Otis Williams looked to be on top of the world. He had a successful military career, beat out 10,000 other contestants to win the ToastMasters World Championship of Public Speaking, and had secured a successful teaching position at Cincinnati State University. But underneath, a debilitating gambling addiction was eroding it all away. 



For the first time on such a wide-reaching platform, Otis takes us back to that dark place, and the bold minority positions he took to reclaim his life. He also shares stories from his time in the service, tips for engaging an audience, and why vulnerability is a super power. 



This is the second episode in an 5-part series called Five Marks Summer, celebrating the repackaged publication of Brian’s best-selling book, The Five Marks of a Man. Pre-order the newest edition, or the companion Tactical Guide, at briantome.com/fivemarks and get a complimentary poster with each purchase.

Five Marks Summer - Risking It All On A Minority Position with Otis Williams—Airborne Paratrooper, Champion Public Speaker

We live in a world where "aggressive" is one of the few dirty words left. Our culture celebrates the crass and profane, while risk and difficulty are a sign that something is wrong. Put simply, this passivity is killing us. Our relationships are weaker, our work is unfulfilling, our finances are a disaster, and our faith is nonexistent. Host Brian Tome believes there is a better way, and it's by embracing the power of healthy aggression. Listen in as he talks with people who are living lives that punch passivity in the mouth.

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

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rates are on a decline, age at first marriage is on the rise, and many people are writing off the institution as outdated and unnecessary.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. 

The Happiness-Marriage Connection with Dr. Brad Wilcox—Director of the National Marriage Project, Sociologist, Professor

What if the key to a meaningful life wasn’t in landing the dream job, finding a perfect spouse, or achieving all your personal goals? Journalist and author, Rhaina Cohen, believes the secret lies in the very thing most of us put on the back-burner as adults—friendships. In this aggressive conversation, Rhaina discusses the importance of friendships in ancient cultures, what kids can teach us about making friends, why men are at a disadvantage, and why proximity to friends matters. This aggressive woman will push you to take steps toward reimagining life with friendships at the center.

Building Life Around Friendships with Rhaina Cohen—Journalist and Author

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. 

Busy as a Beaver with Pete Rogers—USDA Beaver Trapper, Outdoor Podcaster and Author

Who says nice guys finish last? Jimmy Darts is proving otherwise, and just might be the brightest corner of the Internet. After building a following from trick shot videos and pranks, Jimmy shut his YouTube channel down. After a life-changing experience with Jesus, he restarted with a different perspective: blessing people in need. Jimmy creates original videos giving money to people who need it most. Be prepared for allergies, your eyes will get very moist. Jimmy is an aggressive man making a difference.

Generosity Is Never A Bad Idea with Jimmy Darts—The Nicest Guy On The Internet, Influencer

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. 

Five Marks Summer - Risking It All On A Minority Position with Otis Williams—Airborne Paratrooper, Champion Public Speaker

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