About the show
At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
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Episodes
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NEW PODCAST COMING! My Lord and My God
January 18th, 2023 | 3 mins 1 sec
big news, eucharist, my lord and my god, new show
The hosts of Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell, have a new podcast coming out on January 24th. This show is called, "My Lord & My God," based on the words of St. Thomas. It will be centered on the Eucharist... helping people understand this great mystery and come to a deeper encounter with the love of Christ through the Eucharist.
Be sure to subscribe/follow to catch all the new episodes. -
Dad Joke Challenge
January 4th, 2023 | 23 mins 46 secs
dad jokes
Enjoy some lighthearted fun and conversation with our good friend, Phillip Grothus! Back by popular demand, in this bonus episode as we begin the new year, Fred and Phillip battle in an exchange of dad jokes to see who can make Kara laugh. Will she crack? Who will be the winner? This is really just pure silly fun and we hope you enjoy it! Happy New Year!
We will be back with the usual Draw Near discussions in our next episode!
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The Eucharist: Ch. 9 - I Believe in Love
December 30th, 2022 | 24 mins 11 secs
book study, catholic, chapter 9, i believe in love, the eucharist
Week 9 discussion on "The Eucharist" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the Draw Near podcast!!
This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee -
The Cross: Ch. 8 - I Believe in Love
December 30th, 2022 | 28 mins 25 secs
book study, catholic, conference 8, draw near, i believe in love, the cross
Week 8 discussion on "The Cross" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the Draw Near podcast!!
This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee -
The Apostolate: Ch. 7 - I Believe in Love
December 30th, 2022 | 24 mins 2 secs
book study, conference 7, i believe in love, the apostolate
Week 7 discussion on "The Apostolate" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the Draw Near podcast!!
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Fraternal Charity: Ch. 6 - I Believe in Love
December 26th, 2022 | 29 mins 37 secs
book study, catholic, conference 6, fraternal charity, i believe in love
Week 6 discussion on "Fraternal Charity" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the [Draw Near](drawnear.me) podcast!!
This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee -
BONUS: The Gift of the Magi
December 22nd, 2022 | 10 mins 57 secs
christmas, stories, the gift of the magi
Continuing to share some of our favorite Christmas stories this holiday season, here is a a classic that may just bring you to tears: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. For this reading, Fred is joined by Siouxland Catholic Radio's, Joanne Fox, who narrates. He is also joined by his wife, Krystal, in the role of Della and his daughter who plays the part of Mrs. Sofronie.
We both love inviting listeners into our homes and into our families as we celebrate this year by sharing some of our favorite Christmas stories. This is a purely "sit back and relax," "story time" sort of "shorty" episode. We hope this reading will be a blessing to you this Christmas season. Thank you for listening and allowing us to be a part of your lives this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! -
Great Desires, Humility, and Peace: Ch 5 - I Believe in Love
December 21st, 2022 | 23 mins 4 secs
For a limited time, as a "Christmas gift" to our listeners, please enjoy our full discussion from our I Believe in Love book study on the fifth chapter of this life changing book. Here we discuss the desires of our hearts, how are we to follow and discern those desires, and how the Lord has given us gifts to build the kingdom. Shorter than a typical episode of Draw Near, but also a bit more personal at times, we hope and pray, but also believe, that these discussions will be a blessing to you (whether you have read the book or not - but we hope you will!).
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Abandonment to Jesus: Ch 4 - I Believe in Love
December 21st, 2022 | 24 mins 8 secs
For a limited time, as a "Christmas gift" to our listeners, please enjoy our full discussion from our I Believe in Love book study on the fourth chapter of this life changing book. Here we discuss what it means to abandon one's self to Jesus; to live the prayer, "Thy will be done." Shorter than a typical episode of Draw Near, but also a bit more personal at times, we hope and pray, but also believe, that these discussions will be a blessing to you (whether you have read the book or not - but we hope you will!).
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Unshakeable Confidence: Ch 3 - I Believe in Love
December 21st, 2022 | 27 mins 5 secs
For a limited time, as a "Christmas gift" to our listeners, please enjoy our full discussion from our I Believe in Love book study on the third chapter of this life changing book. Here we discuss the danger in becoming too dependent upon ourselves, how our weaknesses are actually opportunities to encounter the Lord and why we must "become like little children." Shorter than a typical episode of Draw Near, but also a bit more personal at times, we hope and pray, but also believe, that these discussions will be a blessing to you (whether you have read the book or not - but we hope you will!).
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Humble Confidence: Ch 2 - I Believe in Love
December 21st, 2022 | 26 mins 19 secs
For a limited time, as a "Christmas gift" to our listeners, please enjoy our full discussion from our I Believe in Love book study on the second chapter of this life changing book. Here we discuss times in our lives when we have needed his mercy, when we have felt alone and afraid and like God is far from us, and what it means to have a "living faith." Shorter than a typical episode of Draw Near, but also a bit more personal at times, we hope and pray, but also believe, that these discussions will be a blessing to you (whether you have read the book or not - but we hope you will!).
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Love for Love: Ch 1 - I Believe in Love
December 21st, 2022 | 24 mins 3 secs
For a limited time, as a "Christmas gift" to our listeners, please enjoy our full discussion from our I Believe in Love book study on the first chapter of this life changing book. Here we discuss our relationship with Christ, whether or not we see ourselves as a "joy" for Jesus, and what it means to "abide" in Him. Shorter than a typical episode of Draw Near, but also a bit more personal at times, we hope and pray, but also believe, that these discussions will be a blessing to you (whether you have read the book or not - but we hope you will!).