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    <fireside:genDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 12:03:47 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Authenticity”</title>
    <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/authenticity</link>
    <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <description>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.
</description>
    <language>en</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. </itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>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.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>drawnear.me@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Spirituality"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Christianity"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<item>
  <title>Real Ministry is Personal</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/242</link>
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  <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/76b651e9-e092-41f8-ab1b-945b62c4cf14.mp3" length="22710296" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this "roadside reflection" on 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9, Kara discusses authentic discipleship, vulnerability, and why real ministry can be deeply personal. She also share updates on Draw Near's recent writing project with Ascension Press, and where God led the mission over this past Lent. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>15:45</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>&lt;p&gt;Real ministry is not built on polished content... it is built when we are willing to share our very selves.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In this roadside reflection episode, Kara finally shares what Fred and her recent writing project has been (with Ascension Press) and reflects on a personal passage from St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…” &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This conversation dives into vulnerability, discipleship, authentic ministry, loving others even when it is difficult, and what it means to hope for others.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Also, the audio quality is a little different this episode. Life and family obligations have made studio recording difficult lately, so I pray this “roadside reflections” is okay!  Enjoy some Brother Francis and Veggie Tales in the background.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Follow Draw Near on social media and join us as we continue building a community centered on prayer, authentic faith, discipleship, and drawing near to God and one another.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For reflections, formation, and community, &lt;strong&gt;FOLLOW Draw Near by Grace on all Social Media:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br&gt;
 &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@drawnearbygrace" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br&gt;
 &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnearbygrace" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;
 &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/drawnearbygrace" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Facebook!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Click here&lt;/a&gt; to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support! &lt;br&gt;
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our &lt;a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;home page. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Catholic podcast, Car podcast, Catholic discipleship, Christian vulnerability, authentic ministry, 1 Thessalonians 2, sharing the Gospel, Catholic reflection, roadside reflection, Christian leadership, Catholic spirituality, ministry and relationships, Catholic evangelization, discipleship podcast, St. Paul reflection, authentic faith, Catholic content creator, Christian encouragement, pastoral ministry, relational ministry, Draw Near podcast</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Real ministry is not built on polished content... it is built when we are willing to share our very selves.</p>

<p>In this roadside reflection episode, Kara finally shares what Fred and her recent writing project has been (with Ascension Press) and reflects on a personal passage from St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9:</p>

<p>“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…” </p>

<p>This conversation dives into vulnerability, discipleship, authentic ministry, loving others even when it is difficult, and what it means to hope for others.</p>

<p>Also, the audio quality is a little different this episode. Life and family obligations have made studio recording difficult lately, so I pray this “roadside reflections” is okay!  Enjoy some Brother Francis and Veggie Tales in the background.</p>

<p>Follow Draw Near on social media and join us as we continue building a community centered on prayer, authentic faith, discipleship, and drawing near to God and one another.</p>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW Draw Near by Grace on all Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@drawnearbygrace" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnearbygrace" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drawnearbygrace" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! We wouldn&#39;t be &quot;Draw Near&quot; without your support! <br>
Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Real ministry is not built on polished content... it is built when we are willing to share our very selves.</p>

<p>In this roadside reflection episode, Kara finally shares what Fred and her recent writing project has been (with Ascension Press) and reflects on a personal passage from St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9:</p>

<p>“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…” </p>

<p>This conversation dives into vulnerability, discipleship, authentic ministry, loving others even when it is difficult, and what it means to hope for others.</p>

<p>Also, the audio quality is a little different this episode. Life and family obligations have made studio recording difficult lately, so I pray this “roadside reflections” is okay!  Enjoy some Brother Francis and Veggie Tales in the background.</p>

<p>Follow Draw Near on social media and join us as we continue building a community centered on prayer, authentic faith, discipleship, and drawing near to God and one another.</p>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW Draw Near by Grace on all Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@drawnearbygrace" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnearbygrace" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drawnearbygrace" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! We wouldn&#39;t be &quot;Draw Near&quot; without your support! <br>
Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Friend Day: Want to Join? </title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/229</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/f9a662b0-a0af-48bd-8f00-fa09cd94a429.mp3" length="64957517" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>New Draw Near Episode! When life gets heavy, sometimes you just need a Friend Day.
Fred &amp; Kara pour some coffee, ask each other fun (and deep) questions, and invite you to join the conversation.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>45:06</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>&lt;p&gt;Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for &lt;em&gt;our&lt;/em&gt; much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let's cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us? &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Help us grow by &lt;strong&gt;following&lt;/strong&gt; the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "&lt;a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;booking page&lt;/a&gt;."&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Click here&lt;/a&gt; to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. &lt;br&gt;
"Like" and follow us on &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Facebook!&lt;/a&gt;. Follow us on &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;! &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our &lt;a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;home page. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Draw Near, Fred and Kara, friend day, draw near podcast, catholic podcast, christian friendship, faith and friendship, catholic spirituality, authentic friendship, prayer and community, catholic conversation, catholic encouragement, catholic ministry, real life faith, catholic marriage, christian discipleship, spiritual growth, catholic relationships, faith and laughter, christian podcast conversations, joy and faith</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for <em>our</em> much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let&#39;s cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us? </p>

<p>Help us grow by <strong>following</strong> the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform. </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for <em>our</em> much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let&#39;s cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us? </p>

<p>Help us grow by <strong>following</strong> the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform. </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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