Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Fortis Institute

Wretched Radio is hosted by Todd Friel. On the show, you will hear live witnessing encounters, discussions of tough theological issues, and various topics in the Christian community. You might even have a laugh.

  1. Have You Fallen For This Sneaky Strategy Of Liberal Theologians?

    12H AGO

    Have You Fallen For This Sneaky Strategy Of Liberal Theologians?

    Segment 1 • A coalition of liberal theologians claims democracy is collapsing and urges Christians to “resist”. • Todd unpacks the irony of condemning “Christian nationalism” while using faith to pressure government policy. • The emotional language sounds righteous on the surface—but once you slow it down, does it actually hold up? Segment 2 • “Every person bears God’s image”—but does that automatically determine public policy? • Todd challenges the logic of using biblical truths to justify specific political outcomes without defining terms. • A powerful persuasion tactic is exposed: overwhelm your opponent so disagreement makes you look cruel. Segment 3 • A prominent conservative Baptist leader converts to Roman Catholicism—how does someone go from “grace alone” to a works-based system? • The deep psychological pull of tradition, history, and apostolic lineage. • Why parents must ground their children in the doctrine of the true, invisible Church before someone else defines their heritage for them. Segment 4 • A growing number of Christians now trust AI for spiritual advice more than their pastors. • Todd explains why AI doesn’t give you truth—it often gives you what you want to hear. • Massive layoffs, sermon prep shortcuts, and the quiet erosion of pastoral authority—are we outsourcing discernment? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

    55 min
  2. The Spiritual Truth Behind Eating Disorders—And How To Find Hope

    1D AGO

    The Spiritual Truth Behind Eating Disorders—And How To Find Hope

    Segment 1 • The Bible is sufficient to build a “theology of eating” even without modern labels like anorexia. • Eating disorders are less “body problems” and more heart + identity problems. • A young woman’s, Katie’s, diary is introduced to expose what’s really driving the struggle. Segment 2 • She admits she “hated God” because she believed a false version of Him. • Todd spotlights how biblical counseling targets wrong theology before behavior change can last. • “Radical amputation” shows up as practical wisdom: removing triggers, not worshiping mirrors. Segment 3 • A “sanctification plan” includes a failure plan so setbacks don’t become spiritual collapse. • Katie’s progress includes accountability, routines, and letting others into what used to be secret. • The danger of denial: “I don’t have a problem” → no safeguards → isolation → despair. Segment 4 • A tiny booklet on “the quest for thinness” reframes eating disorders as God-excluding self-rule. • Todd challenges the secret-keeping and “control language” behind starving, binging, or purging • Practical next steps: confess honestly, learn who God is, ask for help, speak truth, prepare for failure—because you have an Advocate. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

    55 min
  3. Mailbag Friday: Christians In Court, Church Ads, and Counseling Help

    4D AGO

    Mailbag Friday: Christians In Court, Church Ads, and Counseling Help

    It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • I’ve been to several weddings where the groom and bride alone partake in communion. Is this appropriate? - Anonymous • Does the Bible speak to Christians taking non-Christians to court? - Ryan • How was EPiC, the Elvis Presley in Concert movie? - Tristan Segment 2 • Does the Bible teach that if someone does not desire to join a church, they do not belong to Christ? - Gloria • It seems that most Christians do not see the potential dangers in viewing shows like House of David or The Chosen. How can we communicate our concerns? - Cathy • Should churches advertise online? - Anonymous Segment 3 • Just how tall is Todd “Freakishly Tall” Friel really? - Jonathan • Are there any resources for spouses who want to help their husbands or wives who are struggling with addiction to porn? - Anonymous • What does it look like to counsel someone biblically who deals with anorexia? - Anonymous Segment 4 • Even though I am filled with the Spirit, I have a hard time living by the Spirit and demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit when something evil happens in front of me. How should I think about this? - Anonymous ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

    55 min
  4. Retelling Genesis? That’s a Dangerous Game

    5D AGO

    Retelling Genesis? That’s a Dangerous Game

    Segment 1 • A new TV series promises a “fresh take” on biblical women—what happens when imagination fills in what God didn’t reveal? • Why dramatizing Sarah and Hagar’s “inner journeys” may subtly rewrite sin, surrogacy, and obedience. • The hidden danger: once fiction enters your memory, can you separate it from Scripture? Segment 2 • A coming documentary frames simple Christians as radicals. • The cultural clash over liberty, persecution, and who really gets labeled “extreme.” • Why the relationship between Christianity and government is harder to define than most admit. Segment 3 • A high-profile conversion story highlights joy and transformation—but where was sin and repentance? • How a vague gospel presentation may leave churches filled with doubting—or false converts. • The costly confusion between the gospel itself and the benefits it produces. Segment 4 • A sermon illustration goes painfully wrong—do we trust the Word, or do we need props? • When (if ever) is distancing from toxic parents biblically justified? • A chilling warning about an online exploitation network targeting children—what parents must know now. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

    55 min
  5. Witness Wednesday: Is Jesus Really The Only Way?

    6D AGO

    Witness Wednesday: Is Jesus Really The Only Way?

    It’s Witness Wednesday! Students at Georgia Tech have their worldviews tested as Todd Friel brings the biblical Christian faith to bear on issues like the afterlife, morality, our conscience, and our ultimate hope. Have you ever wondered how you’d approach someone on the street with the truth of the gospel? Wonder no longer - join Todd to learn how you can evangelize lovingly, truthfully, and effectively. Segment 1 • Orrin says he’s a Christian—but struggles to define his purpose in life beyond career success. • He claims he’s a “good person,” then wrestles with Scripture’s claim that no one is good. • Orrin is forced to examine whether he’s truly born again—or just culturally Christian. Segment 2 • French student rejects organized religion—but concedes design may imply a Designer. • Confronted with the moral law: Are you good by God’s standard—or just by your own? • Hears the gospel clearly contrasted with every other religion: “Do” vs. “Done.” Segment 3 • Professing Christian claims Jesus is the “tipping point”—but hesitates when truth becomes exclusive. • Todd presses to explain why Christianity alone is true—and why other faiths are wrong. • The gospel is made painstakingly clear: We go to heaven by faith—not because we’re “good.” Segment 4 • Georgia Tech student accepts design logic—but questions who designed the Designer. • Claims to be “generally good”—until conscience is examined under God’s law. • Hears a direct appeal: justice demands payment—but mercy offers substitution. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

    55 min
  6. Is “Be Holy” A Burden… Or The Secret To Joy?

    FEB 23

    Is “Be Holy” A Burden… Or The Secret To Joy?

    Segment 1 • Why Peter’s command to “be holy” feels crushing—and why that reaction might expose a deeper misunderstanding. • Holiness reframed: not a killjoy command, but the pathway to joy, assurance, and deep fellowship with God. • The real choice behind every temptation: fleeting pleasure… or lasting peace? Segment 2 • Sin’s marketing strategy: it whispers fulfillment but delivers regret, secrecy, and spiritual paralysis. • Practical holiness: the direct connection between obedience and clear conscience, bold prayer, and usefulness. • Want discernment, victory over temptation, and spiritual confidence? There’s only one route. Segment 3 • Troubled by sermons on “signs you’re not saved”? Why that anxiety may actually be evidence of life. • The better diagnostic question: not “Am I perfect?” but “Do I desire to obey?” • Identity in Christ: why remembering who you are matters more than grading your performance. Segment 4 • $750,000 fines for saying there are two genders—what’s really happening beneath the headlines? • When depraved thinking becomes law: why the real crisis isn’t political but spiritual. • The only lasting solution to moral chaos isn’t outrage—it’s regeneration. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

    55 min
  7. Mailbag Friday: Addressing Depression, Abortion Concerns, & Salvation Doubts

    FEB 20

    Mailbag Friday: Addressing Depression, Abortion Concerns, & Salvation Doubts

    It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Todd receives a small correction on the population of Chattanooga. • What advice would you give me, a teenager, who is trying to help a friend through depression? - Moses Segment 2 • What resources would you recommend for someone looking to gain a biblical understanding of fasting? - David • I’m disturbed by my church’s silence on the issue of abortion. How should I go about addressing this? - Jenee • I want to avoid the apathy and numbness that can develop as believers continue on in their faith. How can I keep awe and wonder towards God alive in my walk? -Anonymous Segment 3 • Since our culture is so intent on reaching our children with secular values, should we actually have our best, most qualified pastors teaching children instead of adults? - Derrick • As a new pastor in your church, how did you determine the vision for the church? - Adrian • Is it a Christian's job to report someone to the law or a supervisor in a corporate setting? - Anonymous Segment 4 • If I was saved and baptized years ago, but have started having doubts, is it ok to ask God to save me over and over again? -Anonymous ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

    55 min

Hosts & Guests

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About

Wretched Radio is hosted by Todd Friel. On the show, you will hear live witnessing encounters, discussions of tough theological issues, and various topics in the Christian community. You might even have a laugh.

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