Draw Near

Fred's Journey to Christ: From Brokenness to Beloved

June 22nd, 2026  |  1 hr 5 mins

catholic faith, childhood wounds, christian living, conversion, discipleship, draw near podcast, encounter with christ, evangelization, faith journey, fred shellabarger, god's grace, god's love, god's providence, healing, hope, identity in christ, personal story, prayer, redemption, spiritual growth, suffering, testimony, trust in god

Many listeners have asked to hear more of Fred's story, and in this episode, he shares it.

From a difficult childhood and experiences that left deep wounds, to the moments that shaped his faith, Fred reflects on why he often says, "I shouldn't be alive." More importantly, he shares where Christ was in the midst of the suffering—even when he couldn't see Him.

This is a story of pain, survival, grace, and the relentless love of God that pursues us through every chapter of our lives.

Real Ministry is Personal

May 7th, 2026  |  15 mins 45 secs

1 thessalonians, authenticity, catholic, christian living, discipleship, draw near, encouragement, evangelization, faith, leadership, ministry, mission, podcast, prayer, reflection, relationships, roadside reflections, spirituality, st. paul, vulnerability

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.

Grafted Into God: The Interior Life of Romans 11

March 25th, 2026  |  43 mins 49 secs

catholic, discipleship, draw near, interior life, prayer, romans 11, scripture, spiritual growth, union with god, vulnerability

Explore the meaning of being “grafted into God” in Romans 11 and what it reveals about the interior life, vulnerability, and union with Christ. This episode unpacks the biblical image of grafting and how God transforms our hearts through grace, leading us into deeper relationship and spiritual fruitfulness.

Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us

February 18th, 2026  |  40 mins 33 secs

almsgiving, ash wednesday, catholic podcast, catholic spirituality, christian living, desert spirituality, discipleship, draw near podcast, faith journey, fasting, hope, lent, new life in christ, penance, prayer, resurrection, sacrifice, spiritual growth, suffering, transformation

Suffering is where transformation begins, but what does that have to do with Lent?

In this Ash Wednesday episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara explore the meaning of penance, the purpose of the desert season, and how suffering can become a place of spiritual growth that leads toward resurrection. Why does Lent begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance train the heart? And how does the journey through sacrifice open us to new life in Christ?

If Jesus Is Lord, Life Looks Different

December 3rd, 2025  |  36 mins 43 secs

catholic life, christian living, conversion, discernment, discipleship, draw near podcast, gospel reflection, grace, holy spirit, obedience, prayer, scripture, spiritual growth

In a gentle (yet challenging) episode on Luke 6:46, Fred and Kara explore Jesus's words to his followers: "Why do you call me Lord Lord and do not do what I tell you?" This episode takes an honest look at what it means to actually live Jesus words from Scripture and his personal promptings to each of our hearts. We explore the freedom and difficulties in the promptings of the Spirit, real obedience even when teachings are hard, and how to discern the deeper “yes” God is inviting you into.

Friend Day: Want to Join?

November 5th, 2025  |  45 mins 6 secs

authenticity, catholic life, christian living, community, conversation, discipleship, encouragement, everyday holiness, faith, friend day, friendship, friendship with god, joy, laughter, ministry, prayer, reflection, relationships, spirituality

New Draw Near Episode! When life gets heavy, sometimes you just need a Friend Day.
Fred & Kara pour some coffee, ask each other fun (and deep) questions, and invite you to join the conversation.

I Am Not Like the Rest of Humanity

October 29th, 2025  |  25 mins 56 secs

catholic faith, catholic spirituality, christian life, discipleship, gospel reflection, humility, interior life, mercy and grace

A Catholic reflection on Luke 18:9–14 and the battle between pride and humility. True holiness isn’t about what we do for God but about the heart. In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara explore these themes.

Beyond "I’m Praying for You": Being There for Others

July 10th, 2025  |  9 mins 55 secs

discipleship, empathy, healing, love, prayer, presence, support

Prayer is essential—but sometimes, it’s not the only thing someone needs. In some seasons, words can fall short if they aren’t paired with presence and love. This episode invites you to reflect on how we can truly support one another—not only by praying for someone, but by walking with them.

Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and real-life experience, we explore the power of showing up, listening well, and offering small acts of mercy. Let’s become the kind of people who pray deeply—and live that prayer out with compassion.

Life's Interruptions or Divine Invitations?

July 2nd, 2025  |  18 mins 2 secs

christian spirituality, discipleship, draw near podcast, everyday holiness, living the gospel, scripture reflection, short episode

What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations?
When Jesus was interrupted, he didn’t push people away—he welcomed them. In this short podcast episode of Draw Near, Kara reflects on how embracing life’s interruptions can lead us to unexpected grace. What if the distractions are actually divine invitations?

The Bread of Life: Rediscovering the Power of the Eucharist

June 25th, 2025  |  46 mins 1 sec

catholic church, catholic faith, catholicism, christian living, devotion, discipleship, eucharist, healing, prayer, sacraments, spiritual growth, worship

In this episode of Draw Near, we reflect on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and invite you to rediscover the power, beauty, and reality of the Eucharist. More than a symbol, the Eucharist is the living presence of Jesus—true food for the soul, strength for the weary, and healing for the brokenhearted.