Explore every episode of the podcast The Plugged In Show
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 185: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse & The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | 08 Jun 2023 | 00:47:03 | |
Franchises are popular in our current culture, and new installments are trending this summer. The Plugged In team looks at the latest animated Marvel movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the recent Nintendo Switch release, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. You'll get a solid handle on the things you need to know about these entertainment choices for your family.
· https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-2023/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-2018/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/masseffect/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/horizon-zero-dawn/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/horizon-forbidden-west/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/tomb-raider-2013-game/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/tomb-raider-2018/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/pokemon-go/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/legendofzeldaocarinaoftime3d/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/legendofzeldaskywardsword/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-2020/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/silenthill/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/skyhigh/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/super-mario-bros-movie-2023/
· How you can make wise entertainment choices for your family Focus on the Family: Making Wise Entertainment Choices
· Explore the Plugged In Tech Guide
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| Episode 184: Focus on Filters: What’s the Big Deal? Plus Jonas Brothers’ The Album | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:36:34 | |
As long as we’ve been creating images of ourselves, other people have been tweaking, manipulating and changing them. The Plugged In team looks at some of the newest social media filters—what they can do, what you need to know, and what some of the problems might be. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about the newest Jonas Brothers' release titled The Album.
We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback. | |||
| Episode 175: Dungeons & Dragons Is Still a Thing!? | 30 Mar 2023 | 00:47:44 | |
Dungeons and Dragons has been around for quite some time—the role-playing game, books, mentions in popular television shows, and a couple different movies. The latest film is about to hit theaters, so the Plugged In team takes a look at this basement phenomenon and how it might impact your family. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about Christian rapper NF’s newest release, Hope.
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| Episode 86: Fathers, Orphans and Entertainment | 15 Jul 2021 | 00:30:07 | |
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 navigate the wild world of media, you'll be encouraged to think about how your entertainment choices can affect you as an adult, too. | |||
| Episode 85: Black Widow & The State of the Superhero Union | 08 Jul 2021 | 00:32:27 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 84: Fat Monica and The Rest of Us | 01 Jul 2021 | 00:35:53 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 83: When Antiheroes Become Our Heroes | 24 Jun 2021 | 00:36:28 | |
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 in need all around us. | |||
| Episode 82: What's the Draw With Dystopian Fantasy? | 17 Jun 2021 | 00:33:04 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 81: Emotional Intelligence Goes to Hollywood | 10 Jun 2021 | 00:36:45 | |
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. | |||
| Episode 80: Our Formative Pop Culture Influences | 03 Jun 2021 | 00:33:07 | |
Whether we like it or not, our culture influences us. And the Plugged In team is no exception. They examine how certain popular culture phenomena have affected them, motivated some of their habits, and informed their emotions. You’ll see how your media options shape who you are, which is why you want to help your family make wise choices. | |||
| Episode 79: Cruella & Disney’s Darker Turn | 27 May 2021 | 00:30:34 | |
Disney’s "Cruella" screeches into theaters this Memorial Day weekend, exploring the origin story of "101 Dalmatians’" Cruella de Vil. The Plugged In team takes a look at Disney villains as a whole and examines how the new movie trends into the darker, grittier twists and turns Disney has taken the last few years. You’ll see why it’s critical to talk about the stories you and your family choose to engage in so you can address the ideas and values they deliver. | |||
| Episode 78: Instagram for Kids? Experts Say, 'No Way!' | 20 May 2021 | 00:34:30 | |
Plenty of kids under the age of 13 use Instagram, and big tech is trying to make it even easier for young users to get started on social media. The Plugged In team explains why this is a bad idea and equip you with what you need to know when it comes to kids and their online interactions. You'll gain some tools to help your child avoid the pitfalls that can come with social media. | |||
| Episode 77: Billie Eilish: The Worldview of Self-Expression | 13 May 2021 | 00:34:43 | |
Pop stars come and go. But sometimes their unique stories, behaviors, and cultural influences can leave a lasting impact. The Plugged In team explores the rise of recording artist Billie Eilish and some of her more recent choices in terms of self-expression. You’ll be encouraged to examine this phenomenon through the lens of a Christian worldview. | |||
| Episode 174: ChatGTP and Deepfake—Tech and Trust, plus Got Questions? YouTube Channel | 23 Mar 2023 | 00:34:39 | |
The new AI-driven search and content program ChatGPT can do things that were literally only science fiction a few years ago. It can do amazing things—from answering questions to writing podcast introductions! The Plugged In team discusses the positives and the negatives of this popular website as well as the potential dangers of deepfake content. Paul Asay then talks with Kennedy Unthank about the faith-based YouTube channel Got Questions?
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| Episode 76: What Hollywood Says About Family and Parenting | 06 May 2021 | 00:37:19 | |
Hollywood significantly influences how we see things in our culture, including family and parenting. The Plugged In team explores the way movies and television reflect our daily lives, spinning stories with both drama and comedy. You'll better understand how the entertainment industry reflects and reinforces cultural values, which may not align with yours. | |||
| Episode 75: A Journey into Nomadland | 29 Apr 2021 | 00:32:37 | |
The drama "Nomadland" just took the Oscar for best picture. Adam and Paul of the Plugged In team dig into the film and examine the themes relevant to the family. You’ll see that while some stories like "Nomadland" may challenge you and your family to go deeper in your faith, you still need to exercise discernment. | |||
| Episode 74: Screen Time: A Conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane | 22 Apr 2021 | 00:31:58 | |
If your child has a screen, you’re likely facing an uphill battle with the amount of time spent with that digital device. Adam Holz, director of the Plugged In team, talks about screen time with Dr. Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane, authors of the book "Screen Kids: 5 Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World." You’ll get some ideas on how to balance tech use and healthy boundaries to connect with your child. | |||
| Episode 73: The Dark Allure of True Crime Stories | 15 Apr 2021 | 00:33:42 | |
Some of the most popular television series and podcasts include dark, gritty, grisly stories of true crime. From serial killers to cold cases, the Plugged In team explores this genre and why we're drawn to it. While these real-life tales can be strangely captivating, you'll want to remain vigilant for your family in terms of exercising discernment. You'll pick up some strong insight on how to navigate these stories with a solid Biblical worldview. | |||
| Episode 72: Bigfoot vs. Big Oil: A Movie Worldview Case Study | 08 Apr 2021 | 00:34:08 | |
Entertainment can influence your attitudes, outlook and beliefs, and oftentimes, that influence is rather abstract. The Plugged In team examines a real-world case study that will help you see what cultural and worldview influence actually look like in a very concrete way to clue you into some of these hidden messages. You'll learn to ask questions and discuss them with your family to incorporate the discipline of spiritual media discernment. | |||
| Episode 71: 'Resurrection' & Two Issues With Movies About Jesus | 01 Apr 2021 | 00:32:29 | |
The life of Jesus has been depicted in many movies, including the latest biblical epic, "Resurrection," which debuted on Discovery+ this week. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite films about Jesus and how these types of movies can deepen your faith. Still, the extra-Biblical nature of the stories and the violence of Jesus' crucifixion are things you'll want to think about carefully with your family, because some of those images may be more problematic than helpful. | |||
| Episode 70: Raya & The Last Dragon: Dealing With Mythology in Movies | 25 Mar 2021 | 00:30:36 | |
As Disney introduces fans and families to "Raya & The Last Dragon," you may be wondering if it will be a good movie night option for your kids. The Plugged In team pushes a bit deeper into the use of mythological elements in "pop culture." Because these types of stories often weave threads of spiritual content that represent a different worldview than Christianity, you'll want to be aware of what your kids are watching and engage them in conversation. | |||
| Episode 69.5: Plugged In Movie Awards 2021 Special Edition | 19 Mar 2021 | 01:02:27 | |
With the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys on the airwaves, it is Award season. It's time to add the Plugged In Movie Awards to the list! The Plugged In Team invites you to sit in on their deliberations as they choose their favorite films in each of four categories: Best Movies for Kids, for Teens, for Adults and Best Christian movies. You'll get a solid feel for available movie offerings and what might be best for your family. | |||
| Episode 69: And the Oscar Nominees Are ... | 18 Mar 2021 | 00:33:31 | |
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has rolled out its list of nominees ... so what does that mean for your family? The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite Best Picture award winner throughout Oscar history and discusses several of the current contenders. You'll gain some perspective on what it looks like for you to pick winning movies to watch for yourself and your family. | |||
