In this episode of Mic Check: Real Life, host Michael Hoskins sits down with Paul McCagba for a raw and candid conversation about childhood trauma, family dysfunction, and the long search for identity and belonging. Paul shares his early life growing up in a volatile environment marked by violence, substance abuse, instability, and survival at a young age. He reflects on the impact of his parents’ relationship, his father’s criminal lifestyle, and the emotional wounds that shaped his worldview.
As the conversation unfolds, Paul opens up about his relationships with his siblings, the longing for connection, and the fear and resilience that defined his formative years. He speaks candidly about the people who entered his life at critical moments, offering guidance, stability, and hope when he needed it most. His story highlights the power of community, the importance of support, and the possibility of redemption even after a painful beginning.
Michael relates his own journey of self-discovery and healing, reflecting on growing up in dysfunction, the influence of music and culture during his teenage years, and the choices that shaped his adulthood. He speaks openly about becoming a father while struggling with addiction, navigating relationships, and confronting the patterns passed down from his past. Through faith, reflection, and forgiveness—particularly toward their fathers—they describe how healing began to take root.
Together, Paul and Michael explore themes of redemption, faith, resilience, and personal responsibility. This episode encourages listeners to confront their past, embrace vulnerability, and recognize the unseen love and support that surrounds them. It is a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, healing is possible, choices matter, and hope still remains.

Key Takeaways
"I've always sensed that I was different."
"I was thrust into a position of defense against this man that was put into my mom's life."
"I had a deep yearning for my mother and my siblings."
"I was blessed regardless of the beginning of my life."
"It's OK to divorce dysfunction."
"Music was the one constant for me."
"I wanted to be an honorable man."
"I struggled with mood swings and emotional control."
"I started to pray and ask God to reveal Himself."
"You can change the outlook you have on your past."
"There is an unseen love you won't find in the flesh."
"You can make choices. The promise still remains."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches
01:45 Paul’s Early Life and Family Dynamics
10:16 The Impact of Violence and Abuse
20:45 Yearning for Family and Connection
30:32 Navigating Dysfunction and Seeking Redemption
46:30 Creating an Exit Strategy
01:01:40 Finding Community and Support
01:16:15 The Influence of New Relationships
01:28:06 Facing Choices and Consequences
01:37:05 Divorcing Dysfunction
01:39:05 Music and Cultural Influence
01:41:20 Becoming a Father
01:44:33 Addiction and Relationship Struggles
01:52:19 Seeking Healing and Redemption
02:01:25 Faith and Transformation
02:30:15 Confronting the Past
02:49:11 Embracing Change

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In this episode, Steve Moutrey shares his powerful testimony of overcoming a tumultuous childhood filled with trauma, loss, and addiction. He reflects on the impact of his early experiences, including family instability and the loss of significant figures in his life. As he navigated through reckless behavior and legal troubles, Steve ultimately found hope and purpose through fatherhood and a renewed faith. His journey emphasizes the importance of resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of sharing one's story.

Steve's childhood was marked by trauma and instability.
Loss of significant family members deeply affected Steve's outlook on life.
Seeking belonging led Steve to dangerous friendships and lifestyles.
Suicidal thoughts emerged during his teenage years.
Recklessness characterized Steve's teenage life, leading to legal troubles.
Becoming a father was a turning point for Steve's life.
Steve's experiences in prison shaped his understanding of faith.
Painful experiences can lead to personal growth and empathy.
Steve emphasizes the importance of making good decisions in the present.
Hope and encouragement are vital for those facing struggles.

Sound bites

"I was raised by wolves."
"I was a latchkey kid."
"I thought I had life figured out."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup
01:43 Introduction to Steve's Journey
02:14 Growing Up in a Challenging Environment
02:36 Introduction to Steve's Journey
08:29 Influential Figures: Dave and Bill
13:25 The Impact of Loss and Despair
18:36 Teenage Recklessness and Substance Abuse
23:36 Turning Point: Fatherhood and Responsibility
30:44 Struggles with Relationships and Legal Issues
39:24 Healing from Past Trauma
48:48 Lessons from Adversity
54:08 Offering Hope to the Struggling

In this special edition of Mic Check Real Life, Michael Hoskins shares a heartfelt reflection on a recent service where a powerful message about the fear of the Lord and the importance of sharing testimonies resonated with him. He emphasizes the significance of offering hope to others through personal experiences and testimonies, believing that if he can overcome his struggles, others can too. Michael expresses his desire to clarify a point he made during the service regarding the importance of proselytization, referencing a thought-provoking quote from atheist magician Penn Jillette about the moral obligation to warn others about the consequences of disbelief. He passionately conveys his love for the audience and his commitment to reaching even just one person with his message of hope.

In this podcast episode, Michael shares his deeply personal journey of brokenness, trauma, and eventual healing. He reflects on his difficult childhood, the impact of family dynamics, and the struggles of living on the streets and battling addiction. Michael discusses his time in the military, miraculous healing from a life-threatening illness, and the importance of finding purpose and restoration in life. Through his testimony, he emphasizes the significance of forgiveness, serving others, and the transformative power of faith.

Welcome to Mic Check Real Life! Happy New Year 2026, let's hope for a great year ahead. This episode is a "celebration song" of sorts, as we look back at a successful year and share some exciting news. Join us for a "countdown" to new beginnings, filled with good "times" and positive vibes.

The conversation delves into the tragic childhood experiences, the impact of a toxic father figure, the cycle of substance abuse and unhealthy relationships, and the theme of hope and transformation. It explores the speaker's journey from a troubled childhood to a life of substance abuse, exploitative relationships, and eventual transformation. The narrative underscores the importance of healthy love and the profound impact of toxic or absent father figures on individuals. It also emphasizes the theme of hope and transformation, offering insights into the speaker's journey towards healing and recovery. The conversation delves into the journey of redemption, from substance abuse and prison to finding faith, purpose, and transformation. It highlights the power of hope and the impact of spiritual renewal in overcoming adversity and finding a new path in life.

Takeaways

• Tragic childhood experiences
• Impact of toxic father figure
• Cycle of substance abuse and unhealthy relationships
• Hope and transformation Redemption through faith
• Overcoming addiction and finding purpose
• The power of hope and transformation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Real Talk
• 10:03 Teenage Pregnancy and Abortion
• 15:07 Escape to Reno and Exploitative Relationships
• 22:20 Impact of Toxic Father Figure and Unhealthy Relationships
• 29:14 Seeking Healthy Love and Hope for Transformation
• 35:38 From Prison to Marriage and a Biker Lifestyle
• 48:14 From Tragedy to Triumph: A Story of Redemption
• 56:07 Embracing Hope and Encouragement