Draw Near

Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another.

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

  • 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.

  • "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.

  • Wholly inadequate: Homily by Fr. Patrick Behm

    October 16th, 2024  |  13 mins 53 secs
    bonus, fr. behm, homily

    In Father Patrick Behm's homily from the 25th Sunday in Ordinary time (September 22nd), he poses the question: "Will I ever be enough?" He looks at Mark 9: 30-37: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" This Gospel passage brings a beautiful reflection on: "Do successes and achievements somehow make us more lovable? Where is God in the mess?"

  •

    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!

  •

    Friday the 13th

    September 18th, 2024  |  7 mins 27 secs

    Fred shares a brief reflection on an experience from middle school, and how it has effected his view of present cultural circumstances and relationships.

  • "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)

  •

    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.

  • 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!

  • 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.)

  • 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.