Draw Near

Still Here

January 21st, 2026  |  25 mins 46 secs

catholic, catholic spirituality, discernment, draw near, encouragement, faith, hope, isaiah 42, jesus the servant, ministry, perseverance, podcast, quiet seasons, renewal, rest, returning to your why, scripture reflection, spiritual growth, sustainability, trusting god

Draw Near is still here. In this episode, we share where the ministry is right now, why we’re returning to our “why,” and how God has been gently guiding a shift in rhythm and direction. Rooted in Isaiah 42:3, we reflect on Jesus as the Servant who tends what is fragile with mercy and care—and why this season is not about fading, but faithful discernment.

Finding God in the Least Likely Movies

October 1st, 2025  |  1 hr 14 mins

catholic, catholic podcast, christian entertainment, christian podcast, draw near, draw near podcast, fred and krystal, movies, pop culture, spirituality, tv shows

Join us for a lighthearted conversation on discovering Christian themes in the most unexpected movies and shows. From wizards to zombies to fantasy adventures, we’ll show you how faith can shine through the movies we love in this Draw Near podcast episode.

All Dogs go to Heaven... or Do they?

August 28th, 2025  |  27 mins 54 secs

afterlife, catholic podcast, draw near, faith and life, heaven and earth, pets

Do our pets go to heaven? It’s a question that’s both fun to ask and deeply personal when you’ve loved and lost a furry friend. In this episode, Kara shares her family’s experience of saying goodbye to their dog, opening up a conversation many of us can relate to. Together we explore Scripture and the Catechism to see what the Church actually says about heaven, creation, and God’s plan to make all things new.

Unbind Him: Finding Resurrection in the Midst of the Cross

April 16th, 2025  |  23 mins 33 secs

catholic podcast, christian discipleship, draw near, easter preparation, encouragement, gospel meditation, holy week, joy in sorrow, lazarus, new life in christ, prayer and healing, resurrection, spiritual reflection, suffering and hope, the cross

Is it possible to feel joy in the midst of sorrow? Can we call Holy Week happy even while meditating on the suffering of Jesus? In this short and heartfelt Holy Week reflection, Fred and Kara share a deeply personal and spiritually rich meditation on John 11—the raising of Lazarus.

Together, we explore what it means for Jesus to stand before our tombs and call us by name, how we’re invited into community to help “unbind” one another from the grave clothes of fear, shame, and sin, and how the resurrection is not just something we believe in—it’s something we’re called to live.

Whether you're walking through grief, wrestling with God's timing, or just longing for renewal, this episode is a companion for your journey toward Easter joy. You’ll also hear stories from our own lives, encouragement for your spiritual walk, and a Holy Week challenge to invite God into your deepest burdens.

200th Episode Special: "Best of Guests"

December 13th, 2024  |  55 mins 37 secs

anniversary, bonus, catholic, draw near, guest, mash-up, podcast

Fred and Kara could think of no better way to celebrate the 200th Episode of the Draw Near Catholic Podcast, than spotlighting some "Best of Guests" moments. The truth is, there are too many to fit in one episode... but this is a good start! We have Catholic Speakers and friends: Matthew Leonard, Sonja Corbitt, Sister Fidelis Marie, Julie Storr, and Father Patrick Behm

BONUS: Who You Say I Am (Cover Song)

May 26th, 2023  |  3 mins 11 secs

cover song, draw near, fred and kara, praise and worship, who you say i am

Who You Say I Am by Hillsong (Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near)
To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. For access to MORE covers, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month.
Patrons, you will have access to our music simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: https://www.patreon.com/drawnear

BONUS: Goodness of God (Cover Song)

May 18th, 2023  |  4 mins 7 secs

cover, draw near, fred and kara, fred shellabarger, goodness of god, kara kardell, praise and worship

Goodness of God by Bethel Music. Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near.
To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. For access to MORE covers, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month.
Patrons, you will have access to our music simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: https://www.patreon.com/drawnear

BONUS: I Shall Not Want (Cover Song)

May 18th, 2023  |  3 mins 37 secs

cover, draw near, fred and kara, fred shellabarger, i shall not want, kara kardell, praise and worship

I Shall Not Want by Audrey Assad. Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near.
To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. For access to MORE covers, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month.
Patrons, you will have access to our music simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: https://www.patreon.com/drawnear

BONUS: It is Well (Cover Song)

May 18th, 2023  |  5 mins 14 secs

cover, draw near, fred and kara, fred shellabarger, it is well, kara kardell, praise and worship

It Is Well by Bethel Music. Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near.
To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. For access to MORE covers, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month.
Patrons, you will have access to our music simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: https://www.patreon.com/drawnear

Jesus, Mary, and the Saints: Ch. 10 - I Believe in Love

January 25th, 2023  |  23 mins 3 secs

book study, conference 10, draw near, i believe in love, jesus, mary, saints

Week 10 discussion on "Jesus, Mary, and the Saints" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the [Draw Near](drawnear.me) podcast!!
This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee