Draw Near

Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Bimonthly

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.

  1. Fred's Journey to Christ: From Brokenness to Beloved

    5d ago

    Fred's Journey to Christ: From Brokenness to Beloved

    TRIGGER WARNING! Many people have asked to hear more of Fred's story. In this episode, he opens up about parts of his life he doesn't often share publicly. This episode of Draw Near contains adult themes; we do not recommend listening in the presence of children. Through an honest conversation with Kara, Fred reflects on his childhood, the hardships he experienced, and the wounds throughout his early life. He shares why he often says, "I shouldn't be alive," and how there were moments when his future seemed uncertain. Yet this episode is about far more than suffering or past wounds. Looking back, Fred can now see how Christ was present even in the darkest seasons: through unexpected people, quiet moments of grace, and circumstances that helped lead him toward healing and faith. What once seemed like random events now reveal a story of God's providence and relentless pursuit. In this episode, we discuss: Fred's childhood and family experiences The challenges and wounds that marked his early years Why he says he "shouldn't be alive" The lasting impact of suffering and brokenness Where Christ was present throughout the journey How God works even when we cannot see Him The path that eventually led Fred to deeper faith and conversion Hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past Whether your story is marked by loss, pain, disappointment, or unanswered questions, this conversation is a reminder that God is never absent. He is often working in ways we cannot yet understand. As Jesus says in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (and Kara referenced in the episode): "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." (Luke 15:24) No wound is beyond Christ's reach. No story is beyond redemption. *Resources Mentioned * OCIA curriculum from Ascension: INVITED Webinar The Surrender Journal *Listen Next * If this episode resonates with you, consider listening to Fred's other testimony episodes, where he shares more about his conversion, his Catholic faith, and the ways God continues to work in his life today. Fred's First Testimony Episode: From Heathen to Heaven "Why are you Catholic?" Testimony For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media: @drawnearbygrace YouTube Instagram Facebook! Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here 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. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

    1h 5m
  2. Real Ministry is Personal

    May 7

    Real Ministry is Personal

    Real ministry is not built on polished content... it is built when we are willing to share our very selves. In this roadside reflection episode, Kara finally shares what Fred and her recent writing project has been (with Ascension Press) and reflects on a personal passage from St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…” This conversation dives into vulnerability, discipleship, authentic ministry, loving others even when it is difficult, and what it means to hope for others. Also, the audio quality is a little different this episode. Life and family obligations have made studio recording difficult lately, so I pray this “roadside reflections” is okay! Enjoy some Brother Francis and Veggie Tales in the background. Follow Draw Near on social media and join us as we continue building a community centered on prayer, authentic faith, discipleship, and drawing near to God and one another. For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near by Grace on all Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook! Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here 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. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

    16 min
  3. Grafted Into God: The Interior Life of Romans 11

    Mar 25

    Grafted Into God: The Interior Life of Romans 11

    What if being united to God begins with being cut open? In this episode of Draw Near, we explore Romans 11 and the powerful image of being “grafted” into God. Using the biblical metaphor of the olive tree, St. Paul reveals something profound about the spiritual life: union with God is living, dependent, and deeply transformative. Grafting is no gentle process. It requires cutting, exposure, and vulnerability before new life can take hold. And the same is true in our relationship with God. He does not simply improve us from the outside; he works within us, cutting away what is hardened so that we can receive his life more fully. We reflect on how God is the root who sustains us, how we are invited to remain in him, and what it means to bear interior fruit fruit that comes not from our own strength, but from grace. Drawing connections to Ezekiel 36 and the promise of a new heart, this episode invites you to consider how God may be at work in the hidden places of your life; and what areas of your own life have you hardened? If you’ve ever wrestled with vulnerability, struggled to trust God in the midst of difficulty, or wondered how real transformation actually happens—this conversation is for you. Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here 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. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

    44 min
  4. I Arise Today

    Mar 18 ·  Bonus

    I Arise Today

    St. Patrick’s story is one of suffering, conversion, and mission. Enslaved as a teenager, he encountered God in hardship and later returned to Ireland to preach Christ. This episode reflects on the Lorica of St. Patrick—a powerful prayer of spiritual strength and protection—and its invitation during Lent: to rise each day not by our own strength, but through the strength of the Trinity and the life of Christ. Rooted in the Cross, surrounded by the communion of saints, and sustained by Christ’s presence, we are reminded: we do not walk alone. For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook! Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here 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. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

    8 min
  5. Faith & Fatherhood: A Conversation With My Dad

    Mar 4

    Faith & Fatherhood: A Conversation With My Dad

    "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 Instagram Facebook! Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here 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. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

    42 min
  6. Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us

    Feb 18

    Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us

    Suffering is where transformation begins! What does that have to do with Lent? Many of us approach Lent thinking about what we have to give up. But what if Lent isn’t mainly about loss… but about what God wants to build within us? In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of penance, suffering, and the desert season of Lent. Why does the Church begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance actually train the heart? And why does every sacrifice ultimately point toward resurrection? Journal Questions: Where in my life right now feels like a desert, and how might God be inviting me to encounter Him there rather than escape it? What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me? If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season? For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW us on Social Media: YouTube Instagram Facebook! Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here 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. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

    41 min
  7. BJ and Kara’s Date Night: The Power of Words in Marriage

    Feb 11

    BJ and Kara’s Date Night: The Power of Words in Marriage

    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, 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! 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!. Follow us on Instagram! Click here 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. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

    50 min
  8. What to Do When the Service is Bad

    Feb 4 ·  Bonus

    What to Do When the Service is Bad

    How do you actually share your faith—without fear, awkward moments, or feeling like you have to have all the answers? In this short episode, Fred reflects on a simple, ordinary moment that became a doorway for grace. What started as a late-night stop for ice cream after church turned into months of prayer, presence, encouragement, and quiet fidelity—and ultimately, a life gently redirected toward healing, hope, and the Church. This story reminds us that sharing our faith doesn’t usually begin with arguments or explanations. It begins with noticing, listening, and having the courage to say a simple “yes” when the Holy Spirit nudges. Because sometimes, the most powerful witness of the Gospel sounds like this: “We’re about to pray. Is there anything we can pray for you about?” Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page." Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. 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 & Kara Kardell

    7 min
See All (225)

Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Draw Near LLC
  • Show Website
    Draw Near

You Might Also Like