Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction

What if knowing the truth isn’t the same as being transformed by it?
In Part 1 of our new Meditation Series, Michele and Martin connect the journey from Secrets of Spiritual Growth and Simply Jesus to the next stage of spiritual formation: meditation.
Spiritual children discover Scripture. Spiritual youth study Scripture. Spiritual parents meditate on Scripture — not merely to collect more information, but to allow truth to become embodied in their hearts, nervous systems, relationships, and everyday lives.
In this delightfully unhinged conversation, we explore biblical meditation, mind renewal, identity, conscious and subconscious beliefs, spiritual maturity, and why Christians can know that God is love while still struggling to feel safe with Him.
We also discover what Rumi, the Spice Girls, spiritual vitamins — and possibly dropping acid — have to do with contemplative spirituality.
► Join Martin’s Skool community and the Meditation Challenge
► Download this episode’s FREE study guide
Meditation isn’t about emptying your mind. It’s about allowing truth to take root until it becomes something you embody... because what you behold, you become.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction!
00:03:00 Why We Created the Simply Jesus Series
00:05:32 Preaching the Gospel to Evangelicals
00:11:54 What Happens When Correction Becomes the Culture
00:16:01 From Understanding Truth to Embodying Truth
00:20:18 Meditation, the Slow Digestion of Truth, and a Shift in Perception
00:24:36 Rumi + the Spice Girls: What Do You Really, Really Want?
00:30:50 Why the Church Rarely Teaches Meditation
00:33:33 Sneak Preview of the Meditation Challenge
00:43:03 Join the September Meditation Challenge!

What if you’ve read the Bible, studied the Bible, wrestled with the Bible, deconstructed and reconstructed your theology… and now you’re wondering: What do I do with the Bible NOW?
Maybe the answer isn’t to study harder or dig deeper. Maybe it’s time to meditate.
Download this episode’s beautiful Companion Study Guide (with key points, scriptures, journal prompts, reflection questions, notable quotes, a guided meditation, small group discussion questions & more).
⎯ 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 online community, The Gathering
⎯ SUPPORT THE PODCAST ⎯
Love our free content and want to support the show?
Grab some fabulous, custom-designed, snarky Unhinged merch, t-shirts, mugs, and other digital resources from our Fourthwall shop! Your purchase helps keep our podcast free and ad-free for everyone. Thank you!
⎯⎯ ABOUT THIS EPISODE ⎯⎯
What happens when Bible study stops feeding you the way it used to?
For years, many of us were taught that spiritual maturity meant going deeper and deeper into Bible study — more theology, more research, more doctrines, more conferences, more books, more answers.
But what if there comes a point in our spiritual development when the way we engage with scripture is supposed to change?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele and Martin conclude their Simply Jesus series by exploring three ways we engage with scripture throughout our spiritual journey:
DISCOVERING — the wonder and curiosity of spiritual childhood
STUDYING — the wrestling, questioning, researching, and rethinking of spiritual youth
MEDITATING — the contemplation, integration, and daily wisdom of spiritual parenthood
Together, they explore the difference between discovering, studying, and meditating on Scripture, why these stages naturally overlap, and why finding yourself longing to return to the simplicity, wonder, play, and beauty of Simply Jesus may not mean you’re going backward at all. It might actually mean you’re growing up!
⎯⎯ BINGE THE VIDEOS ⎯⎯
Pt 1: What If You Never Had a Spiritual Childhood? | Ep31
Pt 2: The Spiritual Vaccine Against Toxic Theology | Ep32
Pt 3: Stop Eating Dove’s Dung: Developing Your Spiritual Taste Buds | Ep33
Pt 4: The Kindness of God Leads to a Higher Mind | Ep34
Pt 5: Are You Spiritually Malnourished? The 3 Spiritual Vitamins Every Christian Needs | Ep35
Pt 6: What Do I Do With the Bible Now? Discovering → Studying → Meditating | Ep36
Full Series: Simply Jesus (full playlist on YouTube)
⎯⎯ ABOUT OUR SHOW ⎯⎯
Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based life coach, spiritual formation teacher, DJ, and music producer who is passionate about helping people rediscover the beauty of God. Blending theology, neuroscience, creativity, and personal growth, she creates spaces where people can let go of fear-based religion and discover the freedom, wholeness, and joy of a grace-filled life with God.
Dr. Martin Trench, originally from Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, inspiring speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. He has authored several books and is passionate about helping people break free from toxic religion and discover a life-giving, liberating relationship with God.
Together they host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a teaching-forward podcast for spiritual rethinkers who want thoughtful and honest conversations, plenty of laughter, and a fresh look at faith.
If you enjoy Unhinged and want to help spread our message, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love!
Take us along when you’re on-the-go! Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast player!
⎯⎯ FIND OUR STUFF ⎯⎯
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 YouTube (New Creation Meditations)
Michele’s YouTube (Grace Remixed)
Martin’s YouTube
Michele’s Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | website
Martin’s Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | website
Thanks for getting UNHINGED with us! We’ll see you again on the next one!
⎯⎯ CHAPTERS ⎯⎯
00:00 The 3 Stages of Spiritual Growth: Milk, Meat, & Bread
04:02 Spiritual Children Are Discovering Scripture
07:09 Spiritual Youth Are Studying Scripture
18:38 Spiritual Parents Are Meditating on Scripture
23:31 Is Returning to Simply Jesus Actually Spiritual Maturity?
32:07 Never Lose Your Childlike Wonder

What if you’ve been spiritually malnourished... not because you didn’t love God, but because you were fed the wrong spiritual diet early in your Christian life?
Download this episode’s beautiful Companion Study Guide (with key points, scriptures, journal prompts, reflection questions, notable quotes, a guided meditation, small group discussion questions & more).
 
⎯ 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 online community, The Gathering
 
⎯ SUPPORT THE PODCAST ⎯
Love our free content and want to support the show?
Grab some fabulous, custom-designed, snarky Unhinged merch, t-shirts, mugs, and other digital resources from our Fourthwall shop! Your purchase helps keep our podcast free and ad-free for everyone. Thank you!
 
⎯⎯ ABOUT THIS EPISODE ⎯⎯
What if the foundation of a healthy Christian life isn’t striving harder… but feeding on the right spiritual nutrients?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele and Martin continue their Simply Jesus series by exploring what Peter called the pure spiritual milk of the gospel.
Together they unpack three essential “spiritual nutrients” every believer needs from the very beginning:
Vitamin K — the Kindness of the Father
Vitamin F — the complete Forgiveness of the Father
Vitamin L — the unconditional Love of the Father
Along the way, they discuss what Jesus meant when he declared, “Tetelestai” (“It is finished”), why God’s kindness — not fear, shame, or condemnation — is what truly transforms us, and how many Christians have unknowingly been raised on “spoiled milk” instead of the nourishing goodness of the real gospel.
If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, performance, fear-based religion, or wondering whether God is quietly disappointed in you, this conversation offers a refreshing invitation to rediscover the heart of the Father — and to experience the freedom that comes from knowing you are already fully loved, completely forgiven, and forever welcomed into His arms.
 
⎯⎯ BINGE THE VIDEOS ⎯⎯
Pt 1: What If You Never Had a Spiritual Childhood? | Ep31
Pt 2: The Spiritual Vaccine Against Toxic Theology | Ep32
Pt 3: Stop Eating Dove’s Dung: Developing Your Spiritual Taste Buds | Ep33
Pt 4: The Kindness of God Leads to a Higher Mind | Ep34
Pt 5: Are You Spiritually Malnourished? The 3 Spiritual Vitamins Every Christian Needs | Ep35
Full Series: Simply Jesus (full playlist on YouTube)
 
⎯⎯ ABOUT OUR SHOW ⎯⎯
Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based life coach, spiritual formation teacher, DJ, and music producer who is passionate about helping people rediscover the beauty of God. Blending theology, neuroscience, creativity, and personal growth, she creates spaces where people can let go of fear-based religion and discover the freedom, wholeness, and joy of a grace-filled life with God.
Dr. Martin Trench, originally from Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, inspiring speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. He has authored several books and is passionate about helping people break free from toxic religion and discover a life-giving, liberating relationship with God.
Together they host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a teaching-forward podcast for spiritual rethinkers who want thoughtful and honest conversations, plenty of laughter, and a fresh look at faith.
If you enjoy Unhinged and want to help spread our message, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love!
Take us along when you’re on-the-go! Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast player!
 
⎯⎯ FIND OUR STUFF ⎯⎯
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 YouTube (New Creation Meditations)
Michele’s YouTube (Grace Remixed)
Martin’s YouTube
 
Michele’s Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | website
Martin’s Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | website
 
Thanks for getting Unhinged with us! We’ll see you again on the next one!
 
⎯⎯ CHAPTERS ⎯⎯
00:00 He Is a Father Who Loves His Children
03:12 ALL of Your Sins Are Forgiven
11:45 The Three Nutrients Every New Believer Needs
14:07 When VBS Serves Spoiled Spiritual Milk
19:58 Kindness, Forgiveness, and a Loving Father

If your journey with Jesus began with fear instead of kindness, this conversation may just change the way you experience God forever.
Download this episode’s beautiful Companion Study Guide (with key points, scriptures, journal prompts, reflection questions, notable quotes, a guided meditation, small group discussion questions & more).
 
⎯ 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 online community, The Gathering
 
⎯ SUPPORT THE PODCAST ⎯
Love our free content and want to support the show?
Grab some fabulous, custom-designed, snarky Unhinged merch, t-shirts, mugs, and other digital resources from our Fourthwall shop! Your purchase helps keep our podcast free and ad-free for everyone. Thank you!
 
⎯⎯ ABOUT THIS EPISODE ⎯⎯
Many Christians have been taught that the goal of spiritual growth is to leave the “milk” behind and move on to the “meat” of the Word as quickly as possible. But what if we’ve misunderstood what the pure spiritual milk actually is?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele and Martin continue their Simply Jesus series by exploring one of the most overlooked themes in the New Testament: spiritual childhood.
Together they unpack why Peter tells believers to crave the pure spiritual milk of the Word, why so many Christians were spiritually malnourished from the very beginning, and why the kindness of God — not fear, shame, or performance — is meant to be the foundation of every healthy spiritual life.
If you’ve ever wondered why fear-based religion leaves people exhausted, anxious, or constantly striving to earn God’s approval, this conversation offers a radically different vision of the gospel — one rooted in safety, trust, and the goodness of God.
 
⎯⎯ BINGE THE VIDEOS ⎯⎯
Pt 1: What If You Never Had a Spiritual Childhood? | Ep31
Pt 2: The Spiritual Vaccine Against Toxic Theology | Ep32
Pt 3: Stop Eating Dove’s Dung: Developing Your Spiritual Taste Buds | Ep33
Pt 4: The Kindness of God Leads to a Higher Mind | Ep34
Full Series: Simply Jesus (full playlist on YouTube)
 
⎯⎯ ABOUT OUR SHOW ⎯⎯
Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based life coach, spiritual formation teacher, DJ, and music producer who is passionate about helping people rediscover the beauty of God. Blending theology, neuroscience, creativity, and personal growth, she creates spaces where people can let go of fear-based religion and discover the freedom, wholeness, and joy of a grace-filled life with God.
Dr. Martin Trench, originally from Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, inspiring speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. He has authored several books and is passionate about helping people break free from toxic religion and discover a life-giving, liberating relationship with God.
Together they host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a teaching-forward podcast for spiritual rethinkers who want thoughtful and honest conversations, plenty of laughter, and a fresh look at faith.
If you enjoy Unhinged and want to help spread our message, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love!
Take us along when you’re on-the-go! Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast player!
 
⎯⎯ FIND OUR STUFF ⎯⎯
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 YouTube (New Creation Meditations)
Michele’s YouTube (Grace Remixed)
Martin’s YouTube
 
Michele’s Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | website
Martin’s Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | website
 
Thanks for getting Unhinged with us! We’ll see you again on the next one!

What if bad theology isn’t something you have to debate on social media … but something you naturally learn to recognize the taste of? And what if the pure spiritual milk of the gospel develops spiritual taste buds that recognize fear, shame, and manipulation before they ever take root in you?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench continue their Simply Jesus series by exploring what happens when you’re firmly established in the goodness of God.
They unpack why a healthy spiritual foundation changes everything. When you’re deeply rooted in God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, union, kindness, and acceptance, unhealthy teaching simply doesn’t fit anymore. It doesn’t sound like Jesus… and it doesn’t taste right.
Through stories, humor, colorful analogies, and honest conversation, Michele and Martin explore discernment, union with Christ, the Father’s heart toward us, trusting your God-given discernment, and why people established in grace become much harder to manipulate.
If you’ve ever questioned teachings that left you feeling anxious, ashamed, exhausted, or afraid of God — or if you’re rebuilding your faith after leaving unhealthy religious systems — this episode offers hope that you can learn the difference between true spiritual nourishment and spiritual junk food.
Let’s become so deeply rooted in the love and kindness of God that anything inconsistent with the character of Jesus simply doesn’t taste right.
If you enjoyed this third part of our Simply Jesus series, FOLLOW the show and SHARE this episode with a friend!
Hey! Jump into Martin’s July challenge called “Simply Jesus” here inside his online community!
Purchase Martin’s books on Amazon.
Don’t miss the FULL VISUAL EXPERIENCE with scripture references, definitions, funny pics, random small animals, and of course our beautiful faces! Watch this episode or binge the entire series 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 PODCAST --
Love our free content and want to support the show?
Grab some fabulous, custom-designed snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)
-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --
Unhinged is the podcast that helps you break free from toxic religion, rediscover the beauty of God, faith, and yourself — and laugh along the way. Let’s get Unhinged!
-- 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 YouTube (meditations), YouTube (grace-based dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website
Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Best Intro Ever :)
01:42 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction!
02:10 Listener Comments: The Spiritual Milk We Never Received
05:23 Union Changes Everything
08:32 One Spirit with God: No Distance and No Separation
12:32 You Are Loved, Safe, Valuable, & Lovable
17:37 When Bad Theology Doesn’t Fit
21:40 Stop Eating Dove’s Dung
23:32 Trusting Your God-Given Discernment
27:44 Developing Your Spiritual Taste Buds

What if the best protection against bad theology isn’t learning more ... but returning to the pure spiritual milk of the gospel? And what if that pure spiritual milk permanently inoculates you against fear, manipulation, and toxic preaching?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench continue their Simply Jesus series by exploring what they call the spiritual vaccine against bad theology.
They unpack why true spiritual maturity is built on a healthy foundation. They explain why the simple truths of God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, kindness, union, and acceptance are the pure spiritual milk that establishes us so deeply in Christ that unhealthy or toxic theology naturally tastes “off.”
Through stories, humor, and honest conversation, Michele and Martin explore why one-size-fits-all discipleship often falls short, the importance of understanding progressive revelation, how Jesus continually reshapes our picture of God, the problem with biblical “inerrancy,” and why returning to the simplicity of Christ can inoculate us against fear-based religion, performance, legalism, and manipulation.
If you’ve ever wondered why some teachings leave you anxious while others bring peace and freedom, or if you’re trying to rebuild a healthier faith after unlearning toxic beliefs, this episode offers a hopeful invitation to become deeply rooted in the goodness of God.
Because the healthiest Christians aren’t the ones who know the most — they’re the ones who have been nourished by the right kind of spiritual milk.
If you enjoyed this second part of our Simply Jesus series, FOLLOW the show and SHARE this episode with a friend!
Hey! Jump into Martin’s July challenge called “Simply Jesus” here inside his online community!
Purchase Martin’s books on Amazon (3 of them were mentioned on today’s episode!)
Don’t miss the FULL VISUAL EXPERIENCE with scripture references, definitions, funny pics, random small animals, and of course our beautiful faces! Watch this episode or binge the entire series 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 PODCAST --
Love our free content and want to support the show?
Grab some fabulous, custom-designed snarky Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)
-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --
Unhinged is the podcast that helps you break free from toxic religion, rediscover the beauty of God, faith, and yourself — and laugh along the way. Let’s get Unhinged!
-- 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 YouTube (meditations), YouTube (grace-based dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website
Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Linktree, & website
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction!
04:13 Why Martin Doesn’t Teach a One-Size-Fits-All Curriculum
09:02 The Atonement: Milk vs. Meat
10:16 Your Theology Shapes Your View of God
11:27 Pure Spiritual Milk Protects You from Toxic Theology & Bad Preaching
17:00 What is Progressive Revelation and Why Does It Matter?
18:30 The Problem with the Doctrine of Inerrancy of Scripture
22:02 The Spiritual Vaccine Against Bad Theology
25:23 This Week’s Reflection Question (Leave Us a Comment!)