Episodes

  • Why Draw Near?

    Why Draw Near?
    Oct 16 2020

    Thank you for listening to Draw Near. Before beginning, start with this short "trailer" of what Draw Near is about, why Fred and Kara chose this name, and the goal of this podcast.

    Let's grow together.

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    3 mins
  • What to Do When the Service is Bad

    What to Do When the Service is Bad
    Feb 4 2026

    How do you actually share your faith—without fear, awkward moments, or feeling like you have to have all the answers?

    In this short episode, Fred reflects on a simple, ordinary moment that became a doorway for grace. What started as a late-night stop for ice cream after church turned into months of prayer, presence, encouragement, and quiet fidelity—and ultimately, a life gently redirected toward healing, hope, and the Church.

    This story reminds us that sharing our faith doesn’t usually begin with arguments or explanations. It begins with noticing, listening, and having the courage to say a simple “yes” when the Holy Spirit nudges.

    Because sometimes, the most powerful witness of the Gospel sounds like this:
    “We’re about to pray. Is there anything we can pray for you about?”

    Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

    Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
    "Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

    Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

    Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

    Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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    7 mins
  • Clearing Up Catholic Misconceptions

    Clearing Up Catholic Misconceptions
    Jan 28 2026

    Clear answers to common misconceptions about Catholicism...

    In this episode of Draw Near, we begin clearing up some of the most common Catholic misunderstandings or assumptions.

    Misconceptions explained in this episode:

    1. Catholicism is about rules and rituals, not a personal relationship with Jesus.
    2. Catholics don’t read the Bible and rely on tradition instead of Scripture.
    3. Catholics believe you earn salvation by works instead of being saved by grace.

    Throughout the episode, we look at key biblical passages and show how the Catholic Church has faithfully taught the fullness of Christ’s message.

    This episode isn’t a deep dive into every question; it is an invitation to understand what the Catholic Church truly teaches, where those teachings come from, and why they matter.

    If there’s a specific misconception or teaching you’d like explored further, submit it here—we’d love to continue the conversation.

    Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

    Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
    "Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

    Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

    Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

    Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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    40 mins
  • Still Here

    Still Here
    Jan 21 2026
    Draw Near is still here—and this episode is all about returning to our "why." After a season of being in and out, adjusting rhythms, and letting life take its course, we wanted to speak honestly about where Draw Near is right now and how God has been gently guiding us forward. This episode invites you into our discernment, hope, and trust. Rooted in Isaiah 42:3, we reflect on the image of the Servant who does not break a bruised reed or extinguish a dimly burning wick. These words have shaped how we understand this season; It has not been a failure or fading, but as a time of careful tending. Jesus knows how to work with what is fragile. He repairs without rushing and restores without pressure. We share how this passage has helped us see the recent shifts in Draw Near as an invitation to listen more closely, allowing the Spirit to breathe life into the work in more sustainable ways. The mission remains. The vision endures. What’s changing is the rhythm. If you’ve ever wondered whether something good was slipping away—or whether a quieter season meant God was less present—this episode is for you. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Subscribe to Draw Near YOUTUBE Channel Here (https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara). Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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    26 mins
  • Guided Meditation: God Saw That It Was Good

    Guided Meditation: God Saw That It Was Good
    Dec 17 2025
    God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers. Drawn directly from the Surrender Journal (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop) we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement. Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held. Questions to reflect on before you begin: 1. Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they? 2. What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value? 3. What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? The Surrender Journal: Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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    18 mins
  • If Jesus Is Lord, Life Looks Different

    If Jesus Is Lord, Life Looks Different
    Dec 3 2025
    If we truly believe Jesus is Lord, then his words matter… even the ones that challenge us. In this week’s conversation, we reflect on Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Jesus does not rebuke here, but invites each of us personally to reflect on teachings, words from God, or passages of Scripture we truly believe. Let's also allow it to be an invitation to ask: which of Jesus's words and teachings have I forgotten or discarded because they are difficult. All of us have places where obedience feels costly or inconvenient. Yet Jesus never calls us to follow him on our own strength. Let's also look at what he does to help us? Throughout the episode, we also explore: * how the Holy Spirit prompts us toward deeper faithfulness * why some of Jesus’ teachings feel difficult and what that says about our spiritual growth * how grace strengthens our weak places * the invitation to reflect on areas where we’re not fully following him * the simple, daily yes that forms real discipleship Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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    37 mins
  • Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

    Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve
    Nov 27 2025
    In a world that often tells us to stay guarded, what does it really mean to live with an open heart? In this episode, we explore the beauty and the cost of “wearing your heart on your sleeve,” and why Jesus shows us a better way than self-protection. If you’ve ever wondered whether vulnerability is worth it, or feared that loving deeply will only get you hurt, this conversation is for you. Come be encouraged to live with authenticity, courage, and Christ-like love. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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    11 mins
  • DN Classics: You Talking About Me?

    DN Classics: You Talking About Me?
    Nov 19 2025
    In this classic Draw Near episode, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with our friend Sr. Fidelis Marie about what it really means to love one another well — not in theory, but in the daily decisions that shape our relationships and communities. If you’ve ever wrestled with empathy, boundaries, or how to grow in authentic charity, this episode will encourage and challenge you in all the right ways. In this episode, we explore: How to tell the difference between healthy venting and harmful gossip Why it’s so easy to expect empathy but harder to give it How our wounds, assumptions, and interior habits shape the way we treat others What it looks like to approach relationships with intentionality, vulnerability, and authentic love Whether our culture is slowly training us to stop seeing one another as human beings Why evaluating intentions — our own and others’ — matters for spiritual growth Join us for a conversation that keeps unfolding long after the episode ends. This is one worth returning to — and we’re glad to share it with you again. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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    45 mins