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 262: Creating with AI: A Parents' Primer. Plus, Moana 2

Artificial intelligence gets a bad rap, but it can also help us create in ways we never thought possible. The Plugged In team looks at ways we can create using AI and things we may want to steer clear of. Paul Asay then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new Disney movie sequel Moana 2. Get your copy of Plugged In’s fantastic book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FA...

Nov 28, 202441 min

Episode 261: Wicked and the World of Musicals. Plus, Plugged In’s New Tech Guide!

This week, the Broadway musical Wicked flies from the stage to the screen. The Plugged In team talks about the Wicked phenomenon as well as other movie musicals and the power of music woven into a story. Paul Asay then talks with Bret Eckelberry about the team’s new tech guide. Get your copy of Plugged In’s great book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-2...

Nov 21, 202439 min

Episode 260: When Should I Give My Kid a Cell Phone? Plus, Bonhoeffer

With Christmas coming, you may be considering a tech gift for your child…maybe even a cell phone. The Plugged In team shares insights and thoughts on the impact phones have had on younger generations and the best age to put a phone in their hands. Paul Asay then talks with Kennedy Unthank about the new biopic Bonhoeffer. Get your copy of the insightful Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: t...

Nov 14, 202449 min

Episode 259: The Power and Peril of In-Game Sales, plus, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

You’re enjoying a fun online game, but then you’re hit with having to make a purchase to go any further. The Plugged In team looks at a variety of video games that employ in-game sales. Paul Asay then talks with producer Kevin Downes and director Dallas Jenkins about their new movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Get your copy of the outstanding Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@t...

Nov 07, 202440 min

Episode 258: Entertainment Decisions and Kids’ Maturity, plus Chappell Roan

As your kids move into adolescence, you need to decide how much freedom you give them when it comes to entertainment and media. The Plugged In team offers some thoughts, sharing ways they succeeded and things they wish they could do differently. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the wildly popular recording artist Chapell Roan. Get your copy of the fantastic Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram ...

Oct 31, 202444 min

Episode 257: Unexpected Scares in Family Movies, plus Exhibiting Forgiveness

We may be in the midst of “scary season”, but sometimes scares creep up on us from nowhere. The Plugged In team shares movies and television shows that once freaked them out and offers a few tips on how to navigate those unexpected frights. Paul Asay then talks with Adam Holz about the new movie Exhibiting Forgiveness. Get your copy of the helpful book by the Plugged In team – Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family – today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagr...

Oct 24, 202448 min

Episode 256: How AI is Changing Adolescence, plus Agatha All Along

Kids have been finding ways to cheat since schools themselves have been a thing. But the rise of artificial intelligence is a game-changer in the classroom. The Plugged In team looks at the rise of artificial intelligence, how kids may be misusing it, and how you can navigate it as a family. Paul Asay then talks with Adam Holz about the new streaming show Agatha All Along. Get your copy of Plugged In’s outstanding book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.c...

Oct 17, 202443 min

Episode 255: The Legend of Lara Croft and the Growing Influence of Gaming in Entertainment

Some video game characters have a special place in our hearts…and on the big screen. The Plugged In team reveals their favorite digital personalities, then explores the new animated show on Netflix Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. You’ll learn what may be a treasure for your family…and what to steer clear from. Get your copy of Plugged In’s awesome book Becoming a Screen Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@thepl...

Oct 10, 202438 min

Episode 254: Beauty and the Bird

Hollywood often reinforces unhealthy beauty ideals and can undermine self-esteem in the process. But a couple recent movies—Uglies and A Different Man—are taking a different twist on the topic. The Plugged In team explores these stories and gives you some points on how to start a solid conversation with your family. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the new movie White Bird. Get your copy of the Plugged In team’s helpful book Becoming a Screen Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.The...

Oct 03, 202457 min

Episode 253: An Interview With Wild Robot Director Chris Sanders, Plus Navigating Sad (But Good) Mov

The best kids’ movies usually prompt a lot of emotion. And many adults are often just as taken with these stories as their children. Paul Asay talks with Chris Sanders, the director of the new Dreamworks animated movie The Wild Robot. The Plugged In team then examines some of the more memorable family-friendly films they have reviewed and what your family needs to know about them. Get your copy of the terrific Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedI...

Sep 26, 202441 min

Episode 252: Is It Harder to Be a Teen Today? Plus: Transformers One

With cultural influences, technology, and social media, being a teen can be a challenge. The Plugged In team reflects on their own teen years and how things have changed. In looking at recent research and personal stories, they'll share some insight on how very different life today is for teenagers. Paul Asay then talks with Bob Hoose about the new prequel in the popular Transformers franchise, Transformers One. Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In team’s great new book Becoming a Scree...

Sep 19, 202445 min

Episode 251: God on the Gridiron, plus, A Look at God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust

Football season is getting into swing! The Plugged In team tackles some thoughts on the beloved sport—looking at the game itself and players who profess a strong faith in Christ. Paul Asay then speaks with Adam Holz about the latest installment of the God’s Not Dead movie franchise, In God We Trust. Get your copy of the Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 8...

Sep 12, 202440 min

Episode 250: Resetting Screentime for School, plus Are Movies Like Beetlejuice Bad?

Your kids are heading back to school, and after a summer filled with screens, you may struggle to get back to normal. The Plugged In team offers some thoughts on how to reset your family’s tech use and balance home screen time with school screen time. They then talk what you can expect in sequel to the Tim Burton movie Beetlejuice and how to navigate movies with spiritual themes (even dark ones!). And to celebrate our 250th episode, you’ll get to hear some of our silliest times in the studio! Ge...

Sep 05, 202438 min

Episode 249: Looking at The Rings of Power and Reagan

With Amazon Prime taking on Tolkien's beloved The Lord of the Rings stories, you may want to know if it's family-friendly. The Plugged In team discusses The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and what you need to know for your family. Paul Asay then talks with Adam Holz about the new Dennis Quaid biopic Reagan. Get your copy of the Plugged In team’s terrific book Becoming a Screen Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@thep...

Aug 29, 202442 min

Episode 248: A Conversation with the Kendrick Brothers

As Christians, God sometimes calls us to tell stories in a unique way. Paul Asay of the Plugged In team talks with Christian filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick about their movies, zeroing in on their latest movie The Forge. You’ll hear Alex and Stephen’s hearts on why they make faith-friendly movies to reach others. Get your copy of the Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook on Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@theplug...

Aug 22, 202436 min

Episode 247: Understanding the Allure of Bad Content, plus My Penguin Friend

Sometimes, racy and non-family-friendly content lurks in entertainment that might look like kids’ programming. The Plugged In team discusses two streaming animated shows—Exploding Kittens and Sausage Party: Foodtopia and what you need to know to protect your family, especially teens. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about the new movie My Penguin Friend. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: ...

Aug 15, 202444 min

Episode 246: Do Old Movies Still Matter? Plus: Spotify Goes Social

Do old movies hold up in our fast-paced culture? The Plugged In team looks back at three black-and-white movies they've recently reviewed - To Kill a Mockingbird, The Many who Shot Liberty Valance, and Seven Samurai. You might be surprised what messages your family can take away from these older films! Paul Asay then speak with Emily Tsiao about Spotify's move into a social media set-up. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Faceboo...

Aug 08, 202441 min

Episode 245: Screens and Anxiety, plus: Adventures in Odyssey Celebrates 1000 Episodes

Research shows screens contribute powerfully to the anxiety kids experience. The Plugged In team looks at the book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and the impact of screens on the mental health of our children. Adam Holz then talks with Bob Hoose about Adventures in Odyssey and its 1000 episodes! 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 (800-2...

Aug 01, 202453 min

Episode 244: Plugged In Dives into the Summer Olympics, plus “Deadpool & Wolverine”

The Summer Olympics are about to start! The Plugged In team reflects on the draw of these games, highlights a few content concerns, and encourages you to look at the Olympics with a different perspective. Adam Holz then talks with Emily Tsiao about the latest anticipated action flick, Deadpool and Wolverine. 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-...

Jul 25, 202449 min

Episode 243: What Are Dark Patterns? plus: A Conversation with Sing Sing Director Greg Kwedar

Our world is full of things we should know about, but maybe we don’t. The Plugged In team examines dark patterns online—deceptive practices and tactics that get you to sign up for things you don’t want or spend more money than you intend to. They’ll encourage you to keep your eyes open so you can protect your family. Then Paul Asay talks with Greg Kwedar, the director of the new movie Sing Sing. Get your copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on...

