That Sounds Fun With Annie F. Downs

I know this is one of your favorite "couples" that come on our show- MINE TOO! This episode is perfect combination of a friendship we want to get to know AND the start of Lent season leading towards Easter! The SheReadsTruth girls and I talk all about healthy friendship with women, but we also talk about the next reading plans- four weeks of Job and four weeks of the Easter story (then Revelation eek). https://www.shopshereadstruth.com Remember to use the code "thatsoundsfun" to get 15% off your Job and Easter studies- Hes, Shes, and Kids! (Because of the limited run on the linen cover, that one isn't included in the 15% off, but hurry and get one before they sell out!) Thankful for a chance to hear the heart behind these studies, to hear an update on Amanda's son Toby, and just to get to know Amanda and Raechel better.  Hope y'all will join us in these studies!  . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)    See omnystudio.com

TSF Couples Month continues with Jeff and Alyssa Bethke. These are two of my favorite friends to follow on socials and keep up with as their marriage and family grows and changes and strengthens. And they live in Maui so who wouldn't want to see that life on the regular? :) This episode brings up some important practices and disciplines to survive those young toddler years (three under five? THESE PEOPLE ARE BRAVE!) and these two are so honest about their joys and struggles. For many of you right in the middle of that place, these are your people. (For the rest of us- good news! Jeff and Alyssa are our people too.) :)  . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSF Couples Month REALLY kicks off today with these two adorable and amazing humans- newlyweds Jessica Mack and Dre Plackis. Jess and I have known each other for a while here in Nashville, she's a gifted singer/songwriter and one of the cast members of CMT's Music City, a reality show based here in town. Dre and Jess met between the two seasons of Music City (you're gonna hear the whole story and IT IS AWESOME) and their wedding was featured in the last two episodes of Season 2 of Music City! I hadn't heard the story first-hand of how they met and fell and love and Y'ALL just hearing how God orchestrated every step is so so cool and encouraging for all of us... singles, moms, friends. All the ways you are waiting, I think this episode will remind you that GOD IS AT WORK. Pretty fun, huh?  . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg

No better way to kick off our month of couples than with these two (who are actually, in fact, not a romantic couple). Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden are the hosts of The Popcast and Bible Binge, as well as some very very fun side shows they offer their Patron community. You can find everything you want to know about them over at KnoxandJamie.com!  We fling from here to there in this convo and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I've been DYING to be friends with these two and now they are so totally stuck with me for all our days. I adore them. I think you will too. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am just so excited to have my longtime friend Lisa Leonard on the podcast. I have been wearing her jewelry for almost a decade, and reading her words on her blog, but her book is a whole new thing. (It's amazing.) Lisa is so creative and wise and honest. Her new book Brave Love is just beautiful. You're gonna love it. We had some tech difficulties so we didn't get to talk as long as I wanted to, but I think you will love what we got!  . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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