Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

Why Our Obsession With Safety Is Making Us Spiritually Sick Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Modern culture has made “safety” its idol; every discomfort is treated like trauma. • Scripture flips the script: danger isn’t just outside - it’s inside you. • If your biggest threat is the outside world, you’ll live in fear. If it’s your own heart, you’ll run to Christ. Segment 2 • “Safety-based” psychology is invading schools; students are learning to pathologize conviction. • Polyvagal Theory (born 1994) ignores man’s spiritual nature—an anthropological train wreck. • The Bible says transformation comes by renewing the mind, not regulating vagus nerves. Segment 3 • The real concern is kids weaponizing therapy language against parents. • Britain officially affirms cousin marriage—a symbol of moral decay in the West. • Even theologians like N.T. Wright drift from biblical authority, showing the slope is real. Segment 4 • Cousin marriage bans once built Western civilization—now they’re being reversed. • Germany’s “polyandrous priestess” and IVF jewelry reveal what happens when sacredness dies. • The decline isn’t just weird—it’s spiritual rot disguised as progress. ___ 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!

Safe Spaces Won’t Save You: Here’s The True Fix We All Need Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Polyvagal Theory is quietly infiltrating schools just like mindfulness and meditation did. • It seeks to explains the “fight or flight” response, but only addresses our physical body. • The deeper issue? Our slavery to sin and death. Segment 2 • Polyvagal Theory blames issues on perceived “lack of safety”, but the Bible says it’s sin. • It’s this type of thinking that has brought about the “safe space” trend. • Real, transformative healing begins at the heart, not the nervous system. Segment 3 • A bold woman asks Megyn Kelly: “Would you go to heaven tonight?” • Megyn’s unsure, yet searching and says she has been attending (a Roman Catholic) Church. • God wants you to be 100% sure — not just “hopeful.” Segment 4 • Mormon theology misunderstands baptism, family, and the afterlife. • Mormons tie heaven to family lineage — but God wants YOUR heart. • You can’t afford to miss the true gospel, and the Mormons get it wrong. ___ 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: Visiting a Women-Pastor Church for Family + Why the End Times Still Confuse Us Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • How should believers cope with the deaths of unsaved family and friends? — Isaac • Visiting our nephew’s church that permits women pastors (though the current pastor is male)—should we go? — Theresa • My church never preaches on sin—how do I raise this with my pastor? — Anonymous Segment 2 • Church discipline boundaries: hospital visits, counseling, and officiating weddings—what should a pastor do? — Anonymous Segment 3 • My parents feel unseen at a solid church—how do they build real connection? — Anonymous • Should I step back from opposite-sex friendships to prevent jealousy and avoid temptation? — AJ Segment 4 • Is forgiveness only granted when the offender repents? Responding to “squishy Christianity” claims. — Josh • If God isn’t the author of confusion, why is eschatology so hotly debated? — Anna ___ 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 Thursday: Does God Still Speak, and Where Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism Go Wrong Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

It’s a special Mailbag Thursday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Am I truly forgiven after divorce, abuse, and years of regret? — Anonymous • Our pastor gave a different reason from the pulpit for another pastor’s removal—was that a lie or discretion? — Anonymous • Does God still “speak” today? Should I sit in silence to hear His voice? — Anonymous Segment 2 • 1 John exposes me—how can I rest if I don’t “pass the tests”? — Alex • Our church paused women-teaching-women—does that have any biblical basis? — Cala Segment 3 • What makes Eastern Orthodoxy heretical? — Joe Segment 4 • How can I defend against the Catholic belief that we do some good and Christ does the rest—and to those who say that’s not a big difference? — Anonymous • How important is it for a local church to serve the needy in its community? — Paul ___ 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: An Agnostic Tests the Bible + A Hebrew Roots Believer Rejects ‘Easter’ Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! A sharp history student, Cole, wrestles with the resurrection, truth, and his own conscience—then a Hebrew Roots believer named Carlos questions Easter, church tradition, and the name “Jesus.” Segment 1 • A thoughtful agnostic history major explores the reliability of Scripture and the resurrection. • Todd walks him through manuscript evidence and eyewitness testimony. • Can Christianity stand the test of history? Segment 2 • The conversation turns from intellect to conscience—lying, lust, blasphemy, and guilt before God. • Justice and mercy collide at the cross as Todd explains how forgiveness is possible. • Will Cole see his need for grace? Segment 3 • The tension rises: evidence vs. surrender. • Todd reminds Cole that the Christian faith is intellectual, but it’s not JUST intellectual. • Todd urges Cole to respond before it’s too late. Segment 4 • A self-described believer rejects “Easter,” insists on “Yeshua,” and blends Hebrew roots with Christian faith. • Todd probes what’s behind the name debate and where saving faith truly rests. • Can focusing on details make us miss the gospel itself? ___ 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 Tuesday: Worship Distractions, Bible Translations, and “Claim It” Prayers Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • How do I avoid distracting others in worship? — Andrea • Cowboy hats and coffee during singing—disrespectful? — Ray Segment 2 • I’m 13 and scared I’m not truly saved—how can I find assurance? — Naomi Segment 3 • Can pastors/elders share confidential matters with their wives? — Jim Segment 4 • Is it biblical to “claim” or “declare” things in prayer? — Anonymous • Which current Bible translations should we avoid? — Mary ___ 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 Monday: Sports Parenting, Sermon Prep, and Tough Small-Group Calls Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

