That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

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

DawnCheré Wilkerson, lead pastor at VOUS Church in Miami and author of 'Slow Burn', dives into the complexities of waiting on God and how to find purpose amidst uncertainty. She shares her insights on the vibrant culture of Miami and the evolving spirituality of Gen Z. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mental health support and vulnerability, highlighting how these themes intersect with personal growth. With reflections on gratitude and the joy found in everyday moments, Wilkerson encourages listeners to embrace life's pauses with faith.

Tauren Wells, a Christian music artist and pastor at Church of Whitestone, shares his journey of finding joy in resilience and obedience. He discusses large life updates, including the release of his new book, "Joy Bomb". Navigating the complexities of parenting four boys while moving to Austin, Wells emphasizes the importance of community and intentionality amidst change. He reflects on embracing new callings beyond his music career and highlights the power of conviction in making healthy choices. This heartfelt conversation offers insights on joy and personal growth.