Hard Faith Podcast

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer Folmar sits down with Los Angeles screenwriter Kimberly Jade Soliman to talk about her path into screenwriting, her long-standing connection to Hard Faith, and the grit it takes to build a career in film while staying grounded in faith. Spencer highlights Kimberly’s discipline, consistency, and practical approach to finding work, while Kimberly shares how God led her from a theater background into screenwriting and eventually to Los Angeles. The episode is especially helpful for aspiring writers because it is not just inspirational — it is practical. Kimberly talks about the value of steady writing, learning the industry from the inside by working on set, going to conferences, building relationships over time, and refusing to let rejection knock her out of the game. She makes the case that perseverance matters just as much as talent, and that a real writing career is built through faithfulness over time. At its heart, this conversation is about endurance, calling, and doing the work. It is an encouraging episode for screenwriters, filmmakers, and anyone trying to stay faithful to what God has put in front of them, even when the road is long.

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar sits down with filmmaker and cinematographer Sean Malone, whose striking black-and-white short film Grand Canyon won second place at this year’s Hard Faith Film Festival in Hollywood. Sean shares the deeply personal inspiration behind Grand Canyon, a film born out of the isolation, grief, and spiritual weight many experienced during the COVID era. Framed like a psalm of lament, the film follows a widowed minister struggling to hold onto faith amid darkness, division, and despair — ultimately becoming a cinematic prayer and cry out to God. The conversation expands into Sean’s love of cinema, his influences ranging from Spielberg to Lawrence of Arabia, and his journey as an artist who wants filmmaking to carry real spiritual substance. Sean and Spencer reflect on the importance of theology in storytelling — not making films that feel preachy, but honest stories that still center Christian hope. Sean also speaks candidly about his own faith journey, including seasons of depression, suffering, and slow spiritual growth — emphasizing that Christians may walk through valleys, but never without hope. Together, Spencer and Sean explore how hardship shapes character, how faith matures over time, and why art should ultimately point beyond ourselves to Christ. Finally, Sean reflects on the unique spirit of Hard Faith Fest: a community marked not by transaction, but by love, dignity, and the belief that artists are made in the image of God. He shares plans for a possible Grand Canyon sequel and encourages listeners to keep creating meaningful work rooted in truth and redemption.

In the Season 4 premiere of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar welcomes back the show’s only recurring guest across every season, Nathan Clarkson, for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, honesty, and storytelling. The episode centers on Nathan’s new book I’m the Worst: Freedom Is Found in Admitting Our Faults, which explores the personal and cultural consequences of refusing to acknowledge our own brokenness. Nathan shares how years of maintaining a polished Christian image hid deeper fear, doubt, and pain—and how facing that darkness became a bridge to healing rather than the end of his story. Together, Spencer and Nathan discuss why Christians should be the first to admit their need for a Savior, how denial fuels division in culture and politics, and why much faith-based art fails when it avoids the reality of sin, suffering, and moral complexity. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, filmmaking, and theology, they argue that honest art has the power to confront darkness while still pointing toward redemption. This episode sets the tone for Season 4 by affirming a core Hard Faith conviction: life is hard, God is good, and truth-telling—both in art and in life—is essential to freedom and faithfulness.

On the Season 3 finale of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer Folmar is joined by his wife and Hard Faith COO, McKenna Folmar, for a candid end-of-year reflection that closes out 2025 and looks ahead to what God may be preparing in 2026. Together, they unpack a year marked by both deep suffering and unexpected fruit—sharing openly about loss, perseverance, and why Hard Faith continues to exist for artists who feel unseen, constrained, or displaced by traditional faith spaces. The episode recaps major milestones from the past year, including the first-ever Hard Faith regional event in New York City, which sold out theaters, overflowed its awards show, and confirmed a growing hunger for honest, unfiltered faith-driven storytelling on both coasts. Spencer and McKenna reflect on the leap of faith it took to pull off the NYC festival in just a few months, the supernatural sense of unity that marked the event, and how Hard Faith has become a gathering place where filmmakers find community, collaboration, and courage. Looking forward, they announce key plans for Hard Faith Fest LA 2026 (June 25–28)—a four-day event in Hollywood themed “Do Not Fear,” featuring expanded workshops, live music, worship, commissioning, and new artistic categories. The conversation also previews upcoming books, original Hard Faith film projects, additional regional and international events under prayerful consideration, and the continued growth of the podcast into Season 4. More than an update, this finale is an invitation—to pray, to partner, and to step into a movement committed to telling stories that liberate and bringing the Gospel to the lost sheep through art. As the year closes, Spencer and McKenna share their hearts, their gratitude, and their hope for what lies ahead, trusting God’s direction one step at a time.

