That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

In honor of Veterans Day this week, and as we continue our series on service, we’re talking about serving our country and what it looks like to show up for the people who have given so much to us. I’m honored to share this conversation with Gary Sinise with you. You probably know him as an actor, including his iconic role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, but Gary has spent decades using his platform to serve veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families. Through the Gary Sinise Foundation, he’s helped provide support and care for people who have sacrificed so much for the rest of us.

But today, we’re also talking about a much more personal story. Gary’s new book, Graceful Warrior, invites us into his life and home, including the heartbreaking loss of his son, Mac. As Gary stepped into the role of caretaker while Mac battled cancer, he discovered that serving others outside his home gave him the energy to come home and serve his family even more.

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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.

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When we hear the word serve, we immediately start thinking about all the things we should be doing, the places we should be volunteering and donating our clothes, serving meals, and being the hands and feet of Jesus. But what if serving starts with paying attention to the people God has already placed around us? What if we start by asking where there’s a need and how God might want to use us to meet it?

Today, I get to talk with Heather Rice-Minus, who is the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, an organization that works to restore those affected by crime and incarceration through the Gospel. Heather is going to help us think about what it looks like to serve people in our own communities, especially people we might not naturally think about or even know how to reach.

I think this conversation is going to help us see our cities a little differently and maybe even recognize an opportunity to serve that we’ve been walking past. I’ve gotten to serve in prison ministry the last couple of years and it has truly changed my life.

View the show notes here

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You can find out more about my TV show by searching I Gotta Ask on Prime Video or by visiting IGottaAsk.com!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide.

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BetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/thatsoundsfun.

The Bible Recap: Shop 35% off through November with code TSF2026 at bakerbookhouse.com.

Helix: Go to ⁠helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun⁠ for up to 30% off sitewide.

Capstone: If someone you love needs a fresh start, visit ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠.

Storyworth: Right now, save up to $20 during Storyworth’s Holiday sale when you go to STORYWORTH.com/thatsoundsfun!

Mercy Ships:Right now, gifts will be matched to DOUBLE the hope and healing. Give today at: mercyships.org/GiveHope

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

Eddie and I keep talking about ALL the things:

Eddie’s marathon and training journey (he completed it this weekend, but this was recorded a few days before!)

What we’re watching right now

Baking muffins

Graphic novels

And whether or not to have a TV in your bedroom

I’m sure you’re going to have lots of opinions! Can’t wait to hear what you think!

Find the show notes here

. . . .

You can find out more about my TV show by searching I Gotta Ask on Prime Video or by visiting IGottaAsk.com!

. . . .

Thank you to our sponsors:

ELIC: Find out more at elic.org/thatsoundsfun.

Our Place: Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide.

The Subtext Podcast: Search for The Subtext wherever you get your podcasts.

Helix: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide with code 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

God made you creative and your gifts have a purpose.

Today we start talking about another rhythm that’s helping us get spiritually stronger: service. We're talking about how to serve in your gifting, how to recognize the ways God has uniquely wired you, and how to use those gifts to bring hope to the people around you.

Al Gordon is a Christian leader, pastor, and voice in the global creative movement within the church. He’s the founder of Renaissance, leads SAINT, a church in East London that was planted with a mission to bring hope and renewal to a neighborhood where less than 1% of people attend church. Al recently released his book Spark in March and it’s the perfect resource for this conversation.

Find the show notes here

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The Subtext Podcast: Search for The Subtext wherever you get your podcasts.

Helix: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide with code 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.

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

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Carl and Laura Lentz walked through infidelity on a really public platform and since 2020 have put in the work towards restoration, redemption, and healing. When they realized there weren’t many books for couples walking through infidelity and betrayal, they felt the invitation to not only tell their story, but share the practical steps that have helped them stay together and heal.

I realize this may not be your story or your struggle, but sin is something we all deal with and secret sin specifically is not something we’re going to play around with around here. I admire Carl and Laura’s vulnerability and honesty to share what this has looked like for them. It’s really brave and I’m really grateful.

If you know a couple that could benefit from reading Overcoming Infidelity or maybe that’s you - go grab a copy of their book.

Find the show notes here

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Have you watched my talk show, I Gotta Ask?! Head over to IGottaAsk.com and we have all the instructions on how to find the show! I want to hear your thoughts after you watch!

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Thank you to our sponsors:

BetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/thatsoundsfun.

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Brodo: Head to Brodo.com/THATSOUNDSFUN for 20% off your first subscription order and use code THATSOUNDSFUN for an additional $10 off.

Our Place: Upgrade your kitchen with Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/TSF and use code TSF for 10% off sitewide.

The Subtext Podcast: Search for The Subtext wherever you get your podcasts.

Helix: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 20% off sitewide with code 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.

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