<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" encoding="UTF-8" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom/" xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:fireside="http://fireside.fm/modules/rss/fireside">
  <channel>
    <fireside:hostname>web02.fireside.fm</fireside:hostname>
    <fireside:genDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:01:01 -0500</fireside:genDate>
    <generator>Fireside (https://fireside.fm)</generator>
    <title>Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Catholic Marriage”</title>
    <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/catholic%20marriage</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600</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>
    <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
    <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"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<item>
  <title>BJ and Kara’s Date Night: The Power of Words in Marriage</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/237</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">8864c37c-f9bf-42fe-aedf-6d9d2924e12d</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/8864c37c-f9bf-42fe-aedf-6d9d2924e12d.mp3" length="73235688" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>What happens when date night turns into a recorded conversation? This week, Kara invites her husband BJ on the podcast for an at-home date drawn straight from Draw Near's soon-to-be released marriage resource, "Near to You." With prayer, Scripture, vulnerability, and a lot of fun, they explore how words can either build intimacy or quietly erode it... and how God meets us right in the middle of our marriages.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>50:13</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/8/8864c37c-f9bf-42fe-aedf-6d9d2924e12d/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>BJ and Kara go on a date, and they invite you to listen in.
This week on Draw Near, Kara is joined by a very special guest: her husband, BJ!! Join a recorded at-home date centered on one of the most important (and challenging) aspects of marriage: communication.
The date follows one of the intentional at-home dates from Draw Near's soon-to-be-released marriage resource, Near to You (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/near-to-you-a-10-date-marriage-retreat-at-home-pre-order), a collection of ten guided dates designed to help married couples draw nearer to God and to one another at any stage of marriage.
Set at the kitchen table (in sweats, with homemade cocktails), Kara and BJ invite you into a relaxed evening that includes prayer, Scripture, reflection, meaningful conversation, and a goofy game to close the night. Along the way, they talk honestly about how communication styles develop over time, how conflict and silence can affect intimacy, and how words or actions can become instruments of love within marriage.
Whether you’re newly married, years into marriage, or simply curious about building a healthy faith-filled relationship, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas you can bring into your own relationship.
For more information on this resource or to Pre-Order "Near to You" today CLICK HERE!  (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/near-to-you-a-10-date-marriage-retreat-at-home-pre-order)
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! 
"Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! 
Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. 
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/)
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Catholic marriage, Catholic podcast, Catholic marriage podcast, marriage communication, communication in marriage, faith and marriage, Catholic couples, Christian marriage, intentional marriage, marriage and faith, Catholic date night, marriage resources for couples, Catholic relationships, prayer in marriage, strengthening marriage, marriage and communication, Catholic family life, Draw Near podcast</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>BJ and Kara go on a date, and they invite you to listen in.</p>

<p>This week on Draw Near, Kara is joined by a very special guest: her husband, BJ!! Join a recorded at-home date centered on one of the most important (and challenging) aspects of marriage: <strong>communication</strong>.</p>

<p>The date follows one of the intentional at-home dates from Draw Near&#39;s soon-to-be-released marriage resource, <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/near-to-you-a-10-date-marriage-retreat-at-home-pre-order" rel="nofollow">Near to You</a>, a collection of ten guided dates designed to help married couples draw nearer to God and to one another at any stage of marriage.</p>

<p>Set at the kitchen table (in sweats, with homemade cocktails), Kara and BJ invite you into a relaxed evening that includes prayer, Scripture, reflection, meaningful conversation, and a goofy game to close the night. Along the way, they talk honestly about how communication styles develop over time, how conflict and silence can affect intimacy, and how words or actions can become instruments of love within marriage.</p>

<p>Whether you’re newly married, years into marriage, or simply curious about building a healthy faith-filled relationship, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas you can bring into your own relationship.</p>

<p>For more information on this resource or to Pre-Order &quot;Near to You&quot; today <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/near-to-you-a-10-date-marriage-retreat-at-home-pre-order" rel="nofollow">CLICK HERE! </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>&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><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. </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>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>BJ and Kara go on a date, and they invite you to listen in.</p>

<p>This week on Draw Near, Kara is joined by a very special guest: her husband, BJ!! Join a recorded at-home date centered on one of the most important (and challenging) aspects of marriage: <strong>communication</strong>.</p>

<p>The date follows one of the intentional at-home dates from Draw Near&#39;s soon-to-be-released marriage resource, <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/near-to-you-a-10-date-marriage-retreat-at-home-pre-order" rel="nofollow">Near to You</a>, a collection of ten guided dates designed to help married couples draw nearer to God and to one another at any stage of marriage.</p>

<p>Set at the kitchen table (in sweats, with homemade cocktails), Kara and BJ invite you into a relaxed evening that includes prayer, Scripture, reflection, meaningful conversation, and a goofy game to close the night. Along the way, they talk honestly about how communication styles develop over time, how conflict and silence can affect intimacy, and how words or actions can become instruments of love within marriage.</p>

<p>Whether you’re newly married, years into marriage, or simply curious about building a healthy faith-filled relationship, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas you can bring into your own relationship.</p>

<p>For more information on this resource or to Pre-Order &quot;Near to You&quot; today <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/near-to-you-a-10-date-marriage-retreat-at-home-pre-order" rel="nofollow">CLICK HERE! </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>&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><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. </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>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>One Hour with Our Son</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/98</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">38f869c1-5ed8-453a-afcd-ef6b56414377</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/38f869c1-5ed8-453a-afcd-ef6b56414377.mp3" length="75908916" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>*** Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage ***

In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>52:42</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/3/38f869c1-5ed8-453a-afcd-ef6b56414377/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage
In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges. 
*Looking for resources on infant loss? Here are some that we recommend: *
This article (https://aleteia.org/2018/10/21/here-are-places-that-can-help-if-youve-had-a-miscarriage-or-stillbirth/?fbclid=IwAR2MLVQwqAzJ1lqBZdReODEK--SYDjTNGYLaMx-7JljU_5YNNhYrTswrWE8) helped Fred and his wife, Krystal, in the immediate days and weeks following their own miscarriage
Elizabeth Ministry (www.elizabethministry.org)
Springs in the Desert (www.springsinthedesert.org)
Rachel's Vineyard (https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/) (a ministry for those needing healing from abortion)
Learn more about Danny's Podcast: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss
The book Ashley mentions, "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/) Join the Draw Near Community Space on Suscipe.co (https://community.suscipe.co/share/M1CQceCQ6cMeBTIB?utm_source=manual)
Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a supporter/patron! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara) You can even find us on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/fredandkara) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
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! 
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic, Marriage, Infant Loss, Suffering, Surrender, Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger, Kara Kardell, Fred and Kara, Danny Swalve, Ashley Swalve, Miscarriage</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p><strong>Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage</strong><br>
In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God&#39;s will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges. </p>

<p>*<em>Looking for resources on infant loss? Here are some that we recommend: *</em></p>

<p><a href="https://aleteia.org/2018/10/21/here-are-places-that-can-help-if-youve-had-a-miscarriage-or-stillbirth/?fbclid=IwAR2MLVQwqAzJ1lqBZdReODEK--SYDjTNGYLaMx-7JljU_5YNNhYrTswrWE8" rel="nofollow">This article</a> helped Fred and his wife, Krystal, in the immediate days and weeks following their own miscarriage</p>

<p>[Elizabeth Ministry](<a href="http://www.elizabethministry.org" rel="nofollow">www.elizabethministry.org</a>)</p>

<p>[Springs in the Desert](<a href="http://www.springsinthedesert.org" rel="nofollow">www.springsinthedesert.org</a>)</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/" rel="nofollow">Rachel&#39;s Vineyard</a> (a ministry for those needing healing from abortion)</p>

<p><strong>Learn more about Danny&#39;s Podcast:</strong> <a href="https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss" rel="nofollow">https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss</a></p>

<p>The book Ashley mentions, &quot;Don&#39;t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: <a href="https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg</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> Join the Draw Near Community Space on <a href="https://community.suscipe.co/share/M1CQceCQ6cMeBTIB?utm_source=manual" rel="nofollow">Suscipe.co</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a supporter/patron! &quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a> You can even find us on <a href="https://twitter.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Twitter.</a> 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>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><strong>Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage</strong><br>
In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God&#39;s will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges. </p>

<p>*<em>Looking for resources on infant loss? Here are some that we recommend: *</em></p>

<p><a href="https://aleteia.org/2018/10/21/here-are-places-that-can-help-if-youve-had-a-miscarriage-or-stillbirth/?fbclid=IwAR2MLVQwqAzJ1lqBZdReODEK--SYDjTNGYLaMx-7JljU_5YNNhYrTswrWE8" rel="nofollow">This article</a> helped Fred and his wife, Krystal, in the immediate days and weeks following their own miscarriage</p>

<p>[Elizabeth Ministry](<a href="http://www.elizabethministry.org" rel="nofollow">www.elizabethministry.org</a>)</p>

<p>[Springs in the Desert](<a href="http://www.springsinthedesert.org" rel="nofollow">www.springsinthedesert.org</a>)</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/" rel="nofollow">Rachel&#39;s Vineyard</a> (a ministry for those needing healing from abortion)</p>

<p><strong>Learn more about Danny&#39;s Podcast:</strong> <a href="https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss" rel="nofollow">https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2115328.rss</a></p>

<p>The book Ashley mentions, &quot;Don&#39;t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: <a href="https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg" rel="nofollow">https://amzn.to/3X5Z0Lg</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> Join the Draw Near Community Space on <a href="https://community.suscipe.co/share/M1CQceCQ6cMeBTIB?utm_source=manual" rel="nofollow">Suscipe.co</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a supporter/patron! &quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a> You can even find us on <a href="https://twitter.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Twitter.</a> 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>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>
</item>
  </channel>
</rss>
