Draw Near

Draw Near

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.

Episodes

December 17, 2025 17 mins
God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. ...
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If we truly believe Jesus is Lord, then his words matter… even the ones that challenge us. In this week’s conversation, we reflect on Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Jesus does not rebuke here, but invites each of us personally to reflect on teachings, words from God, or passages of Scripture we truly believe. Let's also allow it to be an invitation to ask: which of Jesus's words and teachi...
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November 27, 2025 11 mins
In a world that often tells us to stay guarded, what does it really mean to live with an open heart? In this episode, we explore the beauty and the cost of “wearing your heart on your sleeve,” and why Jesus shows us a better way than self-protection. If you’ve ever wondered whether vulnerability is worth it, or feared that loving deeply will only get you hurt, this conversation is for you. Come be encouraged to live with authentici...
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November 19, 2025 45 mins
In this classic Draw Near episode, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with our friend Sr. Fidelis Marie about what it really means to love one another well — not in theory, but in the daily decisions that shape our relationships and communities. If you’ve ever wrestled with empathy, boundaries, or how to grow in authentic charity, this episode will encourage and challenge you in all the right ways. In this episode, we explore: How...
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November 5, 2025 45 mins
Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for our much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let's cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us? Help us grow by following the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting ...
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October 29, 2025 25 mins
There’s an honest difference between "looking" holy and "living" a holy life. Reflecting on Luke 18:9–14, Fred and Kara explore how pride and comparison creep into our hearts, why appearances are not what God looks at, and how one's heart is truly the measure holiness. Looking beyond all you do for God, what does your heart look like? Let's dive into how pride can creep into our prayer life, how comparison blinds us to grace, and ...
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Imagine Jesus stopping everything just to find you and heal you. That’s exactly what happens in the story of the hemorrhaging woman. In this Lectio Divine episode, Fred and Kara pray with this passage and reflect on the woman's need to "touch" Jesus and how her circumstances during 12 years of suffering would have led to her "desperate" faith. In addition to spiritual themes, this episode also talks about Jesus' initiative to seek ...
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October 16, 2025 68 mins
In this episode, we’re giving you a peek behind the curtain with real-life updates and our unfiltered takes on everything from reality shows and parish bingos to social media, smartphones, and DIY projects. We even get serious for a moment about how we use technology, faith, and the “thoughts and prayers” culture online. If you’ve ever wondered what we’re like when the mics aren’t scripted—this one’s for you. Fun, honest, and a lit...
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October 8, 2025 46 mins
What does it mean to actually surrender to God?... and how do we begin to do it? There are seasons when God feels silent, when prayers go unanswered, or when our hearts wrestle with waiting. In those moments, surrender can sound like a nice idea but feel nearly impossible. So, where do we begin? To continue your journey to total surrender to God, check out The Surrender Journal (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop/p/the-surrende...
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October 5, 2025 56 mins
Imagine building a thriving career, only to hear a call so strong you can’t ignore it. That’s exactly what happened to Rob “Mr. Theology” Reynolds and Shevin McCullough. In this episode, the founders of Studio 316 (https://www.studio316.com/) share how they traded corporate success for a life of ministry—and how they’re using creativity and media to lead kids to Christ. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "book...
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October 1, 2025 74 mins
What do Dungeons & Dragons, Harry Potter, the Walking Dead, and A Quiet Place have in common? In this episode, we have some fun exploring how even the most unlikely movies and shows can open doors to deeper conversations about faith. From unlikely heroes and the battle of good and evil, to themes of sacrifice, friendship, and courage... we discover that God can shine through stories we never expected. This isn’t about forcing a re...
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August 28, 2025 27 mins
Do our pets go to heaven? It’s one of those questions people of all ages wonder about. Whether it’s sparked by watching All Dogs Go to Heaven as a kid, or by the very real grief of saying goodbye to a beloved family pet, the thought lingers: Will I see them again? In this episode, Kara shares her family’s personal experience of losing a pet—and how that moment of loss opened up bigger questions of faith, hope, and what God has in s...
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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 y...
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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 s...
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What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations? In this reflective "shorty," Kara shares a personal insight drawn from her own life and the life of Christ in Scripture. Jesus never pushed people away because they weren’t part of “the plan.” He embraced them as the plan. This episode invites you to rethink the way you see the unexpected moments in your own life—those small or inconvenient interruptions—as...
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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. Together, we explore: How to cultivate a deeper devotion to the Eucharist in your daily life What it means t...
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“Prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends.” — St. Teresa of Ávila In this powerful and reflective episode of Draw Near, Kara invites you to explore the deeply personal and transformative nature of prayer as an intimate friendship with God. Using the story of Doubting Thomas in John 20, Kara reflects on how God responds to us when we ask, and gives us exactly what is needed. Jesus enters the locked rooms of our li...
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What does it mean to be a "living stone" in God's Church? How can we live as a royal priesthood, and build communities that truly reflect the love and unity of Christ? In this episode, Fred explores the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter and unpacks our identity as chosen people—called not just to believe, but to build. Drawing from Acts, Revelation, and John’s Gospel, we’ll dive into what it means to be part of something eter...
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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 o...
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April 30, 2025 39 mins
In this full-length episode of Draw Near, we return to the mic for a heartfelt conversation on one of the most essential themes of our faith—mercy. What does it really mean to be merciful? Is mercy just forgiveness, or something more? And in a world full of division, anxiety, and wounds, how can God’s mercy truly heal us and flow through us to others? Together, we explore: How Scripture and the Catechism define mercy The surprising...
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