The True North Podcast | Christian Podcast on Navigating Faith & Life

Mykah Price Ballard

Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The True North Podcast is a place for encouragement, real conversations, and faith-filled guidance to help you stay anchored in Christ. Join host Mykah Price Ballard every Monday as she unpacks biblical truths, personal stories, and practical wisdom to help you grow in your faith, find purpose, and walk confidently in who God created you to be. Whether you’re seeking clarity, encouragement, or a reminder that God’s plans are always greater, this podcast is for you!

  1. 2d ago

    Stop Doing THIS One Thing When Reading Your Bible

    Have you ever finished reading your Bible and thought, “Okay… but what was I supposed to get out of that?” Maybe part of the problem is that we’ve been approaching Scripture with ourselves at the center. In this episode of The True North Podcast, we’re talking about how to read and study the Bible without making yourself the main character. Because while the Bible was written for you, not every passage was written about you. Scripture is ultimately the story of God—who He is, what He has done, and His plan to redeem and restore humanity through Jesus Christ. We’ll look at familiar passages like David and Goliath and Jeremiah 29:11 to see how easy it is to pull Scripture out of context and immediately ask, “What does this mean for me?” Instead, we’ll learn to start with a better question: “What does this show me about God?” In this episode, we talk about: Why Christians can accidentally make themselves the main character of the Bible The difference between biblical interpretation and application Why context matters when studying Scripture How to understand who a passage was originally written to The Bible’s overarching story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration What David and Goliath actually teaches us beyond “defeating your giants” The deeper context behind Jeremiah 29:11 A simple Bible study method you can use during your quiet time How Scripture reveals the character of God Why knowing God should come before asking what we can get from Him How to confidently apply the Bible to your everyday life A Simple Bible Study Framework Before asking, “What does this verse mean for me?” try asking: 1. What does it say? What is literally happening in this passage? 2. What does it mean? Who wrote it? Who were they writing to? What was happening historically and culturally? What comes before and after this passage? 3. What does this show me about God? Look for His character, commands, promises, holiness, grace, faithfulness, mercy, and redemptive work. 4. How should I respond? Only after understanding the passage should we bring ourselves into the conversation. What needs to change in my heart, thinking, or actions because of what I've learned? My favorite commentary to use while studying scripture: Enduring Word Stay Connected!  Visit our website to follow us on social media and sign up for the newsletter!

  2. Aug 10

    Falling Back in Love With Your Faith: Finding Jesus Again After Church Hurt

    Have you ever felt like walking away from church—or even from Jesus—because of the way Christians have treated you? Church hurt is real. Maybe you were made to feel like you had to be perfect to belong. Maybe your questions weren’t welcome, your struggles were something you were supposed to hide, or someone who represented Jesus to you left you hurt, disappointed, or questioning everything you believed. But what if the faith you’re rejecting isn’t actually Jesus at all? In this solo episode of the True North Podcast, Mykah talks honestly about church hurt, religious pressure, perfectionism, and what it looks like to find your way back to Jesus after being hurt by Christians or the church. We’re unpacking the difference between performative Christianity and a personal relationship with Jesus—and why the failures of imperfect people don’t have to determine the future of your faith. In this episode, we talk about: How church hurt can impact your relationship with God Why you may be rejecting religious expectations rather than Jesus Himself The pressure to be the “perfect Christian” How to separate who Jesus really is from the people who have misrepresented Him Why reading Scripture for yourself matters Doubt, questions, and the story of Thomas Rebuilding your faith around grace instead of guilt Finding Christian community again after being hurt Why there is still a place for you in the Church If you’ve experienced church hurt, religious trauma, Christian perfectionism, or simply feel distant from God and don’t know how to come back, this conversation is for you. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs this reminder and leave a review of the True North Podcast. Be sure to follow True North on social media for more faith-filled conversations, upcoming episodes, and announcements. And don’t forget—you can shop True North sweatshirts on our website. 🤍

  3. Aug 3

    How Tragedy Can Change Your Life: Finding God in the Middle of It with Baylee Letters

    What happens when your entire life changes in an instant? In this powerful episode of The True North Podcast, Baylee shares the incredible story of surviving a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of her leg—and how she encountered the presence of God in the middle of unimaginable pain. Rather than allowing tragedy to define her story, Baylee has discovered what it means to trust God through suffering, learn to walk again alongside her young daughter, and find purpose in the hardest season of her life. This conversation isn't just about surviving trauma—it's about discovering that God is still faithful when life doesn't go the way you planned. In this episode, we discuss: How Baylee's faith sustained her immediately after the accident Learning to trust God when everything changes overnight The power of Scripture during suffering and uncertainty Learning to walk again—and the spiritual lessons that came with it How the body of Christ showed up in practical, life-changing ways Why asking for help is an act of faith, not weakness How to support someone after trauma, grief, or tragedy Finding purpose, hope, and joy after unimaginable loss Why your testimony can point others to Jesus in just 30 seconds Whether you're walking through grief, navigating unexpected loss, supporting someone through a difficult season, or simply wondering where God is in your own suffering, this episode is a powerful reminder that God's presence is often most tangible in our hardest moments. If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today. For more biblical encouragement, podcast episodes, and free resources, visit https://truenorth-ministries.com/ If Baylee's story encouraged you, be sure to connect with her and follow along as she shares life as a mom, amputee, and follower of Jesus. Through honest conversations about faith, healing, motherhood, and finding purpose after tragedy, Baylee is a constant reminder that God is faithful in every season. 📸 Instagram: @tobayleeandbeyond 🎥 YouTube: To Baylee & Beyond 🎵 TikTok: @beyondbaylee

  4. Jul 27

    When God Writes a Better Ending Than You Imagined | Ruth Chapter 4 with Danielle Danver

    The Book of Ruth doesn't just end with a love story—it ends by revealing God's greater story. In the final episode of our Ruth Bible Study, we're walking through Ruth Chapter 4, where Boaz redeems Ruth, Naomi's emptiness is transformed into joy, and an unexpected genealogy reveals God's plan stretching far beyond anything these characters could have imagined. Together, we talk about why God's timing is always purposeful, how He restores what feels lost, and why your past is never too messy for God to use. We also unpack the often-overlooked genealogy at the end of Ruth and why it beautifully points us to Jesus and God's faithfulness across generations. In this episode, we discuss: Why God can redeem any story Naomi's journey from bitterness to restoration What the genealogy at the end of Ruth teaches us about God's promises Why God chooses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes How Boaz foreshadows Jesus as our Redeemer Why your past doesn't disqualify you from God's calling Learning to trust God's bigger plan—even when you can't see it yet The faithfulness of God from generation to generation If you've ever wondered whether God can still use your life after disappointment, failure, or loss, Ruth Chapter 4 is a beautiful reminder that God specializes in writing better endings than we ever could. If this episode encouraged you, would you do me a favor? Share it with someone who needs this reminder today. You never know how God might use one conversation to change someone's life. And if you're enjoying this Ruth Bible study series, be sure to follow the show so you don't miss future episodes. You can find more Bible studies, free resources, and everything True North at https://truenorth-ministries.com/ Connect with Danielle: https://www.thissonkissedlife.com/

  5. Jul 13

    The Hidden Ways God Is Working in Your Life | Ruth Chapter 2 with Danielle Danver

    Have you ever wondered if God is actually working behind the scenes in your life? In this episode of The True North Podcast, we're continuing our verse-by-verse Ruth Bible study with Ruth Chapter 2, where we meet Boaz and begin to see God's providence unfold in ways that seem ordinary—but are anything but. Together, we unpack what it means to trust God's timing, faithfully show up in the season you're in, and recognize that the smallest details of your life are never outside of God's control. From Ruth's willingness to work with humility to Boaz's character, generosity, and role as a kinsman-redeemer, this chapter reminds us that God often prepares our breakthrough long before we ever recognize it. We also discuss: Why God's provision often comes through ordinary obedience The significance of Boaz as the guardian-redeemer How Ruth's character opened doors God had already prepared What it means to find refuge under God's wings Learning to rest instead of striving for control How Naomi begins to rediscover hope after devastating loss Practical encouragement for trusting God when you can't yet see what He's is doing If you've been waiting for answers, questioning God's timing, or wondering if He's forgotten you, Ruth Chapter 2 is a beautiful reminder that God is always working—even when it doesn't look like it. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. And if you'd like to study alongside us, visit discovertruenorth.com for more resources and to join our community. Connect with Danielle: https://www.thissonkissedlife.com/

  6. Jul 6

    When Life Leaves You Feeling Forgotten by God | Ruth Chapter 1 with Danielle Danver

    Have you ever walked through a season that made you wonder if God had forgotten about you? In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Danielle from the But God Podcast as we begin a four-part journey through the Book of Ruth. Together, we're diving into Ruth Chapter 1 and unpacking one of the most honest, heartbreaking, and hope-filled chapters in Scripture. We talk about Naomi's devastating loss, Ruth's incredible faith, and what this story teaches us about trusting God when life doesn't make sense. We also explore why Naomi wanted to change her name, how our circumstances can try to redefine our identity, and the beautiful reminder that even when we can't see God moving, He's already working behind the scenes. If you've ever felt forgotten, disappointed, or like your prayers are going unanswered, I hope this conversation reminds you that God's silence is not His absence. He is still writing your story—even in the chapters that feel heavy. In this episode, we discuss: Why the Book of Ruth is about so much more than a love story What Naomi's grief teaches us about bringing our honest emotions to God How Ruth's faith and loyalty point us to God's character Why we shouldn't let our pain become our identity What God's timing looks like when we can't see the bigger picture The importance of prayer partners and biblical community during difficult seasons How to keep trusting God when life leaves you feeling forgotten This is just the beginning of our Book of Ruth series, so be sure to subscribe and come back next week as we continue with Ruth Chapter 2. If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to leave a review, share it with a friend, and connect with me! You can also find more episodes, merch and sign up for our newsletter on our website!  Connect with Danielle at https://www.thissonkissedlife.com/

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The True North Podcast is a place for encouragement, real conversations, and faith-filled guidance to help you stay anchored in Christ. Join host Mykah Price Ballard every Monday as she unpacks biblical truths, personal stories, and practical wisdom to help you grow in your faith, find purpose, and walk confidently in who God created you to be. Whether you’re seeking clarity, encouragement, or a reminder that God’s plans are always greater, this podcast is for you!