The Plugged In Show - podcast cover

The Plugged In Show

Focus on the Familywww.focusonthefamily.com

Join Focus on the Family's media and culture analysts for lighthearted reviews for parents and conversation about entertainment, pop culture and technology. Through this 30-minute podcast from Focus on the Family, you'll hear practical information from a Biblical worldview to help guide decisions about what to watch, listen and visit. And connect to a ton of related Christian resources and articles.

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Episodes

Episode 172: The 2023 Plugged In Movie Awards

The Golden Globes and Grammys are behind us, and the Oscars are just around the corner. But award season wouldn't be complete without the 2023 Plugged In Movie Awards! The Plugged In Team invites you to sit in on their deliberations as they choose their favorite films in each of four categories: Best Movies for Kids, for Teens, for Adults and Best Christian movies. You’ll get a solid idea of this year's movie offerings and what might be best for your family. Get more episode resources: http://ww...

Mar 09, 202344 min

Episode 171: The Thorn plus Creed III

Springtime brings us a selection of movies you may want to enjoy with your family, including a Fathom event that tells the Easter story in a powerful way. Paul Asay talks with John Bolin, creator of The Thorn, a new film about the passion of Jesus Christ. The Plugged In team then looks at the latest installment of the Creed movies. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-171/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: h...

Mar 02, 202347 min

Episode 170: A Look at Jesus Revolution

The new Christian movie Jesus Revolution lands in theaters on Friday. The Plugged In team takes a look at this film and explains why it may be worth your time and money. Adam Holz then shares his Hollywood interviews with actors Jonathan Roumie, Joel Barlow, and Anna Grace Barlow. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-169/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/...

Feb 23, 202335 min

Episode 169: The Music Episode & Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Music remains a potent force when it comes to shaping kids’ worldview. The Plugged In team reflects on the 2023 Grammy Awards show and the impact music has on our lives. Adam Holz then talks with Emily Tsaio about the latest Marvel movie Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-169/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/...

Feb 16, 202339 min

Episode 168: Screens, Teens & Consumerism plus Miley Cyrus’s Flowers

We often discuss the various content dangers of screen use, but much of our interaction with screens is interwoven with links to buy something. The Plugged In team examines how consumerism can easily become a worldview and a spiritual threat. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about the new Miley Cyrus song, Flowers. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-168/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://foc...

Feb 09, 202337 min

Episode 167: Plugged In Movie Award Misses & Granger Smith

With the release of the 2023 Plugged In Movie Award nominations, several movies came close, but didn't make the list. The Plugged In team has a spirited conversation about those films. Adam Holz then speaks with recording artist turned actor Granger Smith about his new PureFlix movie Moonrise. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-167/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurv...

Feb 02, 202347 min

Episode 166: Plugged In Movie Award Nominations & Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist

Award season is upon us…and that means it’s time for the Plugged In Movie Award nominations! The Plugged In team identifies five movies in four categories that might be worth considering for your family. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about the latest installment in the popular franchise Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-166/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: htt...

Jan 26, 202341 min

Episode 165: What James Cameron Knows About the Human Heart & What’s Coming in 2023

With Avatar: The Way of Water making a big splash in the box office, director James Cameron has another hit on his hands. The Plugged In team explores Cameron’s success and why he continues to make films that touch the human heart. They then examine what you can expect in terms of entertainment and media in the coming year. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-165/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://f...

Jan 19, 202352 min

Episode 164: What Is Kidulting? Good or Bad? Plus, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 2

Twenty-five percent of toys these days are purchased by adults. Are you one of them? The Plugged In team looks at the concept of “kidulting”—enjoying kids’ toys and collectables as an adult and the good and bad involved. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Tsaio about the second season of the Disney+ animated series, Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-164/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your fee...

Jan 12, 202337 min

Episode 163: The State of Social Media 2023 Plus Women Talking

As the new year begins, what's happening with social media? The Plugged In team talks about TikTok's growth, what we know about social media's influence on young minds and hearts, and an overview of the new social media network BeReal. In the second segment, Adam Holz asks Paul Asay about the Oscar contender Women Talking. Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen: Guiding Your Kids to Be Wise in a Digital World" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in...

Jan 05, 202343 min

Episode 162: Holiday Fun Roundup & Netflix’s Wednesday

The presents have been opened, the stockings emptied. But we still have quite a few days of Christmas break left…so what can we do with our kids when they are bored? The Plugged In Team has explores some games, activities and other suggestions for your family to enjoy together. Adam Holz then talks with Emily Clark about Netflix’s latest smash (and dark!) hit Wednesday. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-162/ If you've listened to any of our po...

Dec 29, 202239 min

Episode 161: What Makes a Christmas Movie ‘Classic’?

Some Christmas films stand out more than others. The Plugged In team examines the new Apple TV musical movie Spirited starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, as well as a few other Christmas classics. Merry Christmas from Plugged In! Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-161/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/...

Dec 22, 202236 min

Episode 160: Lurching Toward Transcendence & Avatar: The Way Water

Marvel has gradually shifted from Earthling-sized stories to cosmic ones with gods and goddesses battling to shape all of reality. The Plugged In team examines the concept of power creep in the vast mulitverses of Marvel. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the new movie Avatar: The Way of Water. Get more episode resources: http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-160/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/po...

Dec 15, 202250 min

Episode 159: Tech and Teen Motivation & Enola Holmes 2

Technology can be an incredible gift, but too much can affect a teen's motivation. The Plugged In team reflects on why tech can sometimes be a problem when it comes to motivation and how we might respond to that problem as parents. Adam Holz then talks with Bob Hoose about the new Netflix sequel Enola Holmes 2. Get the book "Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2022-12-08?refcd=1587408 Get more...

Dec 08, 202236 min

Episode 158: The Wingfeather Saga and Disney+'s Willow

Fantasy stories allow us to explore spirituality in new and interesting ways. Paul Asay from the Plugged In team talks with the creator and producer of the Wingfeather Saga, a new crowd-funded animated show based on a novel series. Adam, Paul, and Bob then chat about the new Disney+ show, Willow. Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen: Guiding Your Kids to Be Wise in a Digital World" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-08-12?refcd=1516404 ...

Dec 01, 202246 min

Episode 157: Plugged In Thanksgiving Special and A Look at Minno

You want to foster conversations that help your kids grow in their ability to think critically and biblically about the vast array of entertainment and technology. The Plugged In team offers a few conversation starters for your family. Adam Holz then speaks with disco matriarch Gloria Gaynor about her cameo appearance in the new movie The Thursday Night Club. Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen: Guiding Your Kids to Be Wise in a Digital World" for your donation of any amount: https://donat...

Nov 24, 202237 min

Episode 156: Entertainment Conversation Starters and A Chat with Gloria Gaynor

You want to foster conversations that help your kids grow in their ability to think critically and biblically about the vast array of entertainment and technology. The Plugged In team offers a few conversation starters for your family. Adam Holz then speaks with disco matriarch Gloria Gaynor about her cameo appearance in the new movie The Thursday Night Club. Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen: Guiding Your Kids to Be Wise in a Digital World" for your donation of any amount: https://donat...

Nov 17, 202245 min

Episode 155: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever & Taylor Swift

With the wildly anticipated release of Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever, you may wonder if that's a good movie for your family's superhero fans. The Plugged In team discusses the film and what you need to know. Adam Holz then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about Taylor Swift's latest releases Midnights and Midnights 3am Edition. Get more episode resources: https:// http:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-155/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback...

Nov 10, 202240 min

Episode 154: Adventures in Odyssey and Family-Friendly Video Games

Focus on the Family's audio drama Adventures in Odyssey has been a place of wonder and imagination for many families over the years. The Plugged In team chats with the Adventures in Odyssey team to share what it's all about, how it got started, and why listeners love it. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about three family-friendly video games. A free trial of Adventures in Odyssey is available: www.adventuresinodyssey.com/pluggedin Get more episode resources: https:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/...

Nov 03, 202237 min

Episode 153: Should We Just Forget About Screen Time Limits? plus Black Adam

Some people suggest that we should be less concerned with how much screen time kids are getting and more concerned with the content that fills those screens. The Plugged In team discuss the merits and the consequences of such thinking and ways your family can navigate screen time. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the new Dwayne Johnson DC superhero movie Black Adam. Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen: Guiding Your Kids to Be Wise in a Digital World" for your donation of any amoun...

Oct 27, 202238 min

Episode 152: Monster Movies for Kids? and A Conversation with David A.R. White

This time of year brings spooky movies to streaming services, and this year, we're seeing many more targeting kids. The Plugged In team takes a look at a few of these movies and what you need to know for your family. Adam Holz then speaks with Christian actor David A.R. White about his latest movie Nothing Is Impossible. Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-147/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focu...

Oct 20, 202242 min

Episode 151: What Is a Worldview & Sam Smith’s “Unholy”

Various influences shape our perspective on the world and how we exist in it. The Plugged In team explores the impact entertainment and media have on your worldview. They then discuss recording artist Sam Smith's latest track, "Unholy" and its unsettling lyrics. Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-151/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/...

Oct 13, 202238 min

Episode 150: The Skit Guys and Marcus Mumford

Laughter is good for us! Paul Asay speaks with the Christian comedy duo, The Skit Guys, about their friendship and their movie Family Camp. The Plugged In team then talks about Marcus Mumford's solo album. Get the book "Smells Like Bacon" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2022-10-06?refcd=1504801 Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-150/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us yo...

Oct 06, 202233 min

Episode 149: Blonde, Heartbreak High and Andor

Every now and then, a controversial, edgy and explicit TV show or movie becomes the thing everyone is talking about. The Plugged In team takes a look at the new Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde on Netflix and explains why they will not be reviewing the NC-17-rated film. They also share content concerns with the new Netflix series Heartbreak High and Disney+'s latest installment in the Star Wars franchise, Andor. Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-1...

Sep 29, 202235 min

Episode 148: Pinocchio Reloaded & Sandman

When a wooden puppet wants to become a real boy, you get a classic tale of trial and redemption. The Plugged In team looks at the new live-action version of Pinocchio on Disney+. They compare it to previous versions and discuss the content you’ll want to know about for your family. They then chat about the new Netflix horror/drama series based on a DC Comics character, The Sandman. You’ll also be introduced to a new segment – Forging Your Family’s Faith. Get more episode resources: https://www.p...

Sep 22, 202232 min

Episode 147: Scripture & Entertainment, Plus: Eminem’s Conversion?

This may surprise you, but the Bible actually has a lot to say about our entertainment choices. The Plugged In team explores some passages that guide the way they review movies, television, music, video games, and more. They then discuss the latest song by rapper Eminem where he speaks about Jesus as his Savior and professes his faith. Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-147/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedbac...

Sep 15, 202237 min

Episode 146: Amazon's Lord of the Rings and HBO's House of Dragon, plus Disney+'s Hamster & Gretel

Two new fantasy shows are now streaming—Amazon’s Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power and HBOMax’s Game of Thrones: House of Dragons. The Plugged In team examines these new shows and reveals the content concerns for families. They also look at Disney+’s latest children’s program Hamster & Gretel. Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-146/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcast...

Sep 08, 202233 min

Episode 145: The Kendrick Brothers, Kirk Cameron and Lifemark, plus She-Hulk

As the new Kendrick Brothers movie, Lifemark, hits theaters, you may be wondering what it's all about. Adam Holz talks to Alex and Stephen Kendrick and Kirk Cameron about the new film. The Plugged In team then discusses the show She-Hulk on Disney+ and what you need to know for your family. Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-145/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/...

Sep 01, 202236 min

Episode 144: When Super Heroes Take a Break From Social Media & Secret Headquarters

Spider-Man star Tom Holland has decided to take a break from social media, and the Plugged In team will tell you why! They explore the pros and cons of social media and its effects on mental health. Adam Holz then talks with Kennedy Unthank about the Paramount+ movie Secret Headquarters. Get the book: "The Teen's Guide to Face-To-Face Connections in a Screen-To-Screen World: 40 Tips to Meaningful Communication" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2...

Aug 25, 202239 min

Episode 143: Your Kid & YouTube Plus Out of My Heart

With over 800 million videos, YouTube is an entertainment monster. The Plugged In team discuss the way families and children are using YouTube and why it’s so popular. You’ll learn how to help your kids navigate their use and viewing habits. Paul Asay then speaks with Bob Hoose about the book Out of My Heart. Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen: Guiding Your Kids to Be Wise in a Digital World" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-08-12?re...

Aug 18, 202235 min
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