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 232: The “Reinvention” of JoJo Siwa, plus Fallout

JoJo Siwa, the once spunky, vibrant child star from Dance Moms, recently revealed her “bad girl” side. The Plugged In team looks at JoJo’s transformation and how her influence in the culture might impact your family. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Tsiao about the new video-game-turned-Amazon-Prime-series Fallout. Get your copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMIL...

May 02, 202447 min

Episode 231: How Entertainment Shapes Our Beliefs, plus Netflix’s Testament: The Story of Moses

We live in a world full of competing ideas, narratives and worldviews, and that’s especially true in the world of entertainment. The Plugged In team explores how media and technology shape what we believe. Adam Holz then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about the new Netflix show Testament: The Story of Moses. Get Your Copy of 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 (800-262...

Apr 25, 202450 min

Episode 230: Let’s Talk About Technology! plus A Conversation with For King + Country

Technology comes with its ups and downs. The Plugged In team looks at the way technology has shaped our lives and how best to navigate the ever-changing world of tech. Adam Holz then speaks with Joel and Luke Smallbone, lead singers of the Christian group, For King + Country about their family’s new movie Unsung Hero. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FA...

Apr 18, 202456 min

Episode 229: Why Popular YouTubers are Retiring, plus Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

Once upon a time, kids wanted to be firefighters, astronauts, pro athletes, doctors, or lawyers. But in our connected social media world these days, the allure of becoming an “online content creator” is strong. The Plugged In team looks at this phenomenon and offers a dose of reality when it comes to the world of influencers. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about the new video game Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth . Get your copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedI...

Apr 11, 202440 min

Episode 228: How Entertainment Shapes Us. Plus: A Conversation with Rebecca St. James

When it comes to entertainment and its potential influence on our kids, you may think screentime is the issue. But the reality is that different forms of entertainment can affect us in different ways. The Plugged In team explores the impact of various kinds of entertainment has had on them and how to navigate different media. Adam Holz then speaks with recording artist Rebecca St. James about her new biopic Unsung Hero. Get your copy of Becoming a Screen Savvy Family! Listen to the new podcast w...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 6 min

Episode 227: A Conversation with Karen Kingsbury, plus Boundary Basics—The When, What and Where of Screens

Story is an important part of our culture and our heritage! Adam Holz speaks with beloved Christian novelist Karen Kingsbury about her Baxter family series and how it has translated into a new Amazon Prime show. Then the Plugged In team discusses the importance of boundaries when it comes to technology and how you can help your family establish some parameters around their screen usage. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook...

Mar 28, 202453 min

Episode 226: Introducing Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family, plus Navigating Non-Christian Worldviews in Entertainment

Media discernment is one of the main missions of Plugged In...so much so, that the team has written a new book! Adam Holz and Paul Asay share some highlights from Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family. Then Kristin Smith and Jonathan McKee join in to look at how some movies and television shows have a spiritual messages woven into the stories and how you can navigate those as a family. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us...

Mar 21, 202436 min

Episode 225: Reflecting on the Oscars, plus Dee & Friends in Oz

The Oscars always create newsworthy buzz. The Plugged In team reflects on the illustrious awards show, from expected winners to upsets and surprises. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about the new animated kids’ show Dee & Friends in Oz. 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: · Oppenheimer · Barbie · The Holdovers · Poor Things · American Fiction · Zone...

Mar 14, 202436 min

Episode 224: The 2024 Plugged In Movie Awards Special

It’s that time of year again—the Plugged In Movie Awards are here! In a spirited conversation, the Plugged In team reveals their votes for Best Movie for Adults, Best Movie for Teens, Best Movie for Kids, and Best Christian Movies. You’ll also hear your pick as our audience! Celebrate the 2024 Pluggies with us! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Plugged In Blog: 2024 Plugged In Mov...

Mar 07, 202445 min

Episode 223: Beyonce, the Grammys, and Dune: Part Two

If you pay attention to the music scene, you may have heard that Beyonce has gone country. The Plugged In team chats about this genre shift as well as the 2024 Grammy awards. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about Frank Herbert’s sci-fi phenomenon Dune. 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: · Texas Hold Em · Taylor Swift: 1989 (Taylor’s Version) · Gracie Abram...