| Episode 68: Are You Using Tech's Parental Controls? | 11 Mar 2021 | 00:34:16 | |
Streaming apps, video game consoles, YouTube, and even your child's smart phone have ways to restrict harmful images and ideas. Are you taking advantage of parental controls? The Plugged In team examines why these barriers often aren't enough to help your kids safely navigate their digital worlds today. You'll get a better feel for how you can utilize some of these overwhelming parental controls as well as deepen the conversation with your child about their screen time. | |||
| Episode 173: And the Oscar Goes To ... plus Southern Gospel | 16 Mar 2023 | 00:37:28 | |
The 95th Academy Awards is in the books. The Plugged In team reflects on the winners, the losers, and the broadcast in general. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Tsaio and the team about the new Christian movie Southern Gospel and the way more Christian films are using questionable content to tell the story.
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| Episode 67: What You Need to Know About Roblox | 04 Mar 2021 | 00:31:37 | |
Kids love video games, and Roblox has many of them hooked! But it's a more than just a fun game; it's a whole series of games and a creation platform under the Roblox banner. The Plugged In team recalls the video games they grew up with and how they have evolved over the last few decades. With a deep dive into the Roblox platform, they explain what you need to know as a parent and how you can navigate this digital universe with your child. | |||
| Episode 66: How Can Something That Feels So Right Be So Wrong? | 25 Feb 2021 | 00:35:48 | |
Entertainment compels us to think deeply about the issues of our day and often drives us to make decisions based on feelings over more objective information or truth. The Plugged In team looks at the way our worldview can be swayed by the stories and culture around us. You'll learn how to engage your children in ways that teach and guide them through this seductive cultural lie. | |||
| Episode 65: When Popular Entertainment Becomes Popular Psychology: How Does Hollywood Handle It? | 18 Feb 2021 | 00:34:22 | |
While theaters and streaming services often promote the big Hollywood blockbusters, many other movies fly under the radar that touch on heart-wrenching topics like dementia, depression, and anxiety. The Plugged In team explores how Hollywood handles these delicate topics. You'll be encouraged to actively and intentionally engage your family with these stories, discerning truth and responding with wisdom to ideas that veer from what is true, right and noble. | |||
| Episode 64: What's the Deal With WandaVision, Anyway? | 11 Feb 2021 | 00:31:18 | |
With blockbuster movies on COVID hiatus, we're engaging more with streaming services at home. Disney Plus' WandaVision is a breakout show that has drawn a lot of attention, delivering a unique mix of sitcoms and superheroes. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite sitcoms and the alluring escapism of this type of program. You'll be inspired to think about your own television habits – and those of your family. | |||
| Episode 63: Brady. Mahomes. And ... Plugged In? | 04 Feb 2021 | 00:31:09 | |
The biggest football game of the year is here! With the Super Bowl coming up this weekend, the Plugged In team examines our culture's devotion to sports – an entertainment pursuit that we might not normally think in the same vein as the other forms of entertainment. You'll better understand the role you play as a parent in helping your child keep their favorite teams and athletes in the right perspective. | |||
| Episode 62: The Book Was Way Better Than the Movie! | 28 Jan 2021 | 00:31:36 | |
Stories – whether they're in print or on film – or both – can powerfully shape our imagination as well as the way that we see the world. The Plugged In team reflects on the stories that had an impact on them and explores the relationship between movies and books. You'll be encouraged to intentionally engage with what you watch and read – and teach your children to do the same. | |||
| Episode 61: Tech to Get You and Your Family Moving | 21 Jan 2021 | 00:28:09 | |
With the new year, you may have made a resolution or goal to help your family get healthy. The Plugged In team explores a few of the tech options available to reach that goal. You'll learn about some fun apps and video games that will get you and your family moving. | |||
