Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction

Michele Kus, M.A. & Dr. Martin Trench
  • 4.7 (14)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if the version of God you were handed… isn’t the whole story? Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a bold, grace-filled, sometimes wild and wacky exploration of what happens when real faith breaks free from fear, performance, and outdated religious assumptions. Hosts Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench aren’t afraid to question what we’ve been told, dig into what Scripture really says, and rediscover a faith that leads to emotional, relational, and spiritual maturity — the kind of transformation that brings freedom and wholeness, not burnout. If you’re hungry for truth, tired of churchy clichés, and ready for a vibrant faith that actually looks like Jesus… you’re in the right place. Each episode uncovers what’s authentic and what’s man-made, helping you know the truth — and experience the freedom Jesus promised. It might be far better than you ever thought possible!

  1. Ep17: Naming & Recognizing the Evangelical Industrial Complex

    FEB 6

    Ep17: Naming & Recognizing the Evangelical Industrial Complex

    What is the Evangelical Industrial Complex — and why does it feel like people are suddenly waking up to it across the entire Church? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench slow down to finally define a phrase they’ve referenced in prior episodes but never formally explained: the Evangelical Industrial Complex (EIC). This episode isn’t about debating doctrine or offering next steps. It’s about naming and defining the system that has shaped much of modern evangelicalism — often quietly, often invisibly — and understanding why so many people feel anger, grief, relief, or clarity once they begin to see it. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it. In this episode, Michele and Martin: define what the Evangelical Industrial Complex is and why it’s so toxic explore how Christianity can become an industry name common system-level patterns rather than individual failures clarify that not all churches operate this way (and why it often exists on a spectrum) reflect on why the EIC appears to be “melting down” in real time This is NOT an anti-Christian or anti-church episode. It is pro-awareness, pro-honesty, and pro-naming what has been operating in the background for decades so you can better spot it when you encounter it. If you’ve deconstructed your faith but still feel like something hasn’t fully clicked yet, this episode helps you see The EIC Machine. Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction is an audio and video podcast with Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench, helping listeners unlearn toxic religious dogma and rediscover a freer, healthier, life-giving way of understanding God, Scripture, faith, and themselves. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel and FOLLOW Unhinged on your favorite podcast player. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! Watch this episode on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Here is Michele’s Facebook post about the EIC. Check out Martin’s Skool community called The Gathering. Check out Michele’s Skool community called New Creation Academy. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 02:07 What Is the Evangelical Industrial Complex? 07:09 How the EIC Discourages Independent Thinking 07:55 How the Evangelical Industrial Complex Actually Works 09:07 What Happens When Someone Wakes Up from the EIC Machine 11:34 Signs a Church May Be Operating Inside the Evangelical Industrial Complex 14:08 Signs of a Healthy Church (What to Look For) 16:47 Why Naming the Evangelical Industrial Complex Matters

    19 min
  2. Ep16: Churches Got Divorce Wrong — Here's What Scripture Really Says

    JAN 30

    Ep16: Churches Got Divorce Wrong — Here's What Scripture Really Says

    What does the Bible actually say about divorce — and how did so many churches get it wrong? Here in Part Two, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench slow down and examine the biblical texts, Hebrew language, and cultural context around divorce. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of divorce, marital harm, misogyny, sexual coercion, and harmful church teachings. Listener discretion is advised. If this brings up difficult emotions, please seek appropriate support. If you missed Part One, start here: Ep15: Why the Church Gets Divorce So Wrong In Part Two of this two-part series on divorce, Michele and Martin move beyond naming the harm and do the careful work of biblical interpretation. Together, they examine: what the Bible actually addresses when it speaks about divorce the Hebrew word shalach (“to send away / put away”) the importance of the certificate of divorce as legal protection for women why Scripture condemns abandonment and neglect, not safety-seeking separation how cultural and historical context radically changes how divorce passages are understood This episode challenges the oversimplified idea from Malachi 2 that “God hates divorce” by showing what the text is actually addressing — injustice, harm, abandonment, neglect, and the misuse of covenant language to justify cruelty. Michele and Martin unpack how evangelical culture often: assumes bad motives instead of listening to lived experience ignores the Bible’s own flawed, complex human stories expects perfection rather than honesty pressures people into one-size-fits-all marriage narratives They remind listeners that Scripture itself speaks of God as one who understands broken covenant and divorce: “I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away…” — Jeremiah 3:8 This is not an anti-Bible or anti-church episode. It is a pro-context, pro-compassion, pro-truth conversation. If Part One helped you feel seen, Part Two helps you understand why — and how to read Scripture in context without fear, shame, or coercion. If you’ve been through divorce and struggled to reconcile your experience with what the Bible says, or what your church people are telling you, this episode is definitely for you. Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction is an audio and video podcast that helps you unlearn toxic religious dogma and rediscover a freer, healthier, life-giving way of understanding God, Scripture, faith, and yourself. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel and FOLLOW Unhinged on your favorite podcast player. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! Watch this conversation on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Check out Martin’s Skool community called The Gathering. Check out Michele’s Skool community called New Creation Academy. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 00:16 Why Evangelical Culture Distrusts Motives & Mixes Covenants 03:46 When Dogma Is Placed Above Human Beings 07:12 Malachi 2: Divorce vs. “Putting Away” 11:27 The Certificate of Divorce: Protection, Not Punishment 16:03 The Bible Doesn’t Mandate One “Perfect” Marriage Story 24:39 Exvangelicalism and Not Fitting into the EIC 29:21 You’re on Your Own Journey 31:04 God’s Own Story Includes Divorce and Remarriage! 31:47 Outtakes & Unhinged Moments!

    33 min
  3. Ep15: Why the Church Gets Divorce So Wrong

    JAN 23

    Ep15: Why the Church Gets Divorce So Wrong

    Why does the church get divorce so wrong? And how has bad theology made abuse and shame worse? In Part One, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench examine harmful and misogynistic teachings on divorce and remarriage. CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses divorce, marital abuse, misogyny, sexual coercion, and spiritually harmful church teachings. Listener discretion is advised. If this brings up difficult emotions, please seek appropriate support. ❤️ Why does the church so often respond to divorce and abuse with rules instead of compassion? How did biblical teaching on marriage and divorce become a source of shame rather than healing? In Part One of this two-part episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele and Martin explore how rigid theology around divorce, marriage, and gender roles is formed — often far removed from lived experience — and why that theology so often fails people in real pain. Drawing from years of pastoral observation, this conversation exposes how black-and-white answers can feel spiritually “safe,” while quietly doing deep harm — especially to women, abuse survivors, and those navigating the trauma of divorce. Together, Michele and Martin name the ways evangelical church culture has: prioritized dogma over people ignored historical and cultural context in Scripture minimized abuse and misogyny in marriage added shame to those already carrying grief and loss This episode is about naming the harm and asking why Scripture meant to bring freedom has so often been used to control rather than liberate people. We explore questions such as: Why do some churches handle divorce so poorly? How does bad theology make abuse harder to name and escape? How are rigid church teachings on divorce formed — and who ends up paying the price? Why did Jesus consistently choose people over rules? This is Part One. In Part Two, we slow down and look closely at the biblical texts on divorce, the original cultural context, and what Scripture actually says about protection, dignity, and liberation. We are not anti-church or anti-Bible. We are, however, pro-people, pro-context, and pro-Jesus-style compassion. If you’ve been through divorce and felt judged, silenced, or spiritually harmed by the church, you are not alone — and this episode is for you. Stay tuned for Part Two, where the conversation goes even deeper. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel and FOLLOW Unhinged on your favorite podcast player. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! Watch this conversation on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Check out Martin’s Skool community called The Gathering. Check out Michele’s Skool community called New Creation Academy. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 03:08 Bible College, Certainty, and the Comfort of Rules 10:00 When Theology Is Formed Without Life Experience 12:54 Divorce, Shame, and Misogyny in the Evangelical Industrial Complex 18:21 Why Cultural Context Matters in Scripture 23:12 Choosing Dogma Over People 26:53 Gen X Senior Moments & Unhinged Outtakes!

    28 min
  4. Ep14: Why Fear-Based Theology Creates Anxious Christians

    JAN 16

    Ep14: Why Fear-Based Theology Creates Anxious Christians

    This episode features a live group conversation reflecting on Week One of the Deconstruction / Reconstruction Challenge hosted by Martin Trench. In this candid conversation, we explore how fear-based theology — especially around the end times, the rapture, and hell — shapes not just beliefs, but anxiety, mental health, physical health, and relationships. You’ll hear honest reflections from participants as they process what happens when fear begins to loosen its grip on faith: How fear became a foundational ingredient in their Christian faith The emotional and relational costs of deconstruction Why bad eschatology often produces bad fruit The difference between tearing faith down and rebuilding it wisely Why healing the heart matters just as much as reconstructing theology How spiritual maturity allows room for different conclusions Martin shares insights on the unity of the early Church, progressive revelation, and why Jesus never used fear as a formation tool — along with a powerful metaphor for deconstruction and reconstruction using “red bricks” and “blue bricks.” If you’ve ever felt anxious, unsettled, or disoriented after questioning long-held beliefs, this episode offers validation, perspective, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the process. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel and FOLLOW Unhinged on your favorite podcast player. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! Watch this conversation on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Check out Martin’s Deconstruction → Reconstruction Challenge on Skool. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree Chapters: 00:00 Why Fear-Based Theology Creates Anxious Christians 03:02 Rapture Theory & Being “Left Behind” 05:40 The Fear of Hell & Anxiety 07:08 The Damage of Purity Culture & the Benefits of Meditation 09:01 When Doctrine Costs You Community 14:07 When Beliefs Divide Instead of Unite 16:58 When Beliefs Change but Wounds Remain 19:30 When Truth Brings Healing & Wholeness 20:20 Progressive Revelation: Red Bricks & Blue Bricks 24:21 Different Journeys, Different Conclusions

    29 min
  5. Ep13: Why Thinking for Yourself Is a Spiritual Maturity Issue

    JAN 9

    Ep13: Why Thinking for Yourself Is a Spiritual Maturity Issue

    Why is thinking for yourself such a big deal in spiritual maturity? This is Part 2 of our conversation on why churches sometimes create dependency instead of discernment, and what it actually looks like to grow up spiritually. In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench explore personal agency, inner conviction, and why real Christian maturity isn’t about following rigid rules or groupthink, but learning how to discern, decide, and live from the inside out. We talk about why Jesus describes the path that leads to life as narrow — not because it’s restrictive, but because it’s custom-made for each person. Faith was never meant to be one-size-fits-all. In this episode, we cover: Why churches often teach WHAT to think instead of HOW to think The role of personal conscience in Christian decision-making Why fear-based and shame-based teaching undermines spiritual maturity Inner conviction vs. external rules Becoming un-indoctrinated, living in freedom, and guarding your heart What it actually means to grow into spiritual adulthood Drawing from scripture, lived experience, and wisdom from voices like Meister Eckhart, this episode invites you to stop outsourcing your discernment and begin trusting the relationship God has with you. “To be born again is not to become a different person, but to become the person God always intended you to be.” If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start here: Episode 12 This episode completes the conversation and points toward a healthier, more mature way forward. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel and FOLLOW Unhinged on your favorite podcast player. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! Watch today’s conversation on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Here’s the spicy Facebook post that started this conversation. Check out Martin’s Deconstruction → Reconstruction Challenge on Skool. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree   Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction 03:42 The Missing Adult Stage of Spiritual Growth 06:27 “Narrow Is the Path” — It’s Custom-Made 09:59 We’ve Designed Churches as One-Size-Fits-All 11:58 Groupthink and the Fear of Other Opinions 14:59 “The Way He Should Go” — Proverbs 22:6 18:50 Inner World Conviction Over Outer World Rules 21:18 Undoctrination, Fear, Rules, and Waking Up 30:43 This Is the Core Issue 31:46 Freedom, Discernment, and Living Your Own Life 33:16 Outtakes & Unhinged Moments

    34 min
  6. Ep12: Why Do Grown Adults Often Feel Like Children in Church?

    JAN 2

    Ep12: Why Do Grown Adults Often Feel Like Children in Church?

    Why do so many smart, capable adults feel anxious making major life decisions without first checking with their pastor — or making sure the Bible gives them permission? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench name and explore a rarely acknowledged reality in modern church culture: the ways church systems can unintentionally infantilize adults by discouraging independent thought, personal conviction, and spiritual maturity. Together, they unpack how well-meaning leadership can slide into spiritual micromanagement, creating dependence rather than formation. The conversation touches on learned helplessness, pastoral overreach, and why reliance on permission often gets mistaken for devotion. Grounded in Scripture, Michele and Martin point listeners back to Romans 14 and Colossians 2, which emphasize personal conscience, freedom from manmade rules, and a mature faith rooted in Christ rather than external control. They explore questions such as: Does the New Testament actually support pastors managing people’s personal decisions? What role does community play versus pastoral counseling? What does it look like to grow into spiritual adulthood — a faith marked by maturity, agency, discernment, and trust in God rather than pastoral approval or permission? This episode includes thoughtful, compassionate discussion around marriage, pastoral counseling, and the real-world dangers of oversimplified spiritual advice in complex situations. This is not an anti-church or anti-pastor episode! It’s a pro-maturity, pro-freedom, pro-formation invitation. If you’re ready for a faith that equips you rather than manages you, this episode is for you. Follow Unhinged on your favorite podcast platform. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes brief references to marital abuse and potentially dangerous situations. Listener discretion is encouraged. Please seek support if any of this resonates with you or someone you love. Watch today’s conversation on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Here’s the spicy Facebook post Michele referenced at the beginning of this episode. Check out Martin’s Deconstruction → Reconstruction Challenge on Skool. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree   Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 02:13 Why Are Adults Treated Like Children in Church? 07:18 Spiritual Micromanagement & Learned Helplessness 15:48 Pastoral Counseling vs. Spiritual Community (“One Another”) 20:07 Marriage, Abuse, Divorce, & Honoring Human Agency 23:58 The Third Stage of Spiritual Growth: Adulthood 27:42 The Purpose of Church: Equip, Inform, Inspire 29:02 Final Thoughts, Resources, & Next Steps 30:45 Bloopers & Outtakes!

    31 min
  7. Ep11: The Christmas Story You Were Never Told

    12/19/2025

    Ep11: The Christmas Story You Were Never Told

    Was Christmas really a one-night event in a lonely stable? Or have we oversimplified one of the most radical moments in human history? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench bring you “A Very Unhinged Christmas” by dismantling common nativity myths and recovering the deeper historical, cultural, and cosmic meaning of the incarnation. You’ll discover why the Christmas story actually unfolds over nearly two years, how ancient betrothal customs reshape our understanding of Mary and Joseph, why the Magi were Zoroastrian priest-astronomers watching the stars, and how celestial signs, Old Testament prophecy, and political upheaval all collide in the birth of Jesus. It’s a cosmic drama like none other in history! Our deep-dive conversation explores: Why the incarnation should be celebrated daily — not just annually The cultural and biblical context of ancient pregnancy and betrothal Who the Magi really were and why constellations and the zodiac matter in the Christmas story Why the “three kings” were stars, not people The connection between Virgo, Leo, Judea, and Revelation 12 Where Mary and Joseph likely stayed when Jesus was born How Christmas reveals a God who is fully present, not distant This is not sentimental Christmas-card theology. This is incarnation as divine union, cosmic disruption, and embodied presence. Hallelujah! Follow Unhinged on your favorite podcast platform. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! Check out our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Check out Martin’s Deconstruction → Reconstruction Challenge on Skool. Check out The Star of Bethlehem documentary mentioned on today’s episode. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree   Chapters: 00:00 It’s a Very Unhinged Christmas! 02:25 Why the Incarnation Was a Two-Year Event 08:28 Pregnancy, Prophecy, Betrothal, and Divine Visitation 15:18 Meet the Magi: Zoroastrian Priests From the East 19:20 How Ancient Astrologers Read the Night Sky 23:20 Essenes, Caves, and Bethlehem’s Guest House 28:25 Three ”King” Stars Align in the Constellation Leo 34:14 The Symbolism and Value of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh 40:18 How Families and Shepherds Kept Their Animals 45:43 Mary and Joseph Go to Egypt with Money 47:50 December 25 Was Probably Not Jesus’ Birthday 54:45 Bloopers and Unhinged Moments

    55 min
  8. Ep10: Right Heart, New Freedom: Practicing Generosity in the New Covenant

    12/12/2025

    Ep10: Right Heart, New Freedom: Practicing Generosity in the New Covenant

    In Part 1, we explored the historical context of tithing — Abraham’s one-time gift, Jacob’s conditional vow, the Mosaic Law, and how Christians accidentally inherited a covenant that was never meant to be theirs. Now in Part 2, Michele and Martin turn from context to practice and ask: What does generosity actually look like in the New Covenant — for real, grown-up adults who are led by the Holy Spirit? This episode confronts the fear- and guilt-based messaging so many believers were taught around money and giving. We talk about why 10% can be a helpful starting point — not a one-size-fits-all rule — how generosity shifts across life seasons, and why believers must be trusted to make their own decisions with God instead of being treated like spiritual children who must be told what to do. We challenge manipulative language, bless those who’ve felt guilted or pressured in the past, and cast a vision for giving as an adventure with God — joyful, Spirit-led, and rooted in freedom rather than obligation. If Part 1 untangled the misconceptions, Part 2 empowers you to walk in maturity, confidence, and New Covenant freedom — trusting yourself to hear God, make wise decisions based on your unique life, and give generously from a place of genuine freedom and cheerfulness. Right heart. New freedom. This is generosity the way Jesus intended. Follow Unhinged on your favorite podcast platform. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday! Check out Martin’s learning community called The Gathering on Skool. Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree

    28 min
See All (17)

Trailer

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

What if the version of God you were handed… isn’t the whole story? Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a bold, grace-filled, sometimes wild and wacky exploration of what happens when real faith breaks free from fear, performance, and outdated religious assumptions. Hosts Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench aren’t afraid to question what we’ve been told, dig into what Scripture really says, and rediscover a faith that leads to emotional, relational, and spiritual maturity — the kind of transformation that brings freedom and wholeness, not burnout. If you’re hungry for truth, tired of churchy clichés, and ready for a vibrant faith that actually looks like Jesus… you’re in the right place. Each episode uncovers what’s authentic and what’s man-made, helping you know the truth — and experience the freedom Jesus promised. It might be far better than you ever thought possible!

Information

You Might Also Like