Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Todd sits down with Brad Bigney to tackle some of the marriage advice that sounds completely backward to our culture—and maybe even to you. What if the things you’re holding onto are the very things keeping your marriage from thriving?

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It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd is at Georgia Tech showing how simple it can be to start a Gospel conversation—and how to respond when someone thinks they’re a good person or that all religions might ultimately be true.

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ou can be completely convinced you’re right—and still be wrong. Todd and Dr. Adam Tyson tackle what happens when personal convictions become biblical mandates, Christian liberty starts dividing the church, and obeying the government conflicts with obeying God.

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You can know your Bible, go to church, and genuinely love Christ—and still have spiritual problems you don’t recognize. Todd diagnoses four subtle issues that may be affecting your walk with God more than you realize.

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

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• What questions should I be asking if I’m interested in dating a girl who’s a Messianic Jew? — Jonathan

• My church’s music is showy and the preaching isn’t very exegetical. Is that enough reason to leave? — Ryan

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• How does a wife biblically submit to a husband who has proven himself foolish with finances? — Anonymous

• When should the men and elders of a church step in to protect and care for a woman struggling in her ma...

Is Christian nationalism the biblical answer to a culture moving further from God? Todd works through Phil Johnson’s case against Christian nationalism, examining Scripture, church history, political power, and what Jesus actually commissioned His church to do.

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• What did John MacArthur really mean when he said there is “no such thing” as Christian nationalism?

• How can you distinguish ordinary Christian patriotism from Christian nationalism?

• The movement has some troubling voices, but Todd says there’s an even bigger problem: Is it biblical?

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• What happens when the church...

It’s Witness Wednesday at Georgia Tech! Todd talks with students about faith and politics, whether science could eventually disprove Christianity, and why an emotional response to the gospel isn’t necessarily conversion.

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Today’s headlines raise some big questions. What happens when uncomfortable facts become off-limits, men increasingly struggle to find work, and Christianity’s exclusive claims collide with “all roads lead to God”?

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• How can AI be genuinely useful without becoming something you rely on too heavily?

• If God ordains everything, does that make Him responsible for evil?

• How do ultimate, proximate, and efficient causes help explain God’s sovereignty over a world where evil exists?

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• A church plays Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” on a pipe organ. What belongs in a...

What makes a sermon truly powerful? Todd reflects on Tim Challies’ preaching, explains where he differs with John Mark Comer on spiritual disciplines, and shares an important lesson from Challies about trusting God when suffering doesn’t make sense.

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

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• My mother-in-law is an Anglican deaconess who preaches and is becoming increasingly liberal. Are we obligated to keep confronting her about our disagreements, or should we let it go and pray for her? — Amanda

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• We want to raise our two young boys to be godly men. How do we work on their hearts instead of just modifying their behavior, and what should we use for Bible study at their age? — Sam

• Is there a place for topical prea...

Can you be a faithful Christian without being committed to a local church? The very real problem of church hurt raises another difficult question: if a church has deeply wounded you, where do you go from there? Segment 1 •Kevin DeYoung answers the Christian who says, “I don’t need to go to church.” • The church is a body, a building, and a bride—why does each picture matter? • Does the Great Commission actually support Christian nationalism? Segment 2 • Church hurt is real—but should it cause you to abandon the local church? • Kevin DeYoung explains why you can’t separate Jesus from His body and brid...

It’s Witness Wednesday! Why should we care about people we’ve never met? At Georgia Tech, Todd challenges students to explain compassion from an evolutionary worldview, then talks with a Catholic student about purgatory, repentance, and what separates the Gospel from religious works. Segment 1 • Why should you care about someone suffering 5,000 miles away? • Can evolution provide a consistent reason for compassion and self-sacrifice? • You don’t have to evangelize like Todd—find your own “fishing hole” and start with one person. Segment 2 • A Catholic student admits God isn’t the number-one affection in his life. • If we’ve broken God’s law, should we expec...

