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!)

What if the thing missing from your faith isn’t more theology... but a simple spiritual childhood?
And what if some of the questions keeping you exhausted don’t need answers right now — they just need to be left on the shelf?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench launch their new Simply Jesus series by exploring what happens when believers grow up too fast spiritually.
After hearing many listeners say, “I never had a spiritual childhood,” they unpack why so many Christians were rushed into doctrine, performance, ministry, and having all the right answers before they ever learned the simple foundations of faith.
Through stories, humor, and honest conversation, Michele and Martin discuss spiritual milk versus spiritual meat, inherited beliefs versus integrated beliefs, catechism versus altar calls, the problem with constant correction, and why healthy spiritual growth requires space to wonder, question, and … gasp! … even get stuff wrong!
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by religion, exhausted by theological debates, or pressured to have everything figured out, this episode is your invitation to slow down, return to the basics, and rediscover the simple goodness of God.
Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is LEAVE IT ON THE SHELF!
If you enjoyed this first episode in our Simply Jesus series, FOLLOW the show and SHARE this episode with a friend!
Purchase Martin’s book, Secrets of Spiritual Growth.
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 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 Systematic Theology Show-and-Tell
00:44 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction!
03:02 What If You Never Had a Spiritual Childhood?
08:30 Why Constant Correction Hurts Spiritual Growth
11:57 Inherited Beliefs vs. Integrated Beliefs
13:33 Catechism vs. Altar Calls: Two Different Approaches to Conversion
14:23 Which Beliefs Should We Examine?
17:47 Leave It on the Shelf!
19:51 What’s one thing you wish someone had told you during your spiritual childhood?

What if spiritual maturity isn’t about learning more... but about coming home? And what if the final stage of spiritual growth looks surprisingly similar to the first?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench conclude their Secrets of Spiritual Growth series by exploring the often-overlooked stage of spiritual parenthood — the stage where faith becomes less about information, certainty, doctrine, and striving, and more about relationship, rest, wisdom, trust, and helping others grow.
Drawing from Martin’s three-stage framework of spiritual growth from 1 John 2, they unpack how the spiritual journey often comes full circle. Spiritual childhood begins with trust, wonder, dependence, and being loved. Spiritual youth is marked by learning, searching, wrestling, overcoming, and growing stronger. But spiritual parenthood isn’t simply more of the same — it represents a profound return to simplicity, peace, trust, and love but this time, with the wisdom of lived experience.
Through scripture, stories, humor, and honest conversation, Michele and Martin explore the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God, the meaning of the Greek word gnosis, why relationship ultimately matters more than ideology, and why spiritual maturity is less about accumulating answers and more about learning to live from a place of deep rest and trust.
They also discuss why many people who deconstruct their faith may actually be operating from a place of spiritual maturity rather than immaturity, why spiritual parents often feel disconnected from youth-focused church culture, and why many churches struggle to address the needs of believers who have moved beyond the spiritual youth stage.
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve outgrown religious arguments, endless doctrinal debates, or the need to have all the answers — and instead find yourself longing for something simpler, deeper, and more relational — this episode may feel a lot like coming home.
If you enjoyed this episode, FOLLOW the show and SHARE this episode with a friend!
Purchase Martin’s book, Secrets of Spiritual Growth.
Don’t miss the full visual experience! 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 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 Introduction & Recap of the Spiritual Growth Stages
03:04 What Is Spiritual Parenthood?
03:29 Gnosis: Knowing About God vs. Knowing God
06:29 The Parenthood Stage Is about Relationship
08:35 Why Spiritual Parents Often Feel Out of Place in Church
10:42 The Hero’s Journey: How Healthy Spiritual Growth Comes Full Circle
17:32 Every Stage Has Value: No Need To Rush!
20:26 Raised in Church vs. Finding Faith Later in Life
26:13 Final Thoughts: Coming Back Home

What if the real battle isn’t the one you’ve been fighting? And what if your biggest spiritual problem isn’t the devil at all?
In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Martin Trench continue their Secrets of Spiritual Growth series by exploring the spiritual youth stage — the stage of growth characterized by strength, passion, conviction, spiritual warfare, wrestling with scripture, and learning to overcome personal challenges.
Together, they unpack why many churches rush believers into this stage as quickly as possible — and then unintentionally build entire church cultures around it. As a result, many Christians spend years or decades focused on fighting external enemies, resisting temptation through willpower, and endlessly searching for deeper spiritual “meat” without ever discovering what comes next.
Through scripture, stories, humor, and honest conversation, Michele and Martin explore the difference between “fighting the devil” vs finding inner healing, why becoming whole weakens temptation more effectively than willpower, and how spiritual maturity involves learning to recognize when the real battle is happening within.
They also tackle the idea of “real meat vs fake meat” — how some doctrines are constructed from stitched-together verses rather than from healthy interpretation, and they examine why spiritual parents sometimes feel disconnected from church culture when it’s aimed primarily at spiritual youth.
If you’ve ever wondered why church sometimes feels obsessed with battles, enemies, growing stronger in the Word, and overcoming the devil — this episode may shed some light on that!
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 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 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!
01:31 The Spiritual Youth Stage Explained
03:53 Are Demons Really Your Biggest Problem?
05:54 Why Spiritual Parents Often Drop Out of Church
07:20 Temptation: Fighting It or Healing It?
08:45 Wrestling with Scripture: Learning & Healing
14:14 Real Meat vs Fake Meat Doctrines
16:34 Why Most Pastors Are Still in the Spiritual Youth Stage
18:00 Final Thoughts on the Spiritual Youth Stage

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 continue their Secrets of Spiritual Growth series by unpacking 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 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 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

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 Martin Trench launch their new Secrets of Spiritual Growth series by unpacking 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

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!

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

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

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!

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!