Mark Batterson | Pastor of National Community Church and Bestselling Author | The Power of “Gradually, Then Suddenly” in Faith, Leadership, and Life
Release Date: 03/18/2026
Christine Dold | Owner of The Bakery on the Corner | Craftsmanship, Community, and the Joy of Meaningful Work
The Wow Factor
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...
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The Wow Factor
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The Wow Factor
is the 28th Governor of Oklahoma, entrepreneur, business leader, husband, and father of six. Before entering public service, Governor Stitt founded Gateway Mortgage with just $1,000 and a computer, growing it into a nationwide financial services company with more than 1,000 employees. Guided by his faith, commitment to family, and belief in the American Dream, Governor Stitt has focused his leadership on creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and encouraging the next generation to pursue their God-given potential. In this episode, Brad and Governor Kevin Stitt explore the connection...
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The Wow Factor
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The Wow Factor
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The Wow Factor
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From Rock Bottom to Rewriting Health | Steve Hochman on Purpose, Discipline, and Reversing Diabetes
The Wow Factor
Steve Hochman is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and international bestselling author of , 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...
info_outlineMark 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:
Connect With National Community Church:
- National Community Church Website
- National Community Church Instagram
- National Community Church YouTube
Connect With Brad Formsma: