Draw Near

Clearing Up Catholic Misconceptions

January 28th, 2026  |  40 mins 7 secs

bible and catholic church, catholic apologetics, catholic beliefs explained, catholic misconceptions, catholic theology, faith and works, rules and rituals, salvation by grace, scripture and tradition

What do Catholics actually believe, and where does it come from?
In this episode of the Draw Near podcast, Kara Kardell clears up common Catholic misconceptions about rules and rituals, Scripture and Tradition, faith and works, salvation by grace, and why the Church teaches what it does—rooted in the Bible and the teachings of Christ and the apostles. Together, let's dive into clear answers to common misconceptions about Catholicism.

Still Here

January 21st, 2026  |  25 mins 46 secs

catholic, catholic spirituality, discernment, draw near, encouragement, faith, hope, isaiah 42, jesus the servant, ministry, perseverance, podcast, quiet seasons, renewal, rest, returning to your why, scripture reflection, spiritual growth, sustainability, trusting god

Draw Near is still here. In this episode, we share where the ministry is right now, why we’re returning to our “why,” and how God has been gently guiding a shift in rhythm and direction. Rooted in Isaiah 42:3, we reflect on Jesus as the Servant who tends what is fragile with mercy and care—and why this season is not about fading, but faithful discernment.

Guided Meditation: God Saw That It Was Good

December 17th, 2025  |  17 mins 37 secs

catholic prayer, christian meditation, contemplative prayer, created with purpose, draw near podcast, encountering god, god’s love, guided meditation, guided prayer, identity in christ, inner healing, personal prayer, prayer reflections, resting in god, seeing yourself through god’s eyes, self-awareness, spiritual formation, surrender, surrender journal, visualization prayer

In this guided Christian visualization meditation, Kara leads you into prayer to help you see yourself through God’s eyes: intentionally formed, fully known, and deeply loved. Rooted in Draw Near’s Surrender Journal, this reflection invites you to receive all that God has created in you—your gifts, personality, and even the parts you struggle to understand—with truth, purpose, and love.

If Jesus Is Lord, Life Looks Different

December 3rd, 2025  |  36 mins 43 secs

catholic life, christian living, conversion, discernment, discipleship, draw near podcast, gospel reflection, grace, holy spirit, obedience, prayer, scripture, spiritual growth

In a gentle (yet challenging) episode on Luke 6:46, Fred and Kara explore Jesus's words to his followers: "Why do you call me Lord Lord and do not do what I tell you?" This episode takes an honest look at what it means to actually live Jesus words from Scripture and his personal promptings to each of our hearts. We explore the freedom and difficulties in the promptings of the Spirit, real obedience even when teachings are hard, and how to discern the deeper “yes” God is inviting you into.

Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

November 27th, 2025  |  11 mins 7 secs

In a world that often tells us to stay guarded, what does it really mean to live with an open heart? In this episode, Fred explores 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.

DN Classics: You Talking About Me?

November 19th, 2025  |  45 mins 25 secs

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.

Friend Day: Want to Join?

November 5th, 2025  |  45 mins 6 secs

authenticity, catholic life, christian living, community, conversation, discipleship, encouragement, everyday holiness, faith, friend day, friendship, friendship with god, joy, laughter, ministry, prayer, reflection, relationships, spirituality

New Draw Near Episode! When life gets heavy, sometimes you just need a Friend Day.
Fred & Kara pour some coffee, ask each other fun (and deep) questions, and invite you to join the conversation.

I Am Not Like the Rest of Humanity

October 29th, 2025  |  25 mins 56 secs

catholic faith, catholic spirituality, christian life, discipleship, gospel reflection, humility, interior life, mercy and grace

A Catholic reflection on Luke 18:9–14 and the battle between pride and humility. True holiness isn’t about what we do for God but about the heart. In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara explore these themes.

The Hemorrhaging Woman: Desperate for Healing

October 22nd, 2025  |  26 mins 6 secs

catholic spirituality, desperation, draw near podcast, encounter with christ, faith, gospel reflection, healing, hemorrhaging woman, jesus, lectio divina, mark 5, reflection, scripture study, shame, spiritual healing, suffering and hope

A Lectio Divina reflection on the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5. In this Catholic podcast episode of Draw Near, we reflect on her desperate faith, twelve years of suffering, and the moment Jesus stops everything to heal her and call her out of shame.

Hot Takes and Life Updates

October 16th, 2025  |  1 hr 8 mins

friendship, hot takes, life updates, opinion episode

Hot takes, honest opinions, and a little real life... join us for a fun, off-the-cuff episode. We share personal updates, talk reality TV, social media habits, DIY projects, pet peeves, and more in this lighthearted Christian podcast conversation of Draw Near.

Surrender: Trusting God in the Waiting

October 8th, 2025  |  46 mins 8 secs

draw near podcast, faith, fred and kara, god’s timing, hope, meditations, prayer, surrender, trust, waiting

What does it mean to truly surrender to God? In this episode of Draw Near, we explore how surrender isn’t giving up. It’s stepping out in faith like Peter on the water and trusting God’s slow, faithful work of grace. So, how can we actually begin to surrender?

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.