The Wow Factor

Dick Stricklen is the owner of Motor City Auto Center in Bakersfield, CA, a sprawling campus which includes a Buick/GMC dealership, a Lexus dealership, and a large used car & truck operation. Dick's team devote themselves to helping and serving their customers and providing staff with the opportunity to develop their skills and interests. Dick took over the GMC dealership at the age of 19 after his father's death and since then has followed his passion for building authentic relationships with team members and clients alike.

Dick joins me on the show today to share how he started in the automotive business and why he's grateful to his late father for starting him as a porter at the dealership at a very early age, allowing him to learn from the ground up. He tells the story of how he managed to put together a proposal that saw him successfully take over one of his father's businesses, and why he walked away from a critical bank loan at the 11th hour. Dick also shares the core values of Motor City Auto Center and why promoting the company culture is so important to him as a leader.

"Let's all get focused on what we have control over." - Dick Stricklen

"I always get in the other person's shoes; I develop a relationship with them a personal relationship." - Dick Stricklen

"Bottom line is important to manage, but that's not what we're about. The bottom line is a result of the major motive, and that is to help people get what they want, see them grow, give them opportunities." - Dick Stricklen

"We are really in the people business that just happens to sell cars." – Dick Stricklen

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Dick switched his sales team from wearing suits and ties to casual wear and how that small decision impacted his business
• How Dick developed the core values of Motor City Auto
• Why the fuel shortages of the 1970s and the jump in interest rates caused Dick to think creatively about how to pull his team together
• Some of the things that Dick as a leader has found to be helpful in growing and developing the people in his stores
• How Dick felt during the recession of the late 2000s and the implications for the business
• Dick's philosophy on developing his team members
• Dick speaks to the moment in his life when he realized that making money was not his true purpose in life
• What inspired Dick to write down the guiding principles of his company and why he believes that those principles are at the source of his success

Dick Stricklen's Words of Wisdom:

Take time, either with prayer or just quiet time, analyzing yourself to figure out what gives you the greatest heartfelt satisfaction in life. Examine your motives and align your behavior as a leader with the values that are truly important to you.

Connect with Dick Stricklen:

• Motor City GMC Website
• Motor City GMC on Instagram
• Motor City GMC on Facebook

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Gracie Formsma is a college student at Samford University, co-founder of Love Gives, a hat brand in the Generous Family ecosystem. She's also the daughter of The Wow Factor host, Brad Formsma. Originally from Michigan, Gracie moved with her family to California about a decade ago, growing up in a home shaped by faith, generosity, and the gritty reality of launching the nonprofit I Like Giving and its Generous Family initiative. Today, she brings her marketing eye, creative direction, and heart for discipleship to Love Gives, a lifestyle brand built around the simple but profound truth of John 3:16.

Brad sits down with Gracie to unpack her journey from a "lukewarm Christian" and people-pleasing high schooler to a young leader who met God at rock bottom, transferred schools in obedience, and eventually said a hesitant but wholehearted "yes" to launching Love Gives with her brother, Drew. Gracie shares how a single comment at a conference, a road trip photo shoot to Nashville, and a season of closed doors on campus leadership roles became confirmation that God was calling her into something unconventional. She also explains the heart behind a hat that quietly points to the gospel, why she uses Instagram as a place for raw vulnerability, and how this work has exposed her weaknesses while deepening her dependence on Jesus and her passion for helping others feel known, seen, and loved.

• "I don't want to just shout the name of Jesus at people. I want them to see Him through my actions, through my fruit, and then ask, 'What does that hat mean?'" – Gracie Formsma
• "This has been the biggest gift—and the hardest thing I've ever done. It's exposed every weakness in my life, and that's exactly where God keeps meeting me." – Gracie Formsma
• "God's power is made perfect in our weakness. So I can boast in my weakness, because that's where He fills in the most for me." – Gracie Formsma

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Gracie's journey from Michigan to California, starting high school in the middle of COVID, and recognizing that her faith had been inherited but not yet her own
• Hitting emotional and spiritual bottom in her sophomore year, crying out to God in her childhood bedroom, and choosing to fully surrender and be baptized
• Sensing God's nudge to transfer high schools, leaving behind the life she'd built, and discovering new friendships, joy, and a deeper walk with Jesus
• How closed doors on campus leadership at Samford opened the way for Drew's Love Gives idea, a providential moment at the National Grandparent Conference, and the first prototype hat
• Driving to Nashville for the first Love Gives photo shoot, building the brand vision from a Pinterest board, and realizing she felt more peace and purpose there than in a typical college path
• The heart behind Love Gives: subtle John 3:16 branding, lifestyle hats that quietly spark gospel conversations, and partnerships with teams, churches, and campus ministries all supported by a fulfillment process covered in prayer
• Gracie's honest presence on Instagram, sharing mental battles, spiritual warfare, and real struggles, and how vulnerability, generosity, and deep family trust are shaping her vision for Love Gives in 2026 and beyond

Gracie Formsma's Word of Wisdom:

Gracie invites us to boast in weakness. Drawing from Paul's teaching, she points out that God's power shows up most clearly in the places we feel unqualified, insecure, or insufficient. Instead of hiding those moments or waiting to feel "ready," she encourages us to bring them into the light, respond in obedience, and trust that God will meet us there using our vulnerability to connect with others and shape a story we could never have written on our own.

Connect With Gracie Formsma and LOVE GIVES:

• Love Gives Instagram
• Purchase a Love Gives Hat
• Generous Family Website

Connect With Brad Formsma:

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

Ron Blue is a pioneering Christian financial planner, longtime CPA, and founder of the firms and ministries that helped shape today's faith-based financial movement. After growing up in Indiana, studying at Indiana University, and working for KPMG in New York, Dallas, and San Francisco, Ron returned home to start his own CPA firm in 1970. That firm would grow into one of the top 50 accounting firms in the country, and later, Ron would go on to launch a fee-based financial planning firm for Christians, work closely with Campus Crusade (Cru), and help birth Kingdom Advisors and related initiatives that now influence thousands of advisors and families around the world.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Ron to trace how a rigid religious upbringing, an intense drive for success, and a quiet conversion moment on the way to a golf game all led to a radical decision to walk away from a thriving CPA practice and follow God's call to Atlanta. Ron shares how that step of faith, a series of "turning points" he only recognized in hindsight, and a growing conviction that there's no such thing as an independent financial decision laid the groundwork for Christian financial planning, national-level generosity, and ultimately the founding of Kingdom Advisors.

"Everything turned when I realized it all hinged on the resurrection. If the resurrection happened, Christianity is true and I had to respond to that." - Ron Blue

"There's no such thing as an independent financial decision. Every choice you make with money touches your family, your future, and your ability to give." - Ron Blue

"I really believe the church is the next frontier for biblical financial wisdom. We're just now seeing how all these years of proof-of-concept were preparation for serving the local church." - Ron Blue

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Ron's Indiana roots, early success track, and what drew him to the "big time" at KPMG in New York

• Leaving a secure global firm to start a CPA practice in Indianapolis and realizing most work was really counseling around money and taxes

• Childhood legalism, the soapbox derby story, and how early church experiences shaped his reaction against faith

• Ron's journey from "success first" to wrestling with the resurrection and praying to receive Christ alone in his car

• Moving to Atlanta after a clear call from Philippians 3 and a literal "For Sale by Owner" sign in the attic

• How a time-based CPA model became the blueprint for a fee-for-advice Christian financial planning firm

• The "first million-dollar giver" and the early financial plan that proved generosity could increase cash flow

• Being let go by the board of the firm that bore his name—and why that painful moment was a turning point

• Practical stories of cash-in-hand generosity to families, single moms, and unseen workers

• Ron's vision for serving local churches through trained Kingdom Advisors and holistic financial discipleship

Ron Blue's Word of Wisdom:

Ron believes the local church is the next major frontier for biblical financial discipleship. After decades of proving that faith-based financial principles work, he sees churches uniquely positioned to help people understand stewardship, generosity, and calling at every life stage.

