The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome: Recent Episodes
Crossroads Church
We live in a world where "aggressive" is one of the few dirty words left. Our culture celebrates the crass and profane, while risk and difficulty are a sign that something is wrong. Put simply, this passivity is killing us. Our relationships are weaker, our work is unfulfilling, our finances are a disaster, and our faith is nonexistent. Host Brian Tome believes there is a better way, and it's by embracing the power of healthy aggression. Listen in as he talks with people who are living lives that punch passivity in the mouth.
The average age of retirement is 64, while the average age of death isn’t till 82. What are you going to do with your 18 years? No matter how old you are, the answer to the question starts today. Most men work to reach retirement without a goal of how to spend it—leaving the majority of them lonely, depressed and without purpose. That’s not Dale Tesmond. A former CEO and corporate storyteller, Dale spent his working years helping brands develop their stories. The lessons he learned then have turned his retirement years into the most fulfilling of his life. Whether you’re just starting your career, or you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, the choices you make today will determine whether you thrive, or flounder, in your retirement years. Time to make some aggressive moves.
Connect with Dale at his podcast, The ReDirect Podcast, here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Join Brian Tome and world-renowned adventurer and survivalist, Bear Grylls, under the big tent at MAN CAMP 2025. In this special episode of The Aggressive Life, Bear speaks about his faith, discovering that Jesus is wild, and why the safest place to be is on the front lines. Bear’s aggressive approach to faith and life is a shot in the arm to get you moving.
Join Brian Tome and thousands of men from across the country who have already staked their claim for MAN CAMP 2026. Find out more at mancamp.us
Watch this discussion, recorded live at MAN CAMP, on YouTube here.
One of the top episodes in the history of The Aggressive Life, re-released for the first time with video. A priest in the diocese of Indianapolis, Father Vincent Lampert spent decades as an exorcist—and has the stories to back it up. From his hands-on training in Rome, to real encounters with demons and possessed individuals, Father Lampert pulls back the curtain on the spirit realm, exposing a reality many people are quick to ignore. A man of deep wisdom, experience, and joy, this conversation is just as resonant today as it was when it was first recorded in 2023.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Could you cover 2800 miles—the distance between New York City and Los Angeles—in 40 days with ten of your friends? That’s the question that close friends, JONBOB and David, wanted to figure out. Instead of asking ChatGPT, or Google, they started moving. That’s how RELENTLESS 2800, a 40-day team challenge, was born. In the years since, RELENTLESS has grown into a movement that not only gets people moving in the winter months, but is also making them more resilient and less isolated. Two average guys building something that is changing lives across the nation? That’s an aggressive move.
Ready for RELENTLESS 2800? Use the word AGGRESSIVE at checkout to get 30% off.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Miracles might not be common, but they still happen… and Paul Maconochie has seen more than his fair share. A pastor, leader, and close friend of BT, Paul returns to the podcast to talk about healing prayer—how to do it, when to do it, and what to expect. Paul’s experience of seeing God heal others through prayer makes him one of the foremost experts on the topic. In prayer, like life, reward always lies on the other side of risk. No matter what you believe about God, prayer, or healing, this conversation has something to get you moving.
Crossroads is hosting Nights of Healing Prayer with Paul Maconochie—part workshop, part experience—at all sites and online throughout January and February, 2026. Everyone welcome. Dates, times, and more details here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Fitness trends and best practices feel like a moving target—one trainer says this, and another says something completely different. In this episode, Brian sits down with nationally recognized fitness coach and trainer, Shawn Zitt, for a practical conversation about building and maintaining physical health. How much water do I need? Should I eat more meat or less? Do I have to work out everyday? How much sleep should I get? With decades of experience, and hundreds of successful clients, Shawn’s expertise can be the push you need into a healthier future.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Reading the Bible is a very common—but rarely achieved—goal. Is there a secret to reading the Bible? How do I actually engage with this old book? What are the nuts and bolts of building a Bible reading habit and will it actually influence my life? In this One Question episode, Brian tackles all those questions and more. If you’re setting out to read more of the Bible in 2026, this episode is a push in the right direction.
Read the Bible alongside BT, and thousands of others, in the free Crossroads Anywhere App. Find it in the app store or at this link.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
2025 was a banner year for The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome—from moving to video content, to surpassing 300 episodes, to welcoming bucket list guests like Bear Grylls. In this best-of episode, Dirt takes listeners back to six of the biggest episodes of the year, including talking the great outdoors with Bear Grylls, pushing through difficulty with Maverick City Music’s Dante Bowe, and what Biblical masculinity actually looks like with pastor Joby Martin. If you missed these conversations the first time around, there’s no better time to catch up.
Links to original full length episodes:
God, Grit and the Great Outdoors with Bear Grylls:
Apple | Spotify
Developing Joy Beyond the Ups and Downs of Life with Dante Bowe:
Apple | Spotify
How to Put Your Phone Down and Live More with Darren Whitehead:
Apple | Spotify
The Adventure I Don’t Want To Be On—A Cancer Conversation with BT:
Apple | Spotify
Biblical Masculinity Isn’t Toxic or Tame with Joby Martin:
Apple | Spotify
MAN CAMP Builds Dangerous Men with Rory Lawrence & Matt Fortin:
Apple | Spotify
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
The final episode of a four-day run of episodes focused on aggressiveness during the Christmas season, Brian hones in on the boldest move God ever made—taking on flesh to dwell among us. This is the hinge point of history, and the reason why Christmas matters.
A version of this content was originally shared on Brian’s email list. Join here to get monthly shots of aggressive living delivered right to your inbox.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
The 3rd of a limited four-day run of episodes designed to prepare you for an aggressive Christmas, Brian circles back to the story of the shepherds. Their willingness to move, without all the information, ensured they experienced the most profound moment in human history. Your willingness to move is the key to a holiday, and life, that works.
A version of this content was originally shared on Brian’s email list. Join here to get monthly shots of aggressive living delivered right to your inbox.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Even at Christmas time, a just man (or woman) sticks out. In the 2nd of a limited run of four episodes designed to get your mind and muscles ready for the holiday, Brian focuses his attention on Joseph. While the Bible doesn’t say much about Jesus’ adopted father, what it does say speaks volumes. Following in his footsteps is an aggressive move that will pay dividends.
A version of this content was originally shared on Brian’s email list. Join here to get monthly shots of aggressive living delivered right to your inbox.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Christmas is coming. Are you ready? Brian begins a limited run of four episodes, one per day leading up to Christmas, to prepare our hearts, minds, and muscles for the holiday. In this first episode, Brian focuses on how the shepherds responded to the news of Christ’s birth, and how that “haste” can help reframe your life.
A version of this content was originally shared on Brian’s email list. Join here to get monthly shots of aggressive living delivered right to your inbox.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Feeling forgotten, overlooked, or like you don’t belong this Christmas? In this powerful message, Brian Tome delivers hope for outsiders and misfits—drawing surprising truth from the holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Recorded live at Crossroads Church in 2023, this teaching shows how not fitting in actually positions you for a deeper, more personal encounter with God. If the holidays leave you feeling unseen, disconnected, or out of place, this message will remind you that God specializes in using the unlikely.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
For the first time on The Aggressive Life, Brian sits down with a firefighter to get the inside scoop on one of society’s most-aggressive and impactful jobs. With over 30 years in the Cincinnati Fire Department, Denny Baker has seen and lived through more than most people. From keeping your head under stressful situations, to the physical demands of fighting fires, to working for lasting impact, Denny is an inspiring man who has built a life on serving and protecting others.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Wassim Razzouk’s name is on the oldest tattoo shop in the world. Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Razzouk Tattoo has been tattooing Christians and pilgrims for over 700 years—including Brian. In this fascinating conversation, Wassim and Brian talk about the history of Christian tattoos, what it’s like to carry a family legacy for 27-generations, and the challenges of being a Palestinian Christian living in the Holy Land.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here
There’s much more to Thanksgiving than family, turkey, and football. In this classic episode of The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome, first released back in 2021, Brian hosts historian and author, Stephen Mansfield, for a mind-blowing conversation about the spiritual history of Thanksgiving. From the aggressive moves of the Pilgrims to come to America, to their harrowing voyage on the Mayflower and the miracle that saved the colony from starvation, you’ve never heard the Thanksgiving story quite like this. Released for the first time in video format, this episode packs a punch capable of changing the way you think about and celebrate the holiday.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
When Scott MacLellan’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare health condition, he knew her childhood would be a fight. Enduring hundreds of surgeries wasn’t the worst of it. What started as a prescription for opioid painkillers eventually became an addiction, pushing Scott’s family to the brink. For over a decade, he fought for his daughter’s future—until a desperate prayer, and a chance encounter, changed everything. On the other side of addiction, Scott and his family are now addiction advocates, helping to pioneer new treatment, and hope, for families walking through similar circumstances. No matter the fight you are facing, Scott’s story can be the shot of inspiration you need to keep going.
Learn more about Scott’s advocacy work at www.riversoul.org
Watch this week's episode on YouTube here.
When Pastor John Funnell arrived at Noddfa Church, in one of the poorest valleys in Wales, only six elderly members remained. He expected to quietly lead them until the church closed—but God had other plans. Through prayer, risk, and persistence, those six believers have become a thriving congregation of more than 300 people, sparking a modern revival movement.
In this episode of The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome, John shares how revival started in a forgotten community—and what it really takes to experience a spiritual awakening. From repentance and renewal to the challenges of explosive growth, his story is a front-row seat to what God is doing in post-Christian Europe.
If you’ve ever longed to see revival in your life, or wondered how to prepare for the next great move of God, this conversation will inspire you to keep moving forward.
Watch this week's episode on YouTube here.
Something powerful happens when thousands of men leave comfort behind and unite in pursuit of God. Just under a week after attending his first MAN CAMP, Jim Burgen joins Brian on The Aggressive Life to talk about his experience—from speaking under the big tent, to conversations outside MASH, to why MAN CAMP gives him hope that masculinity is good and getting better.
Jim also shares what it means to age aggressively, why it’s important to keep doing new things, and what it takes to be a man who refuses to coast. From elk hunts, to hard workouts, to spiritual warfare, this is a no-holds-barred conversation about becoming the kind of man the world needs.
Learn more about MAN CAMP at www.mancamp.us
Watch this week’s episode on YouTube here.
Something powerful is stirring across the world—churches are filling up, the name of Jesus is trending, and legitimate miracles are happening. In this One Question episode, Brian Tome unpacks the meaning of revival—what it is, how to recognize it, and why you might need one in your own life. Drawing from history, Scripture, and modern movements of God, Brian explores how revival starts, what fuels it, and how to be part of it. If you’re ready for more of God’s movement in your life, this episode can be a push in the right direction.
Don’t just listen, act. Join BT and thousands of others seeking a move of God at Revival on November 1st and 2nd. More details here.
Want to learn more about revival movements in history? Listen to BT’s conversation with revival expert, Michael McClymond, here: (Apple | Spotify)
Watch this episode on YouTube here.
MAN CAMP 2025 was one for the history books. This teaching, recorded live under the big tent on Friday evening, set the stage for all that God would do over the weekend. Initiative leads to breakthrough because it gets God’s attention—at camp, at home, and everywhere in between.
Claim your spot for next year’s MAN CAMP, for the lowest price possible, during the one-week flash sale—now through October 26th. Find out more at MANCAMP.us
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
MAN CAMP 2025 has come and gone—but the stories, and the changed lives, remain. In this bonus episode of The Aggressive Life, Dirt shares stories collected from the Story Shitter, an old outhouse turned into a makeshift studio where guys shared their wins, breakthroughs, and leave-behinds. This episode is a small snapshot into all the God did at MAN CAMP 2025. Let it push you to keep taking ground in your aggressive life.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Modern masculinity is typically pigeonholed into one of two camps—it’s either toxic (and therefore a danger to itself and others) or it’s tame (passively making no difference in the world around it). Pastor and author, Joby Martin, stops by The Aggressive Life to unpack a third option—a biblical masculinity rooted in responsibility, sacrifice, and faith. In a hard-hitting, and often hilarious conversation, the two friends discuss cultural confusion about manhood, why fatherhood is essential, and what it takes to stand firm and act like a man. This is a raw and inspiring masterclass on what it takes to live courageously in a world gone soft.
Watch this episode on YouTube here.
Dr. Emma Schmidt returns to The Aggressive Life for a candid, helpful, and eye-opening conversation around the modern state of sex. She explains why so few people are having sex, how everything from anxiety to the rise of AI is playing a role, and simple strategies for more connected relationships. Along the way, Brian and Emma tackle myths around libido, erectile dysfunction, and how to address mismatched desire. As one of Cincinnati’s leading sex therapists, Dr. Schmidt joins current research with a Biblical perspective that will challenge your assumptions about intimacy and leave you with practical steps to improve your sex life.
Watch this week’s episode on YouTube here.
Four years ago, Rory Lawrence scored a free ticket to MAN CAMP. The only catch? He lived 15 hours away in New Hampshire. Determined to not let that stop him, he convinced his friend Matt to tag along. What they experienced in southwest Ohio changed their lives. Four years later, their brotherhood has blossomed into a weekly podcast (The Dangerous Man Podcast) and a yearly trip back to MAN CAMP. Last year, 22 of their friends and family tagged along. Joining us from their studio in New Hampshire, Rory and Matt share their MAN CAMP experience, why they keep coming back, what it means to be a dangerous man, and why training is much more important than trying. This aggressive conversation will get you off the couch and out the door.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Use the code PODCAST15 at checkout to get 15% off this year’s MAN CAMP at mancamp.us
Get more from Rory and Matt at www.dangerousmanpodcast.com, and find links to some of their favorite episode below: * Dangerous Man Code * Dangerous Man Mission
It’s no secret that men in America are struggling, leading statistics in everything from suicide to loneliness to obesity. But what if the problems men face start well before they turn 18? In this powerful episode of The Aggressive Life, pediatrician and parenting expert Dr. Meg Meeker joins Brian to talk about how modern parenting is failing boys and what we can do to raise strong, resilient young men. Drawing from decades as a pediatrician and her bestselling books on parenting, Dr. Meeker explains why boys need unstructured time outdoors, roughhousing, and even stick-gun battles to grow into confident, healthy men. Whether you’re raising sons, mentoring boys, or simply care about the future of men in our culture, Dr. Meeker’s practical wisdom will challenge and inspire you.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
What happens when we die? Bestselling author and near-death experience researcher John Burke has spent years studying thousands of stories from people who’ve been to the other side and back. In this powerful classic episode of The Aggressive Life (first released in November 2022 and now available for the first time in video), John unpacks the most surprising findings about life after death, heaven, and eternity. His insights will challenge how you see life, reshape how you think about dying, and inspire hope for what comes next.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Over 150 years after his death, Abraham Lincoln’s leadership still shapes America. Routinely ranked as the nation’s greatest president, Lincoln led the country through the Civil War, ended slavery, and reunited a divided nation. In this episode of The Aggressive Life, host Brian Tome sits down with renowned historian Nancy Koehn for an unfiltered conversation about Lincoln’s life and legacy. They explore his rise from obscurity, his struggles with mental health, his bold confrontation with rebellious generals, and the decisions that made him a transformational leader. Discover how Abraham Lincoln’s aggressive life—marked by resilience, courage, and vision—remains just as resonant now as it’s ever been.
Watch this week’s episode on YouTube here.
Award-winning ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler joins Brian Tome on The Aggressive Life to share her powerful journey of resilience. Behind her trademark “sideline shimmy” is a story marked by devastating loss—losing both parents to opioid overdoses within hours of each other. Lauren shares how she learned to shut up shame and rediscover joy after a long healing journey, as well as the inside story behind her viral sideline dances, how college football is changing, and why she admires Coach Nick Saban. If you’ve wrestled with grief, struggled with shame, or wondered if you could find purpose on the other side of pain, Lauren’s story can be the aggressive push forward you need.
Watch this week’s episode on YouTube here.
In late spring, Brian’s wife, Lib, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of responding with fear or defeat, the Tome family is approaching the diagnosis as an adventure—one marked by faith, courage, and growth. In this deeply personal episode of The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome, BT opens up about their cancer journey for the first time. He shares the challenges they’ve faced, the risks they’re taking, and the aggressive choices that keep them moving forward with hope. Whether you’re facing cancer, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for inspiration to live aggressively, this conversation will encourage and equip you.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
joins Brian Tome for a powerful conversation about his rise in the music industry, the controversy that sidelined him, and the powerful comeback story that followed. From growing up around drug dealers, to helping lead worship around the world, Dante has built a life on aggressive choices. In this unfiltered conversation, Dante shares the highs, lows, and lessons that have shaped his faith and life—from experiencing homelessness, to recording-breaking Grammy nominations, to the reconciliation that led him to rejoin Maverick City after three years away. Dante is a good man whose life highlights how God can do more than we ever imagine.
Dante is joining the band at MAN CAMP 2025. Claim your spot here for a powerful weekend.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube here.
World-famous adventurer, survival expert, and former British Special Forces soldier Bear Grylls joins The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome for a raw conversation on risk, resilience, and the faith that drives him. From his near-death parachuting accident and groundbreaking Man vs. Wild series to his latest book, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Bear shares hard-won lessons on perseverance, family, and trusting God in every season. Packed with inspiring stories from the wild, insights on leadership and grit, and a fresh perspective on the life of Jesus, this episode will challenge you to step into discomfort, embrace adventure, and live boldly.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube here.
