More Than Muscle: The Five Types of Protectors - Live in Rock Valley, Iowa
Men are protectors—but that means more than just using our muscles. True protectors operate on five different fronts: physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and financial. Recorded live in Rock Valley, Iowa, this first-ever deep-dive into what it means for men to protectors finds Brian unpacking the five types, sharing lessons learned from wild elephants, and telling an unbelievable stor...
49m Jul 11, 2023
49m
Avoiding Burnout to Become a 4 Season Leader - Live in Cincinnati
It’s July, and summer is in full swing. Are you using it wisely? In this teaching, originally given to staff at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Brian unpacks the importance of avoiding burnout to become a 4 season leader. Beginning with a look at the later half of King David’s life (from the Bible), and then finishing with a Q&A, we see the power unmitigated burnout has to tank our aggressive ...
41m Jul 04, 2023
41m
Summer’s Coming Attractions & The Adventure Playlist
Summer is here… it’s time for the pool, cold beer, and outdoor adventures. And it’s time to switch things up on The Aggressive Life. Brian explains his summer plans, what’s coming down the pike on the podcast, and points to a new Adventure Playlist on Spotify that’s perfect for your next summer road trip. Link to the Spotify Adventure Playlist here (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2m1bgkxMuj...
9m Jun 27, 2023
9m
Losing Keller, No Man’s Land, 4 Phases of Parenting, and More—Listener Q&A
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 t...
1hr 9m Jun 20, 2023
1hr 9m
Getting Off the X with Michele Rigby Assad—CIA Operative and Spy
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 produce...
57m Jun 13, 2023
57m
200th Episode Recalibration & Your Stories
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....
31m Jun 06, 2023
31m
Staring Down a Serial Killer to Crack a Cold Case with Melissa Powers—Chief Prosecutor, Judge
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, ...
50m May 30, 2023
50m
Framing Up Fatherhood with Roland Warren—Care Net, National Fatherhood Initiative
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 ...
1hr 23m May 23, 2023
1hr 23m
Live Better By Getting Outside with Ginny Yurich—1000 Hours Outside Movement
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 d...
1hr 2m May 16, 2023
1hr 2m
Flourishing By Giving Hope Away with Hal Donaldson—Convoy of Hope, CEO & Co-Founder
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...
50m May 09, 2023
50m
Developing a Deep Curiosity (and a Sense of Humor) with Rajiv Satyal—Stand-Up Comedian
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...
1hr 13m May 02, 2023
1hr 13m
Praying Live on ESPN with Dan Orlovsky—NFL Analyst
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 ...
51m Apr 25, 2023
51m
Standing up to the Devil with Fr. Vincent Lampert—Exorcist
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 s...
1hr 10m Apr 18, 2023
1hr 10m
From Prison to a Master Plan with Chris Wilson—Entrepreneur, Artist, Storyteller
Chris Wilson went to prison as a boy, but he emerged a man. While serving a life sentence for murder, he found a vision for his life—what he calls his “master plan”—and chased it with all he had. After 16 years behind bars, Chris was given a second lease on life and he’s never looked back. A serial entrepreneur, an artist, and a storyteller dedicated to helping others find their master plan, Ch...
51m Apr 11, 2023
51m
Fast Cars and the Slow Road to Recovery with Al Unser Jr.—Hall of Fame Racer
He’s got a legendary name, and the trophies to back it up. Known as Mr. Two-Time, Al Unser Jr. has two Indy 500 wins, two Indycar championships and two IROC championships to his name. Even as his success was growing, under the surface, things were going off the rails. With addiction threatening to take everything from him, Al chose the long road to recovery. He’s a racing legend with an aggress...
53m Apr 04, 2023
53m
Does Faith Have a Place at Work? with Kirk Perry (from the Learnings from Leaders: P&G Alumni podcast)
Kirk Perry is a big deal. Currently the President and CEO of Circana, a big data firm, and with significant stints at Google and P&G, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the business world. He’s also a man of faith, who doesn’t leave that behind when he arrives at the office. Kirk was recently featured on Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast to talk about how he balances faith at work...
58m Mar 28, 2023
58m
The Secret to Becoming a Better Communicator with Jeff Bloomfield—CEO of BrainTrust, Communications Expert
How much of daily life depends on communication? Pretty much all of it. With grounding in neuroscience and storytelling, communications expert Jeff Bloomfield unlocks the secret to becoming a better communicator—from the office, to home, to friends and beyond. Highly effective and actionable, this hour just might change your next conversation for the better (and the one after that, and the one ...
55m Mar 21, 2023
55m
A Life of Service with Croz—USMC Vet, Founder of Vet Camp
Michael Crossley is a real American hero. For 8 years, Croz served in the Marine Corps, doing just about every badass thing you can think of—amphibious reconnaissance, jumping out of planes, and serving in the first Gulf War. Landing back in the states in 2011, and facing PTSD and other hardships post-military, he committed himself to a new mission. As the Director of Base Camp, and the founder...
41m Mar 14, 2023
41m
Selling Everything to Travel the World (with Kids) with Bradey and Heather Jobson—Raising Voyagers, YouTubers
A lot of people have dreams of traveling the world—Bradey and Heather actually made them reality. Quitting their jobs, and selling everything they owned, the Jobsons hit the road with their two young daughters. They’ve visited 40+ countries and had once in a lifetime experiences: from sleeping in treehouses in Costa Rica to exploring rural Turkey. Documenting their adventures on Youtube under t...
1hr 4m Mar 07, 2023
1hr 4m
You Know I Hate Mayonnaise with Jeff Foxworthy—Comedy Legend
From the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, to Grammy nominations, and 5 different TV projects, including “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader,” Jeff Foxworthy has been a busy man. But behind the laughs are aggressive moves that have powered his career and life. From leaving behind a corporate gig at IBM, to intentionally choosing to poke fun at himself and his family, Jeff is proof that good guys can fini...
1hr Feb 28, 2023
1hr
The Confidence to Call Your Shot with Evan McPherson—Placekicker, Cincinnati Bengals
“Looks like we’re going to the AFC Championship game, boys.” Those are the words Evan McPherson said to his teammates, BEFORE heading out onto the field for a 52 yard game winning field goal. That kick sent the Bengals to their first AFC championship game in 30 years, but it was aggressive moves well before that moment that set the trajectory for McPherson’s life and career. “Money Mac” McPhers...
51m Feb 21, 2023
51m
Love and Relationship Q&A with Libby and Brian
Libby Tome, Brian’s wife of 34 years, makes her Aggressive Life debut to help answer YOUR questions about dating, engagement, marriage, and beyond. Get practical wisdom on keeping your marriage fresh when kids arrive, resolving conflict, what it takes to lead… and learn how Brian’s appearance in a hair show helped bring this couple together.
47m Feb 14, 2023
47m
6 Steps to Survive Crisis
Life will NOT always be up and to the right. Whether it’s a midlife crisis, or something else, you should expect to have times of difficulty. How do you react when life gets hard? In this short teaching, Brian shares his own struggles, and the six steps he’s taken to not only survive crisis, but come out better on the other side.
28m Feb 07, 2023
28m
Adventure Off the Beaten Path with Brad Kowitz—TrailRecon, Youtuber
TrailRecon is one of YouTube’s most popular channels for off-roading and outdoor adventures. With nearly 100 million views, it’s become a go-to place for gear recommendations, custom builds, and adventure videos. Started in 2015, after a weekend of overlanding with his teenage son, TrailRecon has morphed from Brad’s passion project into his full time business. From a career in the Navy, to YouT...
55m Jan 31, 2023
55m
You Can’t Escape Trouble, But You Can Stay Standing with Alli Patterson—Teacher, Author
Trouble might be an inescapable part of life, but it's your reaction to it that will determine your final destination. With insight from her own struggle to stay standing after an affair, author and teacher, Alli Patterson, shares the lessons she learned about resiliency, forgiveness, and courage. Her new book, How to Stay Standing, is a primer for everyone looking to stay standing through the ...
1hr 4m Jan 24, 2023
1hr 4m
Forging a Sword with David DelaGardelle—Master Bladesmith
The Aggressive LIfe hits the road to spend time at Cedarlore Forge with master bladesmith, David DelaGardelle. David handcrafts historical and fantasy blades for private collectors, museums, and even Marvel movies. Putting himself in line with the generations of men who have crafted swords, David’s insights into metallurgy, and life, are as stunning as his handiwork. After a brief conversation,...
42m Jan 17, 2023
42m
Steward Your Life To Win with Don Cousins—NFL Dad & Brian’s Mentor
You likely don't know his name, but Don Cousins is the man behind so many others. As a founding pastor of one of the nation's most influential churches, Willow Creek, he changed countless lives. As a mentor to Brian, his practical insights continue to ripple outward. And as a dad to NFL superstar Kirk Cousins, Don's lessons and encouragement are pushing the Minnesota Vikings into the postseason...
1hr 15m Jan 10, 2023
1hr 15m
Bonus: Thoughts AND Prayers for Damar Hamlin with Solomon Wilcots—NFL Analyst
Just days ago, the world watched in horror as Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest live on Monday Night Football. Brian processes that event and its aftermath alongside his friend, award-winning football analyst and former Cincinnati Bengal, Solomon Wilcots. The pair finish by praying for Damar to experience supernatural healing and breakthrough.
49m Jan 05, 2023
49m
Your Future is Secure - Live in Cincinnati
How would you live the next year differently if you knew your future wasn’t in jeopardy? As 2023 begins, that’s the truth Brian shares in this live talk, recorded before a group of 18-24 year olds in Cincinnati. When you know your future is secure, you’ll be more comfortable taking aggressive risks that will pay off in the end. 2023 has started, your future is secure, it's time to get moving.
29m Jan 03, 2023
29m
Racing Against Time to Save My Daughter's Life—Nick’s Story
Sitting at breakfast with a group of friends, Brian realized the story he was hearing was something aggressive and inspiring. So he pulled out his iPhone, opened a voice memo, and hit record. When Nick and his family left for vacation, they had no idea it would turn into a harrowing race against time to save his daughter's life. But aggressive decision-making in the moment, and in the years lea...
51m Dec 27, 2022
51m
Christmas Special: Why We Love Die Hard with Kim Taylor-Foster—Fandom, Screen Junkies, Author
Of course, Die Hard is a Christmas movie! Alongside guest Kim Taylor-Foster, Entertainment Editor at Fandom, Brian unpacks why the 1988 action film is such a landmark of American cinema, and why we circle back around to it every holiday season. With behind-the-scenes trivia and commentary, this is a fascinating deep dive into the world of John McClane’s Christmas-party-gone-awry. Yippee-ki-yay,...
48m Dec 20, 2022
48m
Flying Maverick’s Missions with Frank “Walleye” Weisser—Top Gun Pilot
Tom Cruise might have gotten all the accolades for the new blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, but it was Frank “Walleye” Weisser that actually flew the missions. The former Navy and Blue Angel pilot flew the canyon run from the movie, as well as a score of other missions, in real life and in real time—no CGI here. He reflects on his time in the service, taking Tom Cruise on harrowing runs, and what...
51m Dec 13, 2022
51m
A Cowboy Perspective on Life, Work and Yellowstone with Anthony Lucia—Pro Rodeo Cowboy & Announcer
Anthony Lucia is cowboy through-and-through. The son of a Rodeo Hall of Fame Entertainer, Anthony grew up on the rodeo circuit, and he’s made it his home. Now a professional trick roper and rodeo announcer, Anthony puts on a clinic about hard work, growing up in your father’s shadow, and what’s accurate (or not so) about TV smash hit Yellowstone.
1hr Dec 06, 2022
1hr
The Power of Daily Work with Caty McNally—Tennis Pro
Caty McNally is on the fast-track. Only 21 years-old, Caty has already won six WTA doubles titles, reached the finals of the US Open twice, and been ranked as high as 11th in the world in doubles tennis. Just last month, she won her first WTA singles title and cracked into the top 100 singles players for the first time. In this fun conversation, she discusses the hard work that’s powered her me...
1hr 2m Nov 29, 2022
1hr 2m
Brian’s Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. While we look forward to a big plate of food and good company, there’s much more to this holiday than turkey. In this special holiday episode, Brian shares two meaningful Thanksgiving traditions his family has been practicing to help them shift the focus back to gratitude. Choose one and try it on for size around your table this Thanksgiving. Full-length...
20m Nov 22, 2022
20m
What Happens When We Die Q&A (Part 2) with John Burke—Author, Researcher
Near-death experience researcher and author, John Burke, returns to answer your questions on the afterlife: will my pets be in heaven? Will I know my friends and family? What will we do for all of eternity? With trademark clarity, John answers all these questions and more. What you learn will throw fuel on the fire of your aggressive life.
