Draw Near

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.

Surrender: Trusting God in the Waiting

October 8th, 2025  |  46 mins 8 secs

draw near podcast, faith, fred and kara, god’s timing, hope, meditations, prayer, surrender, trust, waiting

What does it mean to truly surrender to God? In this episode of Draw Near, we explore how surrender isn’t giving up. It’s stepping out in faith like Peter on the water and trusting God’s slow, faithful work of grace. So, how can we actually begin to surrender?

Encountering God in Scripture: Listening with Your Heart

July 27th, 2025  |  39 mins 47 secs

catholic bible, faith journey, hearing god, prayer, scripture, spiritual growth

In this episode of Draw Near, we explore how Scripture becomes a living encounter with the voice of God. We talk about how to prepare our hearts to hear him, the power of knowing the full story of salvation, and how God speaks uniquely and personally through his Word. With personal stories, practical tips, and favorite passages that have carried us through suffering and joy, we hope to inspire you to trust that God is speaking to you.

Whether you’re new to reading Scripture or longing to go deeper, this conversation will help you move from simply reading the Bible to truly encountering the God who loves you.

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.

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.

The Shepherd’s Voice: Trusting in God’s Guidance

May 14th, 2025  |  42 mins 58 secs

catholic, discernment, faith, good shepherd, hearing god, john 10, prayer, st ignatius, trust

How do we hear the voice of Jesus in a world full of noise, distraction, and doubt? And what does it mean to truly follow him—especially when the road is uncertain or difficult?

In this episode, we reflect on John 10 and Jesus’ words: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” We explore how to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd through prayer, silence, and Scripture—and we introduce insights from St. Ignatius of Loyola on the discernment of spirits to help you grow in spiritual clarity and trust. If you’re longing for peace, direction, or deeper intimacy with Christ, this conversation is for you.

The Mountaintop Experience: Encountering Christ’s Glory

March 20th, 2025  |  25 mins 14 secs

christian life, encounter god, faith journey, gospel reflection, lent, prayer, spiritual growth, spiritual renewal, transfiguration, trust god

Have you ever had a powerful “mountaintop” moment in your faith—only to struggle when coming back to daily life? In this episode, we dive into the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) and explore:
How to seek moments of transformation in your spiritual life
What it means to carry the light of Christ into everyday struggles
The power of prayer to open our hearts to God’s transformative love
Lent is a season of renewal—don’t miss this episode that will challenge and inspire you to draw near to God in a deeper way!

"In the Desert, I Praise You:" Gratitude Reflection

November 20th, 2024  |  37 mins 37 secs

lectio divina, prayer, reflection, scripture, spirituality

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it is common to be thankful for the good gifts, graces, love, or comforts of life. But, how often do we thank God for the thorn in our side, the pit we have fallen into, or the desert we simply cannot find a way out of? In this episode of the Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara reflect on 2 Scripture passages focusing on gratitude to God in the midst of difficulty.

A Future & A Hope: A Lectio Divina Discussion

July 24th, 2024  |  39 mins 40 secs

catholic podcast, prayer, spiritual

In this surprisingly personal episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara share how the words of Jeremiah 29 can change hearts.
It gives a "map" of how to find God and what God wants to bring into your life! Where can hope be found as we look at the future? Listen to this Catholic Podcast.