Kara Kardell
Co-Host of Draw Near
Kara is a wife and mother of 2. She was raised Catholic, but really FELL IN LOVE with the faith later in life. She loves fried-food and wine date nights with her husband and dance parties in the living room with her kids. She loves teaching her kids about the faith and watching them fall in love with Jesus!
She has a Master's Degree in Theology and some other degrees, but who cares! God works in each heart and reveals himself to every person in his living Word--the Bible! Because of this, Kara loves the Scriptures. She "nerds" out when teaching from Scripture, and tries to bring the Word of God to life in the heart of all who listen. Jesus encounters us each time we read the Bible!
Kara Kardell has hosted 170 Episodes.
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DN Classics: There's Something About Mary
December 6th, 2024 | 1 hr 1 min
blessed mother, catholic, catholic teaching, conversion, december 8, encouragement, full of grace, healing, identity, immaculate conception, mary, scripture, trauma
In the deeply personal first half of this episode, Fred and Kara reflect on their relationship with Mary, and how that has changed and grown over the years. Fred shares more of his testimony about converting to Catholicism and the role Mary played in that process. He also reflects on issues such as identity, childhood trauma, mistrust, and difficult family experiences and how these can effect our relationship with God; as well as with Mary. He shares the story of his relationship with Mary, and how she has helped him to find healing. Christ, while bleeding out and dying on the Cross, said to his Mother, “Behold your son;” and to his beloved disciple, “Behold your Mother.” Scripture then affirms that from that day, this beloved disciple “took her into his home.” We to, as beloved disciples must take her into our homes, and allow the love of the Mother of God to penetrate our hearts as only that of a faithful mother can. Her heart is to draw us near to the source of peace that surpasses all understanding: her son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In the second half, we return to Kara's teaching on the Immaculate Conception, which we celebrate on December 8. Kara dives into a scriptural study of key texts that point to Mary’s Immaculate Conception with hopes that each listener would be drawn deeper into the celebration of this Holy Day of Obligation.
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"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.
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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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"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.
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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!
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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.)
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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.
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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:- Why do Catholic Worship Mary? What's the deal with Mary?
- Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints?
- What do Catholics believe about salvation? How are you saved?
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COVER SONG: "I Am Not Alone"
May 25th, 2024 | 4 mins 17 secs
christian music, cover song, i am not alone, worship music
Enjoy this Draw Near Cover of "I Am Not Alone" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (originally by Kari Jobe)