Episodes
May 27, 2021
Episode 79: Cruella & Disney’s Darker Turn
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 mov...
May 20, 2021
Episode 78: Instagram for Kids? Experts Say, 'No Way!'
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 n...
May 13, 2021
Episode 77: Billie Eilish: The Worldview of Self-Expression
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 cho...
May 6, 2021
Episode 76: What Hollywood Says About Family and Parenting
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 com...
April 29, 2021
Episode 75: A Journey into Nomadland
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 challen...
April 22, 2021
Episode 74: Screen Time: A Conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane
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 Pe...
April 15, 2021
Episode 73: The Dark Allure of True Crime Stories
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 rea...
April 8, 2021
Episode 72: Bigfoot vs. Big Oil: A Movie Worldview Case Study
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 influ...
April 1, 2021
Episode 71: 'Resurrection' & Two Issues With Movies About Jesus
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 typ...
March 25, 2021
Episode 70: Raya & The Last Dragon: Dealing With Mythology in Movies
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 ...
March 19, 2021
Episode 69.5: Plugged In Movie Awards 2021 Special Edition
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 ...
March 18, 2021
Episode 69: And the Oscar Nominees Are ...
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...
March 11, 2021
Episode 68: Are You Using Tech's Parental Controls?
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 of...
March 4, 2021
Episode 67: What You Need to Know About Roblox
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 g...
Feb. 25, 2021
Episode 66: How Can Something That Feels So Right Be So Wrong?
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 ...
Feb. 18, 2021
Episode 65: When Popular Entertainment Becomes Popular Psychology: How Does Hollywood Handle It?
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 explor...
Feb. 11, 2021
Episode 64: What's the Deal With WandaVision, Anyway?
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. ...
Feb. 4, 2021
Episode 63: Brady. Mahomes. And ... Plugged In?
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 ...
Jan. 28, 2021
Episode 62: The Book Was Way Better Than the Movie!
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 ...
Jan. 21, 2021
Episode 61: Tech to Get You and Your Family Moving
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 ...
Jan. 14, 2021
Episode 60: What Are the Kids Listening To?
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 t...
Jan. 7, 2021
Episode 59: My Kid Asked for a Facebook Account and You Won't BELIEVE What Happened Next!
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...
Dec. 31, 2020
Episode 58: Soul and Onscreen Spirituality
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 tha...
Dec. 24, 2020
Episode 57: Plugged In's Christmas Movies Extravaganza!
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 ...