• We Got Pressured to Shut Down | Here's Our Response
    May 17 2026

    In this episode of Mic Check, Real Life, we are addressing some well-meaning advice that’s been heavy on our hearts. We’ve faced a lot of pressure from people telling us to shut down or take down our older videos and raw testimonies . Whether it’s because our early podcast episodes were filmed in our bedroom , or out of fear that sharing the raw truth of our past might look "unprofessional" to high-end business clients, today we are sharing our definitive response . The truth is, we refuse to hide our light under a bushel. Coming to you live from the messy, unpolished expansion space of Best Grooming—my wife Melissa’s dog grooming business in Cleveland, Tennessee—I am literally mudding and taping walls while talking about why the power of testimony matters. We promised this channel would always be about real life, not a manufactured studio show. If we hide our humble beginnings, we hide the miracle of what God can do with two completely wrecked individuals who relied on Him . In this video, we break down why we are standing our ground:

    Overcoming the Past:
    Why we refuse to delete Melissa's testimony of surviving human trafficking starting at age 14 .

    Finding Hope on the Streets: My own story of being a young boy left to the streets, and how reading Nikki Cruz’s book Run, Nikki, Run in juvenile detention first introduced me to the gospel .

    Faith Over Appearance: Why we care more about flipping the light switch on darkness than protecting a corporate image .

    Our Mission for Pre-Believers: Keeping the mission critical as a veteran, because we believe we are living in the end times and people are desperately seeking true, lasting joy—not just temporary happiness .

    God didn't rescue us from the wreckage just for us to keep it a secret. If you are struggling, feeling hopeless, or trying to find your true purpose in life, this message is for you.

    Chapters
    00:00
    Introduction from the Expansion Space
    06:07
    Challenges and Joy in Entrepreneurship
    12:03
    Obedience and Humble Beginnings
    17:57
    Hope and Purpose in Life

    📖 WANT A FREE BIBLE? If you don't have a Bible and want one to read, we have people standing in the gap waiting to send you a Bible completely free. Reach out to us via the contact info below!


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    #Faith #Testimony #Overcoming #MikeCheckRealLife #HumanTraffickingSurvivor #Hope #PreBelievers #ChristianPodcast #ClevelandTN #RealLife

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    30 mins
  • Love Your Mom, Cherish Her, Respect Her | Real Talk
    May 10 2026

    A heartfelt tribute to mothers, sharing personal stories and honoring influential women in the speaker's life on Mother's Day.


    keywords

    Mother's Day, personal stories, family, gratitude, honoring women, life lessons


    key topics

    Personal stories of mothers and influential women
    The importance of honoring and respecting mothers
    Life lessons learned from maternal figures


    Chapters

    00:00 Celebrating Mother's Day: A Personal Tribute
    01:02 Remembering My Biological Mom
    03:07 Honoring Dixie Champlin: A Mother Figure
    05:06 Marilyn Long: A Safe Haven in Childhood
    07:03 Pamela: A Stepmom's Love and Sacrifice
    08:52 Melissa: A Partner and Mother
    09:52 My Dad: A Dual Role of Love
    11:48 Wilda Southerner: A Brief but Impactful Relationship
    14:05 A Call to Honor All Mothers



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    PO Box 12
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    423-740-2293

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    14 mins
  • Burning the Ships: Why Leaving Everything Behind Was Necessary
    May 3 2026

    In this heartfelt solo episode, Michael Hoskins shares personal reflections on loss, faith, purpose, and the importance of community. He discusses the emotional journey of facing mortality, leaving comfort zones, and trusting in God's plan, offering encouragement and hope.

    Chapters
    00:00
    Reflections on Loss and Grief
    02:57
    The Journey of Finding Community
    05:53
    The Struggles of Leaving Home
    12:00
    The Importance of Purpose and Identity
    18:10
    Hope in Christ and Eternal Life
    Russian Psalm

    There is a solemn joy in being hated by people,
    When goodness is mistaken for evil,
    When they pass you by without seeing your tears,
    And call you their enemy.

