Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Episode: Who Really Decides What Your Kids Are Taught?

Date: March 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel, joined by co-host Jimmy Hicks and the Fortis News team, explores the contentious debates over who holds ultimate authority over children's upbringing and education. The conversation spans recent political developments in South Dakota regarding parental rights, the growing influence of progressive and religious activism in education, and the broader cultural struggle for control over messaging to the next generation. The episode is interspersed with commentary on just war theory, the intersection of faith and politics, and the role of spiritual warfare in contemporary Christian life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Controls Children’s Education? (07:47–11:33)

• South Dakota Parental Rights Bill:
  Todd Friel discusses the surprising rejection by South Dakota House Republicans of a bill designed to clarify and protect parental rights over children’s upbringing, education, health care, and moral/religious training.

  • The bill would have prohibited employees of state or political subdivisions from initiating medical procedures or treatments without parental consent.
  • Friel expresses concern over the growing sentiment among education officials that they—not parents—should decide what's best for children's development, especially in areas such as sexuality and gender.
  • He emphasizes:

    "They are not your children. ... The teacher and the educators and the education system that believes they should be making the decisions... That is some chutzpah." (10:18)

• Shift in Authority:
  Friel remarks on a trend where educators, along with other authority figures (government, pharmaceuticals), increasingly assume decision-making roles that have traditionally belonged to parents.

2. Faith, Politics, and Double Standards (04:08–09:09; 15:06–21:07)

• Religious Labels and Political Bias:

  • Friel critiques the double standard in mainstream labeling of Christian politicians, noting how liberal, progressive Christians are seldom branded "Christian nationalists," unlike their conservative counterparts.

    • Example: Rep. James Talarico’s pro-abortion and gender-confused stances receiving little critique despite heavy religious language.
    • On David French’s argument that "acting like a Christian" (i.e., being nice) trumps biblical fidelity, Friel retorts:

      "His Christian values are atrocious. They are abominable. He’s a universalist. They’re heretical." (08:57)

  • Mike Johnson, a conservative Christian politician, is described as "one of the nicest human beings you'll ever meet," yet faces harsher media judgment.

• Personal Faith and Political Realignment:

  • Michigan Rep. Karen Whitsett’s public exit from the Democratic Party is highlighted:

    "For me, it is impossible to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ while remaining a member of the Democratic Party as it exists today." (15:28)

  • Friel lauds Whitsett for prioritizing biblical convictions over party loyalty, particularly on issues like abortion, gender redefinition, and the normalization of homosexuality.

3. Abortion, Political Shifts, and Parental Challenges (16:43–26:00)

• Abortion Pills and Policy Loopholes:

  • Friel notes a post-Roe v. Wade increase in abortions due to widespread access to abortion pills, undermining state bans.

    "Abortions have gone up since the end of Roe v. Wade... Even if it’s in a state that prohibits abortion, they can [still] have one courtesy of a pill." (17:57)

  • He urges more vocal opposition from Republican leaders, not just against Democratic stances but also their own party’s failings to uphold a consistent biblical ethic.

• Foster Care vs. Orphanages:

  • Discusses shortcomings in the foster care system and the possible benefits of modern orphanages for providing stability and education.

4. Cultural Conflict—Religious Events & Political Messaging (21:07–26:01; 26:01–29:03)

• Dearborn Mosque & Anti-American Rhetoric:

  • Coverage of an event in Michigan where a local mosque commemorated Iranian leader Khomeini and hosted commentary accusing America of devil worship and terrorism.
  • Friel links such events to the ongoing challenge posed by radical Islam and draws from just war theory to evaluate recent US responses in the Middle East.

• News Highlights (Jimmy Hicks, Fortis News):

  • Indiana’s abortion ban overturned on religious freedom grounds.
  • Abortion tourism rises in Ohio following constitutional changes.
  • Alberta, Canada holds firm against transgender medical interventions for minors.
  • Virginia law mandates teaching a specific narrative on Jan. 6th.
  • Minnesota legislator floats (perhaps sarcastically) studying shoplifting as a social good.
  • Atlanta Hawks cancel strip-club-themed event under public pressure.

5. Just War Theory Explored (29:29–39:46)

• Criteria for a ‘Just War’:

  • Friel leads a rundown of Thomas Aquinas’s just war criteria, applying them to current US actions against Iran:

    1. Just Cause: Excludes wars for glory or revenge; Iran’s aggression qualifies as potential just cause.
    2. Defensive War: Preemptive action is permissible if a threat is imminent.
    3. Last Resort: War should be avoided if possible; only undertaken after all reasonable alternatives.
    4. Non-Combatant Immunity: Civilians can't be intentionally targeted.
    5. Prudential Judgment: The good achieved must outweigh human costs.

    • Friel and Jimmy offer measured, reluctant agreement that the recent conflict meets most of these standards, with nuanced discussion about the burden of proof for intelligence and motives.

      "Those types of decisions, they kind of need to be weighed as time rolls on with these things." (37:28) "That’s why you really want godly politicians in office. Because if you don’t have them, well, then you’re probably gonna be second guessing all the time." (37:42)

6. Spiritual Warfare, The Chosen Con, and Financial Questions (39:46–46:34)

• The Chosen Con Event:

  • Friel and Jimmy discuss the financial aspect of large Christian conventions like Chosen Con—a gathering centered around The Chosen TV series.

    • Full access ticket: ~$399; VIP package up to $979.

    • Raises eyebrow at the potential for-profit motivation in Christian-themed entertainment.

      "Shouldn’t we at least be raising a bit of a Spock eyebrow to go how much is Chosen making off of stories about our Savior?" (46:12)

• Spiritual Warfare Lessons (Thomas Brooks):

  • Four major satanic strategies:

    1. Subtlety (lulling into apathy).
    2. Feigning defeat (to provoke pride).
    3. Distracting by focusing on others’ faults or gifts.
    4. Baiting with immediate pleasure, hiding true consequences.

    "Sin always promises sweetness. It only gives you sorrow. It promises life. It only gives you death… The devil likes to present stuff that you’ve earned. You deserve this." (46:35–47:02)

  • Brooks's remedies focus on hating sin, staying distant, and seeing through the temptations’ illusions.

7. Parental Example & Christian Living (13:33–14:36)

• Call to Fathers:

  • The importance of embodying genuine Christian faith in daily, private life so that children can witness authentic spiritual leadership.

    "Our kids don’t care about our Sunday morning Christianity. They watch us when we think no one’s looking." (13:38)

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• On Parental Authority:
  "They are not your children... The teacher and the educators and the education system that believes they should be making the decisions... That is some chutzpah." (10:18, Todd Friel)

• On Political Hypocrisy:
  "You can get away with really horrific anti-biblical theology and policies as long as you play nice in the sandbox." (09:05, Todd Friel)

• On Christian Political Departure:
  "For me, it is impossible to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ while remaining a member of the Democratic Party as it exists today." (15:28, Karen Whitsett quoted by Todd Friel)

• On Abortion Pills:
  "Abortions have gone up since the end of Roe v. Wade... Even if it’s in a state that prohibits abortion, they can [still] have one courtesy of a pill." (17:57, Todd Friel)

• On Just War:
  "Those types of decisions, they kind of need to be weighed as time rolls on with these things." (37:28, Todd Friel)

  "That's why you really want godly politicians in office..." (37:42, Todd Friel)

• On Commercial Christianity:
  "Shouldn’t we at least be raising a bit of a Spock eyebrow to go how much is Chosen making off of stories about our Savior?" (46:12, Todd Friel)

• On Sin’s Deceit:
  "Sin always promises sweetness. It only gives you sorrow. It promises life. It only gives you death..." (46:35–47:02, Todd Friel paraphrasing Thomas Brooks)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• South Dakota & Parental Rights Bill: 07:47–11:33
• Political Double Standards & Christian Labels: 04:08–09:09
• Karen Whitsett’s Party Exit, Abortion Pills: 15:06–19:28
• Dearborn Mosque & Just War: 21:07–29:03
• Just War Theory Discussion: 29:29–39:46
• Chosen Con & Christian Commerce: 44:01–46:34
• Spiritual Warfare Lessons: 46:35–End

Tone & Style

The episode is characterized by Todd Friel’s trademark blend of sardonic humor, scriptural conviction, and cultural skepticism. Commentary is direct and provocative, often challenging Christian listeners to apply biblical principles to all areas of life, especially where culture and faith collide.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

This episode is a pointed critique of how authority—spiritual, parental, and governmental—is being contested in modern America, especially concerning children’s upbringing and religious freedom. Todd Friel urges Christians to ground their responses in Scripture, live authentically before their children, and stand firm in the public square amid political and cultural crossfire. The episode also offers practical theological teaching on topics such as just war and spiritual warfare, making it highly relevant for Christians concerned about the direction of both the church and culture.