Reviews
via Podcasts
So thankful!
This podcast has been such a gift—I appreciate Annie’s intentional questions and curiosity, the variety of guests, the amount of episodes to listen to; ugh, I’m just such a fan! The Lord is so honored in this incredible work. Thank you so much Annie and team ❤️
Annclaale
What a gift!
It feels like my birthday every month when these Annie and Eddie episodes come out! Thanks for the best shows!
Joodles0290
Can’t wait
Always looking forward to the next one.
Ragamuffin54
All Fun, No Foundation
Dear Annie,
I was a longtime listener of That Sounds Fun. For a while, I truly believed you were a much-needed voice in Christian media—funny, relatable, thoughtful, a much-needed voice for Christian singles in the church looking for purpose. I appreciated the way you made spiritual things feel accessible without sounding preachy. But somewhere along the way, the show stopped feeling like discipleship and started feeling like self-help with a Jesus filter.
That shift wasn’t sudden. It came through the slow accumulation of guests and frameworks that subtly, and sometimes not-so-subtly, displaced Scripture with therapeutic spirituality. The repeated platforming of voices like Beth McCord and Ian Morgan Cron, for example, helped normalize the Enneagram—not just as a personality tool, but as a spiritual lens. And yet its origins in mysticism and Gnostic ideas about the “true self” remain a deep theological red flag. The gospel doesn’t tell us to excavate a hidden essence or endlessly pathologize normal childhood wounds as “traumas” —it tells us to die to ourselves and be made new.
Then there are guests like Carlos Whittaker, whose motivational tone often leans more into emotional hype than biblical clarity. I attended a live event you hosted together—a book signing in a church, with candles, wellness vendors, and T-shirts sold in the lobby. Carlos gave a sort-of sermon on the Ethiopian eunuch that felt more like TED Talk inspiration than exegesis. You played the “funny one,” keeping things light and charming and making balloon animals. But the whole experience felt hollow and commodified, like spiritual formation had been replaced by vibes and branding.
Even when you feature thoughtful, biblically orthodox guests, like Jon Tyson, who I respect deeply, the show’s format flattens everything. All perspectives are framed with the same light, affirming tone. The listener is left to sort out what’s true, what’s nearly true, and what’s completely off. But if you’ve built trust by being the “safe” Christian friend, people may not know to be on guard. That’s what makes it not just disappointing. It’s spiritually confusing and, frankly, dangerous.
This is why I stepped away from listening. I’m not angry. I’m grieving. Because I believe you love Jesus and want to serve people well. But I also believe the tone of fun, comfort, and emotional relatability has overtaken the responsibility of truth-telling. Not everything that feels good is spiritually good. And not everything that “sounds fun” is faithful.
From one believer to another: I hope you’ll consider the weight of your platform and recalibrate. We don’t need more Christian influencers—we need Christian leaders who are willing to anchor themselves to orthodoxy, even when it’s not marketable.
With sincerity,
A former listener who still hopes for more
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Lpepp
Inspirational and Fun
I am so thankful for Annie’s podcast. It is a reminder that fun is important and not just to people but to God. Thank you for reminding this 1w9 that it is ok to take life lightly sometimes and really just enjoy the heck out of it!
~The Full Weight of Joy podcast
Tami Imlay- Executive Coach
Annie!!
Long time listener. Annie just gets better and better. Came for enneasummer, stayed for thought provoking discussions from a down to earth, Jesus loving woman who always strives to be the best her.
Hazel_Wilson
My favorite podcast!!!
I have been listening for about 7 years. Listening to Annie is a like having a great conversation with a good friend. She is so genuine and fun, but also loves Jesus BIG and encourages all of us to do the same through the conversations with the guests she has on. I highly recommend!!
Re-naynay
Boston here
I just wanted to say I loved the Annie and Eddie episode talking about baseball. I’m born and raised outside of Boston. Went to school and lived in Boston. I saw the Red Sox win the world series in 2004. I’ve never seen so many grown men cry! But Eddie is right, you need to experience Fenway at least once in your life! The people are what make it.
jillmickelson08
Never enough Annie + Eddie
I love almost all of Annie’s shows, but I adore Annie + Eddie together! Glad we get them once a month, but I would love even more!
ashnoelle21
Had Me LOLing
I just listened to the episode with Erin Hicks-Moon. Let me tell you, in the middle of all your serious talks about church hurt, asking questions, grief etc- you had me CRACKIN’ up! You got a new fan.
JHarringtonWP
Questionable at times?