On this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer Folmar sits down with filmmaker, director, writer, and educator Sam Sorich for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about faith, art, envy, conversion, and the spiritual cost of creating meaningful work in a volatile cultural moment. Sam reflects on his connection to Hard Faith Fest, where his visually striking anthology feature Eight Beats—eight short films inspired by the Beatitudes—won the Audience Awardand emerged as one of the festival’s most talked-about films. Sam shares his unconventional journey into filmmaking, including an early artistic calling, a dramatic turn toward the Catholic seminary, a season of atheism, and a hard-won return to faith shaped by cinema, philosophy, and the work of René Girard. He unpacks how watching thousands of films during seminary became both an escape and a form of spiritual and artistic formation, eventually leading to a vision for Eight Beats as a Catholic answer to Kieslowski’s Decalogue—bold, incarnational, and unafraid of complexity. The conversation also explores Sam’s international life (from Chicago to Colombia to California), his recent season teaching film, documentary, mimetic theory, horror, and AI at John Paul the Great Catholic University, and how mentoring young filmmakers became an unexpected source of healing for wounds formed earlier in his faith journey. Sam reflects candidly on envy, rivalry, and comparison in the creative life—especially watching close friends succeed—and offers a powerful spiritual framework for resisting the “Luciferian light” through humility, prayer, and identification with the blind beggar crying out for mercy. Finally, Sam previews his new documentary project exploring UFOs, extraterrestrial phenomena, and the Catholic imagination, asking provocative questions about incarnation, reality, and how faith traditions can interpret a world that feels increasingly re-enchanted and unstable. It’s a thoughtful, theologically rich, and emotionally vulnerable episode that speaks directly to artists, filmmakers, and believers navigating doubt, ambition, and calling in real time.

On this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer Folmar sits down with filmmaker Chris Mac, the award-winning director behind the short film Sons of Thunder—a proof-of-concept for an upcoming feature. Chris opens up about the film’s heart, the deep Biblical inspiration behind its title, and how he aims to make faith-driven cinema that’s as artistically excellent as it is spiritually honest. Chris shares the emotional moment he first connected with the mission of Hard Faith Fest and how it felt watching his story resonate with a live audience. He unpacks the tension at the center of Sons of Thunder—two brothers on a violent road of vengeance after their middle brother’s murder, torn between wrath and grace—and why the “Sons of Thunder” passage in Scripture shaped the story’s moral spine. The conversation dives into the craft and calling of Christian filmmaking: how to pursue beauty and truth rather than preachiness, why excellence honors God, and how filmmakers can capture the grit of real life without losing faith. Spencer and Chris also explore the realities of making independent films outside Hollywood—funding hurdles, scoring challenges, music-licensing nightmares, and the rise and fall of Michigan’s film incentives. It’s an honest, inspiring talk about filmmaking, faith, and the next generation of storytellers who refuse to separate artistic integrity from spiritual conviction.

In this special episode, Spencer sits down with writer, critic, and now feature filmmaker Joseph Holmes to talk about the release of his very first movie, Jim vs The Future, which is officially out and available to watch now. Joseph walks through the journey of bringing his debut feature to life—from the earliest ideas, to the challenges of independent production, to the joy (and terror) of finally sharing a film with the world. Spencer and Joseph dive into how the story was shaped, what the filmmaking process taught him, and why he felt compelled to make a movie that tackles faith, doubt, and destiny through a fresh, creative lens. They also explore Joseph’s broader work as a cultural commentator, how he balances Christian conviction with honest storytelling, and why he believes bold, thoughtful art is needed more now than ever. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a creative, or simply someone who loves a good underdog story, this episode spotlights the heart, grit, and faith required to make a first feature film. Stream Jim vs The Future now, then come back and hear the inside story straight from Joseph himself. https://linktr.ee/JosephHolmes

In this powerful in-person episode, Spencer sits down with longtime friend and real-life Saint Nick, Allen Smith—the man whose remarkable true story inspired Saint Nick of Bethlehem and the upcoming documentary Sad Santa and the Healing Power of Giving. Allen shares how a simple act of lifting his grieving family’s spirits one Christmas launched him into twelve years of portraying Santa Claus across Central Pennsylvania. But the heart of this conversation is Allen’s extraordinary courage and faith after the unimaginable loss of his only son, Garrett. Just seven weeks after Garrett’s passing, Allen stepped back into the red suit—choosing to bring joy to others even while walking through his deepest valley. Spencer and Allen reflect on the making of Saint Nick, the long nights on set, and the friendships that carried this story from real life to the screen. Allen opens up about joy, service, resilience, and how giving can become a lifeline in seasons of heartbreak. This episode is a raw, hopeful exploration of faith, healing, and the power of showing up for others. Stay tuned at the end for details on upcoming red-carpet events and the home-video release of Saint Nick of Bethlehem.

In this episode of The Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar sits down with author, screenwriter, and professor Sean Gaffney to explore the intersection of storytelling, faith, and the power of myth. Sean—who has worked everywhere from Warner Bros. to VeggieTales and now teaches screenwriting at Asbury University—joins us to discuss his new book, Meta Story: What Marvel & the Messiah Can Teach Us About Great Storytelling. Drawing from decades in Hollywood and the classroom, Sean unpacks how the greatest stories—whether found in Scripture or in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—follow timeless, divine patterns that reveal truth, redemption, and the human longing for meaning. With warmth and wisdom, he shares how faith and art are never meant to be separate—and why reconnecting the two could restore depth and soul to modern storytelling. Meta Story is available now in paperback and digital formats through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly through Sean's website: Gaffneyinkwell.com. It’s a must-read for writers, filmmakers, and believers who want to tell stories that matter. Tune in for a conversation that will challenge, inspire, and reawaken your imagination—only on The Hard Faith Podcast.

In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer Folmar sits down with filmmaker Autumn Libengood, whose short film Bleeding Heart was recently featured at the Hard Faith Film Festival. Autumn opens up about her 19-year journey in filmmaking—from early music video inspiration to bold, R-rated faith-driven storytelling that refuses to shy away from life’s raw edges. She shares how near-death illness, seasons of doubt, and a powerful calling from God shaped her voice as a director, leading to deeply personal films like Life After. Autumn also discusses her upcoming passion project Indentured, exploring the Irish slave trade, forgiveness, and healing. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the influence of music, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the challenges of filmmaking as spiritual warfare. Together, Spencer and Autumn celebrate the courage it takes to tell unflinching, faith-rooted stories in an R-rated world.

On this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, Spencer Folmar sits down with filmmaker Jason Munden—director, producer, and creative force behind the award-winning short film Ripple. Jason shares his journey from years of corporate production in Los Angeles to following God’s call to tell stories that matter. He opens up about the moment he realized he didn’t just want to make content for major brands, but instead felt compelled to create films with real authenticity, grit, and redemption at their core. Spencer and Jason revisit how they first connected through Jean Wenger and the Hard Faith Film Festival, where Jason’s pitch for Ripple wowed the crowd before going on to win Best Short Film at Hard Faith Fest 3. Jason talks about the creative process behind Ripple, his collaboration with writers, and the challenges of finding scripts that break free from formulaic storytelling to capture raw, faith-adjacent realities. Along the way, he shares insights on perseverance, divine direction, and the importance of focusing on the next right step as a storyteller.

🎙 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 Thanks for listening! Please subscribe + share.

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 Caleb 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: Caleb 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.