Draw Near

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

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

  • "In the Desert, I Praise You:" Gratitude Reflection

    November 20th, 2024  |  37 mins 37 secs
    lectio divina, prayer, reflection, scripture, spirituality

    With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it is common to be thankful for the good gifts, graces, love, or comforts of life. But, how often do we thank God for the thorn in our side, the pit we have fallen into, or the desert we simply cannot find a way out of? In this episode of the Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara reflect on 2 Scripture passages focusing on gratitude to God in the midst of difficulty.

  • Wholly inadequate: Homily by Fr. Patrick Behm

    October 16th, 2024  |  13 mins 53 secs
    bonus, fr. behm, homily

    In Father Patrick Behm's homily from the 25th Sunday in Ordinary time (September 22nd), he poses the question: "Will I ever be enough?" He looks at Mark 9: 30-37: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" This Gospel passage brings a beautiful reflection on: "Do successes and achievements somehow make us more lovable? Where is God in the mess?"

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    An Inside look at our Catholic Friendship: Fred and Kara Interview one another

    October 2nd, 2024  |  1 hr 5 mins
    get to know the hosts, interview episode, questions, special episode

    In this fun light-hearted episode of the Draw Near Catholic podcast, hosts, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell decided to interview one another and give listeners an inside look at our Catholic friendship. There are serious faith-driven questions as well as goofy opinion questions. Grab some coffee and join us as friends, as you listen to this highly caffeinated interview episode of Draw Near!

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    Friday the 13th

    September 18th, 2024  |  7 mins 27 secs

    Fred shares a brief reflection on an experience from middle school, and how it has effected his view of present cultural circumstances and relationships.

  • "Reckless Love" (Cover by Fred and Kara)

    August 30th, 2024  |  6 mins 25 secs
    cover song, reckless love, worship music

    Draw Near Cover of "Reckless Love" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (Originally by Cory Asbury)

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    One Boat: Are We a Church Divided?

    August 21st, 2024  |  48 mins 48 secs
    division, one boat, scripture, the church

    There is so much division in the world... but also in the Church! The Church has been described in the image of a "Boat" since the Early Church Fathers. We are all ONE BOAT. ONE Church. Why do our opinions divide us? In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara touch on what causes division in the Church and how it can be healed.
    What do we allow to divide us? Where is God in our opinions? Does pride divide us?

  • Coping with Anxiety

    August 7th, 2024  |  47 mins 57 secs
    anxiety, depression, faith, mental health

    How do we reconcile the faith, God's will, and Scripture with feelings of anxiety and depression? Fred and Kara with the Draw Near podcast bring in Spiritual Director, Sister Fidelis Marie to have an honest discussion about anxiety and depression.

  • A Future & A Hope: A Lectio Divina Discussion

    July 24th, 2024  |  39 mins 40 secs
    catholic podcast, prayer, spiritual

    In this surprisingly personal episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara share how the words of Jeremiah 29 can change hearts.
    It gives a "map" of how to find God and what God wants to bring into your life! Where can hope be found as we look at the future? Listen to this Catholic Podcast.

  • Apologetics PART 4: How to share your faith

    July 10th, 2024  |  47 mins 3 secs
    apologetics, catholic beliefs, defending your faith

    In this final episode of the Draw Near "Apologetics series," Fred and Kara share practical tips to defending your own Catholic faith while sharing Truth with Love!

  • Apologetics PART 3: the Pope, Bible ALONE, Rapture, & Resurrection

    June 26th, 2024  |  56 mins 59 secs
    apologetics, biblical teaching, catholic beliefs, study, teaching

    What do Catholics ACTUALLY believe? Enjoy part 3 where Fred & Kara, of Draw Near, continue to defend the Catholic Church and correct any misconceptions or misunderstandings! This episode talks about the pope (papacy), Sola Scriptura, Authority, the Rapture, and the Resurrection. (We hope you're loving these Catholic teaching episodes as much as we are.)

  • Apologetics PART 2: Creation, Aliens, & Purgatory

    June 12th, 2024  |  1 hr 17 mins
    aliens, apologetics, bible teaching, catholic teaching, confession, creation, eucharist, purgatory

    In the 4-part apologetics series, Fred and Kara, of Draw Near take up more difficult Catholic questions like: creation, aliens, the Eucharist, Confession, and Purgatory.

  • Apologetics PART 1: Mary & Salvation

    May 29th, 2024  |  1 hr 6 mins
    apologetics, bible teaching, catholic teaching, mary, salvation

    Who loves Q&A? We do! Fred and Kara answer common Catholic questions, among Catholics, Protestants, or even atheists. Enjoy part 1 of this extended series and tune in to the additional episodes to come!
    Questions in this episode:

    1. Why do Catholic Worship Mary? What's the deal with Mary?
    2. Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints?
    3. What do Catholics believe about salvation? How are you saved?