    There is a strange peace in living as an exile,
    Forever wandering,
    Like the waves of the sea,
    Like a lone cloud crossing the sky,
    With no friend beside you.

    Blessed are you, homeless and weary,
    Burdened by sorrow too deep for this world.
    Blessed are you, despised and driven out
    By the cheerful crowd.

    Only the unseen sacrifice is beautiful.
    Like a shadow, let me pass unnoticed,
    And may the burden of the cross
    Be sweet upon my earthly road.

    Believe this: your treasure cannot perish.
    It is not here, but beyond.
    Within your shame lies hidden greatness,
    Within your tears, a sacred joy.

    Die as you lived—guarding tender dreams,
    Untouched by the storms below,
    And white-winged seraphim
    Will bear you into the blue heavens.

    Есть радость в том, чтоб люди ненавидели,
    Добро считали злом,
    И мимо шли, и слез твоих не видели,
    Назвав тебя врагом.

    Есть радость в том, чтоб вечно быть изгнанником
    И, как волна морей,
    Как туча в небе, одиноким странником,
    И не иметь друзей.

    Блаженны вы, бездомные, томимые
    Печалью неземной,
    Блаженны вы, презренные, гонимые
    Счастливою толпой.

    Прекрасна только жертва неизвестная:
    Как тень хочу пройти,
    И сладостна да будет ноша крестная
    Мне на земном пути.

    О, верь – твое сокровище нетленное
    Не здесь, а в небесах,
    В твоем стыде – величье сокровенное,
    Восторг в твоих слезах.

    Умри, как жил, – лелея грезы нежные,
    Не слыша дольних бурь,
    И серафимов крылья белоснежные
    Умчат тебя в лазурь.

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    423-740-2293

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    29 mins
  • Your Definition of Normal Is Probably Wrong
    Apr 26 2026

    In this powerful episode, Ryan shares his journey from overcoming deep self-doubt as a young man in Maine to becoming a confident leader. His story is profoundly shaped by the miraculous physical restoration of his sister Sarah, offering a compelling example of faith in action. This discussion highlights the importance of shifting one's perspective and embracing personal growth through God's eyes.
    00:00
    Introduction and Background
    20:23
    Overcoming Self-Esteem Issues
    36:59
    Sister's Health Journey and Its Impact
    45:49
    Resilience and Recovery: A Sister's Journey
    57:02
    Life Lessons from a Unique Perspective
    01:05:01
    The Importance of Parental Relationships
    01:15:15
    Finding Identity and Purpose Through Faith

    Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
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    PO Box 12
    Delano, TN 37325
    Contact Mic Check: Real Life
    423-740-2293

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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • What God Taught Me About Love After My Marriage Nearly Broke
    Apr 19 2026

    In this heartfelt solo episode, Michael Hoskins shares his personal journey through marriage struggles, spiritual battles, and faith-based growth. He emphasizes the importance of love, forgiveness, and trusting God to transform lives, offering hope and practical insights for overcoming adversity.

    Key Topics
    Marriage struggles and healing
    Spiritual warfare and demonic oppression
    The importance of forgiveness and love in relationships

    Takeaways
    God uses all experiences for growth and purpose
    Forgiveness frees you from bitterness and anger
    Living unoffendable and loving your neighbor transforms relationships
    Daily choices to seek God lead to personal and relational renewal
    Understanding spiritual battles helps in overcoming mental health crises

    Chapters
    00:00
    Introduction and Technical Difficulties
    05:15
    Sharing Personal Testimonies
    09:50
    Reflections on Marriage and Growth
    12:52
    Spiritual Warfare and Family Dynamics
    19:09
    Choices and Consequences in Life
    25:59
    The Impact of Substance Use on Relationships
    27:54
    Observations on Society and Community Issues
    29:33
    Community Disrespect and Its Implications
    34:42
    The Importance of Respect and Understanding
    39:50
    Forgiveness and Letting Go of Anger
    44:03
    The Power of Relationships and Personal Growth
    51:23
    Anticipating Future Blessings and Growth


