Mike Force Podcast — PTC: Mastering the Man Within

Host: Mike Glover
Date: March 15, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Mike Force Podcast's "Preaching the Choir" Sunday edition, Mike Glover explores the profound distinction between "control" and "self-control"—especially as these concepts appear in the context of personal growth, faith, leadership, and family. Drawing from personal military experiences, biblical scripture, and his own spiritual journey, Mike offers practical insights into conquering the self rather than attempting to command circumstances or other people.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Transition and Accountability (00:01–02:00)

• Mike introduces his plan to migrate "Preaching the Choir" to a standalone channel, framing the podcast as both a discipline tool and a communal Bible study.
• The intention is personal accountability—a recurring theme for the episode.

2. Control vs. Self-Control (02:00–05:30)

• Mike addresses a pervasive longing for peace, stability, loyalty, and discipline, acknowledging that, at its core, this is often a hidden desire for control.
  • “If we're being honest about ourselves and all those things that we want, it's actually control that we want. Control.” (02:15)
• Personal anecdote about early Army days: Mike describes his preference for situations he could directly influence, admitting it stemmed from self-trust and fear.

3. Discipline vs. Domineering (05:30–08:00)

• The distinction is emphasized:
  • “A disciplined man governs himself. A controlling man often tries to govern everyone around him. One is strength and the other happens to be insecurity.” (06:10)
• He cautions against projecting expectations and insecurities onto others, advising instead to turn inward for growth:
  • “We criticize in others what we haven't conquered in ourselves. We demand peace while carrying chaos. We demand patience while living reactively. ... Before you start correcting the world around you, check yourself.” (06:35–07:25)

4. Biblical and Spiritual Foundation (07:30–09:30)

• Mike references Galatians 5:22–23, pointing out the Christian emphasis on self-control as a fruit of the Spirit—not control over others.
• He shares personal revelations from spiritual journeys (including ibogaine/psilocybin therapy post-injury), recognizing control-seeking as ego-driven even after transformative experiences.
  • “Despite the spiritual journey that I went through... I still wanted control. ... When I open my mouth, often it was the case that I was manipulating outcomes.” (08:45)

5. Practical Self-Control and Trust in God (09:30–12:00)

• Self-control defined by restraint in words, emotion, and response—contrasted with domineering behaviors:
  • “A powerful man is not the man who controls the room. A powerful man is the man who can control his own spirit in the room.” (10:35)
• Scriptural reference to Proverbs 3:5–6 as guidance:
  • “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (11:00)

6. Letting Go of False Control (12:00–14:30)

• Links exhaustion and frustration to misplaced attempts at controlling the uncontrollable:
  • “Maybe the reason you're exhausted... is because you're trying to control what was never yours to control in the first place. You ever think of that?” (12:20)
• Recommends practices like breathing exercises, meditation, and reducing social media to cultivate presence and self-mastery:
  • “You need healthy outlets. You need to be more present with your family. ... you don’t need to master everybody around you. You need to let God master what's inside of you.” (13:20–13:45)

7. Weekly Challenge & Final Reflection (14:30–15:45)

• Directs listeners to reflect before reacting: “Before you react, ask yourself a question. Am I trying to control this? Or am I being called to control myself?” (14:50)
• Closing encouragement to “let God teach you to command the man within you.” (15:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I know a disciplined man governs himself. A controlling man often tries to govern everyone around him. One is strength and the other happens to be insecurity.” (06:10)
• “God never called you to control everyone around you. He never wanted you to rule anybody around you. He wanted you to rule yourself, not your circumstances, not other people, not every outcome, but you.” (07:20)
• “A powerful man is not the man who controls the room. A powerful man is the man who can control his own spirit in the room.” (10:35)
• “Maybe the reason you're angry at everyone around you is because you're trying to control what was never yours to control in the first place.” (12:25)
• “You don’t need to master everybody around you. You need to let God master what's inside of you.” (13:30)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01–02:00 — Podcast update & motivation for the spiritual discipline
• 02:00–05:30 — Control vs. self-control; military experience
• 06:10 — Key quote: disciplined vs. controlling men
• 07:25 — Self-reflection before correction
• 08:45 — Spiritual revelations on control
• 10:35 — Key quote: true power is self-mastery
• 11:00 — Proverbs 3:5–6 cited
• 12:20 — Link between exhaustion and futile control
• 14:50 — Weekly challenge: check motive before reacting
• 15:15 — Final reflection: let God command the man within

Summary

This episode delivers a powerful, faith-based meditation on the real meaning of leadership and maturity: governing oneself instead of exerting will over others. Through honest anecdotes, biblical grounding, and actionable advice, Mike Glover challenges listeners to trade the illusion of control for the discipline of self-mastery—inviting God to do the inner work required for lasting change.

“Remember, stop trying to control the world around you and instead, let God teach you to command the man within you.” (15:25)

Next Week: Mike will welcome Randy from “Present Fathers,” and future episodes will further explore personal and spiritual growth on the new “Preaching the Choir” channel.