The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome

Dr. Brad Wilcox’s angle is simple—marriage is a good thing for couples, children, communities, and the world. As the Director of the National Marriage Project, he leads a group of committed sociologists studying national marriage trends in America. What he’s seeing is alarming. Marriage rates are on a decline, age at first marriage is on the rise, and many people are writing off the institution as outdated and unnecessary. Dr. Wilcox is using all his energy to push back on that narrative, encouraging men and women to pursue marriage because, in his own words, “nothing predicts overall happiness as much as a good marriage.” Whether you are married or not, there’s something in here to push your relational life forward. 

Journalist and Author, Rhaina Cohen, emphasizes the importance of friendships in ancient cultures and how kids can teach us about making friends. The discussion also touches on why men are at a disadvantage in forming friendships and why proximity to friends matters for a fulfilling life.

If you look close enough, you’ll find aggressiveness even among nature. Case in point: beavers. USDA Beaver Trapper, Pete Rogers, has spent his life wrangling the hardest working mammal on earth. The lessons he’s learned go well beyond just his 9-5. Pete is a popular podcastor, author, and outdoorsman. In this aggressive discussion, he shares lessons he’s gleaned from a life spent outdoors. 

Jimmy Darts, The Nicest Guy On The Internet, shares his journey from pranks to blessing people in need. Heartwarming stories of generosity and kindness spreading positivity on social media. Embracing faith, purpose, and making a difference one act of kindness at a time.

Hearing the story of the crucifixion, and walking through it with a biologist, are two different things. Dr. Cahleen Shrier, a professor at Azusa Pacific University and an expert on the neurobiology of stress and anxiety, walks Brian, step-by-step, through the events of Good Friday. From Jesus’ arrest in the garden, until his death on the cross, she explains what was likely happening inside his body, the pain he felt, and the endurance he showed. It is a painful, and sobering, conversation that will help you take a new look at these ancient events. 

Monotony isn’t leading you anywhere. In marriage, you need excitement, variety, and fun to be at your best. There’s where Couples Camp comes in. It’s 48-hours of adventure together, and it just might be the most fun you’ve had in a long time. Brian answers listener submitted questions about Couples Camp, then shares a live talk from last year.   Claim your spot for this year’s Couples Camp, April 26-28, at couplescamp.us. Registration closes on Sunday, March 24. 

You aren’t supposed to become friends with the people who hate you—but that’s exactly what Daryl Davis did. After a chance encounter with a KKK member in a Maryland bar, Daryl struck up a friendship that changed both of their lives. The KKK member renounced the group, and Daryl got access to do the thing he wanted: become the first African-American to write a book on the KKK based on first-person interviews. Through the years, as the men Daryl has met and befriended have left the Klan behind, he’s collected a closet full of their robes, flags, and memorabilia. Davis’ is personally responsible for some 50 men leaving the Klan behind, and indirectly responsible for some 200 more. How? His secret weapon is friendship. He is an incredibly aggressive man with a story you have to hear to believe. 

What is your superpower? More importantly, do you know how to use it? Life levels up when you learn to leverage your strengths—you’ll play better offense and you’ll stop spinning your wheels on improving weaknesses that don’t matter. In this training, Brian unpacks the Biblical idea of anointing, how it influences the people around you, and the end goal it always drives to. 

The seats get switched for an unexpected and insightful conversation that finds BT as the guest on his own podcast. Interviewed by his friend and colleague, Kyle Ranson, Brian covers topics like the yin and yang of Jesus, shutting out the old man to keep taking risks, and why the moon landing makes him emotional. It’s an aggressive hour that will keep you guessing and get you moving.

Cincinnati’s own, Graeter’s Ice Cream, just might have the best scoop on the planet. It’s made with fresh ingredients the old-fashioned way—they still make ice cream two gallons at a time and hand pack each pint. While all that is central to Graeter’s success, it's their commitment to hospitality and customer-service that sets them apart from the field. Chief of Retail Operations, Chip Graeter, shares the family secrets, and his favorite scoops, in an Aggressive Life interview unlike any other.