Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

Can You Pass The Bible Quiz 65% Failed? + Why TikTok Is Drawing Gen Z To Rome Nov 10, 2026

Show notes

Can you pass the basic Bible quiz that most American churchgoers failed? Todd wants to see if Jimmy can beat the odds, then explores how social media might be drawing Gen Z to Catholicism.

Segment 1

65% of churchgoers failed this Bible quiz.
The latest kerfuffle over The Chosen.
Can you put these Bible events in order?

Segment 2

Which familiar sayings are actually in the Bible?
How often do churchgoers read their Bibles?
Why Peter repeats truths his readers already knew.

Segment 3

Why this pastor objects to being “washed white.”
How should Christians think about race?
How is TikTok drawing Gen Z to Catholicism?

Segment 4

Should you kneel when you pray?
Should Protestants borrow from Catholic worship?
How churches can help kids learn to finish books.

___

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!

After A Blue Wave, What Should Christians Do Next? Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

When the headlines make you wonder where the country is headed, what can you do right where you are? Todd Friel explores how to keep political concern from turning into panic and where Christians can make a difference beyond the ballot box.

Segment 1

When does political concern become faithless worry?
The apostle Peter’s warning when politics rattles you.
Can you be angry about the election results?

Segment 2

Todd’s challenge to Christian nationalists.
Does Romans 8:28 apply when your side loses?
Why would God ordain a bad government?

Segment 3

Gavin Newsom moves to commute 548 death sentences.
A sidewalk counselor’s shocking encounters outside abortion clinics.
Should Russell Brand’s conversion affect his sentence?

Segment 4

What do people see when they look at your church?
How do you raise kids who stand out for the right reasons?
Would you share the gospel with someone who votes differently?

___

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!

Mailbag Friday: Bathtub Baptism + Church Discipline for Kids + Seeker-Sensitive Churches Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Segment 1

Is my bathtub baptism valid? — Marco
How can I rejoice in God’s justice without being glad someone suffered? — Jonathan
How much should looks matter when choosing a spouse? — Anonymous

Segment 2

What resources teach godly manhood? — Ethan
Can a COVID shot cost me my salvation? — Anonymous

Segment 3

How do I comfort a grieving unbeliever? — Noah
How do I teach my kids about dinosaurs biblically? — Paul
Should I speak up about my sister’s seeker-sensitive church? — Anonymous
Can marrying an unbeliever warrant church discipline? — Brian

Segment 4

Can a young church member face church discipline? — Anonymous
Should we ask a pastor to step down if he admits he’s unqualified? — 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!

When An Election Loss Shakes Your Hope Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

Can you take an election loss seriously without letting it consume you? Todd Friel looks at what it means to trust God when your side loses and what Chuck Swindoll learned about cherishing his wife.

Segment 1

How to keep election disappointment from becoming despair.
Here’s what your reaction says about your heart.
What can your church do that politics can’t?

Segment 2

Did God want the election to go this way?
The hymn Todd turns to in times like this.
Can you trust God with a result you didn’t want?

Segment 3

How Chuck Swindoll almost ruined his marriage.
What husbands stop doing after the wedding… but shouldn’t.
A tender moment Swindoll treasures.

Segment 4

What do you do after losing your spouse of decades?
What your kids see when your marriage hits hard times.
What Swindoll hopes to hear from Jesus someday.

___

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!

What Do You Say When Mormon Missionaries Knock?+ A Catholic Student Explains Purgatory Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Two Mormon missionaries give Todd their doorstep pitch, and then a Catholic student explains why she believes she still has sins to make up for. Hear how Todd gets past familiar religious language and gets to the heart of the Gospel.

Segment 1

Todd challenges two Mormons to give him their doorstep pitch.
How do these missionaries know who speaks for God?
How do you answer “faith without works is dead”?

Segment 2

What do Mormons believe happens after we die?
Do these missionaries believe Jesus is God?
What happens when Todd takes them through the good person test?

Segment 3

Why does this Catholic student expect she’ll go to purgatory?
How to talk to someone who wants to pay their own debt.
Todd uses a $50,000 Mercedes to explain grace.

Segment 4

A trick quiz gets two engineering students talking.
How do you answer the objection “everyone sins”?
How to respond when someone says they’ve “accepted Jesus.”

___

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!

The Real Cost of Divorce + Does Your Daily Grind Matter? + Is Alice Cooper A Christian? Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

Could the promise of a happier marriage to someone else make you careless with the family you have? Todd looks at what that promise leaves out, how to serve God in your ordinary life, and whether Alice Cooper’s profession of faith is genuine.

Segment 1

What you miss by rushing through your Bible reading.
Are you haunted by sins Christ has forgiven?
Why your faith can feel disconnected, and what to do about it.

Segment 2

Can you serve Jesus by doing the laundry?
How serving God should shape your spending.
Can enjoying your downtime glorify God?

Segment 3

What happens to Psalm 23 in The Message?
Could Call Her Daddy’s divorce advice influence your marriage?
This dangerous promise is tearing marriages apart.

Segment 4

Examining Alice Cooper’s profession of faith.
The real impact of divorce on your children.
Judah Smith claims you can be Hindu and follow Jesus.

___

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!

Polygamy In The Pulpit + What Makes A Marriage Last? + When A Church Prank Goes Too Far Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

A church applauds their pastor’s second wife, Chuck Swindoll shares a glimpse of enduring love, and a congregation walks out to prank its pastor. Todd examines what these moments reveal about false teaching, your marriage, and how we treat the church.

Segment 1

How Todd’s trip renewed his wonder of God.
Can a false teacher still be a nice guy?
A church celebrates its pastor’s second wife.

Segment 2

A pastor’s second wife calls their relationship God’s will.
Chuck Swindoll shares a tender moment with his wife amid dementia.
What does lasting love offer that the world can’t?

Segment 3

Why do some sermons move you while others fall flat?
What this church prank reveals about our attitude towards Sunday morning.
What happens when you leave your church without explaining why?

Segment 4

Is the way you read Scripture making people tune out?
Can you be both evangelical and Roman Catholic?
How should you respond when a president talks faith?

___

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!

Is Patriarchy Biblical? + Does Sinner’s Prayer Give False Assurance? + Could Aliens Exist? Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Segment 1

Does “the God of second chances” imply chance? — Jeff
Can the sinner’s prayer give false assurance? — Owen

Segment 2

Should preaching or singing come first in church? — Suvasish
Does the Bible require church membership? — Jimmy

Segment 3

How do I confront a Christian friend’s crude jokes? — Anonymous
Patriarchy vs. complementarianism: What’s the difference? — Matt

Segment 4

Could life beyond Earth fit with the Bible? — Travis
How should churches handle breastfeeding complaints? — John
How do we keep pets from becoming idols? — Kyle

___

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!

What Christian Nationalism Gets Wrong + Does Your Ordinary Work Matter To God? | Philip De Courcy Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

Are Christians expecting government to accomplish what only the gospel can? Philip De Courcy joins Todd at the Ark Encounter to examine Christian nationalism and why ordinary life may matter more to God than you realize.

Segment 1

What serving as an officer in Belfast taught Philip about trusting God.
When does political involvement obscure the Gospel?
What should Christians expect from government?

Segment 2

Can you reject Christian Nationalism and still love your country?
What are you praying for your children to become?
How can you serve God in retirement?

Segment 3

Is your church pushing older believers aside?
How the pressure to be “radical” may be stealing your joy.
Can you serve God without leaving everything behind?

Segment 4

Does your secular job count as ministry?
Should you feel guilty when you’re not thinking about God?
Can taking a nap bring glory to God?

___

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!

Can Todd Turn A Presbyterian Into A Baptist? + Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians? Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd meets a Presbyterian who isn’t afraid to defend his faith and a Catholic who’s counting on his good works to get to heaven. Two conversations with some important lessons about sharing the Gospel.

Segment 1