That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

I love love love having pastors on the show- they just always have some nuggets for us that will lead to good growth and change. Scott Sauls is one of those pastors to me- he is an expert on faith and culture and where those meet, as well as just a kind, generous, and thoughtful human. I'm grateful for where this conversation went as we talked all about struggles and faith life and changes and HOPE. His new book Irresistible Faith released this week. Make sure you grab a copy- it's so so good. (And, as we promised, let's continue to keep Scott in our prayers as he sorts out the insomnia issue.) . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My girl Hollyn is on the show today and y'all just aren't even going to believe this story. What I thought was a simple, "update me on life" question led to a whole episode of how God writes stories that are unlike anything we could do for ourselves. To finish up the Next Gen series, another expert from inside the Next Gen camp, reminding us that God is at work in all of our lives, no matter your age, and if you seek Him you WILL find Him. Pretty fun one. Can't wait to hear your thoughts. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all. This one surprised me. I called a couple of my favorite gals- Camden (13), Raleigh (15), and Katie Marie (19)- to see if we could talk all about being a teenager. Because all of our experts this month have been experts BUT who knows teens better than teens. And these young women BLEW MY MIND. Buckle up for an incredibly beautiful and profound conversation. (Also dear adults, here's a spoiler: we still don't need to be on snapchat- teens think that is weird, but we need to understand it.) . . . . . I also have a new book releasing this week for young women- A Life of Lovely- a younger version of Looking For Lovely, specifically edited and specifically re-written with younger gals in mind. I will be reading you a few pages from this book today on the podcast as well. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pretty often, JP Pokluda's name crosses in front of me, so I've known of him for a long time. But this was our first time getting to be friends. But I knew when I was gathering up experts on the next generation, he was one of the dudes I wanted to speak into this series. So far our experts have been talking to us about middle and high schoolers (mostly), but JP is here to talk college (mostly). :) We're also gonna hit a few other topics I think you will love- like hearing God, accountability, and JP's next steps. His new book Welcome to Adulting: Navigating Faith, Friendship, Finances, and the Future is SUCH a gift for anyone walking through that young adult life phase. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifteen years ago, Drew Hill and I served in the same student ministry. He and his wife Natalie moved to Athens, Georgia and became the leaders of the student ministry where I was volunteering. I learned so so much from him the year we served together. Impacted me forever. Drew has been committed to investing in the next generation for twenty years and he's finally (literally FINALLY) written a book called Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel. When I think of who loves teens well, and shows them the Gospel life, it's Drew. Grab this book for yourself, for your youth pastor, and for every parent you know. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are taking a few episodes to talk about the next generation- what it looks like to invest in them, how to care for them, and how to love them well. When I think about who speaks teenage the best and can teach us a whole lot, it is Amy Byrd. She is the director of girls ministry at Hunter Street Baptist Church and also an absolutely brilliant writer, gifted speaker, and excellent friend. I think you're just gonna love her and her thoughts. Whether you are friends with a teenager, raising a teenager, leading teenagers, or just surrounded by them on this planet, I think this conversation will open up your eyes and thoughts to some new things. http://amybyrd.com . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HAPPY NEW YEAR, friends! So glad to be kicking off another season with you. We have some fun plans in the next few weeks, and I wanted to start the year by having a conversation with Carey Nieuwhof. Pastor, teacher, author, podcast host, leadership expert, Carey has a lot of right answers for the questions we are asking right now about how to start 2019 in a way that leads us to the healthiest year yet. His newest book, Didn't See It Coming, is helping me to navigate some important things this season- I think it will help you too! Let's jump into 2019!! . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was no other way to end the year than having our old pal Eddie Kaufholz back on the show. We talk about 2018 like it can't hear us- the things we loved and hated, the ways it surprised us, Eddie's big changes this year (and he parents his daughters a few times), and we dive deep into plans for 2019. This is a thinker and an LOLer. Of course it is. Thanks for an amazingly fun year, you guys. I wouldn't do this without you. Over 5 million downloads and 70+ shows in 2018, and still the best part is when you come up to me at a restaurant or airport and tell me your favorite episode. So THANK YOU SO MUCH. Y'all are better friends than I deserve. Here's to 2019- a year full of great shows (we already mostly know the first three months and it's LEGIT) and lots of new friends and having more fun than we did in any year before. That's my goal for us, at least. :) . . . . . Quick reminders: 1. No new show on New Years Eve but we'll be back on January 3! 2. We are reading 100 Days to Brave together starting January 1! Join us!! All the details on my instagram. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've never gotten to do a Christmas Eve show until this year, AND I AM SO THRILLED ABOUT IT. I imagine this being the episode you listen to as you drive home, or cook for your people, or out on a walk with your pup to get a little break from family time, or driving to and from the golf course. Or maybe y'all turn on the tree and gather around, old school style, and listen together. Loads of people on this one- the Downs Books team, lots of my #miniBFFs, Pastor Kevin, AND MY MOM AND DAD. This is a fun one. A little gift from me to you. Merry Christmas, friend. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My friend Nicolle Galyon throws incredible parties. Never stressful, never stuffy, always welcoming and incredibly fun. So when we planned our Hallmark Movie watching party for Saturday night (remember we're all watching Jingle Around The Clock on 12/22 at 8pm/7pmCT), I knew I wanted Nicolle to come and teach me how to throw a party like she does! Also. I should mention. She is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning songwriter with five number one hits. CASUAL, NICOLLE. (Here is the playlist of the songs she's written.) And she's a wife. And a great friend. And a strong business woman. And a mama. You are about to fall in love with your new pal Nicolle. And throw the best girl party of your life on Saturday. :) . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've had some huge stars on the podcast this year, but today exceeds them all. Santa Claus is here. Parents- I *think* it's okay for your kids to hear this one, we didn't say anything that would lead to heartbreak, except for Santa's dislike for mall Santas. But just heads up that I know some of my pals who listen are under the age of 12 and I wouldn't want you to proceed without a tiny warning that, well, Santa tells us some behind the scenes of the North Pole and we hear from an angry elf. (Also. Total side note. VERY unrelated. I'm a huge fan of Dave Barnes and Aaron Chewning. Just wanted you to know.) . . . . . 2 things to remember! 1. We are tracking our time this week using Jessica Turner's Stretched Too Thin Time Log. Download it here and join us from yesterday (Dec 16) to Saturday (Dec 22)! 2. We are all gonna gather with friends and watch Jingle Around The Clock on Hallmark on Saturday (Dec 22) and 8pm/7pmCT. Join us! . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I cannot keep up with my lists and calendars and THINGS TO DO before 2019. I don't want to miss the beauty of this season because of the crazy I feel in my schedule. So Jessica Turner was just the woman to call upon to help us all find a little mores space and balance. Jess juggles a million things- family, full time job, author life, speaking, blogger, THE LIST KEEPS GOING. And somehow she still gets so much done and has a great spirit about her. I think you're gonna love some of her tips and ways that she has prioritized certain things to make space for other things. Already feels like my Christmas is getting less stressful. Here is the Stretched Too Thing Time Log that we talked about in the show. If you want to do it with us, start on Sunday (Dec 16)! And make sure you grab Jess's new book Stretched Too Thin to gift to the women on your Christmas list. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Epic may be the right word for this particular episode- in length as well as in content. :) Y'all know I love a Hallmark Christmas movie and talking about the 2018 offerings was bound to happen. This show comes to you in four parts. Part 1. My gals Jami and Jenn are back to tell you their thoughts on the new movies for 2018. Part 2. Candace Cameron Bure joins us to talk about her new movie A Shoe Addict's Christmas, getting out of the Christian bubble, and the enneagram (and I PROMISE she brought it up not me!). Part 3. My buddy Drew tells us his thoughts on the ONE Hallmark Christmas movie he's watched from start to finish, Let It Snow. Part 4. Jami and Jenn are back to complete a Hallmark Christmas mad-lib. :) It's a doozie, but that's what Christmas parties so fun- sometimes you get into the party and you planned to leave after an hour but you're having such a good time you're still there an hour and a half later! hahahaha! I love this episode. Hope you will too. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BUCKLE UP, PEOPLE. This is that thing that happens at a Christmas Party where you and a dear friend pull to the side, maybe punch cups in hand, and GO DEEP. You talk about the real stuff, even while the hubbub keeps going around you. Banning Liebscher, founding pastor of Jesus Culture, is just that convo. I was moved to tears multiple times recording this one. Take notes. Tear up. Whatever you need. His book Rooted is absolutely one of my favorites- grab a few to gift this year! If Christmas ever feels hard for you, or if you just need a reminder of who Jesus really is, phew. This is the one. Stick around for the prayer at the end- it's a doozie. . . . . . Want to give an autographed copy of 100 Days to Brave as a Christmas gift? Head to your local Barnes and Noble to get one of the thousands of hand-signed copies from yours truly! . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's back, y'all! Jon McLaughlin swings through our Christmas party again this year and no one is mad about THAT. He's a favorite around here- you guys tell me all the time. So he's back, and he's got a new album to tell us about- Angst and Grace. It's so so good. Merry Christmas to us, getting to laugh with this dude and listen to some amazing new tunes. . . . . . Just a reminder that Advent started yesterday! Read alone with us at SheReadsTruth and HeReadsTruth. It's going to be a great Christmas season. . . . . . Want to give an autographed copy of 100 Days to Brave as a Christmas gift? Head to your local Barnes and Noble to get one of the thousands of hand-signed copies from yours truly! . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of you already feel the way I do about Ellie Holcomb: OBSESSED and IN LOVE. I know. She's wonderful. And there's no one better to walk into our Christmas party right after our SheReadsTruth friends than Ellie! We talk about life and friendship and the holidays and her new book for kids- Who Sang the First Song?- that you DEFINITELY need in your life. (And if you aren't already a fan of her music, start with Red Sea Road. It's my faaaaaavorite.) . . . . . Want to give an autographed copy of 100 Days to Brave as a Christmas gift? Head to your local Barnes and Noble to get one of the thousands of hand-signed copies from yours truly! . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the most wonderful time of the year, you guys! No better way to officially kick off our Christmas Party than to have Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams from SheReadsTruth on to talk all about Advent- why we celebrate it, how to celebrate it, what it means, and why it is important. If you've been around for a Christmas Party before, you know these party animals are staples and always the first to arrive. MY KIND OF PEOPLE. Love these gals so much. Remember to use the code THATSOUNDSFUN to get 15% off all things Advent from shopshereadstruth.com through the end of December! Grab the study and let's spend December together. http://shereadstruth.com http://hereadstruth.com . . . . . Want to give an autographed copy of 100 Days to Brave as a Christmas gift? Head to your local Barnes and Noble to get one of the thousands of hand-signed copies from yours truly! . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why wait until AFTER Thanksgiving to kick off our party?!? Instead I'm going ALL IN and bringing back one of your (AND my) favorite guests- Danielle Walker! We're talking all about cooking for the holidays, all the times we'll be in the same place over the next few months, and how we feel about turkey (and her BIG TIP on how to make the most delicious one your people have ever known). Only one episode this Thanksgiving week- so I had to make it a good one. Use that Black Friday deal and pre-order a copy of Danielle's new cookbook Eat What You Love... TRUST ME the biscuits and gravy are reason enough to own this one. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. So grateful for you. . . . . . Thanks to Dave Barnes for making holiday music we all love! Make sure you've got his Christmas records in your listening rotation! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's so fun and such an honor to have Becca Stevens on the podcast today! Author. Speaker. Episcopal priest. Founder of Thistle Farms. Over the last 22 years, she has changed the face of justice work in Nashville and a LOT of lives in the process. This is a beautiful conversation about justice and kindness and rescuing women from poverty and the cycle of abuse (and how men can help!). What a hero and a legend. Y'all are going to love her. . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have a new house and there is no better woman to help me figure out how to decorate than my friend Myquillyn Smith. You probably know her as The Nester and she is just one of the best. Her wisdom, her style, the way her faith and love of family drive how she creates home, it's all so inspirational and so helpful. Her new book Cozy Minimalist Home just released and I am OBSESSED already. Grab a copy! . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm such a huge fan of Good Grit Magazine and WHOA was I honored/surprised/happy when Laura Bento, the founder and CEO, asked me to help curate an issue and be the guest editor. I wrote a few original exclusive pieces, had my friends interviewed and featured, and got to fly to Scotland for the cover shoot! You guys are going to love getting to know Laura and hearing all about the behind-the-scenes making of a magazine. (And there is a super special guest that will bring tears to your eyes!) If you subscribe to Good Grit Magazine this month, you can still get my issue! Use the discount code "ANNIE" to get $10 off your subscription! . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hayley Morgan is a force for truth and light and standing on your own two feet. I've loved being friends with her for years and as always happens, when you stick around someone's life long enough, you see them grow and change. She's watched that in my story, and I've watched it in hers. And her new book Preach To Yourself is an absolute testimony to the power of truth and will call you higher in who you are. (And she's awesome and fun and you will just adore her. Amen.) . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grant Skeldon is one of the best dudes you'll meet. He's passionate about his city and his generation and being healthy body, mind, and spirit. We jumped right, catching up on something I had noticed on instagram but hadn't been able to ask Grant about yet. And I think you'll like where the conversation goes. Grab Grant's book The Passion Generation for yourself and some leaders in your life. . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's a great way to start your week, friends! Two great men on the podcast today. We'll kick off with Tim Tebow, who most of you know as a football player, man of faith, author, commentator, and also baseball player! THIS GUY. His new book This is the Day just released and I loved chatting with him about it! Also on the show today is Max Lucado, bestselling author and pastor from San Antonio, Texas. His new book Unshakable Hope is an excellent resource right now for many of us who are looking for God's promises. . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With mid-term elections just around the corner, I called our favorite political voice, Michael Wear, to come on the show and tell us what we do not know. He gives us some important questions to ask, some wisdom about this particular election cycle, and some great direction in prayer. His book Reclaiming Hope is a favorite of mine. I hope you'll grab it. . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan O'Neal, who makes music under the name Sleeping At Last, is one of the most creative and inspiring people I know. As many of you know, he has been creating a series of songs around the enneagram types. Just last week, the seven song released (which is the enneagram type I am!) and so I asked Ryan to join us today to talk about all the songs, his creating process, and songwriting in general. Get ready to be inspired to make something. Anything. That's what Ryan does to us- makes us want to be better makers. . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I met Andi Andrew about a year ago at a conference and have been adoring her ever since. Not only does she run the She Is Free Conference in New York, she's a pastor at Liberty Church, and the author of the new book Fake or Follower. But also she's a super friend and a hilarious guest and you are gonna LOVE her. . . . . . Our new song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a longtime Broadway fan, I cannot believe we get to hear from both Elphaba and Glinda from the touring cast of Wicked today. But they are more than just my favorite witches- these women have become dear friends to me. In two weeks, both Mary Kate Morrissey and Ginna Claire Mason Moffett will be leaving the cast, so I visited them in San Antonio last week to see them share the stage one more time and we sat on the dressing room floor with a microphone between us. Tears, laughs, beautiful thoughts on God and art and friendship. I love these girls so much. What a gift they are to me. I bet you'll feel the same about them after today's show. . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've had Luke Norsworthy on the show before, but today is extra special! We recorded in Austin, Texas in the Norsworthy house with his cute kiddos buzzing around and talked all about everything, including his new book God Over Good. . . . . . Our new song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God! . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been around here a while, you know I'm a little obsessed with the idea of finishing this race of life really well. I want to ask everyone who is even one minute older than me to help me walk this path to the end. For many of us, Louie and Shelley Giglio have modeled that and taught us that for the last few decades. I'm so honored to have Shelley on the show today, giving us all sorts of wisdom and hope and heart. If you've been looking for a mentor, here's an hour with one of the best. And if you, like me, have major thanks to send to Louie and Shelley (or any other mentor in your life), do it today. Go tell them... Louie - https://twitter.com/louiegiglio Shelley - https://twitter.com/shelleygiglio . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My new book Remember God just released this week! So while my assistant Eliza was in town, who lived the story and lived the writing of the book with me, we sat down with the microphones and talked about the behind-the-scenes moments and creation of Remember God. And Pastor Kevin, newly named OFFICIAL PASTOR OF THE POD (he didn't agree to this and he doesn't get paid for it, so... ), stops by to read the foreword he wrote and pray for each reader of the book. . . . . . Grab a few copies of Remember God today for you and your friends! http://bit.ly/RememberGod . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Ripp and I have been friends for years here in Nashville. He's an incredibly gifted musician and one of the most fun and relaxing dudes to be around. Last week we grabbed coffee and halfway though I told him he had to stop talking and we had to capture this conversation for you guys. If you have struggled with infertility, as the wife OR the husband, or if you are just waiting for God to do the thing you REALLY want Him to do, this one is for you. I was thinking of you when Andrew was talking to me. His new music is insane- you're going to love it. And here's the video for God Knows that we talked about in the conversation. Share this one with friends you know are waiting, too. . . . . . Remember God releases tomorrow! EEK. Pray? Grab a few for you and your friends? Believe with me that God is going to do more than we could ask or imagine in the hearts of every reader. Grateful for y'all. . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YOU GUYS. I've been SUCH a fan of Taylor Twellman for a lot of years, so when he was in Nashville last week, I just dang near begged him to be on the podcast to talk soccer. And we did. But we also talked about 1000 other things that I think you're gonna love. So no matter your sports feels, I think this whole episode is going to become a favorite. (And now he's stuck being friends with me you know how this goes...) Also, if you or your kid are into contact sports, I hope you'll take this concussion conversation seriously and check out ThinkTaylor.org as well as the #TTPledge. . . . . . This is the last week that my new book Remember God will be available for pre-order! All the details (and how to get a free audiobook!) are on http://anniefdowns.com . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation with author Shannan Martin has been rolling through my head since we spoke last week. What does it really look like to love our neighbors? To be a part of where we live? To make our neighborhoods better by living gospel lives in our homes and streets and grocery stores? Shannan does it. And I'm learning so much from her. Her new book The Ministry of Ordinary Places, is a great peek into her life and some ways she has seen God and heard Him and been asked by Him to love the people she lives with. (It's beautiful.) . . . . . This is the last week that my new book Remember God will be available for pre-order! All the details (and how to get a free audiobook!) are on http://anniefdowns.com . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all this episode is so special to me. I've been a HUGE fan of Scott Harrison for years so to get to sit across the desk from him and talk about charity:water, New York City, and faith was so fun for me. And I loved the topics that arose that we could not have planned! I've started reading his new book Thirst and gracious is it good- revealing and inspiring and honest. Totally worth the read. I'm really excited to share this powerful conversation with you today! . . . . . By the way! My new book Remember God is available for pre-order! All the details (and how to get a free audiobook!) are on http://anniefdowns.com . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's so fun for me to have a friend like CJ Casciotta on the show today (and in my life). He's one of those dudes that celebrates you just for being you. He's wise and bright and awesome and you're gonna love him. His new book, Get Weird, just released. I gifted it to my cousin and have a list of friends I look forward to giving it to at Christmas. This guy and this book are such gifts to us in our world today. Can't wait for you to get it! . . . . . My new book Remember God is available for pre-order and the first 5000 friends who pre-order the book will get the audiobook (read by me) for free weeks before the book comes out! All the details are on http://anniefdowns.com . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I love this guy so much. Jonathan Merritt is a dear dear friend and a Georgia Bulldog fan and an incredibly gifted writer. He has more good stuff to say than we had minutes, and we usually talk for hours, but were were self-controlled and only gave y'all the best of us. :) His new book, Learning to Speak God from Scratch, has changed me and given me words I didn't know I needed. Make sure you get a copy today. And by the way, you can hear me on Jonathan's podcast, Seekers & Speakers, as well! . . . . . By the way! My new book Remember God is available for pre-order and the first 5000 friends who pre-order the book will get the audiobook (read by me) for free weeks before the book comes out! All the details are on http://anniefdowns.com . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HAPPY SEPTEMBER, FRIENDS! And there is no better way to kick off the fall than talking football with one of the coolest women we know. Samantha Ponder is one of the most respected women in sports broadcasting and definitely one the most recognized faces in football. But to me, she's also an amazing Jesus-loving woman who is one of my favorite instagram follows FOR SURE. Y'all are just gonna adore her. . . . . . By the way! My new book Remember God is available for pre-order and the first 5000 friends who pre-order the book will get the audiobook (read by me) for free weeks before the book comes out! All the details are on http://anniefdowns.com . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YOU GUYS. I'm trying to play it cool but TEAM NO CHILL that we get to be friends with Payne Lindsey and talk all things Up and Vanished, podcast creation, and storytelling. If you'll recall from the episode with John Crist, we were both addicted to Season 1 of Up and Vanished and I am so pumped to have had this conversation with the creator of the show. Season 1 is absolutely worth your time, but Season 2 is a brand new story (meaning you don't have to listen to Season 1 to jump into Season 2 with us today!). So after you're done with this convo between Payne and myself, get started on Up and Vanished Season 2 so we can all talk about it ASAP! https://upandvanished.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all called it. You've told me to have her on the show and legit the minute we sat down in my office we were laughing and then I was teary telling her the truth and OMG Melissa Radke is everything. Her new book Eat Cake. Be Brave. is already on many of your shelves (and in your hearts) but wow is it a special one. And so is she. And so is this conversation. Get ready to laugh- this woman BRINGS IT. https://www.melissaradke.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is with SO MUCH JOY that I put this conversation in your ears and put this organization in the front of your mind. What an honor for us to get to partner with Christian Appalachian Project to bring picture books to kids in three counties of Kentucky! Listen in as Mike from Camp AJ and I chat about all things CAP, the importance of reading, and what it is like to love your neighbor well. Our goal this month is to raise $13,000 to provide Imagination Library for all 100 preschoolers in CAP's program in Rockcastle, Jackson, and McCreary counties for FIVE YEARS. If we each give ONE DOLLAR (for real), it's goal met and doubled. ONE DOLLAR today from each of us gives books to a lot of kids for FIVE YEARS. Wanna get in on this with us??? $1, $5, $100, or drop the whole $13K! :) www.christianapp.org/anniefdowns (And we've got some super fun plans once we surpass the $13,000.... we'll keep you updated about that...) Let's gooooooo! This is gonna be SO FUN. (FYI if you want some background... here's my first conversation on The New Activist with CAP's president Guy Adams.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gosh I love Christy Wright. She's a ball of fun and compassion and smarts and you're going to see all those on display in today's episode. As I'm taking a few weeks off for vacation, I knew Christy was the businesswoman I wanted to talk with about how we rest well and run after our dreams and lead from a place of peace. Oh, and we also talked about our trip to Vegas. :) If you think we're fun in a podcast, you ain't seen NOTHING yet! Come hang with us at Business Boutique in Nashville! https://www.businessboutique.com (Use the code "bbdowns" to get 15% off!) http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The calmness of Aaron's voice is going to be what makes the truth bombs fall much lighter into your heart. :) I am such a fan of this guy- as a writer, friend, worship leader, experience creator, and family man. His new book, The Eternal Current, puts down on paper the way that Aaron has lived and led us for so long. I think you are going to love this conversation and this book. https://www.aaronniequist.