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
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.
Connect with us!
EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
P...
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.
Connect with us!
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.
Connect with us!
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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The Minecraft game franchise has a new block-buster hitting movie theaters as a live action story. The Plugged In team looks at why Hollywood makes live action versions of beloved video games and the potential things you may need to know before you take you family to see it. They then look at some positive entertainment you may want to enjoy with your family as Easter approaches.
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The Chosen has given us an extrabiblical glimpse of the life and ministry of Jesus, and it is wildly popular with fans! And now, the latest installment, The Chosen: Last Supper Part 1, is hitting theaters to kick off the Easter season. Paul Asay speaks with Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, and Jonathan Roumie who plays Jesus. The Plugged In team then reflects on the popularity of this series and what it means to them.
Your family may love a good movie night together…so how can you get the most out of it? The Plugged In team offers some tips on choosing the right movie, starting great conversations, and even shining a light on God’s truth. Paul Asay then speaks with Bret Eckelberry about the fun Plugged In event Christian March Movie Mayhem!
Click here to get your copy of the great Plugged In book Beoming a Screen-Savvy Family today!
...Amazon Prime’s new show House of David portrays the life of this larger-than-life king! The Plugged In team’s Kennedy Unthank interviews Michael Iskander and Martyn Ford, the actors who play David and Goliath, as well as the creator and executive producer of the series, Jon Erwin. Paul Asay then chats with Emily Tsiao and Jonathan McKee about ways to curb your family’s screen time.
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Lent is a season of fasting, which makes it a perfect time to participate in the Plugged In 2025 Screen Fast! The Plugged In team encourages you to look at your family's screen habits and see where you might be able to cut back. Paul Asay then speaks with Bob Hoose about the non-family-friendly book version of Wicked on which the popular musical is based.
Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s terrific book Becomi...
Every spring brings entertainment award season, which means it’s time for the Plugged In Movie Awards! The Plugged In team reveals their 2025 picks for last year’s movies in four different categories: Kids, Teens, Adults, and Christian. You’ll discover some great movies your family may enjoy together!
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedin...
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