Kara Kardell

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.

Coming Home: A God Who Runs to Us

April 2nd, 2025  |  43 mins 5 secs

catholic lent, catholic podcast, catholic teaching, christian love, coming home to god, confession, faith and forgiveness, god’s mercy, gospel reflection, grace and mercy, parables of jesus, prayer and reflection, prodigal son, returning to the father, spiritual journey

This week on Draw Near, we dive into one of the most beloved parables in all of Scripture—the Prodigal Son. But this time, we ask three questions that challenge us to look deeper:

How is God’s love different from the love we experience from others—or even from ourselves?

What does “coming home to the Father” look like in real life?

And how do we respond when grace feels... unfair?

With humor, vulnerability, and heart, we reflect on the extravagant mercy of God, the wounds we carry in how we love (and fail to love), and the real-life humility it takes to return home—again and again. Whether you relate most to the younger son, the older son, or the waiting father, there’s something here for you.

The Mountaintop Experience: Encountering Christ’s Glory

March 20th, 2025  |  25 mins 14 secs

christian life, encounter god, faith journey, gospel reflection, lent, prayer, spiritual growth, spiritual renewal, transfiguration, trust god

Have you ever had a powerful “mountaintop” moment in your faith—only to struggle when coming back to daily life? In this episode, we dive into the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) and explore:
How to seek moments of transformation in your spiritual life
What it means to carry the light of Christ into everyday struggles
The power of prayer to open our hearts to God’s transformative love
Lent is a season of renewal—don’t miss this episode that will challenge and inspire you to draw near to God in a deeper way!

Into the Desert: Overcoming Temptation

March 13th, 2025  |  1 hr 4 mins

almsgiving, catholic faith, catholic podcast, christian discipleship, cs lewis, faith journey, fasting, jesus in the desert, lent, overcoming sin, prayer life, resist temptation, screwtape letters, spiritual renewal, spiritual warfare

Lent isn’t just about giving things up—it’s about conversion, renewal, and drawing closer to Christ. In this episode, we dive into Jesus’ time in the desert (Luke 4:1-13) and what it teaches us about resisting temptation, deepening our faith, and embracing the call to holiness.

🔥 We also explore:
✔️ How The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis reveal the battle of temptation.
✔️ The distractions that sabotage our prayer life—and what to do about them.
✔️ For some reason, we talk about zombies and we share some news on some big changes coming in April!

Plus, practical ways to grow this Lent through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—not just as obligations, but as pathways to real transformation.

Roses from Heaven: In Loving Memory of Catherine Thérèse Shellabarger

January 29th, 2025  |  5 mins 13 secs

catholic grief, catholic podcast, child loss, christian podcast, heaven’s little saints, hope coping with miscarriage, infant loss, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, support grieving parents

This episode is a tribute to Catherine’s life, an acknowledgment of the deep grief of losing a child, and a witness to the hope we hold in Christ.

Washed and Chosen: Living Out Our Baptismal Call

January 15th, 2025  |  55 mins

baptismal call, beloved child of god, bible study, catholic living, catholic podcast, catholic teachings, catholic theology, christian discipleship, christian inspiration, christian spirituality, dance dance revolution, faith in action, faith journey, identity in christ, living your faith, missionary discipleship, pokemon, practical discipleship, prayer and reflection, renewing faith, spiritual renewal

In this inspiring episode of Draw Near, we delve into the transformative power of our baptism and its enduring impact on our identity and mission as disciples of Christ. Through meaningful reflection and practical insights, we explore the deep truth that each of us is a beloved child of God, uniquely called to live out our baptismal mission with purpose and joy. This episode offers not only spiritual depth but also actionable ways to deepen your relationship with God in the midst of life’s busyness. You’ll be inspired to embrace your identity, rediscover your mission, and live as a light in the world.

Bonus: Songs for Frances

December 21st, 2024  |  48 mins 46 secs

Think of this episode as sitting by a cozy fire with some friends, singing, playing music and praising God. Its also a peek into our "family of friends" as little Frances loves to listen to Draw Near music at bedtime. We thought it would be easier if it was all in one place. But, we also thought this may be a blessing to some of our listeners. Enjoy!

Advent Reflection: Already and Not Yet

December 18th, 2024  |  38 mins 2 secs

advent, christmas, draw near podcast, lectio divina, scripture

Jesus is coming... AGAIN!
Advent is a time of Preparation! In this Lectio Divina Reflection Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin in a manger and so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready?

Best of “Dad Jokes”, Bloopers and Shenanigans

December 16th, 2024  |  49 mins 25 secs

Pure silliness and fun with great friends. In order to celebrate both our 200th episode, and the completetion of four years of Draw Near, we thought it would be fun to share some of our "best of" dad jokes, outtakes and bloopers' moments. We are joined by special guests, Phillip Grothus, Taylor Schroll, and John Paul Keane. Enjoy!

200th Episode Special: "Best of Guests"

December 13th, 2024  |  55 mins 37 secs

anniversary, bonus, catholic, draw near, guest, mash-up, podcast

Fred and Kara could think of no better way to celebrate the 200th Episode of the Draw Near Catholic Podcast, than spotlighting some "Best of Guests" moments. The truth is, there are too many to fit in one episode... but this is a good start! We have Catholic Speakers and friends: Matthew Leonard, Sonja Corbitt, Sister Fidelis Marie, Julie Storr, and Father Patrick Behm

Early Preview: Take, Lord, and Receive All That I Have and Possess (ISAM S4E4)

December 9th, 2024  |  48 mins 38 secs

In this early preview of the fourth episode of our I See A Movement podcast, Kara and Fred are joined by good friend and frequent collaborator, Eric Gallagher. We take a look at what Eric sees the Lord doing in his life and ministry and we discuss the nature of total surrender to the will of God in one's life. The joys, the struggles, the grounding in hope; this is sure to be an inspiring and uplifitng episode for those who are discerning possible new steps in their lives.