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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God's Ways are Desert Ways: An interview with Sonja Corbitt on her book "Just Rest"
November 24th, 2021 | 55 mins 59 secs
book just rest, draw near podcast, exodus bible study, fred and kara, just rest, sonja corbitt
Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell speak with guest, Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster, Sonja Corbitt! Sonja is the Bible Evangelista! This episode unpacks some content in her book, "Just Rest." What does the Exodus teach us? How are God's ways desert ways? God's ways are ALWAYS desert ways. He shows us this throughout the Scriptures, specifically through the Exodus.
God wants to bring us to the promised land! But before the promised land comes the desert. There are lessons to be learned and "dew" to be given within the desert. Listen to this episode to hear this in depth discussion of "Just Rest" and some profound experiences of Fred and Kara in reading this book. -
What Am I Supposed to Do?
November 10th, 2021 | 54 mins 26 secs
catholic, discernment, draw near podcast, fred and kara, guest, holiness, sister fidelis marie, vocations
Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, and guest-Sister Fidelis Marie talk about living holiness in our every day lives on this episode of the Draw Near podcast. It's easy to get bogged down discerning the future options, vocations, or the many choices placed in front of us. Sister Fidelis gives wonderful, spiritually balanced, guidance on discerning where God calls us. We also talk about making decisions in life, consolation and desolation, wounds, and the importance of living out the call to holiness each day. We shouldn't wait until a future date to become who God created us to be! Simply say yes to God.
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St. Therese of Lisieux: Living the Heart of the Gospel
October 27th, 2021 | 52 mins 47 secs
lessons from therese, life lessons, small things with great love, st. therese, the hidden way, the little flower
In this episode, we take up the theme of “life lessons” from the Saints. We share our encounters with St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” and share some deeply personal experiences of how her words, and no doubt her intercession, helped us draw near to the Lord during very difficult times. We consider St. Therese a very dear friend and we hope that this episode will help you to also discover just how relatable she is; and how her “Little Way” can help you also find joy and fulfillment even in the smallest and seemingly insignificant moments.
Draw Near podcast, Fred Shellabarger, and Kara Kardell, drawnear.me, St. Therese, Catholic -
Coping with Feelings of Failure
October 13th, 2021 | 48 mins 58 secs
calming the storm, failure, feelings or failure, gospels, overcoming failure, prayer, scripture
We have all wrestled with discouragement, thoughts of our own failures and shortcomings. Where is God in the midst of our failures? How do we overcome these feelings. Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell cover the topic of failure in this episode of the Draw Near podcast.
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Praying the Catechism and God's Incredible Love for You
October 9th, 2021 | 7 mins 40 secs
catechism of the catholic church, draw near podcast, fred and kara, prayer, reflection, scripture
In this Shorty, Fred Shellabarger shows us how to not only pray with Scripture, but also how to pray with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. The Church teaches Truth, and we are invited to not simply learn this truth, but pray with it! Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process.
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The Word is Alive
October 7th, 2021 | 28 mins 30 secs
bible study, draw near podcast, fred and kara, jesus in the bible, prayer, scripture, word of god
Scripture is the Living Word of God. It is there, in Scripture, that we encounter Christ. It is through study and prayer of the Word that we walk with God and speak with Him.
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Mary: Ark of the New Covenant
October 5th, 2021 | 16 mins 34 secs
ark of the covenant, assumption, blessed mother, catholic, draw near, fred and kara, mary
It isn’t uncommon for Catholics to hear that we put too much emphasis on Mary... or, “She’s not that important…She’s barely even in scripture.” Well… Mary is ALL over scripture.
This "shorty" teaches on Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant.
What is the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament? How does Luke's Gospel present Mary as the New Ark? What does this have to do with the Assumption? Find out in this shorty! -
Life Lessons from Assisi
September 29th, 2021 | 52 mins 50 secs
catholic, francis and clare, life lessons, saints
St. Francis and St. Clare have become profound intercessors in our lives who have turned into great friends!
There are many assumptions or misconceptions out there about these Saints... This episode shares the lives of Sts. Francis and Clare, while pulling five life lessons we can all learn from them! We hope by the end of this episode, they may hold a place in your heart and become friends of yours, too! -
Virtuous Friendship
September 15th, 2021 | 55 mins 3 secs
friends, friendship, holiness, virtue
We have many "friends," or more accurately, "best acquaintances," but we often lack the meaningful relationships; the friendships we long for that are characterized by love, vulnerability, mutual encouragement and accountability. What does friendship look like? Find out on this episode of Draw Near as Fred and Kara discuss all of this and share from their own close friendship!
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Ask a Priest
July 12th, 2021 | 1 hr 3 mins
On this week’s episode of Draw Near, we are joined by our good friend Fr. Patrick Behm. We explore a variety of topics as we discuss what greatness looks like TODAY, how the past year has impacted Father, a trend toward new age spirituality, and more.
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Episode 19: Chit Chat and Banter
May 26th, 2021 | 43 mins 58 secs
In this episode of Draw Near, we step away from being hosts and turn the microphone over to our friend John Paul, as he asks us questions from listeners. In this fun, light hearted discussion, you will learn more about us, our favorite movies, why we alw...
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Most Humble
April 28th, 2021 | 15 mins 41 secs
For all of time God had a beautiful and perfect plan for salvation. And St. Joseph was always a part of that plan! That is something to be particularly proud of, and yet he is one of the greatest examples of humility.
May 1st is the Feast of St. Joseph t...