The Plugged In Show
The Plugged In team, led by Focus on the Family’s Director of Media and Culture, Adam Holz, comes together with humor and heart to deliver weekly insight on current media choices and culture-related topics. These media experts will shine a light on the world of popular entertainment and technology trends while giving you and your family the essential tools you need to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which we live. You’ll be encouraged to engage with your children and dialogue about the media they are consuming, sparking intellectual thought and spiritual growth.
Episodes
October 21, 2021 • 35 min
As the calendar drifts toward late October, Hollywood has one thing on its mind – monsters. And monster movies for kids are hitting theaters and streaming services everywhere. The Plugged In team talks about "The Addams Family 2" and "Muppets' Haunted Mansion." Paul and Adam then delve into the recent news about a change to the DC universe's Superman character. We'll celebrate our 100 episodes with anoth...
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October 14, 2021 • 40 min
The arrival of Fall ushers in a new television season with lots of new shows on both network and streaming services. The Plugged In team examines these new offerings with recommendations for programs to enjoy and to avoid. Adam and Jonathan then take a deep dive into the trending news stories surrounding Facebook and Instagram and how their products negatively impact many teens.
Get the book "The Teen's Guide to Face-To-Face...
Get the book "The Teen's Guide to Face-To-Face...
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October 7, 2021 • 30 min
We've seen a resurgence of musical movies hit streaming networks and the big screen. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite musicals, what you need to know about the new movie "Dear Evan Hansen," and why this style of movie is making a comeback. They then examine Instagram filters and the impact they may be having on young teams.
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for y...
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for y...
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September 30, 2021 • 38 min
The fourth installment of the "God's Not Dead" film franchise is about to hit theaters. The Plugged In team examines these movies and unpacks what you need to know about "God's Not Dead: We the People." Adam Holz then speaks with Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli about her involvement in the movie. You'll see how this film and others like it can be a great catalyst for conversation with yo...
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September 23, 2021 • 33 min
With little rock music on the charts, you might think rock is dead ... but it's not! The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite rock song and examines the work of bands like Skillet, Switchfoot, and Imagine Dragons. Adam Holz then speaks with Skillet's front man, John Cooper, about the power of music in our lives. You'll be challenged to think more deeply about how music powerfully influences your family.
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Get the boo...
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September 16, 2021 • 34 min
Anime and manga – Japanese animated storytelling genres – are growing in popularity with kids and teens, even though the target audience is adult. The Plugged In team discusses the history of these artforms and the allure behind them. You'll learn what you need to know as a parent or consumer of these genres as well as a new video game in this realm – "Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!"
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: ...
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: ...
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September 9, 2021 • 31 min
As the Kendricks' Brothers latest movie "Show Me the Father" hits theaters, the Plugged In team's Adam Holz talks with Alex Kendrick about this new documentary. They discuss the "why" behind the film and the heart that is revealed through the stories captured in it. Then the team explores Amazon's latest version of the Cinderella story and runs through another fun Culture Countdown, equipping you with wh...
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September 2, 2021 • 30 min
Marvel's latest superhero to hit the big screen – "Shang-Chi" – has some unique offerings, and the Plugged In team wants to share those with you. They will also explore a new trend in virtual reality known as the metaverse and what you need to know for your family. Beyond that, you'll pick up some interesting news items from the Culture Countdown.
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prop...
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prop...
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August 26, 2021 • 35 min
Between cell phones, computer gaming, and television and movie viewing, you may be concerned about too much screen time in your family. The Plugged In team talks with Focus on the Family's Vice President of Parenting Dr. Daniel Huerta about the impact screens have on your child's brain. They also look at the new Disney+ animated Marvel series "What If...?" and bring you another rollicking Culture Countdown.
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Get ...
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August 19, 2021 • 34 min
Popular streaming services Apple TV and Netflix are promoting some of their new content, and as a parent, you'll want to know about it. The Plugged In team takes a deep dive into Apple TV's "Ted Lasso" and the charm behind the show. They then explore the Netflix movie franchise "The Kissing Booth." You'll learn why these programs have such a draw with their audiences and what you need to know for your fa...
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August 12, 2021 • 34 min
To close out the summer, the Plugged In team examines a new Netflix release Vivo and Jonathan McKee's latest book "Parenting Generation Screen." They also run through a quick culture survey, highlighting things you need to know to navigate the world of entertainment and media with your family.
Get Jonathan's book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.c...
Get Jonathan's book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.c...
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August 5, 2021 • 26 min
When books written for teens hit streaming services, they seem to 'grow up' quite a bit. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite books versus the companion movies/television shows, then discuss Netflix's new take on R.L. Stine's "Fear Street" series. You'll learn what you need to know about these shows targeting your teen and how you can guide them to make better choices.
Get the book "The Read...
Get the book "The Read...
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July 29, 2021 • 28 min
The Olympics give us a global opportunity to celebrate excellence and competition every four (or five years), to see the remarkable things that athletes can accomplish in their single-minded devotion to their sport. The Plugged In team explores what you need to know when it comes to the controversy and commercialism surrounding the Olympic games. You'll be inspired to move from a passive to active mindset with regard to how you...
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July 22, 2021 • 33 min
As "Space Jam: A New Legacy" hits movie theaters, the Plugged In team recounts some of their favorite moments from the original and compares it to the reboot. Host Adam Holz then sits down with former American Idol star Phil Stacey to talk about the influence and impact of music. You'll gain insight on how to better navigate your family's entertainment choices.
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Repl...
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Repl...
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July 15, 2021 • 31 min
One of the biggest stereotypes in Hollywood is the "doofus dad." But every now and then, a movie or TV show challenges that stereotype. This week, the Plugged In team examines two such movies – "Blue Miracle" and "12 Mighty Orphans" – both of which focus on men who act as surrogate dads to orphans in need. They also dive into the movie, offering up some tidbits for super fans. While helping your family navig...
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July 8, 2021 • 33 min
As the blockbuster movie "Black Widow" hits theaters this week, the Plugged In team reflects on their favorite superheroes and the impact these fictional characters have had on their lives. They’ also dive into the movie, offering up some tidbits for super fans. You’ll be better equipped to talk with your family about some of the deeper issues in these stories.
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the...
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the...
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July 1, 2021 • 36 min
The Plugged In team explores how certain actors have been impacted by the roles they’ve played, resulting in some pretty major twists and changes in their lives. You’ll be encouraged to equip your kids to deal with this reality and talk about what they are seeing, actively engaging in a critical conversation about what they’re watching.
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation o...
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation o...
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June 24, 2021 • 37 min
With the new Marvel series "Loki" hitting Disney+, the Plugged In team unpacks the trend toward embracing anti-heroes onscreen. As these stories seemingly seek to generate sympathy for characters that we used to consider pure evil, lines are blurred. You’ll better understand the need to be in conversation with your family about knowing the difference and continuing to act as “heroes” in our own relationships with those ...
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June 17, 2021 • 34 min
Jumping from hit novels to hit TV shows and movies, the dystopian genre has taken the entertainment world by storm. The Plugged In team explores some these dark stories, particularly Hulu’s "The Handmaid’s Tale," discussing the positives and negatives. You’ll see how these stories have both content and worldview issues that need your attention if your kids are drawn to them.
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Cultur...
Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Cultur...
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June 10, 2021 • 37 min
The Plugged In team explores some of the movies and programs that romanticize broken, unhealthy relationships, and why we embrace them without a second thought. You’ll be encouraged to set emotion aside, think critically, and seek God’s wisdom about some of the choices your family might be considering.
Get the book "Seven Traits of Effective Parenting" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don...
Get the book "Seven Traits of Effective Parenting" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don...
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