The Chosen has been a huge streaming success. But there’s a lot more Christian content out there you might consider streaming. The Plugged In team explores other selections for redemptive streaming content. You’ll discover some hidden gems that you can enjoy with your family and learn some filtering options that might allow you to enjoy other choices. Burning Bush 2.0: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12-03?refcd=1027503 Get More Episode Resources: https://www.pluggedin.co...
Dec 03, 2020•30 min
The new video game Among Us is all the rage with tweens and teens. The Plugged In team unpacks this phenomenon and tells you everything you need to know about it. Because video games will continue to be a part of our families’ lives for a long time to come, you’ll want to know which ones are making waves and why you need to pay attention to them. You’ll learn how these games continue to evolve in their appeal and in the way kids interact with them. The Teen's Guide to Social Media... and Mobile ...
Nov 26, 2020•29 min
With all the television options available to us today, trying to figure out what’s worth watching is not for the feint-hearted. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite television programming and discusses several popular shows. They explain their review process for the medium. You’ll get a general survey of what people are watching and what choices might be navigable for your family. Burning Bush 2.0: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-11-19?refcd=1020501 Get More Epi...
Nov 19, 2020•31 min
With handy tutorials, funny videos, and informative presentations, YouTube has grown increasingly popular with kids and adults alike. The Plugged In team explores the draw, the upside and the downside of this user-generated video-sharing platform. Because YouTube’s influence is here to stay, you’ll want to check out Plugged In’s new review section of these channels to navigate this newer form of entertainment with your children. The Teen's Guide to Social Media... and Mobile Devices: 21 Tips to ...
Nov 12, 2020•30 min
With Amazon’s scheduled 2021 release of its adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, controversy is already brewing. The Plugged In team explores why explicit content has found its way into mainstream entertainment. You’ll be clued in to this type of programming and learn how to navigate it with your family. Seven Traits of Effective Parenting: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-11-05?refcd=1020301 Get More Episode Resources: If you've listened to any of our podcast...
Nov 05, 2020•21 min
Entertainment and media discernment is a top concern for Christian families, which is why Plugged In exists! On this episode, the Plugged In team discusses some of the questions they get most frequently from people who are curious about the inner workings of things. You’ll get a peek behind the curtain at what Plugged In does to bring you and your family reviews week in and week out. Seven Traits of Effective Parenting: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/don-plu...
Oct 29, 2020•33 min
The month of October usually means an onslaught of horror movies. Even though movie theaters are just opening back up, streaming entertainment is full of the genre. Year after year, these movies remain one of Hollywood’s predictably consistent money makers. The Plugged In team reflects on the chilling entertainment that have affected them over the years and explores the allure of scary movies. You’ll better understand why your children may be intrigued by this genre and how to help them navigate...
Oct 22, 2020•40 min
Over the last 20 years, rock’s cultural influence has given way to rap and hip-hop, giving us many of the biggest stars in the music world today. The Plugged In team explores the history of rap and how it influenced their personal lives. You’ll learn about some of the Christian rap artists on the scene today, offering fresh, redemptive voices that can be a terrific alternative for your family. Burning Bush 2.0: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/don-plugged-in-2...
Oct 15, 2020•27 min
The new Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma, has brought some interesting—and concerning—insights to our interaction with social media. The Plugged In team dives into the documentary and examines the repercussions we may face if we choose to use these platforms. You’ll gain better understanding of the lasting effects of social media and how to navigate those with your family. The Teen's Guide to Social Media... and Mobile Devices: 21 Tips to Wise Posting in an Insecure World: https://store.f...
Oct 08, 2020•34 min
The last seven months have been unlike any we’ve ever known. The coronavirus has changed everything, including movie-watching! The Plugged In team explores some of their favorite “hidden gems” movies (and TV shows!) that you might have missed. With new entertainment streaming on so many platforms, you’ll discover some solid, fun choices for your family. Burning Bush 2.0: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/don-plugged-in-2020-10-01#refcd=1003002 Get More Episode ...
Oct 01, 2020•32 min
Scandals involving public figures are hardly new, but with the Internet’s role, someone who’s been accused—either fairly or unfairly—can suddenly find his or her career “canceled.” The Plugged In team examines a few case studies and the impact of cancel culture. You’ll be challenged to dialogue with your children about these news stories, potential pitfalls, and how to be winsome voices of grace and truth to influence those around us toward Christ. 7 Traits of Effective Parenting: https://store....
Sep 24, 2020•30 min
With new video gaming consoles from Sony and Microsoft on the horizon, you may be wondering what new features they could offer. The Plugged In team shares a little video game history and examine the expectations of these more advanced systems. You’ll be encouraged to learn more about the gaming worlds your child is growing up in and engage meaningfully with them. The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/don-pl...
Sep 17, 2020•29 min
Our relationship with screens and entertainment had been a pretty big issue before the coronavirus appeared, and now researchers say kids screen time is up by another 50%. The Plugged In team discusses how some of their entertainment habits have changed, as well as what changes or resets you might think about making as we move into the fall and a new school year. You’ll be encouraged to examine your family’s media habits in light of the pandemic and consider a reset. Subscribe to Clubhouse and C...
Sep 10, 2020•28 min
Netflix’s forthcoming movie Cuties has whipped up a tempest of controversy regarding the sexualization of young girls in entertainment. The Plugged In team explores why controversy draws our attention and why the entertainment industry pursues these boundary-pushing topics. You’ll discover what you need to know about this movie, how to protect your children from uncomfortable content, and how begin an intentional conversation with your kids. A Special Conversation about Christopher Nolan’s New M...
