That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

Emily P. Freeman, a celebrated author and spiritual director, joins to discuss how to ease into the New Year. She shares techniques to relieve the pressure of January planning by encouraging reflection over several months. Emily introduces practices like 'caring without carrying' and releasing daily burdens. Plus, she offers invaluable reflective questions to help listeners discern their next right steps and emphasizes the importance of trusting God amidst life's chaos. Dive into small actions that create meaningful change and celebrate your journey!

Rich Villodas, a pastor and author leading New Life Fellowship in NYC, discusses the significance of Advent in our spiritual lives. He explores the theme of waiting, encouraging listeners to embrace both pain and joy during this season. Rich also outlines his devotional's four movements—waiting, peacemaking, rejoicing, and beholding. He emphasizes the importance of peacemaking in a diverse community and offers practical tips for observing Advent, making space for both grief and hope while inviting God's presence into our lives.

Eddie Koffels, creative marketer and founder of Pillar, joins Annie for a festive chat. They share unique Thanksgiving traditions, including a turkey trot aimed at kids. Annie reflects on her emotional journey through Costco, while Eddie discusses his job transition and the intriguing John Candy documentary. Fun debates arise over Costco's best finds and whether a panini qualifies as a sandwich. Their witty banter and personal updates make for a lighthearted, heartwarming conversation!

In this lively chat, worship pastor and songwriter Jon Reddick opens up about life on tour and his latest album, No Fear. He shares his experiences of staying present during long tours and the importance of appreciating small seasonal gifts. Jon also recounts his charming meet-cute DM story with his wife, adding a personal touch. They delve into the significance of faith, unity in the church, and even lively on-stage antics. With stories of grace and courage, this conversation sprinkles in inspiration and fun throughout!

Jeff Henderson, an author and leadership advisor renowned for his insights on change, shares his wisdom on navigating transitions. He delves into why change can feel daunting and offers a four-step pattern: think abundantly, plan intentionally, execute consistently, and celebrate frequently. Jeff emphasizes the importance of preparing for new seasons by finishing strong and planning ahead. He also discusses creating a culture of encouragement and managing transitions gracefully, providing practical tips for entering the new year with intention.

Lysa TerKeurst, an author and speaker renowned for her insights on faith and healing, returns to share her journey through an unwanted divorce. She discusses the emotional turmoil of unexpected loss and the practical steps in her new book, Surviving an Unwanted Divorce. Lysa emphasizes the importance of intentional healing, how trauma affects the body, and setting boundaries with social media. She also shares her experience redefining traditions to find joy again, encouraging listeners to seek God’s presence daily and to approach future relationships wisely.

Ashley Warren, Chief Operating Officer at AFD Inc. and a seasoned leader in ministry, joins the conversation about loneliness in leadership roles, particularly for women. She shares insights on how loneliness can persist even in marriage and the importance of self-leadership. The trio discusses practical self-care strategies, including the value of serving others and recognizing the root feelings behind loneliness. They also address the significance of diverse voices in leadership and the upcoming SPL Leadership Mastermind as a supportive community for leaders.

Dallas Jenkins, the visionary creator of The Chosen, and Amanda Jenkins, a dedicated writer of its Bible studies, share fascinating insights about filming Season 6, focusing on the crucifixion. They delve into the emotional turmoil faced during production, emphasizing Jesus' humanity and the powerful theological themes behind the scenes. Amanda discusses how her empathy for Jesus deepened, while they both highlight the show's influence on Bible engagement. They also touch on future projects and the importance of prayer for their mission.

Eddie Koffels, a frequent co-host known for his engaging banter and philanthropic work, joins to discuss the joys of fostering cats and the quirks of celebrating pet birthdays. He shares insights from his time with Three Roots International, emphasizing their mission to combat poverty. Annie provides a glimpse into her tour life with CAIN, including balancing performance energy and catering challenges. They hilariously debate the nuances of paninis versus grilled cheese, promising more food talk in the future!

David Platt, a passionate pastor and missions leader, shares riveting stories from his recent trip to Brazil, highlighting the global impact of Brazilian missionaries. He discusses the personal nature of evangelism, recounting moments where everyday encounters led to profound spiritual conversations. Platt emphasizes the importance of risk in sharing faith in challenging areas and encourages practical steps for listeners to engage in global missions. He also offers encouragement for single women pursuing ministry, affirming their vital role in spreading the gospel.