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

107: How The Thing Event Transforms Leaders | A Conversation With Leslie Weaver

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Leslie Weaver in his office! With more than 25 years of experience in education, non-profits, student development, camps, and organizational leadership, Leslie has dedicated her life to helping people discover the leader within them. She doesn't just teach leadership—she develops it. Her work has helped countless people who never saw themselves as leaders step into influence with confidence and purpose. Currently serving in a senior leadership role in one of the top school systems in the nation, Leslie leads a team of more than 600 people while helping create life-shaping experiences for thousands of students every day. Through her READY framework, she teaches that great leadership starts with leading yourself first through clear goals, simple systems, and consistent action. Known for her practical, engaging, and down-to-earth teaching style, Leslie equips teams and leaders with tools they can immediately apply in real life. She believes the best leaders aren't found—they're developed. As a departmental leader, she has built her work around growing leaders from the ground up, starting with those willing to step up and serve. Her passion is equipping people to lead with confidence, strengthening teams, and creating systems that don't just develop leaders—but retain and multiply their impact. Join Leslie and Terry Weaver as they talk about the ten-year journey of building "the Thing," lessons in community and leadership, and the power of showing up with intention for transformational events. This episode dives deep into how perseverance, curiosity, and authentic connections can turn a vision into a thriving community—and how the mindset you bring shapes the value you receive. 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.

106: Creating Authentic Content in the Digital Age | A Conversation With Mark Lebrun

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Mark LeBrun. Mark, founder of Digital Influencer Co., is a Speaker, Digital Strategist, Business Consultant & renowned online influencer who has revolutionized the way individuals & organizations build their digital presence. Known for guiding high-profile leaders like David Kinnaman and partnering with organizations such as Freedom From Within, Alpha USA, Faith Driven Entrepreneurs, and more. Mark has become a trusted voice in the art of scaling online influence through digital marketing. With a thriving community of over 345,000 engaged followers across social media, Mark's unparalleled expertise in crafting impactful strategies has empowered countless influencers and brands to amplify their reach. His proven track record of coaching leaders and transforming digital platforms into engines for growth makes him a sought-after strategist and thought leader in the digital landscape. Join Mark and Terry as they talk about unleashing your story through digital video, the power and process of building authentic community, and stepping into your purpose even when fear and self-doubt strike. The big idea: The high cost of inaction isn't just felt by us, but also by those we're meant to impact—showing up as your authentic self and playing the long game can create lasting change for you and your 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.

105: Permission to be Human | A Conversation With Rachel Pedersen

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Rachel Peterson. Rachel helps entrepreneurs and creators build businesses that grow without burnout. A USA Today bestselling author and founder of multiple companies, her content and systems reach over 100 million people annually, generating eight figures in revenue and earning features in outlets like Forbes, Cosmopolitan, and Today. Through her mentorship programs, Rachel has helped thousands of business owners grow their visibility, scale sustainably, and create content that truly connects. Join Rachel Peterson and Terry Weaver as they talk about public breakdowns and healing, the challenges of being known and staying authentic in business, and the power of loyalty and community through reinvention. Discover the big idea that real purpose and sustainable success come from showing up authentically, supporting others, and putting people first—even in the midst of life's most difficult seasons. 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.

104: Creating Success on Your Terms | A Conversation With Derek Sivers

On this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Derek Sivers. Derek Sivers is an entrepreneur, author, and TED speaker known for his unconventional wisdom, minimalist philosophy, and remarkably succinct writing style. Best known as the founder of CD Baby, Sivers started the company in 1998 simply to sell his own CDs online. What began as a side project for fellow independent musicians grew into the largest seller of independent music on the internet, generating more than $100 million in sales before he sold the company in 2008 for $22 million and donated the proceeds to charitable music education. A former musician, programmer, and circus clown, Sivers is the author of several bestselling books, including Anything You Want, Hell Yeah or No, How to Live, and Your Music and People. His work explores entrepreneurship, decision-making, creativity, leadership, and the dynamics that turn ideas into movements.   Join Derek Sivers and Terry Weaver as they talk about unconventional paths to creativity, redefining success on your own terms, and building a life and business based on what truly matters to you. The big idea from this episode: You can choose your own path, say "hell yes or no" to opportunities, and design your life and work around your values, not what the algorithm or the marketplace expects. 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.

103: Surviving The Storm: My Health Journey | A Conversation With Leslie Weaver

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

102: Generous Influencers | LIVE From The Thing | A Conversation with Robert Kaelin

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.

101: Creating Super Fans | A Conversation with Brittany Hodak

100: Being Consistent With The Right Thing | A Conversation I'm Having With Myself

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.

099: Wresting With Big Dreams | A Conversation with Dylan Postl

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.

098: Choosing to Thrive Not Just Survive | A Conversation with Liz Wilcox

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.