Christian nationalism promises a more Christian society—but is giving the government power to enforce Christianity actually biblical? Todd looks at what Scripture and history have to say before turning to a $17 million child sponsorship controversy and some troubling church news. Segment 1 • Is it time for Christians to finally render a verdict on Christian nationalism? • Where does the Bible actually tell the church to impose Christianity through the state? • Why Todd believes Christian nationalism is creating real problems inside local churches. Segment 2 • Christian nationalism has been tried before—what can we learn from the results? • If the government enforces Christianity, who gets to decide...

The popular story of the Crusades says Christians were the aggressors—but is that what actually happened? Todd separates history from myth before turning to some of the biggest struggles Christians face today—and how you can become better equipped to help someone who is hurting. Segment 1 • Were the Crusades really an unprovoked Christian attack on the Muslim world? • Discover the centuries of history that often get left out of the story. • The one fact about the Crusades worth remembering the next time someone brings them up. Segment 2 • Were Crusaders really greedy opportunists looking to get rich? • Why were men willing to ris...

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What is your opinion on the Book of Enoch? — Anonymous Segment 2 • From what I’ve seen, a church evangelism program goes nowhere if the lead pastor isn’t actively involved. Do you agree? — Jay • Should I stay at and get baptized in a Bible-believing church that sings Hillsong and sometimes lets women read Scripture, lead prayer, and welcome the congregation? — Ella Segment 3 • Is reflexology a sin? — Nancy • Is it a sin to clip your fingernails in the office? — James Segment 4 • Would you consider “Make Evangelism Great Again” (MEGA) as a merch idea? — Brian • Ho...

Kids are being told transition will solve their distress—and sometimes that the alternative is suicide. Todd examines the stories of two young people who were swept into transgender ideology and later rejected it, revealing how schools, social media, peers, therapists, and doctors can influence vulnerable kids. Segment 1 • Layla Jane began questioning her gender after years of emotional struggles. • Social media helped convince her that transitioning could be the answer. • At just 13, she underwent a mastectomy. Segment 2 • What wasn’t Layla told before taking testosterone and having surgery? • Transition promised happiness—but it didn't resolve her underlying struggles. • Todd examines the evidence surro...

It’s Witness Wednesday at Georgia Tech! Could you explain the gospel if someone put you on the spot? Todd talks with Christian students, tackles tough abortion questions, and challenges an atheist who thinks good people go to heaven. Segment 1 • A Christian physics student sees evidence of a Creator everywhere—but can he clearly explain the gospel? • Why understanding our sin is essential to understanding the love of Christ. Segment 2 • Todd gives a group of Christian students 60 seconds to convince him to become a Christian. • Is telling someone “God loves you” enough—or are we leaving out the very reason Jesus had to die? ...

Biblical preaching should give you more than a few helpful ideas for the week. Todd contrasts expository preaching with the me-centered “TED Talk” approach, offers a biblical grid for evaluating worship music, and tackles a listener’s question about whether women should serve Communion. Segment 1 • Todd introduces the heart behind his new book, Go Serve Your King. Pre-Order today at FortisInstitute.org/King • Why your faith shouldn’t occupy a separate spiritual category from your work, money, recreation, family, and everyday responsibilities. • Christianity isn’t a checklist. Learn how ordinary faithfulness in the life God has already given you can glorify your Kin...

Australia is making public evangelism increasingly difficult, many churches say they value evangelism but have no real plan to do it, and plenty of Christians simply don’t know how to start a gospel conversation. Evangelist Andrew Walkington joins Todd to explain what’s happening in Australia—and how ordinary Christians can become more confident sharing their faith. Segment 1 • What is it like trying to evangelize in a country where public preaching and even handing out gospel tracts can be restricted? • Andrew explains how changing Australian laws and culture have forced his ministry to rethink open-air evangelism. • Why the freedoms American Chr...