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have been so dying to get Jessica Honegger on the show! (And you guys have requested her like crazy too.) The founder and CEO of Noonday Collection, she is also the author of Imperfect Courage. This conversation with Jessica is enneagram 7 heavy :), so prepare your hearts for that. You know when you get two of us together, it's volume and laughter and tears and dreams. Don't say I didn't warn you. https://jessicahonegger.com Join us August 2nd!! --> https://www.redjett.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YOU GUYS. Okay so I already loved her music I had no idea I WOULD FALL ALL THE WAY IN LOVE with Steffany Gretzinger. Like, immediate need to know her and be her friend forever kind of love. Her music and her worship leading have meant so much to me in the last few years, but gracious her wisdom and humor! I didn't know BUT NOW WE KNOW. If you haven't listened to her album Blackout, please do. Like soon and very soon. Hope you love this one! https://bethelmusic.com/artists/steffany-gretzinger/ Join us August 2nd!! --> https://www.redjett.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) Thanks to our friends at Prep Dish for sponsoring this episode! Head to prepdish.com/annie for a 2-week free trial! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh y'all. I so love this dude. Jeremy Courtney is truly one of my heroes- not just in what he does, but how he thinks and talks and leads. Jeremy and his wife Jessica run Preemptive Love, bringing relief and jobs and friendship to people in war-torn nations like Iraq and Syria. And not just for a season, but for the long haul. This conversation is so moving as Jeremy walks us through what their life in the middle east is like, the work they are doing, and why it all matters. Join me on the front lines. --> https://preemptivelove.org/donate/ https://twitter.com/jcourt Join us August 2nd!! --> https://www.redjett.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm so excited to have Russ Ramsey back on the podcast to hang with us! We talk about all sorts of topics - prayer, Jesus, his new adventure in pastoring- have lots of laughs and a few tears (duh it's me). He has three new books that released last week and I love them -- The Advent of the Lamb, The Passion of the King of Glory, and The Mission of the Body of Christ. (And you gotta listen to the show to hear why each book is the exact length that it is. RUSS IS BRILLIANT.) http://russ-ramsey.com Join us August 2nd!! --> https://www.redjett.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am such a huge fan of Ally Fallon. As my friend, as a writer, and as a woman who is living open and honest and telling the truth. I admire her so so much and I think you will too after this conversation. Pre-order her latest book Indestructible- it's such a beautiful story of pain and resilience and trust and hope. https://allisonfallon.com Join us August 2nd!! --> https://www.redjett.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) Thanks to our friends at Prep Dish for sponsoring this episode! Head to prepdish.com/annie for a 2-week free trial! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's my birthday week so this podcast is just some of my favorite things! :) First up, Dave Barnes and Aaron Chewning are back to talk us through the final 8 teams of the World Cup and who is gonna win this whole thing. Then, my friends and co-workers Maggie and Eliza bring some of the questions that you guys asked during the TSF Survey we put out in May. Friendship, God, singleness, church, Starbucks order. We only covered about 10 of the 3000 questions, but we got a good start. :) Happy 4th of July week and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME week and Happy Summer, friends! Join us August 2nd!! --> https://www.redjett.com http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) Thanks to our friends at Samaritan Ministries for sponsoring this episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As my college pastor at UGA's Wesley Foundation and my pastor for a season at RiverStone Church, Tom Tanner is one of the most influential voices in my life. Tom and Melissa are on a short list, after my own parents, of people who have had the most impact in my life and growth. And I think that is true for hundreds of my friends, including some that you know- like Tyler Reagin from Catalyst and my pastor Kevin Queen. We are living in a world where people walk away from their faith and the church fairly often, and sometimes people fall so deep into their own sin it costs them their ministry all together. I wanted to know how to do this faith life for the long haul and TOM AND MELISSA DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Settle in for a conversation that just may change some things for you... and give you a reason to make a phone call to someone who has influenced your life, too. http://100daystobrave.com http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices