The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome

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. 

Dive into enlightening discussions about sports betting and its troubling impact on mental health. Discover the excitement of a motorcycle trip to Prudhoe Bay while highlighting the importance of mentorship. Engage with insights on parenting, focusing on building strong connections through shared experiences. Explore the nuances of navigating faith and marriage, especially during spiritual differences. Lastly, enjoy a touching tale of a child's encounter with the divine, encapsulated by the whimsical symbol of a unicorn chair.

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 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.