Feb 29, 202448 min

Episode 222: Plugged In Movie Award Noms, The Sound of Barbenheimer, and an Interview with Ordinary Angels Director Jon Gunn

The awards season in the entertainment world is upon us! And that means the Plugged In Movie Awards are on the horizon. The Plugged In team looks at some of their favorite (and not-so-favorite) movies from 2023, including Barbie and Oppenheimer. Paul Asay then speaks with Jon Gunn, the director of the new movie Ordinary Angels. 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 revie...

Feb 22, 202449 min

Episode 221: How Romcoms Influence Teens, Singles and Married Couples, plus Why Is Plugged In Reviewing Old Movies?

Relationship movies often turn up in early February. The Plugged In team and Lisa Anderson from The Boundless Show look at some of their favorite rom-coms and how they impact us by setting up unrealistic expectations. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about Plugged In’s look-back at old movies. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 32728 to get the latest reviews from...

Feb 15, 202444 min

Episode 220: Navigating Children’s Television Landmines. Plus: Introducing On the Radar

Children’s programming today is very different than it used to be. The Plugged In team discusses the messages and landmines found in television shows, movies, and other media targeting young children. Adam Holz then chats with Emily Tsiao about Plugged In’s new feature On the Radar . 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: CoComelon Lane Go Dog Go Dude Perfect A Wo...

Feb 08, 202436 min

Episode 219: The Finals & the State of Fortnite-like Shooters, plus Gracie Abrams

When it comes to video games, first-person shooters are quite popular. The Plugged In team looks at the game The Finals and the genre as a whole—what players will encounter, what the draw is, and what issues you might want to carefully consider. Adam Holz then speaks with Kristin Smith about a relatively new music artist Gracie Abrams. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE ...

Feb 01, 202440 min

Episode 218: Help! I Hate My Kids’ Music Choices! plus Navigating New Threats in the Multiverse

You’ve probably grown up with music in your life…and maybe even as part of your identity. But when you become a parent, you may find your kids’ musical interests far different from yours. The Plugged In team offers some thoughts on what to do when you hate your kids’ music. They then discuss a disturbing news story from the virtual world. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOV...

Jan 25, 202449 min

Episode 217: Mean Girls Yesterday and Today: How Bullying Is Changing for Today's Adolescents, plus

Twenty years ago, the movie Mean Girls opened our eyes to "girl world", and now, a new musical version is hitting the big screen. The Plugged In team examines the original and the new as well as the concept of bullying. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about Marvel's new foray into M-Rated content with the Disney+ show Echo. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 32728...

Jan 18, 202451 min

Episode 216: How Movies Challenge Our Indifference, plus Sigmund Freud Meets C.S. Lewis

Here at the beginning of the year, blockbusters ride the final crest of holiday glory and little-known Oscar hopefuls and deep-thinking indie movies take center stage. The Plugged In team examines a couple of these films—The Zone of Interest and Freud’s Last Session—and how movies can challenge us in interesting ways. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 32728 to get th...

Jan 11, 202448 min

Episode 215: The Tech and Entertainment Reset

With Christmas and 2023 behind us, it's time to start thinking about new habits to take into 2024. The Plugged In team talks about some concrete ways to embrace a tech and entertainment reset in your family. You’ll pick up some great ideas on helping your family step away from their screens and enjoy time together. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 32728 to get the l...

Jan 04, 202451 min

Episode 214: Our Favorite Reviews of 2023, plus CoComelon Lane

Plugged In chronicles a lot of content in pop culture so that you can know what you’re getting into ahead of time. The team recalls their favorite reviews of 2023. Adam Holz then asks Kristin Smith about the Netflix children's series CoComelon Lane. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 32728 to get the latest reviews from Plugged In! By texting MOVIE to 32728 you consen...

Dec 28, 202339 min

Episode 213: Christmas Classics Revisited, plus The Boys in the Boat

You probably have a classic Christmas movie that you love. And believe it or not, there are some holiday films the Plugged In team haven’t seen…until now. As promised on previous episodes, Adam Holz has watched It’s a Wonderful Life and Paul Asay has taken in Miracle on 34th Street, and they offer their insights on these beloved stories. Adam then speaks with Paul about the book-turned-movie The Boys in the Boat. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram ...

