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

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

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 blueprint
how life seasons shape and refine your purpose
what to do when the path you were certain about collapses
the wisdom of Ecclesiastes — being in the right place at the right time
why 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 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!
 
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

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!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Part 1 of our two-part series on tithing and New Covenant generosity, Michele and Martin revisit the Mosaic Law and ask a crucial question: Why are Christians still following laws that were never theirs to begin with?
We unpack how tithing functioned as a taxation system under ancient Israel’s covenant, why the Law was always temporary, and what was actually going on in the Abraham and Jacob tithe stories in Genesis. Spoiler: neither of them were setting a precedent for Christians.
To be clear, this episode isn’t anti-tithing. It’s anti-compulsion and anti-wrong covenant. If you want to tithe, awesome. But under the New Covenant, generosity should flow from freedom and cheerfulness, not obligation.
Next week in Part 2, we’ll explore what Spirit-led giving looks like when it’s rooted in grace instead of guilt, and why some people should actually give nothing. Don’t miss it!
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Check out Martin’s learning community called The Gathering on Skool.
Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth.
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Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree
Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree
 

In this episode, Michele and Martin peel back the layers of fear, shame, distortion, and “biblical roles” to explore what Scripture really teaches about sex, relationships, and marriage. No purity culture baggage. No evangelical clichés. Just a fresh, grace-centered, historically grounded look at passages we’ve been misled about for years.
We talk about:
Why the Bible is not uni-vocal about sex (and why that matters)
How purity culture distorts desire, bodies, and relationships
The evangelical “story” we’ve been handed of exactly how and when sex should happen
A healthier, integrated, truly biblical way forward
If you’ve ever felt confused, ashamed, or spiritually fragmented because of church teachings around sex, purity, and intimacy, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path back to wholeness.
Follow Unhinged on your favorite platform. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday!
CONTENT WARNING: This episode openly discusses sexuality, purity culture, and harmful messages around intimacy that some listeners may have experienced in church settings. If you have children nearby or prefer to engage with these topics privately, consider using headphones.
Check out Martin's video referencing household hierarchy in Ephesians here.
Connect with Allison Metcalfe for healing and coaching around purity culture issues.
Check out Bare Marriage for additional *healthy* resources on sex and relationships.
Check out Martin’s learning community called The Gathering on Skool.
Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth.
Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook
Follow Michele and Martin on Instagram
Follow Michele and Martin on TikTok
Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree
Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree
 

In this episode, Michele and Martin dive into the spiritual disease of dualism — the mental framework that tears us in two and trains us to see the world as ‘us’ versus ‘them.’
They explore how dualistic thinking has shaped Western Christianity, fueling fear, shame, and harmful labels like “ungodly” or “wicked.” Together they trace the roots of separation-thinking all the way back to the Eden story and unpack how Jesus’ teachings consistently move us back toward union, not distance and separation.
Their conversation hits on:
How dualistic beliefs impact your mental and physical health
How fear-of-punishment theology can promote disease
Calvin’s Geneva and the dangers of legalism
Why Jesus never treated people as impure — only unhealed
God’s perfect love as the antidote to fear
If you’ve ever felt trapped by dualistic, fear-based Christianity, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a breath of fresh air. Be made whole!
Grab the FREE PDF Companion Guide to enhance your learning!
Check out Martin’s learning community called The Gathering on Skool.
Purchase & download Michele’s song “Beautifully Human” on Bandcamp or stream on Spotify.
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