1hr 6m Nov 15, 2022
1hr 6m
What Happens When We Die (Part 1) with John Burke—Author, Researcher
After reading some of the first research into near-death experiences, John Burke wanted to know more—a lot more. After personally interviewing and researching over 1,500 near-death experiences, John compiled his learnings into the New York Times Best-Selling book Imagine Heaven. John aggressively brings clarity and understanding to one of life’s biggest questions: what happens when you die? Wha...
56m Nov 08, 2022
56m
Luther’s Aggressive Life and Reformation with Stu Boehmig—Tour Guide, Historian
On October 31st, 1517, a monk walked up to a church and nailed something to the door. The world would never be the same. That man was Martin Luther, and his 95 Theses kicked off what would later come to be known as the Reformation. After visiting Germany last month, and seeing many of the historical Luther sites, Brian invites his tour guide, Stu Boehmig, to give a crash course on one of the mo...
59m Oct 31, 2022
59m
Stories from MAN CAMP 2022
At MAN CAMP 2022, an old outhouse was outfitted with a military field telephone. Campers who stepped inside were prompted to pick it up and tell their MAN CAMP story. While the prompt was simple, the tales we received were moving, relatable, and profound. These remarkable stories stand as a testimony to the power of God, community, and what happens at MAN CAMP. Listen in and be encouraged. Pre...
28m Oct 25, 2022
28m
Re-Entry After MAN CAMP—Encouragement and Coaching from Brian
In this 15-minute bonus episode, Brian talks straight to the guys heading home from MAN CAMP, offering practical coaching on getting back into the “real world” after the weekend. With valuable insights into the experience, this episode provides great context for spouses, family members and friends looking to encourage returning MAN CAMPERS. Presale for next year’s MAN CAMP is open for one week...
10m Oct 23, 2022
10m
Turning a Curse into a Gift with Rob Paylor—Recovering Quadriplegic
In a split second, Rob Paylor’s life changed forever. Playing in the biggest rugby match of his life, with a national championship on the line, an illegal headlock ended with Rob paralyzed on the field. Approaching nearly 2,000 days since his injury, Rob has never given up on his dream to walk again—and along the way, he’s learned forgiveness, motivated thousands of people to overcome their adv...
1hr 2m Oct 18, 2022
1hr 2m
On The Shoulders of Giants with Brian Wells—Film Producer, Author, Friend
Sir Isaac Newton once remarked that he’d only been able to see further than others because he’d “stood on the shoulders of giants.” For Brian, one of those giants is his friend, Brian Wells. Get to know Beem, as Brian calls him, and trace his aggressive story from selling his dead grandfather's belongings as a child, to building a church from the ground up, to producing TV films for NBC, ABC, C...
49m Oct 11, 2022
49m
Life After 1000 Porn Films with Joshua Broome—Fmr. Male Adult Entertainer of the Year
After six years in the porn industry, Joshua Broome seemed to have made it. He was a multi-millionaire and named the male adult film star of the year. But on the inside, everything was crumbling. He was depressed, separated from his loved ones, and contemplating suicide—until a chance encounter with a bank teller turned his life around. With remarkable honesty and candor, Joshua shares the dark...
1hr 6m Oct 04, 2022
1hr 6m
Unfogging Male Friendship with Max Dickins—Comedian, Author, Friend
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 cha...
1hr 1m Sep 27, 2022
1hr 1m
Writing Your Comeback Story with Perry Noble—Second-Chancer
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...
59m Sep 20, 2022
59m
Capturing Masculinity with Pete Muller—Nat Geo Storytelling Fellow, Conflict Photographer
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 an...
57m Sep 13, 2022
57m
Summer Recap & Meet Chap Browder—Alabama's First African American Prison Chaplain
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 stunni...
36m Sep 06, 2022
36m
Hunting an Integrated Life with Joby Martin—Hunter, Author, Pastor
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 comfor...
55m Aug 30, 2022
55m
The Primal Path to Manhood with Jon Tyson—Father, Author, Pastor
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 ...
1hr 6m Aug 23, 2022
1hr 6m
Leading, Serving, and the Chicken Sandwich Wars with Cheryl Bachelder—Fmr CEO Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen & current Chick-Fil-A Director
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,...
53m Aug 16, 2022
53m