On the field at Great American Ballpark, BT has the opportunity to emcee a discussion about faith, family, and baseball with six members of his hometown Cincinnati Reds—Brent Suter, Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, Will Benson, Emilio Pagan and Tyler Stephenson. The players discuss what it takes to grow your faith in the fishbowl of professional sports, the importance of having a great spiritual mentor, and how they maintain their focus on the most important thing through ups and downs.
Watch this week’s episode of The Aggressive Life on YouTube here.
BT’s three year Jeep restoration project comes down to one final question: will it actually move? In this final episode of his YouTube series, Garage Bible Study, BT puts all his hard work and effort to the test. When it comes to our lives, the same question applies: are we moving or just taking up space in the garage?
For the month of July, we’ve been reliving Brian’s 3-year Jeep restoration project, as chronicled on his YouTube show Garage Bible Study. With over 30 episodes dedicated to restoring his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT draws a straight line from physical work to spiritual principles. Track along with the entire project on YouTube here.
Watch this week’s episode of The Aggressive Life on YouTube here.
Follow MAN CAMP on Instagram here.
Join the MAN CAMP email list and enter to win a 1 free ticket to MAN CAMP 2025 here. Contest ends 8/5 at midnight.
Culture fixates on the externals, but it’s what’s going on inside that will elevate (or derail) your life. While restoring his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT took apart the engine, only to discover that things inside were not as good as they appeared. Connecting this physical reality to the spiritual, he shares 7 ancient practices proven to move your life forward. You don’t need a shiny coat of paint if your engine is gunked up. Instead, focus on improving the internals, and everything else will fall into place.
For the month of July, we’re reliving Brian’s 3-year Jeep restoration project, as chronicled on his YouTube show Garage Bible Study. With over 30 episodes dedicated to restoring his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT draws a straight line from physical work to spiritual principles. Track along with the entire project on YouTube, here.
Watch this week’s episode on YouTube here.
Your conscience is a powerful, God-given tool—when you listen to it (and take action), it can lead to a better life. As he rehabs the brake lines and regulator on his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT explains how this critical piece works like your conscience, which regulates your impulses and emotions. Just like the brakes, it is vital to a life that is moving forward.
For the month of July, we’re reliving Brian’s 3-year Jeep restoration project, as chronicled on his YouTube show Garage Bible Study. With over 30 episodes dedicated to restoring his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT draws a straight line from physical work to spiritual principles. Track along with the entire project on YouTube, here.
Watch this week’s episode on YouTube here.
It doesn’t matter what the exterior looks like, a vehicle with an empty tank isn’t going to run. Working on the gas tank for his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT asks a pointed question: what’s in your tank? The ability to recognize the state of your tank (full, half-full, or empty) and know how to fill it again is a crucial skill for a life that’s moving forward and taking new ground. Recorded live in his garage, BT shares some thoughts about what will, and what won’t, fill your tank.
For the month of July, we’re reliving Brian’s 3-year Jeep restoration project, as chronicled on his YouTube show Garage Bible Study. With over 30 episodes dedicated to restoring his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT draws a straight line from physical work to spiritual principles. Track along with the entire project on YouTube, here.
Watch this week’s episode on YouTube here.
Join BT's email list, and enter to win a signed copy of "The Five Marks of a Man Devotional" here. Contest ends 7/14 at midnight.
When BT found his dream restoration vehicle, a 1978 Jeep CJ-7, he had no idea just how much time, effort, and money it would cost him. But with his eyes focused squarely on the end goal, he kept moving forward, even when it was uncomfortable and difficult. Recorded live in his garage, he explains how the physical reality of counting the costs of this project directly mirrors the spiritual principle of what it takes to follow Jesus.
For the month of July, we’re reliving Brian’s 3-year Jeep restoration project, as chronicled on his YouTube show Garage Bible Study. With over 30 episodes dedicated to restoring his 1978 Jeep CJ-7, BT draws a straight line from physical work to spiritual principles. Track along with the entire project on YouTube, here.
Fatherhood is a fight to the finish, but how do you know if you are winning? In this live talk, recorded at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Brian unpacks the three F’s that all great fathers do. They (a) follow a framework, (b) they stand tall as a figure worth emulating, and (c) they finish. Whether you are a biological dad or not, you can still be a father that has a profound impact on the world.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Finishing doesn’t just complete projects, it changes you. In part two of a powerful conversation, Brian and Petey discuss finishing as a way of life. Petey shares how he overcame $1 million in debt, is healing from the sudden death of his wife, and how finishing is connected to confidence.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
If you missed part 1, find it here.
Lots of people start things… very few finish. Recorded live at the Barndo, where BT is restoring a WW2-era Dodge Power Wagon, he is joined by his friend, Peter Standhart. Petey is a gear head, a former Army helicopter pilot, and a man who won’t quit. In part one of this two-part conversation, the pair talk cars, choppers, and why finishing what you start has the power to change your life.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Instead of something to be feared, Bobby Gruenewald has always seen technology’s potential for good. One day, while waiting in a long line at the Chicago airport, he wondered: could technology improve his lagging Bible-reading habit? Bobby pulled on that string, and the YouVersion Bible App was born. Launching as one of the 200 original free apps on the Apple App Store, YouVersion has changed the way the world reads scripture. As the app approaches 1 billion installs, Bobby reflects on the early failures of YouVersion, the aggressive moves that led to its historic growth, and how the rise of AI just might be pushing us more toward God.
BT and Matt Chandler sit down for an hour of questions pulled at random from a fishbowl. Covering topics as wide-ranging as food and fatigue, to family rhythms and the mystery behind the biblical book of Revelation, it’s an unpredictable ride filled with aggressive gold.
Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube, here.
Memorial Day, the un-official kickoff to summer, is just days away. For many people, summer means a different pace of life. But a summer slowdown doesn't mean you stop taking ground—in fact, it might be exactly what you need to take your life to the next level in the fall. In this One Question deep-dive, Brian shares his plans for the summer, why rest is integral to a life that works, and a hack to discover what type of rest will revitalize you the most.
Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube, here.
Harrison Scott Key thought his life was moving in the right direction. An award-winning humor writer, with two successful books under his belt, he was working on his third when everything hit the fan. His wife, the mother of his three girls, and a woman who spent nearly every Sunday of her life in church, was asking for a divorce. Why? She was in love with someone else. Who? The next door neighbor. Initially preparing for the messy aftermath that would inevitably follow, Harrison was confronted with a different option when a friend asked, “Aren’t you going to fight for your wife?” What happens next is a story you have to hear to believe. Harrison is making aggressive moves that will push your own relationships forward.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube here.
Austin Knight thought he had life by the horns, until he was fired, and dumped by his girlfriend, on the same day. Facing the task of starting over, he had two routes to choose from—the ease and stability of a corporate job, or joining the U.S. military as a paratrooper. He chose the harder route, and wouldn’t change it for the world. A part of the Arctic Angels, the United States’ only Arctic Paratrooper unit, Austin shares his aggressive story from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube here.
Couples Camp isn’t a sit-and-get seminar. It’s a 48-hour adventure, full of laughter, fun, campfires, worship, teaching, and encouragement for the most important team you are part of—your marriage. In this teaching, recorded live at Couples Camp, Brian shares three simple ways you can take your marriage to the next level.
Find out more, and stake your claim for future camps, at couplescamp.us
Brian continues his conversation with UFC Hall of Famer and MMA Legend Rich Franklin. In the second half of this two-part conversation, Rich and Brian discuss the power of consistency, what a Hall of Famer eats (and avoids at all costs), small steps to kickstart an aggressive life, and why they both gravitate toward hunting.
Watch the full episode on YouTube (Part 1 | Part 2).
Rich Franklin is a legend, both inside and outside the Octagon. A middleweight title holder, and UFC Hall of Famer, Franklin built a career on toughness, fight IQ, and unbelievable resiliency—he once knocked out Chuck Liddell with a broken arm. Outside the ring, he’s just as driven. In business, in faith, and in his health, Rich Franklin has an unbreakable spirit that keeps him pushing forward. In part one of a two-part conversation, Rich and Brian discuss MMA, his storied UFC career, that unbelievable fight against Chuck Liddell, and how his aggressive life only sped up after leaving the Octagon behind.
Watch the full podcast on Youtube, here.
BT does a deep dive on prayer, one of the most misunderstood and underutilized spiritual disciplines. He covers common questions like: “What is prayer?”, “How do I do it?” and “How do I get it to work?” Full of aggressive and actionable tips to get more yeses when you pray—things like (1) be animated, (2) be specific, and (3) picture what you are praying for—this short episode just might unlock something new for you when it comes to talking with, and hearing from, God.
Watch BT’s most recent weekend teaching on prayer here.
Check out BT’s first book, Welcome to the Revolution, here.
Watch the full podcast on Youtube, here.
Lone wolves are sicker, weaker, and die earlier than wolves in a pack. While loneliness continues to climb, the aggressive take action against it. Pastor and author, Alli Patterson, returns to The Aggressive Life to unpack her newest book: Blueprint for Belonging. She walks through the five types of friendships everyone needs, where to find them, and how to grow each one. In a world built to keep us in silos, the aggressive move is to get, and stay, connected.
Watch the full episode on Youtube here.
Dave and Ann Wilson have been helping others create the marriages they actually want for three decades—but their marriage wasn’t always one worth emulating. On their 10th wedding anniversary, Ann admitted that she had lost her feelings for Dave, taking him completely by surprise. Instead of arguing or fighting back, Dave took that moment to apologize and repent, and a new chapter for the Wisons began. With humor, vulnerability, and hard-won wisdom, the Wilsons share the secrets they’ve learned along the way that have elevated their marriage.
This year, alongside BT and Lib, the Wilsons will be speaking and leading at Couples Camp. Reserve your spot here.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube here.
Mark Williams is one of the masterminds behind some of the best TV and movies of the past decade. He was a writer and producer for Netflix’s smash Ozark. He produced Ben Affleck’s action films The Accountant and The Accountant 2. He’s done movies with Liam Neeson, Alfie Allen, and Jon Bernthal. But his next big swing just might be the most aggressive of his career. In this conversation, Mark takes us behind the scenes of Hollywood movie production, unpacks why stories matter, and explains why he’s risking his reputation to make a film about a nonprofit. Mark is an aggressive man making aggressive moves. His stories, and life, are inspiring.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
When Ron Razete launched Peace, Love and Little Donuts, it was an incredible risk. After multiple failures in the entrepreneurial space, Ron and his wife, Marci, had their backs against the wall. With nowhere else to turn, she sold her car to finance the venture, and the couple opened their first brick and mortar store in Pittsburg. 15 years later, that risk has more than paid off, expanding to 30 locations in 11 different states. In this aggressive conversation with a long-time friend, Ron shares the unlikely history of Peace, Love and Little Donuts and the lessons learned along the way—take the risk, listen to your wife, and have fun.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube here.
Studies are clear: screens dominate our waking hours. It’s not uncommon to spend 7-10 hours in front of one, every single day. We don’t like it, but feel powerless to change it. That’s where Darren Whitehead comes in. A pastor, and author of “The Digital Fast,” Darren leads others to experience the power and life change he discovered through intentional disconnection. In a hyperconnected world, a digital detox is an incredibly aggressive move. It’s time to put your phone down and start living.
The phrase “how to be a better husband” is Googled nearly 2x as much as “how to be a better wife.” Why is that? And how do you know if you’ve found a good answer? With nearly 40 years of experience, BT gives his perspective on that question. To be a better husband, he believes it involves seeing your marriage as a team, spending your energy toward it, having a plan, and making space for fun together.
Claim your spot at Couples Camp here.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube here.
Does prophecy still happen today? Paul Maconochie thinks so, and that God is speaking to anyone willing to listen. Alongside BT, Paul unpacks the ways he hears from God, the risk it takes to share with others, and how we can learn to do the same. This aggressive conversation will push you out of your comfort zone and into a better place—because the more you risk, the more you grow.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube here.
Running has been in Dan Rebella’s blood for years, so when the ultimate challenge presented itself, he didn’t blink. In late 2024, Dan signed up for the inaugural running of The Great World Race—7 full marathons, on all 7 continents, in only 7 days. From the first race, in Antarctica, to the final in Miami Beach, Dan pushed himself to the utter limit, and came out the other side stronger. No matter if you like running or not, the lesson’s Dan picked up along the way about perseverance, faithfulness, and choosing the harder path have the power to push your life forward.
Watch the full length episode on YouTube, here.
Culture is constantly selling us something. Michael Easter thinks it's time we stop buying. The best-selling author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain returns to the podcast to help us push back against the craving and consumerism that keep us in shackles. From understanding how slot machines keep you hooked, to the power of community, to why discomfort is always the path to a better life, this aggressive conversation is an engine to get you moving toward a better life.
Watch the full length interview on YouTube, here.
John Hope Bryant is a successful entrepreneur, author, and financial guru who believes financial literacy—understanding how to make, save, and spend money—is the civil rights issue of our era. And he’s doing something about it. He’s written best-sellers, advised presidents, and helped influence policymakers. But his most enduring work is as the CEO of Operation Hope, where John is helping teach financial literacy to all, giving everyday people the tools they need to make wise financial decisions. In a conversation that touches on everything from politics, to history, to tools for making more (and better use of your) money, John Hope Bryant is a deep well that will get your rear in gear.
Before we get too far into the New Year, it’s time for a Q&A episode. BT shares his thoughts on sports betting, how Santa Claus is like God, leading your family through deconstruction, and more. Before that, BT shares some big news coming for the podcast in 2025. The aggressive keep changing and adapting, and that includes us.
Leave a rating and written review, get a free Aggressive Life sticker. Email Dirt for the details—dirt@briantome.com
The first time Tara Dower got on the Appalachian Trail, she only lasted a handful of days before anxiety and mental health forced her to abandon her goal of through-hiking the 2,000 mile footpath. But she didn’t give up. In 2024, Tara got back on the A.T. with the goal of claiming the FKT—fastest known time. When she reached the finish line in only 40 days, she became the fastest human ever to cover every mile of the A.T. This down-to-earth and hard working woman will push you to keep making forward progress on your aggressive life, and to keep getting up when you fall down.
If you’re going to have a spiritually potent life, you have to learn how to hear from God. In this 1 Question deep-dive, BT shares his method for hearing from God: a daily repetition of scripture, prayer, and making space to listen. It takes persistence and perseverance, but when you learn how to hear from God for yourself, your aggressive life will hit new strides.
- Create your own custom Bible reading plan at bibleplan.org.
- Read scripture along with Brian on the free spiritual fitness app, Crossroads Anywhere.
- For an easy introduction to spending time with God, try Brian’s new 60-day devotional for men.
Earlier this fall, BT got to check off a bucket list item—appearing as a guest on The Art of Manliness podcast, one of the first, and most successful, podcasts aimed at a male audience. With over a 1,000 episodes under his belt, host Brett McKay has carved out a space that encourages, challenges, and helps men rise. In conversation with Brian, the pairs discuss what makes a man, the long haul of establishing friendships, and what it looks like to be a protector in the 21st century.
Michael Gabbard—better known as Gabby Claus—has built a life out of serving others. From his time as a paramedic, to a firefighter, to a city council member and beyond, Gabby unexpectedly found his favorite role behind a big white beard and red suit. In his 13th year as Santa, Gabby Claus has a simple mission: bring Christmas smiles to everyone he meets. From city parks to home visits, pictures in the NICU to praying for grieving families, Gabby’s heart is as bottomless as Santa’s sack of toys. His aggressive joy is contagious.
For years, Brian has staked his claim that Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Now, he has stage time to explain why. As part of a weekend teaching series, “Christmas at the Movies,” Brian shares how Die Hard contains echoes of that original night in Bethlehem—from unideal family situations, to a hero that fights for his beloved. Recorded live at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Die Hard becomes a message of hope for everyone. Welcome to the party, pal.
Die Hard is a cultural phenomenon. The one liners. The action. The relatable hero. And the debate that comes around every single year: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Brian sits down with former Hollywood movie developer, Elizabeth Lane, to get a rare peek behind the curtain on the beloved film. Part of the team that helped move Die Hard from flailing script to action classic, Elizabeth reflects on its place in culture, the power of choosing Bruce Willis, and if the film was intended to be a Christmas classic. Yippee ki-yay, Merry Christmas!
Fresh off six of the most intense, and important, weeks of his career, Brian sits down with coworker, Joel Firebaugh, for a conversation around the 10X Push. With nearly all of his peers winding down their careers, Brian is making the aggressive move to ramp up. Leading yourself, and others, through an intense journey that culminates in a 3-year financial commitment isn’t something to be taken lightly—but it just might be the thing that sets your life apart.
Learn more about Crossroads’ 10X Push here.
For the past week, Brian has been sharing the first five entries from his newest book, The Five Marks of a Man Devotional: 60 Days to a Powerful Life. Written to encourage and empower men toward lives of aggressive and courageous manhood, it is a perfect guide for men of all ages.
On this final day, Brian sets his sights on Mark 5: Men Are Protectors… and that means having a strong offense and defense.
Get your own copy of the devotional over on Amazon, or in bookstores everywhere.
To coincide with the release of his new book, The Five Marks of a Man Devotional: 60 Days to a Powerful Life, Brian is sharing the first week of entries with his podcast. Written in a straight-forward, action-oriented way, this devotional is perfect for any man looking to further develop lives of meaning, impact, and influence.
Today, Brian dives into Mark 4: Men Work… instead of expecting life on a silver platter, men know they have the right to fight for what matters most.
Get your own copy of the devotional over on Amazon, or in the bookstore of your choice.
To celebrate the release of his newest book, The Five Marks of a Man Devotional: 60 Days to a Powerful Life, Brian is sharing the first five entries on the podcast. Designed with men of all ages in mind, the 60-day devotional is a masterclass in developing courageous manhood by putting it into practice, day-after-day-after-day.
Today, Brian looks at Mark 3: Men Are Team Players… and that means, you better have a shovel ready.
If you’re getting something from these podcasts, consider getting your own copy of the book over on Amazon, or wherever you purchase books.
This week, Brian is sharing the first five entries from his brand new book, The Five Marks of a Man Devotional: 60 Days to a Powerful Life. The final book in The Five Marks of a Man trilogy, the 60-day devotional is a powerful guide to practicing courageous manhood until it becomes second nature.
Today, Brian dives into Mark 2: Men Take Minority Positions… even when they are small.
If you like what you hear, get your own copy of this new devotional on Amazon, or bookstores everywhere.
Brian’s new book, The Five Marks of a Man Devotional: 60 Days to a Powerful Life is live today! Born from years of study and practice, this book is designed to help men of all ages, from 13 to 103, develop lives of courageous manhood. How? By putting the marks into action until they become second nature.
For the next five days, Brian will be sharing entries from the new book. If you like what you hear, you can pick up your own copy on Amazon, or wherever you purchase books.
Today, he covers Mark 1: Men Have a Vision… and every vision requires you to move.
Just days away from Thanksgiving, BT picks up the phone for a new Aggressive Life tradition—making gratitude phone calls. From his wife, to a childhood friend, to unknown warriors at his day job, each phone call gives him a chance to encourage and express gratitude to the people who mean the most to him. Now the challenge is in your hands. Before the Thanksgiving holiday ends, find time to express your gratitude to the people who mean the most to you.
You’ve never heard their names, but after this conversation, you won’t be forgetting them anytime soon. Dick and Sybil Towner are in their mid-80s, and still living life as some of the most aggressive people around. From starting a new adventure in their 70s; to intentionally aggressive choices around decision-making, sex, and finances; to how they spend their time on a daily basis, this couple is a force of nature. Their marriage, and life, is inspiring. There’s so much to learn in this one, you’ll want to keep a notepad close.
The story of Ernest Shackleton, and the loss of his ship, The Endurance, is history’s greatest survival story. After nearly a year living on a ship stuck in Antarctic ice, the hull began to crack under the pressure. Shackleton ordered his men off the boat, making camp on the ice, as they watched the Endurance sink beneath the Weddell Sea… and that’s just the beginning of the story. From managing negativity, to navigating stormy seas in a lifeboat, to a never-give-up attitude, Erneset Shackleton led his crew through a grueling 2 year ordeal, until every single man was rescued. This is the incredible true story of one of history’s most aggressive men.
Fresh off an airplane from New York City, pastor, author, and thought-leader, Jon Tyson, sits down for an impromptu conversation with Brian about the US election, the results, and what comes next. Recorded on November 6th, about 10AM, Brian and Jon process and analyze the election results together, and explain why there has never been a better time to be committed to God’s kingdom.
You can’t be emotionally unhealthy AND spiritually mature—and thought-leader, Rich Villodas, has made it his mission to help others aggressively take ground in that arena. Whether it’s learning to express emotions, getting honest about the difficulty of life, or learning to stop judging your usefulness based upon what you can do, Rich offers accessible wisdom in crossing a topic that’s often fraught with landmines. With Rich, you’ll see, aggressiveness doesn’t always mean big, brash, and loud.
At the age of 17, Suave was arrested, tried as an adult, and found guilty. The mandatory minimum, at that time in the state of Pennsylvania, was life in prison. Before he was even old enough to vote, register for military service, or smoke, Suave was shipped away for life. While in prison, something began to shift in him. This rebellious, angry, and illiterate kid went on to learn to read, earn multiple college degrees, and even start a scholarship for the children of incarcerated individuals. Then, a miracle: nearly 15 years after his trial, a landmark court decision meant his case could be heard again—with the chance that Suave could be free. His story of survival, courage, and growth is remarkable, and the definition of aggressive.
Check out the Pulitzer Prize winning podcast that tells his story, "Suave," wherever you listen to podcasts.
Joby Martin pastors one of the largest, and fastest growing, churches in the world. And, at the end of the day, he’s still a normal guy who loves hunting, his family, and his dogs. With a remarkable ability to make complex spiritual truths accessible, Joby turns his eye toward grace. It’s the bedrock of Chrirstian faith, and yet remains one of the most misunderstood, misapplied, and abused concepts. With stories around hunting, rescuing his dogs, and martial arts, Joby unpacks the 9 essential truths about grace, and why experiencing true grace feels like getting hit by a train. This is one you don’t want to miss.
In the summer of 2020, best-selling author Sebastian Junger nearly died. He was rushed to the hospital, and while medical personnel administered emergency care, he slipped out of consciousness. It was then he began to see, and experience, things that he had a hard time explaining. The medical staff were successful, and Junger’s life was saved. Junger recently published his reflections on his near-death experience in a new book, “In My Time of Dying.” After hearing Junger interviewed on the Joe Rogan Experience, Brian wanted to dissect the conversation with NDE researcher and expert, John Burke. The close friends sit down to discuss what can be learned from Junger’s experience, and how it can influence our lives today.
This is the 4th episode in a series around near-death experiences. Access past episodes below:
Episode 1 - What Happens When We Die? with John Burke (Spotify | Apple)
Episode 2 - What Happens When We Die? Q&A with John Burke (Spotify | Apple)
Episode 3 - Meeting God on the Other Side with John Burke (Spotify | Apple)
Only 12 men have ever set foot on the moon—in April 1972, Charlie Duke became the youngest among them. At the age of 36, Charlie was part of Apollo 16, spending nearly 3 days on the lunar surface collecting rocks, taking soil samples, and driving the lunar rover. And that’s only a small part of his incredibly aggressive life. From his involvement with the first lunar landing, to helping with Apollo 13, to the aggressiveness that keeps him working hard into his 90s, General Duke is a real American hero. His story and perspective will launch you forward.
When you try to take new ground, it means one thing: there will be a fight. Recorded under the big tent at MAN CAMP 2024, Brian unpacks the story of Caleb, who kept pushing for the high ground even into his 80s. No matter where you are in life, you aren’t finished yet. Keep fighting.
MAN CAMP flash sale is happening right now. Claim your spot for next year at the lowest possible price. Visit mancamp.us for all details. Sale closes 10/6/2024.
It's Sunday, and 3,000 guys are heading home from a MAN CAMP for the record books—more rain, more laughter, more mud, and more lives changed than ever before. This bonus episode features a mix of live worship, and stories collected in the Story Shitter.
For one week, claim your spot at next year's MAN CAMP for the lowest possible price. Visit mancamp.us for the details.
MAN CAMP 2024 is just days away. With more men heading to camp than ever before, MAN CAMP cofounders Judd Watkins (512) and Craig Dockery (Windex) join Brian for a hilarious and insightful conversation designed to get everyone up to speed. In a hour, they manage to cover everything from the exotic wildlife that used to call MAN CAMP home, to what to pack (and what to avoid), to tips for making the weekend count. Whether you’re attending MAN CAMP or not, this is conversation not to be missed.
At every fork in the road, it seems Donnie Floyd has made the aggressive move. From choosing to not become a victim of a childhood Tourette’s diagnosis, to serving in the military, to a dream job as part of the crew at Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR’s premier racing team, each choice has paid dividends into his life. When tragedy struck the Hendrick team, Donnie found himself pastoring his coworkers, eventually leading to a job as the team chaplain. Donnie’s aggressive story will have you considering where you are selling yourself short, and convince you to get back behind the wheel.
Will AI take my job? How does AI funding affect the output? Will AI have a role to play in the church? How are you personally leveraging AI to make your life more effective?
These are just a handful of the AI questions you wanted answered. Alongside AI expert and entrepreneur, Chad Reynolds, Brian talks about the impact of AI on his life, his faith, and the future. If you are fearful about AI, overjoyed at the possibilities, or somewhere in between, this aggressive Q&A episode will push you to keep moving forward.
In our world it’s become easier and easier to meet… but more and more difficult to actually connect. A leader in both modern dating culture and workplace connection, Lakshmi Rengarajan unpacks the surprisingly simple ways to live a more connected life—from asking for help, to borrowing items, to investing in Tupperware. She’s an energetic and aggressive guest with wisdom that can change that state of your relationships today.
We’re all aware of just how disruptive the little computers in our pockets have become… and yet, most of us feel powerless to stop it. Not Joey Odom. After experiencing the pain of a missed opportunity because of his phone, Joey vowed to do something about it. Soon after, Aro was born, a worldwide movement—not to get rid of phones—but to help reclaim some of the time we all waste on them. This aggressive conversation is full of practical wisdom to help you take steps toward improving your digital wellness.
700+ acres of rolling hills, down by the Ohio River, has been the site of profound moments of spiritual transcendence for thousands of men. It could be the same for you. On today’s episode, nine men share their MAN CAMP stories of freedom, grit, and transformation.
Registration for MAN CAMP 2024 is open until September 1st. Stake your claim here.
Chad Reynolds is an AI-insider and expert. The founder and CEO of Vurvey, he is on the cutting edge of developing people-powered AI systems, work that’s led him to collaborate with the world's top brands like Adidas and Google. In this timely and aggressive conversation, Chad unpacks the promise, and pitfalls, of artificial intelligence… and why he ultimately has more hope than fear.
There’s no topic more exciting, and rife with landmines, than sex. That’s where Kingdom Sexuality comes in. With a popular podcast, resources, and content, the team is helping married couples reclaim active and satisfying sex lives. Brain is joined by Alana and Tiera, 2/3s of the Kingdom Sexuality team, for a conversation as lively, hilarious, and helpful as you’ll ever hear around the topic. Put their advice into action, and who knows how tonight might end.
Life can be hard, but God believes you can face it. He isn’t unaware of your pain; instead, He may be giving you the opportunity to show your tenacity, strength, and endurance. That’s what happened when Jesus’ cousin, John, ended up in jail. He was hoping Jesus was coming to set him free, but Jesus had other plans.
Recorded live in front of nearly 3,000 guys at MAN CAMP 2023, this final live talk of the summer combines grit and encouragement we all need.
Sign up for MAN CAMP at www.mancamp.us, and take 15% with the code podcast15.
Certain people have a gravitas to their lives, a weightiness that you notice whenever you are around them. This isn’t an inborn trait, it’s a muscle that can be developed—if you’re willing to make decisions that go against cultural norms. In this talk, recorded on an iPhone in a room full of high school leaders, Brian unpacks this idea, the importance of youth, and why it’s never too early (or late) to develop gravitas.
It’s likely your best—and worst—days are still ahead of you. How you prepare for, and face them, could make all the difference. In this appearance on the new podcast, “Surviving Grief,” Brian discusses making it through difficult days with your faith intact, and tackles one of life’s most challenging questions: why do bad things happen?
If you are facing grief of your own, or walking through grief with a loved one, be sure to check out Surviving Grief wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple | Spotify)
Nothing will affect the trajectory of your life like the people you surround yourself with. Friendship matters, much more than most of us understand or are willing to admit. In this live talk, delivered to a gathering of male staff members at Crossroads, Brian explains the importance of having good people around you—and what it takes to find friendship in a world drowning in loneliness. Listen, put it into action, and your life will begin to level up.
Every parent wants to cultivate a lifelong relationship with their kids, but how do you actually get there? In this accessible and incredibly practical talk, recorded at Crossroads Father+Son camp, Brian shares the steps he took to grow genuine friendship with his kids. Hint: it’s all about the transition between each stage of parenting.
Learn more about Father+Son camp, including registration for the next one, here.
You asked, BT answers. Fielding questions submitted by listeners via Instagram, Brian tackles everything from what he learned on a legit cattle drive, to his favorite forms of tobacco, to how he processed the online uproar over the Super Bowl of Preaching. Along the way, he also takes time to consider what items he’d take into the wilderness, why he’s so interested in learning new things, and how wake-makers are key to any organization. This unscripted Q&A is just the boost to keep you moving aggressively this summer.
What if life wasn’t nearly as unpredictable as we think? That’s what executive mentor, Bobb Biehl, believes. After 50 years working with some of the most successful executives and brands on the planet, he’s uncovered patterns, challenges, and opportunities that every person will face in life—and he’s organized them by decades. According to Bobb, your 20s are for discovering what you don’t want to do; your 40s are about survival; and your 60s are the most impactful decade of your life. In a world that leaves us all feeling perpetually behind, Bobb’s learnings are a breath of fresh air.
In this crossover episode from the Audio Articles podcast, Brian reads (and adds extra commentary) on his original article, “The Five Marks of a Father.” While Father’s Day can be complicated for some, Brian helps redefine what it means to be fathered, and shares ideas on how to aggressively make the day count.
Read the original article here.
Find more articles from Brian here.
You might think life as an NFL legend would be a cakewalk… but that’s not been Jim Kelly’s experience. The Buffalo Bills great has overcome more than his fair share of pain—from four straight Super Bowl losses, to a grim cancer diagnosis, to the death of his son from a rare neurological disorder. Like any great QB after a hard hit, each time Jim has gotten back up, dusted himself off, and kept going. In this aggressive conversation, Jim puts on a clinic around resilience and the lessons difficulty can teach.
According to the foremost expert on the topic, spiritual revivals and awakenings happen about every 50 years in American history. We’re long past the overdue mark.
For whatever time he has left, Brian is focused on learning about, and doing everything he can, to be part of an awakening, a movement of God that makes history. Dr. Michael McClymond has written the definitive guide to every revival and awakening in American history—a two volume set that is over 1,200 pages long. Dr. McClymond brings his expertise into an aggressive conversation on what it takes to be part of spiritual history.
Ian Morgan Cron is an Enneagram expert, the host of the insanely popular Typology podcast, and a best-selling author… who also just happens to be an Episcopal priest, a songwriter, and a psychotherapist. In this aggressive conversation, Ian breaks down the history of the Enneagram, shares healthy (and unhealthy) ways to use it, and explains why it’s critical to live beyond your personality type.
If you never look into the shadows, you’ll never know what’s lurking there. Friend of the Aggressive Life, Jon Tyson, is equipping men to take that step, believing it is the key to pushing their lives forward. As well as being a NYC pastor and leading voice on issues related to men, Jon’s new book, “Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive,” releases today. It is a tour-de-force equipping and empowering men to not just survive, but thrive. Jump into this aggressive talk between friends, then find Jon’s new book wherever you get your books.
Kelly Stumpe saw a gaping hole in the auto industry and she aggressively ran right through it. Also known as The Car Mom, she posts honest and insightful reviews of cars, vans, and SUVs that focus on things consumers care most about—the storage space, the cup-holders, and can you really get three carseats in the back row? She has built a thriving online community that focuses on empowering consumers (especially moms), disrupting the mighty auto-industry in its wake. This fun, insightful, and aggressive conversation will change the way you think about your four wheels.
Art professor, Howard Storm, will never forget his trip to Paris. While traveling with students, he began to feel sick. A trip to the hospital revealed a tear in his duodenum, quickly filling his body cavity with poisonous fluids. Howard’s prognosis was dire, and while waiting for a surgeon to arrive, he died. What he experienced next—a trip toward Hell and a miraculous rescue—would change the course of the rest of his life. Howard’s incredible story just might change the way you think about life, death, and what comes next.
Todd Pierce is a legit horse whisperer. He routinely gets into the round pen with a wild horse, one he’s never laid eyes on before, and will be riding it in less than an hour. His secret? Kindness and authority. He never hurts horses, punishes them, or takes a heavy hand. Instead, he shows them that he can be trusted, that he is good, and that he can offer the horse more than it currently has. Todd is an unbelievably aggressive man whose life is spilling over with wisdom that just might change your life.
Todd will be training wild horses in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 2nd-5th. Find more information about in-person experiences and live streams at www.crossroads.net/born-wild
Dr. Brad Wilcox’s angle is simple—marriage is a good thing for couples, children, communities, and the world. As the Director of the National Marriage Project, he leads a group of committed sociologists studying national marriage trends in America. What he’s seeing is alarming. Marriage rates are on a decline, age at first marriage is on the rise, and many people are writing off the institution as outdated and unnecessary. Dr. Wilcox is using all his energy to push back on that narrative, encouraging men and women to pursue marriage because, in his own words, “nothing predicts overall happiness as much as a good marriage.” Whether you are married or not, there’s something in here to push your relational life forward.
What if the key to a meaningful life wasn’t in landing the dream job, finding a perfect spouse, or achieving all your personal goals? Journalist and author, Rhaina Cohen, believes the secret lies in the very thing most of us put on the back-burner as adults—friendships. In this aggressive conversation, Rhaina discusses the importance of friendships in ancient cultures, what kids can teach us about making friends, why men are at a disadvantage, and why proximity to friends matters. This aggressive woman will push you to take steps toward reimagining life with friendships at the center.
If you look close enough, you’ll find aggressiveness even among nature. Case in point: beavers. USDA Beaver Trapper, Pete Rogers, has spent his life wrangling the hardest working mammal on earth. The lessons he’s learned go well beyond just his 9-5. Pete is a popular podcastor, author, and outdoorsman. In this aggressive discussion, he shares lessons he’s gleaned from a life spent outdoors.
Who says nice guys finish last? Jimmy Darts is proving otherwise, and just might be the brightest corner of the Internet. After building a following from trick shot videos and pranks, Jimmy shut his YouTube channel down. After a life-changing experience with Jesus, he restarted with a different perspective: blessing people in need. Jimmy creates original videos giving money to people who need it most. Be prepared for allergies, your eyes will get very moist. Jimmy is an aggressive man making a difference.
Hearing the story of the crucifixion, and walking through it with a biologist, are two different things. Dr. Cahleen Shrier, a professor at Azusa Pacific University and an expert on the neurobiology of stress and anxiety, walks Brian, step-by-step, through the events of Good Friday. From Jesus’ arrest in the garden, until his death on the cross, she explains what was likely happening inside his body, the pain he felt, and the endurance he showed. It is a painful, and sobering, conversation that will help you take a new look at these ancient events.
Monotony isn’t leading you anywhere. In marriage, you need excitement, variety, and fun to be at your best. There’s where Couples Camp comes in. It’s 48-hours of adventure together, and it just might be the most fun you’ve had in a long time. Brian answers listener submitted questions about Couples Camp, then shares a live talk from last year.
Claim your spot for this year’s Couples Camp, April 26-28, at couplescamp.us. Registration closes on Sunday, March 24.
You aren’t supposed to become friends with the people who hate you—but that’s exactly what Daryl Davis did. After a chance encounter with a KKK member in a Maryland bar, Daryl struck up a friendship that changed both of their lives. The KKK member renounced the group, and Daryl got access to do the thing he wanted: become the first African-American to write a book on the KKK based on first-person interviews. Through the years, as the men Daryl has met and befriended have left the Klan behind, he’s collected a closet full of their robes, flags, and memorabilia. Davis’ is personally responsible for some 50 men leaving the Klan behind, and indirectly responsible for some 200 more. How? His secret weapon is friendship. He is an incredibly aggressive man with a story you have to hear to believe.
What is your superpower? More importantly, do you know how to use it? Life levels up when you learn to leverage your strengths—you’ll play better offense and you’ll stop spinning your wheels on improving weaknesses that don’t matter. In this training, Brian unpacks the Biblical idea of anointing, how it influences the people around you, and the end goal it always drives to.
The seats get switched for an unexpected and insightful conversation that finds BT as the guest on his own podcast. Interviewed by his friend and colleague, Kyle Ranson, Brian covers topics like the yin and yang of Jesus, shutting out the old man to keep taking risks, and why the moon landing makes him emotional. It’s an aggressive hour that will keep you guessing and get you moving.
Cincinnati’s own, Graeter’s Ice Cream, just might have the best scoop on the planet. It’s made with fresh ingredients the old-fashioned way—they still make ice cream two gallons at a time and hand pack each pint. While all that is central to Graeter’s success, it's their commitment to hospitality and customer-service that sets them apart from the field. Chief of Retail Operations, Chip Graeter, shares the family secrets, and his favorite scoops, in an Aggressive Life interview unlike any other.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Brian shares clips from some of his favorite episodes on relationships, marriage, and sex. From his wife’s first appearance on the show, to a return visit by a sex therapist to answer listener questions, to a live talk from Couples Camp, there’s something in here for everyone. Put what you hear into practice, and it just might have the power to change your Valentine’s Day.
Check out the full length episodes at the links below:* Love and Relationship Q&A with Libby Tome (Apple | Spotify) * Your Sex Questions Answered with Emma Schmidt - Part 1 (Apple | Spotify) * Your Sex Questions Answered with Emma Schmidt - Part 2 (Apple | Spotify) * Marriage Isn't About Your Happiness - Live at Couples Camp (Apple | Spotify)
It’s not an exaggeration to say, Rick Warren has sold more books than any other person on the planet… ever. His book, Purpose Driven Life, is the most published, the most translated, and the most sold book in history, aside from the Bible. It sounds like rainbows and runaway success, but his story is anything but. Rick has walked through significant pain and loss that required levels of determination and grit he didn’t know possible. He has come out the other side and earned the right to be heard. His wisdom on finding, and living, your purpose has changed millions of lives. Yours could be next.
BT spends an hour answering a grab bag of listener questions submitted via Instagram. Do you believe in aliens? Is it sinful to go ghost hunting? What is your best advice for raising daughters? How do I talk to my kids about porn? What does the Bible say about cussing? BT brings his perspective on all these questions, and much, much more.
Missed your chance to submit a question? Follow BT on Instagram so you don’t miss the next opportunity.
While almost everybody is working for the weekend, Jordan Raynor has a different perspective. He believes your 9-5 has eternal significance, even if (or especially if) you labor in a “secular” job. His new book, “The Sacredness of Secular Work,” emphasizes the importance of work ethic, understanding the holistic story of scripture, and redeeming the idea of heaven. A leading voice in the faith at work movement, Jordan is a refreshing and brilliant guest who will change the way you think about work from here on out.
Martin Luther King Jr. is on the shortlist of the most influential people in history. But much of what we know about the pastor and civil rights figure is summarized and sanitized. Alongside historian Troy Jackson, and modern racial justice leader Chuck Mingo, get reintroduced to the aggressive life of Dr. King, and let his wins (and losses) push you to fight for a better tomorrow.
Learn more about the work of Undivided here.
The aggressive life isn’t necessarily the easy life. Matt Chandler knows this first-hand. Just when it looked like he was on top of the world, things started to crumble. He fought through a debilitating brain cancer diagnosis, made the aggressive choice to shrink his church (on purpose), and grappled with the lessons of suffering. Incredibly, he’s come out the other side more resilient, a better leader, and a more engaged father. Matt Chandler is a deep well of aggressiveness that will inspire you to get into the game.
As a new year begins, join Brian live in his garage for a special edition of his Youtube show, Garage Bible Study. Using his Jeep restoration project as an example, Brian unpacks his method for looking back on the past year, and finding vision for the next. No matter if 2023 was a banner year for you, or you’re happy to see it go, you can have a better year in 2024 by learning to take stock.
Find more of Brian’s Youtube show, Garage Bible Study, here.
2023 was a landmark year for The Aggressive Life. In this retrospective episode, Brian looks back on some of his favorite interviews of the year—from his initial conversation with Father Vincent Lampert, a trained-in-Rome exorcist, to Braveheart screenwriter Randall Wallace. Missed the initial conversations, or need a refresh? Find links to the full episodes below.
- Standing Up to the Devil with Fr. Vincent Lampert (Spotify | Apple)
- Praying Live on ESPN with Dan Orlovsky (Spotify | Apple)
- Getting Off the X with Michelle Rigby Assad (Spotify | Apple)
- Play is the Key to a Better Life with Dr. Stuart Brown (Spotify | Apple)
- Live Better By Getting Outside with Ginny Yurich (Spotify | Apple)
- “They May Take Our Lives, But They’ll Never Take Our Freedom!” with Randall Wallace (Spotify | Apple)
Corsi Tree Farm is Cincinnati's largest and longest-running Christmas tree farm, covering over 100 acres of evergreens in a variety of types and sizes. The man behind it all, Sheldon Corsi, is humble and hard-working, investing 7-10 years of labor into a tree that might spend 30 days at the center of your Christmas celebrations. Learning the tricks of the trade from his father, he’s been growing trees and creating holiday traditions for over 50 years. In this conversation, he talks about everything from taking over the family business, learning how to hand shear trees, to secrets that will keep your tree lasting through the holiday and beyond. He’s a good and aggressive man who will change the way you think about your own holiday traditions.
Find out more about Corsi Tree Farm here.
High Five Salon is one of the most successful and innovative salons in the midwest. The secret to their success isn’t excellence—it’s taking the time to see, know, and encourage every single person who comes through their door. Behind it all is Sam Hills, the owner and founder. He’s an aggressive man literally changing the world one haircut at a time. Just like if you spent time in his chair, you'll leave this podcast feeling encouraged, and with insights into the power of generosity, green lights, and taking the time to see others.
Kevan Chandler was born with a rare neuromuscular disease, making him dependent upon others for all of his physical needs—movement, food, even going to the bathroom. No one could blame him for living life from a place of self-pity, anger, or disappointment, but that's not Kevan. Through sacrifice and vulnerability, he’s built a band of friends who are more like brothers. When Kevan had the idea to travel to Europe, his band of brothers responded—six friends covered three countries, taking turns carrying Kevan on their back as they meandered through Paris, hiked the English countryside, and scaled an Irish island. Even with his unique challenges, Kevan is committed to living an aggressive life. His attitude and approach is refreshing.
Earlier this month, Brian got the chance to appear as a guest on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast with new friend, author, and changemaker Ginny Yurich. The quick-hitting conversation covered everything from the Five Marks of a Man, to the power of play to change your life, to the birth of MAN CAMP and everything in-between. It’s an aggressive and fun hour that puts Brian on the hot-seat.
If you missed Ginny’s appearance on The Aggressive Life, where she discussed the power of being outside to change your life, check it out here (Spotify | Apple). If you like what you heard, subscribe to Ginny’s podcast, 1000 Hours Outside, available wherever you listen to podcasts, to not miss a single episode (Spotify | Apple).
Science is beginning to show what the Bible already teaches: gratitude can change your emotional, spiritual, and even physical health. This Thanksgiving, Brian is picking up the phone and making the aggressive move: calling friends and family, to tell them exactly how much they mean to him. Listen in, and then take the aggressive gratitude challenge for yourself. This Thanksgiving, let the people you love know it, and see just how much gratitude changes things.
Dr. Stuart Brown has quantified what every young child already knows—play makes life more enjoyable. While most adults tend to age out of play, Dr. Brown believes it’s the key to lives that are fulfilling, fun, and flourishing, no matter the age. Play re-creates us physically, leads to breakthroughs mentally, and builds healthy relationships. From his early research, in the aftermath of a shocking school shooting, to studying felony inmates and animals in the wild, Dr. Brown is the world’s foremost expert on the importance of play. As the founder of the National Institute for Play, Dr. Brown’s aim is to make play understood as a public health necessity. Having had a profound impact on Brian, this aggressive conversation has the power to point you toward a better (and more play-filled) future.
Randall Wallace spent years writing the screenplays he thought Hollywood wanted, only to see them go nowhere. With his back against the wall, he decided to take one final attempt, focusing on the story he wanted to tell. That script, Braveheart, found its way into the hands of Mel Gibson—and the rest is history. From there, Randall went on to write and direct The Man in the Iron Mask, We Were Soldiers, Pearl Harbor, and Disney’s Secretariat. In this conversation, Randall explains how a chance encounter in Scotland led him to the story of William Wallace, how pressure fuels creativity, and what it’s like to push all your chips in. Randall is a creative and aggressive man who will inspire you to keep moving.
The most listened-to guest in the history of The Aggressive Life, John Burke, returns to share new insights and research from his lifetime of studying near-death experiences. This time, he’s focusing on what near-death experiences can teach us about God—what He is like, what He values, and what He expects of us. After interviewing thousands of NDErs, John discovered incredible similarities in their stories, despite these people coming from all walks of life, backgrounds, and countries around the world. The stories John shares will give you hope, paint God in a new light, and just might change the way you think about the afterlife.
If you haven’t yet, check out Brian’s first conversation with John, “What Happens When We Die?” at the following links: Apple or Spotify.
Over the weekend, 2,700 men from all over the United States, and multiple international countries, descended on 400 acres near the Ohio River for MAN CAMP 2023. They laughed around campfires, drank some 80 kegs of beer, and pushed themselves past their spiritual, emotional, and physical comfort zones. And they came out different.
These are some of their stories.
Inside a decommissioned outhouse, speaking into an old military field telephone, man after man spoke of heartache, learning to seek God, and finding redemption. From tales of past traumas, to new life breathed into marriages, to learning the importance of friendships, these stories are what MAN CAMP is all about.
If you need a reason to hope, to believe that God still moves in the lives of men, this is it. Step into the outhouse with us, and find your life changed in the process.
Find out more about MAN CAMP, and get early bird tickets for next year’s event, at mancamp.us
Today, nearly 3,000 guys are wrapping up a weekend off-the-grid. They camped. They worked. They laughed. They shared their lives. And they sang at the top of their lungs. While we don’t think of men singing, this is something warriors have done for all of history—huddled together, singing songs, before going into battle. As the men of MAN CAMP 2023 head back to their normal lives, they’re going with these songs in their hearts and in their minds.
There is nothing like worship with 3,000 of your brothers. If you attended MAN CAMP this year, let these worship songs steel you for the battles ahead. If you want a taste of MAN CAMP, this is a great place to start.
Find out more at mancamp.us or on Instagram @mancamp.us
In just three days, men from all over the country (and world) will begin trickling onto 400 acres in the small town of Neville, Ohio. It’s our 14th, and biggest, MAN CAMP. Nearly 3,000 men will spend the weekend off the grid getting built into spiritually, developing friendships, and having fun. It's one of the defining weekends of the year, but how did we get here? Alongside his friends, 512 (Judd Watkins) and Windex (Craig Dockery), Brian relives the history of MAN CAMP, and why it matters more now than it ever has.
Find more at mancamp.us and follow along on Instagram @mancamp.us
Calev Myers doesn’t just talk about peace between Palestinians and Israelis, he actually puts his back into it. As a civil rights lawyer and activist, Calev works for the good of the region. A Jew who loves his homeland, Calev has also represented and defended Palestinians before ruling bodies like the European Parliament. He is the founder of the Alliance to Reinforce Israel’s Security and Economy (ARISE), working for strong economic collaboration between Israel and Palestine as the region's best hope for peace.
Originally recorded in 2021, this aggressive conversation will help bring clarity to the current conflicts in the region. You can support Calev’s work at www.ariseforisrael.com, or support aid work in the region through www.convoyofhope.org.
The Aggressive Life’s favorite exorcist is back to answer questions you submitted via Instagram. He covers everything from ghosts, to Halloween, to what he thinks about possession movies, and everything in between. Despite his heavy job—this man does cast out demons as part of his workweek—Father Lampert is a light, joyful, and smiling presence. He is contagious, in the best way possible, and his answers are thorough, helpful, and even surprising. He is a good man aggressively going after God, and this episode will push you forward.
Check out Brian's first conversation with Fr. Lampert, "Standing Up to the Devil," at the following links: Apple, Spotify, Briantome.com
A few weeks back, Brian had the opportunity to switch seats, appearing as a guest on the “Still Standing with Alli Patterson” podcast. Together, they talked about masculinity, why it’s hard to feel compassion for men, and the five things men always do that boys will avoid at all costs. It’s a hard-hitting conversation that will push you to keep taking ground in your own life.
This is your last opportunity to pre-order two new books in the Five Marks of a Manlibrary—a fully updated version of the original The Five Marks of a Man, as well as a new Tactical Guide designed to implement the marks into your life. All pre-orders qualify for a free poster download. Find more information at briantome.com/fivemarks.
There’s nothing average about being an Air Force Pararescueman or an Army Special Operations soldier… and Bo White has been both. After a career spent in the military, he took an early exit as he began to see cracks forming in his foundation, especially at home with his wife. While you might take the soldier off the field, you’ll never strip him of his skills and abilities. Bo has committed his life to helping and blessing others—be it leading his family through the pain of a childhood cancer diagnosis, to starting a winery in northern Michigan with his wife, to going into Ukraine for rescue missions, as a civilian. Bo is an aggressive man who knows the key to faithfulness is movement.
Jeff Berding had spent nearly 20 years with the Cincinnati Bengals when he left it all behind… to start a minor league soccer team. After blowing all expectations out of the water, FC Cincinnati was granted a bid to join Major League Soccer. Jeff and team moved at breakneck speed, doing in 18 months what many cities take 3-4 years to complete. After some hard years, FC Cincinnati is on a roll. With the best record in the MLS, they keep selling out games and finding ways to win. Their success story is intricately tied to this family man who just wanted a hometown team for his kids to cheer on. Jeff’s aggressive story of risk and movement will get you off the couch and into the game.
This summer was an adventure for the books. Alongside three other couples, Brian and his wife drove 9,000 miles from Spokane, Washington, all the way to Alaska and the Arctic Circle… and back. They camped along the way, spending 31 days off the grid. They saw black bears, went salmon fishing, and took a shot over a dead man’s toe (true story). Back in Cincinnati, Brian regroups with those friends to relive the highlights and tell war stories. Adventure is an aggressive choice that always changes us for the better.
Earlier this summer, Brian was on the field of Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds, for a post-game interview with three players: outfielders Jake Fraley and TJ Friedl, and starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft. Part of Reds Faith Night, Brian talked with each player about God, baseball, and how faith influences their lives. These aggressive men put it all on the line, game after game, for their team and city. Let’s go Reds!
Like most protectors, Rich Miller is humble about it all, but this man has given his life serving and protecting the most vulnerable. He spent decades as a distinguished specialist on the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit, including responding to the 9/11 attacks. It was there, on September 12th, Rich raised an American flag on a makeshift piece of rubble. The photo was snapped by a crime scene photographer and it spread, giving hope to a nation reeling. Rich was part 2,500+ high-risk search warrants and entries while on the force, and gave time to help rescue survivors of an earthquake in Haiti. He is a brave man who will push us all forward.
This is the final episode in a 5-part series called Five Marks Summer, celebrating the repackaged publication of Brian’s best-selling book, The Five Marks of a Man. Pre-order the newest edition, or the companion Tactical Guide, at briantome.com/fivemarks and get a complimentary poster with each purchase.
Reid Carpenter might be 80 years old, but he hasn’t slowed down, and he isn’t planning on it anytime soon. A spiritual grandfather and mentor to Brian, Reid has devoted his life to his home city of Pittsburg. From starting multiple nonprofits, to helping launch Young Life, Reid is a living example of the power of hard work, and how its ripple effect can influence generations.
This is the 4th episode in an 5-part series called Five Marks Summer, celebrating the repackaged publication of Brian’s best-selling book, The Five Marks of a Man. Pre-order it, or the companion Tactical Guide, now and it will show up on your front porch on October 10th. Then, head over to Briantome.com/fivemarks to claim your free poster.
Our summer series continues with Mark III: Men Are Team Players. From coaching his son’s football team, to playing in the NFL, to now leading a thriving church in Atlanta, Georgia, Leonce Crump Jr. knows a thing or two about the power of a thriving team. He shares tips, tricks, and the secret to resiliency in this candid conversation.
This is the third episode in an 5-part series called Five Marks Summer, celebrating the repackaged publication of Brian’s best-selling book, The Five Marks of a Man. Pre-order it, or the companion Tactical Guide, now and it will show up on your front porch on October 10th.
Find the bear attack video Brian references here.
Otis Williams looked to be on top of the world. He had a successful military career, beat out 10,000 other contestants to win the ToastMasters World Championship of Public Speaking, and had secured a successful teaching position at Cincinnati State University. But underneath, a debilitating gambling addiction was eroding it all away.
For the first time on such a wide-reaching platform, Otis takes us back to that dark place, and the bold minority positions he took to reclaim his life. He also shares stories from his time in the service, tips for engaging an audience, and why vulnerability is a super power.
This is the second episode in an 5-part series called Five Marks Summer, celebrating the repackaged publication of Brian’s best-selling book, The Five Marks of a Man. Pre-order the newest edition, or the companion Tactical Guide, at briantome.com/fivemarks and get a complimentary poster with each purchase.
Join Brian, and his son, Jake, together in his garage for a candid conversation about growing up, the looming shadow of a father, and what it takes for a son to exceed his old man. Over a few beers, Brian and Jake tell adventure stories, get transparent about their separate visions for life, and laugh a lot.
This is the first episode in an 5-part series called Five Marks Summer, celebrating the repackaged publication of Brian’s best-selling book, The Five Marks of a Man. Pre-order the newest edition, or the companion Tactical Guide, at briantome.com/fivemarks and get a complimentary poster with each purchase.
New content alert! In this live talk, recorded around the campfire with some MAN CAMP leaders, Brian introduces a new concept he’s been workshopping: the six primal identities. Written on your spiritual DNA, these identities define who God created you to be—a creator; a son; a warrior; a king; a friend; and a father. As you lean into each one, you’ll find your life going to the next level.
Throw out what you believe (or don’t) about God—if He were real, and He were speaking, wouldn’t you want to hear for yourself?
Back in February, Brian got to speak to 3,000+ teenagers, gathered from three states, on how to hear from God. It’s not in the noise, or busyness, or distraction of culture, but in silence.
This simple and quick, yet incredibly accessible, teaching could be the key for having your own encounter with the Divine.
Men are protectors—but that means more than just using our muscles. True protectors operate on five different fronts: physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and financial.
Recorded live in Rock Valley, Iowa, this first-ever deep-dive into what it means for men to protectors finds Brian unpacking the five types, sharing lessons learned from wild elephants, and telling an unbelievable story from the life of arctic adventurer Ernest Shackleton.
It’s July, and summer is in full swing. Are you using it wisely? In this teaching, originally given to staff at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Brian unpacks the importance of avoiding burnout to become a 4 season leader. Beginning with a look at the later half of King David’s life (from the Bible), and then finishing with a Q&A, we see the power unmitigated burnout has to tank our aggressive lives. If you do anything this summer, take time to recharge.
Summer is here… it’s time for the pool, cold beer, and outdoor adventures. And it’s time to switch things up on The Aggressive Life. Brian explains his summer plans, what’s coming down the pike on the podcast, and points to a new Adventure Playlist on Spotify that’s perfect for your next summer road trip.
Link to the Spotify Adventure Playlist here
You asked. Brian answered.
Alongside Dirt, Brian dives headfirst into listener submitted questions—covering everything from his dream podcast guests, the importance of moving between the phases of parenting, and his evolving thoughts of hell.
He also explains why he admires Tim Keller, what it means to live in No Man’s Land, and why Alpo is the best campfire meal. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Michele Rigby Assad spent a decade in one of the most dangerous roles on the planet—as an undercover operative for the CIA, specializing in counterterrorism in the Middle East. Her job? Finding sources of information to keep America and the Coalition Provisional Authorities in Iraq ahead of al-Qaeda. But it wasn’t until she left the CIA, and a chance phone call with a big-shot Hollywood producer, that she found her most meaningful mission. She’s an incredibly aggressive woman who will push you to get moving off your X and into a life of meaning.
200 episodes! What was started as an experiment in July 2019 has blossomed into something greater than we could have ever imagined. Along the way, we’ve gotten to meet incredible guests, be inspired by their aggressive choices, and be pushed to make our own. For the 200th episode, Brian offers a recalibration of what the Aggressive Life means (and doesn’t), and points the way toward the future. We finish with listeners sharing stories of their own aggressive lives.
Prosecutor Melissa Powers has been knocking down walls her whole career. As the first female Prosecuting Attorney in the history of Hamilton County, Ohio (Cincinnati), she holds the highest law enforcement position in the city. But that’s just the start. From getting a confession from a serial killer, to taking the stand to break a 17 year-old cold case, to fighting for veterans and juveniles, Prosecutor Powers has truly given her life to serving the public. She’s an inspiring woman of high ideals and accessible wisdom who will push your life forward.
Roland Warren isn’t afraid to take a minority position. His own life touched by an absent father, Roland served over a decade as the CEO of the National Fatherhood Initiative, where he worked to equip fathers to be change-makers in their homes. While a student athlete at Princeton, Roland and his girlfriend were encouraged to terminate an unplanned pregnancy. Their decision to keep their child began his journey toward Care Net, where he now serves as the CEO of a network of over 1,200 pregnancy centers across the nation offering alternatives to abortion. Roland’s expertise and wisdom on fatherhood, influence, and what it means to value life is challenging and aggressive.
Ginny Yurich’s message is simple: if you want a better life, get outside. The author, podcaster, and founder of the 1000 Hours Outside movement has done the deep dive into the research to truly be an expert. Along the way, she’s discovered a simple correlation: more time outside means better physical, mental, and even spiritual health. Ginny shares tips and tricks for getting more time out of doors, as well as the groundbreaking research backing up her claims.
After a challenging and impoverished childhood, Hal Donaldson had one goal in life—don’t be poor. He was making strides toward meeting that goal when a chance encounter with Mother Teresa changed everything. He was cut to the heart by the question she asked him, and over time, his entire life realigned. As the CEO and Co-founder of Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit relief organization influencing the lives of millions around the globe, Hal has found the secret to a flourishing life is giving hope away.
The first person to do stand-up comedy on all 7 continents, Rajiv Satyal is known for his TV-clean humor and wit. But while he’s traveled the world telling jokes, it’s his deep curiosity that drives him. He purposely puts himself around people who don’t think, live, or believe like he does—and he has the wisdom to prove it. He’s an aggressive man looking to elevate your life (and make you laugh in the process).
When Damar Hamlin collapsed on Monday Night Football, the call to pray for his recovery went worldwide. But while lots of people were sharing opinions, thoughts, and tweets, ESPN NFL analyst, Dan Orlovsky, took the risky move: he prayed. Out loud. On national television. It was a gutsy call, but nothing new for the former NFL quarterback. The host of NFL Live, Dan has made it his life’s mantra to reject passivity. His choices have earned him insight into aggressive living that few others have. He’s a good man who will push you into new territory.
For 25 years, Father Vincent Lampert has been a Catholic priest in the diocese of Indianapolis, doing weddings, baptisms, masses… and exorcisms! Trained in Rome, Father Lampert has gone toe-to-toe with the Devil and his demons on hundreds of occasions. Not only has he come out the other side, he has an unbelievably light and welcoming approach to life. In this conversation, Fr. Lampert weaves stories and timeless truths that will leave you encouraged and equipped to engage the spirit realm.
Chris Wilson went to prison as a boy, but he emerged a man. While serving a life sentence for murder, he found a vision for his life—what he calls his “master plan”—and chased it with all he had. After 16 years behind bars, Chris was given a second lease on life and he’s never looked back. A serial entrepreneur, an artist, and a storyteller dedicated to helping others find their master plan, Chris is an aggressive, disciplined man whose unbelievable story of resilience will push you to new heights.
He’s got a legendary name, and the trophies to back it up. Known as Mr. Two-Time, Al Unser Jr. has two Indy 500 wins, two Indycar championships and two IROC championships to his name. Even as his success was growing, under the surface, things were going off the rails. With addiction threatening to take everything from him, Al chose the long road to recovery. He’s a racing legend with an aggressive story to tell.
Kirk Perry is a big deal. Currently the President and CEO of Circana, a big data firm, and with significant stints at Google and P&G, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the business world. He’s also a man of faith, who doesn’t leave that behind when he arrives at the office. Kirk was recently featured on Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast to talk about how he balances faith at work. It was such a fantastic conversation, we got permission from hosts Rajiv and Ramaan to replay it here. Kirk’s aggressive stance of acknowledging, and even welcoming, faith is a fresh perspective that just might change your 9-5.
If you like what you hear, find more from the Learnings from Leaders podcast on Apple or Spotify.
How much of daily life depends on communication? Pretty much all of it. With grounding in neuroscience and storytelling, communications expert Jeff Bloomfield unlocks the secret to becoming a better communicator—from the office, to home, to friends and beyond. Highly effective and actionable, this hour just might change your next conversation for the better (and the one after that, and the one after that). Better communication means a better life.
Michael Crossley is a real American hero. For 8 years, Croz served in the Marine Corps, doing just about every badass thing you can think of—amphibious reconnaissance, jumping out of planes, and serving in the first Gulf War. Landing back in the states in 2011, and facing PTSD and other hardships post-military, he committed himself to a new mission. As the Director of Base Camp, and the founder of Veteran Camp, an off-the-grid weekend for vets, Croz is an aggressive man who measures success in terms of service to others.
Find out more about Crossroads Camps, including Veteran Camp, here.
A lot of people have dreams of traveling the world—Bradey and Heather actually made them reality. Quitting their jobs, and selling everything they owned, the Jobsons hit the road with their two young daughters. They’ve visited 40+ countries and had once in a lifetime experiences: from sleeping in treehouses in Costa Rica to exploring rural Turkey. Documenting their adventures on Youtube under the named Raising Voyagers, they’ve amassed 9 million views (and counting). Their new adventure: renovating a 200 year old stone house at the foot of the Italian Alps. They’re aggressive parents, seeing amazing things because they’re willing to move.
Follow their travels via their YouTube channel.
From the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, to Grammy nominations, and 5 different TV projects, including “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader,” Jeff Foxworthy has been a busy man. But behind the laughs are aggressive moves that have powered his career and life. From leaving behind a corporate gig at IBM, to intentionally choosing to poke fun at himself and his family, Jeff is proof that good guys can finish first… and have plenty of laughs along the way.
“Looks like we’re going to the AFC Championship game, boys.” Those are the words Evan McPherson said to his teammates, BEFORE heading out onto the field for a 52 yard game winning field goal. That kick sent the Bengals to their first AFC championship game in 30 years, but it was aggressive moves well before that moment that set the trajectory for McPherson’s life and career. “Money Mac” McPherson shares the secret to his confidence, why he never roots against other kickers, and what it’s like inside the Bengals locker room.
Libby Tome, Brian’s wife of 34 years, makes her Aggressive Life debut to help answer YOUR questions about dating, engagement, marriage, and beyond. Get practical wisdom on keeping your marriage fresh when kids arrive, resolving conflict, what it takes to lead… and learn how Brian’s appearance in a hair show helped bring this couple together.
Life will NOT always be up and to the right. Whether it’s a midlife crisis, or something else, you should expect to have times of difficulty. How do you react when life gets hard? In this short teaching, Brian shares his own struggles, and the six steps he’s taken to not only survive crisis, but come out better on the other side.
TrailRecon is one of YouTube’s most popular channels for off-roading and outdoor adventures. With nearly 100 million views, it’s become a go-to place for gear recommendations, custom builds, and adventure videos. Started in 2015, after a weekend of overlanding with his teenage son, TrailRecon has morphed from Brad’s passion project into his full time business. From a career in the Navy, to YouTube influencer, Brad’s aggressive story consistently leaves the pavement for better spaces off the beaten path.
Check out TrailRecon on YouTube or at their website.
Trouble might be an inescapable part of life, but it's your reaction to it that will determine your final destination. With insight from her own struggle to stay standing after an affair, author and teacher, Alli Patterson, shares the lessons she learned about resiliency, forgiveness, and courage. Her new book, How to Stay Standing, is a primer for everyone looking to stay standing through the storms of life.
How to Stay Standing is available wherever books are sold. Purchase at this link to support Alli’s mission to get the book into the hands of incarcerated women. Promotion ends 2/10/23.
The Aggressive LIfe hits the road to spend time at Cedarlore Forge with master bladesmith, David DelaGardelle. David handcrafts historical and fantasy blades for private collectors, museums, and even Marvel movies. Putting himself in line with the generations of men who have crafted swords, David’s insights into metallurgy, and life, are as stunning as his handiwork. After a brief conversation, Brian lights up the forge and joins David in crafting a custom blade.
You likely don't know his name, but Don Cousins is the man behind so many others. As a founding pastor of one of the nation's most influential churches, Willow Creek, he changed countless lives. As a mentor to Brian, his practical insights continue to ripple outward. And as a dad to NFL superstar Kirk Cousins, Don's lessons and encouragement are pushing the Minnesota Vikings into the postseason. Don is a man who has stewarded his life to win, and he'll inspire you to do the same.
Just days ago, the world watched in horror as Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest live on Monday Night Football. Brian processes that event and its aftermath alongside his friend, award-winning football analyst and former Cincinnati Bengal, Solomon Wilcots. The pair finish by praying for Damar to experience supernatural healing and breakthrough.
How would you live the next year differently if you knew your future wasn’t in jeopardy? As 2023 begins, that’s the truth Brian shares in this live talk, recorded before a group of 18-24 year olds in Cincinnati. When you know your future is secure, you’ll be more comfortable taking aggressive risks that will pay off in the end. 2023 has started, your future is secure, it's time to get moving.
Sitting at breakfast with a group of friends, Brian realized the story he was hearing was something aggressive and inspiring. So he pulled out his iPhone, opened a voice memo, and hit record. When Nick and his family left for vacation, they had no idea it would turn into a harrowing race against time to save his daughter's life. But aggressive decision-making in the moment, and in the years leading up to it, meant Nick had a safety net when he needed it most. Baked into this story is the need for friendships, the power of generosity, and miracles in prayer. Listen and be inspired.
Of course, Die Hard is a Christmas movie! Alongside guest Kim Taylor-Foster, Entertainment Editor at Fandom, Brian unpacks why the 1988 action film is such a landmark of American cinema, and why we circle back around to it every holiday season. With behind-the-scenes trivia and commentary, this is a fascinating deep dive into the world of John McClane’s Christmas-party-gone-awry. Yippee-ki-yay, Merry Christmas!
Tom Cruise might have gotten all the accolades for the new blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, but it was Frank “Walleye” Weisser that actually flew the missions. The former Navy and Blue Angel pilot flew the canyon run from the movie, as well as a score of other missions, in real life and in real time—no CGI here. He reflects on his time in the service, taking Tom Cruise on harrowing runs, and what it takes to fly fast and low. He’s an aggressive man who knows a little something about the need for speed.
Anthony Lucia is cowboy through-and-through. The son of a Rodeo Hall of Fame Entertainer, Anthony grew up on the rodeo circuit, and he’s made it his home. Now a professional trick roper and rodeo announcer, Anthony puts on a clinic about hard work, growing up in your father’s shadow, and what’s accurate (or not so) about TV smash hit Yellowstone.
Caty McNally is on the fast-track. Only 21 years-old, Caty has already won six WTA doubles titles, reached the finals of the US Open twice, and been ranked as high as 11th in the world in doubles tennis. Just last month, she won her first WTA singles title and cracked into the top 100 singles players for the first time. In this fun conversation, she discusses the hard work that’s powered her meteoric rise, the importance of family, and what it's like to go toe-to-toe with Serena Williams.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. While we look forward to a big plate of food and good company, there’s much more to this holiday than turkey. In this special holiday episode, Brian shares two meaningful Thanksgiving traditions his family has been practicing to help them shift the focus back to gratitude. Choose one and try it on for size around your table this Thanksgiving.
Full-length links:
See the Gratitude Overflow - Garage Bible Study
The Spiritual History of Thanksgiving with Stephen Mansfield - podcast episode
Near-death experience researcher and author, John Burke, returns to answer your questions on the afterlife: will my pets be in heaven? Will I know my friends and family? What will we do for all of eternity? With trademark clarity, John answers all these questions and more. What you learn will throw fuel on the fire of your aggressive life.
After reading some of the first research into near-death experiences, John Burke wanted to know more—a lot more. After personally interviewing and researching over 1,500 near-death experiences, John compiled his learnings into the New York Times Best-Selling book Imagine Heaven. John aggressively brings clarity and understanding to one of life’s biggest questions: what happens when you die? What you learn may surprise you, and impact the way you live today.
On October 31st, 1517, a monk walked up to a church and nailed something to the door. The world would never be the same. That man was Martin Luther, and his 95 Theses kicked off what would later come to be known as the Reformation. After visiting Germany last month, and seeing many of the historical Luther sites, Brian invites his tour guide, Stu Boehmig, to give a crash course on one of the most aggressive men in history.
Learn more at www.thelutherexperience.com
At MAN CAMP 2022, an old outhouse was outfitted with a military field telephone. Campers who stepped inside were prompted to pick it up and tell their MAN CAMP story. While the prompt was simple, the tales we received were moving, relatable, and profound. These remarkable stories stand as a testimony to the power of God, community, and what happens at MAN CAMP. Listen in and be encouraged.
Presale tickets for next year’s MAN CAMP are open for one week only, at the guaranteed lowest price. Learn more and save your spot at mancamp.us
In this 15-minute bonus episode, Brian talks straight to the guys heading home from MAN CAMP, offering practical coaching on getting back into the “real world” after the weekend. With valuable insights into the experience, this episode provides great context for spouses, family members and friends looking to encourage returning MAN CAMPERS.
Presale for next year’s MAN CAMP is open for one week only. Get tickets for the lowest possible price, a 40% savings, at mancamp.us. Man Camp 2023 is October 20-22.
In a split second, Rob Paylor’s life changed forever. Playing in the biggest rugby match of his life, with a national championship on the line, an illegal headlock ended with Rob paralyzed on the field. Approaching nearly 2,000 days since his injury, Rob has never given up on his dream to walk again—and along the way, he’s learned forgiveness, motivated thousands of people to overcome their adversities, and learned the secret to turning a curse into a gift. He’s already beaten the odds, and he’s not finished yet. This aggressive man will push your life forward.
Sir Isaac Newton once remarked that he’d only been able to see further than others because he’d “stood on the shoulders of giants.” For Brian, one of those giants is his friend, Brian Wells. Get to know Beem, as Brian calls him, and trace his aggressive story from selling his dead grandfather's belongings as a child, to building a church from the ground up, to producing TV films for NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX and the Hallmark Channel. One of Brian’s oldest friends in Cincinnati, Beem tells the story behind the story, offering wisdom and insight along the way.
After six years in the porn industry, Joshua Broome seemed to have made it. He was a multi-millionaire and named the male adult film star of the year. But on the inside, everything was crumbling. He was depressed, separated from his loved ones, and contemplating suicide—until a chance encounter with a bank teller turned his life around. With remarkable honesty and candor, Joshua shares the darkest parts of his story, and the light he’s found on the other side.
Max Dickins thought he had a lot of friends… until he got engaged. When it came time to pick his best man, he stumbled into a shocking revelation: he didn’t have any male friends close enough to fill that role. This set him on a quest to understand how that happened, and to fix it. The lessons he learned about male friendship—why we need it, how to grow it, and what to do with it—just might change your life. It’s time we stopped settling for the lone wolf narrative. Find your pack, and thrive.
For a decade, Perry Noble was a superstar of the church world. Under his leadership, the church he started, NewSpring, exploded into 16 different campuses reaching 40,000 people a weekend. His church was doing great, but underneath it all, Perry was not. Unchecked alcohol abuse eventually led NewSpring to fire him, news that sent shockwaves around the world. Perry found himself in rehab, facing divorce, and contemplating suicide. How did he push through? He refused to call himself a victim. His incredible comeback story will inspire you to keep pushing forward, no matter what you’re facing.
Pete Muller has traveled the world with this camera. A National Geographic Storytelling Fellow and conflict photographer, he’s chronicled everything from Ebola, to African civil wars, to modern forms of masculinity. That last project brought him to south west Ohio last year for a little thing we call MAN CAMP. Pete shares his adventurous and aggressive life—and a critical look at masculinity and MAN CAMP—in this powerful conversation.
Get your tickets for MAN CAMP at www.mancamp.us
Labor Day is over, which means summer is coming to a close. Brian and Dirt catch-up on their summer activities and travel before jumping into a power-packed conversation with Curtis "Chap" Browder. His aggressive life as Alabama's first African American prison chaplain brought him face-to-face with Klan members, racist governors, and murderers. His boldness, bravery, and forgiveness is a stunning example of living history.
Most people have their work life, their home life, and their friends life. But what if your life was just that… your life, where everything was integrated and nothing was compartmentalized? That’s the kind of living Joby Martin is running down. After accidentally starting a church, Joby has chased an integrated life—and it’s one full of positive aggression, a hunting paradise, and making comfortable people uncomfortable.
When does a boy become a man? Jon Tyson has an idea, and it has nothing to do with age, job status, or relationship goals. Author of “The Intentional Father,” and creator of the “The Primal Path,” Jon Tyson followed the examples of the great men of history and created an initiation path for his own son to move from boyhood into manhood. His insights into culture, authentic manhood, and what it takes to raise a man are invaluable.
What’s the secret to Cheryl Bachelder’s incredible C-suite success? Serving. Instead of looking for what she can get, she goes into each interaction with a focus on what she can give. Cheryl’s servant leadership completely turned Popeye’s around, leading them into 10 straight years of growth after years of stagnation. Now serving on the Board of Directors for Chick-Fil-A, Cheryl talks business, how serving those around you leads to superior results, and the secret to the best fast-food chicken sandwich.
Leadership advice is a dime a dozen—and then there’s Carey Nieuwhof. After devoting decades to leading a church in Canada, Carey’s influence has blossomed through the incredibly popular “The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast.” The former lawyer shares his wide-ranging wisdom on everything from energy management, to the power of disruption, to overcoming cynicism.
Colin O’Brady has built a life on achieving what seemed impossible. After rebounding from a debilitating injury, he went on to become the first person to cross Antarctica, unaided, on foot. He’ submitted Everest twice, holds a Seven Summits speed record, and achieved a world first ocean row. What’s the key to his aggressive life? His mindset. Colin shares his amazing adventures, and the wisdom he’s picked up along the way, in this can’t miss episode.
Your life is a spiritual adventure—and until you start viewing it that way, you’ll be stalled out. Joined by men from all over the country for a weekend of camping at the base of Pikes Peak, Brian unpacks this game-changing perspective. It’s been the key to the lives of every spiritual great in scripture, history, and beyond.
Take your spiritual adventure to the next level by signing up for MAN CAMP. For the next two weeks, an advanced presale guarantees the lowest possible price. Use promo code, MCPRESALE, at check out. Find out more and get your tickets at mancamp.us.
What can restoring a 1978 Jeep CJ7 teach us about God? More than you might think. Join Brian, live from his garage, as he explains the similarities between removing crumbling paint from a Jeep’s hood, and God’s work in each of our lives.
Follow Brian’s restoration progress, and past Garage Bible Studies, here.
What if marriage is about something much more important, more life changing, than just being happy? Recorded in front of nearly a thousand husbands and wives at Couples Camp, in southeast Ohio, Brian shares an honest teaching on realigning our thinking about marriage. When we get the focus of marriage right, everything else starts to fall into place. It’s not about feeling happy—instead, it’s about being made holy.
There are 15 year-old men and 45 year-old boys. What separates the two isn’t age, but the five marks—five things that all men do, and all boys avoid. Recorded live in front of a packed house of athletes and their coaches, Brian shares these marks, as well as new perspectives on how they apply in the life of every man. Have a young man in your orbit? Listen to this episode together, then use the discussion questions below to dig deeper. The Five Marks of a Man: (1) Men have a vision. (2) Men take a minority position. (3) Men are team players. (4) Men work. (5) Men are protectors. Discussion questions: 1. Men bring value to their teams. What teams are you a part of (sports, family, work, friends) and what value are you bringing to them? Are they better because you’re a part of the team? 2. Which mark do you feel strongest in? 3. Encourage each other: which mark do you see on display in the other person? 4. Which mark do you feel weakest in? What can you do about that this week? 5. Who is someone you know that is strong in the mark you feel weakest in? What can you learn from observing them? Could you set up time with them soon to pick their brain about it? 6. What’s the most surprising thing you heard? 7. Men are active. What challenge or insight from this talk can you put into action this week? Name it, then go do it.
As one of history’s most successful Bible teachers, Beth Moore has influenced millions of people around the globe. But in recent years, after taking a hard stance against divisive politics, sexism, and racism in the church, she’s faced intense scrutiny from many of the same people who once supported her. But Beth doesn’t give up easily. In this can’t-miss conversation, she shares what she’s learned about courage, calling, and grapevines.
With one phone call, Mark Roser’s life was flipped upside down. After spending years as missionaries in Africa, Mark and his family were back in the states, where his youngest son, Ethan, was studying to be a pastor. But when a freak accident took Ethan’s life, Mark was left seeking answers to every parent’s worst nightmare. He shares what he’s learned about loss, suffering, and God—and how to get back up again when life blindsides you.
No holiday has as many caveats as Father’s Day. Maybe appropriately so, but no man becomes a dad planning to be a failure. Men have a deep-seated desire to love their kids well, meet their needs, and teach them how to live. Jerrad Lopes started Dad Tired because he found himself in a similar boat: wanting to be a better dad, but not sure how to do it. He’s built a robust community to encourage dads to become the fathers they’ve always wanted to be. He’s a good man, speaking courage into all the aggressive dads out there.
Money is a spiritual thing, and Rabbi Daniel Lapin has devoted much of his life to teaching others how to use it wisely. Leaning heavily on wisdom from the Jewish scriptures, Rabbi Lapin is the author of best-sellers Thou Shall Prosper and Business Secrets from the Bible, as well as popular online courses. Considered “America’s Rabbi,” he brings his no-nonsense wisdom about money, prosperity, and God to the Aggressive Life.
Frank Blake never set his sights on the corner office, but that didn’t stop the Home Depot from calling. When Frank took over the home improvement giant, their stock-price was at an all-time low and they were being bested in every metric by their competitors. Frank turned the Big Orange around by focusing on service and people. The leadership wisdom that pours out of this living legend is second-to-none.
Harvey Lewis is endurance. The ultrarunning champion and adventurer routinely pushes the limits of human capabilities, one step at a time. The winner of prestigious races like the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, and the Big Dog Backyard Ultra, a race with no finish line, Harvey discusses endurance, patience, and participating in the Barkley Marathon—the hardest race in the world. Marked with trademark humility and grace, Harvey’s wisdom is a gift.
Sandi Krakowski hustles. She started her first multimillion dollar company as a single mom, and hasn’t slowed down. Recognized by Forbes as a top online marketing influencer, she’s helped build nearly twenty profitable companies in her career… all while overcoming trauma, raising sons, and learning the power of masculinity and femininity. She’s an alpha-female leader who spills out practical wisdom at every turn.
Todd Henry, the first guest ever featured on the podcast, returns for a timely conversation on navigating our complicated world. A creative, teacher, and writer, Todd talks about the difference between fads and trends, learning to recognize patterns, and how he navigates a divisive culture. His wisdom is an invaluable resource for living an aggressive life.
The Aggressive Life just passed its 1 millionth download! We’re celebrating by looking back at some of our favorite moments, and giving away nearly $500 worth of prizes. Highlights include Brian’s conversation with Matthew McConaughey, his emotional farewell with his mentor, and learning about bourbon and horse soldiers with Will Summers.
David Eubank saw a problem—and instead of philosophizing about it, he decided to become a solution. As newlyweds, David and his wife moved to Burma (now Myanmar), home of the world’s longest-running civil war, with a vision to care for the hurting and displaced. That was 25 years ago, and it was the birth of the Free Burma Rangers, one of the world’s premiere humanitarian organizations. David is an incredibly aggressive and godly man, with a story you won’t quickly forget.
With the world looking increasingly dark, stand-up comedian Andrew Stanley is risking it all on laughter. What began as 5 minutes at an open mic has blossomed into a career built on an aggressive move: leaving his stable office job behind to tell jokes. He’s an inspiring, and hilarious, young man with insights on risk, the power of humor and how you can learn to be funnier.
N.T. Wright is among the world’s preeminent Bible scholars, a sought-after teacher, and author of more than 70 books. Joining us from his home in Oxford, England, N.T. shares his passion for Easter, how Plato causes us to think about it incorrectly, and the wisdom of a London cab-drive. This conversation has the power to completely upend the way you think about Easter.
Although originally born in Los Angeles, Edgar Sandoval spent most of his childhood in Central and South America. As a young adult, chasing a dream of a better life, he came back to the United States with $50 and everything he owned in a duffel bag. His incredible story finds him making aggressive move after aggressive move—from enrolling in a prestigious school, to leading a society-impacting ad campaign, to giving up his steady job to combat global poverty. Edgar is a man on a mission, whose vision and drive are inspiring.
At the age of 18, David Wise told his father he was going to go pro in skiing, or die trying… and that’s exactly what he did. The 3x Olympic medalist is fresh off a silver medal performance in the Beijing games. But the half-pipe isn’t the only place David’s aggressive—from an 18-month recovery from injury, to hunting, to raising a farm and family, he’s letting aggressive moves push his life forward. He’s an inspiring man that will push you to get moving too.
Jessie Krebs is a real American badass. A former US Air Force SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape) instructor, she’s a walking masterclass in what it takes to get out alive. “If you act like prey,” she says, “you’re prey.” With Jessie’s practical wisdom on everything from finding shelter, to purifying water, to maintaining mental health, you’ll be more prepared for whatever comes your way.
We understand the importance of pursuing physical health, but what about cognitive? Entrepreneur and health advocate, Mike Gelfgot, believes this is the key to a better life. His theory? Put the brain first and the body will follow. Cognitive health isn’t just for the elderly, and it’s about much more than Sudoku puzzles. Like everything else, the more aggressive you are today, the better your tomorrows.
Even with a slew of Grammys and hit singles, for KING & COUNTRY aren’t resting on their laurels. Known for their live shows and unflinching songwriting, cofounder and drummer, Luke Smallbone, pulls no punches in an aggressive conversation about eliminating fear, encouraging creativity, and why most Christian music sucks.
Little over a week ago, Russia began it’s assault on Ukraine. In this unedited bonus episode, Brian sits down with Bob Herring, a man who has spent a lifetime getting to know, and love, the people of Ukraine. As Chair of the Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership, he has firsthand knowledge of a culture, and cities, that many of us only hear about in the news. His invaluable perspective and passion bring much needed clarity to a tense and volatile situation.
Show Notes
Article: Putin’s Spiritual Destiny
Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership
Little over a month after the attacks of 9/11, Will Summers was crossing the border into Afghanistan. Along with a small band of other Special Forces soldiers, he was part of America’s first response to the tragedy. One of the famous horse soldiers immortalized in a monument at Ground Zero, and in the major Hollywood movie 12 Strong, Will shares his remarkable story of bravery and perseverance… and how it ultimately led him to a career in the bourbon industry.
As a pre-teen, Ndaba Mandela went to live with his grandfather, a move that would shape the rest of his life. From lessons on facing adversity, to what it takes to become a man, the fingerprints of Nelson Mandela are all over Ndaba's life. He is an aggressive man, relentlessly pursuing not only the legacy of his grandfather, but leaving his own behind as well.
In the late 60s and early 70s, outlaw motorcycle gangs were at their peak. This was especially true in Cincinnati, which became a hub of sorts. Skip Skipworth, newly appointed to a church in the area, found this out the hard way—with a black eye and bruised body. But this young pastor didn't give up on reaching the unreachable. His story is one of aggressive living that changed lives, including his own.
The Cincinnati Bengals are going to the Super Bowl! Whether you live in Ohio or not, we all love an underdog. Despite all the odds, the Bengals have found a way to win. Days before Super Bowl LVI, we're sitting down with former Bengal, and current team chaplain, Vinny Rey, to discuss what makes this team so special, the power of your mind, and what it's going to take for the Bengals to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. Who Dey?!
While he won’t admit it, John Mark Comer is our generation’s C.S. Lewis—a brilliant mind, an articulate communicator, and a talented writer and teacher. Portland, Oregon, where John Mark calls home, is considered by many to be the future of America. I pick John Mark’s brain about this and other topics, including politics, the church, and deconstruction.
Hightowers Petroleum is one of the country's largest African-American owned businesses and listed among INC’s 5,000 Most Successful. Where did CEO Steve Hightower learn the keys to success? As a janitor on nights and weekends. His rags to riches story is chock-full of incredibly applicable wisdom to push your life forward.
Over a year ago, I went out to the western high country to make my second attempt at getting an elk. My new friend, Robb, joined me. Along the way, we had insightful conversations about hunting, family, faith, and the healthy aggression that pushes each one of those things forward. After the hunt, holed up in a hunting lodge with a fire raging behind us, we turned on a pair of smartphones and recorded an unplanned podcast. Just like I did, I think you’ll find Robb’s wisdom, aggression, and attitude both refreshing and challenging.
My elk hunt was turned into a 3-episode mini-series on YouTube, The High Country Hunt. All episodes are streaming here.
Is there anything more aggressive than strapping yourself to a rocket and blasting off into space? Yet that’s exactly what Mike Mullane did. Chosen as one of the original space shuttle astronauts, Mike was a part of three separate missions, logging almost 15 days in space before his retirement. His aggressive life involves homemade jet fuel, 134 combat missions in Vietnam, freakin’ space, and an avid love for the outdoors.
Christmas has become a lot of things, but in this one-on-one with Brian, he takes us back to the basics of a (not so) silent night in Bethlehem. This new Aggressive Life Christmas tradition is meant to inspire and reorient your holiday.
Brent Brisben’s no pirate, but his life plays like a Disney movie. 300 years after a Spanish treasure ship sunk off the coast of Florida, he and his team uncovered the lost gold, valued at $3.5 million dollars. But it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine to get there. Brent’s aggressive story is the culmination of risky moves, hard work, and fighting through heartache.
The Bible is the most printed and purchased book in the history of the world. It’s not even close. Yet, for all the talk surrounding the ancient text, very few people actually read it—and even fewer understand it. College friends, Jon and Tim, are doing something about that. Founders of The Bible Project, they’re equipping a generation of readers to engage with and understand the Bible. In this conversation, they give insight into how The Bible Project started, four misguided approaches they see when people pick up the book, and what it’s like to lead a crowd-funded organization.
For the first time ever, live music comes to the Aggressive Life! Songwriter and worship leader, Justin Mosteller, has been around music his whole life. As founder and frontman for Carrollton, Justin saw years of hard work beginning to pay off when his song “Made for This” was used everywhere from Jeep commercials to the Olympics. But just as that began to peak, he felt prompted to leave it all behind. He tells his aggressive story, and plays a song connected to Brian, in this in-studio appearance.
You’ve never heard the story of Thanksgiving quite like this. Historian and author, Stephen Mansfield, takes us back to the Mayflower—through the landing at Plymouth Rock, the unbelievable meeting of Samoset, and into the first Thanksgiving celebration. Along the way, he highlights the aggressive faith that drove the Pilgrims, and their life-saving relationships with the Native Americans. This conversation will change the way you think about the last Thursday in November.
“Just when I thought you couldn’t get any dumber, you go… and totally redeem yourself!” That iconic scene from Dumb and Dumber, which finds Harry and Lloyd riding a minibike from Nebraska to Aspen, provided a spark of inspiration for friends and motorcycle experts, Zack and Ari. The pair wanted to know: could you really ride that bike, that far? So they built an exact replica, and put it to the test. What results is a hilarious and aggressive adventure you have to hear to believe.
Watch Zack and Ari’s short film here.
Feel like you're underwater? You’re not alone. The past 18 months have felt like one tragic turn of events after another. The good news: this isn’t the first time this has happened. Commentator, professor, and author, Ed Stetzer, likens our current cultural moment with the turbulent years of the 1960s. His insights into understanding our past can help us chart a better, and more aggressive, course for tomorrow.
You’ve likely never heard Gregg Eichhorn’s name before, but he’s easily one of the most aggressive guests we’ve ever featured—from Guinness World Records in weightlifting, to adopting 9 kids with physical or developmental delays, to the way he works for his marriage and family. The key? Effort. Gregg’s story will push you.
Busy is the new normal, but it doesn’t have to be. You can take control of your time, instead of feeling like it has you by the leash. Entrepreneur and author, Jordan Raynor, researched how some of the most influential and successful people in history managed their time. He shares surprising insights and hacks to help you make the most of the time you’ve been given.
Man Camp 2021 was one for the books. 1,500 men from 32 states gathered to sit around campfires, do hard work, and push themselves to a new place. In this talk, delivered live under the big tent, Brian unpacked an unexpected attribute of God, one that fills a spiritual hole found specifically in men.
A flash sale for Man Camp 2022 is happening right now, with tickets at the guaranteed lowest price. Sale ends 10/24. Subscribe to stay in the know, and buy tickets, at mancamp.us.
Healthy kids come from healthy parents—at least, that’s what parenting expert and psychoanalyst Erica Komisar believes. In a challenging and insightful conversation, Erica explains the importance of emotionally available parents, dealing with your own anxiety, and why belief in God is paramount to the health of children.
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast is everywhere. Yes, I’ve listened to it, and like everyone else, I’ve got opinions. Today, I sit down with two former megachurch pastors, who’ve personally experienced the pain of fallen faith leaders, to hear their thoughts and wisdom around Mars Hill, Willow Creek, and recovering from church hurt.
Fitness and Business Expert, Vince Del Monte, wasn’t always that way. In college, he struggled to gain weight or muscle, his friends nicknaming him Skinny Vinny. But Vince didn’t lose his focus. He’s worked hard to move into comprehensive fitness in all areas of his life—physical, spiritual, relational, and emotional. He’s a natural coach who’s going to push you into a new place.
Jason Wilson is a man’s man. He’s a martial arts expert, a father-figure changing lives in metro Detroit, and an accomplished best-selling author. But the feat he’s most proud of: learning to cry. It allowed him to overcame the lynching of his grandfather, the murder of his brother and emotional abuse at the hands of his father. Jason is a comprehensive man, who will push you to be both a lion and a lamb.
Link to Jason’s website and his two books: Cry Like a Man and Battle Cry.
The path of least resistance just might be the very thing killing you. Author and adventurer, Michael Easter, took a deep dive into discomfort and discovered something extraordinary—it made his life better. After more than a month in the most rural parts of Alaska, he came home a different man: more focused, happier, and more fulfilled. He continues to pull on that string and his research into discomfort, and the power of the outdoors, is invigorating.
18 months into this deal, there’s more confusion, competing opinions, and clutter around COVID and the vaccines than ever before. So we brought back the nation’s foremost scientist, Dr. Francis Collins, to cut through the noise and give us straight answers to questions you asked via Instagram.
Let’s talk… about talking. Sounds a little ridiculous, but you spend a huge chunk of each day trying to communicate with the people around you. What if you could do it better? What if you could actually enjoy conversations, instead of running from them as quickly as possible? My friend Craig (known to me as Windex) has some things to teach us all about the aggressive art of conversation.
Matthew McConaughey is two things: rigorous and vigorous. Sure, he’s a Hollywood A-Lister, Creative Director for Wild Turkey Bourbon, and a Texas Longhorns super fan...but more than all that, he’s a man deeply invested in getting the most out of life. His aggressive livin’ is inspiring. It's time for us all to be catching more Greenlights.
The Aggressive Life just turned two years old. The past year has been a whirlwind—through COVID, an election cycle, and much more, you've stuck with us. We don't take that for granted. In this episode, Brian takes a moment to reflect back on his favorite moments from Year Two, and looks forward to another year of aggressive living.
What happens at Man Camp stays at Man Camp… except this time. Surrounded by thousands of men, Brian delivers a powerful teaching on playing the man, courage, and the x-factor of a life that works.
Following every Five Marks of a Man event, Brian opens the floor for a live and unfiltered Q&A session. Recorded in 2019, near the campus of the University of Cincinnati, these questions cover everything from parenting, to father wounds, to dating and beyond.
Age doesn’t separate boys from men—it’s something much deeper than that. Recorded in 2019, near the campus of the University of Cincinnati, Brian breaks down the five differences between boys and men. It's an aggressive talk that remains incredibly timely.
Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, in May 2021, Brian unpacks the powerful truth behind a life of impact—you have to want more.
You asked, we answered. Submitted by listeners via Instagram, this Q&A covers everything from summer drinks to road trip playlists; mental health to hard conversations; dating to deconstruction. Brian tackles it all with his trademark humor, wisdom, and ready-to-move aggression.
Authentic manhood gives life to everyone who intersects with it, male and female. At least, that’s the opinion of Morgan Snyder. The writer, speaker, and avid-outdoorsmen has dedicated his life to rediscovering and cultivating manhood—first in himself, and then in others around him. He’s a treasure trove of aggressive living. Buckle up, this is a good one.
At the age of 11, Anjali was tricked into leaving her remote village in the foothills of Nepal. For over two years, she was confined to a brothel and forced into the rape-for-profit industry in India. Today, we hear about her experiences, how she escaped, and the power of forgiving those who enslaved her. It’s an incredibly powerful story of hope and aggression you won’t soon forget.
Check out Anjali's memoir here and donate to help build her school here.
In the last few weeks, tensions between Israel and Palestine once more erupted into armed conflict. While a ceasefire has been signed, this topic remains as charged as ever. Calev Myers, a lawyer and civil rights activist, helps us unpack this oftentimes confusing conflict with level-headed clarity (and even reasons for hope).
You'll never take new ground while looking backwards. Likewise, God isn't as concerned about your past as He is about the new thing He's doing in and around you. Find that new thing and chase it forward. This is our final day of walking through the first week of content in my new devotional book, Move: A Guide To Get Up and Go Forward.
Abba isn't just the name of a Swedish band—it means something so much more. On Day 6 of our journey through the first week of content in Move: A Guide To Get Up and Go Forward, we examine what this words means and why it can change everything about your life.
A man's most powerful organ is between his ears, not his legs. What you think will determine your trajectory. That's not New Age mumbo-jumbo, it's Biblical truth. We dive into that on Day 5 of our weeklong journey through content featured in my new devotional book Move: A Guide To Get Up and Go Forward.
We're half-way there! It's day 4 of our week-long journey through content from my new book, Move: A Guide To Get Up and Go Forward. Today, we're talking about the blessing of manhood, and the responsibility it carries.
Almost everyone tends to fall into one side of this argument—either all about grace or all about truth—Jesus invites us into the middle. In Day 3 of our 7-day journey through content in my new book, Move: A Guide to Get Up and Go Forward, we're going to talk tattoos, paradoxes, and pushing our lives forward.
If Jesus asked you what you wanted, what would you say? We're diving into the story of a man who experienced that, and learning that Jesus just might be asking us the same thing. This is Day 2 of our 7-day journey through my new book Move: A Guide to Get Up and Go Forward.
My newest book, Move: A Guide to Get Up and Go Forward, hits stores nationwide today. It's a 70-day devotional guide full of aggressive teaching and prompts to get your butt off the couch. We're celebrating by working through the first week of content together. Today, we start with the story behind the book, my own family issues, and God's voice.
My newest book, Move: A Guide To Get Up and Go Forward, gets a nationwide release on May 18th. We’re celebrating with a week’s worth of podcast content straight from the book. Get all the details here… and preorder your copy now to have it in time for the big day!
As one of the greatest running backs to play in the NFL, Shaun Alexander brought speed and intensity to every game. He does the same thing in this conversation, seamlessly moving between effective time management, the deepest pain he’s ever felt, and the kinds of friends every person needs. Shaun’s dominance didn’t stop the day he hung up his cleats. He’s an utterly inspiring and aggressive man who will elevate your life.
With so much competing information on health, it's difficult to know where to begin. Amanda Tress cuts through the fat—literally. As founder and CEO of FASTer Way to Fat Loss, she's points people to a healthier future by getting back to the fundamentals. Her aggressive vision and drive has made her first in class, and will push you forward.
Allen Woods is a force of nature. As the co-founder and executive director of MORTAR, he’s helping historically marginalized people groups not only start small businesses, but grow them into thriving enterprises. In this no-holds barred conversation, he and Brian discuss race, the impact of COVID-19 on small business, why he’d want to meet Malcolm X, and how being the minority is like beekeeping.
MMA Champion and International Fighter of the Year, Aung La N Sang, knows a thing or two about packing a punch. Under the championship belts, though, he isn't a violent man. Rather, he's driven and focused on becoming the best he can be. It's the intentional choices, day-in and day-out, that will push your life forward.
The thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn a thing from history—today, we’re changing that. Historian John M. Barry, an expert on the 1918 Spanish Flu, joins us to talk pandemic lessons and what we can expect as COVID comes to a close. It’s an enlightening (and hopeful) conversation you don’t want to miss.
Jon Acuff is a funny man, but he’s also a go-getter. A New York Times Best-Selling author, his newest book, Soundtracks, delivers insights into overcoming overthinking. Hint: it’s all about your soundtracks. This conversation will make you laugh, but it will also give you tools to push your life forward—that’s aggressive.
New York Times Best-Selling Author, Mark Batterson, just released his twentieth title (20th?! Seriously?!). His new book, Win The Day, gives practical and actionable advice on the power daily habits play in our lives. Mark shares this wisdom, as well as the most aggressive way to kill a lion, in this fast-paced and actionable conversation.
Ryan Atkins had life by the horns until an accident completely changed everything. But he didn't give up. He didn't phone it in. He's an aggressive man, paving his own way, even when facing life as a quadriplegic. His story will inspire and push you to stop waiting for the perfect scenario and get moving.
Who's Adam Duvall? He's a record-holding, All-Star left fielder who's suited up for the Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, and now the Miami Marlins. But he's so much more than that. He's a humble warrior, fighting through an adult diagnosis of Type-1 Diabetes, and free agency, to stay in the game he loves.
Part two of Brian's enlightening conversation with Emma Schmidt, a sex and relationship therapist. The pair move through a second set of listener submitted questions, covering topics like emotional wounds, the effects of purity culture, and masturbation.
You asked... we found the expert. Brian tosses around listener submitted questions on sex and relationships with therapist Emma Schmidt. It's an unpredictable, entertaining, and utterly enlightening first half of a two-part conversation you can't miss.
Kurt Platte seemed to be thriving, but he was living with a dark secret: addiction. For 29 years, it dictated the day-to-day of his life, threatening to destroy everything he loved. Kurt’s walked the long road to recovery and now helps others do the same. He shares his unbelievable story, including personal insights for anyone whose life is touched by addiction.
It’s Super Bowl week, the most unifying holiday of the year. Brian sits down with his friend, former NFL pro turned award-winning analyst, Solomon Wilcots, for a discussion around the big game, confusion about the half-time show, and why Solomon can’t shoot coyotes.
Personality tests might be all the rage, but knowing more about yourself is only helpful if it produces tangible change in your life. Today, I talk with a good friend (and Enneagram nerd) Nick Spicher, for a full run-down of the most popular personality typing out there—and how to use it to push your life forward.
"You're the reason I'm the person I am today." Brian sits down for an emotional final conversation with his mentor and spiritual father, Denny Pattyn. With only weeks left to live, Denny offers funny, insightful, and touching wisdom, a fitting last chapter in a life well lived. Stick around for what happened after the official recording—the most emotional few minutes of The Aggressive Life to date.
Instead of allowing one event to define their lives, the aggressive make moves to take back control. Craig DeMartino was an accomplished climber when a ten-story fall completely changed his life. By a miracle he survived—and by aggression, he chose to amputate his leg so he could get back to climbing. It's a story you have to hear to believe.
There is a lot of confusion and fear about COVID-19. We take those questions straight to the top of the food chain, to Dr. Francis Collins, esteemed scientist and director of the National Institutes of Health.
I’m confident this will be the most important podcast you’ve listened to all year and maybe the most insightful as well. Listen and tell me I’m wrong and I’ll give you your money back.
Nothing says Christmas quite like a TV Special. This behind-the-scenes episode gives unfiltered access to multi-Grammy winning artists Lecrae and Amy Grant, originally recorded for the 2020 Crossroads Christmas Special. These uncut conversations give unparalleled access to these world class artists—including how they're approaching Christmas this year and why it matters.
Find out more about streaming the Crossroads Christmas Special at www.crossroads.net/christmas
Darren Mulligan appears to have it all—as the frontman for We Are Messengers he has radio hits, successful tours, and songs in movies. But he's not an overnight success. His story involves risk, hard choices, and leaving behind his beloved Ireland to chase an extraordinary life. He's an aggressive man with an aggressive perspective, ready to push you toward something better.
The most difficult year I can remember is going to end with winter, the most difficult season. We need to prepare—and that means wresting with mental health. Today, I'm joined by Angela Dugger, from the Ohio chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, for a practical discussion that has the power to change your winter.
2020 has been a bucking bronco, and we're all just trying to hold on. Thankfully, that's exactly Todd Pierce's area of expertise. A former champion bareback rodeo rider, Todd's gritty wisdom about manhood, perseverance, and holding on when the world is shaking, is just what we need to hear right now.
The holidays are coming—and for most Americans, that's not a comforting thought. It means stress. It means fights with loved ones. It means dealing with budgets and shopping. Dr. Shantel Thomas, President and CEO of A Sound Mind Counseling, helps point us to a better way. Don't just survive the holidays, aggressively choose to thrive.
You'll spend one-third of your life at work, yet too many of us are passive about what we do from 9-5. Today, we talk all things work with Scott Weiss, a career businessman who is the current chairman of OCEAN Programs, one of the nation's foremost faith-based business accelerators. His wisdom and experience are invaluable, no matter where you are in your career.
When was the last time you had fun? If you're like most of us, it's been way, way too long. But Judd Watkins is here for you. Friend of Brian, and guru of fun, Judd comes back to the podcast for a hilarious and insightful conversation about the importance of play in our lives, even as an adult.
Nobody wants to talk about it, but financial issues lead to more divorce, more anxiety, and more general stress than almost anything else in our lives. It's time to do something about that. Brian is joined by two guests, Ben Beshear, co-founder and principal of LiveWell capital, and John Brannon, a seasoned portfolio manager, for an aggressive (and honest) look at what it takes to get your money to work for you.
Cory Carlson was winning in the corporate world... but losing at home. With his relationships crumbling, he devoted himself to reprioritizing his life. His book, Win at Home First, was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the "7 Books Everyone On Your Team Should Read." He works hard, plays hard, and is going to push us to do the same.
Lecrae Moore was on top of the world—but behind the bright lights and success, his personal life was crumbling. Why? Unhealed trauma. We all have it, and we all have to deal with it if we're going to move forward. In this personal and revealing conversation, Lecrae charts a path forward we can all follow.
For his 50th full-length episode, Brian goes solo. He takes the mic, casting vision for why healthy aggression matters, how it can change your life, and why it's needed now more than ever. It's a recalibrating shot in the arm, pushing us all forward.
We've listened to the right, now the left gets a turn. At the age of 26, Joshua DuBois found himself in an unbelievable position: one of the youngest appointed heads of a White House office and President Obama's informal faith advisor. Working closely with the former president gave him a perspective few people have. He's an aggressive man with an inspiring story that will both challenge and encourage you. This the final episode of a 3-part miniseries taking an aggressive look at politics.
In a world of sound bite arguments, the most aggressive move is to listen, even if you expect to disagree. You might think you know former GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee... but there's more to this man than his politics. There's the Huckabee who accidentally became a pastor; the Huckabee who racially integrated his church; the Huckabee who befriends figures on the left. No matter your political persuasion, there's something in this conversation that will surprise, and maybe even delight you. This is part 2 of a 3-part miniseries taking an aggressive look at politics.
Does it seem like our political divide is worse than ever? Andrew Hanauer has devoted his life to studying polarization (what happens when societies rip themselves apart) and has incredibly practical insights into how our nation can move toward unity. Hint: it's going to take aggressive moves from each of us. This is part 1 of a 3-part miniseries taking an aggressive look at politics.
Dondre Whitfield is a man on fire—and he puts on a clinic in this conversation. He recounts his early days on The Cosby Show, reflects on the grief he still feels from losing his father figure, and connects the dots on how it's all inspired him to grow into a man. His newest book, Male vs Man, is a call to arms. He's an utterly inspiring man who isn't afraid to step into controversial territory in this not-to-be-missed episode.
It took a devastating loss for Jim Hensel to realize he didn't know who he was or what he stood for. But he didn't give up. He did the hard work of aggressively finding answers, and charted a path for others to follow. He's an influential leader who's worked with champions like Rich Froning (CrossFit) and Michael Chandler (MMA). His insights into the power of mindset are staggering, motivating, and practical.
48 days—that's how long Michelle Wohlberg survived, alone, in the sub-arctic, with only ten items to her name. She's a fierce competitor recently featured on The History Channel's survival show, Alone. Her grit and wisdom are on full display, from practical tips to surviving in the wild, to dealing with loss and hurt. She's as inspiring as she is tough.
It's back to school, with the teacher everyone wishes they'd had. An educator in Memphis, David Jamison gained national attention for his unorthodox methods. He's using his national platform to shake up the way we think about education as a champion for students and men (especially men of color) in the classroom. A recent survivor of COVID-19, his insights into anxiety, fatherlessness, and education are stunning. He's an utterly inspiring man, actively changing the next generation.
Rob Kenney grew up without a father, but he vowed to be different. After successfully raising his own kids, the world came calling. He's the driving force behind the insanely popular YouTube channel Dad, How Do I? , where he offers practical advice, wisdom, and dad jokes. He's a humble man whose become a father to millions worldwide.
Doug Pederson has been an underdog his entire career—and thrived on it. He's a member of an elite class of NFL royalty, having won a Super Bowl as both a player and a coach. Doug's infectious wisdom is on full display, sharing insights into success, leadership, and how COVID is rewriting the game he loves.
The Aggressive Life turns one year-old tomorrow. In those 365 days, we've released over fifty episodes meant to give you fresh inspiration and encouragement to live life on your toes, to get in the game, to grab life by the throat and get after it. Brian reflects on the first year, and relives some of his favorite interview moments, including conversations with Kathie Lee Gifford, Michael Chandler, and more.
Wendy Lea has expertise that only experience can give. She's worked with some of the largest corporations on earth and invested heavily into entrepreneurs and start-ups. And she's not slowing down. Newly appointed as the CEO of Energize Colorado, she's using her skills to plot a path forward for business in the time of COVID-19. But her most aggressive move? Admitting to loneliness. Her business savvy and humanity are refreshing.
Adventure. Risk. Pushing yourself. Clay Croft embodies all of these attributes, but the road wasn't easy. He was broke and at the end of his rope when he started Expedition Overland. It's since grown into the world's premier overlanding docuseries. In this engaging conversation, Clay shares the wisdom he's gathered along the way.
John Eldredge is a wild man. The avid adventurer and outdoorsman spends his days as an author and counselor, focused on helping men discover the path to authentic manhood. His best seller, Wild at Heart, continues to make waves. In conversation with Brian, the pair discuss John's impact, the importance of fathers, and why gender matters.
When Lenore Skenazy's 9 year-old son asked for more freedom, she gave it to him... and in the process, was labeled "America's Worst Mom." Her insights into the importance of risk, freedom, and safety are timely reminders, not only for parents, but everyone looking to live an aggressive life.
Rob Richardson isn't afraid to ask the hard questions. As a podcast host, a radio personality, and local civic leader, Rob's made a career of pushing past the status quo. His no-nonsense candor is evenly matched, as he and Brian take on race, faith, policing, and the current state of America.
Dallas Jenkins was an up-and-coming director, until his first major Hollywood film flopped at the box office. In just two hours, ten years worth of projects and offers were taken off the table. But Dallas kept pressing forward. He is now the producer, director, and a writer for The Chosen, a multi-season TV show on the life of Jesus (and the largest crowdfunded media project of all time). His aggressive takes on failure, film, and faith will invigorate you.
Jody Dreyer started with Disney as a college intern, but didn't stop there. In her thirty year career with the company, she held 22 different jobs, working her way up to the C-Suite and reporting directly to then-CEO Michael Eisner. Her infectious personality and deep insights into creativity, business, and the secret to Disney's success, are worth their weight in gold.
For nearly twenty years, the Buffalo Bills didn't make the playoffs. At the time, it was the longest active playoff drought in North American sports. But Eric Wood, the Bill's Pro Bowl Center, had his sights set on seeing that drought come to an end. Stories from his nine seasons in the NFL, working back from multiple debilitating injuries, and the power of being a late-bloomer dominate this honest and motivating conversation.
He became a household name with Survivor, practically creating an entire genre of television. He followed that up with hits like Shark Tank, The Bible, and a new Netflix mini-series, Messiah. But there's more to Mark Burnett than just good television. From household servant in Beverly Hills to Chairman of MGM Television Group, he's an inspiring man propelled forward by aggressive moves.
Medical professionals are the true heroes of the coronavirus pandemic. Brian is joined by Dr. Kevin Joseph, a former ER doctor and current Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of TriHealth, for a no-holds barred conversation around what it's like to practice medicine during a pandemic, the path to a vaccine, and the secret to staying healthy.
Our fight against coronavirus is a war with multiple fronts. The first in a series of three conversations with people engaging this crisis head on, Brian is joined by Cincinnati City Councilman, P.G. Sittenfeld. The pair have an honest and enlightening conversation around stay-at-home-orders, the economic ramifications of crisis, and a timeline for getting back to normal.
What if history remembered the COVID-19 crisis as a time of healing? Andrew Hanauer believes, with a little intentionality on our parts, that just might be the case. The President and CEO of One America Movement joins Brian for a hope-filled and practical conversation on how we can use this crisis to bridge division in our nation and neighborhoods.
COVID-19 has closed gyms and forced millions of people into month long quarantines. But now is not the time to just park it on the couch. You still need to sweat. You still need to build muscle. You still need to work out. Your physical health depends on it, but so does your mental, emotional and even spiritual strength. Brian sits down with a highly sought-after personal trainer for a conversation around how you can stay fit while under quarantine.
We've all been working a bit too hard. Aggression? It's for the birds. A life of meaning and transcendence is coming your way—be patient; hit the easy button; let go and let God. This is The Passive Life.
With states across the nation implementing stay-at-home orders to combat the spread of the coronavirus, it's likely you find yourself with extra time to spend with your spouse. With advice from Emma Schmidt, head of Cincinnati's only group therapy practice for sex and relationships, you just might spend that time wisely.
In the mid 90's, Korn took the world by storm. But superstardom came with a heavy price. Battling addiction and struggling as a single father, guitarist Brian Head Welch began taking steps toward faith, steps which eventually led him away from the band and a $25 million recording contract. And that's just the beginning of the story. This interview with rock and roll royalty is a must-hear. Are you ready?!
The coronavirus crisis is dominating our national conversation, but you don't have to face it alone. In this special bonus episode, Brian answers listener submitted questions about panic, fear, isolation... and the best way to cook Brussels sprouts.
Despite being a half-century out from the civil rights movement, a recent study found that 58% of all adults in America believe race relations are "generally bad." Pastor and leader, Chuck Mingo, isn't taking those numbers in stride. Through an initiative he created, Chuck is aggressively getting people out of their racial silos and into life-changing relationships.
Starting as a hostess in high school, Britney Ruby Miller worked her way up the ladder into the corner office. As President of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, she leads over 700 employees, at seven restaurants, spread across three states. She's a driven leader who's passionate about foster care, blowing customers away, and blazing new trails into the future... and she schools Brian on why it's so hard to get french fries right.
Seventeen years ago, Simon and Lisa Thomas set off on a motorcycle ride... and they never came back. Having ridden around the world, setting tires down on six continents, they've experienced a life most people only dream about. This couple, considered the world's foremost adventure motorcycle riders, will push you to get off the couch and start living a life you're excited about.
Despite an impressive record and three Bellator World Championship titles, Michael Chandler knows what it feels like to lose. Once going 688 days without an MMA victory, he made the aggressive choice to keep pressing forward. This time in his career forged him. The wisdom and lessons he learned will prepare you for the most important fight you're in: your life.
Everything changed the moment Michael Jr. stopped trying to get laughs from his audience. Equal parts hilarious and insightful, Brian meets his match with this widely successful stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor.
For over 25 years, Kathie Lee Gifford was part of America's morning routine, earning 11 Daytime Emmy nominations for her work on Live!and Today. She sits down with Brian for a personal look into her career and life, tackling topics like aging, infidelity, and forgiveness, with her trademark grace and charm.
Two summers ago, Brian led a group of 10 inexperienced riders on a grueling off-road motorcycle adventure. Four of those riders—Zach, John, Patty and Chuck—get together with Brian for the first time since their return. The group talks candidly about the challenge of adventure riding, following Brian as a leader, and how this trip still impacts their lives today. Phantom Lake, a 7-part series documenting this adventure ride, is available now on Amazon Prime.
Mike Fisher is a force of nature. The former captain of the Nashville Predators, avid hunter, and half of a high-profile marriage, gives a rare glimpse into his aggressive life.
From an Alaskan bear hunting guide to the founder of a wildly successful startup, Peter Goodwin's life has been defined by the aggressive moves he's made. Brian sits down with him after a tour of the Groove Life facility for a conversation you'll have to hear to believe.
If you're looking to start something new in 2020—from a business to a goal—start here. Brian answers listener submitted questions about starting new ventures in the new year.
Mo' money doesn't always have to mean mo' problems. Brian answers listener submitted questions about all things cash—from saving to spending and beyond. Get your money right in 2020.
Everyone wants better relationships—be it with family, friends, or romantic interests. Brian answers listener submitted questions about all that, and more, to help your relationships get to a new level in 2020.
Health goals are, by far, the most popular New Year's resolutions. Kickstart your way to a healthier life in 2020 with Brian's answers to listener submitted questions about exercise, eating, and wellness.
Brian invites back fan favorite, Judd Watkins. This time, the pair dive into a conversation around aggression, masculine spirituality, and why Brian will never take the enneagram.
Healthy aggression pays off at work, but what about at home? Brian sits down for a conversation with his oldest daughter about the pros and cons of being an aggressive parent.
History has lessons to teach, but are we listening? Brian sits down with author and biographer, Stephen Mansfield, to take a deeper dive into some of the great lives of history, unearthing what can be learned about aggression from men like Arthur Guinness, Winston Churchill, and Booker T. Washington.
In 2014, Tyler Jack Harris was broke and alone. A failed business and marriage left him feeling like a victim. But the day he chose to take ownership of his life, it began to change. Brian sits down with the entrepreneur, motivator, and member of Forbes Business Development Council to hear his inspiring story of aggression.
Everyone likes the idea of being generous... but very few people actually practice it. And then there's Robert Morris. The pastor and author is an obvious exception to that rule. Brian flew out to Dallas to hear Robert's incredible stories and to find the connection between aggression and generosity.
Recorded live before a student audience at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Brian sits down for an engaging and encouraging conversation with renowned author and storyteller Bob Goff. Bob tells stories from his legendary life, and gives practical advice for putting love into action.
Instead of avoiding pain at all costs, what if we expected it and let it inform our decision making? Brian sits down with the Program Director for Pediatric Sports Medicine at Dayton Children's Hospital (Dayton, Ohio) for a discussion on pain, concussions, and why youth sports are worth the risk.
Rocky Boiman decided as a child he wanted to play football at Notre Dame. He not only achieved that goal, but went on to a storybook NFL career, including a Super Bowl Championship with the Indianapolis Colts. In conversation with Brian, Rocky reflects on the power of aggression, learning hard work from his father, and what keeps him motivated after leaving the NFL behind.
Aggression prompted Kirk Perry to be the first person from his family to attend college—and its carried him on an incredible journey from Cincinnati to Korea to Silicon Valley. Brian sits down with his close friend for an inspiring conversation about making your life count... and what its really like to work for one of the most successful businesses on the planet: Google.
Entrepreneur Liz Bohannon's life has been defined by aggressive decisions—from starting Sseko Designs to benefit women in Uganda, to fighting against gender stereotypes in business. She joins Brian to share her wisdom and experience.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz is widely considered one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history. Brian joins Anthony for a conversation on how competitive aggression has served him well—in football, marriage, business and beyond.
There's nothing aggressive about staying in "holy huddles" of people who already think like you do. Brian invites his friend, Chris Seelbach, Cincinnati's first openly gay elected city council member, to talk about their aggressive move to pursue friendship, and to demonstrate what it looks like to disagree well.
Being aggressive means finding worth in people and places other people want to ignore. Brian sits down with Beth Guckenberger, author and co-director of Back2Back Ministries, to hear about her aggressive choice to see value in orphaned and vulnerable children—both abroad and at home.
Aggression isn't only for the young. Brian is joined by 71 year-old radio legend, Bill Cunningham, for an unfiltered discussion around work, marriage, and learning to make decisions for the long-haul.
Many kids grow up dreaming of becoming the star player for their hometown team. For most of us, it stops there. But for Nick Hagglund, MLS star defender for FC Cincinnati, that dream has become reality. But it didn't happen overnight. And it didn't happen passively.
Who is the most powerful woman in banking? Teresa Tanner, that's who. Hear her story, from working the counter at McDonalds to the C-suite of a Fortune 500 company. How did she do it? Aggressive moves.
His name is attached to some of the finest dining in Cincinnati and beyond. But behind the food is the story of man who's devoted his life to making aggressive decisions—running away from home as a teenager, going "all-in" on his start-ups , and a head-to-head confrontation with an unpopular (but famous) guest. Brian welcomes restauranteur and Cincinnati icon, Jeff Ruby, to The Aggressive Life.
Running from your past won't erase it. The aggressive move is to confront it, no matter how painful. Brian welcomes his friend, Judd Watkins, for an honest conversation about pain, healing, and moving forward.
In a world that seems to be tearing itself apart, talking race is an aggressive move. Host Brian Tome does just that (and much more) with his friend, former NFL player and Emmy Award winning football analyst, Solomon Wilcots.
Following your passion isn't as pretty as the movies make it look—it's dangerous, risky, and means choosing to suffer. Brian sits down with author Todd Henry to talk leaving your day job, pursuing passions, and stopping crime in New York City.
Passivity is killing us. The only answer? Learning to live aggressively. Host Brian Tome gives an overview of the problem, answer, and an introduction to his new podcast.