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    <fireside:genDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:09:30 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Parenting”</title>
    <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/parenting</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -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>
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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"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Christianity"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<item>
  <title>Faith &amp; Fatherhood: A Conversation With My Dad</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/239</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
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  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Kara sits down with her dad to talk about faith, fatherhood, spiritual leadership, and the lessons learned along the way — with a few dad jokes mixed in.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>42:18</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>"I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood."
In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood.
Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes.
Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father.
Topics include:
• Growing in faith through parenting
• Spiritual leadership in the home
• Lessons learned the hard way
• What children really notice
Psalm 103:13 reminds us:
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE)
We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails.
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media: 
 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara) 
 Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)
 Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara)
Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)
Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support! 
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, faith and fatherhood, Christian fatherhood, Catholic fatherhood, faith and parenting, Christian parenting, Catholic parenting, spiritual leadership in the home, fathers and faith, father daughter relationship, Christian family life, faith in the family, raising children in faith, role of a father in faith, God the Father and fatherhood, lessons from my dad, Christian dad advice, Catholic family spirituality, parenting and faith journey</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>&quot;I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood.&quot;<br>
In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood.</p>

<p>Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes.</p>

<p>Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father.</p>

<p>Topics include:<br>
• Growing in faith through parenting<br>
• Spiritual leadership in the home<br>
• Lessons learned the hard way<br>
• What children really notice</p>

<p>Psalm 103:13 reminds us:<br>
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE)</p>

<p>We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails.</p>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" 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>&quot;I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood.&quot;<br>
In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood.</p>

<p>Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes.</p>

<p>Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father.</p>

<p>Topics include:<br>
• Growing in faith through parenting<br>
• Spiritual leadership in the home<br>
• Lessons learned the hard way<br>
• What children really notice</p>

<p>Psalm 103:13 reminds us:<br>
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE)</p>

<p>We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails.</p>

<p>For reflections, formation, and community, <strong>FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:</strong> <br>
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@fredandkara" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> <br>
 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><br>
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" 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>Sports and Sainthood</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/100</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 15 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-8340909d71a5/3544c087-b393-4715-a5f0-7e4b0a39ac82.mp3" length="83916308" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>At times the world of sports can seem to run headlong into conflict with the world of faith. Studies and lived world experience seem to reveal that at least in the hearts and minds of many, participation in and consumption of sports entertainment take the priority over matters of faith and worship on any given Sunday. This can be found even in the pressures placed upon young people. What is this the cause of this seeming divide? What does the Church (and Scripture) have to say about the relationship between faith and sports? What value is there in athletics in terms of informing our faith and helping us to grow in virtue?  In this episode we are joined by coach and teacher, Kelley Grothus and Fr Patrick Behm as we discuss the answers to these questions and more. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>57:10</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/3/3544c087-b393-4715-a5f0-7e4b0a39ac82/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>At times the world of sports can seem to run headlong into conflict with the world of faith. Studies and lived world experience seem to reveal that at least in the hearts and minds of many, participation in and consumption of sports entertainment take the priority over matters of faith and worship on any given Sunday. This can be found even in the pressures placed upon young people. What is this the cause of this seeming divide? What does the Church (and Scripture) have to say about the relationship between faith and sports? What value is there in athletics in terms of informing our faith and helping us to grow in virtue?  In this episode we are joined by coach and teacher, Kelley Grothus and Fr Patrick Behm as we discuss the answers to these questions and more. 
Scripture referenced: 
1 Cor 9:22-27; 1 Tim 4:78; 1 Cor 12:1-31; Phil 3:12-15
Read the document Giving the Best of Yourself here: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/01/180601b.pdf
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>Sports, Holiness, Parenting, Coaching, Faith, Prayer, Athletics, Priorities</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>At times the world of sports can seem to run headlong into conflict with the world of faith. Studies and lived world experience seem to reveal that at least in the hearts and minds of many, participation in and consumption of sports entertainment take the priority over matters of faith and worship on any given Sunday. This can be found even in the pressures placed upon young people. What is this the cause of this seeming divide? What does the Church (and Scripture) have to say about the relationship between faith and sports? What value is there in athletics in terms of informing our faith and helping us to grow in virtue?  In this episode we are joined by coach and teacher, Kelley Grothus and Fr Patrick Behm as we discuss the answers to these questions and more. </p>

<p>Scripture referenced: <br>
1 Cor 9:22-27; 1 Tim 4:78; 1 Cor 12:1-31; Phil 3:12-15</p>

<p>Read the document Giving the Best of Yourself here: <a href="https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/01/180601b.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/01/180601b.pdf</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>At times the world of sports can seem to run headlong into conflict with the world of faith. Studies and lived world experience seem to reveal that at least in the hearts and minds of many, participation in and consumption of sports entertainment take the priority over matters of faith and worship on any given Sunday. This can be found even in the pressures placed upon young people. What is this the cause of this seeming divide? What does the Church (and Scripture) have to say about the relationship between faith and sports? What value is there in athletics in terms of informing our faith and helping us to grow in virtue?  In this episode we are joined by coach and teacher, Kelley Grothus and Fr Patrick Behm as we discuss the answers to these questions and more. </p>

<p>Scripture referenced: <br>
1 Cor 9:22-27; 1 Tim 4:78; 1 Cor 12:1-31; Phil 3:12-15</p>

<p>Read the document Giving the Best of Yourself here: <a href="https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/01/180601b.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/01/180601b.pdf</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>
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