ups and downs. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Liz Wilcox. Liz is an online entrepreneur & copywriter who specializes in email marketing. You can currently find Liz on Season #46 of Survivor. She helps freelancers and professionals alike package up their magic and turn it into emails that convert. In a previous life, Liz was an education major and – like so many before her – never actually got a teaching job. Instead, she found her way to the online space and fell in love with sales strategy. Today, Liz teaches people how to build online relationships, close deals, and attract better clients.When Liz isn’t in sales mode, she likes to run (yes, for fun), eat steak, and hang at her local beach in Tampa, FL Join Liz and Terry as they talk about the transformative power of email marketing, the importance of authenticity in personal and business success, and the strategic decisions behind building a business that aligns with your desired lifestyle. Dive into Liz's journey of overcoming challenges, licensing her expertise for business growth, and taking bold steps such as participating on Survivor—highlighting the correlation between trusting one's instincts and achieving remarkable success. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at The Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Mike Brennan. Mike , author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, isn’t your typical Creative Consultant and Communicator; he’s a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity. Mike’s expertise goes beyond the pages of his book. He’s helped renowned clients like Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and fun into their work. His art graces prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona. What sets Mike apart is his commitment to helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of creativity. With a unique Daily Creative Habit process honed over a decade, he empowers people to seamlessly integrate innovation into their routines, making life and work more vibrant and fulfilling. Through his words, art, actions, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Mike inspires us all to make fun not just a habit but a way of life. Join Mike and Terry as they talk about integrating fun into our daily routines, the transformative power of tinkering in professional environments, and the profound impact creativity can have on others’ lives. Discover how making fun a habit isn't just about enjoyment, but is a crucial element for innovation and rediscovery in both personal and corporate settings. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at The Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down again with Logan Sekulow. Logan is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, radio show host, and podcaster. Logan holds degrees from Full Sail University in Film and Entertainment Business as well as a Certificate in Leadership Excellence in Executive Leadership from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. He co-hosts the longest running Walt Disney World Podcast and co-host of the Sekulow Brothers Podcast. Logan began his television career at the popular kids network Nickelodeon. His directorial credits include the feature film As Dreamers Do: The Amazing Life of Walt Disney, the award-winning documentary Welcome Home, Dick Van Dyke, and the pro wrestling TV show Dojo Pro. In 2014 Logan relaunched Laugh-O-Gram Studios was relaunched under the guidance of A filmmaker and broadcaster whose credits include working for and with the biggest names in family entertainment including The Walt Disney Company. His latest movie project, this time as prodcuer and writer, Jingle Smells, he family-friendly holiday film's all-star cast includes John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville), Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, The Expendables), and Ben Davies (Courageous, War Room). If you don't blink you may even find Terry as a pirate. Join Logan Sekulow and Terry as they unpack about the challenges of making and releasing a movie, the strategic decisions involved in distribution and promotion, the importance of seeking feedback and maintaining authenticity, and the potential of exploring alternative platforms for content creation. If you stick around to the end you will hear some random thoughts about the band KISS and thier farewell tour and what legacy looks like. Discover why your ideas aren't trash and how to believe in something all the way. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with the legendary Seth Godin. Seth is an author, entrepreneur and most of all, A teacher. Seth is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 21 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, and What To Do When It's Your Turn (And It's Always Your Turn). His book, This is Marketing, was an instant bestseller in countries around the world. His latest books are The Song of Significance and The Practice, and creatives everywhere have made it a bestseller. In 2013, Seth was one of just three professionals inducted into the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame. In an astonishing turn of events, in May 2018, he was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame as well. He might be the only person in both. Join Seth Godin and Terry as they talk about creativity, significance, and making an impact in a noisy digital world. They discuss thinking "on the edge of the box," the manipulation behind social media, embracing failure, and the importance of creating connection opportunities for small, motivated groups. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Kabrina Budwell LIVE from the Jamacia Mastermind 2023. Kabrina is a former Disney Trainer and Cast Member, positioning expert, speaker, and author. She specializes in frameworks and messaging alignment for businesses to accelerate growth and give them a clear place to point to for their teams. She integrates brain science, psychology, and generational studies to help leaders create raving fans that come back again and again. She has trained and coached with companies such as ConvertKit, Advance Your Reach, and Moxie Institute. Join Kabrina and Terry as they talk about the power of community, personal growth, and breaking free from self-imposed limitations. From the importance of having a support system and being in a community to the incredible potential of recognizing brilliance in others, this episode is full of inspiring insights. Discover the wisdom of a famous African proverb highlighting the strength of collective efforts and learn how The Thing community serves as a powerful example of this truth. Kabrina shares her own journey of initially being unsure about joining Terry's Elite Mastermind but ultimately finding it to be a transformative experience. Gain valuable insights on finding your true desires, building meaningful connections, and redefining success. Don't miss out on this episode where Kabrina and Terry dismantle the idea of living in confined spaces and empower you to embrace more space for important conversations. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry & Kabrina at The Thing an event where innovation and community collide http://thething.live, using the code PODCAST for a special discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team. Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the Savannah Bananas. With one mission to Make Baseball Fun, the Bananas have quickly become known as the Greatest Show in Sports. The team has sold out every game since their first season and have a waitlist for tickets of over 900,000. The Bananas have more than 5 million social media followers and been featured on Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, HBO Real Sports, Access Hollywood and in Bananaland, a five-part documentary original series on ESPN+ Jesse is the proud inventor of Banana Ball, the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball that features a two-hour time limit, no walks, no bunting, no stepping out of the box, no mound visits, and fans can catch a foul ball for an out. He is the not-so-proud promoter of the Grandma Beauty Pageant, the Human Horse Race, the Living Pinata, and Flatulence Fun Night. A best-selling author of Fans First and Find Your Yellow Tux, international speaker, Jesse continues to create fans all over the world. He’s a raving fan of his wife, Emily, his kids, and peerless promoters like Walt Disney and PT Barnum Join Jesse and Terry as they talk about putting fans first, creating exceptional experiences, and going bananas with your business. They dive into the concept of firing bullets and cannonballs, the power of vision, and the importance of having fun in your organization. Discover how the Savannah Bananas have revolutionized the fan experience and why they believe that now is the time to bring hope back into people's lives. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation with Jesse Cole on Making Elephants Fly. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Derrick Kinney, a financial planning expert and advocate for the Good Money Revolution. As a Private Wealth Advisor at Derrick Kinney & Associates for over 25 years, Derrick has a proven track record of providing financial security and quality advice to help people live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. But upon realizing that he no longer had the driving passion to be a financial advisor on his annual sabbatical in 2019, Derrick knew it was time to sell his practice, bet on himself again, and go in a different direction. Fast forward to today and Derrick is now a successful entrepreneur who’s still excelling in the financial services space but in a different way. Secure in the coveted top 1% of his field, Derrick is also the author of the acclaimed Good Money Revolution and host of the popular Good Money Podcast. Derrick’s “good money” mantra stems from this basic premise: “If you’re not making the money you deserve and you’re not making the impact on the world you’ve always wanted, there’s a better way for your money.” Join Derrick and Terry as they delve into the transformative power of embracing personal beliefs, pursuing dreams, and making a positive impact on one's community. From Derrick's inspiring "$5 challenge" with young kids, to his insights on the value of belief and generosity in business, this conversation will challenge your mindset and ignite your passion for making a difference. Discover how to navigate economic challenges, stand out in a saturated market, and create lasting happiness through giving. Don't miss out on this revolutionary conversation that will reshape your views on money and purpose. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at The Thing live event at http://thething.live, using the code PODCAST for a special discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Vincent Pugliese, a successful entrepreneur, author, and photographer. Vincent is the founder of the Total Life Freedom Community. Living a life of freedom is of huge importance to Vincent and his wife Elizabeth. They homeschool their three boys, and believe that having control of your time, your money, and the work you do, leads to the ultimate life freedom. While teaching others to do the same, the movement of Total Life Freedom was born. Join Vincent and Terry as they talk about the importance of connection, collaboration, and telling important stories in life and business. They share how forming genuine connections and building trust with others can ultimately lead to success and freedom. Vincent also reveals his strategies for creating multiple income streams from one idea and emphasizes the necessity of having character before creating a product that sells. Don't miss this inspiring conversation full of valuable insights and practical tips. Find out more about Terry at http://terryweaver.com and join him at the Thing live event at http://thething.live, and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with David Hutchens. Join David and Terry as they talk about discuss the power of storytelling in leadership and its ability to create emotional connections with an audience. They delve into various techniques used by successful storytellers like using all five senses or leaving breadcrumbs to get back to a story. David Hutchens has been exploring the intersection of story and leadership for more than 20 years. A former advertising copywriter, today Hutchens helps to create change and develop leadership capability in organizations like IBM, WalMart, The Coca-Cola Company, and many more. He is the creator of The Learning Fables -- a series of books that use cartoon animals and snarky humor to introduce urgent topics of "organizational learning theory." His latest book, "Story Dash," brings together a lifetime of work and transforms them into actionable processes that any leader can put to work in their team. We unpack the importance of origin stories or "why I'm here" stories for leaders is highlighted. The episode explores how stories are stored in the brain, making it difficult to differentiate between a story heard and something that actually happened. David shares practical tips for developing the skill of storytelling and organizing a "story bank" for future use. Overall, the listener will walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of how storytelling can transform leadership and inspire action. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Dan Russell. Dan is the award-winning founder of marketing think tank Vivid Labs and is the author of Snake Oil, a modern-day handbook for business leaders trying to navigate the chaos of modern marketing. Over the past nine years, he's unlocked over $50 million in revenue for his clients by leveraging the science of marketing and why we buy. These days, he teaches those principles to entrepreneurs and executives through his private newsletter, the Goldpan Report, and his involvement in tech incubator Project 10K. Join Dan and Terry as they talk about: The importance of developing a solid marketing strategy that is centered around a "big idea" emotional message that resonates with your target audience and can last for decades. Understanding your audience's demographics and psychographics is crucial for successful campaigns as it helps you describe their problems and needs. Focusing on building a minimum viable audience and secondary audiences, rather than trying to capture the attention of everyone, leads to more effective marketing campaigns. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with creative entrepreneur and filmmaker B. Jeffery Madoff. B. Jeffrey Madoff is a New York City-based filmmaker, author, and professor. He is the founder and CEO of Madoff Productions, a film production company that creates award-winning branded content. Madoff began his career as a fashion designer, but switched to film and video production after being named one of the top 10 designers in the U.S. He has edited and directed award-winning commercials, documentaries, and web content for clients such as Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret, Tiffany, and Harvard University. Madoff is also a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, where he teaches a course on creativity. He is the author of the book "Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas," which was a #1 bestseller on Amazon. Madoff has spoken at numerous conferences and events, and is on the advisory board of Artolution, a global non-profit that uses art to foster understanding and emotional healing. He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin with degrees in philosophy and psychology. Join Jeffery and Terry as they talk about the power of creativity, the importance of noticing and paying attention, and the myth of the isolated artist. They also discuss his journey as a creative entrepreneur, from starting a successful clothing company to getting into film production and teaching. Discover the key to harnessing your sense of wonder and doing something meaningful with it. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the creative process. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Ken Davis. Ken is one of the country’s most sought-after motivational and inspirational speakers. His mixture of side-splitting humor and powerful insights on living fully alive have inspired audiences worldwide. He is an award-winning author of 12 books. His book, “Fully Alive,” was made into a motion picture shown in theaters across the U.S. He keeps busy speaking to a diverse group of corporate and faith-based audiences worldwide. Ken provides hilarious inspirational and motivational live shows. He has produced DVDs, books, seminars, and conferences designed to make a positive difference in the quality of people’s lives.He is the founder of SCORRE™ speaker academy, teaching men and woman from all walks of life how to prepare with focus, deliver with clarity and speak with power. Ken's latest comedy special, from Dry Bar Comedy, "I'm An Idiot." Ken and Diane live in Estill Springs, TN. They have six grandchildren and two daughters. He loves to make people laugh until they require medical attention while giving them the courage to rise above circumstances and passionately live Fully Alive! Join Ken and Terry as they talk about How to Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, and Speak with Power. They talk about meeting in 1995 and Ken's decades of experience on stage. Terry shares the effect of Ken on the work he's done for the last 30 years. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry and Ken at the Thing Nashville STAGES, PAGES & WAGES at http://stagespageswages.com and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Aurora Gregory. Aurora’s career as a communicator started when she was 14. As an 8th grader, she was a finalist in a speech contest. While she didn’t win, the experience launched her into the world of communicating stories and ideas. Today, she is a business coach, speaker mentor, and certified master marketer, teaching knowledge experts how to land stages, connect with audiences, and build businesses they love. She is the co-author of the speaker pitch best-seller, “Get Picked: Tips, Tricks and Tools for Creating an Irresistible Speaker Proposal.” Called a “secret weapon” by clients, Aurora is also a strategic content creator for global financial companies. When she’s not talking, you’ll find her serving at her church, hiking the foothills in her hometown, or watching classic movies. Join Aurora and Terry as they talk about why your story belongs on a stage. Together they talk about Aurora's journey from attending the Thing in LA in 2018, to joining one of Terry's Mastermind coaching groups, to now coming to Nashville to speak at The Thing, STAGES, PAGES & WAGES. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry and Aurora at the Thing Nashville at http://stagespageswages.com and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with a Podcasting legend and now author, Jeff Brown. Jeff Brown is an award-winning radio producer and personality and a former nationally syndicated morning show host. After more than 25 years in the radio and music industries, Jeff went boss-free and launched the Read to Lead podcast, a four-time Best Business Podcast nominee. Jeff has interviewed hundreds of leaders in their industry on the podcast, including Seth Godin, Simon Sinek, John Maxwell, Liz Wiseman, Dr. Henry Cloud, Brian Tracy, Nancy Duarte, and Alan Alda. Jeff has been featured in Inc., Entrepreneur, and Hubspot, and the blogs of Seth Godin, Chris Brogan, Jeff Goins, and Social Media Examiner, as well as publications like the Nashville Business Journal, the Tennessean, and hundreds of other blogs and podcasts. Join Jeff and Terry as they talk about the power of books, podcasting, and leadership. We talk about Jeff's journey from losing his dream job to creating a new one. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Olympic Coach Justin Kavanaugh aka Coach Kav. Justin has been involved in almost every aspect of the sports performance and fitness industry, from being an elite athlete himself, to founding his first sports performance company while still in school, to managing gyms, to developing team and personal training programs. When an injury ended his college football career, he turned his passion and talent to helping other athletes reach their full potential in sports and life. After becoming a certified speed coach, he tested, trained and evaluated over 50,000 athletes, including stand-outs such as Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Kansas City Royals first-round pick Eric Hosmer, and Florida’s winningest softball pitcher Stephanie Brombacher. As a five-sport athlete himself, Coach Kavanaugh also knows the impact a coach can have on a player’s life, and that a great coach can help an athlete reach their full potential both on and off the field. That’s why SSI coaches not only teach the skills that improve athletic performance, but also provide a positive role model which fosters love of the sport and inspires athletes to be their best. Justin is also the author of Man-up. Off the field Justin a mentor to some of the most successful men and women in business. Join Coach Kav and Terry as they talk about what it takes to win a gold medal on and off the field. We talk about his time in Tokyo at both the Olympics and Paralympics and spend a lot of time unpacking what the field teaches about leading, going far, and going fast. Find out more at http://terryweaver.com and join Terry at the Thing at http://thething.live and use the code PODCAST for a discount.