Today we’re answering the question, “How does nature teach us about the seasons?" I get to talk with my new friend, Rachel G. Jordan. She is a marine biologist and spiritual guide and using the ocean as a lens, she points us to the way God is revealed in biology AND IT IS SO COOL. We’re talking about the coral reef, all that we don’t know about the ocean, the intelligence of sea creatures, and you’re not even ready for the insight she has about Moses crossing the Red Sea. I’m telling you, mind blowing. Rachel has a new book out called If The Ocean Has a Soul, so when this came across my desk you know I was all in. *I also want to note that we had some tech issues in the middle of recording this, so we picked back up on another day because we HAD to finish this conversation* So if you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 83. As always, the guidebook is available for you at anniefdowns.com/seasons.. . . . . If you like this episode, we think you’ll love these: Episode 178 with Dr. Matthew Sleeth where we talk about faith and trees  Episode 202 with Beth Moore where we talked about vines when her book Chasing Vines released . . . . . Show notes 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 . . . . . BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! 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 at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month 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. Thank you to our sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Back miniBFFs! Guess what? For the first time ever on Annie’s miniBFF Podcast, we have a guest reader. Actually we have a whole band guest reading for us! The band, CAIN will be joining us to share about their kids book, I’m So Blessed, and a story from… THE BIBLE!  Don’t worry. I will be there too. But I am so excited to share my friends, Taylor, Logan and Madison with you guys. Along with meeting them you will also get to meet their character from ⁠I’m So Blessed⁠: Tay Tay Tangerine, Maddie Melon, and Logo Lemon. Did I mention they are all fruit in the book? Because they are and I am obsessed!  I explain all you need to know in the trailer but here are the links you will need to make this series the best one yet.   ⁠I’m So Blessed by CAIN⁠  ⁠So Happy to Know You by Annie F. Downs ⁠ - Autographed Copy ⁠HERE⁠ ⁠Live And In Color Tour⁠ - Grab you tickets ⁠HERE⁠! (MINIBFF APPROVED SHOW)  Follow along with ⁠@miniBFFclub⁠, ⁠@Anniefdowns⁠ and ⁠@CAIN⁠ Learn more about miniBFF Club - ⁠HERE⁠ PS: Get ready for our next season on the podcast by grabbing your own copy of ⁠100 Days to Brave for Kids⁠! If you want an autographed copy, buy it ⁠HERE⁠!  (Parents there is a grownup version called 100 Days to Brave you can grab ⁠HERE⁠) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today our pal Eddie Kaufholz and I keep talking about our summer, Eddie’s new tattoo, and what it’s like to go on a cruise. We also need to know the perfect time of a day for soft serve ice cream. I would love to know your answer. . . . . . 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! 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 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift. 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. #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We knew we had to have a conversation about rest this summer. Y’all know how much Sabbath and rest is priority for me and I know y’all love talking about it too, so of course, we called John Mark Comer. His work on this topic has had a massive impact on a ton of us. If you’ve never read Garden City or The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I highly recommend adding those to your summer reading list.  And if you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 80. It’s never too late to join us-you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . Find show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . If you liked this episode, you may like Resting Well This Summer with John Eldredge – Episode 898. Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to explore a HUGE outdoor selection.  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 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  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

We knew we had to have a conversation about rest this summer. Y’all know how much Sabbath and rest is priority for me and I know y’all love talking about it too, so of course, we called John Mark Comer. His work on this topic has had a massive impact on a ton of us. If you’ve never read Garden City or The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I highly recommend adding those to your summer reading list.  And if you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 80. It’s never too late to join us-you can find it at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . Find show notes here Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  . . . . . If you liked this episode, you may like Resting Well This Summer with John Eldredge – Episode 898. Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to explore a HUGE outdoor selection.  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 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  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