Jul 18, 202444 min

Episode 242: A Conversation With Arlene Pellicane, plus Luke Combs ‘Fathers and Sons’

Raising kids in our world today can feel pretty challenging, especially when it comes to how we navigate the minefields of screens and entertainment. Adam Holz, director for the Plugged In team, speaks with mom and author Arlene Pellicane about her book Screen Kids. The team then looks at Luke Combs’ latest album Father and Sons. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram us on Instagram EMAIL: team@theplugg...

Jul 11, 202448 min

Episode 241: Despicable Me 4 and Illumination, plus Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

The long-awaited follow-up to the Despicable Me films has finally arrived! The Plugged In team reveals all you need to know about Gru and his antics before your family heads to the theater. They also look at the Illumination franchise and those adorable Minions. Paul Asay and Adam Holz then discuss the new Christian movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Get your copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMA...

Jul 04, 202447 min

Episode 240: The Dark Side of the Influencer World, Plus a Conversation with Andrew Erwin

Social media and other online platforms seem harmless, but there are some real dangers out there. The Plugged In team reflects on a new Wall Street Journal article that reveals the unsettling fact that most online influencers are teenage girls while their audiences are primarily adult men. You’ll be encouraged to better protect your kids online. Adam Holz then speaks with Christian filmmaker Andrew Erwin. Get the book "Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World" for you...

Jun 27, 202450 min

Episode 239: A Look at Inside Out 2, plus Screens and Our Brains

Pixar’s beloved Inside Out characters have returned to theaters, bringing along some new ones. The Plugged In team examines the new sequel and shares everything you need to know before you take your family to see it. Adam Holz and Paul Asay then talk with Dr. Daniel Huerta, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Parenting, about how screens impact the brain. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Check out Danny’s podcast! Practice Makes Parent Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.co...

Jun 20, 20241 hr 1 min

Episode 238: Star Wars: The Acolyte and the Theology of Star Wars, plus An Interview with Judas and John from The Chosen

With the release of Disney+’s new Star Wars series, The Acolyte, the beloved saga is once more in the news. The Plugged In team examines the show and the franchise, including the more spiritual aspects of the Force. Adam Holz then interviews Luke Dimyan and George H. Xanthis who portray Judas and John in The Chosen. 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-FAMI...

Jun 13, 202452 min

Episode 237: Our Favorite Summer Blockbusters, plus Billie Eilish

Summer is officially here—and when you run out of things to do on those long, hot summer days, you might think, “We should watch a movie.” The Plugged In team reflects on some of their favorite Hollywood summer blockbusters and offers suggestions of what to watch. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the new Billie Eilish album Hit Me Hard and Soft. Get Your Copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team...

Jun 06, 202448 min

Episode 236: A Parents Guide to OnlyFans, plus: IF

OnlyFans might sound like a rather innocuous site, but it’s not. The Plugged In team shares what you need to know about OnlyFans— where creators charge a subscription fee for access to their photos and videos, most of which are explicit. Adam Holz then talks with Bob Hoose about the new fantasy-comedy movie IF . 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 (...

May 30, 202436 min

Episode 235: Is Swift’s New Album Taylor-made for Trouble? Plus, We Look at Sight

Over the last year, we’ve seen a lot from Taylor Swift—earning more than $1 billion, launching her five-continent concert tour, releasing two “new-ish” albums, and going to the Super Bowl. The Plugged In team examines the new album, the Swiftie phenomenon, and why fans are so dedicated. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about the new Angel Studios movie Sight . Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Facebook Find us on Instagram EMAIL: team@theplug...

May 23, 202440 min

Episode 234: Don’t Know How to Talk with Your Kids About Entertainment? We Can Help! Plus, Kid-Friendly Games

Here at Plugged In, we encourage you to talk with your kids about entertainment…but do you know where to start? The Plugged In team offers some thoughts on what those conversations might look like. Paul Asay then speaks with Bob Hoose about some kid-friendly games your family may want to play. 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 (800-262-3459) Read ...

May 16, 202440 min

Episode 233: Summer Movie Preview, plus A Conversation with Great American Family President Bill Abbott

Description: With sunshine and summer coming our way, highly anticipated blockbusters start hitting the movie theaters. The Plugged In team discusses some of the biggest films your family may (or may not) want to see. Adam Holz then speaks with the president of the cable network Great American Family, Bill Abbott, about the channel’s dedication to being a faith- and family-friendly option. Get your copy of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family! Connect with us! www.ThePluggedInShow.com Connect on Faceb...

May 09, 202437 min
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