Podcast appearances and mentions of annie f. downs

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

You've been sold a lie: that authenticity means spilling everything and bleeding on everyone. That your pain validates your platform and makes you more mature. This week, Levi Lusko joins us to dismantle that fallacy. He's faced the brutal shock of grief and the hidden ruins of unsurfaced trauma. He's walked through the disillusionment of midlife irrelevance. And he's learned the hard truth: healing doesn't include weaponizing your pain, and authenticity doesn't mean emotional anarchy. In this episode, Levi pulls back the curtain on what happens when grief blindsides you, why trauma must be surfaced before it surfaces on others, and how midlife loss of relevance can become the birthplace of greater purpose. We talk about the toxicity of “authenticity culture”—why sharing pain doesn't always lead to healing, and why containment, resilience, and sacred boundaries are essential. If you've ever bared your struggle and felt worse… if you're deep in grief or navigating a midlife low… this conversation will give you clarity, grace, and a restoration plan. 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.

In this episode of Simple Faith, Rusty George sits down with the ever-inspiring Annie F. Downs—New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and host of the wildly popular That Sounds Fun podcast. With her signature warmth and authenticity, Annie shares how reading the Gospels doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Together, they explore practical ways to connect with Jesus through Scripture, what it looks like to read the Bible with fresh eyes, and how to find joy in simple spiritual rhythms. Whether you're a longtime believer or just starting out, Annie's wisdom and humor will leave you encouraged to dive deeper into God's Word.Learn more about Annie at anniefdowns.com and follow her on socials @anniefdowns.

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!

In a world that feels fractured and frustrating, with so much stress and worry, can we still have fun? Annie F. Downs shares all the reasons you not only CAN have fun but SHOULD. Then Sarah Mackenzie, author of The Read-Aloud Family, explains how parents can strengthen their relationships with their children by reading books together as a family. Chase the Fun FOF Comedy Collection The Read-Aloud Family Adventures in Odyssey Club If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

You've been told addiction is a disease or a moral failing. That emotional pain is separate from your brain wiring. And that quantum physics is just science fiction jargon. This week on Win Today, Dr. Lee Warren—a neurosurgeon, Iraq War vet, and author—pushes back on all of that. He exposes how unraveling addiction requires more than therapy—it demands restructuring your neural pathways. He digs into how neurodivergent brains function, why most spiritual advice fails, and how quantum physics reveals that your brain isn't a victim—it's a participant. Lee will show you why normal isn't enough, why passive hope is setting you up for failure, and why self‑brain‑surgery—rewiring your neural patterns—is the ultimate resistance. If you're wrestling with addictive patterns, feeling trapped in mental loops, or want hard science fused with spiritual hope, this conversation will light a fire under you. This isn't motivation—it's neuroscience applied. It's the answer buried inside your skull. 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.

On this episode of Captivated, Stasi invites the delightful Annie F. Downs into the studio for an honest conversation about walking with Jesus and how deeply we are held by Him—every season of our lives. They explore rhythms of rest, the gift of Sabbath, and the invitation to trust God's timing even when it's difficult to see the full picture. From winter's waiting to summer's work, they share about the beauty of every season and the joy of partnering with Christ. If you're feeling stuck, longing for rest, or simply needing encouragement, join us as we lean into God's goodness together.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Romans 14:8 (NIV) – If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.Psalm 100:3 (NIV) – Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Matthew 25:21 (NIV) – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) – Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Psalm 16:6 (NIV) – The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.  John 10:3–4 (NIV) – The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.John 10:27 (NIV) – My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.Revelation 19:11–16 (NIV) – (here, v.11) I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.Genesis 2:2–3 (NIV) – By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.Mark 2:27 (NIV) – Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.…..ANNIE F. DOWNS Website: www.anniefdowns.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniefdownsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniefdownsYouTube: https://wahe.art/4ilzU6HThat Sounds Like Fun Podcast:  https://www.anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun/ANNIE F. DOWNS BIOAnnie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, TN. Known for her engaging and honest style, Annie makes readers and listeners feel like long-time friends. She is the co-founder of the That Sounds Fun Network, home to her flagship podcast with over 100 million downloads, That Sounds Fun and creator of Single Purpose League, a community for single women to discover friendship, hope, and a life of purpose. With over one million books sold, Annie's catalog includes bestselling That Sounds Fun, 100 Days to Brave, and Remember God. She invites listeners and readers alike to experience fulfilled lives with a God who made them on purpose and loves them deeply. Learn more at www.anniefdowns.com.ANNIE'S BOOKS:Where Did TJ Go by Annie F. Downs and Tatum Green  https://wheredidtjgo.com/Find all of Annie's books, here: https://www.anniefdowns.com/books/…..RESOURCESGarden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human by John Mark Comer  https://amzn.to/4j0SWiL24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life by Dr. Matthew Sleeth  https://amzn.to/41KEPacSabbath: The Ancient Practices by Dr. Dan B. Allender https://amzn.to/4hHXyt3…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

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

This Sunday, guest teacher, Annie F. Downs continued our sermon series through the Book of Acts, The Fifth Act, with a teaching from Acts 6:1–7, a passage centered around a pivotal moment in the Early Church when administrative changes were needed to keep up with the rapidly growing needs of the community. She noted that the men chosen to serve in this moment were known first and foremost by the presence of the Spirit in their lives and their wisdom. Their lives bore the fruit of the Spirit—a sign of maturity that every believer is called to pursue no matter how or where they are serving in the Body. 

In a culture obsessed with self-discovery, the pursuit of "finding yourself" often leads to more confusion than clarity. Preston Morrison, Senior Pastor of Pillar Church and host of The Leader's Cut, challenges this narrative by exposing the misconceptions that keep us spiritually immature. He delves into how pride creates distance and separation, the pain inherent in midlife transitions, and the transformative power of embracing life's wilderness seasons. 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.

In this episode of Radical Radiance, we're diving into a much-needed conversation around the practice of turning from hurry to rest—inspired by Chapter 8 of my new book You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing in a Hurry-Up World.Joining me is the one and only Annie F. Downs—author, speaker, and podcast host—who knows a thing or two about building a life around intentional rhythms of rest. Together, we explore how to resist the constant pressure to hustle, why rest is a spiritual discipline, and how learning to slow down is so transformative.Whether you're a go-getter girl struggling to catch your breath or a dreamer trying to trust God's timing, this episode will offer you practical encouragement to step out of the rat race and into real, restorative rest with Jesus.Where did TJ Go on AmazonAnnie F. Downs WebsiteYou're Not Too Late on AmazonSponsors:Christian Standard Bible: Ready to go deeper in your Bible study? Discover the brand-new Church History Handbook—the latest addition to the elegant Holman Handbook Series from Christian Standard Bible!This stunning, full-color series includes the Old Testament Handbook, New Testament Handbook, and now the Church History Handbook—each packed with charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and rich biblical insights.Crafted with premium cloth covers and sewn binding, they're built to last a lifetime—and look beautiful on any coffee table.Start your deeper study today by CLICKING HERE!Previnex: One of the best changes I've made to my morning routine lately is a simple one—but it's been a game-changer. After my workouts, I've been making a shake with Previnex's Nourify Plus Protein Powder (I love the vanilla!) and their Gut & Green Superfoods, and y'all…it's so good. Not only does it taste great, but it actually keeps me full for hours and has made a huge difference in my recovery. I used to feel sluggish or sore longer after a tough workout, but now I'm bouncing back faster—and I know it's because I'm giving my body the fuel it actually needs.Nourify Plus is clean, plant-based, and packed with everything your body craves after a workout—plus it's super clean and free of all the weird stuff you don't want. If you want to give it a try, which I definitely encourage you to do, head to the link in the show notes and use the code REBECCA15 for 15% off your first order by CLICKING HERE!

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.

You've been taught that spiritual maturity looks like control. Stoicism. Discipline. Measured responses. But what if that's not maturity at all—just emotional suppression dressed in a Bible verse? This week on Win Today, Zach Meerkreebs, known for his role in the Asbury Outpouring, joins me to dismantle the cultural scorecard we've built around spiritual growth. We're talking about the false belief that spiritual people don't struggle. That leaders don't wrestle with anxiety. That if you're in pain, you're just not “surrendered” enough. 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, 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

In celebration of Mother's Day this month, Ruth's sitting down to talk about the wild and wonderful journey of motherhood with a handful of friends in various stages of life. In this episode, Annie F. Downs shares how she's embraced the role of spiritual mother to the children in her life, why the family of God needs spiritual mothers, and how we can all invest in nurturing the next generation. Resources mentioned:Live and In Color Tour with CAIN (caintheband.com)Single Purpose League (anniefdowns.com/single-purpose-league/)anniefdowns.com | @anniefdowns

This week on Win Today, I'm joined by Kris Vallotton for a raw conversation about how well-meaning but bad theology is distorting our view of emotional health and creating systems of self-oppression inside the Church. From the stigma surrounding therapy and medication to the over-spiritualization of trauma, Kris pulls no punches. Together, we explore why real transformation can't just be personal—it must be systemic. Because if the environment around you is sick, your health will always hit a ceiling. If you've ever been shamed for struggling, blamed for being anxious, or silenced when asking hard questions about healing, this conversation will set you free. It's time to confront the beliefs that keep us stuck—and recover a theology that makes room for the whole person: body, soul, and spirit. 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.

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

We've mistaken platforms for purpose. We've idolized influence and sacrificed intimacy. And we've called it success when in reality, it's just burnout in disguise. This week, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Tauren Wells joins Win Today for a brutally honest conversation about the danger of exposure growing faster than character. Together, we explore how influence without intimacy leads to insecurity, how image management becomes spiritual performance, and why pathologizing our struggles has kept us from doing the real work of healing. 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 do I find joy in this season?” with Tauren Wells. You know him from his music—you've heard his voice, you've sung along in the car—but today we're talking about some really exciting new chapters in his life. He's releasing his first book called Joy Bomb  and we talk about what joy really means, and how to carry it in hard seasons. Also, Tauren's pastoring a new church in North Austin called Church of Whitestone and we're talking about what this move and new step has looked like for him and his family. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 53. And if you don't have a guidebook, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons. It's never too late to jump in! . . . . . 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. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping. 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. WayFair: This summer, get outside with Wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now. 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 liked this episode, you may also like: God's Faithfulness in our Stories with Michael Tait and Adam Agee of the Newsboys- Episode 929. 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

What does it look like when the Holy Spirit shows up in your everyday life? Not just in the big moments, but in the normal ones too. Listen as Annie F. Downs bring us back to the first time we see the Holy Spirit in Genesis 1. She draws out how we can be more attentive to daily moments when God's Spirit is "hovering" over us.

Annie F. Downs is back, and she's bringing the grit, the laughs, and the deep soul-stuff. From rolling ottomans up four flights of stairs to discovering how New York life reshaped her rhythms, Annie shares what it means to grow through the hard and embrace unexpected gifts from God. She opens up about her journey of grief, the heart behind her children's book Where Did TJ Go?, and how singleness has led to a life she truly loves. It's raw, funny, and powerfully honest. Don't miss it! Connect with us on social!Annie: @anniefdownsLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]That Sounds Fun Podcast: https://bit.ly/43YTLEqGet the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps00:45 - Annie's New York Life & Brick Wall Vibes02:15 - The Struggle of Rhythms in Two Cities06:00 - Prayer Rooms, Singleness & Hope for the Future10:40 - Don't Quit in February: How to Hold On in the Storm17:00 - The Power of a 10-Minute Timer to Fight Temptation36:55 - Behind the Book: Where Did TJ Go? and Grieving With Kids

We've called it emotional intelligence. We've called it self-awareness. But what if the story you're telling yourself—the one you rehearse in your head day after day—isn't making you healthier? It's keeping you sick. This week, Rita Springer joins Win Today for an unfiltered, emotionally disruptive conversation about the link between obedience and mental health. Because here's the truth: peace doesn't come from managing your anxiety better. Peace comes from surrender. And when we treat obedience like a suggestion instead of a lifeline, we stay stuck in cycles of emotional chaos, calling it healing when it's really avoidance. 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.

Ashley Anderson is a ministry leader and wise voice who lives in New York and has become a dear, dear friend of mine. She was our April guest on the Single Purpose League podcast last month, and we had a conversation around having a theology of singleness—What does that mean? Why does it matter? What does Scripture say about being single? It felt so important to all of us so, today, we're sharing that conversation with all of you.  We're doing that this week because Single Purpose League registration is open! We only open it up certain times a year, so we're able to have intentional time going a little bit deeper with our members, so SPL registration is open RIGHT NOW but it closes on Thursday—THIS Thursday May 15th—at 11:59pm CST. If you have a friend who could benefit from a community of women figuring out our single purpose and our purpose while single, will you text them this episode and let them know about Single Purpose League? Every month we're tackling topics that help us thrive as single people. We have an exclusive podcast, monthly livestream where we do Q&A (they're a blast) and opportunities throughout the year to meet up in person and connect. We also just announced our summer book club, so now's a GREAT time to jump in. You can learn more and sign up at singlepurposeleague.com, but remember registration closes on Thursday night and won't open again until the fall. ALSO - Katy and I are doing a live Zoom call tonight (May 13th) called Why Am I Single? And we would love for any of you to join that at 7pm Central. HERE's the Link! . . . . . 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! 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 liked this episode, you may also like How to Better Serve Singles, Finding Contentment, and the Permission to Change Your Mind with Ryan Wekenman- Episode 931 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

Throughout the history of the church, there has been a tendency to fall into different ditches of emphasis. During the medieval times, singleness was celebrated, and religious movements were dedicated to convents and monasteries. But those days are far in the past of the church. Our current services and church social events are set up to cater to married couples and parents. So much so that I've heard from several single friends that they don't feel like there is space made for them in the church!What has made the church a notoriously difficult place to be single? Have we made marriage a cultural idol?What are some proactive things you've learned to do to make space for yourself in a body of faith? What is dating like for Christian singles in 2025?How do people hold on to the fun and hope in dating?What inspired you to start “Single Purpose League?”What would you like to say to encourage other Single Christians today?What would you encourage married people to do or change in order to be more inviting?You can find "Single Purpose League" here and ⁠⁠⁠Annie F Downs on Instagram You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on the blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Or get access to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Additional study resources here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch *affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest

Christy Nockels is here today to help us answer the question, “How do I process change in busy seasons?” She's in the process of launching her third kid into the world, marrying off another, releasing a brand new lullaby album (of course you're going to love it) and figuring out what parenting and life looks like entering an empty nest. Whether you're in a similar parenting season or just trying to navigate the craziness that is May, I think you're going to love this episode.  If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 52.  . . . . . 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've been thinking about joining Single Purpose League, now is your chance! Registration is now open until this Thursday night—Thursday, May 15th—so head over to singlepurposeleague.com to learn all about it and come join this special community of friends. We've got our own exclusive podcast, a monthly livestream where we do Q&A, and opportunities throughout the year to hang out with each other in person. Registration won't open again until the fall so don't miss this window! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! 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. 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 available at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Or save more with 20% off your first order. 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 liked this episode, you may also like Episode 478: Steffany Gretzinger on Her Journey Through Loss and Returning to Simple Faith.  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

From time to time, we want to replay episodes that really stuck out to us or maybe episodes that feel relevant to things going on around us, and this is one of those. Whether you've heard it before or this is your first time, I think there's always something new to learn about Scripture.  I recently got to teach the kick off to a brand new series at Cross Point, where we're spending an entire year going through the book of Mark. Y'all know how I feel about the Gospels!! This Cross Point sermon could not have been more perfectly picked for me. I read a bunch of books and commentaries to prepare for this sermon, and I went back to our Gospels episode with Dr. Esau McCaulley to listen to him teach on the book of Mark and my feet were barely on the ground—I was so fired up about this book.  This episode isn't in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, but you'll want your notes page out for this one! . . . . . You're invited to read through the Gospels with us during the month of May. We've got a whole reading group of friends joining us and can listen along with us over on the Let's Read the Gospels podcast, so make sure you're subscribed. We're also going to be reading in the order that's in the Let's Read the Gospels Guided Journal, so you choose to just listen, or just read and journal along with us OR DO BOTH. It's totally up to you! We also have a facebook group for all of us who are reading together!  . . . . . 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! 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! . . . . . 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 live in a culture of extremes—where the loudest voice wins, emotional manipulation masquerades as influence, and overcorrection has become the new dysfunction. We see it in our families. We feel it in our churches. And when it finally shows up in our relationships, we wonder why everything feels so chaotic. This week on Win Today, Manny Arango is here to pull the curtain back on the deeper issues no one wants to admit. Together, we're talking about the generational cycles of chaos we've inherited, how manipulation uses fear to gain control, and why overcorrecting for past pain only produces more dysfunction. And at the center of it all? The worship of self, disguised as confidence, but rooted in pride. In this conversation, Manny exposes: The hidden tactics of emotional manipulation that we normalize How to recognize and break generational cycles of chaos Why overcorrection is not healing—it's reactionary bondage What it really means to dethrone the god of self and let Christ take His rightful place   If you're tired of pretending, if you're sick of spiritual language being used to control, and if you're ready to break the cycles that have defined your family and your faith, this episode will confront you, challenge you, and call you higher. Listen now. 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.

Y'all get ready because my friend Lisa Harper is here! She's one of my favorite teachers and today we're talking about being lifelong learners, the kindness of God, and what we love about Jesus. Her brand new book, A Jesus Shaped Life, comes out tomorrow and I kept wanting to slow down and re-read and underline because it's just so deep and special.   We're also going to dive into our question in our TSF Seasons Guidebook today: How do I rest in this season? If you're following along we're on page 51.  . . . . . You're invited to read through the Gospels with us during the month of May. We've got a whole reading group of friends joining us and can listen along with us over on the Let's Read the Gospels podcast, so make sure you're subscribed. We're also going to be reading in the order that's in the Let's Read the Gospels Guided Journal, so you choose to just listen, or just read and journal along with us OR DO BOTH. It's totally up to you! We also have a facebook group for all of us who are reading together!  . . . . . 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. WayFair: Shop a huge selection of outdoor furniture online and this summer, get outside with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com now. Our Place: My friends save up to 30% off sitewide now through May 12th at fromourplace.com/TSF.  Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.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! . . . . . 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

Today Annie F. Downs joins us, and gets real about her singleness journey, her honest struggle, lessons with ghosting, and reminds us that both singleness and marriage are reliable paths to abundant life! The Find-Your-Person Challenge: A 4-Night Conference Experience for Christian Singles! Sign up for FREE here! https://www.heartofdating.com/challenge Join Basics of Dating! The 6-Week Program for the Christian single feeling stuck, anxious, or healing from heartbreak. https://www.heartofdating.com/basics-of-dating   Love Heart of Dating Podcast? Want to support us AND be a part of the fam? Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/heartofdating Subscribe to our YouTube channel here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1PswEXEyeSddMmOSiRKGw Crushing on a cutie? Download this FREE Resource on how to show interest: https://www.heartofdating.com/resource/how-to-show-interest  Want to further your dating knowledge? Check out our ultimate dating library! https://www.heartofdating.com/resource/ultimate-dating-library  Kait wrote a book! Snag Thank You For Rejecting Me on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E59cLQ Want to meet some epic Christian Singles? Join our huge HOD Family on FB! https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartofdatingpodcast  Come hang with us on the gram: http://instagram.com/heartofdating http://instagram.com/kaitness https://www.instagram.com/jjtomlin/?hl=en . . . . .  . . . . .  Check out this week's sponsors: Better Help: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HOD and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a moment, often quietly, when you realize life didn't turn out the way you thought it would. The dreams you chased, the milestones you reached—they didn't deliver the satisfaction you imagined. And somewhere along the way, loneliness crept in, success started to feel hollow, and the constant pressure to optimize every part of your life became a crushing weight. This week on Win Today, Ian Simkins joins us to talk about the uncomfortable truths no one tells you about midlife. In this conversation, we'll unpack: Why midlife often exposes the false gods we've been serving The unique, often hidden loneliness of your 40s—and how to navigate it How spiritual abuse leaves scars that don't just go away with time Why efficiency, while celebrated, makes a terrible master The freedom that comes when you stop demanding success from God   Midlife isn't a crisis. It's an invitation. An invitation to reevaluate what you've been chasing, to heal what's still wounded, and to walk with God in a deeper, quieter way. If you're feeling stuck, unseen, or frustrated by the gap between your expectations and your reality, this episode will speak directly to where you are. 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.

Our friends, Abner and Amanda from JOHNNYSWIM are back with us today and we got to sit down in person at the Hepzibah House in New York City to record this one.  Their brand new album, When The War is Over came out in February and y'all know we needed an album to be our soundtrack for the spring, so I hope you've already started listening to this one. It's SO good. We talk about how this album was inspired by an intense season of change, our shared love for musical theater, and our favorite NYC restaurants. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 49! . . . . . Starting May 1, you're invited to read through the Gospels with us during the month of May. We've got a whole reading group of friends joining us and can listen along with us over on the Let's Read the Gospels podcast, so make sure you're subscribed. We're also going to be reading in the order that's in the Let's Read the Gospels Guided Journal, so you choose to just listen, or just read and journal along with us OR DO BOTH. It's totally up to you! We also have a facebook groupfor all of us who are reading together!  . . . . . 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! Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. 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 available at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Or save more with 20% off your first order. 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! . . . . . 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

In week one of our new series on the book of Mark, Annie F. Downs introduces us to the authors of the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each one has a different point of view on Jesus' life on Earth. Over this next year, we'll study Mark, which is the second of those […] The post Mark 1:1 | Annie F. Downs | The Gospel of Mark: Prepare the Way | WEEK ONE appeared first on Cross Point Church.

