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
We live in a world full of competing ideas, narratives and worldviews, and that’s especially true in the world of entertainment. The Plugged In team explores how media and technology shape what we believe. Adam Holz then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about the new Netflix show Testament: The Story of Moses.
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Technology comes with its ups and downs. The Plugged In team looks at the way technology has shaped our lives and how best to navigate the ever-changing world of tech. Adam Holz then speaks with Joel and Luke Smallbone, lead singers of the Christian group, For King + Country about their family’s new movie Unsung Hero.
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Once upon a time, kids wanted to be firefighters, astronauts, pro athletes, doctors, or lawyers. But in our connected social media world these days, the allure of becoming an “online content creator” is strong. The Plugged In team looks at this phenomenon and offers a dose of reality when it comes to the world of influencers. Adam Holz then speaks with Bob Hoose about the new video game Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth.
When it comes to entertainment and its potential influence on our kids, you may think screentime is the issue. But the reality is that different forms of entertainment can affect us in different ways. The Plugged In team explores the impact of various kinds of entertainment has had on them and how to navigate different media. Adam Holz then speaks with recording artist Rebecca St. James about her new biopic Unsung Hero.
Story is an important part of our culture and our heritage! Adam Holz speaks with beloved Christian novelist Karen Kingsbury about her Baxter family series and how it has translated into a new Amazon Prime show. Then the Plugged In team discusses the importance of boundaries when it comes to technology and how you can help your family establish some parameters around their screen usage.
Media discernment is one of the main missions of Plugged In...so much so, that the team has written a new book! Adam Holz and Paul Asay share some highlights from Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family. Then Kristin Smith and Jonathan McKee join in to look at how some movies and television shows have a spiritual messages woven into the stories and how you can navigate those as a family.
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The Oscars always create newsworthy buzz. The Plugged In team reflects on the illustrious awards show, from expected winners to upsets and surprises. Adam Holz then talks with Kristin Smith about the new animated kids’ show Dee & Friends in Oz.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)
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...It’s that time of year again—the Plugged In Movie Awards are here! In a spirited conversation, the Plugged In team reveals their votes for Best Movie for Adults, Best Movie for Teens, Best Movie for Kids, and Best Christian Movies. You’ll also hear your pick as our audience! Celebrate the 2024 Pluggies with us!
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.co...
If you pay attention to the music scene, you may have heard that Beyonce has gone country. The Plugged In team chats about this genre shift as well as the 2024 Grammy awards. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about Frank Herbert’s sci-fi phenomenon Dune.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)
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The awards season in the entertainment world is upon us! And that means the Plugged In Movie Awards are on the horizon. The Plugged In team looks at some of their favorite (and not-so-favorite) movies from 2023, including Barbie and Oppenheimer. Paul Asay then speaks with Jon Gunn, the director of the new movie Ordinary Angels.
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Relationship movies often turn up in early February. The Plugged In team and Lisa Anderson from The Boundless Show look at some of their favorite rom-coms and how they impact us by setting up unrealistic expectations. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about Plugged In’s look-back at old movies.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
PHONE: 800-...
Children’s programming today is very different than it used to be. The Plugged In team discusses the messages and landmines found in television shows, movies, and other media targeting young children. Adam Holz then chats with Emily Tsiao about Plugged In’s new feature On the Radar.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-2...
When it comes to video games, first-person shooters are quite popular. The Plugged In team looks at the game The Finals and the genre as a whole—what players will encounter, what the draw is, and what issues you might want to carefully consider. Adam Holz then speaks with Kristin Smith about a relatively new music artist Gracie Abrams.
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You’ve probably grown up with music in your life…and maybe even as part of your identity. But when you become a parent, you may find your kids’ musical interests far different from yours. The Plugged In team offers some thoughts on what to do when you hate your kids’ music. They then discuss a disturbing news story from the virtual world.
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Twenty years ago, the movie Mean Girls opened our eyes to "girl world", and now, a new musical version is hitting the big screen. The Plugged In team examines the original and the new as well as the concept of bullying. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about Marvel's new foray into M-Rated content with the Disney+ show Echo.
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Here at the beginning of the year, blockbusters ride the final crest of holiday glory and little-known Oscar hopefuls and deep-thinking indie movies take center stage. The Plugged In team examines a couple of these films—The Zone of Interest and Freud’s Last Session—and how movies can challenge us in interesting ways.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedin...
With Christmas and 2023 behind us, it's time to start thinking about new habits to take into 2024. The Plugged In team talks about some concrete ways to embrace a tech and entertainment reset in your family. You’ll pick up some great ideas on helping your family step away from their screens and enjoy time together.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow....
Plugged In chronicles a lot of content in pop culture so that you can know what you’re getting into ahead of time. The team recalls their favorite reviews of 2023. Adam Holz then asks Kristin Smith about the Netflix children's series CoComelon Lane.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)
Text MOVIE to 32728 ...
You probably have a classic Christmas movie that you love. And believe it or not, there are some holiday films the Plugged In team haven’t seen…until now. As promised on previous episodes, Adam Holz has watched It’s a Wonderful Life and Paul Asay has taken in Miracle on 34th Street, and they offer their insights on these beloved stories. Adam then speaks with Paul about the book-turned-movie The Boys in the Boat.
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Roald Dahl’s stories have impacted generations of children and families. The Plugged In team talks about the fantasy worlds of Roald Dahl and the new origin story movie Wonka. Adam Holz then speaks with Paul Asay about the sequel to the animated Chicken Run movie, Dawn of the Nugget.
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EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com
PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-...
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