That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

I'm ALWAYS here for a good bonus conversation! You heard Micah and Shireen Eldridge yesterday as we talked all about who is praying for you? And you guys, if you haven’t listened, you’re definitely going to want to go back and listen HERE!! Micah and Shireen are trusted friends of mine that are so wise and pastor a lot of people in their community. So as we are thinking about finding the voices you need to live the life you want, what if the voice you need is a pastor? What do you do if you ask your pastor to be on your board, but they say no? Micah and Shireen are just so helpful as we dive in to one of YOUR most asked questions! For a full list of all the resources from our Build Your Board experts go to anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard. Be sure to grab your copy of our Build Your Board Guidebook for this series. There are pages to take notes for every episode and questions to walk through and process, so that by the end of the series, you will have a completed resource AND the answer to the question--who is the NEXT voice I need to help me build the life that I want? . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . 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! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all. Get ready for an amazing note-taking episode! Micah and Shireen Eldridge are two of my favorite pastors who are trusted, faithful friends of mine that I know are praying on my behalf. And as we talk about who might be missing on your board, it maybe a person (or people) who you know are consistently praying for you and want to know when there’s something going on in your life that they can be praying about. We’re going to talk today about what that looks like and why it all matters. Be sure to stick around here tomorrow on TSF for a special 10 minute bonus conversation with Micah and Shireen as they answer the question, "What if I want my pastor to be on my board?" It's going to be another good one! For a full list of all the resources from our Build Your Board experts go to anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard. Be sure to grab your copy of our Build Your Board Guidebook for this series. There are pages to take notes for every episode and questions to walk through and process, so that by the end of the series, you will have a completed resource AND the answer to the question--who is the NEXT voice I need to help me build the life that I want? . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Butcherbox: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/tsf using code TSF to receive Ground Beef for Life + $20 off your first order. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/THATSOUNDSFUN and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE. Prose: Go to https://prose.com/thatsoundsfun for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is one of those conversations that will meet you right where you are no matter what you’re walking through and is an invitation to think truly and critically and kindly about your own story and your own faith. Today's conversation with Seth and Amber Haines fits right in as we're thinking about the voices in our lives, our spiritual growth, and our spiritual leaders. We talked about participating in hope even when you don't feel it, how to disciple kids in the midst of pain caused by the church, and why Catholicism was the next right thing for the Haines family. Seth and Amber's book The Deep Down Things is absolutely beautiful! It made me laugh and cry and ALL THE THINGS! I'm so thankful for the Haines and their honesty about their journey of faith. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . 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! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You guys. I'm officially in New York! I wanted to share a few thoughts and experiences I've had as I am learning and living. If you missed the story of why I'm moving to New York for a couple months, be sure to listen to AFD in NYC Episode 1 and AFD in NYC Episode 2. I'd love for you to share your questions or thoughts for more episodes like this with me over on @thatsoundsfunpodcast. See you back here tomorrow on That Sounds Fun Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our last Build Your Board episode, you got to hear from my mentor, Nancy, who disciples me, and today you get to hear from Becca, who I disciple and Harley who Becca disciples. It’s like this little family line of discipleship! Here’s why we wanted to do this… so many of you guys talk to me about wanting these kinds of relationships in your life, but aren’t sure where to start or what to do. We thought it’d be fun to bring on both Becca and Harley, so we can talk about what discipleship practically looks like for all of us. As followers of Jesus, we all have a calling to go and make disciples, so we’re going to break down what that looks like for me and Becca and Harley. I feel so honored to be in this stack of women and am grateful for each of them! For a full list of all the resources from our Build Your Board experts go to anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard. Be sure to grab your copy of our Build Your Board Guidebook for this series. There are pages to take notes for every episode and questions to walk through and process, so that by the end of the series, you will have a completed resource AND the answer to the question--who is the NEXT voice I need to help me build the life that I want? . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. ARMRA: Go to tryarmra.com/THATSOUNDSFUN or enter THATSOUNDSFUN to get 15% off your first order. Nutrafol: Go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code TSF to save $10 OFF your first month’s subscription, plus FREE shipping. Thrive Causemetics: Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all KNOW we love a Friday show around here!! Having my dear friend, Micah E. Davis, here talking about being a part of a city you love, serving at your local church, and navigating wounds and scars when it comes to church and family, really means the world. Talking about the next generation and celebrating their bold faith is one of the things I love to do the most! I am so thankful for my friends like Micah who are living a life of obedience to what God has called them to do. Make sure you grab a copy of Micah's book Trailblazers (and get all those pre-order bonuses!!) - I think you're really going to love it. If you're near the Indianapolis area, check out Micah's book launch event HERE. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partner! Ritual: Right now Ritual is offering listeners 20% off your first three months. Visit ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to start Ritual today. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all have been asking me about my mentor, Nancy, for YEARS and I am beyond excited to get to share her voice with you all. As we continue our Build Your Board Series today with Nancy, we get to talk about what exactly mentorship looks like, what to look for in a mentor, and the difference between mentorship and discipleship. Nancy is the ACTUAL best and I can't wait for you all to get a glimpse of the wisdom I'm honored to receive from this spiritual mother of mine. For a full list of all the resources from our Build Your Board experts go to anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard. Be sure to grab your copy of our Build Your Board Guidebook for this series. There are pages to take notes for every episode and questions to walk through and process, so that by the end of the series, you will have a completed resource AND the answer to the question--who is the NEXT voice I need to help me build the life that I want? . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market today to get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Hatch: Go to hatch.co/thatsoundsfun to get $20 off and free shipping! Beekeepers Natural: Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/THATSOUNDSFUN or enter code THATSOUNDSFUN to get 20% off your order Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're continuing our Build Your Board Series with today's episode all about counseling! I'm honored to have Melanie Rogers from Come Alive Counseling with us as we talk about how to know if we need a counselor, what a spiritual director is, and what to do if counseling doesn't fit within our budget. She is one of my favorite therapists and I'm so happy I got to sit down with her! I know some of you are ALL IN on counseling and others of you are unsure or uninterested, and I think this conversation will be like a “counseling 101” starting place to help all of us figure out the role therapy can play in our lives. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741. For a full list of all the resources from our Build Your Board experts go to anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard. Be sure to grab your copy of our Build Your Board Guidebook for this series. There are pages to take notes for every episode and questions to walk through and process, so that by the end of the series, you will have a completed resource AND the answer to the question--who is the NEXT voice I need to help me build the life that I want? . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Reliefband: Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN to receive 20% off plus free shipping. Raycon: Hurry now to to https://buyraycon.com/thatsoundsfun and use code BIRTHDAY to get 20%-40% off sitewide. Chime: Get started at chime.com/thatsoundsfun. KiwiCo: Get 50% your first month on any crate line plus free shipping at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y’all talk to me all the time about how hard it is to make new friends as adults, and I get it. So today, four of my best friends--Jami, Kelley, Ashley, and Jen--join me to talk about how our friendships started, what it looks like to maintain friendships as adults with really busy lives, and what we expect from each other. You’ve met them before on other episodes, but I’ve never had all of these friends here at once, so this was a GOOD TIME. For a full list of all the resources from our Build Your Board experts go to anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard. Be sure to grab your copy of our Build Your Board Guidebook for this series. There are pages to take notes for every episode and questions to walk through and process, so that by the end of the series, you will have a completed resource AND the answer to the question--who is the NEXT voice I need to help me build the life that I want? . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. Ritual: Right now Ritual is offering listeners 20% off your first three months. Visit ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to start Ritual today. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we kick off a special series called Build Your Board where we want to help you find the voices you need to live the life you want…because in a world of influencers, you get to decide who is influencing you. I am so honored to have Al Andrews with me today talking all about loneliness. We knew before we started talking about the voices you need in your life, we wanted to get to the root of it all…loneliness. I think you’re going to love him and the wisdom he brings. For a full list of all the resources from our Build Your Board experts go to anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard. Be sure to grab your copy of our Build Your Board Guidebook for this series. There are pages to take notes for every episode and questions to walk through and process, so that by the end of the series, you will have a completed resource AND the answer to the question- who is the NEXT voice I need to help me build the life that I want? . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Brooklinen: Use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN for $20 off your online purchase of $100 or more plus free shipping on Brooklinen.com. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can I just be Annie on a Sunday every now and then? This feels like friend talk anyways. I can't believe I'm leaving for New York City in just four short days. I've been thinking a lot lately about leaving home and how loud FOMO can get. So what do you do when you don't want to do the thing you want to do? If you missed the story of why I'm moving to New York for a couple months, be sure to listen to Episode 1 of AFD in NYC. I'd love for you to share your questions or thoughts for more episodes like this with me over on @thatsoundsfunpodcast. See you back here tomorrow for a really fun Monday episode on That Sounds Fun as we start the Build Your Board Series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. . . . . Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . Follow Let's Read the Gospels on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a fun one, y'all! Yours and my favorite Food Network Star, Aarti Sequeira is back to talk all about how her faith impacts her professional life, aging publicly, and staying true to who she is. I am SO excited that Aarti is back on the pod! Her new devotional cookbook, Unwind, is out now. Y'all. This book. It's amazing! I just love this whole idea. My soul felt so full after talking to Aarti and I know yours will too. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Beekeepers Natural: Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/THATSOUNDSFUN or enter code THATSOUNDSFUN to get 20% off your order Blueland: Get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/thatsoundsfun. Nutrafol: Go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code TSF to save $10 OFF your first month’s subscription, plus FREE shipping. KiwiCo: Get 50% your first month on any crate line plus free shipping at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you considered having a “Board of Directors” for your life? The community you surround yourself with helps you grow as a person and grow in your relationship with God. And we want to help you figure out who you need right now and how to find them. For the month of October, we’re hosting Build Your Board, a That Sounds Fun podcast series to help you find the voices you need for the life you want. We’re going to talk about finding friends as an adult, why counselors matter so much, how to find a mentor, why discipleship doesn’t have to be intimidating, and So. Much. More. Go download your Build Your Board Guidebook at anniefdowns.com/buildyourboard and subscribe to That Sounds Fun if you haven’t already. Let’s Build Your Board. Because in a world of influencers, it is important that YOU decide who is influencing you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I have the honor of getting to talk with Dr. Scot McKnight. I know talking about the church falling apart does NOT sound fun...but it's such a needed conversation right now. So many of us have been or are currently in a complicated spot with a church. Dr. McKnight teaches us about hope, pain, and leadership. Y'all know I also LOVE a good Gospel conversation and this does not disappoint! I think you're really going to love learning from him. His latest book—co-written with Laura Barringer—called Pivot, which is such an important read if you’re a pastor or church leader or a business leader. It is a helpful, hard, beautiful book. We begin the conversation talking a good bit about church hurt and if this is a part of your story, this episode may be tender to you. I wanted you to know beforehand so you can take care of your heart. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your October Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Liquid I.V.: Get 20% off when you go to LIQUIDIV.COM and use code THATSOUNDSFUN at checkout. Kitsch: Go to MyKitsch.com/thatsoundsfun to get 30% off your entire order. Earth Breeze: Subscribe to Earth Breeze and save 40%! Go to earthbreeze.com/thatsoundsfun to get started. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We LOVE a Friday bonus episode and this one is extra special! I get to talk to my friend, Dr. Carolyn Weber, who is the author of Surprised by Oxford. Y’all, when I tell you I fell in love with this book the first time I read it...I cannot wait for you to hear Carolyn talk about writing it and now seeing it come to life on the big screen. It is a FASCINATING conversation! This film is playing nationwide for a limited time — so regardless, don’t miss your chance to see my favorite book turned into a film in theaters on September 27th (you know, and maybe catch my cameo). You can go to surprisedbyoxford.movie to find when and where it’s playing near you. Win 2 free tickets to see Surprised by Oxford in theaters September 27 by following @surprisedbyoxford on Instagram, then click LIKE and SHARE on this post HERE! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . 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! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are in a Next Gen era on the pod and I am LOVING it! Riley Clemmons and I have been friends for a long time and I think you're going to love her! Today we are talking about social media boundaries, touring, and her new album, Church Pew. This album is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait for you all to hear it! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Just Different Podcast: Listen & subscribe to SHOW - https://tinyurl.com/TheJustDifferentPodcast Hatch: Go to hatch.co/thatsoundsfun to get $20 off and free shipping! Ritual: Right now Ritual is offering listeners 20% off your first three months. Visit ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to start Ritual today. ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/THATSOUNDSFUN and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE. Simple Modern: Go to www.simplemodern.com/thatsoundsfun and by sharing your email you’ll get a unique discount code just for you or bundle and save for back to school. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, we are celebrating the release of my brand new kids book So Happy to Know You! which is officially out TODAY. It means so much to me that you all have this book in your hands and in your lives and classrooms...GAH...I know a ton of you always want to hear more about the writing process and the behind the scenes of writing and launching a book, so today the illustrator of So Happy to Know You! (andWhat Sounds Fun to You?) Jennie Poh joins me ALL the way from the UK and for the first half of the show we’re going to talk all about how she takes my words and creates these beautiful illustrations and characters. She’s so talented, y’all! Then, during the second half, you’ll get to hear my conversation with Taylor Ann (who’s in charge of our miniBFFs) and Katy (who’s our Content Manager) as we talk about the process of releasing a book. I’m telling you, it takes a village, y’all! Be sure to check out Katy's new book You Can Trust as well! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . 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! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all are in for a TREAT! This is a special and vulnerable conversation with Dr. Anita Phillips. She is so wise and honest and I loved our conversation about how emotions reveal what we need, the importance of loving our bodies, and what to do with heart pain. I know, I know...I probably should thank you for participating in my counseling session...Dr. Anita's book The Garden Within is extraordinary. Truly. Her book goes so much deeper than what we had time for in this episode and I'm telling you...this is the book you need in your life. If you want more of Dr. Anita's voice in your life (I know I do!) be sure to check out her podcast In the Light with Dr. Anita Phillips. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. Reliefband: Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN to receive 20% off plus free shipping. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y’all. This one. Such a special conversation with my friend Matt Redman. I definitely cried at the end while I thanked him for years of music that have so deeply impacted me. We talk all about how to stir up mystery and reverence during our worship, the difference of Christianity between Western and Eastern cultures, and OF COURSE we talked about Matt’s latest album, Lamb of God, (which is just extraordinary). If you haven’t heard this album yet, you’re going to love it. And gosh, I wish we could have chatted for 3 more hours! I’m so grateful for Matt and the impact he has had in my life and in the world. For more info on the Worship and Theology Conference Matt mentioned, go to Worthworship.com. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . 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! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, I get to talk with my friend Madison Prewett Troutt. Her new book, The Love Everybody Wants is an empowering message about where we go to find love. I'm really enjoying opening up these conversations after our Summer Lovin' Series around dating and sex, and what that looks like right now. We also got to talk about God's peace and coming into relationships out of an abundance rather than scarcity. I'm so grateful to Madi for sharing her story with us! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market today to get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Preorder So Happy to Know You and nominate a teacher who had a huge impact on your life or a teacher you know and love. Entries close September 18th at 8pm ET. Head to sohappytoknowyou.com to enter. Prose: Go to https://prose.com/thatsoundsfun for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and an extra $20 off your first subscription order. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh I am so happy to have my friend Noah Herrin on the pod to talk all about his new book Holy Habits! Noah is such a trusted voice and I think you're really going to love this conversation. We also got to talk about planting churches for the next generation, how there is freedom in setting habits, and how Noah and his wife do Sabbath as a young family. There is so much hope in the leaders and generation coming up behind us! I think the world of Noah and am just so grateful for him and his friendship! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. KiwiCo: Get 50% your first month on any crate line plus free shipping at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Chime: Get started at chime.com/thatsoundsfun. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. Preorder So Happy to Know You and nominate a teacher who had a huge impact on your life or a teacher you know and love. Entries close September 18th at 8pm ET. Head to sohappytoknowyou.com to enter. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh friends. This is your friendly heads up that this is a MAJOR note-taking episode! The brilliant Dr. Alicia Britt Chole teaches us about the night originating before sin in Eden, what the Gospel says about our capacity, and how to do grace well. It's also a very special conversation about the Gospels that I know you're going to love. Make sure to grab a copy of Dr. Chole's latest book, The Night is Normal. It's incredibly beautiful and I hope you will not just read it, but sit with it. I'm so thankful for this conversation and the kindness of Dr. Chole! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. FabFitFun: Sign up at FabFitFun.com/THATSOUNDSFUN, customize your box, and get access to discounts up to 70% off. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. Simple Modern: Go to www.simplemodern.com/thatsoundsfun and by sharing your email you’ll get a unique discount code just for you or bundle and save for back to school. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckle up y'all because we are GOING there today! My friend and one of your favorite humans, Jim Cress, is in the studio diving into ALL the questions you sent us after our Summer Lovin' series. All things dating, friendship, sex, and singleness. PHEW! I'm so grateful for Jim and his thoughts as he helps us address these things head on. You may not agree with every single thing we talk about, but my biggest hope is that this episode would spark a conversation with your people. Because of the topics we cover in this episode, this is one you will want to listen to when there aren't miniBFF ears around. Head to our Spotify Playlist to listen to all the episode of our Summer Lovin' series. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Brooklinen: Use promo code THATSOUNDSFUNfor $20 off your online purchase of $100 or more plus free shipping on Brooklinen.com. Nutrafol: Go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code TSF to save $10 OFF your first month’s subscription, plus FREE shipping on EVERY order -- this is their best offer ANYWHERE and it is only available to US customers for a limited time. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cody Carnes released a brand new album called FIRM FOUNDATION (LIVE) and Y'ALL...it is SO.GOOD. I am thrilled we got a chance to sit down and talk about the supernatural effects of worship, the story of his new song Firm Foundation (He Won't)...and trust me...you do NOT want to miss the moment when we're joined by my friend Shayna (remember her from our Summer Lovin' Attachment Theory episode??). Her story of how God used Cody's song for an encounter with the Holy Spirit...well, it's incredible and I can't wait for you to hear. What a perfect conversation for a Friday! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Don't miss our BIG SUMMER BLOWOUT sale where you can find discounts up to 75% off! Head to shopanniefdowns.com and check out the deals before the sale ends September 4th. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I get HYPED to talk to my friends who are seminary professors or are people who talk about prayer...they're basically like my version of a Kardashian...so basically, y'all are in for a TREAT with this conversation. Esau McCaulley's latest book, How Far to the Promised Land, is an eye-opening and a profoundly honest story. I really enjoyed the book and was so honored to have this conversation. We talked about our love for Scotland, black spirituality, and OF COURSE we had to talk about the Gospels! I'm so thankful for Esau's teaching! And I can't wait to have him back with us to do a deeper dive on the Gospels! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Earth Breeze: Subscribe to Earth Breeze and save 40%! Go to earthbreeze.com/thatsoundsfun to get started. Thrive Causemetics: Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Reliefband: Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN to receive 20% off plus free shipping. Hatch: Go to hatch.co/thatsoundsfun to get $20 off and free shipping! . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. . . . . Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . Follow Let's Read the Gospels on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been keeping a BIG secret for a LONG time, and if you know me, you know that is definitely not an easy thing for me to do. Well, it's time to share about a fun surprise that's coming for you and the kids in your life. Listen in to hear all about it! Be sure you're subscribed to the miniBFF Podcast too, because we've got some more fun surprises coming up in the next few months, all with your amazing kids, my miniBFFs, in mind! Visit sohappytoknowyou.com for more details and some fun goodies you can get when you preorder So Happy To Know You! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, I get to talk with my friend, Bri McKoy. Oh friends, you’re going to LOVE her. We talk about everything from the Taco Bell app, to how food brings community together, to the WILD story of how she and her husband met. Make sure to check out Bri's Amazon store for ALL THE THINGS and grab a copy of her book The Cook's Book. Y’all this book is so fun! It's beautiful and so helpful! It’s like a cookbook filled with cooking 101 tips, so you have everything you need! I know you’re really going to enjoy this one and love getting to know Bri! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Blueland: Get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/thatsoundsfun. Hello Fresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/50tsf and use code 50TSF for 50% off plus free shipping! Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can I just be Annie on a Sunday every now and then? This feels like friend talk anyways. I’ve been wanting to tell you a fuller story of what’s coming up this fall in my life, specifically when it comes to where I’ll be living, and why. So think of this episode as a little verbal essay answering your question...why am I moving to New York City for two months? I'd love for you to share your questions or thoughts for more episodes like this with me over on @thatsoundsfunpodcast. See you back here tomorrow for a really fun Monday episode on That Sounds Fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all get ready...I got to sit down with my dear friend, Bianca Juarez Olthoff and we get LOUD and have a LOT of words to say! Bianca is an amazing Bible teacher and writer and I can't wait for you all to hear this conversation. We talk about her experience starting a church plant as a female lead communicator, what makes resilience and grit different for Christians, and how to determine God's voice over our own. Bianca's newest book, Grit Don't Quit, is such a gift! I'm so thankful for Bianca and her friendship. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your September Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Allie + Bess: Get 30% off any order at alliebess.com with code ANNIE30. Simple Modern: Go to www.simplemodern.com/thatsoundsfun and by sharing your email you’ll get a unique discount code just for you or bundle and save for back to school. Ritual: Right now Ritual is offering listeners 10% off your first three months. Visit ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to start Ritual today. Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/soundsfun. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Any day I get to hug Sissy Goff is a great day! She's one of your favorites (and mine too). Sissy is one of the most trusted voices when it comes to parenting and raising kids. Today, we talk about identifying and rewiring anxiety in us and our parent friends. I think this is SUCH a helpful conversation if you are a parent, an aunt or uncle, a babysitter, a friend, or just anybody that loves a miniBFF. Sissy's newest book, The Worry-Free Parent is incredibly helpful. What a gift Sissy is to us all! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your August Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Liquid I.V.: Get 20% off when you go to LIQUIDIV.COM and use code THATSOUNDSFUN at checkout. Kitsch: Go to MyKitsch.com/thatsoundsfun to get 30% off your entire order. FabFitFun: Sign up at FabFitFun.com/THATSOUNDSFUN, customize your box, and get access to discounts up to 70% off. Thrive Causemetics: Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's always an honor when Dr. Russell Moore joins us on the podcast! And GOOD GRAVY this conversation...Dr. Moore teaches us what it looks like to be an Evangelical Christian today, how nostalgia impacts our view of the Church, and postures we can start taking now ahead of the political election season. I'm always so appreciative of Dr. Moore's wise voice of reason and his ability to speak truth. I think you're going to learn a lot from this conversation and his latest book, Losing Our Religion. Gosh, I'm so grateful. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your August Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/THATSOUNDSFUN and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE. Prose: Take your FREE in-depth hair quiz and get 15% off your first order today! Go to https://prose.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all. Get READY for this conversation. It's 100% a note-taking episode! My friend, Hosanna Wong is in the studio talking about what God calls you to do in different seasons, finding your identity and abiding in Christ, and what the rhythms of Jesus looked like. Go grab a copy of Hosanna's new book You Are More Than You've Been Told. I've never read anything like it. It's so unique, helpful, and is shaping how I move forward with my spiritual disciplines. I loved our conversation on consecration! Here is the sermon from Jon Tyson we mentioned: We Want You Here: The Power of Consecration. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your August Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Chime: Get started at chime.com/thatsoundsfun. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. KiwiCo: Get 50% your first month on any crate line plus free shipping at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Nutrafol: Go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code TSF to save $10 OFF your first month’s subscription, plus FREE shipping on EVERY order -- this is their best offer ANYWHERE and it is only available to US customers for a limited time. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My dear friend and truly one of my heroes, Brandi Wilson, is in the studio today and I could not be happier! Brandi is graciously sharing her story of finding hope again when things fall apart. We talk about parenting through divorce, being surrounded by community, and being single again. Brandi's new book Better Than Okay is stunning. This conversation is beautiful and deeply important to me and I know you're going to love it. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your August Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market today to get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Raycon: Go to https://buyraycon.com/thatsoundsfun today to get 15% off your Raycon order. Allie + Bess: Get 30% off any order at alliebess.com with code ANNIE30. Simple Modern: Go to www.simplemodern.com/thatsoundsfun and by sharing your email you’ll get a unique discount code just for you or bundle and save for back to school. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ya'll. This conversation is a special one. My friend Steffany Gretzinger is back on the show to talk about her brand new album The Narrow Way, the loss of her dad, and the project she created as a way to honor him called Faith of My Father. (PUDDLE. That's me.) Her work just feels like music we have needed. This conversation is beautiful and hard and I can't wait for you all to hear it. I'm so grateful for Steffany's wisdom and open heart. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your August Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Brooklinen: Use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN for $20 off your online purchase of $100 or more plus free shipping on Brooklinen.com. MiniBFF Back to School Kit: Click HERE to download the free kit for you and your kids. And be sure to save the date for the miniBFF Back to School Bash on my Instagram next Monday at 6pm. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week marks one year since we lost my nephew, TJ, so it is not lost on me God’s timing to remind me, and all of us, of what He can do with grief and loss. You are going to love getting to know country-music star Granger Smith and his story. It’s a story none of us want, but are often faced with. And Granger’s story felt like the exact right one for this week. This conversation is emotional and heavy at times, but it’s also hope-filled a reminder of what God can do with our grief. What He’s capable of restoring and redeeming. His book Like a River is a beautiful resource. It's not easy to talk about loss and I'm so grateful for Granger. Just a heads-up, if your #miniBFF is listening along, this may be one you want to hear before you invite them into the conversation. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your August Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Reliefband: Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN to receive 20% off plus free shipping. Nutrafol: Go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code TSF to save $10 OFF your first month’s subscription, plus FREE shipping on EVERY order -- this is their best offer ANYWHERE and it is only available to US customers for a limited time. FabFitFun: Sign up at FabFitFun.com/THATSOUNDSFUN, customize your box, and get access to discounts up to 70% off. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we head into the fall, there are some new guests, exciting opportunities, and another fun series coming your way. I cannot wait to share all of it with you! Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. . . . . Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your August Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . Follow Let's Read the Gospels on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on this final Hall of Fun episode, you get to hear my conversation from Episode 236 with my friend Lauren Akins. She was one of our most requested guests and I know you guys love her and so do I! We talk a lot about her book, Live in Love, in this episode because it had just come out, but she now also has a podcast on the That Sounds Fun Network called Live in Love! Season 3 all about parenting is out now, and believe me, you don't want to miss a single episode...or season! Head over to @ThatSoundsFunPodcast on Instagram so you can fill out YOUR Hall of Fun and share it with us! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Allie + Bess: Get 20% off any order at alliebess.com with code ANNIE20. Blueland: Get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/thatsoundsfun. Earth Breeze: Subscribe to Earth Breeze and save 40%! Go to earthbreeze.com/thatsoundsfun to get started. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on this Hall of Fun episode, you get to hear my conversation from Episode 216 with my friend Jo Saxton. She is one of your favorites (and mine!), and this one takes us right back to 2020. Jo and I definitely talk about what it was like to deal with all of the changes and pivots that year. We also talk all about her book Ready to Rise. Jo is just full of wisdom, makes me laugh, and always speaks truth over us, and I just love friends like that. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Kitsch: Go to MyKitsch.com/thatsoundsfun to get 30% off your entire order. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. Simple Modern: Go to www.simplemodern.com/thatsoundsfun and by sharing your email you’ll get a unique discount code just for you or bundle and save for back to school. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on this Hall of Fun episode, you get to hear my conversation from Episode 108 with Mary Kate Morrissey Blake and Ginna Claire Mason Moffett. MK and GC are not only two of my best friends, they are also incredibly talented singers, actresses, and Broadway stars who have both starred in Wicked on Broadway AND used to be on the national tour of Wicked together. In all of the shows we’ve done, there are a handful that I consider really sacred and this is one of them. I will never forget it. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Liquid I.V.: Get 20% off when you go to LIQUIDIV.COM and use code THATSOUNDSFUN at checkout. Hello Fresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/tsf16 and use code TSF50 for 50% off plus free shipping! Allie + Bess: Get 20% off any order at alliebess.com with code ANNIE20. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on this TSF Hall of Fun episode, you get to hear my conversation from Episode 286 with Francis Chan. Francis Chan is one of my spiritual heroes and it was such an honor to get to chat with him for an hour. We talked about his book, Until Unity, how to avoid distraction, division in the Church, and so much more. This is another note-taking one, y’all. He is just so wise and I learned new things even listening back to this 2 years later. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market today to get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Ritual: Right now Ritual is offering listeners 20% off during your first three months. Visit ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to start Ritual today. ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/THATSOUNDSFUN and download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're continuing the TSF Hall of Fun series where we’re bringing back some of our favorite episodes from over the years for you to hear! Today on the show is CAIN from Episode 351. This was SUCH a fun conversation (I mean, who DOESN'T love Christmas in July?)! Madison, Taylor, and Logan are a part of the incredible group CAIN, and I like to think of myself as their fourth singer and sibling. I mean, why not, right?! I love these people so much. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Thrive Causemetics: Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Chime: Get started at chime.com/thatsoundsfun. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. Gather Ministries: Learn more and sign up today at www.loopforwomen.com/TSF for this FREE email devotional. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on this TSF Hall of Fun episode, you get to hear my conversation from Episode 260 with Christine D’Clario. I love how Christine loves God and worship, and how she talks about both in this episode. We talk all about spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, and her journey with God. And this one was definitely a note-taking episode for sure. This conversation is really special to me, and I can’t wait to hear what you get out of it. If you have struggled with infertility, or if you are just waiting for God to do the thing you REALLY want Him to do, this one is for you. We also talk some about depression and suicide. These topics may be tender to you, so I wanted you to know before you listened so you could care for yourself and your #minibffs well. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Athletic Greens: Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/soundsfun. Simple Modern: Go to www.simplemodern.com/thatsoundsfun and by sharing your email you’ll get a unique discount code just for you or bundle and save for back to school. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. KiwiCo: Get 50% your first month on any crate line plus free shipping at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are kicking off a brand new series called TSF Hall of Fun where we’re bringing back some of our favorite episodes from over the years for you to hear! On this premier TSF Hall of Fun episode, you get to hear my first podcast episode with the Pastor of the Pod, Kevin Queen from Episode 48. This one is so special to me and still to this day makes me emotional just thinking about it. At the time, Kevin was the brand new pastor at my church, Cross Point Church, and he tells the story of how he got to Nashville and Cross Point and it is legitimately miraculous. This story just speaks to God’s kindness, provision, and plan. It’s pretty incredible and I think you're going to love it. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Indeed: Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/SOUNDSFUN. Raycon: Go to https://buyraycon.com/thatsoundsfun today to get 15% off your Raycon order. Brooklinen: Use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN for $20 off your online purchase of $100 or more plus free shipping on Brooklinen.com. Rothy's: Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/SOUNDSFUN. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. . . . . Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . Follow Let's Read the Gospels on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The team here at That Sounds Fun is getting ready to take a couple weeks off work to rest and recharge. As we were thinking through the right person to help lead us into our Summer Sabbath, I knew Allen Arnold was the exact right person for this episode. As a part of the Wild at Heart team, Allen helps create content that leads us toward God’s heart for rest, creativity, and reset. Allen's newest book The Eden Option blew me away. I think you’re really going to love this conversation as we all consider ways to incorporate more rest into our lives, whether that’s through time off this summer, a Sabbath each week, or a longer sabbatical in your year. Check out this New York Times article on Sabbath that I was honored to be a part of! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Gather Ministries: Learn more and sign up today at www.loopforwomen.com/TSF for this FREE email devotional. Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/thatsoundsfun to receive 50% off your first order. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I think you're going to find today's conversation SO HELPFUL! I know I did. Jackie Dorman is a real-life dating coach and someone I knew would be the perfect expert to end our Summer Lovin' series. We’re diving into ALL the things: dating apps, green, yellow, and red flags, the importance of physical attraction, dating long distance, and more. You’re going to love her, you guys. Consider this your free one hour session with a dating coach, because she’s going to have plenty of notes for you to walk away with. For more resources from Jackie and our other Summer Lovin' experts, check out anniefdowns.com/dating. . . . . After listening to the series, do you have follow up questions? Submit them HERE for a Q&A episode in the fall! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your July Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our partners! Sunday's for Dogs: Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/THATSOUNDSFUN or use code THATSOUNDSFUN at checkout. Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/TSF to get 10% off during their Summer Refresh Event. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ok...so breakups aren't exactly what sounds fun to most of us. Which is why I am SO glad our Summer Lovin' expert, Janice Gaines is here to help us navigate the conversation today all about the topic of breakups. Joining us are my friends Ryan and Katy as we talk about some breakup stories, the emotions that come alongside a breakup, and the desire to still hold onto hope after a relationship ends. I'm so thankful for the honesty and vulnerability in this conversation. For more resources from Janice and our other Summer Lovin' experts, check out anniefdowns.com/dating. . . . . After listening to the series, do you have follow up questions? Submit them HERE for a Q&A episode in the fall! . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to purchase your June Reading Plan or Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Head to anniefdowns.com/books for more information and to sign up for the AFD Book of the Month. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp Online Therapy: Visit betterhelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. Thrive Causemetics: Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Chase the Fun: Join our private Facebook group. Earth Breeze: Subscribe to Earth Breeze and save 40%! Go to earthbreeze.com/thatsoundsfun to get started. Are you married? Drop your email HERE. . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices