Podcast Summary

Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Episode: Heaven Tourism Is Back + The Pastor Who Says He Needs a Jet
Date: March 23, 2026
Host: Todd Friel
Guests/Contributors: Mike Winger, Jimmy Hicks, Sadie Robertson, Justin Peters

Episode Overview

This episode takes a critical look at the resurgence of "heaven tourism" stories—accounts from people who claim to have visited heaven during near-death experiences and returned with new revelations—and scrutinizes their biblical standing. The second half shifts focus to the controversy around prosperity pastors soliciting congregation funds for private jets, using questionable scriptural justifications. Throughout, the tone is skeptical, humorous, and unapologetically committed to biblical authority.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Heaven Tourism’s Return (00:33–24:53)

Critique of Modern Near-Death Experience Claims

• Discussion begins with Mike Winger highlighting the "heavenly tourism office has reopened" (00:33). He recalls the previous decade's popularity of books from purported heaven visitors and questions their biblical legitimacy.
• Key Rule for Analysis:
  • If “heavenly” revelations match the Bible, they aren’t necessary. If they’re new, they’re extra-biblical and unneeded at best, heretical at worst. (01:46)

Breakdown of Claims by Gabe Poirot

• Gabe Poirot's near-death testimony is played and analyzed:
  • Gabe recounts a skateboarding accident, an 18-day coma, and “meeting” Jesus, who says, "Gabriel, why are you concerned about that which has been paid?" (04:13)
  • Winger notes all of Gabe’s claims (“worthy is the Lamb,” Jesus paid it all, heaven as a person) are either already biblically established or vague, poetic restatements.
  • Quote: “Why did we need this young man to go to heaven to come back and tell us this?” – Mike Winger (04:00)
• Gabe describes supposedly heavenly scenes: talking flowers, worshipping nature, and overwhelming love.
  • Winger critiques this as “rehearsed”, “nothing new”, and “poetic, but not revelatory”.
  • Quote: “Like a soldier falling into an ocean of liquid love. Yeah.” – Mike Winger (08:41)
  • Winger also flags unbiblical elements, like the claim that Jesus’ wounds “had a name—Gabriel. He did it just for me” (15:54), as theologically skewed: “That’s just not right... Jesus died for the world. Not just for this young man.” (16:33)
• Discussion about infant loss and Gabe's claim of a heavenly nursery (17:29).
  • Winger: “We don’t know that… that's just not in the Bible.” (17:41)

The Alex and Colton “Malarkey” Precedent

• Reference to Alex Malarkey, child coauthor of "The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven":
  • Justin Peters recounts [19:14–22:58] how Alex and his mother later declared the story a fabrication, but the book continued to sell regardless.
  • Quote: “Her husband… has been profiting handsomely from the sale of these books. And yet here is little Alex… trying to tell people the truth.” – Justin Peters (21:09)

The Underlying Issue

• Why do people buy heaven tourism books?
  • Winger posits it’s due to “a lack of satisfaction in what God has revealed in his word.” (23:31)
  • He recommends reading the Bible, specifically Randy Alcorn’s doctrinally grounded book “Heaven”, instead of such testimonials.

2. Authority of Scripture vs. Personal Experience (14:59–24:53, 29:29–40:24)

Sufficiency of the Bible

• Multiple reminders that all Christians need to know about heaven is already in the Bible (14:59, 24:53, 39:20).
• “If somebody comes along and says, hey, I got some new download... we simply must reject it.” – Mike Winger (14:59)
• The stories are presented as undermining the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

False Equivalence with Biblical Visions

• Gabe Poirot tries to equate his experience with those of biblical figures (John in Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel), asserting “there’s a biblical precedent” (33:33).
• Winger sharply responds: “He’s on that level? He’s Ezekiel, like he’s John?” (33:05)
• Points out apostolic authority and authentication through miracles were unique; modern claimants lack such validation.

The Danger of Subjective Testimony

• Winger laments that such testimonies direct believers away from “Thus saith the Lord” to “Thus say I” (32:03), prioritizing experience over revelation.

3. The Pastor and the Private Jet (43:52–End)

Hank Kuniman’s Jet Fund

• Mike Winger introduces pastor Hank Kuniman, who solicits funds for a private jet, justifying it with Mark 3:9 (“He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd”) (49:19).
  • Winger: “He used this detail in a historical narrative to justify… millions [for a jet].” (48:46)

Critique of Prosperity Preaching

• Winger derides the logic and hubris of prosperity preachers:
  • Quote: “Nobody’s that important. But this man apparently thinks that he is.” (45:00)
  • Suggests that the popularity of such preachers is a sign of judgment (51:51).
• Observes the industry tactics at charismatic conferences (long music sets, repeated offerings, manufactured “prophetic” presence), and questions why so many buy into it.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Winger: “If it is already what Jesus has said, we don't need it. If it is not something Jesus said… then this is extra biblical revelation. That’s exactly what these books are all about.” (29:49)
• On Alex Malarkey’s honesty: “What a brave young man being willing to say I was lying the entire time.” – Mike Winger (22:18)
• On Prosperity Preaching:
  • “He said he asked God for a scripture to share with his followers to justify this ridiculous pastoral expense… Mark 3:9… There it is. Jesus had a boat ready for him. I need a jet.” (49:19–49:25)
  • “Why do people go for this stuff?... Because I think that they are an answer to prayer. And I don’t think that America is going to be judged because of these guys. I think these guys are a judgment.” (51:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Main Theme: 00:33 – 01:46
• Heaven Tourism Critique / Poirot’s Story: 03:53 – 17:56
• Alex Malarkey/Heaven Tourism Industry: 19:14 – 24:52
• Sufficiency of Scripture; Defining Authority: 14:59, 24:53, 39:20
• Gabe equates himself to prophets, Winger’s rebuttal: 33:02 – 34:35
• Prosperity Gospel/Pastor’s Jet: 43:52 – End
• Notable Quotes: (see above for timestamps)

Additional Notes

• The episode maintains a humorous yet biting tone, with sarcasm and pop culture references.
• Wretched Radio persistently upholds “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture alone) in contrast to subjective experience.
• The hosts repeatedly refer listeners to biblical study and warn against being swayed by emotional, unverified testimonies or prosperity-driven ministries.

Bottom Line

This episode is a polemic against “heaven tourism” tales and prosperity gospel excess. The Wretched Radio team insists all Christians need to know about heaven, suffering, and Christ’s love is already revealed in the Bible. Stories of supernatural journeys and self-important, jet-setting pastors are scrutinized and found wanting, both biblically and ethically. The overarching exhortation: don’t be distracted by spectacle or new “revelations”—read the Word for all you need.