That Sounds Fun With Annie F. Downs

We love talking about the enneagram tool here and when you put together enneagram and presents, I AM HERE FOR IT! Dr. Drew Moser is an absolute expert and the author of The Enneagram of Discernment. He goes through each number and sets us up for excellent shopping by sharing a comfort gift and a challenge gift for each type of friend in our lives.  Want more ideas? Go listen to our Enneagram Gift Guide episode from the 2019 Christmas Party! Order his book at fallscitypress.com and use the code "thatsoundsfun" for 20% off!   . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our show's partner! Headspace: Go to headspace.com and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN for a FREE ONE-MONTH TRIAL with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh y'all. This conversation is a gift from God. Kimberly Schlapman comes and tells us about her family's holiday traditions, adoption, miracles, prayer, and the pain of deep loss. (To prepare your heart, I do want you to know we talk about the loss of a spouse and the loss of a baby.) I'm so so grateful for the Kimberly's kindness and honesty and how inviting she is in her stories. We are lucky to be friends with her. Make sure you grab a copy for every kid you know of her beautiful children's book A Dolly For Christmas- such a special keepsake and easy book to share with family and friends! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our partners! ABLE: Just go to livefashionable.com/TSF and enter the code TSF25 for 25% off their entire site!  Prose: Get 15% off your order by going to Prose.com/thatsoundsfun!  Solitaire Grand Harvest: Download Solitaire Grand Harvest for free today in the Apple App Store, Google Play, a

Favorite recipes, favorite restaurants, and the power of browned butter. Charles Hunter III, you may know him online as The Salted Table, is a favorite local chef who has lots of amazing thoughts and ideas for us as we prepare and eat well this holiday season! Remember we have episodes for you EVERY DAY between December 7-18! Twelve days of (Podcasting) Christmas! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our partners! Thistle Farms: Use the code Thatsoundsfun for 15% off at ThistleFarms.org!  Freshly: For a limited time, Freshly is offering our listeners $40 OFF your first 2 orders at freshly.com/soundsfun!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Settle in for this one, friends. Dr. Chip Dodd is one of the wisest men I know and we are going to talk deep quick about our mental health, addictions, and how 2020 has brought us pain and what to do with it. This one is powerful.  Also- miniBFF warning. Maybe listen to this one first before your kids listen along? Make sure you grab a copy of Hope in the Age of Addiction: How to Find Freedom and Restore Your Relationships by Chip and Stephen James. Remember we have episodes for you EVERY DAY between December 7-18! Twelve days of (Podcasting) Christmas! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our partners!  Embrace Mvmt: Get 1-month free by using promo code FUNHOLIDAY at EmbraceMvmnt.com!  Third Love: Go to thirdlove.com/SOUNDSFUN now to get 10% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our party continues today talking about the season of Advent with Tsh Oxenreider. She's a longtime friend of mine and just one of the best. Her new Advent book Shadow and Light is gorgeous and the whole Advent experience she's created is amazing. Make sure to order the book and check it out!  Remember we have episodes for you EVERY DAY between December 7-18! Twelve days of (Podcasting) Christmas! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our partners! IF: Gathering: March 5th and 6th join us online! Digital passes are on sale December 8th at if2021.com. Brooklinen: Go to Brooklinen.com and use promo code 'thatsoundsfun' to get 10% off your first order and free shipping! Ancestry: Head to my URL at Ancestry.com/TSF to get your AncestryHealth kit today!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for our 12 Days of Christmas Party here at That Sounds Fun! And we kick this off with the best of men. My gracious, Santa Claus has got a lot to sort out this year in delivering gifts and keeping the elves healthy in the days of COVID-19 and if you've been wondering how he's going to make this year work, I asked him all about it!  TOTALLY unrelated: Dave Barnes is the best and you should check out his music and his podcasts! Remember we have episodes for you EVERY DAY between December 7-18! Twelve days of (Podcasting) Christmas!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our partners! Amazon Alexa: Right now, get $10 off a two-pack of Sengled (SING-LED) Smart Color-ChangingLight Bulbs, only at amazon.com/thatsoundsfun! Ritual: Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to start your Ritual today.  Indeed: Try Indeed out with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR CR

This episode feels like a party FOR REAL. Why is Rend Collective the most fun and talented group ever??! (Because they're Northern Irish, that's why.) I laughed just about the whole time and feel like I have new best friends who make the coolest music! AND we are SO EXCITED to be featuring the song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" from their new Christmas album- A Jolly Irish Christmas- starting today and through the whole month of December! WHAT GOOD LADS! Can't wait to hear your thoughts after this one! If you enjoyed this episode with Rend Collective, we've got another one I bet you'll love too: 2019 Christmas Party Episode 1: Phil Wickham 2019 Christmas Party Episode 9: Melinda Doolittle . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our partners!  GEMS: Go to gemsloved.org and use our exclusive code TSFGEMS20 to get receive 20% off any gift purchase through the end of 2020! Feetures: Use promo code SOUNDSFUN at feetures.co

