Thrive with Pastor Brad Bigney
In Thrive, Pastor Bigney applies God’s Word to marriage and parenting which will help you turn your surviving into thriving.
Your Marriage Is Reaping What Your Words Have Sown
You’ve prayed for better communication in your marriage, but the same arguments keep happening. What’s missing? Brad and Vicki Bigney explain why lasting change requires more than good intentions. Drawing from Matthew 12 and biblical counseling principles, they reveal how your heart drives your words, why careless speech matters to God, and how intentional, grace-empowered effort can help you replace destructive communication habits with words that strengthen your marriage.
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Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to supp...
Your Marriage Can Recover From Hurtful Words—Here’s How
Hurtful words can leave a marriage feeling burned to the ground—but the damage doesn’t have to be permanent. Brad and Vicki Bigney share four practical, biblical steps for rebuilding after destructive communication. Discover how humility, repentance, and godly communication can begin restoring trust and hope in your marriage.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/
If you are already a Gospel Part...
Do You Want To Win The Argument—Or Win Over Your Spouse?
You can win argument after argument and still lose the closeness you desperately want in your marriage. Brad and Vicki Bigney share practical principles for better, God-pleasing communication, from assuming the best to asking clearly for help and beginning hard conversations gently. Find out how changing the way you talk could help replace defensiveness and resentment with partnership, connection, and biblical love.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT...
Why the Silent Treatment Is Hurting Your Marriage
The silent treatment, constant criticism, and keeping score may feel justified in the moment, but they can quietly push your spouse further away. Brad and Vicki Bigney expose the destructive communication habits that keep marriages stuck and explain why you may need to “word your way” toward a better place. Discover how biblical wisdom and the Holy Spirit can help you replace harsh, damaging patterns with words that cultivate peace, security, and genuine intimacy.
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Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you...
Are You Using Your Spouse’s Vulnerabilities Against Them?
Does your spouse feel safe enough to be vulnerable with you—or have your words taught them to keep their guard up? Brad and Vicki Bigney expose how character assassination, past failures, and weaponized insecurities can quietly destroy emotional safety and intimacy in marriage. Discover how biblical love can reshape the way you speak about your spouse’s weaknesses and help move your marriage toward greater trust and closeness.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thri...
Are You Sowing Life or Death Into Marriage?
Your words are planting seeds in your marriage every day—but what kind of harvest are they producing? Brad and Vicki Bigney explore the biblical power of the tongue and expose how contempt, sarcasm, and judgment can quietly push your spouse away. Discover how to stop sowing words that wound and start speaking life that cultivates greater love, closeness, and Christlikeness.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fo...
How Your Words Can Make or Break Your Marriage
How much damage can a few careless words really do to a marriage? Brad and Vicki Bigney explore what James 3 reveals about the tongue, self-control, and the surprising power your words have to shape the course of your relationships. Learn why stewarding your words matters—and how changing the way you speak could begin changing the direction of your marriage.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.or...
The Marriage Breakthrough That Starts With Listening
Why do some marriages grow stronger through stress while others slowly drift apart? Brad and Vicki Bigney reveal how biblical communication, genuine listening, and Christ-centered empathy can transform your marriage into a place of trust, safety, and oneness. Discover the subtle responses that either strengthen intimacy—or quietly damage it.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/
If you are already a Gospel Pa...
Feeling Distant? These Conversations Build Real Oneness
Is your marriage filled with schedules, responsibilities, and logistics—but missing genuine connection? Brad and Vicki Bigney reveal how biblical communication can move a relationship from surviving to thriving by creating deeper oneness, shared purpose, and fresh hope. Learn why the conversations you’re avoiding may be the very thing your marriage needs most.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/
If you are...
Struggling to Connect? Healthy Couples Do This Differently
Do you feel like you live with your spouse but no longer truly know them? Brad and Vicki Bigney explore how curiosity, intentional conversations, and biblical stewardship of words can transform an ordinary marriage into a thriving one. Discover why the smallest interactions often have the greatest impact on connection and unity.
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Thanks for listening!
Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.
If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/
If you are already...
The Communication Habit Healthy Couples Never Skip
Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki unpack why so many Christian marriages slowly drift into shallow, disconnected communication without even realizing it. From daily check-ins to learning how to ask better questions, this conversation reveals simple biblical habits that can rebuild emotional connection and strengthen intimacy. If your marriage feels more functional than thriving, this discussion may expose what’s quietly missing. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a...
