Happy 250th Independence Day! In this special post-holiday episode of Mike Check Real Life, host Mike steps away from the political noise to talk about a deeper, unchanging reality: the ultimate freedom found only in our Messiah, Jesus (Yeshua Hamashiach).

Drawing powerful connections between the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 and the overwhelming witnesses of truth outlined in John 5, Mike breaks down the undeniable testimonies of God’s power. Despite historical records and personal miracles, so many still refuse the gift of salvation—a rebellion Mike knows all too well from his own past.

Through the lens of personal trials, including his wife Melissa's incredible recovery and faith after shattering her patella, Mike challenges us to shift our perspective on suffering and draw closer to the Father. If you are at the end of your rope, tired of running, and ready to experience a life-changing, redemptive love, join Mike for a special prayer of salvation at the end of this episode.

We aren't here for the algorithms, the views, or the money—we are here for your eternity.

📖 Key Scriptures Covered:
Luke 16:27–31 – The Law, the prophets, and the reality of the resurrection.

John 5:31–47 – The multiple witnesses that testify to the truth of Jesus.

🕒 Time Stamps
00:00 – Welcome & Happy 250th Birthday, America!

01:10 – Defining true freedom and the sacrifice it requires.

03:15 – Moving past politics to a faith-based message of hope.

04:30 – Scriptural Deep Dive: Luke 16 (The Parable of warning and salvation).

06:55 – Connecting Luke to John 5: The three witnesses of the Messiah.

12:40 – Why do we still doubt? Overcoming the blindness to modern miracles.

15:40 – Personal Testimony: Update on Melissa’s surgery and finding strength in trials.

18:00 – Mike's reflection on his own past rebellion and God's overwhelming grace.

21:35 – A direct challenge to the skeptics: "Challenge Him to make Himself known."

23:05 – Finding joy and leaning in during times of suffering (Lessons from Job).

25:00 – A commitment to preaching the Gospel from the rooftops.

26:00 – A Powerful Prayer of Repentance and Salvation.

28:00 – Final thoughts: Reaching the "one" and building the Kingdom.

💬 Did you pray that prayer with us today? Please drop a comment down below and let us know where you are at. No sign-up lists, no spam, and no judgment. If you need a Bible, reach out—we have people standing by who want to get one into your hands.

If this message touched your heart, please consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it today. Go out there, smile at someone, and remember: you might be the only Jesus somebody meets today. God bless!

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When life hits hard all at once, do you step back, or do you step up?

After an unexpected two-week absence, Mike is back behind the mic to share a raw, honest look into a season of intense testing. From his wife Melissa’s sudden surgery and a severe loss of business revenue, to the looming renewal of the studio lease without the financial backing he hoped for—everything in the natural world said it was time to pack it up.

In this episode, Mike opens up about the human temptation to panic and throw out "fleeces" to God, and explains why he and Melissa have decided to reject fear and double down on faith instead. From continuing their community widow's home to committing to a new studio lease, they are choosing to advance rather than retreat.

This week isn't a request for financial support—it’s an invitation to prayer. Tune in for a powerful reminder of why we shouldn't hide our light under a bushel, how pain can act as a refiner's fire, and what it truly looks like to find joy in the middle of suffering.

Key Scripture & Themes Mentioned: The faith of Job, the refiner's fire, spiritual warfare, and learning to trust the Creator when the natural provision isn't visible.
Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Challenges
02:59 Faith in Times of Adversity
06:09 Commitment to Service and Community
09:03 Lessons from Personal Experience
11:52 The Widow's Home Project
15:09 Trusting God Through Uncertainty
17:57 Encouragement and Prayer Requests
20:50 Refining Through Trials
23:50 Conclusion and Future Plans

Can God truly heal you from lifelong, crippling anxiety and depression? In this powerful episode of Mike Check Real Life, host Mike sits down with Tara Hellixon to share her incredible testimony of deliverance, faith, and mental health restoration. From being diagnosed with major generalized anxiety disorder at age 14 and experiencing hospitalization , to living in constant fear and having panic attacks on the interstate , Tara felt trapped. But God had a plan for her freedom. Tara shares how the Holy Spirit walked her through a years-long journey of layers of healing , learning to completely trust God , laying down control , and ultimately finding true, lasting Shalom (peace) on a miraculous road trip over the Sabbath. If you or a loved one are battling panic attacks, PTSD, fear, or hopeless thoughts , this testimony will give you the spiritual weapons and hope you need to know that freedom is possible. Key Moments & Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Mike Check Real Life
02:08 – Tara’s Background: Childhood Disruption & Early Diagnosis
04:31 – Living in Fear: The Physical Toll of Panic Attacks & Anxiety
06:59 – How God Works in Layers: Coming Off Medication
10:11 – "Stop Protecting Yourself From Me" – A Wake-Up Call in 2021
15:20 – Learning to Trust God's Providence and People
19:24 – Facing the Interstate: Overcoming Driving Anxiety & Panic Attacks 25:43 – The Spiritual Weapons of Warfare: Power in the Blood of Jesus 32:07 – The Miraculous Sabbath Road Trip & A Divine Fast
47:51 – Renewing the Mind: Learning That You Are Safe and Loved
52:44 – A Message of Hope to Anyone Struggling with Anxiety Today
54:06 – Host Mike Shares His Personal Battle with PTSD & Anxiety Recovery

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📖 Get a Free Bible!If you do not own or have access to a Bible, we want to change that. We have people ready to send you one completely free of charge. Please reach out to us using the contact information below!
Contact Mic Check: Real Life
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In this transparent and heartfelt episode of Mic Check Real Life, Mike steps "straight out of the box" to share a critical turning point for the podcast. With their current studio lease coming to an end and his friend being called to new ventures, the future of the show relies on a major step of faith. Mike opens up about the financial realities of maintaining the studio space solo—moving from a split rent to a full $700 a month commitment, alongside a new deposit—and why he is laying out a "fleece" for the ministry's future by August 1, 2026. Refusing to take away from other vital community ministries that he and his wife Melissa fund, Mike is opening the door for faith-driven, God-fearing business sponsors and individual monthly partners ($35/month or $3.50/month) to enter into a covenant to keep the studio alive. What you’ll hear in this episode:

The Studio Dilemma: The logistics behind the new lease and why Mike is stepping out of his comfort zone to ask for partnership.

Global Analytics Revealed: A deep dive into the podcast’s surprisingly wide reach—from 72% in the United States to listeners in Japan, France, China, Germany, and Vietnam.

Stories of Impact: Powerful, humbling testimonies of lives changed, including a young man who rededicated his life and found freedom from addiction after hearing a past episode.

A Lesson in Stewardship: Following the cloud and fire in the desert—learning when to move forward and when to stand still in God’s will.

Whether this marks a new chapter of growth or a peaceful farewell at the end of July, this episode is a testament to trusting God’s provision one life at a time.
00:00
Introduction and Context of the Podcast Studio
01:11
The End of the Lease and Faithful Stewardship
02:20
Communication with the Landlord and Business Principles
03:32
Asking for Support and Community Giving
04:44
Investments in Equipment and Faithful Stewardship
05:58
God's Provision and Moving in His Will
06:48
Analytics Overview: Reach and Impact
07:38
Global Audience and Impact Stories
08:21
Testimonies of Lives Changed by the Podcast
09:27
The Fleece: A Call for Support and Covenant
10:56
The Importance of Prayer and Support for Continuity
12:04
Trusting God's Provision and Future Steps
13:38
Encouragement and Final Words of Faith

Connect With Us & Support the Ministry:
If God is leading you to partner with Mic Check Real Life to help reach the next "one," please reach out via our contact info below. If we do not reach our commitment goal by August 1st, all seed money sent for the lease will be returned.
Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
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Contact Mic Check: Real Life
423-740-2293

https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife

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In this heartfelt interview, Connor Hamilton shares full disclosure of his life story, faith journey, and the importance of starting each day with Gods plan. Discover lessons on hard work, grace, resilience, and how Philippians 2 transformed his perspective.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer
02:49 Connor's Background and Upbringing
07:31 Lessons from Hard Work and Family Values
12:46 Reflections on Childhood and Family Dynamics
17:33 The Impact of Sports and Personal Growth
22:49 Spiritual Awakening and College Experiences
30:38 Navigating Life's Challenges and God's Grace
35:59 Reflections on Life Choices and Divine Protection
37:00 Transforming Burdens into Blessings
40:53 The Importance of Starting Your Day with God
44:59 The Power of Perspective and Intentions
50:45 Lessons from Job: Trust and Resilience
57:02 Embracing Grace and Purpose in Life

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

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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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Mail a check or money order:
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Contact Mic Check: Real Life
423-740-2293

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

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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Contact Mic Check: Real Life
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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.

Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
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Contact Mic Check: Real Life
423-740-2293

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