The Wow Factor

Dr. Neil Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries, an author, theologian, and former professor at Talbot School of Theology. Raised on a farm in Minnesota, Neil's journey took him from serving in the Navy to working as an aerospace engineer before discovering a calling in Christian ministry. Through decades of teaching, counseling, and writing, he has dedicated his life to helping believers understand their identity in Christ and experience spiritual freedom. His influential books, including Victory Over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker, have helped shape his ministry, which has expanded to more than 40 countries around the world.

Neil joins me today to share how his journey from engineering to ministry transformed his understanding of faith, identity, and spiritual freedom. We discuss the personal hardships that led to the founding of Freedom in Christ Ministries, including his wife's struggles with her eyesight and a season of profound uncertainty that challenged everything he thought he knew about trusting God. Neil also explains why understanding our identity in Christ is foundational to living a life of faith, how his Steps to Freedom in Christ process helps believers address spiritual struggles through prayer and repentance, and why recognizing the spiritual battles described in Scripture is essential to his approach to discipleship. We also explore the importance of forgiveness, the power of surrendering our circumstances to God, and why genuine spiritual growth begins with abiding in Christ.

"God brought me to the end of my circumstances and the end of my confidence and the end of my resources so I could discover his." – Dr. Neil Anderson

"You stop trying to become somebody you already are." – Dr. Neil Anderson

"No, you don't. You gotta abide in Christ. If you abide in Christ, you will bear fruit." – Dr. Neil Anderson

• How Neil's upbringing on a Minnesota farm, service in the Navy, and career in aerospace engineering eventually led him to Christian ministry

• Why a difficult season involving his wife's health and their family's financial struggles became a turning point in Neil's faith and the foundation of Freedom in Christ Ministries

• How discovering his identity as a child of God transformed Neil's understanding of Scripture and his approach to helping others

• Why Neil believes Christians must understand both their identity in Christ and the spiritual authority they have through Him

• How the Steps to Freedom in Christ guide believers through prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and addressing barriers in their relationship with God

• Why Neil emphasizes helping people seek God's guidance directly rather than relying entirely on a pastor, counselor, or spiritual mentor

• How abiding in Christ, trusting God's truth, and living by faith can produce lasting spiritual growth and a life that bears fruit

Understand who you are in Christ and allow that truth to shape the way you live. You don't have to earn your identity as a child of God or rely entirely on your own strength to overcome life's challenges. Learn to trust what God says is true, surrender your circumstances to Him, and make your relationship with Christ the foundation of your life. As you abide in Him, spiritual growth and the fruit of your faith will follow.

Connect with Dr. Neil Anderson:

• Freedom in Christ Ministries

• Freedom in Christ Ministries Facebook

• Freedom in Christ Ministries Instagram

• Restored – Free Spiritual Freedom Resource

• Dr. Andersons Books

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Dan Dolsen is the founder of The Fatherhood Project: Building Great Dads, an initiative dedicated to helping fathers become more intentional in their relationships with their children. A University of Michigan graduate, Dan spent much of his professional career in commercial real estate, eventually becoming a leading advisor in healthcare real estate and working with major corporations through CBRE. Alongside his business career, Dan has remained deeply involved in faith-based leadership and ministry. His passion for helping men grow as fathers led him to develop The Fatherhood Project, which equips dads with practical tools for strengthening their families and preparing the next generation.

Dan joins me today to share how his unexpected journey from aspiring oceanographer to real estate executive eventually led him to a calling in fatherhood ministry. We discuss the importance of putting family first, how a dream inspired him to develop The Fatherhood Project, and why some of life's most challenging seasons can lead to meaningful opportunities to serve others. Dan also walks us through the four essential roles of a father, explains why dads need mentors and a strong community of other men, and shares how intentional parenting can influence generations to come.

"Most of us, and I'm included in this, don't plan very well about how we're gonna be a dad." – Dan Dolsen

"We're called to be in that corner with our kids, supporting them, helping them be better as they're out in the ring of life." – Dan Dolsen

"Guys who try to do it alone are headed towards, I think, disaster." – Dan Dolsen

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Dan's early career ambitions changed and led him into commercial real estate, healthcare development, and corporate leadership

• Why Dan and his wife, Kristen, made a commitment to provide their children with a stable home rather than continually relocating for career opportunities

• How an unexpected dream inspired Dan to develop The Fatherhood Project and its four essential roles of a father

• What Dan learned about faith, perseverance, and serving others during his wife's battle with stage three colon cancer

• Why fathers need to be intentional about providing, protecting, partnering, and preparing their children for the future

• How Dan's "two by four" approach brings four fathers together twice a month to encourage one another and navigate the challenges of parenting

• Why having a mentor and building strong relationships with other men can help fathers lead their families and create a lasting generational impact

Dan Dolsen's Words of Wisdom:

Be intentional about what you're preparing your children for. As fathers, we have an opportunity to influence not only our children's lives but also the generations that follow them. Think beyond your immediate responsibilities and consider how your example, guidance, and investment in your family can help your children go out into the world and make an even greater impact on others.

Connect with Dan Dolsen:

• The Fatherhood Project: Building Great Dads

• Contact The Fatherhood Project

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Richard Watts is an attorney, author, and founder of Family Business Office, where he has spent decades advising some of the world's wealthiest families on estate planning, family dynamics, and the transfer of wealth across generations. Drawing from more than 40 years of firsthand experience working with families, Richard has developed a unique perspective on the difference between inheritance and true legacy. His latest book, Legacy Redefined, is the third and final installment in his Wisdom series and challenges the traditional idea that a person's legacy is defined by the wealth they leave behind.

Richard joins me today to share why legacy should be measured by the impact we have on others rather than the money we leave behind, and what decades of working with wealthy families have taught him about inheritance, purpose, and fulfillment. We discuss why giving children too much can unintentionally rob them of the pride that comes from building something themselves, how practicing not having can strengthen gratitude and contentment, and why generosity can provide a deeper sense of purpose than materialism. Richard also shares powerful stories about intentionally showing up for the people we love, the importance of connecting with grandchildren, and why the most meaningful legacy is built while we're still here.

"The real legacy is how we as human beings impact the person next to us." – Richard Watts

"Just show up. Just show up. And it's not difficult, but it's incredibly powerful to people." – Richard Watts

"I don't need to buy her a Bentley. I don't need to buy her a house. I just need to make sure that her soul is intact." – Richard Watts

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Richard believes legacy should be defined by the impact we have on others rather than the amount of money we leave behind
• What four decades of advising wealthy families have taught Richard about the unintended consequences of generational wealth
• Why giving children financial comfort can sometimes remove the struggle, accomplishment, and pride that helped their parents become successful
• How practicing not having can help families distinguish between wants and needs while developing gratitude and contentment
• Why simply showing up and being present during someone's most difficult moments can become an unforgettable part of your legacy
• How Richard intentionally invests in his grandchildren and creates opportunities for deeper conversations about their lives, struggles, and faith
• Why estate planning should consider not only how efficiently wealth is transferred, but how that wealth will actually affect the people receiving it

Richard Watts' Words of Wisdom:

Legacy isn't something that begins after you're gone. It is created through the way you show up for people today. Be intentional about your relationships, pay attention to the people you love, express gratitude for those who shaped your life, and look for opportunities to make an impact on others. The most meaningful inheritance may have very little to do with money and everything to do with how people remember the way you cared for them.

Connect with Richard Watts:

• Richard Watts Website
• Legacy Redefined
• Richard Watts LinkedIn
• Richard Watts Facebook

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Mike Anderson is the co-founder of Kiierr, a company he launched with his wife, Jolene, after their own search for a better approach to hair loss. With a background in marketing and business growth, Mike initially built his career helping companies expand before deciding he wanted his work to have a more direct impact on people's lives. When Jolene experienced significant postpartum hair loss, their search for a solution introduced them to low-level laser therapy and ultimately inspired them to build a company around making the technology more accessible.

Mike joins me today to share how his wife's experience with postpartum hair loss led them to take a leap of faith, sell their home, move into a family member's basement, and invest their savings into launching Kiierr. We discuss the early challenges of building the company, the importance of refusing to cut corners, and why Mike has intentionally kept his team small and closely connected. We also explore how Kiierr's technology works, what Mike has learned from serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide, the role family and faith have played in his entrepreneurial journey, and why understanding the people you lead is essential to becoming a better leader.

"I don't care if you buy our product, but I care if you buy our product that it helps you." – Mike Anderson

"We wanted a mission that actually helps people." – Mike Anderson

"If you can take the time to have that sort of relationship with the people that work with you and under you, I think you'll understand them a lot better." – Mike Anderson

• How Mike's early ambitions in professional golf eventually led him into marketing, entrepreneurship, and business growth

• Why his wife's experience with postpartum hair loss inspired Mike and Jolene to search for a different kind of solution

• How Mike and Jolene sold their home, moved into a family member's basement, and invested their savings into building Kiierr

• Why Mike believes building a trustworthy business means refusing to cut corners, even as competitors enter the market

• How a small, closely connected team has helped Kiierr grow while maintaining a family-oriented company culture

• What serving more than 100,000 customers has taught Mike about building a business around solving a meaningful problem

• Why knowing your employees' individual goals, motivations, and personalities can help you coach, mentor, and lead them more effectively

Take the time to truly know the people you lead. Every person has different motivations, goals, challenges, and dreams, and understanding those differences allows you to coach and mentor people more effectively. When leaders build genuine relationships with their team, they become better equipped to help each person succeed.

Connect with Mike Anderson:

• Kiierr

• Kiierr Facebook

• Kiierr Instagram

• Kiierr YouTube

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Scott Wozniak is the CEO of Swoz Consulting, a leadership consultant, speaker, author, and former leader at the Chick-fil-A Support Center. For nearly a decade, Scott worked alongside Chick-fil-A's executive team, studying exceptional organizations around the world and turning those insights into improvements in customer experience and operations. Today, he advises leaders and multi-generational families on building strong organizations, creating meaningful legacies, and developing systems that turn their values into action.

Scott joins me today to share how his early friendship with members of the Cathy family eventually led him to Chick-fil-A, what he learned working directly with founder Truett Cathy, and why intentionality matters just as much in families as it does in business. We discuss the value of reading and exposing yourself to better ideas, what successful multi-generational families do differently, why families need a compelling purpose that extends beyond wealth, and how annual gatherings can strengthen relationships across generations. Scott also explains why values are best passed down through consistent rhythms and experiences rather than lectures and how families can intentionally build a legacy that lasts.

"If you get better inputs, you'll naturally end up with better outputs." – Scott Wozniak

"What if we put the same amount of thought, strategy, and effort into our families that we do into our businesses and financial interests?" – Scott Wozniak

"Take the things you value and then turn them into a rhythm." – Scott Wozniak

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Scott's friendship with the Cathy family eventually led him to a unique leadership role at Chick-fil-A
• What working directly with Truett Cathy taught Scott about leadership, humility, family, and living out your values
• Why reading, audiobooks, podcasts, and better inputs can dramatically expand the way leaders think and solve problems
• What successful multi-generational families do differently to preserve their values, relationships, and sense of purpose
• Why Scott encourages families to develop a 100-year goal that gives future generations a compelling reason to stay connected
• How intentional family retreats and shared experiences can create stronger relationships and meaningful traditions across generations
• Why turning your family's values into consistent rhythms and practices is more powerful than simply talking about what matters

Scott Wozniak's Words of Wisdom:

Take the things you value and turn them into rhythms. Instead of relying on lectures to pass values to the next generation, create practices and experiences that allow your children and grandchildren to live those values. Over time, those rhythms become patterns that shape your family's identity and carry what matters most into future generations.

Connect with Scott Wozniak:

• Scott Wozniak Website
• Scott Wozniak's Podcast – Play the Long Game
• Swoz Consulting Facebook
• Scott Wozniak's LinkedIn

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Peter Palivos is an attorney, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized advocate for America's veterans. While building a successful legal career, Peter has dedicated decades to serving military families through philanthropy, veteran support initiatives, and large-scale community events. His passion for honoring those who have served recently culminated in bringing more than 40,000 people together at Allegiant Stadium for one of the nation's largest celebrations of veterans and military families.

Peter joins me today to share how five generations of military service shaped his love for America, why gratitude should always be backed by action, and how one conversation with a Vietnam veteran forever changed the direction of his life. We discuss the importance of serving those who have sacrificed for our freedom, the growing impact of large-scale veteran appreciation events, the responsibility communities have to care for military families, and how faith, generosity, and leadership can inspire others to make a lasting difference.

