Fed by the Fruit

Kristin Ballard
  • 4.7 (88)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Fed by the Fruit, a podcast that will bring powerful testimonies, deep dives into well-known or not so well-known stories and characters of the Bible, episodes on how to apply biblical truth to our daily lives, and a continuation of our friendship where I share my life and all my favorite things. My goal is that we learn something from one another and advance God’s kingdom together!

  1. 3D AGO

    From Outsider to Ancestor: The Radical Faith of Ruth

    In this powerful deep dive episode, KB explores the remarkable story of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose unwavering faith and loyalty placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ. From her decision to leave everything familiar and follow her mother-in-law Naomi to an unknown land, to her encounter with Boaz as her kinsman redeemer, Ruth exemplifies what it means to trust God in the midst of uncertainty. Her story demonstrates that no matter where you come from or what your background looks like, God can use you for His divine purpose when you honor Him with faithfulness, hard work, and obedience. Ruth didn't return to the place she outgrew. Instead, she trusted God enough to walk in a direction she had never been before, and He met her right in the middle of her obedience. This episode challenges listeners to step forward into their next chapter without looking back, reminding us that God has already gone ahead of us. Through Ruth's example of loyalty, noble character, and teachable spirit, we learn that when we honor God, He honors us in ways beyond our imagination. If you're facing uncertainty or standing at a crossroads, this episode will encourage you to trust that God's plan is worth the step of faith. Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

    11 min

  2. FEB 2

    Talk Less, Listen More: Mark Ruegg's Miraculous Healing from Stage 4 Cancer

    Two years ago, Mark Ruegg received a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 pancreatic cancer with a 4cm tumor that had spread to his lymph nodes and liver. His doctor gave him 4-6 months to live and told him to get his affairs in order. But when Mark heard a divine message to "talk less, listen more," everything changed. He combined Western medicine with a holistic healing approach that included a whole food plant-based diet, daily "Steps with God" walking routine, meditation, and complete surrender to God's plan. After just 1-2 treatments, his 4cm tumor completely disappeared—something his doctor said he'd never witnessed in his entire career. Today, Mark is cancer-free with bloodwork "better than anyone who's healthy." In this powerful episode, he shares his healing recipe and the spiritual practices that transformed his diagnosis from a death sentence into a testimony of God's miraculous power. Mark's story reminds us that with God, all things are possible, and healing happens when we align our bodies, minds, and spirits with His design. Connect with Mark on Instagram @markallenruegg, and reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

    51 min

  3. JAN 26

    God's Faithfulness in Every Season: Strength Training, Testimony Sharing, and Breaking Free from the Past

    In this heartfelt catching-up episode, KB shares powerful personal updates from the dead of winter in Northern Virginia. From celebrating incredible fitness milestones after recovering from a brain aneurysm—including a 205-pound back squat PR and bench pressing over her body weight—to witnessing God's provision in scheduling three powerful testimony interviews in a single day, KB reflects on how surrender has become her 2026 word of the year. She opens up about the journey of allowing God to restore what once seemed lost, finding even greater joy in strength training now that it no longer defines her worth, and how gratitude has transformed her perspective on every blessing in her life. KB also shares vulnerable insights about her upcoming intensive Christian counseling experience at Restoring the Soul in Colorado, where she plans to address past wounds that continue to surface in her present life. From planning a tropical escape to Punta Cana with her husband Jonathan to preparing to speak at a women's conference in September, KB reminds listeners that God uses every difficulty to write our testimonies and draw us closer to Him. With her January memory verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17—"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here"—KB encourages listeners to embrace the transformative power of surrendering everything to God and living as the new creation He intends us to be. This episode serves as both an informative guide to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, encouraging listeners to embark on their journeys with renewed vigor and compassion. Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

    25 min

  4. JAN 19

    More Than a Help Meet: Discovering God's Love for His Daughters

    In this powerful episode, KB sits down with Amber Hodges, a former high school English teacher and author who shares her transformative journey of studying the 175+ women in the Bible. What began as a simple prompting from God turned into a four-and-a-half-year deep dive that changed everything Amber understood about her identity as a daughter of God. From discovering that Eve was called an "Ezer"—a military partner, not an assistant—to learning about Dorcas, whose small acts of service impacted an entire town, Amber reveals how these ancient stories hold profound truths for modern women. She unpacks how God seeks out His daughters, meets them where they are, and values them as equal partners in His work. This conversation explores themes of forgiveness, identity, worth beyond mistakes, and the power of faithful obedience in small things. Amber shares insights on the woman taken in adultery (who gets to be more than her sin), Hagar (who named God "El Roi—the God who sees me"), and Abigail (the peacemaker who stopped a war). Whether you've felt insignificant in your sphere of influence or struggled to forgive yourself for past mistakes, this episode is a beautiful reminder that God's perfect love for you is unchanging—and that your worth is not hinging on your flaws. Amber's passion for sharing these truths will inspire you to dig deeper into Scripture and discover the personal love God has for you. Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts. Find Amber at @amberjohodges on Instagram.

    45 min

  5. JAN 12

    Faithful Leadership: Lessons from Joshua’s Life

    In this inspiring episode of Fed by the Fruit, host KB takes listeners on a deep dive into the life of Joshua, one of the Bible's most prominent leaders. Discover how Joshua went from serving as Moses' faithful apprentice to becoming the commander who led the Israelites into the promised land after a seven-year conquest. This episode explores Joshua's unwavering faith when he stood with Caleb against ten other spies, his military victories that were truly God's battles, and his famous declaration "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Learn how Joshua's leadership wasn't just about military strategy, but about trusting in God's promises even when facing giants and fortified cities. With the January memory verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17 about becoming a new creation in Christ, this episode encourages listeners to embrace their faith journey with the same courage and faithfulness that defined Joshua's life. Whether you're new to Bible study or deepening your understanding of Scripture, this episode offers practical insights for applying biblical principles to everyday life. This episode serves as both an informative guide to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, encouraging listeners to embark on their journeys with renewed vigor and compassion. Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

    10 min

  6. JAN 5

    Beauty From Ashes: How God Transformed Trauma, Infertility, and Infidelity Into a Powerful Testimony

    In this powerful New Year testimony episode, KB welcomes Megan Rafalski to share her incredible journey of faith, healing, and restoration. From growing up in Virginia with praying grandparents to accepting Christ at Young Life camp, losing her way in New York City, and experiencing sexual assault and trauma, Megan's story is one of profound brokenness met with extraordinary grace. She opens up about her miraculous pregnancy after being diagnosed with premature ovarian failure at age 22, the devastating discovery of her husband's years-long infidelity, and the peace that surpasses understanding that carried her through the darkest valleys. Now, 10 years after hitting rock bottom in her marriage, Megan leads women's support groups at her church and ministers to others walking through similar trials. This episode is a testament to God's power to restore what seems irreparably broken and turn our deepest pain into purpose. Megan shares how surrounding yourself with the right people, clinging to Scripture, and refusing to let circumstances define your identity in Christ can lead to healing beyond imagination. Whether you're facing struggles in your marriage, battling infertility, healing from trauma, or simply need encouragement to start the new year strong, this conversation will remind you that God works all things for good and brings beauty from ashes. The January memory verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." This episode serves as both an informative guide to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, encouraging listeners to embark on their journeys with renewed vigor and compassion. Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

    46 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Why Heaven Isn’t Fair (And Why That’s Good News)

    As we celebrate seven years of Fed by the Fruit and stand on the threshold of 2026, KB shares a powerful New Year reflection that goes beyond resolutions and fresh starts. Exploring the truth that "all that's gold doesn't always glitter," this episode reminds us that God's greatest gift came without fanfare or fireworks—a baby in a humble manger who would offer us the ultimate new beginning. Through James 1:17 and personal insights from a conversation with Asher, KB unpacks why the real hope of a new year isn't found in our efforts, but in God's unchanging gift of his son, Jesus Christ. This episode tackles one of the most challenging questions in faith: How could a just God send anybody to heaven? Drawing from Pastor Josh Howerton's teaching, KB explores the concepts of cosmic treason, unmerited grace, and the reality that heaven is the only place where things aren't "fair"—because everyone there deserved hell but received total forgiveness instead. Whether you're entering 2026 with questions about faith, salvation, or the reality of heaven and hell, this milestone episode offers a thoughtful examination of God's perfect gift and an invitation to embrace the new beginning only Jesus can give. This episode serves as both an informative guide to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, encouraging listeners to embark on their journeys with renewed vigor and compassion. Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

    6 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    One Year Later: Celebrating Miracles, Growth, and God's Faithfulness

    In this heartfelt December catch-up episode, KB shares the beautiful chaos of life one year after her miraculous heart surgery. From celebrating her youngest son Asher's 13th birthday to hitting a lifetime PR of 150 pounds on the bench press, KB reflects on a year of extraordinary physical recovery that doctors said might not be possible. She opens up about the profound shift in her priorities—how God transformed her heart not just physically, but spiritually, moving her focus from personal achievement to advancing the kingdom and sharing Jesus with others. But this episode isn't just about victories. With raw honesty, KB vulnerably shares about the ongoing challenges in her marriage, the hard conversations with her sons about her attitude toward her husband, and her commitment to becoming the wife God created her to be. She discusses finding godly accountability through Christian friendships, devouring over 50 books this year, navigating her nutrition coaching business while keeping Jesus at the center, and learning to trust God's provision over striving for success. This is a genuine, unfiltered conversation about messy progress, deep gratitude, and what it looks like to pursue holiness in the everyday moments of life. This episode serves as both an informative guide to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, encouraging listeners to embark on their journeys with renewed vigor and compassion. Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

    40 min
See All (201)

4.7
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

Welcome to Fed by the Fruit, a podcast that will bring powerful testimonies, deep dives into well-known or not so well-known stories and characters of the Bible, episodes on how to apply biblical truth to our daily lives, and a continuation of our friendship where I share my life and all my favorite things. My goal is that we learn something from one another and advance God’s kingdom together!

Information

  • Creator
    Kristin Ballard
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Fed by the Fruit