🎙 Hard Faith Podcast – Season 3, Episode 4: Hard Faith Fest

After months away from the mic, Spencer Folmar is back with a full recap of everything you missed—from moving into a new home to hosting the biggest Hard Faith Film Festival yet. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the 3-day Hollywood event, exciting news about the first-ever Hard Faith Fest NYC coming this December, and updates on upcoming speaking engagements, new categories, and next year’s festival theme: Do Not Fear. Whether you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or fan of bold, redemptive cinema, this episode will get you inspired for what’s next in the Hard Faith movement.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation at HardFaith.org.

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar welcomes Monique and Paige to discuss Vision Reel, a unique approach to visualizing and shaping one’s future through faith and storytelling. The conversation traces their friendship back to Monique and Paige’s podcast, Sacred Potential, which led them to discover Spencer’s work on Holy Traitor, sparking a deep creative connection.

The idea for Vision Reel emerged from Monique’s background as a life coach and her personal journey through trauma. She saw life as a movie directed by God, and envisioned a way for people to create a trailer for their future. Paige, a skilled video editor with a passion for movie trailers, immediately saw its potential, and together they developed it into a structured program combining storytelling, prayer, and neuroscience.

Spencer shares his own experience with Vision Reel, recalling a time when he visualized and prayed for milestones like marriage and fatherhood—both of which later came to pass. The discussion highlights the power of faith-driven collaboration and the importance of having people who believe in your vision. Monique also shares a deeply personal story about her brother’s unjust imprisonment and how unwavering faith and prayer led to his miraculous release.

Vision Reel is designed to help people align their vision with God’s purpose through a three-stage process, guiding them from reflection to tangible, film-like representations of their future. More than just visualization, it’s about faith in action, trusting that God’s plan is unfolding. This episode is an inspiring reminder that our lives are stories in progress, and with faith, community, and vision, the impossible can become reality.

Learn more about Vision Reel at www.TheVisionReel.com

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Podcast Summary: Nathan Clarkson & Spencer Folmar on Bright Sky, Hard Faith, and Filmmaking Without Excuses

On this episode, Nathan Clarkson and Spencer Folmar sit down to talk about their newest film, Bright Sky, which releases February 7, 2025, on all digital platforms, home video rentals, and DVD.

The duo dives deep into the making of Bright Sky, exploring the heart of Hard Faith storytelling—films that don’t shy away from life’s struggles but instead meet them head-on with honesty and hope. They discuss the challenges of independent filmmaking, how constraints can fuel creativity rather than stifle it, and what it means to make art with purpose.

Nathan and Spencer also share the story of how they first met, their creative partnership, and what it takes to stay in the fight as independent filmmakers. If you’re into real, hard-hitting storytelling and the grit it takes to get a movie made, this is a conversation worth tuning in for.

In this emotional and deeply personal episode of The Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar and his wife, McKenna, open up about the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Mary Claire. As they navigate the grief and faith challenges that come with such a profound loss, they share their raw emotions, reflections, and the journey of healing. This episode marks the beginning of Season 3, offering an honest look at faith in the midst of tragedy, the overwhelming support they’ve received, and their hopes for 2025. Despite the sorrow, Spencer and McKenna remain committed to embracing peace and resilience in the year ahead.

Subscribe for more candid conversations on faith, film, and the hard realities of life. Visit HardFaith.org to learn more.

Hard Faith Podcast | Season 2 Finale

In this heartfelt and candid season finale, Spencer Folmar reflects on a momentous and challenging year for Hard Faith and his family. From officially transitioning Hard Faith into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to celebrating the theatrical release of Saint Nick of Bethlehem and publishing his book, The Need for Hard Faith, Spencer shares the triumphs and trials that shaped 2024.

Spencer opens up about his family’s ongoing journey as they navigate significant health challenges with their second daughter and how this season of life has deepened their faith. He also shares exciting updates on future film projects, including The Days Are Evil and The Beast in Me, and previews the 2025 Hard Faith Film Festival.

This episode is a raw and hopeful reflection on the mission of Hard Faith—telling honest stories about the struggles of life and the hope found in faith. Looking ahead to 2025, Spencer invites listeners to journey with him into a new season of storytelling, growth, and resilience.

Subscribe to the podcast and visit HardFaith.org to learn more about upcoming events, projects, and ways to support this unique ministry.

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar dives into an inspiring conversation with Kaleb and Kyler Cook of Twin Bowl Media, filmmakers from central Pennsylvania. The Cook brothers discuss their journey of blending faith and filmmaking, highlighting their award-winning short film, David: A King’s Calling. The film, set in Pennsylvania but doubling as ancient Israel, has captured audiences with its innovative storytelling and resourceful production.

The episode explores:

•The Inspiration Behind the Film: Kaleb and Kyler share how their love for biblical stories and a passion for filmmaking led them to create a fresh depiction of King David’s calling.

•Challenges and Creativity: From torrential rain during production to creating stunning visual effects on a micro-budget, the brothers emphasize the power of perseverance and community.

•Faith in Filmmaking: The duo reflects on how their Christian values shaped the film’s narrative, showcasing biblical figures like Samuel as relatable, multifaceted characters.

•Future Projects: Twin Bowl Media hints at upcoming feature films, including a sci-fi thriller and a potential expansion of David: A King’s Calling into a series.

This episode is a testament to the impact of faith-driven storytelling and the importance of community in bringing creative visions to life. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a person of faith, or someone who loves compelling stories, this episode offers a unique perspective on blending artistry with a mission.

Don’t forget to subscribe and share! Visit HardFaith.com to stay updated on future episodes and projects.

In this episode, we explore the journey behind Out of the Flames, a gripping 14th-century historical drama by screenwriter Stephanie Hutchinson. This award-winning screenplay, which took the Grand Prize at the Kairos Prize for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays and Hard Faith Fest, transports us into a world of medieval challenges and profound faith. Stephanie shares the inspiration behind the script and the research that shaped this dramatic portrayal of survival and redemption.

Stephanie transitioned from being a published playwright to a screenwriter during the pandemic, encouraged by a Broadway mentor. Her background in music, with three degrees in piano performance from USC, adds a unique depth to her screenplays, which are often infused with a musical sensibility. Her works have garnered numerous accolades, including First Runner Up at the Beverly Hills Film Fest for her Great Depression drama, GRAHAM.

Mentored by industry leaders like Tyler Thompson of The Chosen and Cartel Literary Manager Audrey Knox, Stephanie continues to evolve in her craft. Whether hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains or teaching piano and voice internationally, Stephanie’s creativity knows no bounds. Tune in to learn more about her journey and her exciting projects. You can follow her work at stephaniehutchinson.com. 

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar sits down with award-winning director Brad Alexander to discuss his documentary The Threshing Floor. The film, which received both the top award and the audience award at the Hard Faith Film Festival, is described as an evangelism story disguised as an addiction film. Brad shares how he was inspired to tell the story of his friend, who overcame heroin addiction, and how the film evolved from a short project into a full-length feature. The documentary is not only a testimony of personal transformation but also a tool to reach those struggling with addiction, showing them that redemption and recovery are possible through faith.

Brad also delves into the challenges of making gritty, faith-based films and the tension between the church’s response to addiction and the real struggles people face. He emphasizes the need for the church to move beyond shame and offer compassion and understanding. The conversation explores the difficult yet rewarding journey of independent filmmaking, particularly within the faith-based genre, and highlights the impact The Threshing Floor is having by opening up meaningful conversations about addiction, faith, and redemption. The episode offers deep insights into Brad’s passion for storytelling that is both raw and redemptive, and it encourages filmmakers to tell stories that resonate with real-life struggles, no matter how messy they may seem.

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar, founder of Hard Faith, interviews filmmaker Matthew McCaulley about his award-winning feature film unDEFILED. They discuss the film’s origins, inspired by shocking statistics on pornography use among churchgoers and pastors, and the journey from script development to final production. Matthew shares insights into the ministry-first approach that guided the making of the film, aiming to spark conversations and support viewers struggling with addiction. The episode also highlights the importance of community and encouragement within faith-based filmmaking, with Matthew reflecting on his positive experience at the Hard Faith Film Festival. The conversation offers hope and resources for those battling pornography addiction, emphasizing that change is possible with the right support.

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar speaks with award-winning filmmaker John Kestner, who recently won Best Experimental Short Film at the Hard Faith 2024 Film Festival for “The Foxhole.” They discuss the unique environment of the festival, which embraces challenging and faith-adjacent narratives. John shares his experiences creating thought-provoking films, the inspiration behind “The Foxhole,” and the importance of addressing tough topics through cinema. He also talks about his upcoming projects, including another short film and a faith-based Western. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of faith, film, and storytelling.