That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

What is it about country music and summer?! Today I talk to my friend and multi-platinum country music superstar Russell Dickerson. Yall know his hits- Happen to Me, Yours, Blue Tacoma, Love You Like I Used To...ETC! We talk about his songwriting, his prayer life, and his family. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this guy if you don’t already know him, or fall more in love if you do.  Be sure you’ve pre-saved Russell’s new album “Famous Back Home” so you can start listening to it the DAY it comes out on August 22. And don’t miss the Russellmania Tour if there’s a stop near you. Trust me. It’s an immediate add to your summer bucket list! If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 78. And if you’re wondering what we’re even talking about with this guidebook thing, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons. Find the show notes here . . . . . If you like this episode, we think you’ll love these: When You Don’t Have the Life You Want with Kimberly Schlapman from Little Big Town – Episode 884 Episode 477: Granger Smith on Country Music, Ministry, and How Loss Changes Your Whole Life . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? 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! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. KiwiCo: My friends get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Shop outdoor furniture, grills, lawn games, and WAY more for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to explore a HUGE outdoor selection. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun.  Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE! - love, Team AFD  Our favorite green girl is back! Mary Kate Morrissey is now officially a Hall of Fun member, which means she’s been on the show five times, and today we’re getting to hear all about her experience starring as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway last year, what it’s been like to transition out of that season, her new hobby, and what it looks like to celebrate well. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 77. You can find that at anniefdowns.com/seasons! Find the show notes here . . . . . If you loved this episode, go back and listen to her very first time on the show with our other favorite Broadway witch, Ginna Claire Mason Moffett: That Sounds Fun Episode 108: Mary Kate Morrissey + Ginna Claire Mason Moffett . . . . . Want to watch this episode on YouTube? 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! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/soundsfun to subscribe for less than $3 a day + get a free welcome kit with a shaker bottle, 5 AG1 travel packs and more with your first purchase. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/soundsfun.  Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Pokluda, a pastor and author of 'Your Story Has a Villain,' explores the often-blurry line between spiritual warfare and everyday fatigue. He offers insights on distinguishing genuine spiritual battles from mere exhaustion. The discussion also touches on the significance of mental health, quality sleep, and finding joy in spiritual struggles. Through inspiring stories, Pokluda emphasizes the power of faith and community in overcoming challenges, encouraging listeners to recognize their role in the spiritual journey.

Join Pastor Mike Kelsey, a dynamic leader from McLean Bible Church, as he dives into the complexities of summer. He explores the joy and challenges of the season, discussing the expectations that often lead to disappointment. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of rest and genuine community connections. He also highlights the value of acknowledging both delight and struggle, encouraging listeners to embrace their summer experiences fully. Tune in for insights on navigating personal expectations while fostering authentic relationships.

Isn’t it so interesting to pay attention to the changing of one season to another? This year talking about the seasons is teaching us about rhythms, transitions, seasonal expectations—and it’s giving us eyes to see what God’s doing through it all.  And now… it’s time for SUMMER! Starting Monday, June 23rd, we officially kick off the summer on the podcast with our pastor of the pod this year, Pastor Mike Kelsey. I have not stopped thinking about this episode, you guys. As always, he’s bringing some TRUTH to the podcast and helping us ask ourselves some real questions about our expectations for summer as we step into it. How do I celebrate well? How do I rest well in the summer? What does nature teach us about the seasons?And what are the gifts of summer? The summer pages in our TSF Seasons Guidebook have everything you need to take notes and process questions from each episode. But for summer, we’ve added some fun coaching, a this or that game, a summer playlist, and a recipe for a summer treat. If you already purchased the Guidebook in the winter or spring, you should have received an email already with your summer pages. If you don't have a copy yet, head over to anniefdowns.com/seasons. We watched God use the stillness of the winter to open our eyes to revival in the spring. What are we going to see Him do in the summer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eddie Kaufholz, a recurring guest and friend of Annie, brings his unique charm to the discussion. They dive into their hilarious sleep study experiences, balancing humor with the reality of health challenges. Eddie shares his excitement about attending a Yankees game for the first time, complete with reflections on team loyalties and stadium food. They also reflect on nostalgic car ownership and how meaningful conversations during the pandemic have shaped their friendships. The episode wraps up with heartfelt insights into Father's Day celebrations.

Craig Thompson, a former media team member at AFD, shares his journey of transitioning from Nashville to Indiana with his wife, Hannah. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of moving, the importance of communication in relationships, and how to embrace change. Craig offers insights on trusting God amidst uncertainty, the significance of mental health during life’s transitions, and actionable steps towards pursuing dreams. Listeners will find valuable wisdom on navigating open and closed doors in their own lives.

Join Ben and Erin Napier, the dynamic duo behind HGTV's Home Town, as they share their inspiring journey of revitalizing communities. They delve into the power of faith in their work, recounting emotional moments shaped by challenges like the pandemic. Parenthood's influence on their careers sparks candid discussions about balance and unexpected opportunities. They reveal plans for travel and emphasize the importance of capturing family stories and nurturing love amid their busy lives, all while offering relatable insights into life's unpredictability.

In this engaging discussion, Margaret Feinberg, an author and speaker renowned for her insights on the Holy Spirit, dives into how we can navigate doubts during transitions. She shares the transformative power of scripture, the importance of dreams as spiritual communication, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Margaret also reflects on personal experiences, emphasizing the need to document dreams and follow spiritual nudges. Her fresh perspectives will inspire listeners to deepen their relationship with God.

Today on the show, our pal Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking…FROM D.C! We got to record this at Eddie’s house when I was recently in town and as you can imagine, it was just the best. We talked about his cookbook collection, what we're watching and reading right now, and SNL (of course).  We have some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook, so you can find that on page 55. Keep in mind, in a few weeks you’ll get our summer pages in the guidebook, so that’s a great time to jump in with us. You can still purchase a guidebook if you don’t have one at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Find the show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? 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! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form! . . . . . 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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices