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

  • Fred's Testimony: From Heathen to Heaven (MLMG Ep 5)

    October 27th, 2023  |  25 mins 12 secs
    convert, fred shellabarger, testimony

    What led a "professional heathen" to an encounter with Jesus Christ? How did merely "looking for a church to get married in" lead to a radical conversion that gave way to a quest for the fullness of faith and desire for truth? In this episode Fred tells the story of his "tale of two conversions" and recounts how a desire for a deeper encounter with Christ led him into the Catholic Church. Fred also recounts his First Communion and how that has shaped his reception of Communion ever since that first moment. He also recounts the challenges he faced coming into the Catholic Church and why he would do it all over again. As he states, "For me, receiving Christ in the Eucharist was the end of a lifelong journey; I found what I had been looking for my whole life. But, it was also more than that. It was also the commissioning for a new journey. A mission; sharing the love of Christ that I have found in the Eucharist with others."

  • Kara's Testimony: "I Am Here" (MLMG Ep 4)

    October 27th, 2023  |  25 mins 52 secs
    adoration, kara kardell, testimony

    God deeply desires our love, just as he gives his love to us. He draws us to a deeper encounter with Christ through the Eucharist. This is exactly what happened in Kara Kardell's life. From a lukewarm Catholic with every opportunity to leave the Faith to a Catholic in love with God and the Church, tune in to this episode to hear her testimony of how her life was changed one night in Adoration.

  • Greatness Is... What you were made for

    October 24th, 2023  |  22 mins 1 sec
    encouragement, greatness, holiness, mission, purpose, reflection

    Once again, Fred invites you into his morning routine. The obligatory coffee and a reflection on the call to holiness and mission, the purpose for which we were created, and how God desires to work in our lives. Drawing on the words of Pope Benedict XVI, Scripture, the Catechism, and the lives and teachings of the saints, we pray this reflection will help you to begin your day, the right way! Listen to find out what that means! :)

  • BONUS: The Book of Philippians

    October 20th, 2023  |  16 mins 3 secs
    encouragement, philippians, reading, scripture

    As we have mentioned in the past, Fred's favorite Scripture passage... Literally, the Book of Philippians. We have teased posting a simple recording, reading the Philippians. So, as he sipped his coffee this morning, and prepared for the day, Fred thought, "Why not today!" So, we hope you enjoy!

    Take some time to reflect on the wisdom the Lord offers us through St Paul; four simple chapters on living the Christian life well. And a great way to start the day.

  • Being the Right Kind of Ass: A Reflection on Num 22

    October 17th, 2023  |  28 mins 59 secs
    balaam's donkey, hearing god's voice, love, reflection, relationships

    In this at times humorous, but always heartfelt (and honest) reflection, Fred brings our "Hearing God's Voice" series to a close by sharing some insights from the story of Balaam and his talking... @$$... er... eh... donkey. What can we learn about the Christian life, hearing the Lord's voice and the importance of relationships? Listen to find out!

  • Encountering Christ in Adoration w/ Tim Glemkowsi (MLMG Ep 3)

    October 13th, 2023  |  25 mins 55 secs
    eucharist, eucharistic revival, real presence, tim glemkowski

    In this second part of a two part discussion, we are joined by Tim Glemkowski, who is helping to lead the Eucharistic Revival in the United States. In this episode, Tim shares his own profound encounter with Christ in the Eucharist and the very heart and foundation of the national Eucharistic Revival efforts led by the USCCB.

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    Eucharistic Revival w/Tim Glemkowski (MLMG Ep 2)

    October 13th, 2023  |  22 mins 28 secs
    eucharist, eucharistic revival, real presence, tim glemkowski

    In this first part of a two part discussion, we are joined by Tim Glemkowski, who is helping to lead the Eucharistic Revival in the United States. What is the Eucharistic Revival? How did it come about and is it necessary? What does it have to do with the mission and identity of the Church? And, how can the average lay person get involved? These are some of the many questions we seek to answer as we sit down to discuss this generational moment and growing national movement.

  • The Still Small Voice: Finding God in Silence

    October 4th, 2023  |  35 mins 50 secs
    hearing god's voice, silence

    Why are so many uncomfortable with silence? We live in a world where there is always noise. There's always something to consume. We are never without entertainment. However, God is found in the silence; the still small voice. Why is this both scary and amazing? How can we set aside silence in our lives?

  • An Invitation and a Challenge to Abide

    September 30th, 2023  |  15 mins 17 secs

    Surprise! We've got some Saturday morning bonus content for you! Fred provides an update on what is coming up in the next week, shares some news, and finally offers a reflection on what it means (well... at least SOME of what it means) to ABIDE!

  • Doubting Thomas (MLMG Ep. 1)

    September 27th, 2023  |  24 mins 26 secs
    doubting thomas, episode 1, my lord and my god

    In our very first episode of My Lord and My God, we take some time to reflect on the words of St Thomas, "My Lord and My God." He speaks these words after his famous doubt... "Unless I stick my fingers in his wounds I will not believe." Why did Thomas say this? What can we learn from him? How is St Thomas' encounter with the risen Christ similar to what we are invited into every time we attend Mass and receive Communion? These are just some of the topics Fred Shallabarger and Kara Kardell will explore in this episode!

  • Trailer: My Lord and My God

    September 27th, 2023  |  2 mins 53 secs
    eucharist, my lord and my god, podcast trailer

    The hosts of Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell, have a second show, My Lord & My God, focused on the Eucharist! This show is based on the words of St. Thomas. Over the next few months, this show will make it's way over to be hosted on the Draw Near podcast page, too! Enjoy this additional weekly content, and if you're already a MLMG listener, enjoy these re-runs!

  • One Year Later: What happened after quitting our jobs?

    September 20th, 2023  |  32 mins 5 secs

    What has this past year held for Fred, Kara, and their families? How has God worked and How has he spoken?