Connect With Ron Blue:

• Kingdom Advisors

• Ron Blue Institute

• Blue Trust

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

• Brad Formsma on X

Sandra Teplinsky is an American-Israeli Messianic Jew, former attorney, and author based in Jerusalem. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Sandra experienced antisemitism early in life—an upbringing that shaped both her faith journey and her long-term focus on helping the church understand Israel through a biblical lens. Through decades of study and ministry, she has written and updated Why Still Care About Israel to address common theological misconceptions, church-history blind spots, and the interpretive frameworks that still shape how many Christians think about Israel today.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Sandra to explore why so many people are asking the wrong questions about Israel, and why the better starting point is, "Who is our God, and what is He doing?" Sandra shares a defining calling moment from her time in Los Angeles during the late Jesus Movement era, where she describes sensing Jesus' grief and love for the Jewish people.

From there, the conversation moves into antisemitism, what it is, how it spreads, and how certain theological ideas can unintentionally fuel it. Sandra explains supersessionism (often called replacement theology), points listeners to Romans 9–11 as foundational, and describes why humility, repentance, and Scripture-led thinking matter as global hostility rises and Israel remains central in the news.

"Israel is the apple of God's eye, whoever would harm Israel is like sticking a finger in the eye of God." – Sandra Teplinsky

"The ultimate question isn't, 'Are you for this side or that side?' The ultimate question is: Who is our God?" – Sandra Teplinsky

"Paul cautions Gentile believers: don't be arrogant… Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the fullness comes in." – Sandra Teplinsky

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Brad met Sandra through a chaotic Israel trip—and why her book stood out immediately
• Sandra's childhood experience with antisemitism and how it shaped her pursuit of truth
• A working definition of antisemitism and why it's not only external behavior
• Sandra's Los Angeles calling moment and a lifelong focus on praying for Israel's salvation
• "Apple of His eye" and what spiritual blindness can look like in the church
• Why Israel is rarely taught clearly in many Western churches and seminaries
• The impact of church-history interpretation shifts on modern theology
• Supersessionism / replacement theology: what it is and why it matters
• Romans 9–11 as a framework for God's ongoing purposes for Israel
• End-times curiosity, modern Aliyah, and rising pressure on Jewish communities worldwide
• The story of "S" and how Scripture confronted hatred at the heart level
• Practical steps: humility, repentance, and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal wrong thinking
• Why blessing Israel can't just be transactional—and needs to be rooted in loving God

Sandra Teplinsky's Word of Wisdom:

Start with humility. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart, and let Scripture interpret Scripture. Caring about Israel isn't meant to be a trend or an argument—it's about aligning with the heart and character of God and learning to love who He loves.

Connect with Sandra Teplinsky:

• Light of Zion
• Sandra Teplinsky's Books
• Additional Teachings & Resources

Connect With Brad Formsma:

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

Jordan Raynor is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech company. A sixth-generation Tampa native, Jordan has built and exited multiple startups, served in the political arena, and now devotes his life to helping Christians connect the gospel to their everyday work. Through his books, podcasts, and speaking, Jordan's mission is to equip believers to see their daily tasks, whether in tech, teaching, or making coffee as sacred and significant.

In this rich and thought-provoking episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Jordan to explore the turning points of his life—from a teenage campaign manager to a tech founder, and ultimately, a writer and teacher helping others redeem their time and purpose. Jordan shares how a pivotal post-church conversation reframed his view of work, the journey behind his first book Called to Create, and why the gospel speaks to spreadsheets and startup culture just as much as sermons. They dive deep into time stewardship, distractions, work as ministry, and the countercultural freedom that comes when you stop chasing your bucket list and start living for eternal impact.

"God cares about the work itself, not just the evangelism you're doing within it or funding through it." - Jordan Raynor

"For the Christian, nothing is secular and everything is sacred." - Jordan Raynor

"You are not the savior of the world, and neither am I, and that is terrifically freeing." - Jordan Raynor

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Growing up in Tampa and discovering politics through a middle school teacher
• Why Jordan walked away from politics after a White House internship
• How a mentor's honest question redirected his entire career
• The biblical foundation for why all work matters to God
• Why the idea of "secular work" is a false divide
• The powerful message of Jordan's first book, Called to Create
• How Jesus' life as a carpenter reframes how we think about "sacred" work
• Jordan's framework for stewarding time based on Jesus' own rhythms
• Practical ways to reclaim your attention and avoid "infinity pools" of content
• Why Jordan completely cut out the news—and didn't miss a thing
• Insights from his bestselling book Redeeming Your Time
• How he and his family prioritize presence by setting phone boundaries
• The impact of internships on Jordan's early career trajectory
• Why bucket lists can become burdens—and what Jesus offers instead
• How Randy Alcorn and C.S. Lewis have influenced Jordan's theology of eternity
• Why Jordan's next book will focus on setting goals the way Jesus did

Jordan Raynor's Word of Wisdom:If you don't have a relationship with Jesus, generosity won't make much sense. At best, it's PR or a feel-good move. But once you realize He gave everything for you, the only logical response is to spend your life giving your time, your money, your presence, everything in return.

Connect with Jordan Raynor:

• Jordan Raynors Website
• Mere Christians Podcast
• Jordans Courses
• Jordans Books

Connect with The Wow Factor:

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

Matt McPherson is an inventor, entrepreneur, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ whose companies have reshaped two industries, archery and high-end guitar manufacturing. As the founder of Mathews Archery, one of the most respected names in hunting and bow technology, and McPherson Guitars, known for their unique design and pristine tone, Matt has spent decades building world-class products from the woods of Sparta, Wisconsin. But his bigger mission? Funding global ministry and sharing the Gospel with clarity and creativity.

In this milestone 300th episode of The Wow Factor, Brad reconnects with his longtime friend Matt McPherson for a powerful conversation about calling, hearing from God, and stewarding business as a tool for impact. Matt shares how a childhood love for archery led to launching Mathews Archery, and how a prophetic word in his early 20s reshaped his view of work and ministry forever. They explore the story behind his breakthrough product Lost Camo, the founding of The Salvation Poem Foundation, and the journey to producing Light of the World, a full-length animated film on the life of Jesus.

From financial risk during COVID shutdowns to watching a God-sized vision unfold on screen, Matt's story is full of practical faith, spiritual listening, and a relentless pursuit of simplicity—in both business and belief.

"I heard God say, 'I'm going to prosper you in business so you can be self-sufficient in ministry.'" - Matt McPherson

"Let's make our homes an uncomfortable place for the enemy to hang out." - Matt McPherson

"The Gospel is simple: We broke it. God fixed it through Christ. And now we choose to receive it." - Matt McPherson

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How a childhood moment with a toy bow shaped Matt's entire future
• The prophetic word that redirected Matt's dreams and defined his mission
• Why Matt believes engineers are made to simplify—and how that applies to faith
• Founding Mathews Archery in Wisconsin and building a global brand
• How a request for camouflage sparked the creation of Lost Camo
• Practical stories of hearing from God—down to camera purchases and Walmart trips
• How Matt handled a full company shutdown during COVID without layoffs
• The surprising result: 2020 became Mathews' most profitable year ever
• What it means to trust God's timing (and not get ahead of Him)
• The backstory behind The Salvation Poem—and its reach to over 1 billion people
• Producing Light of the World: A $30M animated film sharing the story of Jesus
• How the movie distills the entire Gospel into one clear, beautiful arc
• Why Matt refuses to overcomplicate the message of Jesus
• The joy of giving, the power of obedience, and the impact of business-led ministry

Matt McPherson's Word of Wisdom:

If I'm going to eat the food and take up the space, I want to give back more than I take. Ask God to let you be part of what He's doing.

Connect with Matthews Archery:

• Matthews Archery
• Matthews Archery Instagram
• Matthews Archery YouTube

Connect with McPherson Guitars:

• McPherson Guitars
• McPherson Guitars Instagram
• McPherson Guitars YouTube

Connect with The Wow Factor:

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

Dr. Rick Lytle is the President and CEO of the CEO Forum, a ministry organization that mentors and disciples Christian CEOs and senior executives leading companies with $100M+ in revenue. With a background in academia and a Ph.D. in marketing, Rick spent years as a professor and business school dean before stepping into his role at the CEO Forum. His mission? To support leaders in building lives and legacies marked by character, competence, and calling—both at work and at home.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Dr. Rick at the home studio in Irvine, California for an in-depth conversation about how faith intersects with leadership at the highest levels of business. Rick shares his personal journey from growing up in the Detroit suburbs to launching a nationally accredited business program at Abilene Christian University, where he served as dean. He opens up about the founding of the CEO Forum, his research on what shapes great leaders, and how he's equipping the next generation through programs like Entrust and the Leadership Summit. With warmth and candor, Dr. Rick unpacks what it means to live and lead with "higher intent"—and why the marketplace might just be the front line of spiritual renewal.

"Don't be cheap with God—because He's never been cheap with you." - Dr. Rick Lytle

"We've raised this generation to be exactly who they are. If we want something different, we've got to step up." - Dr. Rick Lytle

"You can't move with God and stay where you are." - Dr. Rick Lytle

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Rick's early career at Volkswagen led to a pivot into academia

• What it took to transform ACU's business school into an accredited, nationally ranked program

• Raising $35 million and recruiting top faculty in the face of skepticism

• The vision behind CEO Forum and its mission to disciple Christian CEOs

• How spiritual leadership looks different in the marketplace

• What Rick's research reveals about the upbringing and values of top Christian leaders

• The importance of family, faith, and hard work in shaping leadership

• A deep dive into CEO Forum's flagship training programs: Spiritual Leadership Institute and Entrust

• Preparing the next generation of leaders to steward influence and wealth with integrity

• How retired CEOs are mentoring young executives through Encore

• Why Rick believes revival isn't just for churches—it's happening in the marketplace

Rick Lytle's Word of Wisdom:

Live with higher intent. Ask not just what you want to do, but what God wants to do through you.

About CEO Forum:

CEO Forum is a membership community built to serve the distinct needs of Christ-following CEOs and senior executives leading major enterprises. Through trusted peer-based communities, personal pastoral care, and intentional spiritual formation, CEO Forum helps leaders live the way of Jesus in every sphere of life. Learn more at theceoforum.org or contact Mark Meador, VP of Member Advancement, at [email protected] to explore membership or refer a leader.

CEO Forum also serves emerging leaders through the ENTRUST Summit, a next-generation mentoring gathering on February 26–27, 2026. WOW Factor podcast listeners are invited to nominate or register qualified participants.

Connect with CEO Forum:

• CEO Forum

• Dr. Rick Lytle's LinkedIn

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

• Brad Formsma on X

Brent and Tracey McKee are the visionary founders behind McKee & Company, a luxury furniture and interior design business that's been redefining the Southern California design landscape for over 26 years. Known for their thoughtful, timeless style and deep commitment to quality and service, the McKees have built more than a business, they've built a trusted, relationship-driven brand. Now, they're stepping into a new chapter with a reimagined space that blends elevated design, hands-on collaboration, and a curated client experience like no other.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad visits Brent and Tracey at their new location in Costa Mesa to unpack the remarkable story behind McKee & Company and their custom furniture line, Sparrow & Sage. From a career pivot sparked by an unexpected exit from a family business, to weathering the 2008 recession with grit and faith, the McKees share candid lessons from their journey. Tracey opens up about what it means to design spaces that truly transform how people feel in their homes, while Brent offers business insights on scaling with purpose and resilience. Together, they reflect on leading a values-driven company and the joy of passing their knowledge on to the next generation.

"I think what I've always felt my gift is helping people come home, feel energized, and go do what they're meant to do." — Tracey McKee

"We inspire and we guide—and when you put inspiration in front of people and help them get there, they're generally appreciative." — Brent McKee

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How a career setback with family launched McKee & Company
• Lessons from surviving the 2008 recession with a 70% revenue drop
• Why McKee & Company pivoted to a new showroom model that's by design—not just design
• How Tracey's deep furniture knowledge and retail roots shaped their curated design approach
• What inspired the couple to launch their own line: Sparrow & Sage
• Behind the scenes of furniture design: from kitchen table sketches to national sales
• How McKee & Company serves professional designers and trades in their new space
• Building a brand that's high-touch, faith-infused, and made to last

Brent and Tracey McKee's Word of Wisdom:

Tracey: "Just keep showing up and keep asking the Lord for what you need."

Brent: "Do what you love and build something where people enjoy the journey."

