Plugged In spends a lot of time talking about the influence of screens, mostly related to entertainment and “fictional” content. But real-world issues are often emphasized or exaggerated on the news...and that news is everywhere! The Plugged In team talks with Dr. Danny Huerta about how these stories contributing to our kids’ sense of anxiety. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Tsiao about the new Netflix kids' show Barbie: A Touch of Magic. Receive the book 7 Traits of Effective Parenting for you...
Oct 05, 2023•39 min
Sometimes you just need to step back and take a break from screens. Adam Holz, director of the Plugged In team, talks with author and mom Molly DeFrank about how her family took a two-week digital detox and what they learned in that time. Adam Holz then joins Paul to chat about the new DIsney+ Star Wars series Ahsoka. Receive the book Digital Detox by Molly DeFrank for your donation of any amount! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@thep...
Sep 28, 2023•45 min
It's our 200th episode! To celebrate, the Plugged In team discusses the popularity of podcasts and why they can have such a strong impact on us. We then have a little fun, sharing some of our favorite bloopers and outtakes. Receive the book Parenting Generation Screen for our donation of any amount! 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: Critical Role Only Murders...
Sep 21, 2023•26 min
Social scientists are looking at social media as a potential accelerant for political and social polarization. The Plugged In team looks at a new study on this phenomenon and how social media can actually divide us instead of bring us together. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about a beloved classic movie, The Bells of St. Mary’s. 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 Fu...
Sep 14, 2023•43 min
If you have gamers in the house, you may have heard them talking about the new fantasy role playing video game, Baldur’s Gate 3. The Plugged In team examines this game and reveals all you need to know before your family decides to play it. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about Olivia Rodrigo's newest release, "Bad Idea, Right?" and her evolution from Disney Channel star to reckless, vulgar recording artist. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagra...
Sep 07, 2023•41 min
When we engage with entertainment—movies, TV, music—there may be deeper, not-so-obvious messages. The Plugged In team looks at the critical distinction between surface-level content and subtext. Emily Tsiao then speaks with actress Leigh-Allyn Baker about faith and her latest movie Into the Spotlight. 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: · Barbie · Talk to Me · ...
Aug 31, 2023•46 min
Between magazines, popular entertainment, and social media, girls today receive a mixed bag of cultural messages on body image, behavioral expectations, and their place in the world. The Plugged In team examines those messages and offers steps for parents to speak truth into their daughters’ lives. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about the newest fantasy video game Final Fantasy XVI. Receive the book Parenting Generation Screen for your donation of any amount! Connect with us! www.ThePlugge...
Aug 24, 2023•47 min
This year, we’ve seen two faith-based films outperform some Hollywood heavyweights. The Plugged In team examines Jesus Revolution and Sound of Freedom and why they have been so popular with movie-going audiences. Paul Asay then speaks with Kristin Smith about the new Paramount+ animated series, Transformers: Earthspark. 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: · Jes...
Aug 17, 2023•33 min
Taylor Swift’s Eras tour just wrapped up its North American run. The Plugged In team talks about her influence and how you can help our kids navigate her version of the world. Adam Holz then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about the new movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. 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: · Taylor Swift · Midnights 3am Edition · S...
Aug 10, 2023•40 min
Although many film remakes seem unnecessary, some stories deserve to be told more than once. Paul Asay chats with Pete Peterson, the producer of a new version of Corrie Ten Boom's powerful story, The Hiding Place. The Plugged In team then looks at the new movie Theatre Camp. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Find out more about The Hiding Place Read the full review: · The Hiding P...
Aug 03, 2023•40 min
The big summer blockbusters are rolling out, and your family is ready to trot off to the cinema! The Plugged In team examines the new movies Haunted Mansion, Barbie, and Oppenheimer and equips you with all you need to know about the content and related concerns. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: · Sound of Freedom · Haunted Mansion · Barbie · Oppenheimer · Incep...