I absolutely love Annie and her love for the Lord and for people! I also really enjoy Annie & Eddie keep talking.
However, it seems sometimes.. like on today’s show Eddie will say certain things that are immoral and unnecessary.
I wasn’t sure why Eddie would refer to Brokeback Mountain today. It was disappointing. Most of Annie’s audience are Bible based Believers who like to have fun, but without crossing a line.
I hope this will be taken into consideration.
Thank you Annie!
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Dawn7523
Lindsay Letters
I cannot say enough good things about the interview with Lindsay Sherbondy. I’ve followed her for years and own her art. I am in awe of her and thankful for this episode.
ellencstiebs
Consistently Spirit-filled
This podcast and Annie’s words are somewhere the Spirit shows up for me so often. The conversations are raw and real and hopeful. The tone is gentle, kind, and fun. I love Annie and how she speaks truth and love over so many!
katherine krosley
Annie and team we love you
Gosh this is my go to podcast when I need to think about positive things, be reminded of Truth, relax, and learn new things. I love the spectrum of guests you guys bring on. I also am keenly aware of what an excellent interviewer and question asked and host you are, Annie. Everything from your timing, to your PERFECT tone of voice allows your audience to unfold and open up for us to hear. You also allow your authentic self to come through and that’s why WELOVEYOU! I hope Annie sees this and knows I am rooting for her to be the next Kelly Clarkson or Oprah or Kelly Ripa 🫶🏼❤️
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K.L.W.
Love this
I love this podcast. Annie truly makes each episode fun, but with also wisdom, encouragement, and important topics. Really grateful for the work done by Annie and the TSF team.
EE2140
A light-hearted and deeply-encouraging podcast!
I love this podcast, I pop it in while cooking dinner and it gives me happy feelings + the dose of Jesus that I need. My daughter always says, “are you listening to Thaaat Sooounds Fuuuuun?” (she sings the tune 🥰) thank you Annie! Your voice is such a happy part of my day and your heart to serve us is beautiful!
Somebody Amazing
Feels Like Home
This podcast is a safe space to explore the fun, amazing, and not-always-easy aspects of life and faith in Jesus. Annie, her guests, and their conversations provide encouraging, challenging, and genuine biblical truths and perspectives. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or both at the same time, this is the podcast for you. Thankful for Annie’s (and her team’s) “yes” to show up here every week to love us, teach us, and walk with us through this crazy thing called life. Listen now!
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TWPoole
Literally the best!!
My most favorite show to listen to!!! There are so many good people on, and I’ve learned about so many new books because of these episodes ☺️ The conversations are real and genuine; I don’t miss an episode!!
clking5
New favorite!
So glad I came across this! I love listening to it while working out or driving. The conversations are so fun, but also encouraging with snippets of Christ throughout.
Lindseykb
Annie is your new best friend!!
I love listening to Annie! She is so real and is honest about her heartaches. So much so, that it feels like you are chatting with a dear friend. I listen to this show in order to get some positive input in a very negative world.
Rlyrehc
Uplifting and helpful!
I’m newish to your podcast and love Charles Martin books so had to listen to his most recent interview with you. Wow! Had no idea how he was “chosen” and inspired to write this series. I was in my car and literally said woah out loud! Chills. Thank you!
AmiVL
Just Gotta Dance
Not only does Annie’s show challenge and grow me in my faith walk, but her intro music totally makes me want to dance each week! I love her authenticity to all things about life!
Cdukerunner
A master of bringing people together.
Annie is a gem. Her august 1 podcast was so moving and done so beautifully.
mariehurray
Love this podcast!
Ennea summer has been fantastic!
Beth2987
So helpful!
These enneagram episodes have been really enjoyable and entertaining. Thank you for doing them!
Muskegon Listener
EnneaSummer 2024 Episode 901
I’ve enjoyed this series as a helpful conversation around developing deeper understanding of those around me in relationships. And to better understand myself in them as well is such a gift ❤️
Twila_S
Episode 895
Yay for Annie, Chuck and Troy- three people with wonderful integrity and intention. Thank you for a challenging and encouraging conversation around race that helps us all to take a step forward.
Dude with an attitude
NYC
Listening to this while packing to move across the country to Jersey City. Love your subway talks!♥️
@locks_by_lacie
Seriously fun
Annie talks to her friends and friends of friends, etc, all fascinating people who dole out the wisdom that the Lord gives them without limit, and brings all of her Enneagram 7-ness to us making for episode after episode of good fun. I started with Episode 1 and am in the mid 150s. Somewhere in there you buried me Ms. Downs since you’ve now got more than 700 episodes. If that was your plan, it worked :-)
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Jdub:-)22
Good guests, solid thinking
Enjoyable conversations
Clcarson
My favorite podcast ❤️
I discovered Annie in 2019 during a summer enneagram series, and I’ve never looked back! I look forward to her podcasts each week. I love hearing her interview artists, celebrities, theologians, authors, etc. Listening to her interviews feels like listening to a friend talk, and I love how she’s authentically herself! My life has been changed because of this show, specifically because of episodes 304 and 464!
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karisamichelle
Highlight every week!
Every time there’s a new episode, it’s the highlight of my week! Annie is one of the best interviewers I’ve listened to, and I’ve learned so much from this podcast.
Drawer5426854
A couple words
Doing what Annie told me to 😜
HWG2010
Baby christian here
Thank you for introducing me to darren mulligan and come what may🎶🎵🎶🎵
Cathy K montana
This is a never miss show for me
I found Annie when my middle child was an infant and I feel like I “met” Annie and she was immediately staying up keeping us company through the night! 🤣 Annie’s (and several on the TSF network) are never miss shows for me. Thanks for the fun, laughter, and meaningful faith conversation. Your show helps keep the right things front of mind!
JLM1286
Breath of fresh air
I look forward to new episodes and have loved being able to listen again and again. My favorite mornings? Monday and Thursday! Thank you, Annie and friends!
Addict1236790
Love podcast and Annie
Just wanted u to know that I pretty much cried throygh Darren Mulligan’s interview. Thank you both❤️
LE Stephens
All the Things
Faith, Fun, and Facts all in one place!
Spruell63
Bye Buddies👋🏼
Living for the Annie + Eddie recaps!!! So fun!!
hannahgodoy
Five year listener
I have been listening to this podcast for the past 5 years! I always learn something new or am inspired to be a better person each episode. Thank you Annie!!
Culvie
Big AFD fan!
I’ve been listening to this podcast since 2019. Annie is fun and thoughtful as she interviews her guests. Each week I’m encouraged by her questions and her guests responses. She’s always pointing me towards Jesus. I’d highly recommend this show!
jackiemags11
Big Fan!
I have been listening to “That Sounds Fun” for years, and will continue to listen as long as Annie and her crew are able to produce it! I’ve been lead to so many resources that have expanded my thoughts and beliefs, while always being pointed back to the truth of Jesus. Thankful that she is willing to host a wide variety of people, as it makes me a better human to learn from other humans!
Spolch14
Like drinking a cup of chai with friends!
This is my very favorite podcast. I listen to it each day it’s released and I quote it often. I learn so much and am so thankful for being able to listen to Annie F Downs ask tough or thought provoking questions. Love this!
Drake and Abby
The Best
Tuning into That Sounds Fun is a highlight of my week. I love that Annie talks about real life with her guests. She’s so relatable and honest. Hanging out with Annie F Downes and her friends is also a good use of my time.
KJSaad
Amazing!
This podcast has been so helpful in my new walk with God. It’s an easier way to get to connect with Him through authors, artists, and whomever else Annie has on. So funny, yet also I walk away learning something new about myself and how to be a better human. Annie knows how to make you feel like it’s a casual conversation with friends over coffee, and that you’ve known her all along. Love this!
Sarai_P
Timely content
Annie consistently provides content and interviews with authors and professionals that provide insightful and helpful strategies to consider as we navigate these challenging and confusing times. Thank you Annie!
magrest
ANNIE IS THE BEST
Love this show!
Keaton&Ashley
Wonderful
AFD is my favorite podcaster. She speaks from the heart with such truth, honesty and integrity. I always look forward to every episode. She’s been an inspiration to young and old.
Laura D F
My first podcast
TSF was the first podcast I ever got into. I LOVED it! I listened to every episode as it came out and back listened to one’s before my time. Lately, it does feel like the show is just a commercial for people’s books. Episode after episode seems to just be about someone coming on and promoting their book. My favorite episodes are when topics are discussed without trying to sell us something. The Indigenous Peoples episodes, the singleness episode, the fasting episode, Mike Kelsey’s episodes are the ones I’ve loved lately. I still give it 5 stars bc the quality is great and I hope for TSF to get back to meaningful conversations, not just promotional opportunities.
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kait (1)
Primal Questions
Just wow on this episode!!! This opened a whole new path once I figured out my “yes” question! Great episode!!
Christy with a C