Part two of Brian's enlightening conversation with Emma Schmidt, a sex and relationship therapist. The pair move through a second set of listener submitted questions, covering topics like emotional wounds, the effects of purity culture, and masturbation.
You asked... we found the expert. Brian tosses around listener submitted questions on sex and relationships with therapist Emma Schmidt. It's an unpredictable, entertaining, and utterly enlightening first half of a two-part conversation you can't miss.
Kurt Platte seemed to be thriving, but he was living with a dark secret: addiction. For 29 years, it dictated the day-to-day of his life, threatening to destroy everything he loved. Kurt’s walked the long road to recovery and now helps others do the same. He shares his unbelievable story, including personal insights for anyone whose life is touched by addiction.
It’s Super Bowl week, the most unifying holiday of the year. Brian sits down with his friend, former NFL pro turned award-winning analyst, Solomon Wilcots, for a discussion around the big game, confusion about the half-time show, and why Solomon can’t shoot coyotes.
Personality tests might be all the rage, but knowing more about yourself is only helpful if it produces tangible change in your life. Today, I talk with a good friend (and Enneagram nerd) Nick Spicher, for a full run-down of the most popular personality typing out there—and how to use it to push your life forward.
"You're the reason I'm the person I am today." Brian sits down for an emotional final conversation with his Young Life leader, mentor and spiritual father, Denny Pattyn. With only weeks left to live, Denny offers funny, insightful, and touching wisdom, a fitting last chapter in a life well lived. Stick around for what happened after the official recording—the most emotional few minutes of The Aggressive Life to date.
Instead of allowing one event to define their lives, the aggressive make moves to take back control. Craig DeMartino was an accomplished climber when a ten-story fall completely changed his life. By a miracle he survived—and by aggression, he chose to amputate his leg so he could get back to climbing. It's a story you have to hear to believe.
There is a lot of confusion and fear about COVID-19. We take those questions straight to the top of the food chain, to Dr. Francis Collins, esteemed scientist and director of the National Institutes of Health. I’m confident this will be the most important podcast you’ve listened to all year and maybe the most insightful as well. Listen and tell me I’m wrong and I’ll give you your money back.
Nothing says Christmas quite like a TV Special. This behind-the-scenes episode gives unfiltered access to multi-Grammy winning artists Lecrae and Amy Grant, originally recorded for the 2020 Crossroads Christmas Special. These uncut conversations give unparalleled access to these world class artists—including how they're approaching Christmas this year and why it matters. Find out more about streaming the Crossroads Christmas Special at www.crossroads.net/christmas...
Darren Mulligan appears to have it all—as the frontman for We Are Messengers he has radio hits, successful tours, and songs in movies. But he's not an overnight success. His story involves risk, hard choices, and leaving behind his beloved Ireland to chase an extraordinary life. He's an aggressive man with an aggressive perspective, ready to push you toward something better.
The most difficult year I can remember is going to end with winter, the most difficult season. We need to prepare—and that means wresting with mental health. Today, I'm joined by Angela Dugger, from the Ohio chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, for a practical discussion that has the power to change your winter.
2020 has been a bucking bronco, and we're all just trying to hold on. Thankfully, that's exactly Todd Pierce's area of expertise. A former champion bareback rodeo rider, Todd's gritty wisdom about manhood, perseverance, and holding on when the world is shaking, is just what we need to hear right now.
The holidays are coming—and for most Americans, that's not a comforting thought. It means stress. It means fights with loved ones. It means dealing with budgets and shopping. Dr. Shantel Thomas, President and CEO of A Sound Mind Counseling, helps point us to a better way. Don't just survive the holidays, aggressively choose to thrive.
You'll spend one-third of your life at work, yet too many of us are passive about what we do from 9-5. Today, we talk all things work with Scott Weiss, a career businessman who is the current chairman of OCEAN Programs, one of the nation's foremost faith-based business accelerators. His wisdom and experience are invaluable, no matter where you are in your career.
When was the last time you had fun? If you're like most of us, it's been way, way too long. But Judd Watkins is here for you. Friend of Brian, and guru of fun, Judd comes back to the podcast for a hilarious and insightful conversation about the importance of play in our lives, even as an adult.
Nobody wants to talk about it, but financial issues lead to more divorce, more anxiety, and more general stress than almost anything else in our lives. It's time to do something about that. Brian is joined by two guests, Ben Beshear, co-founder and principal of LiveWell capital, and John Brannon, a seasoned portfolio manager, for an aggressive (and honest) look at what it takes to get your money to work for you.
Cory Carlson was winning in the corporate world... but losing at home. With his relationships crumbling, he devoted himself to reprioritizing his life. His book, Win at Home First , was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the "7 Books Everyone On Your Team Should Read." He works hard, plays hard, and is going to push us to do the same.
Lecrae Moore was on top of the world—but behind the bright lights and success, his personal life was crumbling. Why? Unhealed trauma. We all have it, and we all have to deal with it if we're going to move forward. In this personal and revealing conversation, Lecrae charts a path forward we can all follow.
For his 50th full-length episode, Brian goes solo. He takes the mic, casting vision for why healthy aggression matters, how it can change your life, and why it's needed now more than ever. It's a recalibrating shot in the arm, pushing us all forward.
We've listened to the right, now the left gets a turn. At the age of 26, Joshua DuBois found himself in an unbelievable position: one of the youngest appointed heads of a White House office and President Obama's informal faith advisor. Working closely with the former president gave him a perspective few people have. He's an aggressive man with an inspiring story that will both challenge and encourage you. This the final episode of a 3-part miniseries taking an aggressive look at politics.
In a world of sound bite arguments, the most aggressive move is to listen, even if you expect to disagree. You might think you know former GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee... but there's more to this man than his politics. There's the Huckabee who accidentally became a pastor; the Huckabee who racially integrated his church; the Huckabee who befriends figures on the left. No matter your political persuasion, there's something in this conversation that will surprise, and maybe even deligh...
Does it seem like our political divide is worse than ever? Andrew Hanauer has devoted his life to studying polarization (what happens when societies rip themselves apart) and has incredibly practical insights into how our nation can move toward unity. Hint: it's going to take aggressive moves from each of us. This is part 1 of a 3-part miniseries taking an aggressive look at politics.
Dondre Whitfield is a man on fire—and he puts on a clinic in this conversation. He recounts his early days on The Cosby Show , reflects on the grief he still feels from losing his father figure, and connects the dots on how it's all inspired him to grow into a man. His newest book, Male vs Man , is a call to arms. He's an utterly inspiring man who isn't afraid to step into controversial territory in this not-to-be-missed episode.
It took a devastating loss for Jim Hensel to realize he didn't know who he was or what he stood for. But he didn't give up. He did the hard work of aggressively finding answers, and charted a path for others to follow. He's an influential leader who's worked with champions like Rich Froning (CrossFit) and Michael Chandler (MMA). His insights into the power of mindset are staggering, motivating, and practical.
48 days—that's how long Michelle Wohlberg survived, alone, in the sub-arctic, with only ten items to her name. She's a fierce competitor recently featured on The History Channel's survival show, Alone . Her grit and wisdom are on full display, from practical tips to surviving in the wild, to dealing with loss and hurt. She's as inspiring as she is tough.
It's back to school, with the teacher everyone wishes they'd had. An educator in Memphis, David Jamison gained national attention for his unorthodox methods. He's using his national platform to shake up the way we think about education as a champion for students and men (especially men of color) in the classroom. A recent survivor of COVID-19, his insights into anxiety, fatherlessness, and education are stunning. He's an utterly inspiring man, actively changing the next generation.
Rob Kenney grew up without a father, but he vowed to be different. After successfully raising his own kids, the world came calling. He's the driving force behind the insanely popular YouTube channel Dad, How Do I? , where he offers practical advice, wisdom, and dad jokes. He's a humble man whose become a father to millions worldwide.
Doug Pederson has been an underdog his entire career—and thrived on it. He's a member of an elite class of NFL royalty, having won a Super Bowl as both a player and a coach. Doug's infectious wisdom is on full display, sharing insights into success, leadership, and how COVID is rewriting the game he loves.
The Aggressive Life turns one year-old tomorrow. In those 365 days, we've released over fifty episodes meant to give you fresh inspiration and encouragement to live life on your toes, to get in the game, to grab life by the throat and get after it. Brian reflects on the first year, and relives some of his favorite interview moments, including conversations with Kathie Lee Gifford, Michael Chandler, and more.
Wendy Lea has expertise that only experience can give. She's worked with some of the largest corporations on earth and invested heavily into entrepreneurs and start-ups. And she's not slowing down. Newly appointed as the CEO of Energize Colorado, she's using her skills to plot a path forward for business in the time of COVID-19. But her most aggressive move? Admitting to loneliness. Her business savvy and humanity are refreshing.