Connect with McKee & Company:

• McKee & Company Website
• Sparrow and Sage Website
• McKee & Company on Instagram
• Sparrow & Sage on Instagram
• McKee & Company on Facebook

Connect with The Wow Factor:

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

Tia Newcomer is the CEO of CaringBridge, a nonprofit providing a vital digital platform where families can communicate, receive support, and rally their communities during health journeys. With a career that spans Revlon, PepsiCo., Hewlett-Packard, and multiple health tech ventures, Tia brings a rich background from the for-profit world into the heart of the nonprofit sector, or as she prefers to call it, the for-impact space.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Tia to unpack her career journey across four pivotal pillars, from consumer goods to tech, healthcare, and now mission-driven leadership. She shares how personal experiences, including her husband's fight with cancer and her own sense of purpose, led her to take a surprising leap into nonprofit leadership. Tia discusses the real-world impact of CaringBridge on hundreds of thousands of families every day, the technology powering it, and how "ministry pace" just won't cut it when the stakes are this high. She also dives deep into why entrepreneurial thinking, business rigor, and cross-sector collaboration are essential in the nonprofit space.

"The difference between nonprofit and for-profit is a tax status. The skillset? It's the same." – Tia Newcomer

"In moments of crisis, people don't need 'let me know how I can help.' They need tangible action." – Tia Newcomer

"If I'm spending the majority of my time working, it better be fulfilling. That's the leap I made." – Tia Newcomer

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Tia's four career pillars: Consumer Goods, Technology, Women's Health, and Nonprofit

• Why leaving HP was her wake-up call to find purpose in her work

• Her perspective on for-impact vs. nonprofit leadership

• How CaringBridge grew to 300,000 daily users with only 40 employees

• The real story behind the CaringBridge platform and its founder

• Why technology for good is more essential than ever

• The burden of "just let me know how I can help" and what to say instead

• The power of one person raising their hand to share updates and mobilize care

• Partnering with GoFundMe to raise over $10M directly for patients and families

• The role of generosity, from emotional support to meals, transportation, and funds

Tia Newcomer's Word of Wisdom:

Leadership is about building something that matters and having the courage to follow the nudge, even when it's outside your comfort zone.

Connect With CaringBridge:

• Tia Newcomer

• CaringBridge Website

• CaringBridge LinkedIn

• CaringBridge on Facebook

• CaringBridge on Instagram

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

• Brad Formsma on X

In 1987, John O'Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given a 1% chance to live.

This epic story of survival was first showcased in his parents' book, Overwhelming Odds, in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world. John inspires nearly 75,000 people at 100+ events each year. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, was an instant #1 National Bestseller; his Live Inspired Podcast is a top 20 for business on iTunes & Inc. Magazine. His online community is 200,000 strong. John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife, Beth, their four children, and his relationships with friends and family.

I'm so honored to welcome John to the show to share his journey from near death to striving to multiply his talents and repay the generosity of others. He discusses his path to becoming a speaker and how saying yes to opportunities led to speaking in 50 states, dozens of countries, and at over 2,500 events. John also shares lessons from his own life to encourage leaders to be grounded and not worry too much about life's setbacks, as they will inevitably pass.

"Generosity is not only about money. It's about time and attention." - John O'Leary

"Seeds are taking deeper root, the right next steps are happening, and God's Will be lived out." - John O'Leary

"The cool thing about generosity is it's never one plus one is two, it's a multiple." - John O'Leary

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The shocking fire that burned 100% of 9-year-old John's body and his long process of recovery
• John's memory of lying in a hospital bed wrapped in bandages and hearing the voice of his hero Jack Buck and how his daily visits inspired John in his recovery
• How Jack, by speaking life and challenge over John, helped support his wider family
• How John managed to earn 60 signed baseballs and learn how to write again from his hospital bed
• The importance of being interruptible in life and making time for people who need us
• How John became a speaker, and he shares his experience of his first speaking engagement for an audience of three Girl Scouts
• John discusses the upcoming movie production for the film inspired by his story, with director Sean McNamara
• How John was able to finally help his parents in return when they suffered a second fire in their home

John O'Leary's Words of Wisdom:

My reminder to you is that this too shall pass. Almost everything on this side of eternity, the good and the bad, will eventually pass.

Connect with John O'Leary:

• John O' Leary Website
• John O' Leary YouTube
• John O' Leary Instagram
• John O' Leary LinkedIn
• John O' Leary Facebook

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter