Episodes
July 6, 2023
Episode 189: Exploring Educational Video Games & The Island Book Review
Can video games be entertaining...and educational? The Plugged In team looks at the way certain video games can actually help kids learn. Adam Holz then talks with Plugged In's summer intern Sarah Rasmussen about the young a…
June 29, 2023
Episode 188: A Conversation with Jim Caviezel and Jordan Harmon, plus Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Movies can entertain, but they can also educate and inspire us. Adam Holz speaks with actor Jim Caviezel and Angel Studios co-owner Jordan Harmon on their new movie Sound of Freedom. The Plugged In team then looks at the lat…
June 22, 2023
Episode 187: Our Romance with AI, plus Elemental
As AI grows more advanced and refined, we’re seeing the possibilities of “real” human/AI relationships. The Plugged In team explores what these relationships might look like and the impact this may have. Paul Asay then speak…
June 15, 2023
Episode 186: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts & An Interview with Flamin’ Hot Producer DeVon Franklin
The robots in disguise are back in theaters with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts! The Plugged In team takes a look at the franchise and what you need to know about this latest movie. Adam Holz then talks with Hollywood prod…
June 8, 2023
Episode 185: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse & The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Franchises are popular in our current culture, and new installments are trending this summer. The Plugged In team looks at the latest animated Marvel movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the recent Nintendo Switch …
June 1, 2023
Episode 184: Focus on Filters: What’s the Big Deal? Plus Jonas Brothers’ The Album
As long as we’ve been creating images of ourselves, other people have been tweaking, manipulating and changing them. The Plugged In team looks at some of the newest social media filters—what they can do, what you need to kno…
May 25, 2023
Episode 183: Screens, Teens & Porn, plus The Little Mermaid
As parents, we naturally want to protect our kids from destructive influences in the world around them. But with screens in our back pockets, they have access to just about anything…including pornography. With screens in our…
May 18, 2023
Episode 182: Summer Movie Preview, plus Fast X and What You Need to Know About the Fast & Furious Franchise
Movies—blockbuster movies—are a big part of what summer’s all about. The Plugged In team discusses what’s landing in theaters this summer, and what you can expect from them. Paul Asay then talks with Adam Holz about the late…
May 11, 2023
Episode 181: Our Favorite Movie (and TV) Moms, plus The Way
Sometimes pop culture gets things right. With Mother's Day around the corner, the Plugged In team reflects on their favorite movie and TV moms and the impact they've had. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about an older fa…
May 4, 2023
Episode 180: What Parents Need to Know About Discord and Twitch. Plus: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
As a parent, you may feel like keeping up with culture is a never-ending marathon—and when it comes to social media and tech trends, it is! The Plugged In team examines the gaming social media platforms Discord and Twitch an…
April 27, 2023
Episode 179: When Yesteryear Offends, plus Are You There God?, It's Me, Margaret
As our culture becomes more progressive, certain entertainment classics no longer "fit" the current narrative. The Plugged In team looks back at a few movies and television shows--like Gone with the Wind, Friends, and Seinfe…
April 20, 2023
Episode 178: Learning to Love Reading in a Screen-Based World, plus The Flames of Hope
Screens are everywhere today. So how do we encourage our kids to turn away from those attention-grabbers and crack open a good book? The Plugged In team explores ways you can cultivate a love of reading with your child. Paul…
April 13, 2023
Episode 177: Thinking Through LGBT Issues in Entertainment, plus The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Over the years, you may have noticed an increase in LGBT messaging and representation in entertainment. Adam Holz of the Plugged In team talks with Jeff Johnston, an Issues Analyst for Focus on the Family, about how to navig…
April 6, 2023
Episode 176: If I Could Do It All Over Again, Plus On a Wing and a Prayer
Navigating entertainment and screen choices can be challenging! The Plugged In team looks at parenting choices they made and what they wish they could "do over". Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the new Dennis Quaid…
March 30, 2023
Episode 175: Dungeons & Dragons Is Still a Thing!?
Dungeons and Dragons has been around for quite some time—the role-playing game, books, mentions in popular television shows, and a couple different movies. The latest film is about to hit theaters, so the Plugged In team tak…
March 23, 2023
Episode 174: ChatGTP and Deepfake—Tech and Trust, plus Got Questions? YouTube Channel
The new AI-driven search and content program ChatGPT can do things that were literally only science fiction a few years ago. It can do amazing things—from answering questions to writing podcast introductions! The Plugged In …
March 16, 2023
Episode 173: And the Oscar Goes To ... plus Southern Gospel
The 95th Academy Awards is in the books. The Plugged In team reflects on the winners, the losers, and the broadcast in general. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Tsaio and the team about the new Christian movie Southern Gospe…
March 9, 2023
Episode 172: The 2023 Plugged In Movie Awards
The Golden Globes and Grammys are behind us, and the Oscars are just around the corner. But award season wouldn't be complete without the 2023 Plugged In Movie Awards! The Plugged In Team invites you to sit in on their delib…
March 2, 2023
Episode 171: The Thorn plus Creed III
Springtime brings us a selection of movies you may want to enjoy with your family, including a Fathom event that tells the Easter story in a powerful way. Paul Asay talks with John Bolin, creator of The Thorn, a new film abo…
Feb. 23, 2023
Episode 170: A Look at Jesus Revolution
The new Christian movie Jesus Revolution lands in theaters on Friday. The Plugged In team takes a look at this film and explains why it may be worth your time and money. Adam Holz then shares his Hollywood interviews with ac…
Feb. 23, 2023
Episode 170: A Look at Jesus Revolution
The new Christian movie Jesus Revolution lands in theaters on Friday. The Plugged In team takes a look at this film and explains why it may be worth your time and money. Adam Holz then shares his Hollywood interviews with ac…
Feb. 16, 2023
Episode 169: The Music Episode & Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Music remains a potent force when it comes to shaping kids’ worldview. The Plugged In team reflects on the 2023 Grammy Awards show and the impact music has on our lives. Adam Holz then talks with Emily Tsaio about the latest…
Feb. 9, 2023
Episode 168: Screens, Teens & Consumerism plus Miley Cyrus’s Flowers
We often discuss the various content dangers of screen use, but much of our interaction with screens is interwoven with links to buy something. The Plugged In team examines how consumerism can easily become a worldview and a…
Feb. 2, 2023
Episode 167: Plugged In Movie Award Misses & Granger Smith
With the release of the 2023 Plugged In Movie Award nominations, several movies came close, but didn't make the list. The Plugged In team has a spirited conversation about those films. Adam Holz then speaks with recording ar…