They’ve been married 40 years, raised 5 kids, now have 16 grandkids on the way… and they STILL love working together, laughing together, and serving Jesus together.
In this heartfelt, laugh-out-loud episode of Code Red, Pastor Zach Terry and Julie sit down with Jacksonville power couple Brad & Vicki Sykes — top-producing realtors, marketplace ministers, and two of the most joy-filled people you’ll ever meet.
You’ll hear:
How a sorority mixer at TCU turned into a 40-year love story
The raw story of Vicki’s eating disorder, dark days, and the moment Jesus radically changed everything — 8 months pregnant!
The wild Mattress Firm years, the “money-laundering” conspiracy rumors (Brad sets the record straight ), and how God moved them to Jacksonville for 28 years (when they planned on 2)
Why they chose a 3-bedroom house for 7 people and NEVER upgraded
The “talk-to-Dad-first” dating rule that weeded out boys and kept only men
Daily prayer over your spouse for 30+ years — Brad reveals the awkward first morning and why he’s never stopped
Empty-nest secrets: How to stay madly in love when the kids leave (and why so many couples divorce right then)
Holiday traditions with 16 grandbabies coming — and why they’re letting go of expectations with a smile
The one thing their adult kids say they want most: “We want what Mom and Dad have.”
If you’re married your best friend… or you WANT to… this episode will bless you, challenge you, and probably make you tear up laughing.
Brad & Vicki Sykes
Jacksonville’s favorite Christian realtors
Brad leads the Jacksonville Business Fellowship every Friday 7–8 AM (Southside Methodist Family Life Center) — men, just show up!
Vicki’s Substack for moms & women: https://mamav.substack.com
Sykes Home Group – Compass Realty: https://sykeshg.com
Instagram: @vickisykes @bradleysykes
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Coming Up: 40 Years Married, 5 Kids, 16 Grandkids & Still Laughing Every Day
00:31 – Vicki’s raw story: eating disorder, darkness, and surrendering to Jesus 8 months pregnant
04:35 – How Brad & Vicki actually met at a TCU sorority mixer (and why she chased him across campus )
07:22 – Brad’s journey from pro-golf dreams to owning Mattress Firm franchises across Florida
13:41 – Brad finally answers the viral “Mattress Firm money-laundering” conspiracy rumors
19:05 – The moment they decided to work together as husband/wife realtors (and why it actually works)
32:30 – The 3 secrets to staying happily married for 40 years (you’ll want to write these down)
38:03 – Brad’s 30+ year habit: praying over Vicki every single morning (the awkward first day story)
43:21 – “If you want to date my daughter, you talk to Dad first” – the rule that changed everything
48:17 – How they raised 5 kids in a 3-bedroom house and refused to upgrade (on purpose)
54:41 – Holiday traditions with 16 grandkids coming – and why they’re letting go of control with joy
01:00:35 – The most powerful thing their grown kids ever told them: “We want what you guys have”
Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you want what Brad & Vicki have!
Subscribe so you never miss an episode dropping every week!
https://www.youtube.com/@coderedtalk
Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts
https://coderedtalk.com
Follow Zach:
Instagram @zachterry
Website: zachterry.org
Code Red exists to ignite passion for Jesus in the hearts of this generation and the next.
#ChristianMarriage #EmptyNest #40YearMarriage #ChristianCouple #JacksonvilleFL #ChristianRealtor #RaisingGodlyKids #MarriageAdvice #EmptyNestSeason #ChristianPodcast #CodeRedPodcast
(Let’s get this to the top of YouTube marriage searches — like + comment “Still in lov...
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