Sep 03, 2020•33 min
The musical Hamilton made an enormous splash on Broadway back in 2015 and hit the small screens on Disney+ earlier this year. The Plugged In team reflect on their favorite musicals and unpack Hamilton’s popularity and cultural influence on our world today. You’ll learn some interesting things about the musical and how you might want to navigate viewing it with your family. Plugged In Blog: What We Get—and Lose—By Turning History into Entertainment https://pluggedin.focusonthefamily.com/what-we-g...
Aug 27, 2020•23 min
With the release of Taylor Swift’s latest—and more mature—album, we’re once more reminded of what happens when pop stars outgrow our kids. The Plugged In team reflects on their personal past music choices, examines Taylor’s new offering, and discusses why these pop stars ditch their role model status to follow a different path. You’ll be encouraged to engage and dialogue with your child about who they admire and how to ground themselves in a biblical worldview. Plugged In Review: Folklore https:...
Aug 20, 2020•26 min
The Emmy Awards are just a month away. As the entertainment industry shines a light on the television medium, you might notice most of the nominated shows have problematic content. The Plugged In team gives you an inside look at some of these programs and offers you ways to navigate those with your family. https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/don-plugged-in-show-podcast-august-2020#refcd=975001 https://pluggedin.focusonthefamily.com/emmy-noms-confirm-its-a-streami...
Aug 13, 2020•29 min
With COVID-19 keeping our kids home from spring break into summer and maybe beyond, you may be looking for some great family activities that don’t involve screens. The Plugged In team recalls some of their favorite summer memories and offers thoughts on fun things you can do with your kids. As summer comes to a close, you’ll be inspired to get creative and find fun ways to engage your family. https://store.focusonthefamily.com/topics-issues/parenting/kids-magazines https://www.focusonthefamily.c...
Aug 06, 2020•31 min
Although screens have permeated our culture, books continue to have a lasting impact on our lives. The Plugged In team reflects on their love of the written artform and the books that have influenced their lives. These immersive stories draw us in and invite us to go deeper in ways that screens cannot. You’ll better appreciate the endurance of your favorite stories and how you can share those with your family. https://store.focusonthefamily.com/the-read-aloud-family https://www.focusonthefamily....
Jul 30, 2020•29 min
With the return of Tom Hanks in the new World War II movie Greyhound, the Plugged In team explores the draw of war movies. While this genre reminds us of the bravery that compels men and women to risk their lives for their country and their fellow sailors and soldiers, there’s still a lot of content that can negatively impact your family. You’ll learn how to navigate these powerful films with your family. https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/greyhound-2020/ https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-rev...
Jul 23, 2020•31 min
Worrying about your kids’ safety isn’t a new thing, but in the ever-evolving internet age, worrying about online predators is. The Plugged In team explores the risks of online interactions and offers practical ways you can help you child understand the gravity of encountering strangers on the internet. You’ll be encouraged to open the dialogue with your child about online stranger danger.
Jul 16, 2020•32 min
The phrase “media discernment” is bandied about in Christian and parenting circles, but what does it really mean? The Plugged In team—experts in media discernment—deconstructs the concept and offers practical ways you can help your family be more media savvy. You’ll learn how to apply biblical truth to your family’s entertainment choices.
Jul 09, 2020•34 min
You have a favorite movie or song you just can’t wait to share with your child, but it may have more problems than you remember. The Plugged In team explores some of their favorite movies from the past and how things have changed in today’s entertainment. While current media has its share of explicit content, we may be idealizing the past as we look back at our fond memories. You’ll be challenged to re-examine some of your favorites before taking those in with your child.
Jul 02, 2020•30 min
You’ve likely heard news stories about how someone imitated something that they saw in a movie or on TV. The Plugged In team examines the influence our entertainment choices can have on our actions. While we may want to minimize the reality of how popular culture potentially shapes and molds our hearts and minds, we need to acknowledge this influence is real. You’ll be encouraged to infuse your child’s heart with a worldview shaped by truth and Scripture.
Jun 25, 2020•30 min
With Father’s Day just around the corner, the Plugged In team honors dads in film. You’ll find that while our culture is full of stories, the best of them offer a chance to create a relational, emotional bond and grow a shared experience of family identity.
Jun 18, 2020•26 min
Entertainment and media affect many aspects of our lives, including our faith and beliefs. The Plugged In team reflects on how their entertainment choices have influenced their faith and examines the recent news about Hawk Nelson’s lead singer going public with losing his beliefs. With so many influences around us, you’ll be encouraged to talk with your kids and foster an environment where they can bring their questions and doubts to you.
Jun 11, 2020•24 min
Parents, this conversation is for you. Our culture is awash in sexual imagery and messages—something that’s increasingly reflected on many popular teen-focused TV series and in movies as well. The Plugged In team explores the depth of explicit content in media today. You’ll gain tools to navigate this type of content and open up necessary dialogue with your teen.
Jun 04, 2020•31 min
Screen time is a red-hot subject these days, especially as many of us are still spending more time than usual at home this summer. The Plugged In team discusses the pros and cons of screen time, offering insight on how much is too much and the impact of social media. This is one aspect of your family’s entertainment you’ll want to stay engaged with, continuing to set limits and re-set them if necessarily.
May 28, 2020•33 min
Ratings on entertainment are supposed to help you navigate your media choices. But can you trust them? The Plugged In team discusses the ratings systems on movies, television, music, and video games. You’ll learn that while ratings can provide a springboard, they aren’t the end point when it comes to wise entertainment choices for your family.
May 21, 2020•29 min
Over the years, we’ve seen video games evolve from hitting a small digital dot back and forth to full narrative stories illustrated with lifelike graphics. The Plugged In team recalls their favorite video games and arcade moments while discussing the pros and cons of playing video games. You’ll better understand when gaming might be a good thing in your family and when it might be a negative or harmful influence.
May 14, 2020•29 min
