The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. Read Dick's 15 Truths & Practices, compiled for his 80th birthday, here.

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.