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We say we want transformation, but often we create environments that protect people from pain instead of preparing them for growth. In the process, we enable spiritual stagnation, emotional fragility, and shallow discipleship. This week on Win Today, Katie Davis Majors exposes the hidden dangers of well-meaning empathy, the false security of “safe spaces,” and the clichés that erode authentic faith. In this conversation, we'll also tackle how to live faithfully in the tension between what God has promised and what we see right now. If you've ever found yourself numbing pain instead of processing it, or if you've settled for comfort instead of maturity, this conversation will challenge you to grow, even when it costs you. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Today on the show, we're answering the question, “How do I prepare for the work of the fall?” I know the changing of a season can make us want to rush the transition, but this conversation today is going to help you think intentionally about not rushing your reset. If there's anyone who knows how to set themselves up well for organization and a reset, it's Emily Ley. Her Simplified Planner is my absolute favorite (she's giving my friends 20% off in September when you use the code THATSOUNDSFUN). We're on page 93 in your TSF Seasons Guidebook! You can order and download your copy at anniefdowns.com/seasons. Find the show notes here . . . . . If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'd also love: Discernment and Decisions with Emily P. Freeman – Episode 869 . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: Go to thrivecausemetics.com/TSF for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. KiwiCo: Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun. NIV Application Bible: If you're looking for a new Bible or know someone you'd like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the NIV Application Bible! Boll and Branch: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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 all want to overcome, but too often, we curate our pain out of view—tidy it up, slap a spiritual platitude on top, and hope time heals what we never confronted. This week on Win Today, ESPN's Lauren Sisler reveals what happened when her life fell apart at 18. She buried both of her parents just hours apart. And in the wake of that trauma, she didn't get a “hall pass” from grief. She didn't get a spiritual fast-forward button. She had to live every moment of it, raw and real. In this powerful conversation, we take on the lies of “rah-rah Christianity,” the armor of image management, and the emotional expense of avoidance. If you've ever wondered why God didn't spare you from the pain… or why it still lingers even though you “moved on,” this episode will meet you where you really live. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
So many of us have walked through unexpected seasons of grief and loss. When those seasons hit, it feels impossible to know how to put one foot in front of the other or we don't know how to best support our friends through it. Today we answer, “What do I do when my season suddenly shifts?” Kate and I met a couple of months ago when I was on the road for a speaking event. She has walked through the tragic death of her adult son and has SO generously agreed to share with us what she wished someone had shared with her when that pain was fresh. Whether you've dealt with a similar situation or you're close to someone who has, I encourage you to lean in to the perspective and encouragement Kate shares with us about what it looks like to honor and grieve and keep living and keep loving even when we don't think we have it in us. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 92 (*we moved this date*). The guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons. Similar episodes you may find helpful: When Winter is Breaking Your Heart with Lindsay Sherbondy- Episode 952 Trusting God with Open and Closed Doors with Craig Thompson- Episode 986 . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Join us in reading the Gospels together this month over on the Let's Read the Gospels podcast! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. AG1: If you're ready to turn down the stress, and focus on the rest, head to drinkag1.com/soundsfun to get a FREE Frother with your first purchase of AGZ. Wayfair: From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor, find it all for way less at Wayfair.com. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. Boll and Branch: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun. NIV Application Bible: If you're looking for a new Bible or know someone you'd like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the NIV Application Bible! Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide! Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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
There's a kind of rest that is still ravenous, and comfort alone is costing your soul more than you think. This week on Win Today, Tim Timberlake joins me to name the central lie of our era: that convenience equals progress. God rarely fits into the narrative designed by self‑help culture, and grief is rarely the speed bump we're told. When breakthrough is packaged and delivered, it disconnects you from the transformative power of pain. Tim unpacks why immediate comfort doesn't heal—it anesthetizes. Why rushing through grief doesn't preserve strength—it fractures your future. And why so many believers craft manufactured breakthroughs that collapse when real life tests them. If your fast-track faith feels flat…if comfort makes you morally weaker…or if you've chased progress more than presence, this episode confronts the real cost, and invites deeper formation. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Exciting news, Hero Makers! We're sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn't mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we'll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That's exactly why we're rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes—designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you're not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- What makes someone trust you enough to follow you, buy from you, or even just listen? In the noisy world of personal branding, it's easy to assume you need a slick image or a viral strategy to break through. But that's not what people are looking for. They want someone who feels real and honest. But how much is too much to share? And how do you stay grounded when your face becomes your brand? These are the questions that haunt creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. So how do you strike the right balance? In this week's episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs, who's built a deeply human, wildly successful personal brand rooted in hope and honesty. They unpack how Annie shaped her brand over the years, how she discovered her “controlling idea,” and why she's leaned into the very things she used to avoid. You'll learn the role of consistency, why timing matters more than transparency, and how to craft a message that's strategic and soul-aligned. Listen in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a personal brand that lasts. Click HERE to check out Annie F Downs' website and HERE for here "That Sounds Fun" pocast! -- Click HERE to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world's best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai. Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
