Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

The Chosen Actor Backs Talarico & Church Choir Sings Backstreet Boys Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

An actor from The Chosen endorses a pro-abortion candidate, and a church choir sings the Backstreet Boys. Todd examines what both reveal, and also considers how we preach God’s wrath and what young people are seeking in church.

Segment 1

• Is Obama overlooking his own role in America’s division?
• What happens when a student challenges Ben Shapiro on Israel?
• Is the Bible really silent on abortion?

Segment 2

• The Chosen actor endorses James Talarico.
• Who gets to define a “true Christian”?
• Where is your money going when you support The Chosen?

Segment 3

• Jesus’ response to tragedy might surprise you.
• Have we softened our warnings about God’s wrath?
• What if you can’t forgive yourself?

Segment 4

• A church choir performs the Backstreet Boys.
• Why are Stanford students turning to Catholicism?
• Is your church chasing trends young people are rejecting?

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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!

Andy Stanley Is Stepping Down + When Parents Stay Silent on Modesty Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

Andy Stanley just announced he’s leaving his senior pastor role at North Point—but who votes on his successor at a church with no formal membership? Todd examines church membership and the preaching of Stanley’s proposed successor, then tackles homecoming dresses, modesty, and the conversations parents may be avoiding.

Segment 1

• Andy Stanley’s upcoming departure as senior pastor.
• North Point’s unusual requirements for voting on a successor.
• Should your church come looking when you leave?

Segment 2

• Have we softened what Scripture says about false teachers?
• Was Jonathan Edwards too harsh?
• Todd examines a sermon from Stanley’s proposed successor.

Segment 3

• Responding to Allie Beth Stuckey on homecoming modesty.
• Is modesty just a male lust problem?
• When does calling something “legalism” become an excuse?

Segment 4

• What your daughter’s clothing is communicating.
• Can parents say no—even when everyone else says yes?
• How to teach your daughter modesty without shaming her

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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!

Why Christians Believe Conspiracies + My Church Is Using Beth Moore + Answered Prayer or Coincidence? Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

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

Segment 1

• How do I respond when family blames my pain on a lack of faith? — Anna
• Should a Baptist attend a Lutheran church? — Sylvia

Segment 2

• Was it answered prayer or coincidence? — Hallie
• When should churches address conspiracy theories? — Noah

Segment 3

• Can an interlinear Bible help if I don’t know Greek or Hebrew? — Gordon
• Can past sexual sin disqualify me from church leadership for life? — Stuart

Segment 4

• How do I respond to “Christians don’t need church”? — Anonymous
• How do I question my church’s Beth Moore study? — Josh
• How can I tell if someone from a nominal church is saved? — Rochelle

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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!

Paul Washer on What Your Evangelism Is Missing + Who Is Shaping Your Kids? Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

Is your Gospel presentation missing something essential? Todd shares Paul Washer’s approach to evangelism, then examines who is shaping your kids’ beliefs and whether a Christian school can give you peace of mind.

Segment 1

• The ELCA’s “queer confirmation” challenges parental convictions.
• More boys are attending youth groups, but is it revival?
• Could your Gospel presentation be missing a crucial piece?

Segment 2

• Paul Washer explains where evangelism should begin.
• What should you tell someone who responds emotionally to the Gospel?
• How do you reach those who think Scripture is outdated?

Segment 3

• Who is teaching your kids to see the world so differently?
• Students champion free speech, then demand censorship.
• Should you leave public school if you can’t afford alternatives?

Segment 4

• A Christian university calls “in Christ alone” white privilege.
• Why do young people confide in AI over pastors?
• One mother turns off her kids’ devices and sees a change.

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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!

Confronting an Atheist Evangelist + A Baptist Tries to Earn Heaven Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! At Georgia State University, Todd talks with the president of the communist club, a student comparing religions, and a Baptist hoping to earn heaven.

Segment 1

• Todd steps into a debate about free will.
• Jay says there’s no evidence for God.
• Todd presents God’s law, then leaves Jay to consider judgment.

Segment 2

• A student cites Ecclesiastes to argue that death is the end.
• He thinks being better than others gets you into heaven.
• He respects the Gospel, but does that mean he accepts it?

Segment 3

• A student raising money for cancer research is pro-choice.
• A Baptist believes he can earn his way to heaven.
• He says he repents regularly, so why does Todd press further?

Segment 4

• Todd returns to Jay with the intention of sharing the Gospel.
• Jay challenges him over morality, prophecy, and Scripture.
• When does evangelism become casting pearls before swine?

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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!

Why Protestants Turn to Rome + Does the Book of Enoch Belong in Your Bible? Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Rome promises history, unity, and authority, but do those claims hold up? Todd examines Dave Stotts’s conversion to Catholicism, the controversy over Enoch, and why Christians look beyond Scripture for answers.

Segment 1

• The host of Drive Thru History becomes Roman Catholic.
• Does belonging to the historic church mean joining Rome?
• Becoming Catholic means more than changing worship styles.

Segment 2

• If Enoch isn’t Scripture, why does Jude quote it?
• Does that quotation undermine the Bible’s authority?
• Enoch’s claims about the Messiah deserve a closer look.

Segment 3

• Why do Jesus Calling and The Shack resonate with Christians?
• What are readers finding in these books that they’re missing in church?
• Which of God’s attributes is the greatest?

Segment 4

• Todd confronts an article excusing sexual assault to fight racism.
• Why would feminists excuse sexual assault by migrants?
• How moral compromise can erode a college student’s faith.

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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!

John Mark Comer’s Spiritual Retreat + Should Christians Practice Mindfulness? Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Spiritual trends come and go. How do you spot the ones your church should avoid? Todd examines claims of hearing from God, mindfulness, Christian nationalism, and the debate over capital punishment.

Segment 1

• John Mark Comer’s 21-day retreat nearly broke him.
• Do you need silence to hear from God?
• Does Scripture need a supplement?

Segment 2

• Someone brings you a “word from the Lord.” Now what?
• A meditation researcher finds more than she expected.
• Is mindfulness as harmless as it sounds?

Segment 3

• What should you say when a false teacher dies?
• Does being polite mean softening the truth?
• Is Christian nationalism dividing your church?

Segment 4

• Is Christian nationalism distracting from the Great Commission?
• Would you lose every election to see one soul saved?
• Can you be pro-life and support the death penalty?

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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 You Listen to Bethel Music? + Will You Miss Marriage in Heaven? + Are Images of God Idolatrous? Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

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

Segment 1

• How can I find comfort knowing there won’t be marriage in heaven? — Anonymous
• My boyfriend and I attend different churches. How do we choose one before marrying? — Eunoia

Segment 2

• Should Christians shun people over disagreements? — John
• How do we love people without approving of their sin? — Noah
• Is depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove idolatrous? — Sebastian

Segment 3

• What does Jairus reveal about your parents’ love?
• How do you repair a strained relationship with your parents?

Segment 4

• Can I listen to hymns sung by non-Christians? — Caleb, age 12
• How do I turn everyday conversations toward the Gospel? — Hunter
• Is having a pet peeve sinful? — Anonymous
• My conscience isn’t as tender anymore. What should I do? — Jeff

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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!

Before a Pastor Falls: Warning Signs Your Church Shouldn’t Ignore Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Todd sits down with Dr. Jerry Wragg to tackle a troubling question: Why do pastors keep falling into scandal, and what can your church do before it’s too late?

Segment 1

• Why are more pastors falling into moral failure?
• Is social media creating celebrity pastors who aren’t qualified to shepherd?
• What warning signs might your church be overlooking?

Segment 2

• How do you confront a pastor without making reckless accusations?
• Can a great preacher actually be a terrible shepherd?
• What should genuine pastoral humility look like?

Segment 3

• Does your pastor actually care about you—or just his sermons?
• Should churches investigate a pastoral candidate’s phone, marriage, and private life?
• What if a gifted preacher simply isn’t qualified to pastor?

Segment 4

• How much accountability is too much for a pastor?
• Why do pastors fall into sexual sin after decades of faithful ministry?
• Could small character flaws be warning signs of a much bigger problem?

___

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!

Why Do People Really Reject God? + The Gospel in Just One Sentence Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd is at Georgia State University, talking with students about guilt, judgment, and the real reason people reject God.

Segment 1

• Deshaun accuses Todd of trying to manipulate the conversation.
• If a guilty person repents, why can’t a just judge simply forgive him?
• Deshaun believes all religions are basically saying the same thing.

Segment 2

• Juan admits he might not want to know God even if He could answer his deepest questions.
• He sees religion as a system of fear and control.
• Is rejecting God really about evidence, or something deeper?

Segment 3