Faith was never meant to be boring, predictable, or safe.
The Aggressive Life is a faith podcast for people who want more than the usual answers. Author, adventurer, and pastor Brian Tome brings an honest, gritty, and sometimes unexpected take on following God in the real world. One week he might unpack what the Bible actually says about a question you’ve wrestled with. The next, he might tell a story from an adventure gone sideways, answer questions he wasn’t prepared for, or sit down with someone doing something remarkable.
You never quite know where the conversation will go, but it will be real, useful, and rooted in a faith that demands action.
Faith isn’t something you just believe. It’s something you live.
Adventure Off the Beaten Path with Brad Kowitz—TrailRecon, Youtuber
Jan 31, 2023
Show notes
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 YouTube influencer, Brad’s aggressive story consistently leaves the pavement for better spaces off the beaten path. Check out TrailRecon on YouTube or at their website.
You Can’t Escape Trouble, But You Can Stay Standing with Alli Patterson—Teacher, Author
Jan 24, 2023
Show notes
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 storms of life. How to Stay Standing is available wherever books are sold. Purchase at this link to support Alli’s mission to get the book into the hands of incarcerated women. Promotion ends 2/10/23.
Forging a Sword with David DelaGardelle—Master Bladesmith
Jan 17, 2023
Show notes
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, Brian lights up the forge and joins David in crafting a custom blade.
Steward Your Life To Win with Don Cousins—NFL Dad & Brian’s Mentor
Jan 10, 2023
Show notes
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. Don is a man who has stewarded his life to win, and he'll inspire you to do the same.
Bonus: Thoughts AND Prayers for Damar Hamlin with Solomon Wilcots—NFL Analyst
Jan 05, 2023
Show notes
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.
Your Future is Secure - Live in Cincinnati
Jan 03, 2023
Show notes
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.
Racing Against Time to Save My Daughter's Life—Nick’s Story
Dec 27, 2022
Show notes
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 leading up to it, meant Nick had a safety net when he needed it most. Baked into this story is the need for friendships, the power of generosity, and miracles in prayer. Listen and be inspired.
Christmas Special: Why We Love Die Hard with Kim Taylor-Foster—Fandom, Screen Junkies, Author
Dec 20, 2022
Show notes
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, Merry Christmas!
Flying Maverick’s Missions with Frank “Walleye” Weisser—Top Gun Pilot
Dec 13, 2022
Show notes
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 it takes to fly fast and low. He’s an aggressive man who knows a little something about the need for speed.
A Cowboy Perspective on Life, Work and Yellowstone with Anthony Lucia—Pro Rodeo Cowboy & Announcer
Dec 06, 2022
Show notes
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.
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