Ashley Anderson is a ministry leader and wise voice who lives in New York and has become a dear, dear friend of mine. She was our April guest on the Single Purpose League podcast last month, and we had a conversation around having a theology of singleness—What does that mean? Why does it matter? What does Scripture say about being single? It felt so important to all of us so, today, we’re sharing that conversation with all of you. 

We’re doing that this week because Single Purpose League registration is open! We only open it up certain times a year, so we’re able to have intentional time going a little bit deeper with our members, so SPL registration is open RIGHT NOW but it closes on Thursday—THIS Thursday May 15th—at 11:59pm CST. If you have a friend who could benefit from a community of women figuring out our single purpose and our purpose while single, will you text them this episode and let them know about Single Purpose League? Every month we’re tackling topics that help us thrive as single people. We have an exclusive podcast, monthly livestream where we do Q&A (they’re a blast) and opportunities throughout the year to meet up in person and connect. We also just announced our summer book club, so now’s a GREAT time to jump in. You can learn more and sign up at singlepurposeleague.com, but remember registration closes on Thursday night and won’t open again until the fall.

ALSO - Katy and I are doing a live Zoom call tonight (May 13th) called Why Am I Single? And we would love for any of you to join that at 7pm Central. HERE's the Link!

. . . . .

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!

• Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply.

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

If you liked this episode, you may also like How to Better Serve Singles, Finding Contentment, and the Permission to Change Your Mind with Ryan Wekenman- Episode 931

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

Christy Nockels is here today to help us answer the question, “How do I process change in busy seasons?”

She’s in the process of launching her third kid into the world, marrying off another, releasing a brand new lullaby album (of course you’re going to love it) and figuring out what parenting and life looks like entering an empty nest. Whether you’re in a similar parenting season or just trying to navigate the craziness that is May, I think you’re going to love this episode. 

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 52. 

. . . . .

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’ve been thinking about joining Single Purpose League, now is your chance! Registration is now open until this Thursday night—Thursday, May 15th—so head over to singlepurposeleague.com to learn all about it and come join this special community of friends. We’ve got our own exclusive podcast, a monthly livestream where we do Q&A, and opportunities throughout the year to hang out with each other in person. Registration won’t open again until the fall so don’t miss this window!

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsors!

• AG1: Get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order at DrinkAG1.com/soundsfun.
• BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month.
• 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 available at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Or save more with 20% off your first order.
• Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply.

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

If you liked this episode, you may also like Episode 478: Steffany Gretzinger on Her Journey Through Loss and Returning to Simple Faith. 

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

From time to time, we want to replay episodes that really stuck out to us or maybe episodes that feel relevant to things going on around us, and this is one of those. Whether you’ve heard it before or this is your first time, I think there’s always something new to learn about Scripture. 

I recently got to teach the kick off to a brand new series at Cross Point, where we’re spending an entire year going through the book of Mark. Y’all know how I feel about the Gospels!! This Cross Point sermon could not have been more perfectly picked for me. I read a bunch of books and commentaries to prepare for this sermon, and I went back to our Gospels episode with Dr. Esau McCaulley to listen to him teach on the book of Mark and my feet were barely on the ground—I was so fired up about this book. 

This episode isn't in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, but you'll want your notes page out for this one!

. . . . .

You’re invited to read through the Gospels with us during the month of May. We’ve got a whole reading group of friends joining us and can listen along with us over on the Let’s Read the Gospels podcast, so make sure you’re subscribed. We’re also going to be reading in the order that’s in the Let’s Read the Gospels Guided Journal, so you choose to just listen, or just read and journal along with us OR DO BOTH. It’s totally up to you! We also have a facebook group for all of us who are reading together! 

. . . . .

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!

• Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply.

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

Y’all get ready because my friend Lisa Harper is here! She’s one of my favorite teachers and today we’re talking about being lifelong learners, the kindness of God, and what we love about Jesus.

Her brand new book, A Jesus Shaped Life, comes out tomorrow and I kept wanting to slow down and re-read and underline because it’s just so deep and special.  

We’re also going to dive into our question in our TSF Seasons Guidebook today: How do I rest in this season? If you’re following along we’re on page 51. 

. . . . .

You’re invited to read through the Gospels with us during the month of May. We’ve got a whole reading group of friends joining us and can listen along with us over on the Let’s Read the Gospels podcast, so make sure you’re subscribed. We’re also going to be reading in the order that’s in the Let’s Read the Gospels Guided Journal, so you choose to just listen, or just read and journal along with us OR DO BOTH. It’s totally up to you! We also have a facebook group for all of us who are reading together! 

. . . . .

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!

• BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month.
• WayFair: Shop a huge selection of outdoor furniture online and this summer, get outside with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com now.
• Our Place: My friends save up to 30% off sitewide now through May 12th at fromourplace.com/TSF. 
• Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
• Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. 
• Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply.

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

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

Our friends, Abner and Amanda from JOHNNYSWIM are back with us today and we got to sit down in person at the Hepzibah House in New York City to record this one. 

Their brand new album, When The War is Over came out in February and y’all know we needed an album to be our soundtrack for the spring, so I hope you’ve already started listening to this one. It’s SO good. We talk about how this album was inspired by an intense season of change, our shared love for musical theater, and our favorite NYC restaurants.

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 49!

Find the show notes here

. . . . .

Starting May 1, you’re invited to read through the Gospels with us during the month of May. We’ve got a whole reading group of friends joining us and can listen along with us over on the Let’s Read the Gospels podcast, so make sure you’re subscribed. We’re also going to be reading in the order that’s in the Let’s Read the Gospels Guided Journal, so you choose to just listen, or just read and journal along with us OR DO BOTH. It’s totally up to you! We also have a facebook groupfor all of us who are reading together! 

. . . . .

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!

• Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
• Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN.
• BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 10% off your first month.
• 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 available at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Or save more with 20% off your first order.
• Geviti: Use code TSF for 20% off your first three months of membership at GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today. Location based restrictions apply.

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

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

Our friend Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking about anything and everything from which band we’d go see in a different country, what we love most about big concerts, prioritizing rest, and then Eddie offers up some GREAT suggestions for me and CAIN and the Live And In Color tour. 

We added some note taking pages for you for this episode over in our TSF Seasons Guidebook and you can find that on page 48 of your guidebook!

Come tell us over on @thatsoundspodcast instagram if you have an idea for a great name for Annie & Eddie listeners. What should we call you?!

If you have any questions from this episode drop them in the Q&A box on your Spotify app if you’re a Spotify listener, or send them to us on instagram at @thatsoundsfunpodcast and we’ll try to answer them there!

. . . . .

Find the show notes here

Want to watch this episode? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe  OR watch on your Spotify app!

. . . . .

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

“How does love look different in different seasons?” Jada Edwards is here- I know y’all love her and I do too! We’re going to talk about what it looks like to actually love people well and being honest with the Lord. That’s not always easy, especially depending on the season you’re in, but Jada’s new book A New Way to Love Your Neighbor is an excellent resource to help us figure out how we do this.

And I’m not just talking about you loving Christian friends. I hope you have people in your life who don’t believe everything you believe.

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 47. 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

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: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. 

WayFair: Get renovating with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now.

Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN.

Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. With a hundred-day risk-free trial, free shipping and returns, you can experience this game-changing cookware with zero risk.

AG1: Subscribe today to get a 1-month supply of AG Omega-3 with your first AG1 order! And my friends also get their Welcome Kit with everything you need to get started on your AG1 journey. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/SOUNDSFUN to claim this special offer.

. . . . .

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

Go back and listen to our TSF Q&A: Faith + Fasting where Jada joined and helped us answer your questions. So many of you loved that episode!

. . . . .

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 on the show, we’re answering the question, “How do we identify when spring is here?” with Pastor Jon Tyson.

Jon is the pastor of Church of the City in New York and a best selling author. We’re going to talk about identifying spring, revival and resurrection, and what role we play in all of it. 

This is also our last episode before Holy Week and Easter, since we don’t release episodes during Holy Week, so we also talk about ways to enter into this next week as we finish Lent and celebrate the resurrection. 

And if you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 45. As always, if you still want to get a Guidebook and join us, you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons. 

As you know, we don’t release shows during Holy Week, but we do have an entire Holy Week playlist that you can go back and listen to where I read the Scripture from each day of that week leading up to Easter. 

. . . . .

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

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsors!

BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. 

AG1: AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/soundsfun to get this offer!

Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.

Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN.

. . . . .

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

Today we’re answering the question, “How do I transition seasons?” with Pastor Levi Lusko. Spring is here, and with the changing of seasons can come all sorts of transitions—whether it’s physically happening around us, or in our hearts, our work, or our relationships. Levi is such a wise voice in this and, especially, can speak to the realities of the big impact of it all with the release of his new book, Blessed Are the Spiraling, which comes out tomorrow.

If you’re following along and taking notes in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 43, and if you don’t have a copy but would like one, you can find that 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

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsors!

BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month. 

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 available at or save more with 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF.

"I Want to Trust You But I Don't": Learn more and watch Session 1 for free at HarperChristianResources.com/trust.

. . . . .

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

If you enjoyed this episode, go back and listen to: Episode 242: Levi Lusko

. . . . .

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 Melanie Shankle is here to help us answer the question, “What do I do when spring still feels like winter?”

Melanie’s always making us laugh on The Big Boo Cast, telling us which jeans to wear on the internet, and writing brilliant books and her latest is just incredible. It’s called Here Be Dragons: Treading the Deep Waters of Motherhood, Mean Girls, and Generational Trauma and it’s Melanie’s honest and deeply personal story of trusting God to heal generational wounds so she can be a strong presence for her daughter. I know she’s not the only one with this kind of story and like many of us has found herself at times in a winter season when everyone else is in spring and we’re going to talk about how to navigate that. I think you’re really going to love this conversation.

If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 42. If you don’t have a guidebook yet, head to anniefdowns.com/seasons to purchase yours so you can hop in with us for the spring. You’ll get emailed the winter and spring pages as soon as you buy.

. . . . .

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

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsor!

Nuture Life: Head to NurtureLife.com and use code TSF for 55% off your first order. 

. . . . .

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

If you enjoyed this episode, go back and listen to: Women Embracing Their Roles As Leaders with Sophie Hudson- Episode 918

. . . . .

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

Pastor Mike Kelsey is back to help set us up well as we step into spring…BLESS GOD.

As you may remember, Pastor Mike is here with us at the start of every season this year, so we can really be intentional about thinking through not only the physical changes of the season but the emotional and spiritual side too. Today on the show, we’re answering the question, “What is spring and how do I define it in my life?”

Y’all had LOTS OF THOUGHTS when he was here with us in the winter, so I can’t wait to hear what you think about this episode. Single Purpose League, we also recorded a bonus clip for you that’s available over on Patreon.

We finally get to turn THE ACTUAL PAGE in our TSF Seasons Guidebook today and jump into the spring pages, so we’re on page 40. And if you haven’t gotten a Guidebook, today’s the perfect day to purchase yours. When you do, you’ll immediately be able to download the winter and spring pages and get started with us…you can find everything you need 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! 

. . . . .

Join our Patreon community Single Purpose League as we tackle the question: What is my single purpose and what is my purpose while single?

. . . . .

Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

#thatsoundsfunpodcast

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsors!

BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN today to get 10% off your first month.

“I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t”: The six-session Bible study is perfect for groups or individuals. Learn more and watch Session 1 for free at HarperChristianResources.com/trust.

Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN.

Jolie: Head to jolieskinco.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping. And if you don’t like it— you can return your Jolie for a full refund within 60 days.

. . . . .

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