What an absolute JOY to talk with Kathie Lee Gifford! I learned so much, wished we could all fly to Israel together, and really enjoyed talking about her new book It's Never Too Late. We also got to read her book on MiniBFFBookClub a few weeks ago- Hello, Little Dreamer- it's awesome!  If you enjoyed this episode with Kathie Lee, we've got another one I bet you'll love too: Episode 129: Elizabeth Hasselbeck . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our show's partners! NIV Coloring Bible: Go to NIVBibleforkids.com for free coloring sheets and more information! Liquid IV: Order online and get 25% off when you go to liquid-iv.com and use code THATSOUNDSFUN at checkout! Rothy’s: Check out all the amazing shoes, bags, and masks available right now at Rothys.com/soundsfun!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! No one better to chat with today than Kimberly Williams-Paisley! Not only do we talk long about Father of The Bride, we also discuss her TWO Christmas movies (they are SO GOOD!), life in Nashville with kids and husband Brad Paisley- their story of meeting is INCREDIBLE, and most importantly, food insecurity across our nation. On a day about feasting, let's remember those who are struggling in 2020.  Learn more and join me in donating to The Store! If you enjoyed this episode with Kim, we've got another one I bet you'll love too: Episode 167: Melissa D'Arabian . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thanks to our partners of the show! Thistle Farms: To support Thistle Farms and get some amazing gifts (or treats for yourself), just go to thistlefarms.org and use the code thatsoundsfun for 15% off!  KiwiCo: Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code THATSOUNDSFUN at kiwico.c

THIS WOMAN. Are y'all even ready for this conversation with Natalie Grant?!? Lots of laughs, a couple of tears, and lots of talk about her new album No Stranger that is getting me through 2020. Natalie is a dear friend and an amazing voice and a leader for so many. I could not have loved this convo more- I know you will too! If you enjoyed this episode with Natalie, we've got two others I bet you'll love too: Episode 124: Meredith Andrews Episode 207: Katie Peslis . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thanks to our partners! Brooklinen: Go to Brooklinen.com and use promo code (thatsoundsfun) at checkout for 10% OFF AND free shipping in the US!  Native: Give the gift of Native by going to nativedeo.com/thatsoundsfun or use promo code thatsoundsfun, and get 20% off your first order! Third Love: Go to thirdlove.com/soundsfun to find your perfect-fitting bra... and get 10% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices

One of our favorites if BACK! I just love getting to sit and talk with Lysa TerKeurst about life and writing and today, forgiveness. Her new book, Forgiving What You Can't Forget, is a much needed and incredibly helpful guide for any of us (all of us?) who may need a little help forgiving. If you enjoyed this episode with Lysa, we've got two others I bet you'll love too: Episode 106: Shelley Giglio Episode 121: Jonathan Pitts . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast -- Thanks to our partners! GEMS: Find the gift guide and more at gemsloved.org and use our exclusive code TSFGEMS20 to receive 20% off any gift purchase through the end of 2020! Nutrafol: Go to nutrafol.com and use promo code SOUNDSFUN and new customers will get 20% off + free shipping!  Feetures: You can get $10 OFF your first pair at feetures.com, promo code SOUNDSFUN!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is about time we had a star from the NBA on our show! Meet Cody Zeller, player for the Charlotte Hornets, starting his eighth year in the league! If you've been looking for a reason to watch basketball, if you've been looking for a jersey to buy your kid for Christmas, if you've been looking for a funny conversation and a professional athlete to look up to, Cody is your dude.  I donated to LikeAChild.org and Cody is matching it! He'll match your donation as well before December 1!  If you enjoyed this episode with Cody, we've got two others I bet you'll love too: Episode 112: Tim Tebow  Episode 103: Taylor Twellman . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast -- Thanks to our partners! Simplified Planner: Go to emilyley.co/thatsoundsfun to see all that Simplified has to offer!  Rothy’s: Check out all the amazing shoes, bags and masks available right now at Rothys.com/soundsfun.  Indeed: Indeed is offering our friends a FREE $75 CRE

A few years ago, Christine D'Clario and I went on a trip to Ecuador with Compassion Intl and IMMEDIATELY hit it off. Like, sisters from different misters. I love how she loves God and how she loves worship and how she talks about both. This show brought me to tears. Prepare yourself, friends. This is a spiritual hour. If you enjoyed this episode with Christine, I bet you'll also love: Episode 137: Amanda Lindsey Cook Episode 68: Tauren Wells Episode 198: Tauren Wells + Citizen of Heaven . . . . . Join us for the That Sounds Fun Podcast Birthday Party on November 23rd! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thanks to our partners! Thrive:Join Thrive Market today and you’ll get a FREE gift of your choosing, up to $24 dollars in value. Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Curology: Go to https://Curology.com/thatsoundsfun for a free 30-day trial, just pay for shipping and handling! Ancestry: Don’t miss special holiday pricing