Our guest is ANNIE F DOWNS, host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, one of the most popular and influential podcasts in the world. Annie is a best-selling author of multiple books, a frequent speaker, entrepreneur, co-founder of the That Sounds Fun Podcast Network, and an influencer in the faith space. We discuss building a team, current podcast trends, the power of wisdom, travel tips, tour life, and much more. Plus check out the weekly Top Leadership Links. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the list and all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: CONVOY OF HOPE - visit http://convoyofhope.org/donate. Convoy of Hope is helping victims of the Texas Floods with recovery and clean up. Please donate to help bring hope to those impacted at http://convoyofhope.org/donate. Convoy is my trusted partner for delivering food and relief by responding to disasters in the US and all around the world. Right now, Convoy of Hope is responding to the Texas Floods, LA fires, and still helping with devastation in the southeast US from Hurricane Helene and Milton, providing basic needs like food, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, blankets, bedding, clothing and more. All through partnering with local Churches. Join me and please support their incredible work. To donate visit http://convoyofhope.org/donate. And SUBSPLASH – engage your congregation through Subsplash. Schedule your free demo at http://subsplash.com/brad. Subsplash is the platform made to help maximize your church's giving, growth, and engagement. The go to for mobile apps, messaging, and streaming, along with building websites, groups, giving and more, Subsplash puts today's most innovative church technology into your hands so you can focus completely on ministry. Visit http://subsplash.com/brad and join more than 20,000 churches and ministries who partner with Subsplash. Again, visit http://subsplash.com/brad to schedule a quick, no obligation demo.
Today on the show, we're asking the question, “How can my kitchen reflect the seasons?” Kate Strickler, also known as Naptime Kitchen, is just a delight. Her book came out last week called: I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen. We're going to talk about why we struggle with what we don't have, how to learn to love what we do, finding friends as adults, AND you're going to hear the best hack for cinnamon rolls. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 90. Find the show notes here . . . . . If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'd also love episode 897 with Emily Morrow from Really Very Crunchy or episode 946 with Danielle Kartes from Rustic Joyful Food. . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . In September, join us in reading the Gospels together over on the Let's Read the Gospels podcast! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: Go to thrivecausemetics.com/TSF for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Brave Books: Head to BRAVEBooks.com/TSF and use code TSF for 20% off your first order. Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift. Boll and Branch: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun. NIV Application Bible: If you're looking for a new Bible or know someone you'd like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the NIV Application Bible! NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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
Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn't mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we'll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That's exactly why we're rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes—designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you're not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- What makes someone trust you enough to follow you, buy from you, or even just listen? In the noisy world of personal branding, it's easy to assume you need a slick image or a viral strategy to break through. But that's not what people are looking for. They want someone who feels real and honest. But how much is too much to share? And how do you stay grounded when your face becomes your brand? These are the questions that haunt creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. So how do you strike the right balance? In this week's episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs, who's built a deeply human, wildly successful personal brand rooted in hope and honesty. They unpack how Annie shaped her brand over the years, how she discovered her “controlling idea,” and why she's leaned into the very things she used to avoid. You'll learn the role of consistency, why timing matters more than transparency, and how to craft a message that's strategic and soul-aligned. Listen in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a personal brand that lasts. Click HERE to check out Annie F Downs' website and HERE for here "That Sounds Fun" pocast! -- Click HERE to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world's best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai. Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
How else would we mark the 1000th episode than with the person we've talked to the most: our pal Eddie Kaufholz! And I just want to tell you now, so you can make the switch if you need to…this is an episode I think you'll want to watch on your Spotify App or YouTube, and also watch the whole thing. Just trust me, this is a fun one. Things we also talk about include BUT NOT LIMITED TO The Gilded Age, Marcus Mumford, Billy Joel, Perkins, and colonoscopies. We have some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook on page 88. If you need a copy of the guidebook, head over to anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Boll and Branch: Go to bollandbranch.com/thatsoundsfun for 15% off and free shipping! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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
In this episode, our three cohosts continue the conversation on prayer and fasting, and chat through the discussion questions found in this year's Spiritual Health: Prayer and Fasting meeting plan. ICYMI, check out Part I of the conversation with Annie F. Downs in episode #201.The resources we mention include:Fasting Guide by CruPrayer Guide from Heartland ChurchEvery Moment HolyWe'd love to connect with you! Send us a direct message on Instagram or Facebook or email us at leaders@themom.co.You can connect with Annie at anniefdowns.com or @anniefdowns on Instagram.You can also find our cohosts on Instagram: @andreafortenberry, @ivymamma and @sherri_crandall.Get your MOMCON tickets today.Sign up for MomCo Membership today!Learn more about The MomCo!Find a group online or in person near you.