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What do you think about churches using a website like Ministry Imprint to identify spiritual gifts and ways people would be good at serving? — Trevor • Several older men at my church are Freemasons, including deacons who influence the pastor. What should we do? — Audrey Segment 2 • Our church sign says, “Our church is like fudge...sweet with a few nuts.” Thoughts? — Marion • My pastor doesn’t like the term “Christian” and prefers “believer” or “follower.” Am I off base for being concerned? — James • Some people say, “It only has to be in the Bible once to be true.” Is...

What do you do when God gives you news you never wanted? And what can churches learn when a respected ministry collapses? Todd looks at trusting God through suffering, the fallout from G3 Ministries, and how churches can pursue accountability without overreacting. Segment 1 • Phil Johnson’s cancer has returned—and the prognosis isn’t what anyone hoped to hear. • How should Christians respond when God gives us circumstances we desperately wish He would change? • What does it actually look like to trust that God is good even when His plans aren’t ours? Segment 2 • Phil Johnson once argued that evangelical Christianity may...

It’s Witness Wednesday! What do you say to an atheist who demands evidence for God, someone searching for the right religion, or even a professing Christian who thinks he can earn his way to heaven? Listen in as Todd demonstrates how to challenge unbelief and move conversations toward the gospel. Segment 1 • Todd meets Jay, an atheist who questions how God’s omniscience can coexist with human free will. • What evidence can you give someone who insists there’s no reason to believe in a Creator? • See how Todd moves from intellectual objections to the conscience and the reality of coming judgm...

Pornography is increasingly becoming a struggle for women—but what’s really driving it, and how can Christian women fight it? Todd sits down with Fortis Fellow and biblical counselor Libby Glosson to discuss what’s happening beneath the surface and the hope found in Christ. Segment 1 • Why are more women consuming pornography—and has our culture encouraged women to adopt some of the worst behaviors of men? • What are women really seeking through pornography: intimacy, acceptance, love, or escape? • Why pornography is ultimately more than a sexual problem—it’s a heart and worship problem. Segment 2 • Why “just stop it” and shame aren't e...

Grace Community Church has named John MacArthur’s successor, while another controversy surrounding G3 Ministries raises serious questions about church leadership and accountability. Segment 1 • Grace Community Church announces Nathan Busenitz as its new pastor following John MacArthur. • Why Todd believes GCC handled this enormous transition well. • Nathan Busenitz examines capitalism vs. socialism from a biblical worldview. Segment 2 • Is capitalism actually more biblical than socialism? • Why biblical generosity is voluntary rather than compelled by government.How our understanding of human nature changes the capitalism vs. socialism debate. Segment 3 • Todd addresses the latest G3 Ministries controversy—and explains why Wretched waited to discuss it. • An...

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Can a Christian celebrate Indian holidays like Diwali, even if the Hindu religious elements aren't emphasized? — Troy • Why don't you baptize babies? — Anonymous Segment 2 • How can I stop being controlled by other people's opinions and find my identity in Christ? — JD Segment 3 • What should I do if I want to serve more at church but keep getting overlooked? — Anonymous • Is it appropriate to dance with someone who isn't your spouse? — Jana Segment 4 • How do I respect my husband when I feel like there's nothing about him to respect? — Nancy • What is your vi...

Is ADHD being overdiagnosed? Todd challenges some common assumptions about children, medicine, and education before Todd and Jimmy decide which of several outrageous stories is the most agitating. Segment 1 • Is ADHD really a medical condition—or are we medicating kids who simply don't fit the system? • What if your child isn't broken... but simply learns differently? • Why parents shouldn't let academic performance define their child's potential. Segment 2 • Are we too quick to trust a diagnosis simply because it comes from a medical professional? • Texas Children's Hospital is accused of using false diagnoses to bill Medicaid for gender procedures. • Why viability and a heartbea...

It’s Witness Wednesday! What do you say when someone trusts science instead of God, thinks growing up Christian makes them a Christian, or believes being good will get them to heaven? Segment 1 • Can you believe in science without exercising faith? • How do you reason with someone who believes the universe doesn't need a Designer? • What do you say to someone who simply doesn't care about God or judgment? Segment 2 • Does growing up in a Christian home make you a Christian? • How can someone read the Bible and still miss the gospel? • What do you say to someone who insists he's still “se...

Do your feelings get a vote when God has already spoken? From rejecting hell to claiming personal encounters with Jesus, Todd looks at why even sincere experiences can lead us away from truth—and why Scripture has to remain the final authority. Segment 1 • Why Todd believes leaving mentally ill and addicted people on the streets isn't compassion. • What his trip to Chattanooga revealed about homelessness and human dignity. • Why personal autonomy isn't always the most loving answer. Segment 2 • Jen Hatmaker says abandoning her belief in a literal hell was “the best thing” that ever happened to her. • Should Christians use the fear of hell...

•Christian nationalism is gaining traction with young Christian men—but is it actually biblical? Todd looks at the history and theology behind the movement, puts the idea of a “Christian prince” to the test, and explains why evangelism should spend more time exalting Christ than playing defense. Segment 1 • Why are so many young Christian men attracted to Christian nationalism? • Does the movement have enough biblical support—or does it rely more heavily on historical theology? • What the bloody history of church-state alliances should teach Christians today. Segment 2 • What happens when the church’s mission gets mixed with the government’s power of the sword? •...

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Why is antisemitism escalating around the world? — Jonathan • What’s the difference between biblical counseling and Christian counseling? — Anonymous Segment 2 • How should I biblically handle my one-year-old’s temper tantrums? — Alexandra • Is it appropriate to confront my retired dad about how he’s spending his time? — Anonymous Segment 3 • Should we regularly use study Bibles if we have the Holy Spirit to help us understand Scripture? — Rachel • What does it actually mean to be “led by the Spirit”? Segment 4 • My grandfather died unsaved. How should I deal with the guilt of not sharing the gospel with...

Bethel is still producing “visions,” parents are increasingly being cut off by their adult children, free speech collides with Islam, and two former NBA players expose the WNBA’s transgender dilemma. What should Christians learn from all of it? Segment 1 • A Bethel Music singer describes a dramatic “vision” of Jesus. • Why chasing fresh revelations can quietly undermine the sufficiency of Scripture. • If your church sings Bethel Music, what exactly are you supporting? Segment 2 • Why are so many adult children cutting off their parents? • Five influences driving family estrangement, from politics to therapy culture. • What Christian parents can do now to strengthen relationshi...

Someone tells you they’re a Christian. What should you ask next? On this Witness Wednesday, listen in as Todd demonstrates how to move past labels, uncover what people actually believe, and naturally steer conversations toward the gospel. Segment 1 • Todd meets Francisco, a professing Christian who believes there’s room for other religions. • How do you challenge religious pluralism without getting lost in an argument? • Learn how a few simple questions can reveal what someone really believes about Jesus. Segment 2 • Oren says he’s a Christian and knows he’s going to heaven—but Todd keeps asking questions. • What should you ask to find out...

A prominent Methodist pastor says the Bible contains hundreds of mistakes, a Texas city erupts over plans for a new mosque, and a politician uses Jesus to promote a gospel of good works. Segment 1 • Why Christians may be putting too much hope in politics. • Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton wins the Democratic Senate primary. • The growing progressive/Islamist political alliance. Segment 2 • Adam Hamilton claims the Bible contains “hundreds” of mistakes. • Gabe Hughes puts one of Hamilton’s supposed contradictions to the test. • James Talarico uses Matthew 25 to promote salvation by good works. Segment 3 • Why Todd brings 21 pages of notes into the pulpit. • A proposed...

The Shack 2 is on the way... Todd explains why The Shack has been so influential despite its serious theological errors. Plus, a practical look at church membership, submitting to biblical leadership, and what faithful church life should actually look like. Segment 1 • Why Todd believes The Shack teaches a different view of God and the gospel. • Should pastors publicly warn their churches about bestselling Christian books? • The biggest theological problems hidden behind an emotional story. Segment 2 • Todd introduces Exalt the King, a new sermon podcast through 1 Peter. • Why constantly immersing yourself in Scripture changes the way you think. • Do Christians need modern exper...

It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Todd and Jimmy discuss why accepting help from others can be so difficult. • Rachel: My toddler has become so difficult that I went back to work just to get a break. What should we do? Segment 2 • Anonymous: I disagreed with your parenting advice. How does Todd respond? • Adam: How should Christians respond to family members who constantly connect current events to Bible prophecy? • Should every theological disagreement become a debate? Segment 3 • Eric: Is it wise for pastors to use a sermon application team? • Todd explains why faithful preaching must move beyond informa...

Why are more young Christians returning to traditional church? Todd examines the surprising shift back toward reverence, structure, and hymnals before sharing a practical blueprint for planning a worship service that points people to Christ. Plus, Jason Lisle explains why apologetics often misses the mark, and Todd responds to Bill Maher's warning about the future of American politics. Segment 1 • Why more churches are bringing hymnals back. • Young Christians are asking for something many churches have abandoned. • What makes a worship service feel distinctly Christian? Segment 2 • Todd walks through an entire Sunday service at Alpharetta Bible Church. • Why every element of worship sh...

Can someone reject hell and still claim to follow Jesus? Todd speaks with students at Georgia Tech about religious pluralism, God's justice, and why the gospel offers what no other religion can. Segment 1 • Jason: Can every religion lead to God? • Jason believes he can accept Jesus while rejecting parts of the Bible. • Why God's justice makes the doctrine of hell impossible to dismiss. Segment 2 • Jason: If God is loving, why is hell eternal? • Todd explains why our greatest problem isn't the size of our sin—but the holiness of the God we've sinned against. • The conversation reaches the heart of the gospel. S...

A viral evangelist is praised for sharing the gospel on an Alaska Airlines flight—but did she actually present the gospel biblically? Todd examines the message, then takes on several of today's most troubling examples of bad theology and explains why getting doctrine right matters. Segment 1 • Did the viral Alaska Airlines evangelist present the gospel accurately? • What's missing from many modern gospel presentations? • Why does the order of the gospel message matter? Segment 2 • Amanda Grace claims hidden biblical messages are found in numbers. Is this how Christians should interpret Scripture? • Bethel leaders declare an end to racism by banging a staff. Can C...

Segment 1 • Is neo-Nazi ideology quietly making its way from the manosphere into local churches? • Why are so many young men attracted to the "red pill" movement—and what are they really searching for? • Could a legitimate frustration with modern culture be leading some men toward a dangerously unbiblical solution? Segment 2 • How should churches respond when young men embrace conspiracy-driven worldviews instead of biblical masculinity? • Todd explains why simply mocking these movements may actually push struggling young men even deeper into them. • What does authentic biblical manhood offer that the manosphere never can? Segment 3 • Is today's therapy culture encouraging adult children to ghost their p...

It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Shantal: What should Christians believe about Anglicanism? • Bryce: Are the qualifications for leading a Bible study different from being a pastor? • Tom: How do we encourage larger families while showing compassion to couples who cannot have children? Segment 2 • Leslie: How should I respond after letting a Facebook argument create conflict in my marriage? • Lori: Should Christians use a transgender person's preferred name and pronouns? • Anonymous: Has Todd ever shared his personal testimony? Segment 3 • Emily: Will broken bodies be made whole in heaven? • Jerrod: Can women administer baptism and communion? Segment 4 • Eli: Should Christ...