The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome

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.