Jul 27, 2023•41 min
With large scale fantasy and superhero movies, epic video games, and popular nostalgic streaming shows, nerd culture is hot. The Plugged In team explores this phenomenon, what it means, and why we become so captivated with all things nerdy. Adam Holz then speaks with Kristin Smith about Olivia Rodrigo’s latest song Vampire. Receive the book Drowning in Screen Time for your donation of any amount! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@thepl...
Jul 20, 2023•43 min
While we often talk about screen time, it’s an important topic for you and your family to consider. Paul Asay speaks with author David Murrow about his book Drowning in Screen Time and how he learned to balance his tech habits. The Plugged In team then chats about the latest installment of the popular Tom Cruise movies: Mission Impossible, Dead Reckoning, Part 1. Receive the book Drowning in Screen Time for your donation of any amount! Additional Resources: Connect with Us: https:// www.facebook...
Jul 13, 2023•49 min
Can video games be entertaining...and educational? The Plugged In team looks at the way certain video games can actually help kids learn. Adam Holz then talks with Plugged In's summer intern Sarah Rasmussen about the young adult novel The Island. Receive the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount! Additional Resources: · Game: Pop Culture Connection · Interaction Questions: What do you think of educational video games? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? And what about The Island? Ha...
Jul 06, 2023•37 min
Movies can entertain, but they can also educate and inspire us. Adam Holz speaks with actor Jim Caviezel and Angel Studios co-owner Jordan Harmon on their new movie Sound of Freedom. The Plugged In team then looks at the latest Indiana Jones adventure, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Receive the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount! Additional Resources: · Game: Pop Culture Connection · Interaction Questions: What did you think of our conversation with Jim Ca...
Jun 29, 2023•31 min
As AI grows more advanced and refined, we’re seeing the possibilities of “real” human/AI relationships. The Plugged In team explores what these relationships might look like and the impact this may have. Paul Asay then speaks with Emily Tsiao about the new Pixar movie, Elemental. Game: Name that Movie · Interaction Questions: What do you think about our relationship with AI? Are you excited about all these AI advances? Terrified? A little of both? If you’ve seen Elemental, what did you think of ...
Jun 22, 2023•36 min
The robots in disguise are back in theaters with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts! The Plugged In team takes a look at the franchise and what you need to know about this latest movie. Adam Holz then talks with Hollywood producer DeVon Franklin about his new movie Flamin' Hot. Receive the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount! Recent Comments: Erik H. on Movie Monday: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Rises to Top RedeemerDMZ on Screen and Non-screen Interests: How M...
Jun 15, 2023•43 min
Franchises are popular in our current culture, and new installments are trending this summer. The Plugged In team looks at the latest animated Marvel movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the recent Nintendo Switch release, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. You'll get a solid handle on the things you need to know about these entertainment choices for your family. · https:// www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-2023/ · https:// www.pluggedin.com/mov...
Jun 08, 2023•47 min
As long as we’ve been creating images of ourselves, other people have been tweaking, manipulating and changing them. The Plugged In team looks at some of the newest social media filters—what they can do, what you need to know, and what some of the problems might be. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about the newest Jonas Brothers' release titled The Album. Plugged In Blog: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/whats-wrong-with-instagram-filters/ Plugged In Blog: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/ti...
Jun 01, 2023•37 min
As parents, we naturally want to protect our kids from destructive influences in the world around them. But with screens in our back pockets, they have access to just about anything…including pornography. With screens in our back pockets, we have access to just about anything…including pornography. The Plugged In team consults with Dr. Danny Huerta, counselor and Vice President of Parenting of Focus on the Family about the impact of porn and how we can protect our kids. Adam Holz then talks with...
May 25, 2023•48 min
Movies—blockbuster movies—are a big part of what summer’s all about. The Plugged In team discusses what’s landing in theaters this summer, and what you can expect from them. Paul Asay then talks with Adam Holz about the latest installment of the Fast and Furious franchise, Fast X. Get More Episode Resources If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback....
