The Plugged In Show
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.
Episodes
As the Plugged In Show comes to its final episode, Paul Asay sits down with Adam Holz and Bob Smithouser (former host of the original Plugged In Podcast) to reminisce about hosting the show. The Plugged In team then gathers to offer some final encouragement on media discernment for your family. While this is the end of The Plugged In Show, the antics and conversations will continue, so be sure to follow the Plugged In team on Faceb...
The Plugged In team often receives comments and questions from a variety of people. With The Plugged In Show coming to a close, the team pulls out some of those questions and comments to address them. They then take a look at Focus on the Family’s soon-to-be-released documentary Truth Rising and the power of the documentary genre. Then you’ll hear some of the silly, sometimes embarrassing bloopers from the team!
As a mom or dad, it’s easy to look at today’s media and get pretty discouraged. But the Plugged In team says we are in a Golden Age of Bible-based entertainment. They discuss some great kid-friendly options you may want to consider for your family. Kristin Smith then talks with Paul Asay about the new movie from Angel Studios titled Sketch.
Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s excellent book Becoming...
Is Chat GPT making us “dumber”? The Plugged In team looks at a new study from MIT that reveals the impact of Chat GPT. Kennedy Unthank then speaks with Pierre Perifel, the director of the animated movie The Bad Guys and its new sequel and shares what you need to know before you take your family to see it!
Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In team’s terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!
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The new movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has been leaning hard into the sense of nostalgia. The Plugged In team looks at that movie and reflects on other films that are predicated on nostalgia. They then revisit ChatGPT and some of the latest changes that are making it maybe a little too chatty. And you don’t want to miss another round of Pop Rumble!
Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In teams great book...
Social media influencers are shaping the way the broader culture thinks about Jesus—in both good ways and some that might seem a bit questionable. The Plugged In team looks at the TikTok trend “Jesus Glow” and how it may impact your family. Paul Asay then joins in to talk about the enduring appeal of The Smurfs and the latest reboot of the franchise.
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With another Superman movie flying into theaters, the Plugged In team examines the Superman character, the phenomenon, and why this superhero has stood the test of time. They also talk a bit about Mario Kart World, a new/old favorite game that’s landed on Nintendo’s newest platform, the Switch 2. Then, they will reveal a little secret about The Plugged In Show.
The Jurassic World: Rebirth film is coming out. Does it look dino-riffic? The Plugged In team looks at the newest installment and the franchise as a whole, letting you in on what you need to know. The team then discusses online phishing scams and how you can be vigilant to protect your and your family.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
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We are seeing an increase in Gen-Zers seeking more answers to their faith questions. The Plugged In team explores this phenomenon and how technology and social media may be contributing to it. The team then reflects on Christopher Nolan’s 20-year old movie Batman Begins and the influence its had on superhero movies.
Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In teams terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!
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Nudity is often seen in paintings and certain movies and television shows. The Plugged In team discusses the artistic (and gratuitous) use of nudity and offers thoughts on how your family can navigate that. Paul Asay then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new Pixar movie Elio. You’ll also hear some fun dad jokes!
Nudity is often seen in paintings and certain movies and television shows. The Plugged In team discusses the...
The Dreamworks’ classic How to Train Your Dragon returns to the big screen in a new live-action version. Kennedy Unthank of the Plugged In team talks with the movie’s director, Dean DeBlois to get some insider secrets on Toothless and Hiccup. The team then discusses the Netflix docu-series Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, giving insight on the content as well as what it reveals about young influencers.
...Music can be powerful. It can shape us, inspire us, terrify us. And when it’s paired with a movie, we might not even notice how manipulative it can be. The Plugged In team reflects on cinematic songs and soundtracks and the impact they can have. Paul Asay speaks with Bob Hoose about the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new features.
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EMAIL: team...
As parents, we want to help our kids develop healthy tech habits. But where do we start? Paul Asay of the Plugged In team speaks with Melanie Hempe, founder of ScreenStrong, and Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Focus on the Family’s Parenting department, about the dangers of too much screen time and ways you can help your family step back and reconnect. Paul then speaks with Adam Holz about recording artist Bono’s ne...
AI is infiltrating entertainment and technology. The Plugged In team examines the potential impacts and what they could mean for your family. Bret Eckelberry then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new live action Disney movie Lilo & Stitch.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)
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As school releases and summertime approaches, kids have a lot more free time. But does that mean more screentime? The Plugged In team says no and offers some thoughts on how to keep your child engaged without being on a screen. Paul Asay then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about Christian YouTubers that your family may enjoy watching.
Click here to get your copy of Jonathan McKee’s terrific book Parenting Generation Scree...
The dystopian genre has taken our culture by storm with its dark and twisted look at our imagined future. The Plugged In team explores the unique markers of this genre and the impact it can have on our everyday lives. Paul Asay then talks with Bob Hoose about the latest book in the Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping.
Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s great book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is back with its new blockbuster Thunderbolts. The Plugged In team discusses the latest installment of superhero movies as well as the qualities it takes to make a hero. They then talk about AI agents, what that means, and what role they may play in our lives.
Click here to get your copy of the amazing Plugged In book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!
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Your family likely enjoys a great movie…but what makes it great for your family? The Plugged In team explores various criteria for family-friendly movies and how you can discern what is appropriate for your family. Bret Eckelberry then talks with Paul Asay and Adam Holz about the Disney+ Star Wars series Andor.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
...What’s the best Christian movie ever? The Plugged In team reveals the winner of their Christian Movie Madness bracket and why they think that movie resonated with viewers. Paul Asay then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about the new Hallmark movie Journey to You.
Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s insightful book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today!
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The Easter season always brings new Christian movies. The Plugged In team looks at the new animated movie The King of Kings and tells you what you need to know for your family. They then talk about how teens are proving to be skeptical of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence.
Get your copy of Plugged In’s terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today!
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