The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome

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.

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.