▶︎ For the full visual experience and all relevant links mentioned in this episode, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, and music producer. She brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion.

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 Welcome to Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction!

00:02:30 How Penal Substitutionary Atonement Theory Makes God Feel Unsafe

00:05:45 Disorganized Attachment & the Fear of an Unpredictable God

00:07:13 Healing from Trauma Requires Safety

00:09:17 “The Wrath of God Was Satisfied” — Bad Theology In Song Lyrics

00:12:25 God’s Wrath Is Directed at What Is Destroying Us

00:14:19 Sin Is a Sickness to Be Healed, Not Badness to Be Punished

00:15:14 Performance-Based Christianity or Legalism: “Do More to Get More”

00:18:48 Scrupulosity, Anxiety & Religious Perfectionism

00:19:44 Spiritual Hierarchy, Comparison & “Us vs. Them” Christianity

00:22:25 Is Our Relationship with God Relational vs. Transactional?

00:23:40 The “Eternally Disappointed” One & the Never-Enoughness of Performance Christianity

00:25:26 Serving for Significance — Just Come & Don’t Serve

00:28:02 A Therapist’s Surprising Prescription for Religious Performance: Pleasure!

00:28:59 How Rest & Pleasure Interrupt the Perfectionism Cycle

▶︎ For the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, music producer, and cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree, Michele brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts to help people disentangle from fear- and shame-based religion, rediscover their new creation identity, and become more deeply aware of God’s presence within and around them.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. As cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Martin brings wisdom, humor, and an authentically grace-filled perspective to conversations that help people examine harmful beliefs, break free from toxic religion, and discover a more life-giving and liberating relationship with God.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion. Through thoughtful conversations, grace-filled theology, and plenty of laughter, they challenge harmful beliefs and explore a freer, healthier, and more honest way of living out the Christian faith. The conversation occasionally gets spicy, cuss words may slip out, and things have been known to go gloriously off the rails... but hey, that’s how the show got its name!

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!

▶︎ For the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, music producer, and cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree, Michele brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts to help people disentangle from fear- and shame-based religion, rediscover their new creation identity, and become more deeply aware of God’s presence within and around them.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. As cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Martin brings wisdom, humor, and an authentically grace-filled perspective to conversations that help people examine harmful beliefs, break free from toxic religion, and discover a more life-giving and liberating relationship with God.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion. Through thoughtful conversations, grace-filled theology, and plenty of laughter, they challenge harmful beliefs and explore a freer, healthier, and more honest way of living out the Christian faith. The conversation occasionally gets spicy, cuss words may slip out, and things have been known to go gloriously off the rails... but hey, that’s how the show got its name!

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!

▶︎ For the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, music producer, and cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree, Michele brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts to help people disentangle from fear- and shame-based religion, rediscover their new creation identity, and become more deeply aware of God’s presence within and around them.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. As cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Martin brings wisdom, humor, and an authentically grace-filled perspective to conversations that help people examine harmful beliefs, break free from toxic religion, and discover a more life-giving and liberating relationship with God.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion. Through thoughtful conversations, grace-filled theology, and plenty of laughter, they challenge harmful beliefs and explore a freer, healthier, and more honest way of living out the Christian faith. The conversation occasionally gets spicy, cuss words may slip out, and things have been known to go gloriously off the rails... but hey, that’s how the show got its name!

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!

▶︎ For the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, music producer, and cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree, Michele brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts to help people disentangle from fear- and shame-based religion, rediscover their new creation identity, and become more deeply aware of God’s presence within and around them.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. As cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Martin brings wisdom, humor, and an authentically grace-filled perspective to conversations that help people examine harmful beliefs, break free from toxic religion, and discover a more life-giving and liberating relationship with God.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion. Through thoughtful conversations, grace-filled theology, and plenty of laughter, they challenge harmful beliefs and explore a freer, healthier, and more honest way of living out the Christian faith. The conversation occasionally gets spicy, cuss words may slip out, and things have been known to go gloriously off the rails... but hey, that’s how the show got its name!

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!

▶︎ For the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, music producer, and cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree, Michele brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts to help people disentangle from fear- and shame-based religion, rediscover their new creation identity, and become more deeply aware of God’s presence within and around them.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. As cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Martin brings wisdom, humor, and an authentically grace-filled perspective to conversations that help people examine harmful beliefs, break free from toxic religion, and discover a more life-giving and liberating relationship with God.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion. Through thoughtful conversations, grace-filled theology, and plenty of laughter, they challenge harmful beliefs and explore a freer, healthier, and more honest way of living out the Christian faith. The conversation occasionally gets spicy, cuss words may slip out, and things have been known to go gloriously off the rails... but hey, that’s how the show got its name!

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!

▶︎ For the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, music producer, and cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree, Michele brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts to help people disentangle from fear- and shame-based religion, rediscover their new creation identity, and become more deeply aware of God’s presence within and around them.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. As cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Martin brings wisdom, humor, and an authentically grace-filled perspective to conversations that help people examine harmful beliefs, break free from toxic religion, and discover a more life-giving and liberating relationship with God.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion. Through thoughtful conversations, grace-filled theology, and plenty of laughter, they challenge harmful beliefs and explore a freer, healthier, and more honest way of living out the Christian faith. The conversation occasionally gets spicy, cuss words may slip out, and things have been known to go gloriously off the rails... but hey, that’s how the show got its name!

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!

▶︎ For the full visual experience, watch this episode on our Unhinged YouTube channel!

-- 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 Unhinged merch or send us a donation (thank you!)

-- EXPLORE 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 (meditations), YouTube (electronic dance music), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

Martin’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & website

-- ABOUT OUR SHOW --

Michele Kus, M.A. is a Chicago-based spiritual formation teacher, certified Christian life coach, meditation guide, DJ, music producer, and cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree, Michele brings together grace-centered theology, neuroscience-informed practices, contemplative spirituality, and the creative arts to help people disentangle from fear- and shame-based religion, rediscover their new creation identity, and become more deeply aware of God’s presence within and around them.

Dr. Martin Trench, a native of Scotland, is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, coach, and self-described part-time theologian with more than 40 years of ministry experience. As cohost of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Martin brings wisdom, humor, and an authentically grace-filled perspective to conversations that help people examine harmful beliefs, break free from toxic religion, and discover a more life-giving and liberating relationship with God.

Together, Michele and Martin host Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction — a delightfully unreligious, teaching-driven video podcast for spiritual rethinkers who still love Jesus but are tired of fear-based religion. Through thoughtful conversations, grace-filled theology, and plenty of laughter, they challenge harmful beliefs and explore a freer, healthier, and more honest way of living out the Christian faith. The conversation occasionally gets spicy, cuss words may slip out, and things have been known to go gloriously off the rails... but hey, that’s how the show got its name!

If you enjoy Unhinged, remember to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the love with your friends (and your enemies)!

Thanks for getting Unhinged with us!