Our friend Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking about anything and everything from which band we'd go see in a different country, what we love most about big concerts, prioritizing rest, and then Eddie offers up some GREAT suggestions for me and CAIN and the Live And In Color tour.  We added some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook and you can find that on page 48 of your guidebook! Come tell us over on @thatsoundspodcast instagram if you have an idea for a great name for Annie & Eddie listeners. What should we call you?! If you have any questions from this episode drop them in the Q&A box on your Spotify app if you're a Spotify listener, or send them to us on instagram at @thatsoundsfunpodcast and we'll try to answer them there! . . . . . 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

When people transition out of your life, plus Annie F. Downs on being single and not-so-serious, and how to set boundaries with your parents. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: When People Leave Your best friend moves to a new city. Or a sibling leaves home. Or you change churches. All of these have one thing in common: They reset your social circle, plus they bring a sense of grief and loss. When people exit your life, how do you learn to adjust? Our guests talk about departures that have forced them to move on and make new friends, plus how they persevered and saw God’s hand in the transitions despite the struggle to say goodbye. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Annie F. Downs From the Inside Out If you’ve ever listened to the podcast “That Sounds Fun” with host Annie F. Downs, you’re certainly familiar with her spunk, energy, and wide array of guests and topics. This week she’s on “The Boundless Show” chatting with Lisa about singleness, accountability in everything, how to navigate a career change, how she plans her show, and where she’s trusting God right now. Watch This Segment on YouTube Chase the Fun: 100 Days to Discover Fun Right Where You Are Find Annie’s Podcast Single Purpose League Inbox: Boundaries With My Parents Are you an adult whose parents still want to know every bit of your business? You’re not alone. How can you maintain a good relationship with your mom and dad while still setting appropriate boundaries and building independence? Counselor Kari A weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

“How does love look different in different seasons?” Jada Edwards is here- I know y'all love her and I do too! We're going to talk about what it looks like to actually love people well and being honest with the Lord. That's not always easy, especially depending on the season you're in, but Jada's new book A New Way to Love Your Neighbor is an excellent resource to help us figure out how we do this. And I'm not just talking about you loving Christian friends. I hope you have people in your life who don't believe everything you believe. If you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 47. 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 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: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month.  WayFair: Get renovating with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. 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. 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 get a 1-month supply of AG Omega-3 with your first AG1 order! And my friends also get their Welcome Kit with everything you need to get started on your AG1 journey. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/SOUNDSFUN to claim this special offer. . . . . . If you'd like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . Go back and listen to our TSF Q&A: Faith + Fasting where Jada joined and helped us answer your questions. So many of you loved that episode! . . . . . 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

Today on the show, we're answering the question, “How do we identify when spring is here?” with Pastor Jon Tyson. Jon is the pastor of Church of the City in New York and a best selling author. We're going to talk about identifying spring, revival and resurrection, and what role we play in all of it.  This is also our last episode before Holy Week and Easter, since we don't release episodes during Holy Week, so we also talk about ways to enter into this next week as we finish Lent and celebrate the resurrection.  And if you're following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 45. As always, if you still want to get a Guidebook and join us, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons.  As you know, we don't release shows during Holy Week, but we do have an entire Holy Week playlist that you can go back and listen to where I read the Scripture from each day of that week leading up to Easter.  . . . . . 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: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month.  AG1: AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You'll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/soundsfun to get this offer! Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.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

Today we're answering the question, “How do I transition seasons?” with Pastor Levi Lusko. Spring is here, and with the changing of seasons can come all sorts of transitions—whether it's physically happening around us, or in our hearts, our work, or our relationships. Levi is such a wise voice in this and, especially, can speak to the realities of the big impact of it all with the release of his new book, Blessed Are the Spiraling, which comes out tomorrow. If you're following along and taking notes in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 43, and if you don't have a copy but would like one, you can find that at anniefdowns.com/seasons . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today 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 available at or save more with 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. "I Want to Trust You But I Don't": Learn more and watch Session 1 for free at HarperChristianResources.com/trust. . . . . . 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 enjoyed this episode, go back and listen to episode 242 which was Levi's first time ever being on the show. . . . . . 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