Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

Ben Sasse’s Dying Regrets + Todd Exposes The AI Pastor Problem May 19, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Ben Sasse faces terminal cancer with a theology that left a 60 Minutes host visibly shaken. • Why did family suddenly matter more than career success and achievement? • What priorities would you change if your time was running out? Segment 2 • What does it actually mean to “die well” as a Christian instead of panicking at the end? • AI could destroy people who “outsource their attention and affections” to technology. • Is your phone quietly reshaping your soul? Segment 3 • Vanderbilt Divinity School graduates unveil ministries involving horses, LGBT activism, and “finding your value.” • A woman throws a “gender reveal” abortion celebration online. • A “pastrix” claims Christians misunderstood Jesus saying He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Segment 4 • Todd tests AI by having it instantly generate an entire sermon introduction from 1 Peter. • Could future pastors become actors reading AI-generated sermons instead of shepherds shaped by Scripture? • If AI can write better sermons faster than many pastors, what happens to real sanctification and soul care? ___ 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!

“You’re Going To Be Mad At Me”—Todd Responds To Rededicate 250 May 18, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • “You’re going to be mad at me.” Todd responds to the massive Rededicate 250 event in Washington, D.C. • Can America actually be “rededicated to God”… or are Christians asking the wrong question? • Todd asks the uncomfortable question nobody at the event seemed willing to answer. Segment 2 • Texas shuts down a pediatric gender clinic, but Todd says the real issue runs much deeper. • Why do cultural victories never seem to fix America’s moral collapse? • Got a frustrating neighbor or a broken community? Todd says the solution is simpler and harder than you think. Segment 3 • One in three men in America have stopped working altogether. What happens to a nation when men lose purpose? • A shocking story out of Britain raises disturbing questions about modern policing and cultural priorities. • Vaccines, autism, assisted suicide for babies—Todd connects the dots on where Western culture is heading. Segment 4 • “Maybe Dungeons and Dragons isn’t such a bad idea…” Todd reacts to today’s therapy culture. • MAHA testimonies reveal heartbreaking stories from people prescribed psych drugs as children. • What if the medications meant to help people are quietly destroying entire decades of their lives? ___ 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: Can Online Sermons Hurt Your Soul? May 15, 2026

Show notes

It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Theresa shares how resentment toward a cliquey church turned into meaningful friendships—and asks: Should Christians fight for connection before deciding to leave a church? • Anonymous asks: Would it be inappropriate for a woman to give her pastor a personal gift to express gratitude? • Anonymous wrestles with a difficult theological tension: If heaven is perfect and sinless, how did Satan rebel there in the first place? • Thomas asks: Why do so few churches have true evangelists who actively equip believers to share the gospel? Segment 2 • David asks: Should Christians only learn from pastors who personally know them—or can sermons from trusted teachers online still be spiritually beneficial? • Alex asks: Are nicotine pouches just a harmless habit—or could they fall into the same category as drunkenness and addiction? • Anonymous asks: If a church allows a woman to preach on Mother’s Day, should Christians still attend? • Alexandra asks: What do you do when reading the Bible feels more boring than life-giving? Segment 3 • Ryan asks: When is it biblically appropriate for a pastor to leave a church without abandoning his calling or creating division? • Anonymous asks: Can someone who believes “baptism saves” still truly be a Christian—or are they trusting a false gospel? • A listener wrestles with a painful family dilemma: Should you pray for loved ones to be saved… or simply corrected? Segment 4 • Lorie asks: Can female bodybuilding honor God—or do the competition standards cross the line into immodesty? ___ 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!

Bible Diet Trends, Southern Baptists, Marriage Pain May 14, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Is “eating biblical foods” actually spiritual… or just another Christianized trend? • Todd exposes how influencers are turning Scripture into diet plans, “superfoods,” and coaching businesses. • Why do Christians keep treating the Bible like a cookbook instead of a revelation of Christ? Segment 2 • The guys jokingly create an AI-generated “Upper Room Diet”… and it gets uncomfortably believable. • Southern Baptists are seeing declining membership numbers—but rising baptisms and attendance. What’s really happening? • Should churches prioritize biblical faithfulness even if attendance drops? Segment 3 • What do you do when you’re trying to love your spouse faithfully… and they won’t reciprocate? • Todd digs into the painful reality of cold, distant marriages and why perseverance matters. • “Don’t dominate. Elevate.” A challenging call for husbands living with difficult relational tension. Segment 4 • Why do some Christians constantly doubt their salvation even when they know the gospel? • Todd unpacks hidden heart issues behind “wobbly knees,” from perfectionism to shame to performance-based Christianity. • Are you trusting Christ… or secretly trusting your feelings, failures, and spiritual performance? ___ 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! .

Witness Wednesday: Intelligent Design, “I Don’t Care”, Pluralism May 13, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is back at Georgia Tech where he challenges students on intelligent design, morality, self-righteousness, and what it actually means to be a Christian. Conversations with skeptical engineering students, a Jamaican student named Junior, and a Catholic student named Dan repeatedly expose the same issue: people believe they’re “good enough” for God, but struggle to explain sin, justice, repentance, or why Jesus alone can save. Segment 1 • An architecture student admits buildings require designers… but refuses to apply the same logic to the universe. • A biomedical engineering student claims the universe “just fell into place”—so Todd presses him on morality, guilt, and judgment. • The shocking moment: after admitting guilt under God’s law, the student says he still doesn’t care if God exists or judges him. Segment 2 • Junior grew up in a Christian home in Jamaica—but realizes he may not actually understand Christianity at all. • Todd walks Junior through lying, lust, blasphemy, and guilt before God… and Junior pushes back hard on blind faith. • “I’m not a sinful person.” Todd challenges the difference between growing up around Christianity and truly knowing Christ. Segment 3 • Dan believes “good people” from many religions can make it to heaven—but Todd asks a devastating courtroom question. • If God simply forgives guilty people without punishment… is He actually a just judge? • Todd dismantles salvation-by-good-works and explains why trying harder can never erase guilt before a holy God. Segment 4 • Todd explains the difference between earning heaven and receiving forgiveness through Christ alone. • Why your “good works” might actually be offensive to God if they come from a sinful heart. • One of the clearest gospel appeals of the episode: stop striving, die to self, and trust the righteousness of Jesus 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!

Christians Doubting Salvation, Secret Sin, Leaving Your Church May 12, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Why do so many genuine Christians secretly fear they’re not actually saved? • Todd tackles the crushing cycle of “I repented… but was it enough?” • Can one misunderstood Bible passage steal your assurance for years? Segment 2 • Are you running from God after sin instead of running to Him? • Todd exposes the difference between Holy Spirit conviction and self-inflicted condemnation. • What if your “worst sin” isn’t stronger than God’s grace after all? Segment 3 • Why are comparison, emotions, and secret sin wrecking so many believers’ assurance? • “I just don’t feel saved” — but should feelings decide your eternal standing? • Todd confronts one hidden struggle that keeps surfacing in assurance conversations with young men. Segment 4 • Should you leave a church that teaches truth but feels emotionally cold? • Todd challenges entertainment-driven church culture and “whoop-dee-doo” Christianity. • What matters more: warm community or faithful expository preaching? ___ 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!

Do You Really Know Your Wife, Mutual Submission, Counterculture May 11, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Todd Friel turns a “Mother’s Day sermon” into a direct challenge to husbands: do you actually know your wife beneath surface-level habits? • “I’ve been married 20 years… but do I really understand her heart?” — the uncomfortable marriage question most men avoid. • Why are so many Christian marriages stuck in behavior management instead of real spiritual intimacy? Segment 2 • What secretly drives your wife’s fear, frustration, or anger — and have you ever bothered to ask? • Todd and Jimmy unpack the “deeper conversations” that could completely change the emotional temperature of your home. • “How am I doing as a husband?” sounds brave… until you hear the answer. Segment 3 • Egalitarianism vs. complementarianism: does the Bible really teach “mutual submission” in marriage? • Todd tackles the controversial debate around authority, leadership, and whether modern Christians are redefining biblical roles. • If husbands are called to lead, what does Christlike leadership actually look like without becoming domineering? Segment 4 • First-century Rome treated women like second-class citizens — so why were Peter’s commands to husbands considered shocking? • Todd argues Christians are fighting the culture war the wrong way — and offers a far more radical alternative. • What if honoring bad leaders, difficult spouses, and harsh authorities is actually the church’s greatest countercultural weapon? ___ 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: Do Jews Still Need The Gospel? May 08, 2026

Show notes

It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Derek asks: If God's promise to Israel remains an active hope today, is there a need to share the gospel with Jews? • Kyla wonders: Have Christian podcasts become a breeding ground for gossip, immaturity, and “heresy hunter” celebrities disconnected from the local church? • Nate asks: What should churches do when faithful preaching feels more like a seminary lecture than shepherding hurting people? Segment 2 • Anonymous asks: Are Christians actually called to one specific local church—or is church membership mostly personal preference? • Eddie asks: Do babies who die in the womb go to heaven—and can Christians be certain about it biblically? Segment 3 • Joe asks: How do you deeply desire marriage without turning a future spouse into an idol? Segment 4 • Anonymous asks: Can praying too much for someone you’re dating become emotionally unhealthy—or even idolatrous? • Ralph asks: Why do Christians criticize Catholicism but rarely talk about the Orthodox Church? • Anonymous asks: Why does it feel like idols keep growing back in my heart no matter how hard I fight them? ___ 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!

Government Secrets, Abortion Pills, Gospel Assurance May 07, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Perry Stone has Christians panicking over UFOs again… but where’s the evidence? • Secret government meetings, reptilian creatures, and “pastors being warned” — is this prophecy teaching or fundraising theater? • Why do so many believers keep falling for sensational end-times claims that never come true? Segment 2 • The Supreme Court temporarily restores abortion pill access while states try to stop mail-order abortions. • A horrifying murder case raises an uncomfortable question: has America become too soft on violent criminals? • Germany investigates Christian YouTubers for criticizing Islam, a Canadian drag queen is convicted of sex trafficking, and Sam Allberry’s “third way” theology faces a brutal reality check. Segment 3 • Michael Knowles admits he hopes for heaven… but can’t know for sure he’s going there. • Why was assurance of salvation considered one of the “greatest heresies” during the Protestant Reformation? • If you constantly doubt your salvation, are you examining your sin correctly — or missing what Christ already accomplished? Segment 4 • Can one hymn do more to strengthen assurance than years of religious rituals? • Martin Luther reportedly confessed sins for up to six hours a day before discovering what finally gave him peace. • Why does a works-based system leave consciences exhausted, fearful, and constantly searching for relief outside of Christ? ___ 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!

Witness Wednesday: Karma vs Justice, Moral Truth, Eternal Stakes May 06, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd talks with four students on campus, each with some kind of religious background or moral framework. Across the episode, Todd keeps pressing the same essential issue: God is just, man is guilty, and Jesus Christ is the only Savior. The gospel is not moral improvement, religious heritage, spiritual preference, or doing the best you can. It is Christ taking the punishment sinners deserve and crediting His righteousness to those who repent and trust Him. Segment 1 • Casey believes “karma” settles the score—but who’s actually keeping track of right and wrong? • If morality is just personal preference, why does guilt feel so real—and so unavoidable? • Casey admits he doesn’t know the gospel… so what happens when God judges by His standard, not yours? Segment 2 • Nathan says he believes in God—but when asked why, he can’t give a clear answer. Would you? • If you think you’re a “good person,” do you actually pass God’s test—or fail it completely? • The pieces finally connect: if Jesus died for sinners… what does that require from you right now? Segment 3 • Kevin has a Methodist background—but can’t explain what he actually believes. Does that sound familiar? • If nobody’s perfect, shouldn’t effort count? Or does God demand something far higher? • The courtroom analogy hits hard: if you’re guilty, how can justice and mercy both be satisfied? Segment 4 • A graduate student thinks grace + good works might balance out—but is that how salvation works? • What if your best deeds are still corrupted at the root—would that change everything? • Justification vs. sanctification: are you trusting Christ alone… or subtly trusting yourself? ___ 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!

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