If you've been feeling stuck lately or every conversation or thing around you just feels hard, we're going to talk about it today. Ann Voskamp going to help us figure out how to find some gifts in the middle of suffering as we answer the question, “What are the gifts of summer I should take into the fall?” Go grab a copy of her 40-Day devotional Loved to Life and join me on Sept 10th (or sooner!). And also if you have never read One Thousand Gifts, I highly recommend getting a copy of that too! If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we switched the date of this episode around, and we're skipping ahead to page 91. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons. Find the show notes here . . . . . In September, we're reading the Gospels together over on the Let's Read the Gospels podcast and we're using the Chronological Bible. So if hearing Ann talking about going through John chronologically sparked interest in you, we'd love for you to join us! We'll start reading that version on September 1, so make sure you're subscribed! . . . . . If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'd also these: Winter Never Gets the Final Word; Spring is Coming with Ellie Holcomb- Episode 968 Hope In the Valley of Grief and Suffering with Mattie Jackson- Episode 961 . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. AG1: Go to drinkAG1.com/soundsfun my friends will get a FREE Welcome Kit worth $76 when you subscribe, including 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker, canister, and scoop! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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 COO Ashley Warren is joining me and we're going through all of the questions you've sent in over the past few months about our work here at AFD Inc or the That Sounds Fun Network… or general questions about running a business or leading a team. Ashley and I have done a few of these Q&A episodes over the years and love getting to do them, (plus, you're getting to hear Ashley's wisdom and brilliance that I get to work with everyday) so I can't wait to hear what you think or what additional questions this episode may spark. If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll also love these: Leading by Learning with David Novak – Episode 891 Is it Time For a Business Coach? (With Kelli Haywood and Chris Weinberg) – Build Your Board Series . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sherri Crandall talks with Make It Awkward curriculum speaker Annie F. Downs about the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting. They talk about what fasting is, how to start, and how it has made a difference in their own lives.We'd love to connect with you! Send us a direct message on Instagram or Facebook or email us at leaders@themom.co.You can connect with Annie at anniefdowns.com or @anniefdowns on Instagram.You can also find our cohosts on Instagram: @andreafortenberry, @ivymamma and @sherri_crandall.Get your MOMCON tickets today.Sign up for MomCo Membership today!Learn more about The MomCo!Find a group online or in person near you.
There's a lie you've turned into identity—that you must perform vulnerability to earn belonging. This week, Toni Collier joins me to pull the veil off emotional infidelity hidden in silence, the orphan wounds we carry in isolation, and the spiritual manipulation we excuse as authenticity. She's walked through heartbreaking betrayal, spiritual misuse, and the long deconstruction of self‑worth in ministry circles. And she has found that true vulnerability isn't performative—it's sacred, grounded, sacrificial, and healing. In this episode, we dismantle the theology of emotional scarcity, expose spiritual control disguised as care, and confront the cost of emotional isolation. Toni challenges common assumptions: that therapy alone solves trauma, that forgiveness equals denial, that age or faith automatically heals wounds. This conversation calls you home to integrity, community, and emotional wholeness. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
If you've been wondering how to maneuver the season you are in, if you've got questions about the next right thing to do in your marriage, or if you are single and wondering what you can be doing right now to be the person you want to be in marriage, I am really excited to introduce you to our guests as we talk through all of this and answer the question, “How does the summer prepare us for the next season?” George and Tondra Gregory are NFL chaplains, marriage coaches, and authors of the bestselling book, The Marriage Game Plan, and their ministry has had a massive impact on a lot of marriages across the country. And my single friends who are dating or want to be married, this is for you too. I'm telling you, there are so many helpful things in their book and in this conversation that we can put into practice now…not later. You can also find more resources from them at journeyforlifenow.org. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 85. The guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! If you enjoyed this episode, go back and listen to: The Fight for a Wholehearted Marriage with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons- Episode 992 Do My Relationships Need a Coach? (with Janice & EJ Gaines) – Build Your Board Series . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: Go to thrivecausemetics.com/TSF for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. With a hundred-day risk-free trial, free shipping and returns, you can experience this game-changing cookware with zero risk. Brave Books: Head to BRAVEBooks.com/TSF and use code TSF for 20% off your first order. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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
In this episode, our three cohosts celebrate our 200th episode! We also share the best leadership advice we've recieved, and some of our favorite moments of the podcast.Here are some of the episodes and resources we mention:Hope Through Loss with Annie F. Downs and Tatum Green - #172Where Did TJ Go? by Annie F. Downs with Tatum GreenHope Heals with Katherine Wolfe - # 135Living in Your Season with Jennifer Dukes Lee - #129Sherri's New Book, Lexi the Butterfly: Releases September 9Andrea's New Book, Two-Minute Timeouts for New Moms: Releases April 7We'd love to connect with you! Send us a direct message on Instagram or Facebook or email us at leaders@themom.co.You can also find our cohosts on Instagram: @andreafortenberry, @ivymamma and @sherri_crandall.Get your MOMCON tickets today.Sign up for MomCo Membership today!Learn more about The MomCo!Find a group online or in person near you.
There's an architecture to dysfunction. It starts with broken beliefs about who you are, and it becomes lifestyle chaos. This week, Ed Latimore joins me to dismantle that architecture from the inside out. A former heavyweight boxer turned Stoic philosopher, physicist, and master of emotional discipline, Ed knows what happens when discipline outruns self-awareness and toughness becomes armor, not healing. We go deep on how distorted thinking drives destructive behavior; how emotional regulation isn't about feeling control—it's predictive science; and why optimism without realism becomes denial. This episode is a surgical blueprint for rethinking how you think, feel, and engage with life's stress. If you're tired of overthinking, overdoing, and still not seeing change, listen closely. Because transformation begins the moment you question what you're telling yourself about your own strength, your pain, and your beliefs. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
If you've been wondering WHAT is going on with the next generation, if you've been hearing some of the same rumblings of God doing new things around the world, if you're confused about teenagers (me too) and want some help understanding them… this is the episode for you. Dan Blythe lives in the UK and is the Global Youth Director for Alpha, and as we get closer to fall and think about what God's up to around the world, he's helping us understand how to prepare for the harvest. How do we pray for the next generation? How do we recognize the harvest? If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 84. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. AG1: Go to drinkAG1.com/soundsfun my friends will get a FREE Welcome Kit worth $76 when you subscribe, including 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker, canister, and scoop! KiwiCo: Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Boll and Branch: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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, Jefferson Fisher—a trial lawyer turned communication expert—walks us through why the art of slowing down a conversation is more powerful than shouting louder. He unpacks the truth about overexplaining, reveals why emotional manipulation often hides in plain sight, and shows how minor shifts can resolve arguments faster than any volume ever could. Jefferson also challenges the lie that talking proves knowledge. Instead, he shows why restraint builds trust, clarity, and real influence. If you've ever found yourself talking in circles, replaying conversations in your head, or trying to shout down someone else, this episode will give you the tools to stop reacting and start leading. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Today we're answering the question, “How does nature teach us about the seasons?" I get to talk with my new friend, Rachel G. Jordan. She is a marine biologist and spiritual guide and using the ocean as a lens, she points us to the way God is revealed in biology AND IT IS SO COOL. We're talking about the coral reef, all that we don't know about the ocean, the intelligence of sea creatures, and you're not even ready for the insight she has about Moses crossing the Red Sea. I'm telling you, mind blowing. Rachel has a new book out called If The Ocean Has a Soul, so when this came across my desk you know I was all in. *I also want to note that we had some tech issues in the middle of recording this, so we picked back up on another day because we HAD to finish this conversation* So if you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 83. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons.. . . . . If you like this episode, we think you'll love these: Episode 178 with Dr. Matthew Sleeth where we talk about faith and trees Episode 202 with Beth Moore where we talked about vines when her book Chasing Vines released . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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. Thank you to our sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In one of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told, the prodigal son in Luke 15, we often miss that both sons were lost—one ran away, the other stayed close but let pride keep him distant. In this powerful message from Annie F. Downs, we're reminded that no matter how far you've gone, you're never too far to come home. Whether you've made a series of small compromises that led to a place you never meant to be, or you're sitting in judgment with crossed arms and a closed heart, the Father is on the porch—looking, waiting, running toward you. There's no better place to be than close to the Father.
Today our pal Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking about our summer, Eddie's new tattoo, and what it's like to go on a cruise. We also need to know the perfect time of a day for soft serve ice cream. I would love to know your answer. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. 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 popular Christian podcast, 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we're concluding a special encore series with Jamie Winship, one of the most powerful voices we've ever featured. These conversations aren't just interviews; they're invitations. Each episode is a call to trade fear for peace, performance for identity, and isolation for union with the Lord. If you've been wrestling with pain, confusion, or the ache to live from truth instead of striving, don't miss this mini-series. It's time to unlearn the lies that keep you stuck and rediscover the wholeness you were made for. July 16: Turning Chaos into Opportunity July 23: The Lie of Being Alone, Radical Individualism, and Why Pain is Good July 30: Why Separation Creates Suffering, the Necessary Practice of Self-Emptying, and a Right View of God Then join me August 6 for a brand-new conversation with communication expert and viral voice of reason, Jefferson Fisher. Episode Links Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
We knew we had to have a conversation about rest this summer. Y'all know how much Sabbath and rest is priority for me and I know y'all love talking about it too, so of course, we called John Mark Comer. His work on this topic has had a massive impact on a ton of us. If you've never read Garden City or The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I highly recommend adding those to your summer reading list. And if you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 80. It's never too late to join us-you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . Find show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . If you liked this episode, you may like Resting Well This Summer with John Eldredge – Episode 898. Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to explore a HUGE outdoor selection. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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 a special encore series with Jamie Winship, one of the most powerful voices we've ever featured. These conversations aren't just interviews; they're invitations. Each episode is a call to trade fear for peace, performance for identity, and isolation for union with the Lord. If you've been wrestling with pain, confusion, or the ache to live from truth instead of striving, don't miss this mini-series. It's time to unlearn the lies that keep you stuck and rediscover the wholeness you were made for. July 16: Turning Chaos into Opportunity July 23: The Lie of Being Alone, Radical Individualism, and Why Pain is Good July 30: Why Separation Creates Suffering, the Necessary Practice of Self-Emptying, and a Right View of God Then join me on August 6 for a brand-new conversation with communication expert and viral voice of reason, Jefferson Fisher. Episode Links Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
You know that dream you've had in your heart for awhile... what if it's God? So often we find ourselves stuck between "I think I want to..." and "I wish I would have," but what if it became, "I'm so glad I tried!"? Join Joyce, Ginger, Erin and the epic Annie F. Downs for an episode that will help you step out in faith, embrace something new, and find out what God has for you.
You know that dream you've had in your heart for awhile... what if it's God? So often we find ourselves stuck between "I think I want to..." and "I wish I would have," but what if it became, "I'm so glad I tried!"? Join Joyce, Ginger, Erin and the epic Annie F. Downs for an episode that will help you step out in faith, embrace something new, and find out what God has for you.
My friends Gabe and Rebekah Lyons are here to help us answer the question, “How do I identify seasons of my marriage?” This spring they released their first book they've written together called The Fight For Us. We're going to talk about how to define summer in your marriage (their answer was surprising), how to prepare for marriage, how to approach conflict, emotional and physical intimacy, and what it means to have a wholehearted marriage. Parents, you will want to listen to this one on your own instead of with my miniBFFs as we get into some “adult” conversation. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 79. The guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . If you liked this episode, you may like these from our past couples series! TSF Couples 2021: Nathan + Christy Nockels TSF Couples 2020: Katherine and Jay Wolf Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. AG1: Head to drinkag1.com/soundsfun to subscribe for less than $3 a day. If you use our link, you'll also get a free welcome kit with a shaker bottle, 5 AG1 travel packs and more with your first purchase. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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
For the next three weeks, we're diving into a special encore series with Jamie Winship, one of the most powerful voices we've ever featured. These conversations aren't just interviews; they're invitations. Each episode is a call to trade fear for peace, performance for identity, and isolation for union with the Lord. If you've been wrestling with pain, confusion, or the ache to live from truth instead of striving, don't miss this mini-series. It's time to unlearn the lies that keep you stuck and rediscover the wholeness you were made for. July 16: Turning Chaos into Opportunity July 23: The Lie of Being Alone, Radical Individualism, and Why Pain is Good July 30: Why Separation Creates Suffering, the Necessary Practice of Self-Emptying, and a Right View of God Then join me on August 6 for a brand-new conversation with communication expert and viral voice of reason, Jefferson Fisher. Episode Links Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
What is it about country music and summer?! Today I talk to my friend and multi-platinum country music superstar Russell Dickerson. Yall know his hits- Happen to Me, Yours, Blue Tacoma, Love You Like I Used To...ETC! We talk about his songwriting, his prayer life, and his family. I can't wait for you to fall in love with this guy if you don't already know him, or fall more in love if you do. Be sure you've pre-saved Russell's new album “Famous Back Home” so you can start listening to it the DAY it comes out on August 22. And don't miss the Russellmania Tour if there's a stop near you. Trust me. It's an immediate add to your summer bucket list! If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 78. And if you're wondering what we're even talking about with this guidebook thing, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . If you like this episode, we think you'll love these: When You Don't Have the Life You Want with Kimberly Schlapman from Little Big Town – Episode 884 Episode 477: Granger Smith on Country Music, Ministry, and How Loss Changes Your Whole Life . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. KiwiCo: My friends get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Shop outdoor furniture, grills, lawn games, and WAY more for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to explore a HUGE outdoor selection. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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've been taught vulnerability is strength, but what if that's half the truth—and it's costing you more than you realize? This week, DawnCheré Wilkerson joins me to dismantle the hidden toll of isolation. She shares how walking through infertility, life's furnace, and unsurfaced grief fractures the soul, and how secrets rob you of belonging before you even realize it. DawnCheré exposes why vulnerability isn't a spotlight; it's a sanctuary that demands integrity. She unpacks the orphan spirit every believer must resist, warns against idolizing therapy as the endpoint, and offers a path forward: a refusal to run, safety in community, and the spiritual grit to stay alive. If you're tired of pretending you're fine…if your pain feels invisible…and if you've mistaken therapy for healing, this episode is your call to come home. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE! - love, Team AFD Our favorite green girl is back! Mary Kate Morrissey is now officially a Hall of Fun member, which means she's been on the show five times, and today we're getting to hear all about her experience starring as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway last year, what it's been like to transition out of that season, her new hobby, and what it looks like to celebrate well. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 77. You can find that at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . If you loved this episode, go back and listen to her very first time on the show with our other favorite Broadway witch, Ginna Claire Mason Moffett: That Sounds Fun Episode 108: Mary Kate Morrissey + Ginna Claire Mason Moffett . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/soundsfun to subscribe for less than $3 a day + get a free welcome kit with a shaker bottle, 5 AG1 travel packs and more with your first purchase. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! . . . . . 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 popular Christian podcast, 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
*** SUMMER BEST OF ***As we take a few weeks off to prep for the rest of Season 6 of The Weight, enjoy some of our favorite past episodes!Show Notes:Welcome to Season 6 of The Weight Podcast! We're kicking things off with someone who has a lot of fun while doing a lot of important work: Annie F. Downs. Annie is an author, speaker, podcaster, and preacher who uses humor and scripture to help people find their purpose and fulfillment in God's love.Annie's podcast, That Sounds Fun, has been on air for 10 years, and this year, she's shaking things up a little. She's helping her listeners navigate the seasons of their life by using the seasons of nature--winter, spring, summer, and fall--to bring some clarity and compassion to those moments when we feel our lowest and to bring joyful ownership to those times when we are at our best.She also talks to Eddie and Chris about her singles ministry, Single Person League, and how married pastors can build a bridge to a more understanding relationship with their single congregants.Resources:Annie's websiteFollow Annie on Instagram, Facebook, YouTubePastoring Singles ResourceBuy Annie's books here, including Where Did TJ Go?
You've been told therapy is the answer to everything. That if you just unpack hard enough, you'll finally be free. But what if that's not the full story? This week, Terry Crist joins me to challenge beliefs that cause deeper destruction. He's seen how long-standing secrets fracture the soul, how the orphan spirit grows in Christian homes, and how many believers never outgrow wounded identity, even into legacy years. In this conversation, Terry decodes why running away from truth never works, how idolizing therapy can drain godly authority, and why healing is never finished, even if you've been in the room for decades. He brings the fight where healing meets holiness, and shows how to refuse lie-lay, stop hiding, and step into belonging. If you've ever carried a secret, felt disconnected in the Church, or believed your wounds had an expiry date, you need to hear this episode. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Pastor JP Pokluda is back and today he officially joins the Hall of Fun! This is his 5th time on the show and we are so grateful he's always willing to show up here and drop some wisdom. The question we're diving into today is, “Is this Spiritual warfare or am I just tired?” JP's latest book, Your Story Has a Villain, is an incredible book helping us navigate the reality of spiritual warfare, and learn how to fight back. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 75. You can purchase our guidebook at anniefdowns.com/seasons. If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll also enjoy: Experiencing Jesus, Lingering in Prayer, and Finding Refuge in God with John Eldredge- Episode 964 . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! StoryWorth: save $15 during their Father's Day sale when you go to storyworth.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! . . . . . Spread the Word. Leave a Rating and Review. It would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review! You can do the same on Spotify as well. Your ratings and reviews help us spread the word to new friends! And your feedback lets me know how I can better serve you. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You've hit the wall. You've circled the same fears, same failures, same question: Now what? This week, Craig Cooney joins me to map out the 7 Stages of Life Transition—that spiritual, emotional, relational journey we all face when momentum crashes into burnout. He's walked past every threshold: loss, disillusionment, plateau, crisis. And he understands what happens when you blitz through “surviving” and find… something new on the other side. In this episode, Craig names the pain of transition: the loneliness of midsize dreams, the temptation to spin in place, the hidden grief behind “I'm tired,” and the silent desperation of burnout nobody talks about. And he exposes the breakthrough waiting when you refuse to stay stuck at the wall. If you're in the pause, the plateau, the painful “In-Between”—this episode will help you understand what stage you're in, give language to the hardship you're living, and show you the transformation lurking on the other side. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Exciting news, Hero Makers! We're sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We're only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts. Now, enjoy this week's episode of Why That Worked! -- What makes someone trust you enough to follow you, buy from you, or even just listen? In the noisy world of personal branding, it's easy to assume you need a slick image or a viral strategy to break through. But that's not what people are looking for. They want someone who feels real and honest. But how much is too much to share? And how do you stay grounded when your face becomes your brand? These are the questions that haunt creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. So how do you strike the right balance? In this week's episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs, who's built a deeply human, wildly successful personal brand rooted in hope and honesty. They unpack how Annie shaped her brand over the years, how she discovered her “controlling idea,” and why she's leaned into the very things she used to avoid. You'll learn the role of consistency, why timing matters more than transparency, and how to craft a message that's strategic and soul-aligned. Listen in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a personal brand that lasts. Click HERE to check out Annie F Downs' website and HERE for here "That Sounds Fun" pocast! -- Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world's best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai. Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
Tatum Green and Annie F. Downs describe the heartbreaking loss of Tatum’s 2nd child, TJ, who only lived for 56 days. In addition to navigating her own grief, Tatum also had to help her 2-year-old son Sam deal with the loss of his baby brother. A powerful program about trusting God and finding joy even in devastating grief. Receive a copy of Where Did TJ Go? with free audio download of “Navigating Infant Loss as a Family" for your donation of any amount Get More Episode Resources If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
OUR FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SUMMER HERE ON THE POD. Today we're answering the question, “What is summer and how do I define it in my life?” and Pastor Mike Kelsey is back to help us kick off this new season. I haven't stopped thinking about it since we recorded. We talk about the fun of this season, but we're also talking about the ways summer can be really hard, the expectations we put on it, and insecurities it can bring up. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 74 of our summer pages. You can purchase yours at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Now that summer's kicked off, if you're looking for some extra series to listen to while you travel or sit by the pool, check out any of our EnneaSummer series our Summer Lovin' series on dating from 2023: EnneaSummer Summer Lovin' Series Playlist . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. AG1: Get a FREE gift with your first order at DrinkAG1.com/soundsfun. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. Geviti: Visit gogeviti.com/thatsoundsfun and use code TSF for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! StoryWorth: save $15 during their Father's Day sale when you go to storyworth.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 popular Christian podcast, 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
What makes someone trust you enough to follow you, buy from you, or even just listen? In the noisy world of personal branding, it's easy to assume you need a slick image or a viral strategy to break through. But that's not what people are looking for. They want someone who feels real and honest. But how much is too much to share? And how do you stay grounded when your face becomes your brand? These are the questions that haunt creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. So how do you strike the right balance? In this week's episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs, who's built a deeply human, wildly successful personal brand rooted in hope and honesty. They unpack how Annie shaped her brand over the years, how she discovered her “controlling idea,” and why she's leaned into the very things she used to avoid. You'll learn the role of consistency, why timing matters more than transparency, and how to craft a message that's strategic and soul-aligned. Listen in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a personal brand that lasts. Click HERE to check out Annie F Downs' website and HERE for here "That Sounds Fun" pocast! -- Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world's best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai. Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
Our friend Eddie Kaufholz is back today! We tie up some loose ends from previous episodes, talk about going to a Yankees game, Coke Icees, Eddie's sleep study, and more of course... We have some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook on page 59. We're officially kicking off summer on the podcast on Monday, so if you don't have a guidebook, you can still purchase one at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Geviti: Visit gogeviti.com/thatsoundsfun and use code TSF for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! StoryWorth: save $15 during their Father's Day sale when you go to storyworth.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 popular Christian podcast, 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on the show, we're answering the question, “How do I change seasons well?" If you've been around here for a while you know Craig Thompson (or CRAIGLES or the prince as we called him around the office). He used to be part of our media team here at AFD, Inc. but last fall he and his wife, Hannah, moved to Indiana. SOO many of you talk to me about deciding whether or not to move or figuring out what to do if a season is changing and I think you're going to love this conversation with Craig. We're going to talk about transitioning from “a good season to a good season”...what it looked like for Craig and Hannah to decide to move…making decisions as a single person vs a couple…and then we're going to talk about some advice if you're starting to feel the inkling of a season change. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 58. And be on the lookout in your inboxes today, because we're emailing out the summer pages! If you don't have a copy of the TSF Seasons Guidebook, it's the perfect time to jump in with us as we get ready to start a new season. You can find everything you need at anniefdowns.com/seasons . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop a huge outdoor selection. KiwiCo: Get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Geviti: Visit gogeviti.com/thatsoundsfun and use code TSF for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! StoryWorth: save $15 during their Father's Day sale when you go to storyworth.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! . . . . . If you loved this episode and you're looking for another one with some HGTV stars, go back and listen to our TSF couples episode from 2019 with The stars of Flip or Flop Atlanta, Ken and Anita Corsini. I think you'll really be moved by their story. . . . . . Spread the Word. Leave a Rating and Review. It would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review! You can do the same on Spotify as well. Your ratings and reviews help us spread the word to new friends! And your feedback lets me know how I can better serve you. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer! Today, I'm sitting down with the incredible Annie F. Downs, a best-selling author, podcaster, speaker, and Enneagram enthusiast, for a powerhouse conversation you won't want to miss. We're two Enneagram Sevens pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a thriving business and grow a platform, without losing yourself in the process. You know those glossy success stories that make it all look effortless? Well, we're here to talk about the real journey, the bad advice we ignored, the behind-the-scenes realities no one tells you about, and the lessons that shaped us. So, if you love business and you need a fresh shot of motivation and wisdom, this one's for you. Buckle up, friend—it's going to be a good one! Timestamps: (08:05) - Why 2025 Is the Best Time to Start a Podcast (11:02) - What Actually Grows a Podcast (And What Doesn't) (25:15) - Find Your Lane and Run Fast (32:02) - Don't Just Dream—Get in the Room with People Who've Done It (39:22) - What's Really Working on Social Media Right Now WATCH ALLI ON YOUTUBE Links to great things we discussed: Annie's Favorite Skin Care Product - Cattle + Comb Tallow Lotion I hope you loved this episode!
Today on the show, we're answering the question, “What should I take with me from spring into summer?” and y'all are in for a TREAT. You've been asking for these guests for a long time and today my new friends Ben and Erin Napier from the show HGTV's Home Town and Home Town Takeover are here. You're going to love getting to know them and hearing how their work and their shows have not only revitalized families, but entire towns. You know we love talking about revival around here, and we're going there today. The work God's put in front of them isn't just captivating millions on TV, it's changing the future of small towns. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 57. We're getting so close to the official start of summer, which means new guidebook pages are coming! If you don't have a copy of the guidebook (with our winter and spring pages), you can purchase yours at anniefdowns.com/seasons and our summer pages will be emailed to you on June 16th. . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. With a hundred-day risk-free trial, free shipping and returns, you can experience this game-changing cookware with zero risk. AG1: Subscribe today to try the Next Gen of AG1 for less than $3/day! If you use my link, you'll also get a FREE gift with your first order. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/soundsfun. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Geviti: Visit gogeviti.com/thatsoundsfun and use code TSF for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! StoryWorth: save $15 during their Father's Day sale when you go to storyworth.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! . . . . . If you loved this episode and you're looking for another one with some HGTV stars, go back and listen to our TSF couples episode from 2019 with The stars of Flip or Flop Atlanta, Ken and Anita Corsini. I think you'll really be moved by their story. . . . . . Spread the Word. Leave a Rating and Review. It would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review! You can do the same on Spotify as well. Your ratings and reviews help us spread the word to new friends! And your feedback lets me know how I can better serve you. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we're answering the question, “How do I bring my doubts into a new season?” Margaret Feinberg is back for her second time and y'all don't want to miss it. She has a brand new book about the Holy Spirit out called, The God You Need to Know and y'all ask OFTEN about how we hear from the Holy Spirit, so we're going there! We're also talk about what we picture when we picture the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit throughout Bible, and we even talk about bringing our dreams to God... If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 56. And as always, you can still get a guidebook at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. KiwiCo: Get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply. If you'd like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . Spread the Word. Leave a Rating and Review. It would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review! You can do the same on Spotify as well. Your ratings and reviews help us spread the word to new friends! And your feedback lets me know how I can better serve you. . . . . . If you loved this episode, we think you'll also love: The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, Counselor, & Comforter… Even in the Winter with Tyler Staton- Episode 955 Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast -- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a world that feels fractured and frustrating, with so much stress and worry, can we still have fun? Is fun worth prioritizing when our schedules are packed and life is hard? Where do faith and fun intersect -- or do they? Annie F. Downs shares all the reasons you not only CAN have fun, but SHOULD. Receive a copy of Chase the Fun and an audio download of "Make Fun a Priority Now – Here's Why!" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Today on the show, our pal Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking…FROM D.C! We got to record this at Eddie's house when I was recently in town and as you can imagine, it was just the best. We talked about his cookbook collection, what we're watching and reading right now, and SNL (of course). We have some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook, so you can find that on page 55. Keep in mind, in a few weeks you'll get our summer pages in the guidebook, so that's a great time to jump in with us. You can still purchase a guidebook if you don't have one at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . If you'd like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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
DawnCheré Wilkerson her husband Rich are the lead pastors at VOUS Church in Miami, Florida, and she's a beautiful writer along with being such a peaceful presence. You're just going to absolutely love her. We get to talk about what God's up to in Miami, what God's doing in Gen Z, and what to do while you're waiting on God to answer your prayers–her new book Slow Burn is all about that waiting conversation. And it's an important one for us to have. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 54. And if you're wondering what we're even talking about with this guidebook thing, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. AG1: Get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order at DrinkAG1.com/soundsfun. Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply. If you'd like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . If you loved this episode, we think you'll also love: Praying Over Your Own Life with Real Talk Kim – Episode 893 Episode 414: TAYA on Worshiping in Pain and in Waiting Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, 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