That Sounds Fun: Spiritually Stronger

Last year we spent the entire year talking about the seasons—how they impact us both physically and spiritually—and how our life seasons change so often without warning. We see it all around us. Things are changing SO quickly. So much feels unpredictable, a little unsteady, often hard to understand. And I just keep coming back to this reality: in a world we can’t control, we can be spiritually stronger. That’s why our theme on That Sounds Fun for the next 18 months is exactly that—Spiritually Stronger. We’re going to lean in together. Not with pressure or perfection, just with intention. We’re going to talk about the spiritual disciplines: prayer, fasting, reading scripture, worship, and celebration. And after you listen to each episode, we’re going to give you a way to go a little bit deeper every single day. We’re launching the Spiritually Stronger Substack, where you’ll be able to find a way to reflect on the topic for the week, things to pray through, and resources to help you apply what you’ve heard. What if you gave one hour a week and ten minutes a day to getting spiritually stronger this year? To building the kind of spiritual muscles that help you stand steady and stay hopeful in an ever-changing world. Make sure you’re subscribed to That Sounds Fun so you don’t miss an episode and go subscribe to our brand new Spiritually Stronger Substack. We’re basically taking the fun of a guidebook to a place where we can all do it together! Head to spirituallystronger.com to subscribe to our brand new substack!. . . . . 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

If you are new around here, we have a yearly tradition today, January 6th. Epiphany. The tradition of you and I just chatting. The last day of Christmastide. Day 12 of the 12 days of Christmas. This Epiphany episode is the only time all year that I sit in this podcast studio alone. It matters to me that y’all know this. It matters because, in part, I want today to feel like a one on one conversation, like we’re getting coffee. Except you know me, I’m drinking tea. In December, Emily P. Freeman joined us on the podcast and gave us a few leading questions for shaping our year. As I thought about this episode today, there are two questions, inspired by Emily, I want to answer for you: What are we stopping this year?  What are we starting this year?  These are not just for That Sounds Fun podcast, this are for all things AFD Inc- from my writing, to speaking, to podcasting. I want to give you a full view of what God might be up in 2026 to through the work my team and I get to do and make. . . . . . Join our NEW Substack Here! Find the show notes here . . . . . This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/thatsoundsfun. . . . . . 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 final installment of 2025 we get to Keep Talking WITH ALL OF YOU-- ALL OF OUR BUDDIES! We got to do a live call-in show so a bunch of you got to pop in and ask your questions and loved every minute. It went exactly the way you thought it would. Things were unhinged for a bit… And before we started we even had a conversation about toilet seats. And Wicked. You’re in for a treat. Come tell us your thoughts over on instagram: @thatsoundsfunpodcast If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, you’ll find your LAST note-taking page on page 133. Find the show notes here Have a great week, the New Years, and we’ll see you back here in 2026! We’ll be back on Tuesday (not Monday) but Tuesday, January 6th for our annual Epiphany episode. . . . . . 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! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Wonder Project: Start your free trial and make sure to choose the annual subscription at ⁠watch.thewonderproject.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. When you pick the annual plan, you save money and directly support their mission to bring more of these stories to the world.  Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠⁠.  Mercy Ships: Please donate today at ⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠. Omaha Steaks: Visit ⁠OmahaSteaks.com⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. 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 27% off sitewide.  NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠⁠. 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

