Music has a powerful influence in our lives. The Plugged In team examines secular versus Christian music. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the latest Disney+ addition to the Star Wars canon—"The Book of Boba Fett". And a rousing Culture Countdown will highlight some of the headlines you should know about when it comes to your family’s entertainment choices. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefam...
Jan 20, 2022•38 min
2022 is sure to be packed with some new and exciting movies. The Plugged In team looks ahead to what will be hitting the big screen, anticipating some of the content and stories you’ll want to know about for your family. Adam Holz then talks with Skillet frontman John Cooper about their new album Dominion. You’ll pick up some great tips on how to navigate 2022 when it comes to your entertainment choices. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of a...
Jan 13, 2022•40 min
2021 is now in the history books! The Plugged In team explores some of the top entertainment and technology stories of the past year. From the impact of screen time, social media, and the Metaverse to the Friends reunion on HBO Max to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah, you will pick up on things you need to know for your family when it comes to entertainment and media. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https...
Jan 06, 2022•29 min
With the popularity of football as a sport, it’s no wonder that football films captivate us. The Plugged In team examines the football movie genre, highlighting the newest offering American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Adam Holz then speaks with filmmaker Andrew Erwin about American Underdog. Get the book "Seven Traits of Effective Parenting" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-01-07?refcd=1293402 Get more episode resources: https://www.pl...
Dec 30, 2021•39 min
Spiderman: No Way Home is now out in theaters, and with the popularity of the Marvel and Spiderman franchises, there’s a lot you need to know for your family. Adam Holz then speaks with Focus on the Family Vice President Dr. Danny Huerta about being a contributor versus a consumer. We’ll then dive into a fun Culture Countdown. Get the book "Seven Traits of Effective Parenting" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-01-07?refcd=1290613 Get more ep...
Dec 23, 2021•35 min
Many of the movies hitting our screens this season seem pretty familiar – reboots, sequels, and reimaginings of classic films. The Plugged In team takes a look at these “new” offerings and why Hollywood is reaching back for fresh content. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about Disney+’s new Marvel show "Hawkeye." You’ll also get a solid take on entertainment headlines with a fun Culture Countdown. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any ...
Dec 16, 2021•30 min
In the last year or so, we’ve seen a surprising number of films dealing with artificial intelligence. The Plugged In team explores these films and why A.I. is such a hot topic. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Clark about Amazon Prime’s new fantasy show "The Wheel of Time." And another exciting Culture Countdown will give you an idea of the current cultural happenings. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthe...
Dec 09, 2021•31 min
The hit TV series "The Chosen" has given fans an imaginatively dramatized glimpse into the life of Christ and what it might have been like to follow him. Now, this groundbreaking series is looking a bit further back into history – to the manger. The Plugged In team reflects on what this series has meant to them and what you can look forward to with this Christmas special. Adam Holz then speaks with Jonathan Roumie and Elizabeth Tabish, the actors who play Jesus and Mary in the series. You'll the...
Dec 02, 2021•27 min
Thanksgiving is surrounded by lots of traditions – family, turkey…and for some, movies. As Disney's "Encanto" hits theaters, you may be wondering if it's a good choice for your family. The Plugged In team explores the positive themes this movie carries. They then discuss Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" video game, followed by a provoking Culture Countdown. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com...
Nov 25, 2021•31 min
With young female singers like Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande topping the charts, there's a lot for families to navigate. The Plugged In team examines the draw of these musicians and what you need to know about their songs. They then look at the new Apple TV+/Tom Hanks movie "Finch," followed by a rousing Culture Countdown. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plug...
Nov 18, 2021•31 min
Shows dealing with the paranormal themes have been around forever. But these days, you have entire networks devoted to ghost-hunting, Bigfoot stalking and UFO chasing. The Plugged In team discuss the allure of these programs and the spirituality – good and bad – behind them. They then look at the new kids' movie "Clifford the Big Red Dog," followed by an enthralling Culture Countdown. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://d...
Nov 11, 2021•30 min
As we inch closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, Hollywood is loading up some of its big guns for our holiday enjoyment. Two of the biggest, "Dune" and "The Eternals" have recently landed in theaters to prime the pump. The Plugged In team explores the spiritual themes in these two films. Adam and Bob then look at the video game "The Forgotten City," followed by an action-packed Culture Countdown. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amoun...
Nov 04, 2021•36 min
Ever wonder why Plugged In reviews cover so much ground? The Plugged In team opens up about their review process and how they help you and your family make wise entertainment choices. Adam and Jonathan then examine upcoming tech trends and gifts for Christmas. Get Jonathan McKee's book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-08-12?refcd=1163902 Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-...
Oct 28, 2021•32 min
As the calendar drifts toward late October, Hollywood has one thing on its mind – monsters. And monster movies for kids are hitting theaters and streaming services everywhere. The Plugged In team talks about "The Addams Family 2" and "Muppets' Haunted Mansion." Paul and Adam then delve into the recent news about a change to the DC universe's Superman character. We'll celebrate our 100 episodes with another exciting Culture Countdown and a fun surprise! Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Cul...
Oct 21, 2021•35 min
The arrival of Fall ushers in a new television season with lots of new shows on both network and streaming services. The Plugged In team examines these new offerings with recommendations for programs to enjoy and to avoid. Adam and Jonathan then take a deep dive into the trending news stories surrounding Facebook and Instagram and how their products negatively impact many teens. Get the book "The Teen's Guide to Face-To-Face Connections in a Screen-To-Screen World" for your donation of any amoun...
