That Sounds Fun With Annie F. Downs

I've been DYING to have my friend Nicole Renard Warren on the show. You may know her as Nicole the Nomad. She is one of my favorite influencers and makes the most DELISH food! Nicole is currently competing on FOX’s hit show “Next Level Chef” (with Gordon Ramsay) and is quickly becoming a fan favorite. DUH. I can't wait for y'all to hear our conversation about her experience on the show, saying yes until God closes the door, and what to do when God answers your prayer. If you're looking for a show to binge this weekend, you have to check out Next Level Chef! It's such a fun show! Watch Nicole and I make a "Chase the Fun" themed smoothie bowl. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is out now! Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F.

You guys I am SO happy I get to talk to my longtime and one of my dearest friends, Emily P. Freeman. Her brand new book releases tomorrow! How to Walk into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away. WOOF. This is such an important book and I think you're going to love this conversation. We talk about the different types of endings, connecting with God in your own unique way, and we spent a lot of time processing with Emily our decision to end the Let's Read the Gospels Podcast this year. Making hard decisions is never fun, but I'm so grateful to have a friend like Emily that can help guide us. She's just so brilliant and I think the world of her.  . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is out now! Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read t

Y'all know we're big fans of The Chosen around here. My dear friend, Amanda Jenkins just released a new  interactive Bible study, God's Goodness for the Chosen. You guys. It's so beautiful! Amanda and I talk about recognizing Jesus was a man of sorrows, miraculous provision, and the heartbreak of watching your partner fail at something. I'm just so grateful for Amanda, her husband, Dallas, and all the work their team has done to produce The Chosen. Head over to our YouTube page to watch some behind the scenes interviews from the some of the cast and crew of The Chosen and get ready for season 4 coming soon to the Angel studios app! Episode 313: Dallas Jenkins from The Chosen . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is out now! Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Le

Our friend and one of our favorite theologians around here, Dr. Nijay Gupta, is back! If you're like me and geek out when talking all things Scripture, I think you're really going to love this episode. Not only is Dr. Nijay a professor of New Testament, but he’s also a senior translator for the NLT Bible, the New Living Translation, which we’re using for the month of April on Let’s Read the Gospels. So clearly this is our guy for all our questions! Today we talked about the first Christians being so different from Roman culture, the mystery of God and time, and the reputation problem of Christianity. Dr. Nijay is just so brilliant! Be sure to grab a copy of his newest book, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available everywhere starting tomorrow! Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . .

We’re taking things back to 2015 with our good buddy, Eddie Kaufholz. If you missed the news, each month this year, in honor of our 10th Anniversary of That Sounds Fun Podcast, Eddie and I will be reviewing each year the podcast has existed. We’re going to talk about what happened in the world, the top songs and movies, and what happened in our own lives…this is going to be an adventure back to all the things we forgot and all the memories that have stuck with us too. Did we actually recap 2015? Not really. Did we have a fun and wacky conversation as Eddie and I always do?? 100%! Check out our 2014 recap episode. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE

I love getting to have conversations with friends and fellow writers who inspire me. Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore are such a gift! I've loved their book Liturgies for Hope and their brand new book Liturgies for Wholeness is just as beautiful. We talked all about the origin of their friendship, how they ended up in New York, and writing in communion with God. I adore them and I think you're going to love this conversation! . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Join our Patreon community Sing

You know what I LOVE? Getting to talk to my up-close friends on the show! I genuinely could not be more grateful for my dear friend Jamie Kern Lima. Her brand new book, Worthy is so important and so good! This conversation is all about feeling like we're not enough, or feeling stuck, and ultimately, the difference between self-confidence and self-worth. Jamie is one of the most generous and thoughtful people that I know and I could just not be more proud of her. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . .

Y'all already know my new friend Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the TODAY show (umm yes. THAT Savannah Guthrie!!), and now author of her first non-fiction book Mostly What God Does. You guys. I read this book SO FAST. It's SO GOOD! I'm just impressed with her honesty and venerability. Savannah and I sat down in New York and had the best conversation all about her journey with writing this book, seasons in our relationship with God, and talking opening about Jesus in our day-to-day lives. I felt so honored to get to know Savannah and I know y'all are going to love her. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to dow

BUCKLE UP Y'ALL. I think you're going to love this conversation with Tim Ross. We talk about everything! Contentment, sexuality, seeking purpose over understanding, and living a life for Jesus. I really appreciate Tim, the work that he does, and his honesty. His new book Welcome to the Basement is a great read and would make a great gift for a friend! I enjoyed this conversation a ton and I can't wait to have Tim back on the show! And just a note for those of you that may have miniBFFs listening along, we also get into some conversation regarding singleness, sex, and dating that is probably best for grownup ears and not for miniBFF ears, so just keep that in mind. . . . . . Did you hear the big news?! On Sunday, August 11, we’re throwing a 10th Anniversary That Sounds Fun live celebration at the Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville. Tickets go on sale to the general public 2/16…as in tomorrow.. BUT because you’re a podcast listener, you can get presale access right now using the code TSF. Just got to anniefd