| Episode 60: What Are the Kids Listening To? | 14 Jan 2021 | 00:31:21 | |
Thinking back to your teen years, you'll likely be able to construct the soundtrack of your favorite songs. The Plugged In team shares some of their teenage listening experiences and explores the current music landscape. As the lyrics in our kids' favorite songs exert influence, this conversation will give you some avenues to open dialogue and get involved with the messages and values being communicated. | |||
| Episode 59: My Kid Asked for a Facebook Account and You Won't BELIEVE What Happened Next! | 07 Jan 2021 | 00:33:01 | |
You may see the new year as a chance to reset and have a fresh start, maybe including some of the habits you may have set in during the COVID lockdown. The Plugged In team recalls some of the tech boundaries they grew up with before the dive into questions you may have as your kids engage with digital entertainment. You'll be encouraged to intentionally connect with your children and set healthy boundaries that work for your family. | |||
| Episode 58: Soul and Onscreen Spirituality | 31 Dec 2020 | 00:31:03 | |
With a year like 2020 behind us and a new year ahead, you may be pondering life's meaning and significance. And Disney/Pixar's newest release "Soul" is raising similar questions. The Plugged In team reflects on the movies that have impacted them theologically and discusses this latest offering from Disney. You'll pick up some great points and tips to wade through these spiritual elements with your family. | |||
| Episode 172: The 2023 Plugged In Movie Awards | 09 Mar 2023 | 00:43:42 | |
The Golden Globes and Grammys are behind us, and the Oscars are just around the corner. But award season wouldn't be complete without the 2023 Plugged In Movie Awards! The Plugged In Team invites you to sit in on their deliberations as they choose their favorite films in each of four categories: Best Movies for Kids, for Teens, for Adults and Best Christian movies. You’ll get a solid idea of this year's movie offerings and what might be best for your family. Get more episode resources: http://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-172 If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/ | |||
| Episode 57: Plugged In's Christmas Movies Extravaganza! | 24 Dec 2020 | 00:34:36 | |
Christmas is full of memories, family ... and movies! The Plugged In team shares some of their favorite family traditions and movies they enjoy during the holiday season. You'll hear about some perennial favorites as well as some new offerings you may want to enjoy with your family. | |||
| Episode 56: Franchises, Fans and Families | 17 Dec 2020 | 00:29:44 | |
The world of entertainment is packed full of fan franchises. The Plugged In team shares their favorite franchises and explore the draw of these different universes. You'll get a glimpse into some of the most popular franchises your kids enjoy and ways to be intentional with setting boundaries for them to connect with that entertainment. | |||
| Episode 55: I'm (Not) Dreaming of a COVID Christmas | 10 Dec 2020 | 00:26:55 | |
With Christmas on the horizon, family, traditions – and gift-giving – are likely on your mind. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite holiday traditions and offers their Gift Giving – or Playing, or Streaming, or Listening – Guide. You'll get a solid reminder of why it's so important to exercise intentionality when it comes to any sort of entertainment or technological gift. | |||
| Episode 54: The Chosen and the State of Streaming Christian Content | 03 Dec 2020 | 00:30:03 | |
The Chosen has been a huge streaming success. But there’s a lot more Christian content out there you might consider streaming. The Plugged In team explores other selections for redemptive streaming content. You’ll discover some hidden gems that you can enjoy with your family and learn some filtering options that might allow you to enjoy other choices. | |||
| Episode 53: A New Video Game Lands … Among Us | 26 Nov 2020 | 00:28:32 | |
The new video game Among Us is all the rage with tweens and teens. The Plugged In team unpacks this phenomenon and tells you everything you need to know about it. Because video games will continue to be a part of our families’ lives for a long time to come, you’ll want to know which ones are making waves and why you need to pay attention to them. You’ll learn how these games continue to evolve in their appeal and in the way kids interact with them. | |||
