Helping each listener to draw near to Christ, his infinite love, and to one another.
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.
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.
Listen below to the most RECENT EPISODE:
Real Ministry is Personal
Kara reflects on St. Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 and explores why the most powerful ministry is often found not in polished content or perfect answers, but in the willingness to share our very selves with others in love.
Grafted Into God: The Interior Life of Romans 11
Drawing from Romans 11 and the image of the olive tree, we explore how God often transforms us not by working around our wounds and defenses, but by gently cutting away what is hardened so that his life can take deeper root within us.
I Arise Today
Through the story of St. Patrick and the powerful words of his Lorica, we reflect on suffering, mission, and how to face the battles of life not by our own strength, but clothed in the strength of Christ and the Trinity.
Faith & Fatherhood: A Conversation With My Dad
Kara sits down with her dad for an honest conversation about faith, fatherhood, and the quiet ways a father's love, presence, and example shape both his children and their understanding of God the Father.
Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us
Why does the Christian life insist that resurrection comes through the cross? This episode explores how God uses suffering, sacrifice, and the desert to make us into who we were created to be.
The Power of Words in Marriage
Join BJ and Kara for a real at-home date night exploring communication, connection, and the surprising truth that stronger marriages are often built through small moments of intentionality.
What to Do When the Service is Bad
What if sharing your faith isn't about having the right answers, but simply noticing people, listening well, and saying yes when the Holy Spirit opens a door?
Clearing Up Catholic Misconceptions
What if some of the most common assumptions about Catholicism aren't what the Church actually teaches? In this episode, we explore the biblical foundations of Catholic faith, grace, Scripture, and relationship with Christ.
Still Here
What if a quieter season isn't a sign that God is finished, but an invitation to let him tend the bruised reed, rekindle the dimly burning wick, and teach us a new rhythm of faithfulness?
Guided Meditation: God Saw That It Was Good
If you struggle to love parts of yourself, this guided meditation invites you to step into God's gaze and discover that the One who formed you sees every part of you and calls it good.
Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve
What if guarding your heart too carefully keeps you from the very love you were made for? This episode explores vulnerability, courage, and the freedom of loving as Christ loves.
Friend Day: Want to Join?
Sometimes, we all just need a friend day. Grab your favorite drink and join us for ours. This episode is less teaching and more living room conversation—honest questions, shared stories, plenty of laughter, and a reminder that drawing near to one another is part of drawing near to God.
I Am Not Like the Rest of Humanity
Is it possible to look holy without becoming holy? Reflecting on Luke 18:9–14, Fred and Kara explore pride, comparison, and the subtle temptation to measure holiness by appearances, discovering instead that God looks first to the heart.
The Hemorrhaging Woman: Desperate for Healing
Imagine Jesus stopping everything just to find you and heal you. In this Lectio Divina episode, Fred and Kara reflect on the hemorrhhaging woman's desperate faith, Christ's pursuit of the hidden and hurting, and his invitation to step out of shame and into healing.
Hot Takes and Life Updates
Come behind the curtain for a fun, unscripted conversation as Fred and Kara share real-life updates and their unfiltered thoughts on everything from reality TV and parish bingo to smartphones, social media, and living faith in an online world.
Surrender: Trusting God in the Waiting
How do we surrender to God when his plans seem unclear and his timing feels slow? This episode explores trust, waiting, and the quiet work God does in us while we learn to let go.
Do Whatever He Tells You
What would it take to walk away from a thriving career to follow God's call? Join Rob "Mr. Theology" Reynolds and Shevin McCullough, founders of Studio 316, as they share their journey from corporate success to ministry and their passion for using creativity and media to lead children to Christ.
Finding God in the Least Likely Movies
Join Fred and Kara for a fun conversation about finding echoes of truth, beauty, sacrifice, friendship, and redemption in some of their favorite movies, shows, and stories—and why learning to see with eyes of faith changes the way we watch them.
All Dogs go to Heaven... or Do They?
Do our pets go to heaven? In this episode, Kara reflects on the loss of a beloved family pet and explores what Scripture, the Catechism, and Christian hope have to say about heaven, the renewal of creation, and whether we might one day see our animal companions again.
Encountering God in Scripture: Listening with Your Heart
How does Scripture become more than words on a page and become an encounter with the living God? Join us as we explore how God speaks through his Word, how we can prepare our hearts to hear him, and why the story of salvation is also your story.