That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

Christine Caine, author, speaker, and anti‑trafficking activist who founded A21, shares lively reflections on prayer, turning 60, and running the race of faith with purpose. She talks about prayer as the fuel for activism. She urges audacious, practical prayer, describes flourishing like an olive tree in hard soil, and calls listeners to pray for laborers for the harvest.

Kevin Queen, a pastor known for his insights on spiritual formation and journaling, shares valuable advice on nurturing spiritual growth. He delves into the tension between spiritual practices and performance, advocating for a grace-filled approach. The conversation highlights the importance of journaling as a tool for recording God's faithfulness and deepening one's prayer life. Kevin also discusses his digital journaling system, the blend of handwritten notes with searchability, and the profound reflections that emerge from documenting life experiences.

Beth Moore, a New York Times bestselling author and dedicated Bible teacher, shares her journey of recovery from recent surgeries and how it strengthened her faith. She emphasizes the importance of leaning on God and developing daily habits for spiritual growth. The conversation highlights practical ways to deepen one's relationship with God while balancing personal devotion and community. Beth also introduces her new study, Walking with God, which explores diverse ways to connect with God throughout Scripture, making it a fascinating resource for believers.

The discussion dives into the concept of being spiritually stronger amid life's unpredictable seasons. Key spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, scripture reading, worship, and celebration are highlighted for growth without pressure. Listeners are encouraged to dedicate one hour a week and ten minutes each day to nurture their spiritual muscles. Excitingly, a new Substack is introduced, offering weekly reflections and application resources to deepen understanding and practice of these themes.

In a reflective solo chat, the host embraces the Epiphany tradition while sharing her plans for 2026. She discusses the importance of stopping certain activities to foster growth and change. Exciting announcements include a new book deal, a fresh podcast theme called 'Spiritually Stronger,' and the conclusion of the popular Single Purpose League. Listeners can engage through a new Substack with deeper reflections. The episode emphasizes building spiritual strength and creating meaningful rhythms amid life's chaos.

In a lively call-in show, hosts discuss everything from the etiquette of toilet lids to their thoughts on Wicked's performances. They choose their dream travel destinations, with Eddie dreaming of Japan and Annie longing for Portugal. Listeners query about matching Christmas pajamas, tacky sweaters, and even potential SNL guests. The duo shares childhood birthday memories and playful ideas for Savannah Bananas team names, all while racing through rapid-fire questions. It's a joyful, chaotic send-off filled with laughter and warmth!

Banning Liebscher, a pastor and leader known for his teachings on revival, discusses the impact of spiritual seasons on our lives. He observes a renewed spiritual hunger among young adults, influenced by movements like Asbury. Banning highlights the importance of trust during unexpected delays, encouraging listeners to ground themselves in Scripture. He also emphasizes gratitude as a spiritual practice, reminding us that unanswered questions don’t diminish God's faithfulness. The conversation blends personal updates with profound insights on living through various spiritual seasons.

Rabbi Jason Sobel, a Jewish-born rabbi and spiritual advisor to The Chosen, dives deep into his faith journey and the profound connections between the Old and New Testaments. He shares insights on Jewish culture, explains the significance of the number eight, and explores the cultural context surrounding Jesus' birth. Rabbi Jason also discusses the meaning of the magi's gifts and women's vital roles in redemption narratives. His new book, Transformed By the Messiah, reveals these biblical connections in an enlightening way that will change your perspective.

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.