Marriage is under attack today, and many young couples are feeling the pressure. In this episode of the Forward Podcast, Thomas and Kari have an honest, off-the-cuff conversation about struggles they faced early in their own marriage. They open up about two key areas that caused tension—teamwork and communication—and how God helped them grow through it. If your marriage isn’t where you want it to be, be encouraged: it’s never too late to start building something better.

Judging has quietly become part of church culture, and many don’t even realize it. In this episode, Thomas and Kari discuss why Christians can sometimes be more critical than compassionate, how that affects those who are struggling, and why Jesus modeled something very different. If we’re not careful, we can be right about truth but wrong in spirit. This episode is a call back to grace, humility, and Christlikeness.

Everyone says, “Don’t judge,” but the truth is—we all do it. In this episode, Thomas and Kari talk about the culture of judging inside Christian circles. Why are believers sometimes the quickest to criticize? Where does this mindset come from? And how is it quietly damaging our churches, relationships, and witness? This honest conversation explores why judging has become so common—and why grace must be louder.

Fear has a quiet way of stealing opportunities, relationships, and the future God may have planned for us. In this episode, Thomas and Kari talk about the real ways fear shows up in life—big decisions, career changes, stepping out in faith, and even everyday choices. Kari shares her experience of overcoming fear when purchasing her agency, and how support, faith, and courage helped move their family forward. If fear has ever held you back, this conversation will encourage you to step forward with confidence and trust God with what’s ahead.

100 episodes. What a journey.

In this special milestone episode of Forward, Thomas and Kari record live from Israel as we reflect on the incredible support that has carried us to this moment. From week one to episode 100, your encouragement, messages, shares, and prayers have meant more than we can express.

We take time to say thank you to every listener who tunes in each week, every supporter who shares the podcast, and every family that has grown alongside us through these conversations.

Most of all, we give God the praise. What started as a simple step of obedience has grown into something far bigger than we imagined—and we’re humbled by His faithfulness.

Here’s to 100 episodes in… and moving forward together.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for supporting. And thank you for being part of the journey.

Love doesn’t stay strong by accident, it stays strong on purpose.

In this Valentine’s episode of Forward, Thomas and Kari talk honestly about how to keep your spouse attracted to you—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We share practical tips on dating after marriage, staying intentional instead of drifting, and why attraction is something you nurture, not assume.

From effort and communication to fun, connection, and consistency, this episode is full of simple but powerful reminders that healthy love requires attention and pursuit.

Because marriage isn’t maintained by history—it’s maintained by intentionality.

Whether you’ve been married 2 years or 20, this conversation will challenge you to date your spouse again and protect the spark that brought you together in the first place.

Love grows where effort lives.

Change is rarely comfortable—but it’s often necessary.

In this episode of Forward, Kari shares the story behind buying an insurance agency and the fears she had to face along the way. We talk honestly about what it looks like to step forward when you don’t feel ready, how fear can either paralyze or propel you, and why making change requires both courage and conviction.

We also discuss the role family support plays when taking big steps, how unity at home makes bold decisions possible, and why growth often happens on the other side of discomfort.

If you’re standing at a crossroads, questioning whether you’re capable of more, this episode is a reminder that faith-filled change is rarely easy—but it’s always worth it.

Sometimes the bravest step forward is simply deciding to move.

Self-control isn’t suppression- it’s direction.

In this segment, Thomas and Kari talk about why feelings are real but unreliable leaders, how discipline actually protects freedom. In a culture driven by impulse, this conversation reframes self-control as a tool for clarity, growth, and lasting freedom. Because real freedom needs direction.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Thomas and Kari focus on one of the most overlooked skills in adulthood: a real apology.

We talk about why true apologies take ownership without explanation or defense, why “I’m sorry” isn’t about being right but about being restored, and how sincere apologies rebuild trust faster than time ever will. We also unpack why adults often struggle to apologize more than children—and how to recognize the difference between a bad apology and a healthy one.

This segment challenges pride, exposes subtle deflection, and reminds us that strong relationships are built on humility, not ego.

Listen in as Kari sits down with the younger generation to gain a fresh perspective and discover how we can meaningfully influence their lives for the Lord.