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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PO Box 12
Delano, TN 37325
Contact Mic Check: Real Life
423-740-2293

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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
#MarriageAdvice #RelationshipGoals #The4Horsemen #JohnGottman #ConflictResolution #SaveYourMarriage
#HopeAfterFailure, #LifeFeelsBroken, #FindingHope, #FaithWhenLifeHurts, #SecondChances,

What happens when you stop performing and start being real?

For Mike Hoskins, a podcast changed everything.

In this solo episode, Mike opens up about how Mic Check: Real Life has transformed his faith, deepened his relationships, and given him a purpose he never saw coming. From rock-bottom moments to genuine brotherhood, this is a raw and honest look at what happens when you trust God's timing and just show up.

"All glory to God for this journey."

In This Episode:

How sharing your testimony can change your life — and someone else's

Why real conversations build real community

Personal transformation through podcasting and faith

Trusting God's purpose even when growth feels slow

📖 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast's Purpose

03:01 The Impact of Sharing Testimonies

05:49 Deepening Relationships Through Conversations

11:56 Personal Growth and Transformation

19:01 The Podcast's Mission and Vision

24:48 Real-Life Impact and Community Building

29:52 Gratitude and Future Aspirations

📚 Resources Mentioned

🔗 Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): Bible Gateway — Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

🎙️ Mic Check Real Life on YouTube: youtube.com/miccheckreallife

🎧 Duke's Podcast: Check it out here-- https://youtu.be/Gl_dy7c6cAI?si=wUQGMAsMd6kIV51g

If you've ever felt lost, broken, or like your story doesn't matter — this episode is for you. Hit subscribe and join a community built on honesty, faith, and second chances.

#Faith #Testimony #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualJourney #Podcast #Transformation #Encouragement #Community #MicCheckRealLife

Mic Check Phone Line (Text or Voicemail) 423-740-2293

https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife

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

#HopeAfterFailure, #LifeFeelsBroken, #FindingHope, #FaithWhenLifeHurts, #SecondChances, #YouAreNotAlone

In this deeply moving episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Michael Hoskins reunites with his lifelong mentor and friend, Wellington "Duke" White, after a staggering 45-year separation.

Their reunion is more than just a reconnection—it is a powerful exploration of whether certain people are placed in our lives as divine messengers, guiding us from brokenness toward wholeness.

Duke White shares his personal testimony, beginning with a childhood marked by severe abuse that led him to a life-defining choice in the third grade: he would become a counselor to help other children find their voices.

Central to his healing and his life's work is a profound piece of wisdom passed down from a gentle gardener named Mr. West: "You don't know what you don't know". This philosophy became a cornerstone for Duke as he navigated high-stakes environments, from military diversity training to de-escalating violent situations in group homes.

Michael reflects on how Duke was the only "safe" adult in his world as he survived the dangerous streets of Tacoma in the 1980s. Decades later, both men realize how those "planted seeds" of hope led Michael to a career in mental health and the military. Is their story a series of coincidences, or is it proof that angels walk among us to mend what is broken?

Support Duke's Men's House Here: https://gofund.me/da29781f4

If you need to talk, contact Mic Check Here: 423-740-2293 (AI Assistant Monitored)

Video Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Mic Check Real Life: A 45-Year Reunion
01:59 – Duke White’s Testimony: Preparing to Share the Journey
02:36 – Childhood Roots: Choosing to Help Others Amidst Abuse
03:36 – The Gardener and the Roses: Lessons from Mr. West
04:46 – "You Don't Know What You Don't Know": A Life-Changing Philosophy 05:45 – Military Service: Diversity Training and Building Bonds
07:01 – Entering the Field: Lessons from Ryther Child Center
08:23 – The Chair Incident: A Miraculous Moment of Grace
11:32 – Witnessing Transformation: Where is David Today?
12:23 – The Counselor’s Motto: The Power of "Do No Harm"
13:12 – Social Work in Tacoma: Breaking Family Patterns
14:30 – Walking the Streets: Being a Safe Haven for Runaway Youth
15:13 – The Only Safe Person: Michael Reflects on Duke’s Presence
16:11 – Understanding the Cycle: Applying Wisdom to Family Trauma
17:50 – Moving Toward Forgiveness: Healing from Loss and Bitterness
19:22 – Planting Seeds: How Duke’s Influence Led Michael to a Career in Healing
21:24 – The Power of Choice: "I Cannot Change You."
22:33 – Graduation and Success: Empowering Clients Toward Independence 24:37 – Parallel Paths: Michael’s Journey from the Streets to the Military 25:14 – The Toyota Celica: A Symbol of Safety and Peace
26:45 – The Rose Garden Model: Deepening the Understanding of Healing
35:50 – Divine Timing: How Faith Guides the Broken to Wholeness
55:10 – 45 Years Later: Final Thoughts and the Power of Connection