It’s a special Mailbag Monday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. T oday we discuss wise involvement in teens’ sports, whether quick sermon prep is solid or shallow, Christ-first fatherhood, and guiding cohabiting new believers with grace + truth. Segment 1 • How involved should dads be in their teen kids’ sports lives? - David Segment 2 • How long should I spend preparing a sermon? If sermon prep feels too fast, is that a red flag? - Zachary Segment 3 • How can I avoid idolizing my kids as a new dad? - Ryan Segment 4 • How should Christians respond when an unmarried couple gets saved and joins a small group? - Heather ___ 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: Was The Bible Written Simply To Control Others? Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What should we make of modern-day “exorcists” and claims of casting out demons? - Joy • How do I respond when people say the Bible, especially the New Testament, was written just to control people? - Joe Segment 2 • What happened to the new book you were writing? - Shawn Segment 3 • Our youth leader isn’t friendly with parents—should we let our kids join the group? - Elizabeth Segment 4 • Are there sins that permanently disqualify someone from leading worship or serving in church—like adultery—even after repentance? - Jeff ___ 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!

Silliest Stories Of The Day: When Political Power Becomes God Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Today’s question: which story makes your eyes roll hardest… and your heart ache most? • A university in the UK slaps a “sexual violence” warning on the Bible. • George Clooney’s new movie romanticizes assisted suicide — culture calling evil “good.” The painful stories continue… Segment 2 • King Charles dedicates a UK memorial to the LGBT movement. • Parents in Britain are taking self-defense classes to defend against their own children. • A Pennsylvania pastor points a gun at his congregation as a sermon illustration. Segment 3 • Sebastian Gorka calls Trump’s shooting a “Christ-like moment.” • Todd and Josh Williamson warn: when politics becomes religion, biblical theology withers. • Comparing any political leader to Christ cheapens the cross and confuses the gospel. Segment 4 • Jesus volunteered His life like no one else or could. • Politicians invoking the cross for clout rob Jesus of His glory. • The takeaway: when the world mocks truth, Christians must guard the gospel’s weight and 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!

Witness Wednesday: The Lie That’s Killing a Generation Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Suicide is rising. Purpose feels fragile. Three students—Fevin, Jacob, and Brennan—wrestle with identity, guilt, and what it means to be born again. These conversations press one urgent question: do you need better coping—or a Savior? Segment 1 — Fevin • A student who’s faced depression shares what helped her find stability. • She connects suicide to identity, guilt, and isolation on campus. • Todd presses deeper: is peace found in purpose…or in something greater? Segment 2 — Jacob (Part 1) • Jacob wears a cross and identifies as Christian, but struggles to articulate salvation and the gospel. • Todd asks questions that expose what “belief” really means. • Jacob admits he isn’t certain he’s born again. Segment 3 — Jacob (Part 2) • Jacob wrestles with the weight of repentance and trust in Christ. • Todd points to the heart of real faith — and what must change for it to be genuine. • Jacob is left with a question only he can answer. Segment 4 — Brennan • A Catholic student confident in his faith—until the questions go deeper. • Todd challenges his assumptions about guilt, grace, and the meaning of the cross. • Brennan’s conversation ends with an invitation he can’t ignore. ___ 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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