Dec 21, 202341 min

Episode 212: Wonka & The Worldview of Roald Dahl, plus Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Roald Dahl’s stories have impacted generations of children and families. The Plugged In team talks about the fantasy worlds of Roald Dahl and the new origin story movie Wonka. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about the sequel to the animated Chicken Run movie, Dawn of the Nugget. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 32728 to get the latest reviews from Plugged In! B...

Dec 14, 202343 min

Episode 211: Why Scrooge Still Haunts Christmases Past, Present and Future, plus Disney's Grasp on Hulu

Since Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol back in 1843, Ebenezer Scrooge has become an indispensable part of the holidays. The Plugged In team explores some of the film adaptations and why the story is still so popular. Paul Asay then speaks with Adam Holz and Jonathan McKee about the announcement from Disney about fully fusing Hulu and its content with their already popular streaming service Disney+. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: t...

Dec 07, 202343 min

Episode 210: Social Media, Addiction, and Self-Esteem, plus a Look at Bentkey

You’ve probably heard social media can negatively impact our mental health. The Plugged In team examines some of the studies that point to the harmful effects on tweens' and teens' self-esteem and mental health. Adam Holz then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new conservative streaming platform, Bentkey. Receive the book Parenting Generation Screen for your donation of any amount! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] ...

Nov 30, 202340 min

Episode 209: The Thanksgiving Movie Episode

Thanksgiving weekend traditionally marks the beginning of Hollywood’s second-most important blockbuster season. The Plugged In team looks at a few of the big movie releases—including Disney’s Wish and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—and tells you what you need to know before your family heads to the theater. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 3272...

Nov 23, 202337 min

Episode 208: The Marvels & Female Heroes in Action Movies, plus Trolls Band Together

When it comes to action movies and TV shows these days, you’re just as likely to see a woman in a lead role as a man. The Plugged In team examines the latest MCU movie, The Marvels and how women are empowered to lead the action. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about new Dreamworks movie Trolls Band Together. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Text MOVIE to 32728 to get the lat...

Nov 16, 202342 min

Episode 207: Journey to Bethlehem, plus A Holiday Video Game Guide

As the Christmas season approaches, you may be looking for movies and TV specials really reflect the Biblical story of Jesus’s birth. The Plugged In team explores some holiday favorites, including a look at the new musical movie Journey to Bethlehem. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about upcoming video games that are hot for the holidays. Interview with Adam Anders Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-...

Nov 09, 202339 min

Episode 206: Focus on Parental Controls, plus Christian Board Games

You probably know that your family’s devices all offer some sort of parental controls…but do you use them? The Plugged In team dives into the best ways you can use parental controls on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Adam Holz then talks with Kennedy Unthank about some unique (and fun!) Christian board games. Receive the book Parenting Generation Screen for our donation of any amount! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagra...

Nov 02, 202340 minEp. 206

Episode 205: The Worldview Hurricane, plus Loki

There’s a lot to be concerned about when we look at the content and worldview in so much of today’s entertainment. The Plugged In team takes a closer look at the issue of content, worldview, and Hollywood. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the newest season of Disney+'s Loki. 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: Pinocchio Breakfast Club T.: The Extra-Ter...

Oct 26, 202346 min

Episode 204: The Devil’s in the Entertainment Details, plus, Taylor Swift’s Eras Movie

We’re knee-deep in the scary season where horror movies lurk around every corner and the devil or his minions show up in many of them. The Plugged In team examines the history behind depictions of Satan and why entertainment tropes often includes him. Paul Asay then speaks with Adam Holz about the new cinematic release of Taylor Swift's Eras tour. Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)...

Oct 19, 202343 min

Episode 203: How Pop Culture, Entertainment, and Technology Are Shaping Boys Growing Up Today

Our media-saturated culture influences all of us in various ways. The Plugged In team recently looked at how entertainment and technology affects girls, so now they will examine how they shape boys' lives and hearts. They then explore the spiritual impact of the popular Zelda movies. 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 (80...

Oct 12, 202347 min
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