From Private Pain to Public Purpose: Annie F Downs on Grief, Joy, and Authentic Living | Part 1

Welcome to Part One of a truly special conversation on Real Talk. Host Rachel Awtrey sits down with the one and only Annie F. Downs—beloved author, podcaster, and everyone’s favorite “Queen of Fun.” What starts as a joyful catch-up between old friends quickly opens into something deeper as they talk about what it means to hold both joy and grief in the same hand.

In this first half, you’ll hear the story of how Rachel and Annie first met, laugh at some of their classic banter (mysterious sports bras included), and gently enter the harder spaces—like navigating personal loss and the sacred timing of sharing your story. Rachel vulnerably shares her recent experience with miscarriage, while Annie offers tender reflections on co-writing Where Did TJ Go?, a children’s book about grief written after the loss of her nephew.

This is an honest, compassionate, and faith-filled conversation—and it’s just getting started. Make sure to listen all the way through and then jump into Part Two, where things go even deeper.

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EPISODE CREDITS:

Podcast Cover Photography: Jay Barr Photography

Production by Phillip and Cait Howard by Amplify Boutique

Intro Music: "Luxurious" by Sunny Tones

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