The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome

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 StudyThe 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.