That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

Episode 127: Trudy Cathy White

You probably recognize Trudy's maiden name- Cathy. Like Truett Cathy. Like CHICK-FIL-A. Trudy Cathy White is way more than fried chicken, though. Over the last few years as I have gotten to know her, she has taught me faithfulness, joy, long obedience in the same direction. Every conversation moves me to be better. Her new book Climb Every Mountain will walk you through the harder days. It's so so beautiful.  Enjoy this convo and tell me your favorite Chick-fil-A order! :)  . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 125: Trey Kennedy

One of my favorite things in the whole world is introducing my friends to my friends. I bet many of you already know Trey Kennedy from his comedy and videos and killer voice- he's the best. But hearing more about his life and spiritual disciplines and faith experience is going to be the best part of your day. Trey is one of my friends that I look forward to living life with over the next few decades to see how his discipline and heart and talent shape his life. Three cheers for great (and FUNNY) humans like Trey Kennedy! https://shop.treykennedy.com . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)   

Episode 123: Awaken Nashville

For 30 days in 2019, over 400 churches in the greater Nashville area prayed and fasted together for revival in our city.  Pastor Dave Clayton from Ethos Church and Cross Point Pastor Kevin Queen (pastor of the pod, duh) came into my office to chat about Awaken Nashville- answer questions about why/how it got started, tell stories about what we've seen so far, and talk about what the first steps are for you to start this in your city. http://awakennashville.com . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 121: Jonathan Pitts

It's a special day here on the podcast as we welcome Jonathan Pitts- pastor, author, and husband to my friend, the late Wynter Pitts.  The very day she passed away, Jonathan and Wynter turned in a book on marriage called Emptied. I thought talking about this book, and Wynter, and Jonathan's transition to Nashville, would be great at the end of TSF Couples 2019. Hope you'll enjoy this very moving and honest conversation with Jonathan. (We love you, Wynter. You are missed here.) https://twitter.com/PittsTimes6 https://forgirlslikeyou.com . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

TSF Couples 2019: Andrew East + Shawn Johnson East

Andrew East is an NFL long snapper. Shawn Johnson East is an Olympic gold medalist gymnast. POWER ATHLETE COUPLE FOR REAL. Together they are one of my very favorite couples (in real life and on instagram). I have loved watching their marriage grow and change via the internet, and this conversation is a special one - about how to meet the right person, how to persevere in your dreams, and how to make patterns and decisions that will make you who you want to be in the long run of life. Y'all are gonna love these people. https://www.instagram.com/andrewdeast/ https://www.instagram.com/shawnjohnson/ . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)   

TSF Couples 2019: Mack and Meredith Brock

I'm a little without description on this one, I'm just so happy about it. Mack and Meredith Brock are two strong leaders who have found home in each other. The depth of their communication and relationship is so dang inspiring to me (and wait until you hear how they talk about fasting and praying!). Mack Brock's most recent album Greater Things is an ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. Make sure you grab it! Grateful for these two. The fact they are also HILARIOUS seems borderline unfair- people shouldn't be this all around awesome. Makes the rest of us look bad. ;) http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... hashtag along with us! 

TSF Couples 2019: Raechel Myers + Amanda Bible Williams from SheReadsTruth

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. :)   

TSF Couples 2019: Jessica Mack + Andreas Plackis

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. :)   

Episode 120: Lisa Leonard

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. :) 

Next Gen Episode 5: Hollyn

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. :) 

Next Gen Episode 3: JP Pokluda

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. :) 

Next Gen Episode 1: Amy Byrd

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. :) 

2018 Christmas Party Episode 10: Eddie Kaufholz + 2018 In Review

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 starting January 1! Join us!! All the details on my instagram. . . . . . http://anniefdowns.com #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

2018 Christmas Party Episode 8: Nicolle Galyon

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. :) 

2018 Christmas Party Episode 6: Jessica Turner

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. :) 

2018 Christmas Party Episode 4: Banning Liebscher

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. :)   

2018 Christmas Party Episode 2: Ellie Holcomb

Many of you already feel the way I do about Ellie Holcomb: OBSESSED and IN LOVE. I know. She's wonderful. And there's no one better to walk into our Christmas party right after our SheReadsTruth friends than Ellie!  We talk about life and friendship and the holidays and her new book for kids- Who Sang the First Song?- that you DEFINITELY need in your life. (And if you aren't already a fan of her music, start with Red Sea Road. It's my faaaaaavorite.) . . . . . 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. :)   