As y'all know, I LOVE the Christian calendar! Since we kick off Lent in just two days, I wanted one of my favorite pastors, Dr. Darren Whitehead, to come on the show and teach us about what it looks like to sacrifice, celebrate, and fast during this season. We talk allll about the power of fasting, distraction versus utility, and what it would look like to embrace a digital fast. I think this conversation is so helpful and important! Darren's new book The Digital Fast is an amazing resource for you, your family, and your community. You can find more of Darren's resources at thedigitalfast.com. Make sure you head over to our Patreon community Single Purpose League (and join in if you haven't yet!) to hear the rest of mine and Darren's conversation about doing a technology fast and creating healthy boundaries with our phones when you're single. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journa

One of my favorite pastors, Nick Connolly is on the podcast today to teach us the difference between persistence, resilience, and perseverance, how to endure in ministry, and when to say no. Nick’s brand new book Don't Give Up Just Yet is so honest and helpful! I’m just so grateful for Nick as he teaches us what can happen when we wait for the abundant promises God has for us. . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Join our Patreon community Single Purpose League as we tackle the question: What is

You’re going to love getting to know my friend, Laney Rene! We talk about why now is the time to talk about finding our identity and security in who God made us to be and about living in the peace God has for you. Her new book, Daughter: Becoming Who You Already Are is such a beautiful book (and a great Easter basket gift). GAH. I'm so thankful for Laney and the work she is doing! . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Join our Patreon community Single Purpose League as we tackle the question: What is my single purpose and what is my purpose while single? . . . . . Find more fun thin

Are we going to let differences tear us apart or can we love each other through it? WHAT A QUESTION! I'm so grateful for my friend, Pastor Terry Crist, who shares his wisdom and teaches us so well in this conversation. We talk about being called to live in the tension of grace and truth, having courageous conversations without contention, and pursuing humility. Pastor Terry's latest book, Loving Samaritans is another great resource to help set us up well for what's ahead this year! . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Join our Patreon community Single Purpose League as we tackle the

Today is an exciting day over here at AFD Inc! Because we’re launching Single Purpose League TODAY (make sure to click the link to find out more!!), we wanted to have a real conversation about being single in the church… because…well… it’s a whole thing. There’s a lot of beauty to it, but there’s also a lot of hurt, misunderstanding, and disappointment, so we invited my long-time friend, Pastor David Platt back on pod, so we could have an honest conversation about how singles can thrive in their church, what conversations we could be having with our pastors and church leaders (and vice versa) and how we help single people not feel invisible. If you're single, be sure to check out Single Purpose League over on Patreon and become a member so you can listen to more of this conversation. Today’s episode was a WOWIE ZOWIE and I’m so thankful for David’s insight and honesty. Are we now a Mike Kelsey fan pod?! DUH. Watch Mike Kelsey's installation at McLean Bible Church and listen to our Spotify playlist of every M

We’re taking things back to 2014 with our good buddy, Eddie Kaufholz. If you missed the news, each month this year, in honor of our 10th Anniversary of That Sounds Fun Podcast, Eddie and I will be reviewing each year the podcast has existed. We’re going to talk about what happened in the world, the top songs and movies, and what happened in our own lives…this is going to be an adventure back to all the things we forgot and all the memories that have stuck with us too. GOOD GRAVY this is a fun conversation! Go back and listen to the first ever That Sounds Fun Podcast Episode HERE! . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com

How are we this lucky to have a January full of our favorites?! Michael Wear is back on the pod to walk us through how to prep in prayer for this election year, being involved in politics without making it our identity, and telling us about the greatest kitchen tool ever made (does it have something to do with ravioli?...MAYBE). Michael's newest book, The Spirit of Our Politics is such a good read! So helpful. Be sure to grab a copy for yourself and another for your pastor, spiritual leader, or friend. This is a great book to help us walk into this year together. . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guid

John Mark Comer, one of our worldwide favorite guests is back! His newest book, Practicing the Way, is SO GOOD (and like I said...STOUT). We talked all about purifying our motivations through Jesus, the stages of our spiritual journeys, and the social disruption of the digital age. Are we not so lucky that John Mark always makes time and space for us?! I'm so grateful for how he has shaped my life throughout the years. This is another truly incredible conversation to help us really kick off this year, as we plan, prepare, and move forward in 2024.  . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . .

I'm thrilled to continue talking about seasons on today's episode with Michelle McKinney Hammond. I have been a fan of hers for two decades and I am just blown away by this conversation. We talk all about having a full life as a single person, why it matters to pay attention to what season we're in, and keeping our eyes on God. Y'all are going to love her newest book, When Shift Happens. We sure do love a theme around here! . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week I

Y'all. God has got a theme for us and we're right in the middle of it. Today, we're talking with my friend Mike Foster about our emotional health. Mike's latest book, Seven Primal Questions, is a framework to help you find emotional freedom and healing. I think this is SUCH a great conversation to really help us step into 2024 well and give us some ways that we can keep growing. Gosh, I'm so grateful for what Mike is teaching us today. To find out what your primal question is, head to primalquestion.com to take the quiz (you know we LOVE a quiz!).  . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available now for preorder. Grab a copy for yourself and a friend. . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . .

Today on the show I get to talk to my friend and one of my favorite pastors, Banning Liebscher. Banning has some important things to say about where we should go in 2024, particularly in our spiritual lives. And I am here.for.it! We talked about thankfulness putting us in a position of abundance, having hunger and expectancy for the Lord, and asking God what should this year be shaped like. LET'S GOOOO! I'm so thankful for Banning and the wisdom he brings to this conversation. Welcome to 2024 y'all! . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE. Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook. . . . . . Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future