That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

I have absolutely no chill about today’s episode. I mean it…you might want to grab a notebook, a pen, maybe even two, because this is a full-on mind-blown episode. Rabbi Jason Sobel is a Jewish man who believes Jesus is the Messiah, and the way he connects the dots between the Old Testament and the New? Y’all… it’s like watching the story of Jesus go from regular definition to full-on high definition.

We’re talking about his journey of faith, how we can better understand and connect with Jewish culture, the significance of the number eight (just wait for that part!), and he even gives us the cultural and historical context of the birth of Jesus in a way that will have you sitting there going, “How did I not know this?!”

He has served as a spiritual advisor for The Chosen since its inception and you’re going to love getting to learn from him. His new book, Transformed By the Messiah, is absolutely beautiful. 

In your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 129, so get those note-taking pages ready. 

Find the show notes here

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If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love episode 445 with Tim Mackie or episode 510 with Matt Maher.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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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.

Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

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If your head’s starting to spin as you think about this year as a whole and turning the page to 2026, just hang on. We’re going to help take off the pressure to figure out and reflect on the whole year by the end of this month. It’s a process and we’re going to start by answering the question, “How do I find the next right thing for next year?”

Today I get to talk to my friend and America’s favorite Spiritual Director, Emily P. Freeman. This is her 5th time here on That Sounds Fun which means she’s officially a member of the Hall of Fun. Today’s she helping us figure out:

As you walk through Advent, you also will love her Advent Collection. You can find that on her Quiet Collection App!

You’re going to need your notes for this one, so grab your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 128.

Find the show notes here

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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!

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If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love:

Don’t Rush Your Reset with Emily Ley- Episode 1003

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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

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I am SO EXCITED to talk to Pastor Rich Villodas about Advent and the Christian calendar. Advent officially started yesterday and Rich is helping us better understand why the Christian calendar even matters and what Advent means to our relationship with God.

We’re going to talk about what it looks like to wait well (which I don’t like to do!), and we unpack the reality of living in the middle of both pain and rejoicing. Advent is all of it, right? 

If you’re looking for a study to go through this Advent, it’s not too late to start one. You can grab it today and jump right in. Our Stay Tuned series is available to download now at shopanniefdowns.com AND you’re going to love hearing about Rich’s Advent devotional, Waiting for Jesus, today.

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, We’re on page 127. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons.

Find the show notes here

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 Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guest

If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love:

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my friends here in the U.S. I hope you’re running turkey trots or watching the parade or serving at a food bank or seeing family you haven’t seen in a while.

Today on the show, me and my pal Eddie do what we do best…we keep talking. In this Thanksgiving installment of Annie and Eddie Keep Talking, we talk about…

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, you’ll find a note-taking on page 125. You can find all the info at anniefdowns.com/seasons.

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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! 

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 Thank you to our sponsors!

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⁠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.

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Today I get to talk to one of my favorite worship artists, Jon Reddick! Jon is a worship pastor and songwriter, and has a heart for the church and the songs that pour out from congregations into the world. He's been a part of the CAIN tour with me this fall, and we recorded this one on the road a couple of weekends ago, so you’re in for a treat. But it also means your girl Annie was both your host AND your audio engineer... whoops! So this episode is only available in audio today!

We talk about what it's like being a part of this tour together, being present where God has us, his meet-cute story with his wife... all the things! We also answer the question, “What if I don’t love the fall?” 

His latest album, No Fear, is out now. You’ve got to listen to it if you haven’t heard it yet.

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 124. The guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons.

Find the show notes here

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If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love:

In Every Season, the King is Still the King with Chris Tomlin- Episode 1008

What God Can Do in Your Life with CAIN- Episode 1006

Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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.

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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.

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Today we’re answering the question, “How do I shape my life for a new year?”As we start to think about changing seasons and a new year ahead of us, we’ve got an incredible guest with us today to help us figure out how to do all of this well-- Jeff Henderson. 

