The Wow Factor

Brad Formsma
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Leading with excellence is not something that happens overnight. Join Brad Formsma, best-selling author and a Forbes top-rated leadership speaker, as he dives in to uncover the extraordinary stories of failures and triumphs of other successful leaders in business and beyond. The Wow Factor strives to empower the journey of business leaders through raw conversations and uncovered stories of today's thought leaders. This podcast will also help you discover the words of wisdom to inspire a team of any size, spark a culture of generosity and innovation, and lead with excellence. For extended insights and podcast show notes, go to https://www.thewowfactorpodcast.com

  1. 12H AGO

    From Brokenness to Blessing in a Blended Family | Ines Franklin on Healing, Grace, and Redemption

    Ines Franklin is a teaching pastor, speaker, and author of Blended and Blessed and Uncharted: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith. Originally from Puerto Rico, Ines has experienced firsthand the complexities of brokenness, blended family life, redemption, and restoration. Through her writing and ministry, she helps families navigate difficult seasons with honesty, grace, and a faith-centered perspective rooted in the teachings of Jesus. In this episode, Brad and Ines Franklin explore the realities of blended family life, the emotional weight of divorce and rebuilding trust, and the ways God brings healing through vulnerability, empathy, and perseverance. Ines shares her personal story of abuse, addiction, divorce, and restoration, along with how she and her husband Jim built a unified family rooted in grace and faith. The conversation dives into the Beatitudes, emotional healing, family dynamics, forgiveness, leadership within the home, and how blended families can become powerful examples of redemption and hope. "Jesus does not turn away from messy situations. He steps into them with grace and redemption." – Ines Franklin "Blended families are not second-class families. God can bring healing, unity, and purpose even through brokenness." – Ines Franklin "Every family has dysfunction somewhere. The goal is not perfection. The goal is movement toward healing, wholeness, and unity." – Ines Franklin This Week on The Wow Factor: Ines' journey from Puerto Rico to California and learning English as a teenager Her experiences with abuse, divorce, addiction, and hitting rock bottom How faith and church became the turning point in her healing journey The meaning behind blended families and the hidden grief many families carry Why the Beatitudes became the framework for Blended and Blessed The importance of vulnerability, empathy, and keeping short accounts in family relationships How blended families can reflect God's redemption and become a light for others Ines Franklin's Word of Wisdom: Do not let shame, brokenness, or past mistakes convince you that your family cannot heal. God works through imperfect people and messy situations. Healing often happens one step at a time through honesty, grace, forgiveness, and a willingness to keep moving toward unity even when it feels difficult. Connect With Ines Franklin: Ines Franklin Website Ines Franklin on Instagram Ines Franklin on Facebook Ines Franklin on LinkedIn Buy Ines Franklins Books The Journey We Share | Faith and Life Uncharted Podcast Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    41 min

  2. MAY 13

    Leading With Grace Through Prison Fellowship | Heather Rice-Minus on Justice, Purpose, and Restoring Hope

    Heather Rice-Minus is the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest ministry serving those impacted by incarceration. With a background in law, public policy, and justice reform, Heather has dedicated her career to helping people encounter hope, dignity, and restoration through faith and community. Through her leadership, Prison Fellowship continues to expand its mission of supporting incarcerated individuals, their families, and the churches and volunteers who walk alongside them. In this episode, Brad and Heather Rice-Minus explore the mission and impact of Prison Fellowship, the organization founded by Chuck Colson after his experience in prison following Watergate. Heather shares her journey from seeing herself as a secondary leader to stepping into the role of CEO, along with the importance of mentorship, vision, and empowering others. The conversation dives into prison ministry, Angel Tree, justice reform, leadership development, generosity, and the powerful ways lives can be transformed through faith, presence, and purpose. "Sometimes the people you least expect to teach you about grace are the very people who understand it most deeply." – Heather Rice-Minus "Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about equipping others to thrive and succeed." – Heather Rice-Minus "We are not just serving people impacted by incarceration. We are witnessing God transform lives both inside and outside prison walls." – Heather Rice-Minus This Week on The Wow Factor: Heather's journey from policy work and law school to leading Prison Fellowship How mentorship and encouragement helped Heather step into leadership The origin story of Prison Fellowship and Chuck Colson's transformation after Watergate The impact of Angel Tree and supporting children with incarcerated parents Why prison ministry is about presence, dignity, and restoration The role churches play in serving families impacted by incarceration Heather's vision for the future of Prison Fellowship and the next generation of leaders Heather Rice-Minus' Word of Wisdom: Do not underestimate the power of vision, encouragement, and showing up consistently for people. Leadership is about helping others discover their purpose, staying faithful to the mission in front of you, and continuing to point people toward hope, restoration, and lasting impact. Connect With Prison Fellowship: Prison Fellowship Website Prison Fellowship Facebook Prison Fellowship Instagram Prison Fellowship YouTube Connect With Heather Rice-Minus: Heather Rice-Minus on LinkedIn Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    39 min

  3. APR 29

    Building Wealth Beyond Retirement | Derek Coburn on Purpose, Planning, and Redefining the Future

    Derek Coburn is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and author of Let's Retire Retirement, a book that challenges the traditional idea of retirement and encourages people to think more intentionally about wealth, work, purpose, and the future. Through his work, Derek helps leaders and families rethink what it means to plan well, live generously, and build a meaningful life beyond financial success. In this episode, Brad and Derek Coburn explore why the old model of retirement may no longer serve people well and how a more purposeful approach can lead to greater fulfillment. Derek shares his perspective on financial planning, stewardship, entrepreneurship, and designing a life that is not centered on simply stopping work, but on continuing to grow, contribute, and make an impact. The conversation dives into legacy, generosity, long-term thinking, and the importance of aligning money with values. "Retirement should not be the goal. A meaningful life should be the goal." – Derek Coburn "Money is a tool, but purpose is what gives it direction." – Derek Coburn "The future is not just something we prepare for financially, it is something we design intentionally." – Derek Coburn This Week on The Wow Factor: Why Derek believes it is time to rethink the traditional idea of retirement The message behind Let's Retire Retirement How financial planning changes when purpose becomes the focus Why wealth should be connected to values, stewardship, and impact The importance of designing a life you do not want to retire from How leaders can think differently about legacy and long-term contribution The role of generosity in building a meaningful financial future Practical ways to align money, purpose, and everyday decisions Derek Coburn's Word of Wisdom: Do not make retirement the finish line. Build a life with so much purpose, meaning, and impact that you are not simply waiting to step away from it. Use your resources wisely, stay connected to what matters most, and think intentionally about the kind of future you are creating. Connect With Derek Coburn: Derek Coburn Website Let's Retire Retirement Derek Coburn on LinkedIn Derek Coburn on Facebook Connect With Cadre: Cadre Website Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    39 min

  4. APR 15

    From Dairy Farm Roots to Purpose-Driven Business | Jennie Groff on Entrepreneurship, Community, and Impact

    Jennie Groff is a co-founder and leader behind Stroopies, a purpose-driven business rooted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that creates handcrafted stroopwafels while providing meaningful employment opportunities for resettled refugee women. Raised on a dairy farm, Jennie's journey into entrepreneurship wasn't traditional, but through faith, persistence, and a deep commitment to community, she and her husband transformed a simple idea into a growing business that blends quality products with real human impact. In this episode, Brad and Jennie Groff explore the story behind Stroopies beginnings, from humble roots and early uncertainty to building a thriving operation that now produces tens of thousands of stroopwafels each month. Jennie shares how the business evolved from a small, faith-led idea into a scalable model that supports women from around the world. The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, cultural diversity in the workplace, and the lessons learned through trial, faith, and steady progress. Jennie also reflects on gratitude, community, and the deeper purpose behind building something that serves others. "Life is better if we share what we have." – Jennie Groff "Sometimes you just don't know. You try things, some work, some don't." – Jennie Groff "Just don't bury the seed, keep going, even if it's not perfect." – Jennie Groff This Week on The Wow Factor: Jennie's upbringing on a dairy farm and early entrepreneurial instincts The origin story of Stroopies and its mission to support refugee communities Turning a European treat into a scalable, purpose-driven business The challenges and uncertainty of building a business from the ground up Creating a workplace that bridges cultures, languages, and backgrounds The role of faith, prayer, and persistence in decision-making and growth How small moments and "sign markers" helped guide the business forward Jennie Groff's Word of Wisdom: Don't bury the gifts you've been given. You don't have to do things perfectly to move forward, what matters is that you keep going. Growth comes through trying, learning, and staying committed, even when the path isn't clear. Keep planting, keep working, and trust that progress happens over time. Connect with Stroopies: Stroopies Website Stroopies Instagram Stroopies Facebook Place a Stroopies Order   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    26 min

  5. APR 1

    From Rock Bottom to Rewriting Health | Steve Hochman on Purpose, Discipline, and Reversing Diabetes

    Steve Hochman is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and international bestselling author of The 3, known for helping thousands achieve lasting fat loss and improved health without restrictive dieting. As the founder of OC Fit Body, a multi-location fitness and coaching business, Steve has spent over two decades helping clients transform their bodies and reverse chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes through simple, science-backed methods. In this episode, Brad and Steve Hochman unpack a powerful journey of adversity, breakthrough, and purpose-driven work. Steve shares his early struggles with Tourette Syndrome, homelessness, and severe anxiety, along with the defining moment that forced him to change the trajectory of his life. The conversation dives deep into the science behind the glycemic index and why most people are unknowingly working against their bodies when it comes to fat loss and health. Steve also breaks down the philosophy behind his book The 3: How To Shred Fat, Get Healthy, and Be Fit Without Counting Calories, Calculating Macros, or Starving—and Keep Eating the Delicious Foods You Love, a system designed to simplify nutrition while delivering real, sustainable results. From building a global fitness business to stepping away and rediscovering his purpose, Steve shares lessons on discipline, identity, and what it really takes to create lasting change. "Every problem you solve with yourself, you now have a solution to give to others." - Steve Hochman "You can't give what you don't have. Solving your own problems is how you serve other people." - Steve Hochman "Stop focusing on what you want. Appreciate what you've been given, and just do the work." - Steve Hochman This Week on The Wow Factor: Steve's early life challenges, including Tourette Syndrome and social isolation The turning point that pulled him out of homelessness and into purpose How the glycemic index works—and why it matters more than calories The truth about "healthy" foods and misleading nutrition labels Building and scaling a global fitness franchise—and the lessons learned Why purpose—not money—became the foundation for his life and work How simple ingredient swaps can lead to fat loss and diabetes reversal The role of strength training, fasting, and consistency in long-term health Steve Hochman's Word of Wisdom: Your purpose has to be bigger than yourself. When your life is anchored to something greater; serving others, giving value, or making an impact, you stay aligned even when things get difficult. Pair that with gratitude, and you create a foundation that keeps you grounded, focused, and moving forward. Connect with Steve Hochman: OC FIT Steve's LinkedIn Steve's Instagram Steve's Book -  The 3: How To Shred Fat, Get Healthy, and Be Fit Without Counting Calories, Calculating Macros, or Starving and Keep Eating the Delicious Foods You Love   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    48 min

  6. MAR 18

    Mark Batterson | Pastor of National Community Church and Bestselling Author | The Power of "Gradually, Then Suddenly" in Faith, Leadership, and Life

    Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and a prolific bestselling author known for his ability to blend faith, leadership, and personal growth into practical, lived-out wisdom. With more than two decades of writing and nearly 30 years of pastoral leadership, Mark has built a legacy centered on long obedience, bold vision, and unwavering trust in God's timing. In this episode, he joins Brad to unpack the core idea behind his latest message: "gradually, then suddenly." Brad and Mark explore the tension between patience and ambition, and why most meaningful growth in life and leadership doesn't happen overnight. They talk through the discipline of long-term vision, the importance of honoring those who came before us, and how setbacks often become the catalyst for greater opportunities. Mark shares stories from his own journey, from starting with just 19 people and $2,000 a month to leading a thriving, debt-free organization, and reflects on the deeper meaning of legacy: not what you accomplish, but what others accomplish because of you. "God has a way of showing up and showing off, almost every 'suddenly' is preceded by a whole lot of 'gradually." - Mark Batterson "We overestimate what we can do in a year or two, but we underestimate what God can do in 10, 20, or 30." - Mark Batterson "Legacy is not what you accomplish; it's what others accomplish because of you." - Mark Batterson This Week on The Wow Factor: The concept of "gradually, then suddenly" and how it applies to faith, leadership, and long-term success Why we overestimate what we can do in the short term and underestimate what's possible over decades The discipline of "long obedience in the same direction" and resisting the pull of instant results How honoring mentors and spiritual leaders can shape your path and perspective Why most "overnight success" stories are actually built over 10–20 years behind the scenes The difference between action regret and inaction regret, and why missed opportunities matter most over time How to think about legacy as influence that multiplies through others, not just personal achievement Mark Batterson's Wow Moment: Mark reminds us that real growth, impact, and transformation rarely happen on our timeline. The most meaningful things in life, faith, leadership, relationships, and legacy, are built slowly, through consistent inputs and daily obedience.  Connect With Mark Batterson: Mark's Website Mark's Books Mark's Facebook Mark's Instagram Connect With National Community Church: National Community Church Website National Community Church Instagram National Community Church YouTube   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    38 min

  7. MAR 4

    Josh Block | CEO of Block Imaging and Author of People Matter at Work | Building Cultures Where Team Members Thrive and Everyone Wins

    Josh Block is the longtime leader of Block Imaging, a global healthcare equipment company known for its distinctive people-first culture and multigenerational family leadership. After unexpectedly stepping into the president's role at just 29 years old, Josh spent the next decade and a half guiding the organization's growth from a $30 million business into a thriving enterprise of over 425 team members. In this episode, he joins Brad to share insights from his new book, People Matter at Work, a practical framework for helping leaders create cultures where team members feel safe, seen, and successful, and where the organization wins as a result. Brad and Josh talk through the pivotal backyard moment that changed the course of Josh's life overnight, what it was like to suddenly lead people decades older than him, and how humility became the essential ingredient that shaped his leadership. They explore the "Me Cycle" vs. the "We Cycle," why so many workplaces get stuck in unhealthy patterns, and how transparency, thoughtful leadership, and tough-but-kind conversations can turn a culture around. Josh also shares real stories from inside Block Imaging, the importance of organizational identity, and what it looks like to democratize leadership as a company grows far beyond the founder's reach. This Week on The Wow Factor: Josh's early roots in Lansing, Michigan, selling strawberries door-to-door and discovering a love for entrepreneurship at a young age The unexpected Friday-to-Monday transition from sales rep to president, and how humility shaped his early leadership What the Me Cycle looks like inside companies, and why leaders unintentionally create cultures where people stop caring The We Cycle: how safety, transparency, and shared purpose turn individuals into a thriving team Why organizational identity matters, and how a clear mission draws the right people and gently repels the wrong ones How Block Imaging grew from 30 employees to more than 425, and why growth creates opportunities for others, not just leadership A real-time story from this week: how Josh coached a leader through caring for a team member facing trauma at home Why clear, honest feedback is generosity, and how "closing the gap" conversations can transform careers "Leadership is accomplishing things through others, and that begins with humility." - Josh Block "If you're glad you're here today, it's because someone before you didn't stop the growth. That's the invitation to keep building for the next person." - Josh Block "When people feel safe, seen, and successful, they give back. It gets lighter for everyone because the work is shared." - Josh Block Josh Block's Wow Moment: Josh reminds us that technical skill doesn't automatically translate into strong leadership. Leading well takes humility, curiosity, and a commitment to building a culture where people truly matter. His core message is simple: people are worth it. When leaders slow down, care intentionally, and lead transparently, the impact reaches far beyond the work itself. Connect With Block Imaging Block Imaging Website Block Imaging Facebook Block Imaging LinkedIn Block Imaging YouTube Block Imaging Instagram Connect With People Matter at Work People Matter at Work Website People Matter at Work Book Book Josh Block To Speak   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    26 min

  8. MAR 3

    Dr. Emerson Eggerichs | Author & Speaker | Light Bulb Moments in Marriage and the Path Back to Love and Respect

    Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is a longtime marriage teacher, speaker, and author, that has helped couples for decades. A former senior pastor at Trinity Church in East Lansing, Michigan, Emerson's work blends pastoral experience, biblical study, and real-world marriage dynamics into practical tools couples can use immediately. In this episode, he joins Brad for his third visit to The Wow Factor this time to talk about his newest book, Light Bulb Moments in Marriage, a collection of insights and stories designed to bring clarity when couples feel stuck, distant, or worn down by years of misunderstanding. Brad and Emerson dig into why many marriages don't need more effort, they need more light. Emerson explains the difference between intent and impact, why couples misread each other's defensive reactions, and how "love" and "respect" show up differently for men and women during conflict. They unpack the "Crazy Cycle" (without love she reacts without respect; without respect he reacts without love), the "pink and blue" perspective gap, and how outside influences (including Hollywood's version of romance) can reinforce the wrong expectations. The conversation is candid, hopeful, and grounded in faith, especially for couples who still believe there's a goldmine inside their marriage, even if it feels buried right now. "Without love, she reacts without respect. Without respect, he reacts without love. And we start spinning, that's the crazy cycle." - Emerson Eggerichs  "We don't need more effort. We just need light." - Emerson Eggerichs  "My defensive reactions are offensive, and I don't realize I'm stepping on her air hose while I'm trying to protect mine." - Emerson Eggerichs  This Week on The Wow Factor: Emerson's backstory: pastoring Trinity Church in East Lansing, studying Scripture deeply, and the moment Ephesians 5:33 clicked in a new way Why "respect" can feel loaded for many women, and how fear of being dismissed often drives conflict reactions The Crazy Cycle explained: how couples unknowingly escalate when they feel unloved or disrespected A key insight from research: why many men withdraw/stonewall during conflict, and how that can be misread as hostility instead of an attempt to de-escalate Why criticism and complaint often come from care, yet can land as contempt in a husband's ears The danger of outside scripts: how Hollywood and social media fuel idealism, comparison, and the belief that "someone else will be easier" The power of a simple repair: how a sincere "I came across unloving" or "I dishonored you" can change the temperature of a marriage fast Dr. Emerson Eggerichs' Wow Moment: Emerson reminds us that most couples aren't miles apart, they're inches apart, but misunderstanding makes the distance feel far greater. When spouses stop assuming the worst and honestly name their part, the marriage becomes workable again. The breakthrough isn't a new spouse or a new life. It's the humility to bring light into the moment and choose repair before resentment takes root. Connect With Dr. Emerson Eggerichs Dr. Emersons Website Buy Lightbulb Moments In Marriage Love and Respect Instagram Love and Respect Facebook Love and Respect X   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    42 min
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4.9
out of 5
172 Ratings

About

Leading with excellence is not something that happens overnight. Join Brad Formsma, best-selling author and a Forbes top-rated leadership speaker, as he dives in to uncover the extraordinary stories of failures and triumphs of other successful leaders in business and beyond. The Wow Factor strives to empower the journey of business leaders through raw conversations and uncovered stories of today's thought leaders. This podcast will also help you discover the words of wisdom to inspire a team of any size, spark a culture of generosity and innovation, and lead with excellence. For extended insights and podcast show notes, go to https://www.thewowfactorpodcast.com

Information

  • Creator
    Brad Formsma
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    315
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Wow Factor

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