Y’all, we have spent an entire year talking about the impact of the seasons on our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives. A whole year working through things in our TSF Seasons Guidebook. Sooo many brilliant friends have joined us to mentor us through the winter, spring, summer, and fall and now we’ve circled all the way back. It’s cold outside again. The snow is on the ground again for some of you. The days are darker outside. And we’ve made it. On December 21st, winter begins and we will have officially finished our lap through all four seasons.  Today, there was only one person who could help us end what we started and that’s the pastor that made us all so curious about what God does in seasons. If you haven’t heard Episode 851 about the season God has you in with Pastor Banning Liebscher, I would love for you to go back and listen to that. It was the conversation that started this whole year doing a deep dive about seasons. Today, we’re going to talk about what we’ve seen God do across the world this year and the way He’s worked in seasons in our lives—the ones that passed quickly and the ones that lasted longer than we hoped. And then we’re going to talk about which spiritual discipline Banning thinks we need to lean into in 2026 as he looks at the state of the church right now. In your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 130, so get those note-taking pages ready.  Find the show notes here . . . . . If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love Episode 973 with Jon Tyson. . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! AG1: If you head to drinkag1.com/SOUNDSFUN you’ll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, a AG1 Flavor Sampler and you’ll get to try their new sleep supplement AGZ for free. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN.  Our Place:  Save up to 35% sitewide now through January 12th. Head to fromourplace.com/TSF. Wayfair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Mercy Ships: Please donate today at ⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠. Omaha Steaks: Visit ⁠OmahaSteaks.com⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide.  Wonder Project: Start your free trial and make sure to choose the annual subscription at watch.thewonderproject.com/thatsoundsfun. When you pick the annual plan, you save money and directly support their mission to bring more of these stories to the world.  NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  . . . . . 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! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 . . . . . If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’d also love episode 445 with Tim Mackie or episode 510 with Matt Maher. . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Mercy Ships: Please donate today at ⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠. Omaha Steaks: Visit ⁠OmahaSteaks.com⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide.  Wonder Project: Start your free trial and make sure to choose the annual subscription at watch.thewonderproject.com/thatsoundsfun. When you pick the annual plan, you save money and directly support their mission to bring more of these stories to the world.  NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  . . . . . 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! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: How we take the pressure off of January to have our whole year solved What steps we can take (and questions we can ask) to help us figure out how to process the season  The practice of caring without carrying  And the practice of releasing something everyday 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 . . . . . 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: Don’t Rush Your Reset with Emily Ley- Episode 1003 Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! Ritual: My friends get 25% off your first month at Ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: Go to thrivecausemetics.com/TSF for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  Shopify: Sign up for your free trial and start selling today at ⁠Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Wonder Project: Start your free trial, and choose the annual subscription at watch.thewonderproject.com/thatsoundsfun. Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to⁠ helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun⁠ for 20% off sitewide. Mercy Ships: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast Omaha Steaks: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, usepromo code FUN at checkout. 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

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 . . . . .  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: Advent Makes Space for our Grief, but Christmas Makes Space for our Joy with Lanier Ivester- Episode 943 Episode 500: She Reads Truth + Advent . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp: My friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Our Place is having their biggest sale of the year right now! Save up to 35% site-wide through December 2nd. Shop the Our Place Black Friday Sale right now, no code needed at ourplace.com. Thrive Causemetics: Go to thrivecausemetics.com/TSF for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. AG1: If you go to drinkag1.com/soundsfun you’ll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, an AG1 Flavor Sampler, and you’ll get to try their new sleep supplement AGZ for free! WayFair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide.  Wonder Project: Start your free trial and make sure to choose the annual subscription at watch.thewonderproject.com/thatsoundsfun. When you pick the annual plan, you save money and directly support their mission to bring more of these stories to the world.  NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  Mercy Ships: Please donate today at ⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠ Omaha Steaks: Visit ⁠OmahaSteaks.com⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, usepromo code FUN at checkout. 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

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… A new thing my family is doing today for Thanksgiving Our thoughts on Costco and the day I sobbed my way down the aisles Eddie’s job update & his thoughts on the John Candy documentary (did you watch it too??) And then do not miss the end - because Eddie may have phoned a friend about the definition of a panini 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. . . . . . 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!  . . . . .  Thank you to our sponsors! Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Shopify: Sign up for your free trial and start selling today at ⁠Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Our Place: Our Place is having their biggest sale of the year right now! Save up to 35% site-wide through December 2nd. Shop the Our Place Black Friday Sale right now, no code needed at ourplace.com. Helix Sleep: Go to⁠ helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun⁠ for 20% off sitewide. . . . . . ⁠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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 . . . . . 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! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp: My friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Causemetics: Go to thrivecausemetics.com/TSF for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. AG1: If you go to drinkag1.com/soundsfun you’ll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, an AG1 Flavor Sampler, and you’ll get to try their new sleep supplement AGZ for free! Shopify: Sign up for your free trial and start selling today at ⁠Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. Our Place: Our Place is having their biggest sale of the year right now! Save up to 35% site-wide through December 2nd. Shop the Our Place Black Friday Sale right now, no code needed at ourplace.com. Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to⁠ helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun⁠ for 20% off sitewide. NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  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. . . . . . 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Don’t Rush Your Reset with Emily Ley- Episode 1003 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! . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp: My friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. Head to Wayfair.com to shop deals for up to 70% off.  Our Place: Our Place is having their biggest sale of the year right now! Save up to 35% site-wide through December 2nd. Shop the Our Place Black Friday Sale right now, no code needed at ourplace.com. Ritual: My friends get early access to their Black Friday sale for 40% off your first month at Ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at antiquecandleco.com.  Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to⁠ helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun⁠ for 20% off sitewide. NIV Application Bible: If you’re looking for a new Bible or know someone you’d like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Shopify: Sign up for your free trial and start selling today at ⁠Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. 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