That Sounds Fun With Annie F. Downs

If you’ve been feeling stuck lately or every conversation or thing around you just feels hard, we’re going to talk about it today. Ann Voskamp going to help us figure out how to find some gifts in the middle of suffering as we answer the question, “What are the gifts of summer I should take into the fall?” Go grab a copy of her 40-Day devotional Loved to Life and join me on Sept 10th (or sooner!). And also if you have never read One Thousand Gifts, I highly recommend getting a copy of that too! If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we switched the date of this episode around, and we’re skipping ahead to page 91. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons. Find the show notes here . . . . . In September, we’re reading the Gospels together over on the Let’s Read the Gospels podcast and we’re using the Chronological Bible. So if hearing Ann talking about going through John chronologically sparked interest in you, we’d love for you to join us! We’ll start read

My COO Ashley Warren is joining me and we’re going through all of the questions you’ve sent in over the past few months about our work here at AFD Inc or the That Sounds Fun Network… or general questions about running a business or leading a team. Ashley and I have done a few of these Q&A episodes over the years and love getting to do them, (plus, you’re getting to hear Ashley’s wisdom and brilliance that I get to work with everyday) so I can’t wait to hear what you think or what additional questions this episode may spark. If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’ll also love these: Leading by Learning with David Novak – Episode 891 Is it Time For a Business Coach? (With Kelli Haywood and Chris Weinberg) – Build Your Board Series . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . .

If you’ve been wondering how to maneuver the season you are in, if you’ve got questions about the next right thing to do in your marriage, or if you are single and wondering what you can be doing right now to be the person you want to be in marriage, I am really excited to introduce you to our guests as we talk through all of this and answer the question, “How does the summer prepare us for the next season?”  George and Tondra Gregory are NFL chaplains, marriage coaches, and authors of the bestselling book, The Marriage Game Plan, and their ministry has had a massive impact on a lot of marriages across the country. And my single friends who are dating or want to be married, this is for you too. I’m telling you, there are so many helpful things in their book and in this conversation that we can put into practice now…not later.  You can also find more resources from them at journeyforlifenow.org. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 85. The guidebook is available for you at 

If you’ve been wondering WHAT is going on with the next generation, if you’ve been hearing some of the same rumblings of God doing new things around the world, if you’re confused about teenagers (me too) and want some help understanding them… this is the episode for you. Dan Blythe lives in the UK and is the Global Youth Director for Alpha, and as we get closer to fall and think about what God’s up to around the world, he’s helping us understand how to prepare for the harvest. How do we pray for the next generation? How do we recognize the harvest?  If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 84. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . Show notes Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors!

Today we’re answering the question, “How does nature teach us about the seasons?" I get to talk with my new friend, Rachel G. Jordan. She is a marine biologist and spiritual guide and using the ocean as a lens, she points us to the way God is revealed in biology AND IT IS SO COOL. We’re talking about the coral reef, all that we don’t know about the ocean, the intelligence of sea creatures, and you’re not even ready for the insight she has about Moses crossing the Red Sea. I’m telling you, mind blowing. Rachel has a new book out called If The Ocean Has a Soul, so when this came across my desk you know I was all in. *I also want to note that we had some tech issues in the middle of recording this, so we picked back up on another day because we HAD to finish this conversation* So if you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 83. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons.. . . . . If you like this episode, we think you’ll love these: Episode 178 with

Welcome Back miniBFFs! Guess what? For the first time ever on Annie’s miniBFF Podcast, we have a guest reader. Actually we have a whole band guest reading for us! The band, CAIN will be joining us to share about their kids book, I’m So Blessed, and a story from… THE BIBLE!  Don’t worry. I will be there too. But I am so excited to share my friends, Taylor, Logan and Madison with you guys. Along with meeting them you will also get to meet their character from ⁠I’m So Blessed⁠: Tay Tay Tangerine, Maddie Melon, and Logo Lemon. Did I mention they are all fruit in the book? Because they are and I am obsessed!  I explain all you need to know in the trailer but here are the links you will need to make this series the best one yet.   ⁠I’m So Blessed by CAIN⁠  ⁠So Happy to Know You by Annie F. Downs ⁠ - Autographed Copy ⁠HERE⁠ ⁠Live And In Color Tour⁠ - Grab you tickets ⁠HERE⁠! (MINIBFF APPROVED SHOW)  Follow along with ⁠@miniBFFclub⁠, ⁠@Anniefdowns⁠ and ⁠@CAIN⁠ Learn more about miniBFF Club - ⁠HERE⁠ PS: Get r

Today our pal Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking about our summer, Eddie’s new tattoo, and what it’s like to go on a cruise. We also need to know the perfect time of a day for soft serve ice cream. I would love to know your answer. . . . . . Show notes Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun.  Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THAT

We knew we had to have a conversation about rest this summer. Y’all know how much Sabbath and rest is priority for me and I know y’all love talking about it too, so of course, we called John Mark Comer. His work on this topic has had a massive impact on a ton of us. If you’ve never read Garden City or The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I highly recommend adding those to your summer reading list.  And if you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 80. It’s never too late to join us-you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . Find show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . If you liked this episode, you may like Resting Well This Summer with John Eldredge – Episode 898. Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at Bett

My friends Gabe and Rebekah Lyons are here to help us answer the question, “How do I identify seasons of my marriage?” This spring they released their first book they’ve written together called The Fight For Us. We’re going to talk about how to define summer in your marriage (their answer was surprising), how to prepare for marriage, how to approach conflict, emotional and physical intimacy, and what it means to have a wholehearted marriage. Parents, you will want to listen to this one on your own instead of with my miniBFFs as we get into some “adult” conversation. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 79. The guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . If you liked this episode, you may like these from our past couples series! TSF Couples 2021: Nathan + Christy Nockels TSF Couples 2020: Ka

What is it about country music and summer?! Today I talk to my friend and multi-platinum country music superstar Russell Dickerson. Yall know his hits- Happen to Me, Yours, Blue Tacoma, Love You Like I Used To...ETC! We talk about his songwriting, his prayer life, and his family. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this guy if you don’t already know him, or fall more in love if you do.  Be sure you’ve pre-saved Russell’s new album “Famous Back Home” so you can start listening to it the DAY it comes out on August 22. And don’t miss the Russellmania Tour if there’s a stop near you. Trust me. It’s an immediate add to your summer bucket list! If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 78. And if you’re wondering what we’re even talking about with this guidebook thing, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons. Find the show notes here . . . . . If you like this episode, we think you’ll love these: When You Don’t Have the Life You Want with Kimberly Schlapman from Littl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE! - love, Team AFD  Our favorite green girl is back! Mary Kate Morrissey is now officially a Hall of Fun member, which means she’s been on the show five times, and today we’re getting to hear all about her experience starring as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway last year, what it’s been like to transition out of that season, her new hobby, and what it looks like to celebrate well. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 77. You can find that at anniefdowns.com/seasons! Find the show notes here . . . . . If you loved this episode, go back and listen to her very first time on the show with our other favorite Broadway witch, Ginna Claire Mason Moffett: That Sounds Fun Episode 108: Mary Kate Morrissey + Ginna Claire Mason Moffett . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfu

Pastor JP Pokluda is back and today he officially joins the Hall of Fun! This is his 5th time on the show and we are so grateful he’s always willing to show up here and drop some wisdom. The question we’re diving into today is, “Is this Spiritual warfare or am I just tired?” JP’s latest book, Your Story Has a Villain, is an incredible book helping us navigate the reality of spiritual warfare, and learn how to fight back.  If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 75. You can purchase our guidebook at anniefdowns.com/seasons. If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’ll also enjoy: Experiencing Jesus, Lingering in Prayer, and Finding Refuge in God with John Eldredge- Episode 964 . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Geviti: Use

OUR FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SUMMER HERE ON THE POD. Today we're answering the question, “What is summer and how do I define it in my life?” and Pastor Mike Kelsey is back to help us kick off this new season. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we recorded. We talk about the fun of this season, but we’re also talking about the ways summer can be really hard, the expectations we put on it, and insecurities it can bring up. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 74 of our summer pages. You can purchase yours at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Now that summer’s kicked off, if you’re looking for some extra series to listen to while you travel or sit by the pool, check out any of our EnneaSummer series our Summer Lovin’ series on dating from 2023: EnneaSummer Summer Lovin' Series Playlist  . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receiv

Isn’t it so interesting to pay attention to the changing of one season to another? This year talking about the seasons is teaching us about rhythms, transitions, seasonal expectations—and it’s giving us eyes to see what God’s doing through it all.  And now… it’s time for SUMMER! Starting Monday, June 23rd, we officially kick off the summer on the podcast with our pastor of the pod this year, Pastor Mike Kelsey. I have not stopped thinking about this episode, you guys. As always, he’s bringing some TRUTH to the podcast and helping us ask ourselves some real questions about our expectations for summer as we step into it. How do I celebrate well? How do I rest well in the summer? What does nature teach us about the seasons?And what are the gifts of summer? The summer pages in our TSF Seasons Guidebook have everything you need to take notes and process questions from each episode. But for summer, we’ve added some fun coaching, a this or that game, a summer playlist, and a recipe for a summer treat. If you a

Our friend Eddie Kaufholz is back today! We tie up some loose ends from previous episodes, talk about going to a Yankees game, Coke Icees, Eddie's sleep study, and more of course... We have some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook on page 59. We’re officially kicking off summer on the podcast on Monday, so if you don’t have a guidebook, you can still purchase one at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Geviti: Visit gogeviti.com/thatsoundsfun and use code TSF for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Shopify: Sign up for your

Today on the show, we’re answering the question, “How do I change seasons well?" If you’ve been around here for a while you know Craig Thompson (or CRAIGLES or the prince as we called him around the office). He used to be part of our media team here at AFD, Inc. but last fall he and his wife, Hannah, moved to Indiana. SOO many of you talk to me about deciding whether or not to move or figuring out what to do if a season is changing and I think you’re going to love this conversation with Craig. We’re going to talk about transitioning from “a good season to a good season”...what it looked like for Craig and Hannah to decide to move…making decisions as a single person vs a couple…and then we’re going to talk about some advice if you’re starting to feel the inkling of a season change. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 58. And be on the lookout in your inboxes today, because we’re emailing out the summer pages! If you don’t have a copy of the TSF Seasons Guidebook, it’s the p

Today on the show, we’re answering the question, “What should I take with me from spring into summer?” and y’all are in for a TREAT. You’ve been asking for these guests for a long time and today my new friends Ben and Erin Napier from the show HGTV’s Home Town and Home Town Takeover are here. You’re going to love getting to know them and hearing how their work and their shows have not only revitalized families, but entire towns. You know we love talking about revival around here, and we’re going there today. The work God’s put in front of them isn’t just captivating millions on TV, it’s changing the future of small towns.  If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 57. We’re getting so close to the official start of summer, which means new guidebook pages are coming! If you don’t have a copy of the guidebook (with our winter and spring pages), you can purchase yours at anniefdowns.com/seasons and our summer pages will be emailed to you on June 16th. . . . . . Find the show notes

Today we’re answering the question, “How do I bring my doubts into a new season?” Margaret Feinberg is back for her second time and y’all don't want to miss it. She has a brand new book about the Holy Spirit out called, The God You Need to Know and y’all ask OFTEN about how we hear from the Holy Spirit, so we’re going there! We’re also talk about what we picture when we picture the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit throughout Bible, and we even talk about bringing our dreams to God... If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 56. And as always, you can still get a guidebook at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized

Today on the show, our pal Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking…FROM D.C! We got to record this at Eddie’s house when I was recently in town and as you can imagine, it was just the best. We talked about his cookbook collection, what we're watching and reading right now, and SNL (of course).  We have some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook, so you can find that on page 55. Keep in mind, in a few weeks you’ll get our summer pages in the guidebook, so that’s a great time to jump in with us. You can still purchase a guidebook if you don’t have one at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . .

DawnCheré Wilkerson her husband Rich are the lead pastors at VOUS Church in Miami, Florida, and she’s a beautiful writer along with being such a peaceful presence. You’re just going to absolutely love her. We get to talk about what God’s up to in Miami, what God’s doing in Gen Z, and what to do while you’re waiting on God to answer your prayers–her new book Slow Burn is all about that waiting conversation. And it’s an important one for us to have.  If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 54. And if you’re wondering what we’re even talking about with this guidebook thing, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATS