Mic Check: Real Life

We Got Pressured to Shut Down | Here's Our Response

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! Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins [http://paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins] CashAPP $MichaelDHoskins venmo/@MichaelDHoskins 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.instagram.com/miccheckreallife] https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife [https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife] #Faith #Testimony #Overcoming #MikeCheckRealLife #HumanTraffickingSurvivor #Hope #PreBelievers #ChristianPodcast #ClevelandTN #RealLife

Love Your Mom, Cherish Her, Respect Her | Real Talk

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 Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins [http://paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins] CashAPP $MichaelDHoskins venmo/@MichaelDHoskins 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.instagram.com/miccheckreallife] https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife [https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife]

Burning the Ships: Why Leaving Everything Behind Was Necessary

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) paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins [http://paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins] CashAPP $MichaelDHoskins venmo/@MichaelDHoskins 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.instagram.com/miccheckreallife] https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife [https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife]

Your Definition of Normal Is Probably Wrong

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) paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins [http://paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins] CashAPP $MichaelDHoskins venmo/@MichaelDHoskins 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.instagram.com/miccheckreallife] https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife [https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife]

What God Taught Me About Love After My Marriage Nearly Broke

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 Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins [http://paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins] CashAPP $MichaelDHoskins venmo/@MichaelDHoskins 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.instagram.com/miccheckreallife] https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife [https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife]