Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction

Michele Kus, M.A. & Dr. Martin Trench
  • 4.7 (15)
  • 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sometimes wild and wacky exploration of what happens when real faith breaks free from fear, performance, burnout, and outdated religious assumptions. Hosts Michele Kus, M.A. and Dr. Martin Trench aren’t afraid to question what we’ve been taught, rethink common church narratives, and wrestle honestly with scripture, spirituality, emotional health, and what it actually means to become more like Jesus. If you’re tired of churchy clichés, spiritual jargon, and performative “Church-ianity” that leaves you more anxious instead of more whole… you’re not alone. Each episode separates what’s authentic from what’s manmade, helping listeners rediscover a faith rooted in freedom, grace, honesty, humanity, and authentic spiritual maturity. Because the truth really does set you free — and it might be far better than you were told. New episodes drop (almost) every Friday. Follow the show so you don’t miss any!

  1. 16h ago

    Ep28: Did the Church Push You to Grow Up Too Quickly?

    Why do so many Christians feel pressured to become “spiritually mature” before they’ve even learned to rest in God’s love? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench unpack why many churches unintentionally rush believers past the foundational childhood stage of spiritual growth — creating pressure, confusion, fear, and performance-based Christianity in the process. Together, they unpack how churches often rush new believers past the “milk” stage of spiritual development and into pressure-filled teachings about spiritual warfare, end times, tithing, performance, and more — trying to get them “caught up” spiritually. Through scripture, stories, humor, and honest conversation, Michele and Martin explore why healthy spiritual growth cannot be forced — and why skipping the foundational childhood stage of trust and love can create confusion, fear, exhaustion, spiritual striving, and unhealthy views of God that affect believers over the long haul. Real spiritual growth is not about becoming hyper-spiritual as quickly as possible… but about allowing our connection with God to gradually transform us over time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by church expectations, pressured to spiritually “grow up” too quickly, or like you skipped over the foundational stage of simply learning to trust God’s love — this episode is for you. Purchase Martin’s book, Secrets of Spiritual Growth. If you enjoyed this episode, FOLLOW the show and SHARE this episode with a friend! Don’t miss the full visual experience! Watch this episode on our awesome Unhinged YouTube channel. And remember to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE while you’re there! -- READY TO GO DEEPER? -- If this stirred something in you, don’t just listen — take the next step. Join Michele’s online community, New Creation Academy Join Martin’s online community, The Gathering -- SUPPORT THE SHOW -- Love our free content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!) -- ABOUT OUR SHOW -- Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking, rediscover a freer and healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself… and laugh a little along the way. -- RESOURCES -- Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Spotify Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Apple Music Martin’s books on Amazon -- CONNECT WITH US! -- Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website   CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 02:46 1 John 2 and the “Milk, Meat & Bread” Stages of Spiritual Growth 08:40 The Three Stages in 1 John 2: Childhood, Youth, Parenthood 10:16 The Problem With Skipping the “Milk” of Spiritual Childhood 12:55 What Spiritual Children Need Most 16:31 Why New Christians Feel Pressured to “Catch Up” 21:26 Don’t Rush Through Spiritual Childhood 24:13 Final Thoughts on Healthy Spiritual Growth

    27 min

  2. May 15

    Ep27: Did Church Make You Tired Instead of Transformed?

    Why do so many Christians feel spiritually exhausted — even when they’re trying their hardest to grow? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench unpack what Martin calls “the bait-and-switch” of modern Christianity — the subtle shift from grace, simple connection with God, and organic spiritual growth into pressure, performance, striving, and burnout. Many Christians begin their faith journey hearing about forgiveness and transformation through Jesus… only to slowly feel trapped in a cycle of trying harder, fixing themselves, performing, and wondering if they’re ever truly enough. Through scripture, stories, and honest conversation, Michele and Martin explore the difference between transformation that happens organically through connection with God versus behavior modification driven by fear, pressure, and religious performance. Real spiritual growth is about letting our connection with God gradually transform us into the people we were always intended to be. If you’ve ever felt burned out by religion, exhausted by spiritual pressure, or quietly wondered why faith stopped feeling life-giving — this episode is for you. If you want the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel. (And remember to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE while you’re there!) -- WHAT YOU’LL LEARN -- If you’ve ever… felt exhausted from constantly trying harder spiritually wondered why Christianity sometimes feels more stressful than peaceful struggled with pressure, performance, or fear-based spirituality felt like grace somehow turned into striving questioned whether transformation is supposed to feel this exhausting … then this will help you: understand the “bait-and-switch” many people experience in modern Christianity recognize the difference between grace-based growth vs. performance spirituality rethink spiritual transformation through the lens of connection instead of pressure explore scripture passages about how God works within us embrace a healthier, more peaceful journey of spiritual growth -- Purchase Martin’s book, Secrets of Spiritual Growth. -- READY TO GO DEEPER? -- If this stirred something in you, don’t just watch — take the next step. Join Michele’s online community, New Creation Academy Join Martin’s 30-Day Spiritual Growth Challenge inside his online community, The Gathering -- SUPPORT THE SHOW -- Love our free content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!) -- ABOUT OUR SHOW -- Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself. -- RESOURCES -- Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Spotify Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Apple Music Martin’s books on Amazon -- CONNECT WITH US! -- Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website   CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 01:19 The Christian “Bait & Switch” Explained 07:44 Why So Many Christians Feel Spiritually Exhausted 11:07 The Shift From Grace to “Discipline” & Striving 14:33 The Living Things of the Kingdom of God Grow Naturally 17:42 Separation Only Exists in Our Minds 19:05 The Christian Life Is a Partnership, Not a Performance 23:13 Becoming Who You Were Always Intended to Be

    25 min
  3. Ep26: Did the Church Teach You to Distrust Yourself?

    May 8

    Ep26: Did the Church Teach You to Distrust Yourself?

    You’ve been taught to not trust yourself… and what if that’s the very thing keeping you stuck? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction we explore the subtle ways church culture can train people to distrust their own thoughts, feelings, instincts, and inner voice — and how that often gets mistaken for “spiritual maturity.” We talk about accountability culture, fear-based spirituality, nervous system exhaustion, and the difference between transformation through love versus control. Real spiritual growth is not about becoming less yourself… but becoming safe enough to finally be your authentic self. If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt, constantly second-guessed yourself, or felt afraid to think differently, question things, or trust your own discernment — this episode is for you. -- WHAT YOU’LL LEARN -- If you’ve ever… felt like your thoughts or feelings were “dangerous” struggled to trust yourself or make decisions confidently felt exhausted from constantly performing spirituality feared “straying” or being wrong hidden parts of yourself just to feel accepted … then this will help you: understand how self-distrust gets reinforced in church culture recognize the difference between transformation through love vs. control rebuild self-trust and discernment understand why acceptance often transforms us more deeply than correction create space for your nervous system to finally exhale embrace a healthier, more honest spirituality -- If you want the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel. (And remember to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE while you’re there!) Stream “My Scars Are Beautiful” on Spotify. Stream “My Scars Are Beautiful” on Apple Music. Purchase Martin’s book, Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Purchase “Disappointments, All of You” t-shirt (from the Unhinged merch shop). -- READY TO GO DEEPER? -- If this stirred something in you, don’t just watch — take the next step. Join Michele’s online community, New Creation Academy Join Martin’s 30-Day Spiritual Growth Challenge inside his online community, The Gathering -- SUPPORT THE SHOW -- Love our free content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!) -- ABOUT OUR SHOW -- Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself. -- RESOURCES -- Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Spotify Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Apple Music Martin’s books on Amazon -- CONNECT WITH US! -- Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website   CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 02:24 Spiritual Growth or Spiritual Control? 04:04 Transformation by Being Accepted, Not by Being Corrected 05:48 Love God. Love People. Love Yourself. 08:12 Fear of “Straying” and His Reckless Love 09:21 “Your Heart Is Deceitful” and Other Lies We Internalized 10:59 The Restlessness When You Outgrow Old Beliefs 14:48 Final Thoughts & Final Unhinged Moments!

    16 min
  4. Ep25: Your Deepest Insecurity? God Sees It Differently

    May 1

    Ep25: Your Deepest Insecurity? God Sees It Differently

    You’ve been taught to fix what’s wrong with you… but what if the parts you’ve been trying to hide are the very parts God calls beautiful? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, we take a deeper look at identity, self-perception, and the subtle ways church culture can train us to dislike and distrust ourselves. We explore the powerful idea that what you’ve labeled as flaws or imperfections may not be flaws at all — and how learning to see yourself through God’s eyes can radically shift the way you see yourself. If you’ve ever struggled with self-criticism, shame, or the feeling that something about you is deeply flawed and needs fixing — this one’s for you. -- WHAT YOU’LL LEARN -- If you’ve ever… felt like something about you was “too much” or “not enough” been taught to distrust your own thoughts, feelings, intuition, or heart struggled with self-criticism or feeling like you need to fix yourself … then this will help you: reframe what you’ve been calling “flaws” understand how shame-based thinking gets reinforced in church culture begin to see yourself through a lens of grace instead of criticism rebuild self-trust and embrace your authentic self -- Stream “My Scars Are Beautiful” on Spotify. Stream “My Scars Are Beautiful” on Apple Music. Purchase Martin’s book, Secrets of Spiritual Growth. Purchase “Disappointments, All of You” t-shirt (featured in this video, from the Unhinged merch shop). -- READY TO GO DEEPER? -- If you want the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel. (Or watch the entire Align With Your Design playlist here. And remember to SUBSCRIBE while you’re there!) If this stirred something in you, don’t just watch — take the next step. Join Michele’s online community, New Creation Academy Join Martin’s 30-Day Spiritual Growth Challenge inside his online community, The Gathering -- SUPPORT THE SHOW -- Love our free content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!) -- ABOUT OUR SHOW -- Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself. -- RESOURCES -- Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Spotify Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) on Apple Music Martin’s books on Amazon -- CONNECT WITH US! -- Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website   CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 03:05 How Do You Find the Right Environment? 05:13 Go Where You’re Celebrated, Not Where You’re Tolerated 07:21 What You Call Ugly, God Calls Beautiful 12:54 Guided Meditation: You Are His Treasure 18:07 “My Scars Are Beautiful” song by Michele

    23 min
  5. Ep24: “Bloom Where You’re Planted?” (Why This Advice Might Be Keeping You Stuck)

    Apr 24

    Ep24: “Bloom Where You’re Planted?” (Why This Advice Might Be Keeping You Stuck)

    You’ve been told to “bloom where you’re planted”. . . . . . which sounds great, but what if that advice is actually keeping you stuck? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, we unpack why spiritual growth doesn’t happen in environments where you can’t be your authentic self — and how Christians are often trained to distrust their own thoughts, feelings, discernment, and instincts. We explore the difference between real transformation vs. just accumulating more knowledge, and why external alignment matters just as much as what’s happening in your inner world. If you’ve ever felt stuck, restless, or like you’ve outgrown your environment — but felt unsure about trying new spaces, then this one’s for you. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN If you’ve ever… felt like you should be growing spiritually… but aren’t been told to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel right struggled to trust your own thoughts, feelings, intuition, or instincts … then this will help you: understand why spiritual growth is more than just gaining knowledge recognize how environment impacts your ability to grow rebuild self-trust and move out of performance-based faith identify when it might be time to find “better soil” Purchase Martin’s book, Secrets of Spiritual Growth, here. READY TO GO DEEPER? If you want the full visual teaching with slides & diagrams, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel. (Or watch the entire Align With Your Design series here. And remember to SUBSCRIBE while you’re there!) If this stirred something in you, don’t just watch — take the next step. Join Michele’s online community, New Creation Academy Join Martin’s 30-Day Spiritual Growth Challenge inside his online community, The Gathering SUPPORT THE CHANNEL Love our free content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!) ABOUT OUR SHOW Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself. RESOURCES Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) Martin’s books CONNECT WITH US! Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree   CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 00:29 Why More Knowledge ≠ Spiritual Growth 06:34 “Bloom Where You’re Planted” … Really? 12:33 Feeling Safe to Be Your Authentic Self 18:22 The Role of Environment in Spiritual Growth 22:09 The Beautiful Messiness of Being Human 25:53 Not All Soil is Good Soil 27:22 “Bloom Where You’re Planted” Promotes Self-Blame 29:21 “Bloom Where You’re Planted” Reinforces Spiritual Passivity 30:06 “Bloom Where You’re Planted” Confuses “Endurance” with True Calling 30:43 “Bloom Where You’re Planted” Disconnects You From Your Design 31:35 Neuroscience Teaches Us: Your Environment Shapes Your Identity 33:23 A Helpful Reframe: Bloom Where You’re Nourished 34:21 Final Thoughts & A Few More Unhinged Moments

    36 min
  6. Ep23: The 3 Categories of Spiritual Gifts (Why Most Christians Miss This)

    Apr 17

    Ep23: The 3 Categories of Spiritual Gifts (Why Most Christians Miss This)

    You’ve been taught there are 9 spiritual gifts… but that’s not actually the whole picture. This is Part 4 of the Align With Your Design series, where we explore how you’re uniquely designed — and how your gifts, personality, and wiring all work together to shape your purpose. In this teaching, we break down the three lists of spiritual gifts found in Scripture — and why most Christians have only been taught one of them (or none at all). WHAT YOU’LL LEARN If you’ve ever… felt confused about what your spiritual gifts actually are assumed spiritual gifts only show up in church settings assumed spiritual gifts only show up after you become a Christian … then this will help you: understand the three types of spiritual gifts listed in the Bible discover how different gifts are given by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit recognize that your design is way bigger than one category of gifting Purchase C. Peter Wagner’s excellent book on spiritual gifts here. READY TO GO DEEPER? If you want the full visual teaching with slides & diagrams, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel. (Or watch the entire Align With Your Design playlist here. And remember to SUBSCRIBE while you’re there!) If this stirred something in you, don’t just watch — take the next step. Join Michele’s online community, New Creation Academy Join Martin’s online community, The Gathering SUPPORT THE CHANNEL Love our free content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!) ABOUT OUR SHOW Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself. RESOURCES Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) Martin’s books CONNECT WITH US! Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree   CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction! 02:14 The 3 Categories of Spiritual Gifts 04:15 Motivational Gifts or Gifts of the Father (Romans 12) 09:08 The Overlap Between Personality and Spiritual Gifts 10:25 Manifestation Gifts or Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) 14:23 Speaking in Tongues… But It Was a Known Human Language! 19:12 Ministry Leadership Gifts or Gifts of the Son (Ephesians 4) 24:18 Why These Gifts Exist: To Help Christians Mature 26:26 Different Gifts, Different Expressions 32:48 Gifts Grow When You Use Them 34:14 The Uses and Limits of Spiritual Gifts Assessments 35:28 One Body, Many Parts and Every Part Matters 40:00 How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts 46:03 Final Thoughts & A Few Unhinged Moments!