2018 Christmas Party: PRE-PARTY with Danielle Walker!

Why wait until AFTER Thanksgiving to kick off our party?!? Instead I'm going ALL IN and bringing back one of your (AND my) favorite guests- Danielle Walker! We're talking all about cooking for the holidays, all the times we'll be in the same place over the next few months, and how we feel about turkey (and her BIG TIP on how to make the most delicious one your people have ever known). Only one episode this Thanksgiving week- so I had to make it a good one.  Use that Black Friday deal and pre-order a copy of Danielle's new cookbook Eat What You Love... TRUST ME the biscuits and gravy are reason enough to own this one. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. So grateful for you.  . . . . . Thanks to Dave Barnes for making holiday music we all love! Make sure you've got his Christmas records in your listening rotation!  . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 116: Myquillyn Smith (The Nester)

I have a new house and there is no better woman to help me figure out how to decorate than my friend Myquillyn Smith. You probably know her as The Nester and she is just one of the best. Her wisdom, her style, the way her faith and love of family drive how she creates home, it's all so inspirational and so helpful. Her new book Cozy Minimalist Home just released and I am OBSESSED already. Grab a copy!  . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God!  . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 114: Hayley Morgan

Hayley Morgan is a force for truth and light and standing on your own two feet. I've loved being friends with her for years and as always happens, when you stick around someone's life long enough, you see them grow and change. She's watched that in my story, and I've watched it in hers. And her new book Preach To Yourself is an absolute testimony to the power of truth and will call you higher in who you are. (And she's awesome and fun and you will just adore her. Amen.) . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God!  . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 112: Tim Tebow + Max Lucado

Here's a great way to start your week, friends! Two great men on the podcast today. We'll kick off with Tim Tebow, who most of you know as a football player, man of faith, author, commentator, and also baseball player! THIS GUY. His new book This is the Day just released and I loved chatting with him about it! Also on the show today is Max Lucado, bestselling author and pastor from San Antonio, Texas. His new book Unshakable Hope is an excellent resource right now for many of us who are looking for God's promises. . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God!  . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 110: Ryan O'Neal / Sleeping At Last

Ryan O'Neal, who makes music under the name Sleeping At Last, is one of the most creative and inspiring people I know. As many of you know, he has been creating a series of songs around the enneagram types. Just last week, the seven song released (which is the enneagram type I am!) and so I asked Ryan to join us today to talk about all the songs, his creating process, and songwriting in general.  Get ready to be inspired to make something. Anything. That's what Ryan does to us- makes us want to be better makers. . . . . . Our new background song is Precipice by Creekmore, written as a companion piece to Remember God!  . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 108: Mary Kate Morrissey + Ginna Claire Mason Moffett

As a longtime Broadway fan, I cannot believe we get to hear from both Elphaba and Glinda from the touring cast of Wicked today. But they are more than just my favorite witches- these women have become dear friends to me. In two weeks, both Mary Kate Morrissey and Ginna Claire Mason Moffett will be leaving the cast, so I visited them in San Antonio last week to see them share the stage one more time and we sat on the dressing room floor with a microphone between us. Tears, laughs, beautiful thoughts on God and art and friendship. I love these girls so much. What a gift they are to me. I bet you'll feel the same about them after today's show. . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :) 

Episode 106: Shelley Giglio

If you've been around here a while, you know I'm a little obsessed with the idea of finishing this race of life really well. I want to ask everyone who is even one minute older than me to help me walk this path to the end.  For many of us, Louie and Shelley Giglio have modeled that and taught us that for the last few decades. I'm so honored to have Shelley on the show today, giving us all sorts of wisdom and hope and heart. If you've been looking for a mentor, here's an hour with one of the best. And if you, like me, have major thanks to send to Louie and Shelley (or any other mentor in your life), do it today. Go tell them... Louie - https://twitter.com/louiegiglio Shelley - https://twitter.com/shelleygiglio . . . . . Remember God is out! Make sure you've grabbed a copy for yourself and maybe some for your friends! . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)   

Episode 104: Andrew Ripp

Andrew Ripp and I have been friends for years here in Nashville. He's an incredibly gifted musician and one of the most fun and relaxing dudes to be around. Last week we grabbed coffee and halfway though I told him he had to stop talking and we had to capture this conversation for you guys. If you have struggled with infertility, as the wife OR the husband, or if you are just waiting for God to do the thing you REALLY want Him to do, this one is for you. I was thinking of you when Andrew was talking to me. His new music is insane- you're going to love it. And here's the video for God Knows that we talked about in the conversation.  Share this one with friends you know are waiting, too. . . . . . Remember God releases tomorrow! EEK. Pray? Grab a few for you and your friends? Believe with me that God is going to do more than we could ask or imagine in the hearts of every reader. Grateful for y'all. . . . . . #thatsoundsfunpodcast ... join in the conversation wherever hashtags are welcome. :)