Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Fortis Institute
  • 4.8 (3.1K)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED DAILY

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. The Self-Help Lie That’s Tearing Millions of Families Apart

    18H AGO

    The Self-Help Lie That’s Tearing Millions of Families Apart

    Segment 1 • How Oprah has contributed to the disintegration of the family. • A bestselling self-help movement is convincing millions to cut off their parents in the name of “freedom”—and it’s reshaping families everywhere. • The explosive rise of “ghosting your parents” isn’t random, but a consequence of a predominant worldview. Segment 2 • A shocking study reveals 67 million Americans are estranged from family, with many saying it’s for the sake of their mental health. • Social media and therapeutic language are redefining normal disagreements as “toxic abuse”. • The Bible offers a radically different framework: the people who frustrate you the most may be God’s primary tool to sanctify you. Segment 3 • The painful question every ghosted parent asks: should you fight for the relationship—or let them walk away? • The hidden parenting mistake that unintentionally pushes adult children further away. • Gen Z’s disturbing reinterpretation of Jesus reveals how cultural programming is reshaping how the next generation sees Christ. Segment 4 • A governor’s executive order banning “conversion therapy” could criminalize basic biblical counseling and gospel conversations. • Legal definitions are expanding so broadly that simply calling sin “sin” could be labeled harmful or illegal. • The American Medical Association quietly reverses course on gender procedures for minors—raising urgent questions about truth, authority, and agenda. ___ 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. Mailbag Friday: Head Vs. Heart Knowledge, The Sinner’s Prayer, And Remarriage After Divorce

    3D AGO

    Mailbag Friday: Head Vs. Heart Knowledge, The Sinner’s Prayer, And Remarriage After Divorce

    It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. SEGMENT 1 • How can I grow in my affections and feelings toward God, and not just head-knowledge? - Lauren SEGMENT 2 • Can true forgiveness only occur when the at-fault person apologizes? - Josh SEGMENT 3 • If you don’t support the sinner’s prayer, how should we advise non-believers who are seeking like the rich man was in Matthew 19:16? - Anonymous • What’re your thoughts on the prevalence in some areas of the church of men drinking whiskey and smoking cigars? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • Are we at risk of taking scripture out of context when we see parallels between two different texts? - Anonymous • What are the biblical grounds for remarriage after divorce? - Anonymous • Are Christians obligated to undergo medical procedures that, while injurious, could prolong one’s life? - Ryan ___ 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. Have You Been Lied To About This Major Historical Event—Here’s The Truth

    4D AGO

    Have You Been Lied To About This Major Historical Event—Here’s The Truth

    Segment 1 • You’ve been told the Crusades were greedy Christian land-grabs—but what if the real history completely flips that narrative? • Discover the uncomfortable facts most textbooks skip—including who actually controlled the Middle East before Islam’s expansion. • Your ability to defend Christianity today may hinge on the truth about the Crusades. Segment 2 • Were Crusaders motivated by money—or were they bankrupting themselves for a cause they believed in? • The shocking financial and casualty realities that dismantle the “get rich quick crusader” stereotype. • What this historical myth reveals about how modern culture reshapes Christianity’s reputation—and why it matters for your faith. Segment 3 • Assurance, anxiety, loneliness, and pornography—are these the silent struggles undermining believers today? • Why even faithful Christians secretly wrestle with doubt—and what makes doubt dangerous if left unaddressed. • Some pastors and churches may unintentionally deepen isolation—and what that means for your spiritual stability. Segment 4 • When someone confesses doubt, your response can either strengthen their faith, or push them further away. • Misunderstanding the difference between doubt and disbelief can seriously mislead believers. • Practical, biblical strategies you can use immediately to help hurting believers regain confidence and spiritual clarity. ___ 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. Witness Wednesday: Raised Christian… But Are You Born Again?

    5D AGO

    Witness Wednesday: Raised Christian… But Are You Born Again?

    It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd heads back to campus at Georgia Tech to discuss faith, morality, and Jesus himself with several real-life students. Whatever the topic, whoever the student, the question stays the same: is Jesus who He says He is - and if so, what does that mean for you? Segment 1 • Orrin says he’s a Christian—but when pressed on truth, postmodernism, and being “born again,” does his faith rest on feelings or repentance and faith? • Todd forces the question most avoid: If Hinduism says one thing and Christianity another—can both be right? • Todd brings Orrin to consider whether or not he has truly been born again. Segment 2 • An aerospace engineer rejects institutional religion—but admits belief in rules, order, and possibly a “rule-maker.” • Todd walks him through conscience, justice, and the courtroom of God—are you really “good” by your own standard? • Christianity’s radical claim: You don’t go to hell for lack of faith—you go because of sin. Segment 3 • A self-professed Christian says Jesus is the “tipping point”—but can he clearly articulate the gospel when challenged? • Todd pushes him: Is Islam wrong? Is Hinduism wrong? • The reason for anyone going to heaven is made clear: not our good deeds, not what we’ve done - but what Christ has done for us. Segment 4 • Our final student of the day is pressed on whether the order around us necessitates a designer. • Todd drills into conscience: lying, lust, blasphemy—how would a just God and judge treat lawbreaking? • The offer laid bare: Your fine has been paid. Will you repent—or trust your own goodness instead? ___ 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. Phil Johnson Answers: Is Evangelicalism Collapsing—Or Quietly Being Rebuilt?