    47 min
  7. Ep22: Why You’re Wired the Way You Are (Myers-Briggs Explained)

    Apr 10

    Ep22: Why You’re Wired the Way You Are (Myers-Briggs Explained)

    You’re not weird. You’re wired this way. This is Part 3 of the Align With Your Design series, where we take a closer look at personality — and how understanding the way you’re wired can unlock deeper self-awareness and clarity around your purpose. In this teaching on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, we explore the four core dichotomies and how they shape the way you take in information, make decisions, and relate to the world around you. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN If you’ve ever… wondered why you think so differently from other people felt misunderstood or out of place in certain environments struggled to make sense of your personality … then this will help you: understand how your mind naturally processes the world recognize your unique personality patterns see how your wiring connects to your design and purpose READY TO GO DEEPER? If you want the full visual teaching with slides & diagrams, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel. (Or watch the entire Align With Your Design playlist here. And remember to SUBSCRIBE while you’re there!) If this stirred something in you, don’t just watch — take the next step. Join Michele’s online community, New Creation Academy Join Martin’s online community, The Gathering Take a FREE personality assessment online here SUPPORT THE CHANNEL Love this content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch ABOUT OUR SHOW Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself. RESOURCES Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) Martin’s books CONNECT WITH US! Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree   CHAPTERS 00:00 Why You’re Wired the Way You Are 01:49 What Is the Myers-Briggs? 03:00 How Romans 12 Inspired the Title “Gifts Differing” 05:24 The Four Dichotomies Explained 07:21 How You’re Energized: Extraversion (E) & Introversion (I) 12:22 How You Take in Information: Sensing (S) & Intuition (N) 14:37 How You Make Decisions: Thinking (T) & Feeling (F) 16:43 How You Approach Life: Judging (J) & Perceiving (P) 22:15 Walking Through the Type Table 27:31 How You Grow: Self-Awareness & Personal Development 29:11 How Your Mind Drives the Car: The 8 Cognitive Functions 33:09 Final Thoughts & A Few Unhinged Moments!

    35 min
  8. Ep21: God Designed You on Purpose (Personality, Gifts & How You’re Wired)

    Mar 27

    Ep21: God Designed You on Purpose (Personality, Gifts & How You’re Wired)

    What if your purpose isn’t something you have to find… but something already built into you? This is Part 2 of the Align With Your Design series, where we explore how God has uniquely wired you — and how your design holds clues to your purpose. In this teaching on the S.H.A.P.E. framework (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences), we look at how Ephesians 2:10 reveals that you are God’s masterpiece — intentionally designed to live a life of meaning and contribution. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN If you’ve ever… wondered why certain things energize you while others drain you felt like you don’t quite “fit” in certain roles or environments questioned how your personality connects to your purpose … then this will help you: recognize the patterns that reveal your design understand how your personality, gifts, and strengths work together see how God has already wired you for purpose READY TO GO DEEPER? If you want the full visual teaching with diagrams, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel. If this stirred something in you, don’t just watch — take the next step. Join the Discover Your Life Purpose Challenge SUPPORT THE CHANNEL Love this content and want to keep it ad-free? Grab some snarky Unhinged merch ABOUT OUR SHOW Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself. RESOURCES Michele’s music (Grace Remixed) Martin’s books CONNECT WITH US! Michele’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree Martin’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & Linktree   CHAPTERS 00:00 God Designed You on Purpose for a Purpose 01:04 Patterns Are Clues 02:00 You Are God’s Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) 06:27 What Is Your S.H.A.P.E.? 09:45 Personality Type and How You’re Wired 14:12 Assessments Just Give Us Language 16:12 Align With Your Design 19:31 Reflection Questions 20:37 Prayer and Meditation 22:11 Wrap-up and Final Thoughts

    23 min
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4.7
out of 5
15 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, burnout, and outdated religious assumptions. Hosts Michele Kus, M.A. and Dr. Martin Trench aren’t afraid to question what we’ve been taught, rethink common church narratives, and wrestle honestly with scripture, spirituality, emotional health, and what it actually means to become more like Jesus. If you’re tired of churchy clichés, spiritual jargon, and performative “Church-ianity” that leaves you more anxious instead of more whole… you’re not alone. Each episode separates what’s authentic from what’s manmade, helping listeners rediscover a faith rooted in freedom, grace, honesty, humanity, and authentic spiritual maturity. Because the truth really does set you free — and it might be far better than you were told. New episodes drop (almost) every Friday. Follow the show so you don’t miss any!

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