Episodes
Sept. 10, 2020
The Coronavirus's Legacy for Families' Entertainment and Technology Habits
Our relationship with screens and entertainment had been a pretty big issue before the coronavirus appeared, and now researchers say kids screen time is up by another 50%. The Plugged In team discusses how some of their enter...
Sept. 3, 2020
Entertainment's Sexualization of Young Girls
Netflix’s forthcoming movie Cuties has whipped up a tempest of controversy regarding the sexualization of young girls in entertainment. The Plugged In team explores why controversy draws our attention and why the entertainmen...
Aug. 27, 2020
Episode 40: Hamilton's Cultural Encore
The musical Hamilton made an enormous splash on Broadway back in 2015 and hit the small screens on Disney+ earlier this year. The Plugged In team reflect on their favorite musicals and unpack Hamilton’s popularity and cultura...
Aug. 20, 2020
Episode 39: When Pop Stars Outgrow Our Kids
With the release of Taylor Swift’s latest—and more mature—album, we’re once more reminded of what happens when pop stars outgrow our kids. The Plugged In team reflects on their personal past music choices, examines Taylor’s n...
Aug. 13, 2020
Episode 38: Navigating the Impact of Television in Our Lives
The Emmy Awards are just a month away. As the entertainment industry shines a light on the television medium, you might notice most of the nominated shows have problematic content. The Plugged In team gives you an inside look...
Aug. 6, 2020
Episode 37: Fun Non-Screen Ideas for Your Kids and Family
With COVID-19 keeping our kids home from spring break into summer and maybe beyond, you may be looking for some great family activities that don’t involve screens. The Plugged In team recalls some of their favorite summer mem...
July 30, 2020
Episode 36: Appreciating the Influence of Books in a Screen-Based World
Although screens have permeated our culture, books continue to have a lasting impact on our lives. The Plugged In team reflects on their love of the written artform and the books that have influenced their lives. These immers...
July 23, 2020
Episode 35: The Enduring Appeal of War Movies
With the return of Tom Hanks in the new World War II movie Greyhound, the Plugged In team explores the draw of war movies. While this genre reminds us of the bravery that compels men and women to risk their lives for their co...
July 16, 2020
Episode 34: What You Need to Know About Online Predators
Worrying about your kids’ safety isn’t a new thing, but in the ever-evolving internet age, worrying about online predators is. The Plugged In team explores the risks of online interactions and offers practical ways you can he...
July 9, 2020
Episode 33: Media Discernment in Action
The phrase “media discernment” is bandied about in Christian and parenting circles, but what does it really mean? The Plugged In team—experts in media discernment—deconstructs the concept and offers practical ways you can hel...
July 2, 2020
Episode 32: Remembering the Good Old Days
You have a favorite movie or song you just can’t wait to share with your child, but it may have more problems than you remember. The Plugged In team explores some of their favorite movies from the past and how things have cha...
June 25, 2020
Episode 31: Cause and Effect in Entertainment
You’ve likely heard news stories about how someone imitated something that they saw in a movie or on TV. The Plugged In team examines the influence our entertainment choices can have on our actions. While we may want to minim...
June 18, 2020
Episode 30: Fathers and Entertainment
With Father’s Day just around the corner, the Plugged In team honors dads in film. You’ll find that while our culture is full of stories, the best of them offer a chance to create a relational, emotional bond and grow a share...
June 11, 2020
Episode 29: The Influence of Entertainment on Our Faith
Entertainment and media affect many aspects of our lives, including our faith and beliefs. The Plugged In team reflects on how their entertainment choices have influenced their faith and examines the recent news about Hawk Ne...
June 4, 2020
Episode 28: A Look at Sexual Worldviews in Teen-Targeted Entertainment
Parents, this conversation is for you. Our culture is awash in sexual imagery and messages—something that’s increasingly reflected on many popular teen-focused TV series and in movies as well. The Plugged In team explores the...
May 28, 2020
Episode 27: The Big Deal About Screen Time
Screen time is a red-hot subject these days, especially as many of us are still spending more time than usual at home this summer. The Plugged In team discusses the pros and cons of screen time, offering insight on how much i...
May 21, 2020
Episode 26: A Look at Entertainment Ratings Systems
Ratings on entertainment are supposed to help you navigate your media choices. But can you trust them? The Plugged In team discusses the ratings systems on movies, television, music, and video games. You’ll learn that while r...
May 14, 2020
Episode 25: Your Relationship with Video Games, Part 2
Over the years, we’ve seen video games evolve from hitting a small digital dot back and forth to full narrative stories illustrated with lifelike graphics. The Plugged In team recalls their favorite video games and arcade mom...
May 7, 2020
Episode 24: Your Relationship with Video Games, Part 1
Over the years, we’ve seen video games evolve from hitting a small digital dot back and forth to full narrative stories illustrated with lifelike graphics. The Plugged In team recalls their favorite video games and arcade mom...
April 30, 2020
Episode 23: The Coronavirus Effect on Sports
Your favorite professional sports team is now competing in the silence of an empty stadium because of the coronavirus. The Plugged In team explores their favorite sports movies as well as the toll the quarantine has taken on ...
April 23, 2020
Episode 22: Pop Culture and Identity
Lots of influences shape the way we see ourselves, including popular culture. The Plugged In team explores how pop culture affects who we are and informs our identity. You’ll better understand how to be aware of these influen...
April 16, 2020
Episode 21: The Coronavirus and Remote Communication
As the coronavirus quarantine continues, your kids are likely connecting with their friends in different ways. The Plugged In team explores the ups-and-downs of this new social distancing communication and the apps your kids ...
April 9, 2020
Episode 20: The Coronavirus and Television
Television has had a lasting influence on our culture, and in the midst of the coronavirus quarantine, you may be taking in more episodic shows. The Plugged In team reflects on television shows that had an impact on their liv...
April 2, 2020
Episode 19: The Coronavirus and Technology
With the onset of the coronavirus, our relationship with entertainment and technology is shifting in unique ways. The Plugged In team discusses this unprecedented time and ways your family can navigate various digital offerin...