Draw Near

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

209 episodes of Draw Near since the first episode, which aired on October 16th, 2020.

  • Do Whatever He Tells You

    October 5th, 2025  |  56 mins 37 secs
    calling, conversion, encouragement, obedience

    Imagine building a thriving career, only to hear a call so strong you can’t ignore it. That’s exactly what happened to Rob “Mr. Theology” Reynolds and Shevin McCullough. In this episode, the founders of Studio 316 share how they traded corporate success for a life of ministry—and how they’re using creativity and media to lead kids to Christ.

  • Finding God in the Least Likely Movies

    October 1st, 2025  |  1 hr 14 mins
    catholic, catholic podcast, christian entertainment, christian podcast, draw near, draw near podcast, fred and krystal, movies, pop culture, spirituality, tv shows

    Join us for a lighthearted conversation on discovering Christian themes in the most unexpected movies and shows. From wizards to zombies to fantasy adventures, we’ll show you how faith can shine through the movies we love in this Draw Near podcast episode.

  • All Dogs go to Heaven... or Do they?

    August 28th, 2025  |  27 mins 54 secs
    afterlife, catholic podcast, draw near, faith and life, heaven and earth, pets

    Do our pets go to heaven? It’s a question that’s both fun to ask and deeply personal when you’ve loved and lost a furry friend. In this episode, Kara shares her family’s experience of saying goodbye to their dog, opening up a conversation many of us can relate to. Together we explore Scripture and the Catechism to see what the Church actually says about heaven, creation, and God’s plan to make all things new.

  • Encountering God in Scripture: Listening with Your Heart

    July 27th, 2025  |  39 mins 47 secs
    catholic bible, faith journey, hearing god, prayer, scripture, spiritual growth

    In this episode of Draw Near, we explore how Scripture becomes a living encounter with the voice of God. We talk about how to prepare our hearts to hear him, the power of knowing the full story of salvation, and how God speaks uniquely and personally through his Word. With personal stories, practical tips, and favorite passages that have carried us through suffering and joy, we hope to inspire you to trust that God is speaking to you.

    Whether you’re new to reading Scripture or longing to go deeper, this conversation will help you move from simply reading the Bible to truly encountering the God who loves you.

  • Beyond "I’m Praying for You": Being There for Others

    July 10th, 2025  |  9 mins 55 secs
    discipleship, empathy, healing, love, prayer, presence, support

    Prayer is essential—but sometimes, it’s not the only thing someone needs. In some seasons, words can fall short if they aren’t paired with presence and love. This episode invites you to reflect on how we can truly support one another—not only by praying for someone, but by walking with them.

    Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and real-life experience, we explore the power of showing up, listening well, and offering small acts of mercy. Let’s become the kind of people who pray deeply—and live that prayer out with compassion.

  • Life's Interruptions or Divine Invitations?

    July 2nd, 2025  |  18 mins 2 secs
    christian spirituality, discipleship, draw near podcast, everyday holiness, living the gospel, scripture reflection, short episode

    What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations?
    When Jesus was interrupted, he didn’t push people away—he welcomed them. In this short podcast episode of Draw Near, Kara reflects on how embracing life’s interruptions can lead us to unexpected grace. What if the distractions are actually divine invitations?

  • The Bread of Life: Rediscovering the Power of the Eucharist

    June 25th, 2025  |  46 mins 1 sec
    catholic church, catholic faith, catholicism, christian living, devotion, discipleship, eucharist, healing, prayer, sacraments, spiritual growth, worship

    In this episode of Draw Near, we reflect on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and invite you to rediscover the power, beauty, and reality of the Eucharist. More than a symbol, the Eucharist is the living presence of Jesus—true food for the soul, strength for the weary, and healing for the brokenhearted.

  • Is God Your Best Friend? Prayer Meditation: Unlocking the Doors of the Heart

    June 18th, 2025  |  23 mins 33 secs

    In this powerful and reflective episode of Draw Near, Kara invites you to explore the deeply personal and transformative nature of prayer as an intimate friendship with God. Using the story of Doubting Thomas in John 20, Kara reflects on how God responds to us when we ask, and gives us exactly what is needed. Jesus enters the locked rooms of our lives... those places we try to keep hidden.

    You’ll be guided through a visual prayer meditation that helps you encounter Jesus in those very spaces. Is there a room in your life where you've closed the door on God? He’s already standing among you, ready to meet you with peace and transformation.

    Whether you're seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus, struggling with doubt, or yearning for vulnerability in your spiritual life, this episode offers a quiet, sacred space to reconnect with the God who calls you friend.

  • A Chosen People: Building the Kingdom of God

    May 28th, 2025  |  8 mins 44 secs
    catholic, church, community, discipleship, holy spirit, scripture, unity

    What does it mean to be a "living stone" in God's Church? How can we live as a royal priesthood, and build communities that truly reflect the love and unity of Christ?

    In this episode, Fred explores the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter and unpacks our identity as chosen people—called not just to believe, but to build. Drawing from Acts, Revelation, and John’s Gospel, we’ll dive into what it means to be part of something eternal and radiant: the Kingdom of God.

    🔹 Discover how God is building his Church through us
    🔹 Learn what it means to offer spiritual sacrifices in daily life
    🔹 Be inspired to live your faith with peace, purpose, and unity

    Whether you're new to the faith or a lifelong disciple, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take your place in God’s spiritual house.

  • The Shepherd’s Voice: Trusting in God’s Guidance

    May 14th, 2025  |  42 mins 58 secs
    catholic, discernment, faith, good shepherd, hearing god, john 10, prayer, st ignatius, trust

    How do we hear the voice of Jesus in a world full of noise, distraction, and doubt? And what does it mean to truly follow him—especially when the road is uncertain or difficult?

    In this episode, we reflect on John 10 and Jesus’ words: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” We explore how to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd through prayer, silence, and Scripture—and we introduce insights from St. Ignatius of Loyola on the discernment of spirits to help you grow in spiritual clarity and trust. If you’re longing for peace, direction, or deeper intimacy with Christ, this conversation is for you.

  • Surprised by Mercy

    April 30th, 2025  |  39 mins 6 secs
    christian life, compassion, divine mercy, forgiveness, god's mercy, healing, mercy in scripture, spiritual growth

    What is mercy, really—and why does it matter so much today? In this episode, Fred and Kara dive into the heart of Divine Mercy, exploring how God’s mercy heals, transforms, and calls us to do the same for others. With stories, Scripture, and personal reflections, they unpack mercy as more than forgiveness—it’s compassion in action. You’ll walk away inspired to receive mercy and live it out in your relationships and daily life.

  • Unbind Him: Finding Resurrection in the Midst of the Cross

    April 16th, 2025  |  23 mins 33 secs
    catholic podcast, christian discipleship, draw near, easter preparation, encouragement, gospel meditation, holy week, joy in sorrow, lazarus, new life in christ, prayer and healing, resurrection, spiritual reflection, suffering and hope, the cross

    Is it possible to feel joy in the midst of sorrow? Can we call Holy Week happy even while meditating on the suffering of Jesus? In this short and heartfelt Holy Week reflection, Fred and Kara share a deeply personal and spiritually rich meditation on John 11—the raising of Lazarus.

    Together, we explore what it means for Jesus to stand before our tombs and call us by name, how we’re invited into community to help “unbind” one another from the grave clothes of fear, shame, and sin, and how the resurrection is not just something we believe in—it’s something we’re called to live.

    Whether you're walking through grief, wrestling with God's timing, or just longing for renewal, this episode is a companion for your journey toward Easter joy. You’ll also hear stories from our own lives, encouragement for your spiritual walk, and a Holy Week challenge to invite God into your deepest burdens.