| Episode 52: TV State of the Union | 19 Nov 2020 | 00:31:11 | |
With all the television options available to us today, trying to figure out what’s worth watching is not for the feint-hearted. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite television programming and discusses several popular shows. They explain their review process for the medium. You’ll get a general survey of what people are watching and what choices might be navigable for your family. | |||
| Episode 51: YouTube: Where the Kids Are | 12 Nov 2020 | 00:29:31 | |
With handy tutorials, funny videos, and informative presentations, YouTube has grown increasingly popular with kids and adults alike. The Plugged In team explores the draw, the upside and the downside of this user-generated video-sharing platform. Because YouTube’s influence is here to stay, you’ll want to check out Plugged In’s new review section of these channels to navigate this newer form of entertainment with your children. | |||
| Episode 50: When Good Content Goes Bad: Does Anyone Really Want to See Hobbits Without Clothes? | 05 Nov 2020 | 00:21:21 | |
With Amazon’s scheduled 2021 release of its adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, controversy is already brewing. The Plugged In team explores why explicit content has found its way into mainstream entertainment. You’ll be clued in to this type of programming and learn how to navigate it with your family. | |||
| Episode 49: Ask Plugged In! | 29 Oct 2020 | 00:33:29 | |
Entertainment and media discernment is a top concern for Christian families, which is why Plugged In exists! On this episode, the Plugged In team discusses some of the questions they get most frequently from people who are curious about the inner workings of things. You’ll get a peek behind the curtain at what Plugged In does to bring you and your family reviews week in and week out. | |||
| Episode 48: Horror Movies: The Genre That Just Won’t Die | 22 Oct 2020 | 00:39:34 | |
The month of October usually means an onslaught of horror movies. Even though movie theaters are just opening back up, streaming entertainment is full of the genre. Year after year, these movies remain one of Hollywood’s predictably consistent money makers. The Plugged In team reflects on the chilling entertainment that have affected them over the years and explores the allure of scary movies. You’ll better understand why your children may be intrigued by this genre and how to help them navigate their entertainment choices. | |||
| Episode 171: The Thorn plus Creed III | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:46:40 | |
Springtime brings us a selection of movies you may want to enjoy with your family, including a Fathom event that tells the Easter story in a powerful way. Paul Asay talks with John Bolin, creator of The Thorn, a new film about the passion of Jesus Christ. The Plugged In team then looks at the latest installment of the Creed movies. Get more episode resources: http://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-171/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/ | |||
| Episode 47: The Fascinating Influence of Christian Rap | 15 Oct 2020 | 00:27:17 | |
Over the last 20 years, rock’s cultural influence has given way to rap and hip-hop, giving us many of the biggest stars in the music world today. The Plugged In team explores the history of rap and how it influenced their personal lives. You’ll learn about some of the Christian rap artists on the scene today, offering fresh, redemptive voices that can be a terrific alternative for your family. | |||
| Episode 46: Examining The Social Dilemma and Our Interaction with Social Media | 08 Oct 2020 | 00:33:39 | |
The new Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma, has brought some interesting—and concerning—insights to our interaction with social media. The Plugged In team dives into the documentary and examines the repercussions we may face if we choose to use these platforms. You’ll gain better understanding of the lasting effects of social media and how to navigate those with your family. | |||
| Our Favorite Movies of the COVID-19 Season | 01 Oct 2020 | 00:32:03 | |
The last seven months have been unlike any we’ve ever known. The coronavirus has changed everything, including movie-watching! The Plugged In team explores some of their favorite “hidden gems” movies (and TV shows!) that you might have missed. With new entertainment streaming on so many platforms, you’ll discover some solid, fun choices for your family. | |||