May 18, 2023•43 min
Sometimes pop culture gets things right. With Mother's Day around the corner, the Plugged In team reflects on their favorite movie and TV moms and the impact they've had. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about an older faith-focused film called The Way that's getting a rerelease and renewed attention. · Plugged In Review: https:// www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/harrypotterandthesorcerersstone/ · Plugged In Review: https:// www.pluggedin.com/book-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-sorcerers-stone/ ...
May 11, 2023•40 min
As a parent, you may feel like keeping up with culture is a never-ending marathon—and when it comes to social media and tech trends, it is! The Plugged In team examines the gaming social media platforms Discord and Twitch and gives insight on what you need to know for your family. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about the new Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3. What is Discord: A Parents Guide Tech Trends April 2023 Plugged In Blog: https:// www.pluggedin.com/blog/tech-tuesday-the...
May 04, 2023•46 min
As our culture becomes more progressive, certain entertainment classics no longer "fit" the current narrative. The Plugged In team looks back at a few movies and television shows--like Gone with the Wind, Friends, and Seinfeld--and how their storylines and content may not have "aged" well. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about the new preteen movie based on Judy Blume's beloved book Are You There God?, It's Me, Margaret. Plugged In Blog: “Piecing Together the Legacy of Friends” Plugged In B...
Apr 27, 2023•43 min
Screens are everywhere today. So how do we encourage our kids to turn away from those attention-grabbers and crack open a good book? The Plugged In team explores ways you can cultivate a love of reading with your child. Paul Asay then speaks with Bob Hoose about the latest installment of the popular kids’ book series Wings of Fire, titled The Flames of Hope, and what you may need to know before your child reads it. Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount. Get M...
Apr 20, 2023•35 min
Over the years, you may have noticed an increase in LGBT messaging and representation in entertainment. Adam Holz of the Plugged In team talks with Jeff Johnston, an Issues Analyst for Focus on the Family, about how to navigate these issues for your family and to develop a theological response that goes deeper than today’s “hate” headlines. Then, Adam Holz speaks with Bob Hoose about the new animated box office smash The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Daily Citizen: https://dailycitizen.focusonthefami...
Apr 13, 2023•42 min
Navigating entertainment and screen choices can be challenging! The Plugged In team looks at parenting choices they made and what they wish they could "do over". Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the new Dennis Quaid movie On a Wing and a Prayer. For a gift of any amount: If I Had a Parenting Do-Over: 7 Vital Changes I’d Make by Jonathan McKee Plugged In Review: On a Wing and a Prayer Plugged In Review: Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo Plugged In Review: The Last House on the Left Plugged ...
Apr 06, 2023•47 min
Dungeons and Dragons has been around for quite some time—the role-playing game, books, mentions in popular television shows, and a couple different movies. The latest film is about to hit theaters, so the Plugged In team takes a look at this basement phenomenon and how it might impact your family. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about Christian rapper NF’s newest release, Hope. Plugged In Show Episode 134: “Of Influencers and Dinosaurs” Plugged In Review: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Am...
Mar 30, 2023•48 min
The new AI-driven search and content program ChatGPT can do things that were literally only science fiction a few years ago. It can do amazing things—from answering questions to writing podcast introductions! The Plugged In team discusses the positives and the negatives of this popular website as well as the potential dangers of deepfake content. Paul Asay then talks with Kennedy Unthank about the faith-based YouTube channel Got Questions? Get the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your dona...
Mar 23, 2023•35 min
The 95th Academy Awards is in the books. The Plugged In team reflects on the winners, the losers, and the broadcast in general. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Tsaio and the team about the new Christian movie Southern Gospel and the way more Christian films are using questionable content to tell the story. Plugged In Archives: “Oscars” Plugged In Review: Everything Everywhere All at Once Plugged In Review: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Plugged In Review: La La Land Plugged In Re...
Mar 16, 2023•37 min