My friends Gabe and Rebekah Lyons are here to help us answer the question, “How do I identify seasons of my marriage?” This spring they released their first book they’ve written together called The Fight For Us. We’re going to talk about how to define summer in your marriage (their answer was surprising), how to prepare for marriage, how to approach conflict, emotional and physical intimacy, and what it means to have a wholehearted marriage. Parents, you will want to listen to this one on your own instead of with my miniBFFs as we get into some “adult” conversation. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 79. The guidebook is available for you 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!  . . . . . If you liked this episode, you may like these from our past couples series! TSF Couples 2021: Nathan + Christy Nockels TSF Couples 2020: Katherine and Jay Wolf Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! BetterHelp: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. AG1: Head to drinkag1.com/soundsfun to subscribe for less than $3 a day. If you use our link, you’ll also get a free welcome kit with a shaker bottle, 5 AG1 travel packs and more with your first purchase. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. 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 at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it about country music and summer?! Today I talk to my friend and multi-platinum country music superstar Russell Dickerson. Yall know his hits- Happen to Me, Yours, Blue Tacoma, Love You Like I Used To...ETC! We talk about his songwriting, his prayer life, and his family. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this guy if you don’t already know him, or fall more in love if you do.  Be sure you’ve pre-saved Russell’s new album “Famous Back Home” so you can start listening to it the DAY it comes out on August 22. And don’t miss the Russellmania Tour if there’s a stop near you. Trust me. It’s an immediate add to your summer bucket list! If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 78. 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 . . . . . If you like this episode, we think you’ll love these: When You Don’t Have the Life You Want with Kimberly Schlapman from Little Big Town – Episode 884 Episode 477: Granger Smith on Country Music, Ministry, and How Loss Changes Your Whole Life . . . . . 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: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month, only at ritual.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. KiwiCo: My friends get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. WayFair: Shop outdoor furniture, grills, lawn games, and WAY more for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to explore a HUGE outdoor selection. 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 at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  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 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! 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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE! - love, Team AFD  Our favorite green girl is back! Mary Kate Morrissey is now officially a Hall of Fun member, which means she’s been on the show five times, and today we’re getting to hear all about her experience starring as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway last year, what it’s been like to transition out of that season, her new hobby, and what it looks like to celebrate well. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 77. You can find that at anniefdowns.com/seasons! . . . . . If you loved this episode, go back and listen to her very first time on the show with our other favorite Broadway witch, Ginna Claire Mason Moffett: That Sounds Fun Episode 108: Mary Kate Morrissey + Ginna Claire Mason Moffett . . . . . 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: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/soundsfun to subscribe for less than $3 a day + get a free welcome kit with a shaker bottle, 5 AG1 travel packs and more with your first purchase. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. 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 at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. NIV Application Bible: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and use promo code THATSOUNDSFUN. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  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 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! . . . . . 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

Pastor JP Pokluda is back and today he officially joins the Hall of Fun! This is his 5th time on the show and we are so grateful he’s always willing to show up here and drop some wisdom. The question we’re diving into today is, “Is this Spiritual warfare or am I just tired?” JP’s latest book, Your Story Has a Villain, is an incredible book helping us navigate the reality of spiritual warfare, and learn how to fight back.  If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 75. You can purchase our guidebook at anniefdowns.com/seasons. If you enjoyed this episode, I think you’ll also enjoy: Experiencing Jesus, Lingering in Prayer, and Finding Refuge in God with John Eldredge- Episode 964 . . . . . 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. 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. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  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 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! StoryWorth: save $15 during their Father’s Day sale when you go to storyworth.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! . . . . . 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. . . . . . Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! . . . . . 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

OUR FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SUMMER HERE ON THE POD. Today we're answering the question, “What is summer and how do I define it in my life?” and Pastor Mike Kelsey is back to help us kick off this new season. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we recorded. We talk about the fun of this season, but we’re also talking about the ways summer can be really hard, the expectations we put on it, and insecurities it can bring up. If you’re following along in your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we’re on page 74 of our summer pages. You can purchase yours at anniefdowns.com/seasons. . . . . . Now that summer’s kicked off, if you’re looking for some extra series to listen to while you travel or sit by the pool, check out any of our EnneaSummer series our Summer Lovin’ series on dating from 2023: EnneaSummer Summer Lovin' Series Playlist  . . . . . 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: Our friends get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN. 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 at thrivecausemetics.com/TSF. AG1: Get a FREE gift with your first order at DrinkAG1.com/soundsfun. Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide. Geviti: Visit gogeviti.com/thatsoundsfun and use code TSF for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Thrive Market: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/THATSOUNDSFUN to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  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 20% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! StoryWorth: save $15 during their Father’s Day sale when you go to storyworth.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