Episodes
Aug. 21, 2025
Episode 300: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fun
As the Plugged In Show comes to its final episode, Paul Asay sits down with Adam Holz and Bob Smithouser (former host of the original Plugged In Podcast) to reminisce about hosting the show. The Plugged In team then gathers t...
Aug. 14, 2025
Episode 299: Got Questions? We've Got Answers. Plus, Truth Rising and the Power of Documentaries
The Plugged In team often receives comments and questions from a variety of people. With The Plugged In Show coming to a close, the team pulls out some of those questions and comments to address them. They then take a look at...
Aug. 7, 2025
Episode 298: Great Bible-Based Entertainment for Your Kids. Plus, Sketch
As a mom or dad, it’s easy to look at today’s media and get pretty discouraged. But the Plugged In team says we are in a Golden Age of Bible-based entertainment. They discuss some great kid-friendly options you may want to co...
July 31, 2025
Episode 297: Is Chat GPT Making Us Dumber? Plus, The Bad Guys 2
Is Chat GPT making us “dumber”? The Plugged In team looks at a new study from MIT that reveals the impact of Chat GPT. Kennedy Unthank then speaks with Pierre Perifel, the director of the animated movie The Bad Guys and its n...
July 24, 2025
Episode 296: The Fantastic Four: It’s Nostalgia Time! Plus, Is It Time to Stop Talking to AI?
The new movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has been leaning hard into the sense of nostalgia. The Plugged In team looks at that movie and reflects on other films that are predicated on nostalgia. They then revisit ChatGP...
July 17, 2025
Episode 295: Jesus Glow, plus The Smurfs
Social media influencers are shaping the way the broader culture thinks about Jesus—in both good ways and some that might seem a bit questionable. The Plugged In team looks at the TikTok trend “Jesus Glow” and how it may impa...
July 10, 2025
Episode 294: Superman, Mario Kart, and a Super Important Announcement
With another Superman movie flying into theaters, the Plugged In team examines the Superman character, the phenomenon, and why this superhero has stood the test of time. They also talk a bit about Mario Kart World, a new/old ...
July 3, 2025
Episode 293: Jurassic World: Rebirth. Plus, Phishing Scams on Social Media
The Jurassic World: Rebirth film is coming out. Does it look dino-riffic? The Plugged In team looks at the newest installment and the franchise as a whole, letting you in on what you need to know. The team then discusses onli...
June 26, 2025
Episode 292: Are Youth Finding Faith Again? Plus, Batman Begins Turns 20
We are seeing an increase in Gen-Zers seeking more answers to their faith questions. The Plugged In team explores this phenomenon and how technology and social media may be contributing to it. The team then reflects on Christ...
June 19, 2025
Episode 291: Under the Skin - A Conversation about Nudity in Art and Entertainment. Plus, Elio!
Nudity is often seen in paintings and certain movies and television shows. The Plugged In team discusses the artistic (and gratuitous) use of nudity and offers thoughts on how your family can navigate that. Paul Asay then tal...
June 12, 2025
Episode 290: How to Train Your Dragon. Plus, Bad Influencers
The Dreamworks’ classic How to Train Your Dragon returns to the big screen in a new live-action version. Kennedy Unthank of the Plugged In team talks with the movie’s director, Dean DeBlois to get some insider secrets on Toot...
June 5, 2025
Episode 289: The Power of Music in Movies, plus, the Switch 2
Music can be powerful. It can shape us, inspire us, terrify us. And when it’s paired with a movie, we might not even notice how manipulative it can be. The Plugged In team reflects on cinematic songs and soundtracks and the i...
May 29, 2025
Episode 288: The Scary Science of Screen Time. Plus, Bono’s Stories of Surrender
As parents, we want to help our kids develop healthy tech habits. But where do we start? Paul Asay of the Plugged In team speaks with Melanie Hempe, founder of ScreenStrong, and Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Focus on th...
May 22, 2025
Episode 287: AI in Entertainment & Technology, plus Lilo & Stitch
AI is infiltrating entertainment and technology. The Plugged In team examines the potential impacts and what they could mean for your family. Bret Eckelberry then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new live action Disney movie ...
May 15, 2025
Episode 286: Does Summertime Mean Screentime? Plus, Christian YouTubers
As school releases and summertime approaches, kids have a lot more free time. But does that mean more screentime? The Plugged In team says no and offers some thoughts on how to keep your child engaged without being on a scree...
May 7, 2025
Episode 285: Of Handmaids’ Tales and Hunger Games: The Downside of Dystopian Dramas
The dystopian genre has taken our culture by storm with its dark and twisted look at our imagined future. The Plugged In team explores the unique markers of this genre and the impact it can have on our everyday lives. Paul As...
April 30, 2025
Episode 284: Thunderbolts and What Makes a Hero. Plus, the Rise of AI Agents
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is back with its new blockbuster Thunderbolts. The Plugged In team discusses the latest installment of superhero movies as well as the qualities it takes to make a hero. They then talk about AI a...
April 23, 2025
Episode 283: What Makes a Good Family Movie? Plus Andor
Your family likely enjoys a great movie…but what makes it great for your family? The Plugged In team explores various criteria for family-friendly movies and how you can discern what is appropriate for your family. Bret Eckel...
April 16, 2025
Episode 282: The Best Christian Movie Ever (?). Plus, Journey to You
What’s the best Christian movie ever? The Plugged In team reveals the winner of their Christian Movie Madness bracket and why they think that movie resonated with viewers. Paul Asay then speaks with Kennedy Unthank about the ...
April 9, 2025
Episode 281: The King of Kings. Plus, Are Teens Turning Off Tech?
The Easter season always brings new Christian movies. The Plugged In team looks at the new animated movie The King of Kings and tells you what you need to know for your family. They then talk about how teens are proving to be...
April 2, 2025
Episode 280: The Minecraft Movie, plus the Best Entertainment to Watch Before Easter
The Minecraft game franchise has a new block-buster hitting movie theaters as a live action story. The Plugged In team looks at why Hollywood makes live action versions of beloved video games and the potential things you may ...
March 26, 2025
Episode 279: A Look at The Chosen: The Last Supper
The Chosen has given us an extrabiblical glimpse of the life and ministry of Jesus, and it is wildly popular with fans! And now, the latest installment, The Chosen: Last Supper Part 1, is hitting theaters to kick off the East...
March 19, 2025
Episode 278: How to Have a Family Movie Night. Plus, Christian March Movie Mayhem!
Your family may love a good movie night together…so how can you get the most out of it? The Plugged In team offers some tips on choosing the right movie, starting great conversations, and even shining a light on God’s truth. ...
March 12, 2025
Episode 277: House of David. Plus, an After Screen Fast Strategy
Amazon Prime’s new show House of David portrays the life of this larger-than-life king! The Plugged In team’s Kennedy Unthank interviews Michael Iskander and Martyn Ford, the actors who play David and Goliath, as well as the ...