To celebrate Veteran's Day this week, we are so excited to have Captain Harold and Rachel Earls on the show! They are incredibly fun to listen to and learn from, have an awesome family and awesome story. Grab a copy of their book A Higher Calling today and start reading ASAP! It's very very good.  (Sorry for the sound issues- totally my fault! But we loved this conversation too much to keep it from you!)  If you enjoyed this episode with the Earls, we've got two others I bet you'll love too: Episode 184: Kristen Strong Episode 234: Drew and Stacey Morgan . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast -- Thanks to our partners! BetterHelp: Receive 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/thatsoundsfun. Flamingo: Visit shopflamingo.com/annie to get your Flamingo Shave Set for just $16 + FREE shipping. Ritual: Get 10% off during your first 3 months at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone

It was such an honor to get to speak to John Bevere for today's episode. The impact his ministry has already had on the world is astounding- so he's the exact right person to talk to us about the impact our lives can have as well! Go ahead and order yourself a copy of his new book X: Multiply Your God-Given Potential. You'll love this one. If you enjoyed this episode with John, we've got two other Bevere family episodes I bet you'll love too: Episode 239: Lisa Bevere Couples Month 2020: Addison and Juliana Bevere . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thanks to our partners!  Freshly: Freshly is offering our friends $40 OFF your first two orders at freshly.com/soundsfun.  Indeed: Try Indeed out with a FREE $75 credit at Indeed.com/soundsfun. Offer valid through December 31, 2020.  Prose: Take your FREE in-depth hair quiz and get 15% off your first order today at Prose.com/thatsoundsfun.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

Maybe my favorite episode every year is when we get to sit down with Amanda Bible Williams and Raechel Myers from She Reads Truth and talk all about the season of Advent! (starts November 29!)  Grab your study book and join us as we read the Bible together to finish out the year! shopshereadstruth.com and use the code ADVENTFUN for 15% off everything Advent! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/thatsoundsfun. JennyLife: Visit jennylife.com/thatsoundsfun for your free life insurance quote today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the beginning, not the end, of our 2020 US Election conversation. (We have two more shows planned with two of my favorite political experts around the inauguration in January!) Y'all have heard me talking about this a bit, but my real prayer and hope is that we can hang onto our faith and friendships through this election season. Gabe Lyons, author, speaker, and founder of Q Ideas, is here to talk us through the election through the eyes of our Christian faith, answers some hard questions, and leaves us with a lot of hope. If you want to join us November 11-12 for the Q Ideas Q&A event, use the code DOWNS10 for 10% off your ticket!  If you enjoyed this conversation about politics, I bet you'll also like: Episode 23: Michael Wear Episode 111: Michael Wear + mid-term elections Episode 221: Eugene Cho . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thanks to our partners! Honey: Get Honey for free today at joinhoney.com/fun!  Rothy’s:

It is such an honor to have one of my favorite novelists on the podcast today! Karen Kingsbury is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author and her Baxter family of characters are many of our favorite friends that we don't really know (LOL)! Today Karen and I talk about her new novel, Truly, Madly, Deeply, her family, COVID, and a plethora of other things! She's wonderful! Enjoy! (As mentioned in the intro, we talk a bit about policemen and police work because the main character in her new novel is a policeman. You may want to listen to this one without your kids the first time just so that you know how you want to have the follow up conversation. While we may not all agree with every guest, I hope you'll listen along with open ears and heart.) If you enjoyed this episode with Karen, I bet you'll also like: Episode 133: Charles Martin Episode 212: Charles Martin + The Water Keeper Episode 152: Robin Jones Gunn . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoun

After I read Chris Singleton's book, Different: A Story About Loving Your Neighbor, for a Monday night #miniBFFBookClub on instagram live, I knew I wanted to have a longer conversation with him. He's an incredibly gifted speaker with a heartbreaking and hope-filled story and I think you're gonna love this conversation. Here is the link to Chris's Kickstarter for Your Life Matters. Don't miss out on this one! If you enjoyed this episode with Chris, I bet you'll also like: Episode 69: Dansby Swanson Episode 211: Ellie Holcomb . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thanks to our partners! Grove: Go to grove.co/soundsfun to get a FREE cleaning gift set plus free shipping with your first order!  Freshly: Receive $40 OFF your first two orders at freshly.com/soundsfun!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These are some of my very favorite ladies ever. Point of Grace is a group that has been singing in my ears for decades, but the real joy was when I got to tour with them about a decade ago. They are absolutely wonderful. You're going to love this conversation with Denise, Shelley, and Leigh. Their new book How You Live is so helpful- like coffee with three really wise older sisters. This conversation was just as comforting and fun. Love them so much. If you enjoyed this episode with Point of Grace, I bet you'll also like: Episode 124: Meredith Andrews Episode 163: Bianca Oltoff . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Thank you to our sponsors! Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market today and you’ll get a FREE gift of your choosing, up to $24 dollars in value. Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN Raycon: Go to buyraycon.com/THATSOUNDSFUN and they’re going to give my friends 15% off your order! Jenni Kayne: My friends will recei