S4 - Ep9 25 Years of Hollywood Prayer Network with Karen Covell

Hard Faith Podcast | Karen Covell: 25 Years of Prayer, Perseverance, and Bringing Hope to Hollywood What if the greatest way to change Hollywood isn't through criticism, boycotts, or better movies, but through prayer? And what happens when God calls you to a mission that even other Christians struggle to understand? In this episode of the Hard Faith Podcast, host Spencer Folmar sits down with his longtime friend and mentor Karen Covell, founder of the Hollywood Prayer Network, to celebrate 25 years of ministry, faith, and bringing the love of Jesus to the entertainment industry. What began as a small prayer gathering in Hollywood has grown into a worldwide movement, connecting thousands of Christian entertainment professionals and establishing more than 170 chapters across 40 countries. Karen shares the unlikely beginnings of Hollywood Prayer Network, the resistance she encountered from fellow Christians, and her conviction that the church should be praying for Hollywood rather than condemning it. Karen also opens up about her personal faith journey, including the college roommate whose prayers helped lead her to Jesus and the moment she discovered the transformative power of prayer. She reflects on the challenges of building a ministry from the ground up, navigating financial struggles, experiencing betrayal, and learning to persevere when God's calling leads through unexpected hardship. In a particularly personal moment, Spencer shares how Karen's encouragement helped sustain Hard Faith during one of its earliest and most difficult seasons. After his film *Generational Sins* faced intense criticism from Christian audiences, a simple phone call from Karen became a turning point in his filmmaking journey and the beginning of a friendship that has lasted more than a decade. Together, they explore the importance of authentic Christian storytelling, why faith-based filmmakers shouldn't be afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and how Christians can engage culture with compassion rather than fear. Above all, Karen reminds us that prayer isn't simply preparation for the work God has called us to do. Prayer is the work. Whether you're a filmmaker, artist, ministry leader, or someone struggling to trust God through unanswered prayers, this conversation is an invitation to keep showing up, keep loving people, and keep believing that God is working even when the road is difficult. At Hard Faith, we believe life is hard, and God is good. Connect with Karen Covell & Hollywood Prayer Network: Website: https://hollywoodprayernetwork.org Get Involved: Join a local chapter, become a prayer partner, or discover ways to pray for entertainment professionals around the world. Hollywood Prayer Network App: Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Learn More About Hard Faith: Website: https://hardfaith.org Join us for Hard Faith Fest NYC, December 4–5, 2026, as we continue bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences who believe in the power of storytelling to inspire hope and meaningful conversations about faith. Subscribe to the Hard Faith Podcast and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep pursuing their calling, even when the journey gets hard.