Oct 14, 2021•40 min
We've seen a resurgence of musical movies hit streaming networks and the big screen. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite musicals, what you need to know about the new movie "Dear Evan Hansen," and why this style of movie is making a comeback. They then examine Instagram filters and the impact they may be having on young teams. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-1...
Oct 07, 2021•30 min
The fourth installment of the "God's Not Dead" film franchise is about to hit theaters. The Plugged In team examines these movies and unpacks what you need to know about "God's Not Dead: We the People." Adam Holz then speaks with Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli about her involvement in the movie. You'll see how this film and others like it can be a great catalyst for conversation with your friends and family. Get the book "Seven Traits of Effective Parenting" for your donation o...
Sep 30, 2021•37 min
With little rock music on the charts, you might think rock is dead ... but it's not! The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite rock song and examines the work of bands like Skillet, Switchfoot, and Imagine Dragons. Adam Holz then speaks with Skillet's front man, John Cooper, about the power of music in our lives. You'll be challenged to think more deeply about how music powerfully influences your family. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation...
Sep 23, 2021•33 min
Anime and manga – Japanese animated storytelling genres – are growing in popularity with kids and teens, even though the target audience is adult. The Plugged In team discusses the history of these artforms and the allure behind them. You'll learn what you need to know as a parent or consumer of these genres as well as a new video game in this realm – "Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!" Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://d...
Sep 16, 2021•33 min
As the Kendricks' Brothers latest movie "Show Me the Father" hits theaters, the Plugged In team's Adam Holz talks with Alex Kendrick about this new documentary. They discuss the "why" behind the film and the heart that is revealed through the stories captured in it. Then the team explores Amazon's latest version of the Cinderella story and runs through another fun Culture Countdown, equipping you with what you need to know for your family's media choices. Get Jim Daly's book "The Good Dad" for y...
Sep 09, 2021•31 min
Marvel's latest superhero to hit the big screen – "Shang-Chi" – has some unique offerings, and the Plugged In team wants to share those with you. They will also explore a new trend in virtual reality known as the metaverse and what you need to know for your family. Beyond that, you'll pick up some interesting news items from the Culture Countdown. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged...
Sep 02, 2021•30 min
Between cell phones, computer gaming, and television and movie viewing, you may be concerned about too much screen time in your family. The Plugged In team talks with Focus on the Family's Vice President of Parenting Dr. Daniel Huerta about the impact screens have on your child's brain. They also look at the new Disney+ animated Marvel series "What If...?" and bring you another rollicking Culture Countdown. Get the book "7 Traits of Effective Parenting" for your donation of any amount: https://d...
Aug 26, 2021•36 min
Popular streaming services Apple TV and Netflix are promoting some of their new content, and as a parent, you'll want to know about it. The Plugged In team takes a deep dive into Apple TV's "Ted Lasso" and the charm behind the show. They then explore the Netflix movie franchise "The Kissing Booth." You'll learn why these programs have such a draw with their audiences and what you need to know for your family. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation...
Aug 19, 2021•34 min
To close out the summer, the Plugged In team examines a new Netflix release Vivo and Jonathan McKee's latest book "Parenting Generation Screen." They also run through a quick culture survey, highlighting things you need to know to navigate the world of entertainment and media with your family. Get Jonathan's book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-08-12?refcd=1128701 Get more episode resources: https://www.plugge...
Aug 12, 2021•34 min
When books written for teens hit streaming services, they seem to 'grow up' quite a bit. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite books versus the companion movies/television shows, then discuss Netflix's new take on R.L. Stine's "Fear Street" series. You'll learn what you need to know about these shows targeting your teen and how you can guide them to make better choices. Get the book "The Read-Aloud Family" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-...
Aug 05, 2021•26 min
The Olympics give us a global opportunity to celebrate excellence and competition every four (or five years), to see the remarkable things that athletes can accomplish in their single-minded devotion to their sport. The Plugged In team explores what you need to know when it comes to the controversy and commercialism surrounding the Olympic games. You'll be inspired to move from a passive to active mindset with regard to how you and your family consume this type of media where there are still wor...
Jul 29, 2021•27 min
As "Space Jam: A New Legacy" hits movie theaters, the Plugged In team recounts some of their favorite moments from the original and compares it to the reboot. Host Adam Holz then sits down with former American Idol star Phil Stacey to talk about the influence and impact of music. You'll gain insight on how to better navigate your family's entertainment choices. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.c...
Jul 22, 2021•32 min
One of the biggest stereotypes in Hollywood is the "doofus dad." But every now and then, a movie or TV show challenges that stereotype. This week, the Plugged In team examines two such movies – "Blue Miracle" and "12 Mighty Orphans" – both of which focus on men who act as surrogate dads to orphans in need. They also dive into the movie, offering up some tidbits for super fans. While helping your family navigate the wild world of media, you'll be encouraged to think about how your entertainment c...
Jul 15, 2021•30 min
As the blockbuster movie "Black Widow" hits theaters this week, the Plugged In team reflects on their favorite superheroes and the impact these fictional characters have had on their lives. They’ also dive into the movie, offering up some tidbits for super fans. You’ll be better equipped to talk with your family about some of the deeper issues in these stories. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.c...
Jul 08, 2021•32 min
The Plugged In team explores how certain actors have been impacted by the roles they’ve played, resulting in some pretty major twists and changes in their lives. You’ll be encouraged to equip your kids to deal with this reality and talk about what they are seeing, actively engaging in a critical conversation about what they’re watching. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12...
Jul 01, 2021•36 min
