We are seeing an increase in Gen-Zers seeking more answers to their faith questions. The Plugged In team explores this phenomenon and how technology and social media may be contributing to it. The team then reflects on Christopher Nolan’s 20-year old movie Batman Begins and the influence its had on superhero movies. Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In teams terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram E...
Jun 26, 2025•33 min
Nudity is often seen in paintings and certain movies and television shows. The Plugged In team discusses the artistic (and gratuitous) use of nudity and offers thoughts on how your family can navigate that. Paul Asay then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new Pixar movie Elio. You’ll also hear some fun dad jokes! Nudity is often seen in paintings and certain movies and television shows. The Plugged In team discusses the artistic (and gratuitous) use of nudity and offers thoughts on how your famil...
Jun 19, 2025•44 min
The Dreamworks’ classic How to Train Your Dragon returns to the big screen in a new live-action version. Kennedy Unthank of the Plugged In team talks with the movie’s director, Dean DeBlois to get some insider secrets on Toothless and Hiccup. The team then discusses the Netflix docu-series Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, giving insight on the content as well as what it reveals about young influencers. Click here to get your copy of Jonathan McKee’s great book The Teen's Guide to Fa...
Jun 12, 2025•43 min
Music can be powerful. It can shape us, inspire us, terrify us. And when it’s paired with a movie, we might not even notice how manipulative it can be. The Plugged In team reflects on cinematic songs and soundtracks and the impact they can have. Paul Asay speaks with Bob Hoose about the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new features. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review:...
Jun 05, 2025•42 min
As parents, we want to help our kids develop healthy tech habits. But where do we start? Paul Asay of the Plugged In team speaks with Melanie Hempe, founder of ScreenStrong, and Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Focus on the Family’s Parenting department, about the dangers of too much screen time and ways you can help your family step back and reconnect. Paul then speaks with Adam Holz about recording artist Bono’s new documentary Stories of Surrender. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com...
May 29, 2025•50 min
AI is infiltrating entertainment and technology. The Plugged In team examines the potential impacts and what they could mean for your family. Bret Eckelberry then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new live action Disney movie Lilo & Stitch. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: · Lilo and Stitch · Lilo and Stitch (2025) Check out the Plugged In Blog: · My AI: ...
May 22, 2025•43 min
As school releases and summertime approaches, kids have a lot more free time. But does that mean more screentime? The Plugged In team says no and offers some thoughts on how to keep your child engaged without being on a screen. Paul Asay then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about Christian YouTubers that your family may enjoy watching. Click here to get your copy of Jonathan McKee’s terrific book Parenting Generation Screen! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on In...
May 15, 2025•50 min
The dystopian genre has taken our culture by storm with its dark and twisted look at our imagined future. The Plugged In team explores the unique markers of this genre and the impact it can have on our everyday lives. Paul Asay then talks with Bob Hoose about the latest book in the Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping. Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s great book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EM...
May 08, 2025•46 min
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is back with its new blockbuster Thunderbolts. The Plugged In team discusses the latest installment of superhero movies as well as the qualities it takes to make a hero. They then talk about AI agents, what that means, and what role they may play in our lives. Click here to get your copy of the amazing Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PH...
May 01, 2025•46 min
Your family likely enjoys a great movie…but what makes it great for your family? The Plugged In team explores various criteria for family-friendly movies and how you can discern what is appropriate for your family. Bret Eckelberry then talks with Paul Asay and Adam Holz about the Disney+ Star Wars series Andor . Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: The Princess ...
Apr 24, 2025•52 min
What’s the best Christian movie ever? The Plugged In team reveals the winner of their Christian Movie Madness bracket and why they think that movie resonated with viewers. Paul Asay then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about the new Hallmark movie Journey to You . Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s insightful book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-...
Apr 17, 2025•41 min
The Easter season always brings new Christian movies. The Plugged In team looks at the new animated movie The King of Kings and tells you what you need to know for your family. They then talk about how teens are proving to be skeptical of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence. Get your copy of Plugged In’s terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 8...
Apr 10, 2025•45 min
The Minecraft game franchise has a new block-buster hitting movie theaters as a live action story. The Plugged In team looks at why Hollywood makes live action versions of beloved video games and the potential things you may need to know before you take you family to see it. They then look at some positive entertainment you may want to enjoy with your family as Easter approaches. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] P...
Apr 03, 2025•48 min
The Chosen has given us an extrabiblical glimpse of the life and ministry of Jesus, and it is wildly popular with fans! And now, the latest installment, The Chosen: Last Supper Part 1, is hitting theaters to kick off the Easter season. Paul Asay speaks with Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, and Jonathan Roumie who plays Jesus. The Plugged In team then reflects on the popularity of this series and what it means to them. Click here to get your boxed set of The Chosen novelizations Books 1-3 f...
Mar 27, 2025•43 min
Your family may love a good movie night together…so how can you get the most out of it? The Plugged In team offers some tips on choosing the right movie, starting great conversations, and even shining a light on God’s truth. Paul Asay then speaks with Bret Eckelberry about the fun Plugged In event Christian March Movie Mayhem! Click here to get your copy of the great Plugged In book Beoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Inst...
Mar 20, 2025•46 min
Amazon Prime’s new show House of David portrays the life of this larger-than-life king! The Plugged In team’s Kennedy Unthank interviews Michael Iskander and Martyn Ford, the actors who play David and Goliath, as well as the creator and executive producer of the series, Jon Erwin. Paul Asay then chats with Emily Tsiao and Jonathan McKee about ways to curb your family’s screen time. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected]...
Mar 13, 2025•46 min
Lent is a season of fasting, which makes it a perfect time to participate in the Plugged In 2025 Screen Fast! The Plugged In team encourages you to look at your family's screen habits and see where you might be able to cut back. Paul Asay then speaks with Bob Hoose about the non-family-friendly book version of Wicked on which the popular musical is based. Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on...
Mar 06, 2025•37 min
Every spring brings entertainment award season, which means it’s time for the Plugged In Movie Awards! The Plugged In team reveals their 2025 picks for last year’s movies in four different categories: Kids, Teens, Adults, and Christian. You’ll discover some great movies your family may enjoy together! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: · Out of My Mind · Juror...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Biographical movies – also known as biopics – comprise a unique genre in the film industry. The Plugged In team looks at what makes these movies so compelling and how they sometimes take artistic liberties with the facts. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about the new based-on-a-true-story movie The Unbreakable Boy. Click here to get your copy of the great Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram ...
Feb 20, 2025•44 min
The beloved bear Paddington is back on the big screen—this time going to Peru! Paul Asay and Emily Tsiao give you a peek at this new movie. And between work, school, fun, and entertainment, your family probably spends a lot of time on screens. The Plugged In team looks at screen habits—both good and bad—and encourages you to consider joining Plugged In’s Screen Fast 2025. Get your copy of Plugged In’s helpful book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Co...
Feb 13, 2025•36 min
Movies and the entertainment industry often portray intimacy in reckless and unbiblical ways. The Plugged In team discusses how Hollywood deals with sex and how you as a parent can springboard from that to teach the truth about God’s design. They then look at 2025’s upcoming video games and what your family needs to know about them. Get your copy of Plugged In’s helpful book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram E...
Feb 06, 2025•45 min
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have released their award nominations for 2025. As we look toward Oscar time, the Plugged In team discusses the nominees and how they fare in family-friendliness. Adam Holz then talks with Bret Eckelberry about the new Christian-adjacent movie Green and Gold. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: · Anora · The Bruta...
Jan 30, 2025•52 min
TikTok, the short-form social media platform, has been at the center of plenty of controversy. The Plugged In team talks about the type of content on the platform, the way kids use it, and what you need to know for your family. Paul Asay then speaks with Elizabeth Tabish, the actress who portrays Mary Magdalene in The Chosen about her new movie Between Borders. Get your copy of Parenting Generation Screen by Jonathan McKee today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find...
Jan 23, 2025•45 min
A new game show starring YouTube sensation Mr. Beast has hit Amazon Prime. Between that and the second season of the Netflix thriller series Squid Game, game shows—real or not—can get out of hand. The Plugged In team looks at the fascination with game shows and what your family needs to know about these hit streaming shows. They then talk about the upcoming Academy Awards and if it’s still a cultural phenomenon. Get your copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePlugg...
Jan 16, 2025•33 min
Since the days of John Wayne, the western genre has a special place in our hearts. The Plugged In team explores why these stories are so popular and looks at Netflix’s new western series American Primeval. Paul Asay then speaks with Bret Eckelberry about Plugged In’s Screen Fast 2025. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: · American Primeval · Yellowstone · Hell ...
Jan 09, 2025•40 min
Kids today have their eyes on their screens, and those screens are full of dangers. How can you protect them? Paul Asay speaks with author and screen expert Mandy Majors and her daughter Ella. They share some ways you can help your child learn healthy tech habits. Paul Asay then speaks with Bret Eckelberry about the new Netflix movie Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Get your copy of Mady Majors’ book Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World: A Solution That Works today! Connect with us! www....
Jan 02, 2025•45 min
2024 was a big year in terms of entertainment and pop culture. As the year comes to a close, the Plugged In team looks back at some of the highlights and some of the low points. From YouTube to social media to the big and small screens, you’ll learn what you need to know for your family when it comes to media. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: · Moonfall · We...
Dec 26, 2024•41 min
With so many Christmas movies out there, are there certain ingredients that make up a great one? And what makes a Christmas movie go bad? The Plugged In team reflects on some recent Christmas movies as well as some of their favorites. Paul Asay then speaks with Emily Tsiao about the new Disney movie Mufasa: The Lion King. Get your copy of Plugged In’s great book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@th...
Dec 19, 2024•42 min
Teens today have never known a world without social media—and that’s affecting kids in many different ways. The Plugged In team discusses the impact of social media and the new Hulu docu-series Social Studies. Paul Asay then speaks with Emily Tsiao about the new Netflix movie Mary. Get your copy of the great Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family ! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-...
Dec 12, 2024•43 min
It’s gift-giving season! What do you buy for your family, friends, and teens? TikTok wants to tell you. The Plugged In team examines the influence TikTok has on teens as consumers. Adam Holz then speaks with Hercules actor Kevin Sorbo. Get your copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read more: · Do AI Music Generators Hurt Kids’ Creativity?...
Dec 05, 2024•48 min