    6D AGO

    Phil Johnson Answers: Is Evangelicalism Collapsing—Or Quietly Being Rebuilt?

    Segment 1 • Is evangelicalism actually at a historic low—or on the brink of revival? • Past “golden ages” of evangelical influence actually collapsed faster than expected. • The real reason that faithful churches often do better without celebrity leaders. Segment 2 • Why social media influence may be incapable of sustaining biblical faithfulness. • The hidden dangers of untethered Christian platforms without institutional accountability. • History shows us a repeating pattern of influence, drift, and collapse. Segment 3 • Is “cultural contextualization” helping the church—or hollowing it out from within? • Replacing biblical language subtly reshapes the gospel itself. • Why trying to sound less Christian may cost the church its power entirely. Segment 4 • Does every church need a “lead pastor”—or is that unbiblical? • How leadership authority actually functions inside a healthy plurality of elders. • Rushing to replace a prominent pastor can damage a church for decades. ___ 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. Ever Wonder Why Big Cultural Moments Leave You Feeling Empty?

    FEB 9

    Ever Wonder Why Big Cultural Moments Leave You Feeling Empty?

    Segment 1 • Massive cultural moments, like last night’s Superbowl, promise fulfillment but fade almost instantly. • The halftime show controversy shows us how our entertainment is driving moral numbness for our nation and world. • A sharp challenge: if the biggest moments don’t last, why do we keep living for them? Segment 2 • Here’s what suffering for Christ’s sake in our life tells us about the character and attributes of God. • God values something more than your comfort - and this changes everything in your life. • First Peter’s uncomfortable but hope-filled call to lift your eyes above temporary victories. Segment 3 • How sentimental slogans weaponize empathy and shut down moral clarity. • Phrases like “love is love” feel compassionate but smuggle in serious worldview assumptions. • A smarter approach: asking the right questions instead of taking rhetorical bait. Segment 4 • Bible sales are up—but biblical literacy may not be. • What church closures, entertainment trends, and AI-driven depravity reveal about spiritual decay. • A sobering reminder: sin never satisfies, no matter how advanced the technology gets. ___ 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: Abusive Marriage, AI Sermons, And Woke HR Training

    FEB 6

    Mailbag Friday: Abusive Marriage, AI Sermons, And Woke HR Training

    It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. SEGMENT 1 • Last week, you answered a question I wrote about returning to a marriage where physical abuse occurred. I’m the husband, and I fear my abusive wife. Do these facts change the way you think about the question? - Anonymous • Are there any particular AI bots that Todd and Jimmy prefer to use? - Dennis SEGMENT 2 • Our 15 year-old daughter has recently been saved, and desires to be baptized. She’s stated that she wants me to be the one to baptize her. Are there any reasons that we shouldn’t go through with this? - Anonymous • Last week you referred to delivering a sermon written by AI as “acting”. Is this the same as delivering a pre-written manuscript? Is this a legitimate skill to develop? - Jay SEGMENT 3 • I was required to go through some HR training at work that focused on things like “transphobia” and “homophobia” as different kinds of discrimination. This didn’t feel right for me to partake in as a Christian. Do I have any recourse? What are your thoughts? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • Knowing that we need to be wary of applying guilt-by-association, at what point should a church stop promoting a teacher due to their association with someone that’s theologically problematic? - Jennifer ___ 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
  8. Did the Pope Twist Matthew 25: Are Borders Actually Biblical?

    FEB 5

    Did the Pope Twist Matthew 25: Are Borders Actually Biblical?

    Segment 1 • Pope Leo’s use of Matthew 25 misapplies God’s Word by turning an individual mandate into a government policy. • Learn from Speaker Mike Johnson’s calm, biblical approach to hostile media questions—and why his tone matters for every Christian. • Get a crash course on what the Bible actually says about borders, nations, assimilation, and the role of civil authority. Segment 2 • Watch progressives contradict their past positions on immigration through a shocking AI-generated political montage. • Laugh (and cringe) at a satirical skit where a liberal time-travels to kill Hitler—only to discover eerie ideological overlaps. • Understand how worldview—not just politics—drives modern shifts in culture and moral reasoning. Segment 3 • John Macarthur’s heartfelt worship should be a lesson for us all. • Reconsider everything you assumed about the Puritans—especially their deep focus on the love of God. • Hear how a forgotten Puritan voice might be the encouragement you need today if your faith feels more fearful than joyful. Segment 4 • Explore why love, not just justice or wrath, is the central attribute behind God’s redemption plan. • Let Octavius Winslow’s rich theology flood your soul with hope, assurance, and a fresh view of God's heart. • Fear of God and love from God must coexist—together, they fuel worship, holiness, and evangelism. ___ 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
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
3,110 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Fortis Institute
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    463
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fortis Institute

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