Episodes

Aug. 4, 2021

The Screen in Your Pocket: Connection Before Correction

Wondering how to talk to kids about the shows they watch and the apps they use? Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/tech-guide/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https...
Aug. 3, 2021

Music Review: Olivia Rodrigo, "Sour"

Olivia Rodrigo's sound and story are connecting with young fans. But her vulnerable appeal comes with some baggage. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/olivia-rodrigo-sour/ If you've listened t...
Aug. 2, 2021

DVD/Streaming Review: The Last Champion

The first half feels like a slow-burn indie movie. The second half feels like "The Karate Kid," with wrestling replacing karate. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/last-champion-2020/ If you'v...
July 30, 2021

Movie Review: Jungle Cruise

The inspiration for "Jungle Cruise" isn't found in ancient legend or turn-of-the-century storybook, but rather a ride—the beloved Jungle Cruise ride found at most Disney parks. You could argue that the ride is timeless. The m...
July 29, 2021

TV Review: The Bureau of Magical Things

The Australian series provides a clean, family friendly alternative to other less innocuous fantasy worlds. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/bureau-of-magical-things/ If you've listened to any ...
July 28, 2021

The Screen in Your Pocket: If They've Already Got a Phone

What should you do if you gave your child a phone too early? Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/tech-guide/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily...
July 27, 2021

Music Review: Twenty One Pilots, "Scaled and Icy"

Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/twenty-one-pilots-scaled-and-icy/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/
July 26, 2021

Movie Review: A Quiet Place Part II

There's a lot here to appreciate if you're in the mood for a good scare at the movies. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/quiet-place-part-ii-2021/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, p...
July 23, 2021

DVD/Streaming Review: Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans

The town of Arcadia lies at the center of magical and mystical lines that makes it a nexus for many battles among otherworldly creatures including trolls, aliens, and wizards. Will this animated pic also be the nexus of movie...
July 22, 2021

TV Review: The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon's Judgement

The series name fits, given the number of sins we see on screen. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/seven-deadly-sins-dragons-judgement/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us ...
July 21, 2021

Game Review: Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

When a game looks this sweet, can it hold anything bad? Ohhh yes! Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/doki-doki-literature-club-plus/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us yo...
July 20, 2021

Music Review: Walker Hayes, "Fancy Like"

This funny, relatable country-pop song is all about Walker Hayes and his easy-going wife, their chill date nights and romance. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/walker-hayes-fancy-like/ If yo...
July 19, 2021

Movie Review: Dream Horse

This inspiring true story shows us all what it’s like to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/dream-horse-2021/ If you've listened to any of our podc...
July 16, 2021

Movie Review: Space Jam: A New Legacy

In this sequel to 1996's live-action/animation mashup, LeBron James teams up with the Looney Tunes gang to save his son (and others) from an AI program run amock. Cue a lot of laughs, some profanity and a poignant message to ...
July 15, 2021

TV Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society

The popular children's series comes to life with themes of truth, empathy, and teamwork – as well as a few fear-inducing scenarios. Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/mysterious-benedict-society...
July 14, 2021

Game Review: Mario Golf: Super Rush

Is golf with Mario an exciting hole-in-one or a whole lotta yawns? Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/mario-golf-super-rush/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedb...
July 13, 2021

Music Review: St. Vincent, "Daddy's Home"

Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, returns with an alt-rock effort that mixes redemptive themes with questionable conclusions in "Daddy’s Home." Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/st-vincent-daddys...
July 12, 2021

DVD/Streaming Review: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run

If families decide to dogpaddle into Bikini Bottom, they should be aware of some odd, tangled seaweed amid the colorful coral. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-...
July 9, 2021

Movie Review: Black Widow

If you’ve ever wondered while watching an "Avengers" movie, “How did Natasha Romanoff become the Black Widow,” well, this action-packed, at times surprisingly sweet origin story answers that question. Read the Plugged In revi...
July 8, 2021

TV Review: Danger Force

You’d think that Swellview would be … swell. And it can be. But this Nick show has its kryptonite weaknesses, too. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/danger-force/ If you've listened to any of ou...
July 7, 2021

The Screen in Your Pocket: Internet Filter

Looking for ideas for an effective internet filter? Read the Plugged In article: https://www.pluggedin.com/tech-guide/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podc...
July 6, 2021

Music Review: Lorde, “Solar Power”

Lorde calls listeners to an innuendo-laden frolic in the sun. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/track-reviews/lorde-solar-power/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: htt...
July 5, 2021

Movie Review: Godzilla vs. King Kong

Kong and Godzilla don’t cuss or make a single inane choice. They just crush and smash things. Over and over and over. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/godzilla-vs-kong-2021/ If you've listen...
July 2, 2021

Movie Review: Boss Baby: Family Business

The Boss Baby franchise is back with another slapstick and toilet-humor fueled story about—what else—adults going undercover in baby bodies. If you saw 2017’s Boss Baby, you know exactly what to expect here. Read the plugged ...