Mic Check: Real Life

Michael Hoskins
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A Message of Hope for the Hurting Some Mic's are polished. This Mic's honest. Mic Check: Real Life is a space for honest conversations about life, faith, and hope. This channel speaks to those who feel lost, broken, or worn down by life, offering real talk about failure, healing, redemption, and second chances. If you’re searching for purpose, struggling through a hard season, or wondering if there is still hope for you, you’re not alone. This is real life, spoken plainly, with honesty, grace, and hope. https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife #HopeAfterFailure, #LifeFeelsBroken, #FindingHope, #FaithWhenLifeHurts, #SecondChances, #YouAreNotAlone

  1. 23h ago

    You're Serving These 4 Hidden Idols and Don't Even Know It!

    Are you serving 4 hidden idols and don't even know it? In this honest episode of Mic Check: Real Life, host Michael Hoskins gets personal about complacency, comfort, and repentance during the Ten Days of Awe between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur. He walks through the 4 idols of the heart — comfort & pleasure, control, approval, and power — and why obedience to God is the only answer. Michael shares how God confronted him about seeking human approval over God's, chasing achievement for significance, and holding too tight to control. Including the powerful moment he was praying about feeling unworthy of his calling — and his brother Diego texted him Isaiah 50:7-9 word-for-word. If you're feeling worn down, stuck, or distant from God, this is your call to choose this day whom you will serve. Scriptures in this episode: Isaiah 50:7-9 | Joshua 24:1-15 | Matthew 6:24 | Luke 9:23-24 | James 4:7-8 | 1 John 5:20-21In this episode: Why comfort can become an idol at the expense of others How control steals your peace Confession of being a people-pleaser and approval-seeker How achievement and influence become false significance The feeding program miracle: from almost nothing to 1,100 lunches a week during the pandemic Which of the 4 idols hit you hardest? Comment below — let's talk about it. Need a Bible? Michael will send you one. Drop a comment or message us. Subscribe for weekly real talk about faith, healing, and purpose after rock-bottom. Mic Check: Real Life — a safe space to land. #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverFear #Repentance ⏱️ Timeline / Chapters 00:00 Introduction & podcast reflections 05:00 The Living Word and why you need to read it yourself 09:00 The Season of Repentance - Ten Days of Awe 12:00 What the fear of the Lord really means 16:00 Michael's struggle with complacency and comfort 19:00 The Isaiah 50:7-9 revelation and Diego's text 23:00 Intro to the 4 idols of the heart 24:00 Idol 1: Comfort and Pleasure 29:00 Idol 2: Control 33:00 Idol 3: Approval 37:00 Idol 4: Power, achievement and influence 43:00 No one can serve two masters - Matthew 6:24 46:00 Deny yourself daily - Luke 9:23-24 50:00 Submit, resist, humble yourself - James 4:7-8 53:00 Keep yourselves from idols - 1 John 5:20-21 55:00 Obedience is the only answer 56:00 The power of godly counsel and mentors 1:00:00 The feeding program miracle testimony 1:03:00 Closing prayer and free Bible offer Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

  2. Sep 13

    Can You Actually Earn Salvation? True Worship

    Can you actually earn your salvation by attending church, singing songs, or serving the community? In this episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Mike tackles a common misconception head-on: the difference between trying to work for your salvation versus living a life of true worship because you are already saved. True biblical worship isn't confined to a one-hour service on Sunday or the music sung from a stage. Worship is obedience, sacrifice, caring for the hurting, and offering your entire life in surrender to God. Whether your calling is leading songs, studying the Word, praying in secret, or serving those in need, scripture shows that God isn't looking for empty religious rituals—He is looking for our hearts. --- Scriptures Referenced in This Study: John 4:21–24 Matthew 15:1–9 John 14:12–15 1 Samuel 15:22 Romans 12:1–2 Amos 5:21–24 Isaiah 58 James 1:26–27 Psalm 95:6 Revelation 4:11 --- Connect & Support: Partner Ministry: Check out Destin2Shine supporting youth aging out of foster care: https://www.facebook.com/Destin2ShineOrmondBeach *Special thanks to this week's episode sponsors: Marella Lewis, and Tate & Marissa Davis! Need a Bible or prayer? Drop a comment below or send us a message—we will gladly ship a Bible directly to your door at no cost. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs encouragement today! --- Timeline (Video Chapters) * 00:00 - Welcome Back & Update * 01:00 - Sponsor Shoutouts * 01:46 - The Fall Feasts & Today's Word Study * 02:50 - Serving the Community (Dixie's Place & Destin2Shine) * 04:00 - Can You Earn Salvation? The Gospel Foundation * 05:14 - Diverse Callings: Preachers, Teachers, and Servants * 05:54 - Is Worship Bigger Than Just Music and Services? * 09:12 - Why Service Is Worship, Not a Ticket to Heaven * 10:35 - John 4: Worshiping in Spirit and Truth * 11:48 - Matthew 15: Empty Rituals vs. The Heart * 14:02 - 1 Samuel 15: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice * 16:21 - Romans 12: Offering Your Entire Life as a Sacrifice * 19:25 - The Courtroom Analogy: Christ Paid Our Penalty * 20:46 - Amos 5 & Isaiah 58: True Worship Produces Justice and Mercy * 23:55 - James 1:27: Pure Religion, Widows, and Foster Youth * 26:50 - Psalm 95: Praise, Singing, and Reverence * 28:22 - Revelation 4: Centering Everything on Who God Is * 30:00 - "None of Us Deserve It": The Gift of Grace * 32:15 - Spirit and Truth: Avoiding Empty Emotion and Rigid Observance * 34:10 - Investing Your Talents as an Act of Surrender * 36:08 - Need a Bible? Let Us Send You One * 37:25 - Closing Thoughts Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

  3. Aug 22

    Are You Alone in the Struggle? Why You Need Help Now

    Welcome back to another episode of Mike Check Real Life! In this episode, Mike dives into what it truly means to operate in active faith rather than "throwing down a fleece," sharing an incredible real-life story of how community, local business networks (BNI and What's Happening Cleveland), and everyday faith came together in seconds to meet the desperate need of a community member. If you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or wondering how you can make a difference, this message is a reminder to look up, trust God's provision, and step into the purpose He has for you. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Mike Check Real Life 00:43 – Update: Resolving the Scam & Getting the Refund 01:43 – Sponsor Shout-Out: Todd Corter & Tara Hillixon 02:40 – Operating in Bold Faith vs. Throwing Down a Fleece 04:30 – Upcoming Schedule, Staff Retreat & Guest Testimonies 05:45 – Hearing a Need in the Local Community 06:53 – Bridging the Gap: The Power of Business Networking & Church 09:18 – BNI & "What's Happening Cleveland" 10:45 – Asking for Help: A Need Met in Seconds 12:30 – Restoring Joy & Finding Ways to Serve 14:30 – To Those Who Need Hope: Look Up & Use Your Gifts 17:24 – The Ultimate Hope in Jesus & Closing Thoughts Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

  4. Aug 9

    Beware: The New eBay Scam Everyone's Talking About

    In this episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Mike Hoskins shares a recent experience falling victim to an elaborate new fraud scheme involving eBay, PayPal, and UPS tracking numbers. He breaks down how this new scam works, how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and the spiritual and personal lessons he learned regarding handling frustration, repentance, and empathetic growth. Additionally, Mike reviews this week's global listener analytics, featuring new listeners from Qatar, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and highlights a respectful cross-cultural dialogue. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 01:10 – Purpose of Today's Warning on Fraud and Scams 02:37 – Buying Machinery on eBay: The Setup 04:45 – The Red Flag: Impossible Delivery Times and Fake Signatures 06:58 – How the Loophole Works: Fighting PayPal, eBay, and UPS 11:32 – Warning the Audience: Protecting Loved Ones from Online Fraud 14:02 – Personal Reflection: Struggling with Anger, AI Barriers, and Self-Control 18:08 – Kingdom Purpose: Finding Perspective, Repentance, and Empathy 24:35 – Global Community Update: New Listeners in Qatar, Pakistan, and Bangladesh 25:40 – The Power of AI Translation: Respectful Conversations Across Beliefs 29:40 – Closing Gratitude and Final Message Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

  5. Aug 2

    When You're Out of Time, God's Just Getting Started

    In this episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Mike Hoskins reflects on what it truly means to step out in faith—even when faced with financial strain, physical injury, or the unknown. Mike shares how trusting God led to unexpected breakthroughs, including securing the podcast studio lease at the 11th hour, seeing supernatural financial turnarounds, finding a new team member, and starting a new service-based business. Plus, he shares an exciting update on how the podcast is expanding across the globe to reach listeners in countries like Iraq, Turkey, Malaysia, and beyond. If you are facing a trial or trying to decide whether to take a step of faith, be encouraged to keep your eyes on Him and step out! **Key Scriptures Mentioned/Referenced:** * Proverbs 3:5–6 * Matthew 14:28–31 (Walking on Water) Chapter Markers * 00:00 – Welcome to Mike Check Real Life / Podcast Intro * 00:46 – Facing the Risk of Losing the Studio Lease * 01:50 – The Sole Purpose of the Show: Sharing the Gospel * 03:20 – Throwing Out a "Fleece" & Overcoming Conviction * 05:40 – Deciding to Step Out in Faith and Sign the New Lease * 07:08 – God Delivers at the 11th Hour! * 08:12 – Gratitude & Shoutouts to Podcast Supporters * 09:30 – Reaching the World: 7% of Listeners in Iraq! * 11:20 – Encouragement for International Believers Facing Risk * 13:50 – Testimony: Overcoming Injury & Financial Loss in Small Business * 17:15 – Finding the Right Employee & Turning a Loss into a Blessing * 20:45 – Launching a New Business to Serve & Pray for Others * 25:20 – Sowing into the Community & Providing for Families * 27:40 – Challenge: Don't Look at the Storm, Keep Walking in Faith * 30:00 – Closing Prayer * 31:10 – International Audience Breakdown & Final Blessings Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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

  6. Jul 27

    Taking Scripture Out of Context | Should You "Test" God?

    In this episode of Mic Check, host Mike Hoskins tackles a common point of contention among believers and seekers: Should non-believers challenge or test God to make Himself known? After a comment quoted Matthew 4:7 ("Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God") to attack an encouragement given to spiritual seekers, Mike breaks down the critical difference between taking scripture out of context versus understanding true biblical exegesis. By walking through Matthew 4, Deuteronomy 6, and Exodus 17, he explains the historical context of what took place at Massah and why crying out for hope as a non-believer is vastly different from mocking God after witnessing His miracles. Mike also addresses how infighting and legalism can become stumbling blocks for those searching for hope, shares an update on his wife Melissa’s recovery, and celebrates the podcast's international reach into countries around the globe. If you enjoy the content, please consider liking, commenting, and sharing to help reach more people! Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Mike Check 00:30 – Addressing the Comment: Is Encouraging Hope "Testing" God? 02:00 – Why Religious Infighting Chases People Away 03:00 – Don't Use Verses to Beat People Up 05:15 – Focusing on Hope vs. Keyboard Warriors 07:30 – Responding to "Potato Crusher 9000" & Matthew 4:7 09:15 – Reading Matthew 4 in Context: The Temptation of Jesus 11:20 – Connecting to Deuteronomy 6: What Happened at Massah? 13:30 – Unpacking Exodus 17: Mocking God vs. Crying Out in Need 16:30 – Why Non-Believers Can Ask God to Make Himself Real 19:00 – The Stumbling Blocks We Put in Front of Others 22:00 – Encouraging Believers to Show Love and Grace 24:30 – God Isn't a Stalker, But He's Waiting for You 26:25 – Rebutting Proof-Texting with Contextual Exegesis 27:40 – Family Update: Melissa’s Knee Recovery 28:30 – How You Can Support the Channel & Algorithm Tips 32:25 – Global Reach Analytics: Spreading the Message Worldwide 34:40 – Final Encouragement & Challenge Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

  7. Jul 19

    Real Friends Do This When You Need Them Most

    "Comfort wants you dead, and complacency will kill you." Welcome back to another episode of Mic Check Real Life. In this episode, I’m getting real about a few things the Father has been working on my heart lately—specifically, how we evaluate the quality of our faith, the traps of pride in ministry, and the vital importance of godly relationships. This past weekend, my wife and I had the chance to travel and spend time with some of our dearest friends, Mary and Diego. They are the exact people God beautifully used to bring us back to Him after we walked away from the church with a lot of hurt. Seeing them—and getting unexpectedly folded right into their beautiful, massive family reunion (featured in today's thumbnail!)—reminded me what authentic, unconditional, Jesus-level love actually feels like. It forced me to look back at our journey. In 2015, we were coming out of homelessness, living in a cramped, 7-foot-wide 1980s trailer. By 2019, through God's mercy, we were out of debt, owned a home, and were led into a powerful ministry serving struggling veterans. But blessings require good stewardship, not ego. I also share a tough, humbling lesson from my past—a time back in 2014 when my own stubbornness and pride post-surgery completely ruined an outreach opportunity and potentially chased a soul away from the Kingdom. We cannot let pride dictate our ministry. If you are holding onto comfort zones, material things, or empty relationships because you're afraid of what you'll lose... this message is for you. Today, I dropped our new building lease in the box completely on faith, without having the finances fully secured. I can’t tell you to step out into the uncomfortable if I’m not willing to do it myself! I dare you to do something scary and uncomfortable for the Kingdom today. Challenge Him, step out, and watch Him show up. 📖 Scripture & Stories Mentioned:Satan appearing as an angel of light / opportunity The Parable of the Talents (Don't bury what God gave you!) The Faith of Job & The Prodigal Son 📬 Connect With Us & Get Involved!Need a Bible? If you don't own one, reach out to us via the links below—we will get one into your hands free of charge. Share Your Testimony: We are actively looking for guests to sit in the studio or join us remotely. If you want to offer encouragement and hope without self-promotion, reach out 0:01 — Intro + welcome back to the episode 0:37 — Weekend visit with dear friends 1:14 — Story about homelessness and the RV 5:23 — How that season led into ministry and veterans work 6:34 — Church hurt and meeting Mary and Diego 8:17 — Realizing they were the kind of people he wanted to be around 12:56 — Reflecting on meaningful vs empty relationships 17:34 — Father’s advice about choosing friends 20:29 — Warning about getting pulled into the wrong “ministry” opportunities 23:58 — The story of the homeless man after neck surgery 27:25 — His wife praying with the man at the hotel 30:35 — Why public condemnation can do more harm than good 41:36 — Main takeaway: evaluate your relationships and calling 43:06 — Prayer for salvation 48:50 — Dropping off the lease in faith 49:52 — Closing challenge to step out in faith Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

  8. Jul 5

    America Just Hit 250 Years—Here's What They're Not Saying

    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! Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible) 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.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife

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About

A Message of Hope for the Hurting Some Mic's are polished. This Mic's honest. Mic Check: Real Life is a space for honest conversations about life, faith, and hope. This channel speaks to those who feel lost, broken, or worn down by life, offering real talk about failure, healing, redemption, and second chances. If you’re searching for purpose, struggling through a hard season, or wondering if there is still hope for you, you’re not alone. This is real life, spoken plainly, with honesty, grace, and hope. https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife #HopeAfterFailure, #LifeFeelsBroken, #FindingHope, #FaithWhenLifeHurts, #SecondChances, #YouAreNotAlone

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Hoskins
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Michael Hoskins
  • Show Website
    Mic Check: Real Life