Jeff is an author, speaker, incredible leader and all-around wealth of wisdom, who’s going to help us think about our transition into the end of the year. How do we process and deal with change? When do we celebrate? What can we control and what can’t we control? And if you’re trying to make a decision about something right now, I think you’d also love Jeff’s book, What to Do Next.

In your TSF Seasons Guidebook, We’re on page 123. The guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons.

Find the show notes here

. . . . .

Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

. . . . .

If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love:

Navigating Transitions, Laying Aside Every Weight, and Finding Peace in the Present with Levi Lusko- Episode 972

Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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

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Lysa TerKeurst is back for the *5th* time today, and we’re going to talk about how to walk through a season full of more loss than beauty. Her brand new book, Surviving An Unwanted Divorce releases tomorrow, and this book is such a helpful tool for those of you walking through a divorce or those of you that want to know how to help someone who is.  

Whether you know you’re about to enter a winter season or one is thrust upon you, figuring out how to navigate the trauma, grief, and healing can be so overwhelming and Lysa’s experience and wisdom is SUCH a gift. I think this is one of those episodes you’re going to want to text to a friend.

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 121. The date is different because we moved this one up, but the question is there for you. The guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons!

View the show notes here

If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also like to hear Episode 479 with Brandi Wilson when she also talks about finding hope and healing after a divorce.

. . . . .

Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

. . . . .

Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsors!

NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends.

#thatsoundsfunpodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we wanted to bring you into a conversation we’re having with Single Purpose League about loneliness, but specifically the level of loneliness for women in leadership. Whether you’re single or married, I bet you can relate to this conversation.

What we’ve noticed is that Single Purpose League consists of a LOT of leaders, and many of whom are leading in ministry. So, we recently started the SPL Leadership Mastermind, where our single friends in ministry have a place to be encouraged and talk about the complexities of it. 

If Single Purpose League or the SPL Leadership Mastermind would serve you or a friend, head over to ⁠singlepurposeleague.com⁠ to learn more and sign up, PLUS our very first Lunch and Learn from Leadership Mastermind is happening tomorrow, November 5th at 12:30pm CT, so it’s a great time to get signed up today so you can join us for that tomorrow.

Find the show notes here

. . . . .

Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or ⁠head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!⁠

⁠Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email⁠ and ask questions to future guests!

. . . . .

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

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Today I get to talk with my friends, Dallas and Amanda Jenkins. Dallas is the creator, director and producer of the tv show The Chosen, and Amanda writes Bible studies and content that goes along with the show. They just finished shooting Season 6 of The Chosen -- Jesus's crucifixion. I think you’re really going to love hearing what they are learning about Jesus and how we can find strength in Him in this season.

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 119. You can order your copy–with all 4 seasons–at anniefdowns.com/seasons!

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Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love:

Red Sea Moments Leading to a Dream of Producing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie with Dallas and Amanda Jenkins- Episode 935

Episode 447: Jonathan Roumie on Surrendering to Jesus, Balancing a Public and Private Faith, and How His Catholic Background Influences His Work

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Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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 this month’s installment of Annie and Eddie Keep Talking, we talk about…what special day we are celebrating today, Eddie’s new preferred shirt, Annie's current life on tour with CAIN, paninis versus grilled cheese, and some things we’re going to research so we’re ready to keep talking about them in November!

Eddie shared on the show about his love for Three Roots International and their work helping families in Ethiopia overcome poverty through education, health, and income programs.

When you give, you’ll support that impact—and be entered to win a virtual call with Annie and Eddie!Give and enter to win today at TSF.threeroots.org.

No donation necessary to enter. Email [email protected] with “TSF Call” in the subject line by November 13, 2025.

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If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, you’ll find a note-taking page for all the profound and life-changing things Eddie said on page 117. There’s a really fun Fall “This or That” activity on the next page…and I want to see your answers to that one! Take a pic and tag @thatsoundsfunpodcast on IG once you fill it out!

Find the show notes here

. . . . .

Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify App, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! 

. . . . .

Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsors!

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

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