Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction Podcast By Michele Kus M.A. & Dr. Martin Trench cover art

Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction

Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction

By: Michele Kus M.A. & Dr. Martin Trench
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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sometimes wild and wacky exploration of what happens when real faith breaks free from fear, performance, and outdated religious assumptions.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!

Copyright ©️ 2025. All rights reserved. Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Ep20: What Makes You Come Alive? (Finding Your True Self)

    Ep20: What Makes You Come Alive? (Finding Your True Self)
    Mar 20 2026

    What if self-awareness isn’t selfish… but spiritual?

    This is Part 1 of the Align With Your Design series, where we explore how understanding who you truly are is a key part of spiritual growth.

    In this teaching on the false self vs true self, we look at how Psalm 139 reveals your God-given design and life purpose — including your personality, strengths, passions, and the unique way you were created to live.

    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

    If you’ve ever:

    • felt like you’re performing instead of actually living
    • struggled to understand who you really are
    • wondered what your purpose is

    then this will help you:

    • reconnect with your true self
    • understand how God actually designed you
    • recognize clues pointing to your life purpose

    READY TO GO DEEPER?

    Watch this episode on our brand new 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

    RESOURCES

    Michele’s music (Grace Remixed)

    Martin’s books

    CONNECT WITH US

    Michele

    Martin

    ABOUT UNHINGED

    Unhinged helps you unlearn toxic religious thinking and rediscover a freer, healthier way of understanding God, faith, and yourself.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 You’re Not Selfish — You’re Misunderstood

    02:11 Self-Awareness vs Learning to Adapt to Expectations

    04:29 What Is the False Self?

    06:16 How We Learn to Perform

    08:41 Psalm 139 Explained

    10:44 Clues To Your Divine Design

    15:45 Neuroplasticity and Self-Awareness

    20:54 Cognitive Dissonance and Inner Misalignment

    24:42 Coming Home to Your True Self

    27:09 When Do You Feel Most Alive?

    30:19 Prayer and Final Reflections
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    33 mins
  • Ep19: Right Place, Right Time — Discerning Your Life Purpose (Part 2)

    Ep19: Right Place, Right Time — Discerning Your Life Purpose (Part 2)
    Feb 27 2026
    What if the thing you’re quietly afraid of is true… What if you think you missed God’s will? In Part Two of our Life Purpose series, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench move from theory to real life. If Romans 12 teaches that God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect… how do we discern it when plans fall apart, churches close, doors shut, or “Plan A” disappears? Here’s Part 1 in case you missed it. This episode is about timing, seasons of life, and trusting the process. Together, Michele and Martin explore: how Paul teaches us to discern God’s will rather than decode a predetermined blueprinthow life seasons shape and refine your purposewhat to do when the path you were certain about collapsesthe wisdom of Ecclesiastes — being in the right place at the right timewhy writing your own “future job description” can clarify direction and keep you off the wrong paths Martin shares his story of retreating for three days to reflect, journal, evaluate his strengths and gifts, and seek clarity for his next season of ministry. Michele shares her experience of believing she had found her long-term calling — only to face unexpected closure and the possibility of a new “Plan A.” This conversation offers steady reassurance: God’s will is not fragile.You are not one mistake away from disqualification.When one door closes, it does not mean you have fallen out of divine alignment, but you might be redirected! Make yourself some Yorkshire tea and enjoy. Ready to go deeper? Throughout the month of March, Martin is leading his interactive Discover Your Life Purpose Challenge — a 30-day guided journey to help you: discover your authentic selfidentify your gifts, talents, and personality typediscern the right path for your lifeclarify next steps toward your divine purposemove toward a life of real fulfillment If this episode stirred something in you, this challenge is the natural next step. 👉 Join us here! 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 episode on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel! Check out our new Unhinged merch shop for some epic snarky shirts! Your purchases help support the show and keep it ad-free. THANK YOU! Check out Martin’s community called The Gathering. Check out Michele’s 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! 01:35 The Right Place at the Right Time (Ecclesiastes 9) 05:02 Is God’s Will a Predetermined Plan or a Dynamic Relationship? 15:00 Why Living Your Life Purpose Brings Fulfillment 20:22 Martin’s Retreat: Romans 12 & Writing a Future Job Description 28:10 Identifying Your Gifts, Strengths & Personality Type 33:07 The Teapot & The Vase: Not Everything Is Your Life Purpose 39:34 Unhinged Moments & Brain Drain
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    40 mins
  • Ep18: Align with Your Design — Discovering Your Life Purpose (Part 1)

    Ep18: Align with Your Design — Discovering Your Life Purpose (Part 1)
    Feb 20 2026

    What if discovering your life purpose isn’t about decoding some hidden blueprint… but about alignment? In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench begin a two-part series on discovering your life purpose, looking through the lens of Romans 12.

    Romans 12 describes God’s will as good, pleasing, and perfect. But what does that actually mean?

    In Part One, Michele and Martin explore:

    • what it means to dedicate your body as a living sacrifice
    • why renewing your mind matters more than chasing prophecy
    • how to honestly assess your spiritual gifts without exaggerating or minimizing them
    • why copying the world’s definition of success distorts purpose
    • the danger of “American Idol” style ministry culture

    This conversation challenges hustle-driven Christianity and the idea that God’s will must involve suffering. Instead, it reframes purpose as something discovered through surrender, integrity, self-awareness, and divine design.

    God does not force you into someone else’s calling like a square peg into a round hole. He has handcrafted plans that are the perfect fit for you!

    Ready to go deeper?

    Throughout the month of March, Martin is leading his interactive Discover Your Life Purpose Challenge — a 30-day guided journey to help you:

    • discover your authentic self
    • identify your gifts, talents, and personality type
    • discern the right path for your life
    • clarify next steps toward your divine purpose
    • move toward a life of real fulfillment

    If this episode stirred something in you, this challenge is the natural next step.

    👉 Join us here!

    Part Two continues next week. Follow the show so you don’t miss it!

    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 episode on our brand new Unhinged YouTube channel!

    Check out our new Unhinged merch shop for some epic snarky shirts! Your purchases help support the show and keep it ad-free.

    Check out Martin’s community called The Gathering.

    Check out Michele’s 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!

    02:17 Romans 12 Explained: What Is God’s Will?

    02:55 What Does “Living Sacrifice” Really Mean?

    05:58 How to Learn to Know God’s Will for Your Life

    09:05 Living in Alignment with Your Divine Design

    14:29 Honest Self-Assessment (Without Ego or Shame)

    21:07 Natural Talents and Developed Skills

    28:29 Your Life Purpose Is Tailored to You

    35:01 Dedicate Your Body, Renew Your Mind, Discover Your Gifts

    41:04 Discover Your Life Purpose Challenge (this March!)
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
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