Episodes
Aug. 11, 2022
Episode 142: A Conversation With Parents Television and Media Council’s Melissa Henson, and Strong F
With Disney+ now streaming R-rated content, you may be wondering if it's a good option for your family. Adam Holz speaks with Parents Television and Media Council Program Director, Melissa Henson, about this disturbing trend…
Aug. 4, 2022
Episode 141: Our Complicated Relationship With Christian Celebrities, and Fanfiction
Our culture loves celebrities, but when it comes to Christian celebrities, that love can a bit more complicated. The Plugged In team reflects on various well-known Christians in Hollywood and the role they play in our lives.…
July 28, 2022
Episode 140: I Kissed Instagram Goodbye & Top Pro-Life Movies
Have you ever caught yourself scrolling on social media and thought about deleting your account? Emily Clark with the Plugged In team did just that, and she shares with the team what that experience was like. They then discu…
July 21, 2022
Episode 139: Christian Values in Secular Movies and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Believe it or not, certain movies made outside the Christian moviemaking realm can be spiritually engaging! The Plugged In team examines several films that deliver a powerful message beyond their secular intent. Kristin Smit…
July 14, 2022
Episode 138: The Summer I Turned Pretty: Jenny Han’s YA Empire, Plus Where the Crawdads Sing
Jenny Han is cranking out young adult romance that instantly becomes streaming TV hits. The Plugged In team examines Han’s YA empire and the values she’s putting out there. Adam Holz then speaks with Marsella Evans about the…
July 13, 2022
Episode 137.5: The GentleMinion Phenomenon
A new TikTok challenge is erupting--and interrupting--in theaters across the country. On this bonus episode, Adam Holz and Paul Asay discuss the "GentleMinion" phenomenon surrounding the new Minions movie The Rise of Gru, wh…
July 7, 2022
Episode 137: The Fun and Fumble of Fantasy Sports and The Rise of Gru and Thor: Love and Thunder
Fantasy sports started out as a fun way to imagine what it might be like to run your own team, but it’s become a hobby that can prove compulsive. The Plugged In team looks at fantasy sports and how this kind of competition c…
June 30, 2022
Episode 136: The Never-Ending Scroll & Elvis
We've all been there...spending hours online when we've intended to jump on, get the info we needed, and then to get back to “real life." The Plugged In team discusses why we get so wrapped up in our phones and why it's impo…
June 23, 2022
Episode 135: Virtual Babies and Lightyear
Believe it or not, tech companies are talking about the idea of virtual babies. The Plugged In team explores the impact this kind of technology could have on parenting and what this may mean for our culture as a whole. Paul …
June 16, 2022
Episode 134: Interview with an Influencer & Jurassic World: Dominion
Your child wants to be an influencer. What does that mean? And what do they--and you--need to know? The Plugged In team talks with former influencer Andrew Armstrong about his experience with YouTube and what he learned thro…
June 9, 2022
Episode 133: Navigate or Avoid? How Do We Decide? Plus: Ms. Marvel
You may have noticed that The Plugged In team sometimes says you and your family can navigate content, while others might want to avoid it. When it comes to growing in media discernment, the important question is how do we k…
June 2, 2022
Episode 132: A Look at Obi-Wan Kenobi and Stranger Things 4
Two of the biggest TV shows of the year recently hit streaming services--Obi-Wan Kenobi (Disney+) and Stranger Things Season 4 (Netflix). The Plugged In team examines both series and highlights what you need to know about ea…
May 26, 2022
Episode 131: I Kissed Disney+ Goodbye: Alternatives to Mainstream Streaming Services. Plus: LEGO Sta
With all the streaming services available, you may be wondering what is best for your family. The Plugged In team examines the growing constellation of Christian and family-friendly streaming alternatives. Adam Holz then tal…
May 19, 2022
Episode 130: Adult Animated Shows & Your Family, Plus: Top Gun: Maverick
You may have noticed that animated cartoons are not just for kids anymore! The Plugged In team discusses "adult" cartoons like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob's Burgers and the impact they could have on your family. Adam H…
May 12, 2022
Episode 129: Hobby, Habit or Addiction: Bingeing Under the Microscope
Streaming services make it all too easy for you and your kids to continue watching shows after one episode is over. The Plugged In team examines the habit of binge-watching and how to navigate that as a family. Paul Asay the…
May 5, 2022
Episode 128: Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness: Why Is One Storytelling Universe Not Enough
The latest Marvel movie, Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, hits theaters this week, and there's a lot you should know about it! The Plugged In team tackles the movie itself and the bigger discussion of the multivers…
April 28, 2022
Episode 127: Digging Into Disney’s New Worldview...and Father Stu
Many of us grew up watching Disney movies and shows, but over the last few years, Disney seems to be embracing a different worldview that may not be one you want for your family. The Plugged In team examines Disney’s push to…
April 21, 2022
Episode 126: Exploring the New Common Sense Media Census
Every couple of years, Common Sense Media releases its latest definitive report of what’s happening with kids, entertainment and screens. The Plugged In team discusses the results of the latest census, which will reveal some…
April 14, 2022
Episode 125: Morbius, Moon Knight and Murky Superhero Spirituality. Plus, Just What are Dumbledore’s
The latest superhero movies and television shows seem to be darker than ever. The Plugged In team explores Marvel’s Morbius and Moon Knight, revealing all you need to know about the almost horror-like content in both. Paul A…
April 7, 2022
Episode 124: The Slap Heard ‘Round the World … Plus: Best-Picture Winner Coda
Every now and then, something happens on live television that immediately becomes an indelible part of pop culture history. The Plugged In team discusses the infamous moment that happened between Will Smith and Chris Rock at…
March 31, 2022
Episode 123: Social Media State of the Union … Plus: When Calls the Heart
If you have teens or tweens, you’re probably grappling with the question of their social media use. The Plugged In team explores the various social media platforms—like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord—and the issues each one …
March 24, 2022
Episode 122: And the Pluggie Goes to ... ?
Award season had begun—Grammys, Golden Globes, Oscars…Pluggies! The Plugged In team reveals the winners for their annual awards for 2021 in four categories—best Christian movies, best movies for adults, best movies for teens…
March 17, 2022
Episode 121: We Don't Talk About Uno: Board Games and Other Things
Walking through the toy department at your favorite store, you may notice quite a few interesting and creative board games on the shelves. The Plugged In team discusses how playing board games can be fun and can also benefit…
March 10, 2022
Episode 120: Swearing, Drinking & Plugged In
As the Plugged In team reviews various forms of entertainment for your family, one of the main categories they focus on is profanity. They explain the how and why behind keeping track of the language in movies, music, and mo…