Learn Your Spouse Before You Lose Connection
Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki expose the hidden expectations, frustrations, and communication habits quietly damaging Christian marriages. If you’ve spent years wishing your spouse would change, this conversation will challenge the way you think about biblical love, sanctification, and marriage communication. Learn why truly understanding your spouse—not remaking them—is often the breakthrough struggling couples desperately need. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partne...
The Importance Of Making THIS Safe For Your Spouse
What does it really mean for your marriage to be a safe place for your spouse? Brad and Vicki Bigney walk through practical ways to replace fix-it instincts with biblical listening that builds trust and oneness. If you long for conversations that strengthen your roots instead of shallow exchanges that frustrate, this will challenge and equip you. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be...
Busy Schedule, Broken Marriage Communication—Here’s The Fix
Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki expose how hurried schedules and shallow exchanges slowly erode marital connection. Want to learn how to lean into deeper conversations without turning every talk into a therapy session? This teaching will give you meaningful direction. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Marriage Taking Lots Of Effort? Here’s Why That Could Be A Good Thing
Do you and your spouse ever seem to be speaking different languages? Using biblical examples and real-life stories, pastor Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki address why real, effective communication can sometimes feel exhausting - and how that might actually be a sign of something good. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Is This What’s Fracturing Your Marriage Conversations?
Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki tackle one of the most overlooked marriage killers. With biblical clarity from Ephesians 5 and Galatians 5, they explain how keeping in step with the Holy Spirit transforms everything about the way you communicate. If your relationship is defined by frustration, this will show you how to start thriving. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful fo...
How The Way You Communicate Reflects Christ To Your Spouse
Your spouse can tell within seconds whether you truly care—based on how you listen. Pastor Brad Bigney reveals why Scripture commands you to be “quick to hear, slow to speak,” and how this one shift can instantly deepen trust and emotional safety in your marriage. You’ll learn practical, biblical habits that help you reflect Christ and create the kind of connection every marriage longs for. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you a...
THIS Is The Key To Healthy Marriage Communication
Most marriages don’t fall apart from lack of love—but from lack of truly listening. Pastor Brad Bigney reveals how grace-filled, Christlike listening can instantly deepen trust, restore emotional safety, and transform everyday conversations with your spouse. Learn the biblical communication principles that can move your marriage from distance and frustration to genuine intimacy and lasting spiritual unity. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we coul...
The Biblical Key To Ending Your Marriage Wars
You can love Jesus, know your Bible, and still wreck conversations at home. Many marriages don’t collapse from one big sin but from one hidden habit that keeps repeating every day. It feels normal. It feels justified. It quietly destroys unity. Once you see it, you won’t be able to ignore it — and fixing it changes everything. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn...
Tired Of The Same Arguments? Make Sure You’re Doing THIS Well First
Pastor Brad Bigny and his wife, Vicki, expose the missing piece in most marriage conflict: real listening. If your conversations feel tense, repetitive, or hopeless, this will help you see what’s quietly sabotaging understanding. One biblical shift could change how your spouse hears you—and how you hear them. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
The Biblical Heart Check That Will Solve Endless Miscommunication
Brad Bigney and Vicki Bigney reveal how careless words, harsh tones, and silence can quietly train a marriage to drift. The Bible’s warnings about speech land differently when you realize you’ll answer for what you said—and what you refused to say. If your home needs fewer emotional bruises and more teamwork, don’t miss this. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more...
Feel Like You’re Not Being Heard? Ask Yourself THIS First
It’s something we all do, all day long, and yet all of us have trouble doing it: communicating. Why is that? Join pastor Brad Bigney and his wife, Vicki, as they discuss important relational tips that will point you and your spouse towards healthy, meaningful communication. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
The Value Of Kindness: How To Root Rudeness Out Of Your Marriage
Brad Bigney opens God’s Word to show why love is never careless with tone or timing. Along with personal stories from his marriage, you’ll see how rudeness creeps in unnoticed and slowly drains joy. This message points toward simple changes that can bring true closeness and warmth. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Want Real Change? Start With These Two Marriage Habits
If your marriage keeps hitting the same walls, Brad and Vicki Bigney explain why the issue might be deeper than circumstances. Through honest stories and Scripture, they show how humility and daily repentance open the door to real change. This conversation invites you to replace tension with tenderness and pride with grace. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if...
The One Habit That Will Kill Pride In Your Marriage
Brad and Vicki Bigney open up about the critical shift that helped revive their marriage: embracing correction instead of avoiding it. They explain why pride resists feedback and how humility creates space for healing, encouragement, and love. This message is for anyone tired of relational tension and ready to grow. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tr...
How Small Jokes Might Do More Harm Than You Think
Has a joke ever gone too far? What seems like harmless sarcasm may do more than you think. Join Brad and Vicki Bigney as they discuss the toxic effect that hurtful jokes can have in a marriage. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Marriage on Life Support? This Hidden Sin May Be To Blame
Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki share how hidden pride — especially the kind disguised as “strength” or “discipline” — can slowly choke the life out of your marriage. Using biblical wisdom from 1 Corinthians 13, they explore how control, stubbornness, and inflexibility are often symptoms of a deeper heart issue. This episode will challenge you to rethink what real love looks like in marriage. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partn...
How Pride Disguises Itself As “Just Trying To Help”
Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki uncover how pride often shows up in relationships through unsolicited opinions and “helpful” meddling. They share how learning to pause, listen, and pray first can completely reshape your marriage and parenting. Discover what it means to truly walk in humility, even in everyday conversations. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tri
Peace Over Pride: How To Rid Your Marriage Of Perfectionism
Join Brad and Vicki Bigney as they examine yet another form that pride can take within our marriages. This week’s focus is perfectionism: making sure everything is done just as you see fit. If this is a struggle for you, tune in and see a better way forward. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Why This One Component Is Missing From So Many Marriages
If you’ve ever said “I’m just not compassionate,” Pastor Brad Bigney shows you how that mindset might be rooted in pride. Through personal stories and biblical truth, Brad and wife Vicki explain how to "put on" compassion and love. Discover the power of noticing others and living out gospel change. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we trie
Why Accepting Criticism Is A Mark Of Growing In Maturity
Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife Vicki open up about how pride—especially being overly sensitive to criticism—can quietly choke the life out of your marriage. They share honest stories, biblical truth, and practical ways to grow in humility. Learn how receiving correction with grace can transform your relationship. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
The Pride Problem: How To Find A Real, Biblical Solution
Pastor Brad Bigney and Vicki open up about how pride disguises itself in marriages—as anger, silence, entitlement, and superiority. With biblical insight and personal stories, they unpack how God’s truth can transform toxic patterns. You’ll walk away with clarity and hope for real change in your own home. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried
One Simple Habit To Build Deeper Connection With Your Spouse
Pride can be sneaky, especially when it comes to how you speak. Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife, Vicki, discuss how 39 years of marriage have changed their approach to talking and listening to each other. Discover simple ways that the relationship with your spouse can be truly transformed. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
How Pride Can Get In The Way Of A Healthy Marriage
Pastor Brad Bigney and Vicki share 39 years of wisdom in marriage and the freeing truth about identity in Christ. This conversation reveals how pride, especially people-pleasing, can dampen your marriage. Discover how shifting your focus from others’ approval to God’s acceptance can radically transform your home. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Why Your Marriage May Be Suffering From This Hidden Form Of Pride
It may not look like pride, but it could still be harming your marriage. Join pastor Brad Bigney and his wife, Vicki, as they explain how pride can take many forms - and they’re all poison for a marriage. If pride is something you’ve struggled with, learn that there is hope for true transformation in Christ. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be m...
How God Offers True Transformation For Marriages Filled With Pride
Pastor Brad Bigney and his wife, Vicki, share personal stories about pride and how it has the tendency to wreck marriages and relationships. Learn how the Bible defines pride, and how you can protect your marriage from it. Move forward with your spouse in humility and watch your marriage be blessed. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we...
From Envy To Encouragement: How To Protect Your Marriage And Spouse
Paul’s words from 1st Corinthians are often used in marriage sermons, where we hear that love doesn’t envy or boast. Pastor Brad Bigney explains what that truly means, and why envy must be rooted out of any marriage hoping to succeed. Learn how you can replace envy and resentment with love and support. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankf...
How to Follow God’s Blueprint for A Kinder, Stronger Marriage
Pastor Brad Bigney emphasizes that kindness isn’t about grand gestures but the steady work of serving your spouse daily. By focusing on what love looks like in action, he helps couples create a safe, joyful marriage that reflects God’s heart. Simple steps can yield deep, lasting change. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Frustrating Marriage? Why You May Need Real Growth in Patience
Pastor Brad Bigney shares how small choices of patience can have a lasting impact on marriage. By highlighting everyday moments that test patience, he shows how responding with grace reflects God’s love. Couples will be encouraged to foster understanding even in the midst of differences. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!
Do You Lose Your Temper? Here’s How Patience Can Save Your Marriage
Pastor Brad Bigney teaches how small irritations, if left unchecked, can erode the foundation of a marriage. By embracing the biblical model of patience, couples can break the cycle of frustration and cultivate lasting peace. This episode offers hopeful encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by daily marital tensions. ___ Thanks for listening! Thrive would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Thrive we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!