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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.

Recent Episodes

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Feb. 20, 2025

Episode 274: Biopics and The Unbreakable Boy

Biographical movies – also known as biopics – comprise a unique genre in the film industry. The Plugged In team looks at what makes these movies so compelling and how they sometimes take artistic liberties with the facts. Ad…

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Feb. 13, 2025

Episode 273: Paddington in Peru. Plus, It’s Time to Deal With Those Screens. (No, Really.)

The beloved bear Paddington is back on the big screen—this time going to Peru! Paul Asay and Emily Tsiao give you a peek at this new movie. And between work, school, fun, and entertainment, your family probably spends a lot …

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Feb. 6, 2025

Episode 272: Combating Hollywood’s Intimacy Influence. Plus, 2025’s Most Anticipated Games

Movies and the entertainment industry often portray intimacy in reckless and unbiblical ways. The Plugged In team discusses how Hollywood deals with sex and how you as a parent can springboard from that to teach the truth ab…

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Jan. 30, 2025

Episode 271: The Oscar Nominations and Green and Gold

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have released their award nominations for 2025. As we look toward Oscar time, the Plugged In team discusses the nominees and how they fare in family-friendliness. Adam Holz the…

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Jan. 23, 2025

Episode 270: Let’s Talk About TikTok. Plus, The Chosen’s Elizabeth Tabish

TikTok, the short-form social media platform, has been at the center of plenty of controversy. The Plugged In team talks about the type of content on the platform, the way kids use it, and what you need to know for your fami…

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Jan. 16, 2025

Episode 269: Beast Games, Squid Game and the Games People Play. Does Anyone Care About the Oscars?

A new game show starring YouTube sensation Mr. Beast has hit Amazon Prime. Between that and the second season of the Netflix thriller series Squid Game, game shows—real or not—can get out of hand. The Plugged In team looks a…

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Jan. 9, 2025

Episode 268: Those Wild, Wild Westerns, plus Screen Fast 2025

Since the days of John Wayne, the western genre has a special place in our hearts. The Plugged In team explores why these stories are so popular and looks at Netflix’s new western series American Primeval. Paul Asay then spe…

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Jan. 2, 2025

Episode 267: A Conversation with Mandy Majors, plus Netflix’s Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fow

Kids today have their eyes on their screens, and those screens are full of dangers. How can you protect them? Paul Asay speaks with author and screen expert Mandy Majors and her daughter Ella. They share some ways you can he…

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Dec. 26, 2024

Episode 266: A Look Back at 2024: The Good, the Bad and the Icky

2024 was a big year in terms of entertainment and pop culture. As the year comes to a close, the Plugged In team looks back at some of the highlights and some of the low points. From YouTube to social media to the big and sm…

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Dec. 19, 2024

Episode 265: What Makes a Christmas Movie Good? Plus, Mufasa: The Lion King

With so many Christmas movies out there, are there certain ingredients that make up a great one? And what makes a Christmas movie go bad? The Plugged In team reflects on some recent Christmas movies as well as some of their …

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