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

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

📖 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
423-740-2293

https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife

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

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)
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