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    PO Box 12
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    423-740-2293

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    52 mins
  • Life Isn't Crap, It's Compost!
    Apr 12 2026

    "Every hard thing that has happened... we can take that and compost it." In this episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Michael Hoskins sits down with Kristina Moutrey to share a powerful testimony of transformation. Kristina opens up about her journey through three defining words: Abandonment, Addiction, and Identity.Kristina’s story begins in a volatile environment as the child of teen parents. She faced the early trauma of her father’s terminal illness and her mother’s mental health struggles, leading to a "first wave" of abandonment and time spent in foster care. These hardships eventually spiraled into a self-destructive season of meth addiction and homelessness in Phoenix, Arizona.In this video, you will hear:The Power of Boundaries: How a "bold man"—who later became her husband—helped her choose friendship and sobriety over drugs.The Compost Analogy: Why Kristina views the "crap" of her past as the necessary nutrients to bear fruit in her current 15-acre homesteading life.Becoming a "Bridge Builder": How God led her to learn American Sign Language (ASL), leading to a fulfilling career as an interpreter at Lee University and a mentor in the Deaf community.Restoration: The miraculous healing of her relationship with her mother and her redefined perspective of God as a Father who never abandons His children.Kristina’s testimony is a reminder that no matter how deep the wound, God is a physician who can bind those scars and use them as evidence of His healing power.
    🕒 Timestamps
    00:00 - Introduction to Kristina Moutrey
    02:29 - The Homesteading Metaphor: Life as "Compost"
    04:45 - Childhood Trauma: Illness, Abandonment, and Foster Care
    09:32 - The Dark Path: Meth Addiction in Phoenix
    12:00 - Choosing Sobriety: The Power of a True Friend
    18:47 - Discovering Identity: The Conquering Bridge Builder
    31:05 - ASL Ministry: Learning a Language for the Heart
    53:33 - A Special Message in Sign Language (ASL)

    🔗 Connect With Us
    Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
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    PO Box 12
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    Contact Mic Check: Real Life
    423-740-2293

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    Need a Bible? If you don’t have one, reach out to the hotline number in our bio or leave a voicemail. We will send you one immediately.
    Share Your Story: If you have a testimony to share, reach out via Instagram or our hotline.
    Subscribe for more real-life stories of faith and victory.
    #testimonyofgrace #Restoration #ASLMinistry #FaithJourney #OvercomingAddiction #MicCheckRealLife #BridgeBuilder

    Do you have a personal experience with any of the themes Kristina mentioned, like finding a "bridge" in your own life?

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    58 mins
  • The One End Times Deception No One Mentions
    Apr 5 2026
    The One End Times Deception No One Mentions

    What is the "great deception" spoken of in scripture, and are we already living through its opening stages? In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Mike Hoskins pulls back the curtain on a profound prophetic dream regarding spiritual warfare and the subtle ways the enemy is infiltrating the modern world.

    From the rising narrative of UAPs and extraterrestrials to the watering down of spiritual authority, Mike explores why many believers feel stuck and how to reclaim the power intended for the Church. We dive deep into the biblical significance of the name of Yeshua (Jesus), the necessity of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and why genuine faith is your only shield against the coming delusions.

    If you’ve been sensing a shift in the spiritual atmosphere, this video is a clarion call to stay vigilant, seek deliverance, and return to the raw power found in the Book of Acts.

    🗝️ Key Topics Covered
    • The Prophetic Dream: A detailed look at Mike's vision of spiritual warfare and the nature of modern deception.
    • The Authority of the Name: Why the specific name of Yeshua carries weight that "watered-down" titles do not.
    • The UAP Deception: How the "extraterrestrial" narrative fits into end-times prophecy.
    • Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Understanding the role of speaking in tongues and spiritual gifts in overcoming strongholds.
    • Spiritual Breakthrough: Personal testimony on healing and the importance of prayer and fasting.
    Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)

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    Mail a check or money order:

    PO Box 12

    Delano, TN 37325

    Contact Mic Check: Real Life

    423-740-2293

    https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife

    https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

    ⏳ Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction and Studio Upgrades

    05:39 - The Power of Names in Spiritual Warfare

    14:04 - Understanding the Significance of Yeshua

    25:10 - The Deception of the Modern World

    30:13 - Insights from the Prophecy Conference

    37:27 - The Nature of Extraterrestrial Deception

    47:15 - The Importance of Baptism in the Holy Spirit

    56:10 - The Role of Testimony in Faith

    01:01:31 - Seeking the Holy Spirit's Guidance

    01:10:54 - Navigating Spiritual Deception

    📖 Resources & Scriptural References
    • Bible Study: Acts 19 (The power of the Name vs. the sons of Sceva)
    • The Gospel: John 3:16
    🏷️ SEO & Keywords

    Keywords: spiritual warfare, Holy Spirit, Jesus name, Yeshua, end times, prophetic dream, faith, deception, deliverance, prayer, revival, UAP, extraterrestrial deception, baptism in the Holy Spirit, Mike Hoskins, prophecy.

    If this message resonated with you, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell to stay updated on future episodes. Share your thoughts or prayer requests in the comments below!

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • He Almost Lost His Marriage Until He Learned Empathy
    Mar 29 2026

    In this powerful episode, host Michael Hoskins sits down with John Zellner to discuss the hidden traps that sabotage even the strongest relationships. John opens up about his upbringing in a conservative "Bible Belt" town and the "darkest point" of his life during college where he drifted from his faith.The heart of this conversation dives deep into The 4 Marriage Killers—inspired by the research of Dr. John Gottman—and how these behaviors nearly destroyed John’s own marriage. John identifies how he struggled with:Criticism: Having a critical spirit and comparing himself to others.Contempt: Letting frustrations stew into a "teapot" of resentment.Defensiveness: The prideful need to justify mistakes instead of practicing humility.Stonewalling: Walking away or staying silent during conflict.John also shares how discovering his neurodivergence and understanding attachment styles helped him and his wife, Brittany, move from chaos to a place of Shalom. Whether you are a husband looking to lead your home better or a couple struggling with conflict resolution, this testimony offers hope and practical resources like "Jimmy on Relationships" and "When God Writes Your Love Story"
    Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
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    Mail a check or money order:
    PO Box 12
    Delano, TN 37325
    Contact Mic Check: Real Life
    423-740-2293

    https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife
    https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife
    Chapters
    00:00
    Introduction and Setting the Stage
    02:25
    John's Early Life and Faith Journey
    06:47
    College Life: Struggles and Discoveries
    10:14
    Navigating Relationships and Guilt
    15:30
    The Impact of Family and Loss
    22:55
    Learning Empathy and Compassion
    30:09
    Marriage: Expectations vs. Reality
    37:28
    Conflict Resolution and Understanding Neurodivergence
    38:28
    Understanding Neurodivergence and Communication Challenges
    41:47
    Conflict Resolution in Marriage
    45:46
    The Four Horsemen of Marriage
    48:12
    The Importance of Setting Expectations in Relationships
    51:53
    The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Leadership
    54:46
    Navigating Family Dynamics and Spiritual Practices
    58:07
    The Impact of Shabbat on Family Relationships
    01:02:52
    Resources for Strengthening Relationships
    01:08:49
    Encouragement for Those Struggling in Relationships

    Resources
    Jimmy on Relationships
    https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyonRelationships
    John Gottman / The Gottman Institute
    https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/
    Eric and Leslie Ludy
    https://www.amazon.com/When-Writes-Your-Story-Expanded/dp/1601421656
    Les and Leslie Parrot
    https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Your-Marriage-Before-Starts/dp/0310259827

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    1 hr and 8 mins