The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome

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: 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? Which mark do you feel strongest in? Encourage each other: which mark do you see on display in the other person? Which mark do you feel weakest in? What can you do about that this week? 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? What’s the most surprising thing you heard? 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.