"It's important that we tell veterans, 'Thank you for your service,' but it's even more important that we back it up with deeds." – Peter Palivos

"Veterans ask for nothing, but once they come home injured, we have an affirmative duty to take care of them." – Peter Palivos

"We are not here as red Americans or blue Americans. We are here as red, white, and blue Americans because we love our country." – Peter Palivos

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How five generations of military service inspired Peter's lifelong commitment to serving veterans

• Why a Vietnam veteran's personal story became the catalyst for Peter's philanthropic mission

• The simple but powerful difference between thanking veterans and actively serving them

• How veteran appreciation events grew from small community dinners to a 40,000-person gathering at Allegiant Stadium

• Why Peter believes communities, businesses, and professional sports organizations can play a larger role in supporting military families

• How faith, patriotism, and generosity continue to guide Peter's work and vision for the future

Peter Palivos' Words of Wisdom:

Gratitude is most meaningful when it moves beyond words and becomes action. When we honor those who have served and use our gifts to serve others, we help strengthen our communities and remind people they are never forgotten.

Connect with Peter Palivos:

• Peter Palivos Website

• Peter Palivos LinkedIn

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Christine Dold | Owner of The Bakery on the Corner | Craftsmanship, Community, and the Joy of Meaningful Work

Christine Dold is the owner of The Bakery on the Corner in Hart, Michigan, a beloved small-town bakery that has been serving the community for generations. After an unexpected career path led her into the baking industry, Christine and her husband, Greg, purchased the historic bakery in 2017 and have continued its nearly century-long tradition of handcrafted donuts, fresh-baked bread, and exceptional customer service. Through countless overnight shifts, unwavering consistency, and a deep commitment to quality, Christine has become a cornerstone of the Hart community.

Christine joins me today to share how an accounting degree and a love of horses unexpectedly led her into the bakery business, why preserving the legacy of a 90-year-old business is both an honor and a responsibility, and what it takes to produce fresh donuts while the rest of the world sleeps. We discuss the discipline behind mastering a craft, the importance of consistency in serving a community, the value of hard work, why small businesses thrive through authenticity, and how finding work you truly enjoy can lead to a fulfilling life.

"Donuts are good for your mental health." – Christine Dold

"If you don't love what you're doing, find something that you do love." – Christine Dold

"I love handling the dough. I love making them. If you don't love it, find something that you love to do." – Christine Dold

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How an unexpected career change led Christine from accounting and horse management to owning a historic bakery

• What it takes to preserve and operate a nearly 90-year-old family bakery while maintaining its reputation for quality

• Why the overnight baking schedule requires precision, discipline, and a true passion for the craft

• The importance of consistency, authenticity, and community in building a successful small business

• Why Christine believes hard work, gratitude, and personal responsibility are still essential ingredients for success

• How finding work you genuinely enjoy can transform even the hardest days into meaningful ones

Christine Dold's Words of Wisdom:

Success starts with finding work you genuinely enjoy. When you're passionate about what you do, even the difficult days become worthwhile because you're creating something meaningful for others and taking pride in doing it well.

Connect with Christine Dold:

• The Bakery On the Corner

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Tim Eaton is the Founder and CEO of NutraMedix, a company dedicated to developing plant-based nutritional supplements while operating from a mission far greater than business success. A former missionary pilot in Peru, Tim's journey took him from flying supplies into remote villages to learning about medicinal plants from indigenous communities, ultimately leading him to build a company centered on helping people pursue better health while giving generously to ministries around the world. His story is one of faith, stewardship, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Tim joins me today to share how growing up on a farm in Maine shaped his work ethic, why missionary aviation became his first calling, and how his experiences in Peru unexpectedly laid the foundation for NutraMedix. We discuss the philosophy behind whole-plant nutrition, why stewardship, not ownership, drives every business decision he makes, and how his desire to fund ministry has remained at the heart of the company for more than three decades. Tim also shares practical insights on health, purpose, and what it means to faithfully use the gifts God has entrusted to us.

"We decided to start a business with the purpose of giving 50% of the profits away." – Tim Eaton

"We are stewards of what God has entrusted to us, not owners." – Tim Eaton

"We want to help people get well and stay well, fund ministries, and see people come to know Jesus." – Tim Eaton

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How growing up on a farm in rural Maine shaped Tim's work ethic and leadership
• Why God redirected Tim's dream from commercial aviation to missionary flying in Peru
• The experiences in Peru that introduced him to medicinal plants and changed his life's direction
• How NutraMedix was founded with a mission to give away 50% of its profits
• The difference between preserving whole-plant extracts and altering natural compounds
• Why Tim believes stewardship is a more powerful mindset than ownership
• How faith continues to influence NutraMedix's business decisions and long-term mission
• Why helping people improve their health is ultimately about serving others and advancing God's Kingdom

Tim Eaton's Words of Wisdom:

Everything we have belongs to God. When we stop thinking like owners and begin living as faithful stewards, our work, our resources, and our businesses become opportunities to serve others, strengthen God's Kingdom, and make an eternal impact.

Connect with Tim Eaton:

• NutraMedix Website
• NutraMedix Instagram
• NutraMedix Facebook
• NutraMedix YouTube
• Tim Eaton LinkedIn

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook

Lee Greenwood is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and American icon best known for writing and performing "God Bless the USA," one of the most recognized patriotic songs in American history. With a career spanning decades, Lee has earned numerous industry honors, including multiple Male Vocalist of the Year awards, while using his platform to celebrate faith, family, freedom, and service. From his early days growing up on a sharecropper's farm to performing for presidents and supporting America's military families, Lee's journey is a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the power of staying faithful to your calling.

Lee joins me today to discuss his early years growing up in California, finding his passion for music, and the hard work that eventually led him to Nashville. He shares the story behind writing "God Bless the USA," how his faith became a guiding force in his life, and why he believes America continues to be a place of opportunity and redemption. Lee also reflects on the importance of giving back, supporting veterans, and living in a way that positively influences others.

"You'll never be disappointed in hard work." - Lee Greenwood

"When you live life as a Christian, I believe you influence others even if they didn't ask for it. It's how you live, not how you tell people you live." - Lee Greenwood

"I wasn't about the money. I wasn't about fame. I was about existing. And this is a free country." - Lee Greenwood

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How Lee's childhood on a sharecropper's farm shaped his work ethic
• Why faith and music became such important parts of Lee's life
• The journey from playing piano in Las Vegas to becoming a Nashville recording artist
• The divine appointments that helped guide Lee's career
• The story behind writing "God Bless the USA" and why the message continues to resonate
• Lee's experiences performing for and building relationships with U.S. presidents
• Why generosity, service, and supporting others remain central to Lee's mission

Lee Greenwood's Words of Wisdom:

You'll never be disappointed by hard work. Use your gifts, stay productive, be wise with what you've been given, and always look for opportunities to help others.

Connect with Lee Greenwood:

• Lee Greenwood's Website
• Lee Greenwood's Tour Schedule
• Lee Greenwood's YouTube
• Lee Greenwood's Music on Spotify
• God Bless The USA Bibles

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook

In honor of the life and legacy of Bob Woodson, we are re-airing this special conversation. Bob, Founder and President of the Woodson Center and 1776 Unites, dedicated his life to poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. His decades of service, wisdom, and commitment to helping communities discover their own solutions left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Bob Woodson was an influential leader on issues of poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. Woodson was a frequent advisor to local, state and federal government officials as well as business and philanthropic organizations. His social activism dated back to the 1960s, when as a young civil rights activist he developed and coordinated national and local community revitalization programs. During the 1970's he directed the National Urban League's Administration of Justice division. Later he served as a Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. As Founder and President of The Woodson Center, Bob was on a mission to help residents of low-income neighborhoods address the problems of their communities.

Bob joins me today to discuss his approach to dealing with race relations in America and what he believes is a huge problem; the disconnection between work and income, in underserved communities.

"People are inspired to change and improve and cooperate when you can show them examples of victories that are possible, not always reminding them of injuries to be avoided." - Bob Woodson

One of the most powerful metaphors about that makes a difference is that to some on the left, Hank Aaron was the strikeout king. But to some of us who look at the glass as being half full, he was the home run king. It depends upon what your perspective is. - Bob Woodson

"You should always look for antibodies. Even in the worst communities, there are healthy elements that I call community antibodies. If you say that 70% of the people in that community are raising children that are dysfunctional, it means 30% or not. You can learn nothing from studying failure except how to create failure." - Bob Woodson

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How Bob's upbringing inspired him to work in Civil Rights

• The breakdown of the traditional American Family

• Why you can't define Black America by slavery

• The importance of looking for the solution to every problem

• Why you can't judge people by their past

• When you give freely, don't give with the expectation that you will be thanked

• Why you must stay faithful to what you do and not be so attached to the outcome of what you're doing

• Why America is a country of redemption

Bob Woodson's Words of Wisdom:

When you give freely, don't give with the expectation that you're going to be thanked. Give out of Godly responsibility, rather than compassion.

Connect with Bob Woodson:

• The Woodson Center

• The Woodson Center Facebook

• The Woodson Center LinkedIn

• The Woodson Center Instagram

• The Woodson Center YouTube

• 1776 Unites

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook