Episodes
Jan. 27, 2022
Episode 114: Redeeming Love & the Question of How Edgy Is Too Edgy for Christian Movies
Some Christian movies are starting to push content boundaries. The Plugged In team discusses the new film Redeeming Love and its content concerns. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about another new movie with questionable…
Jan. 20, 2022
Episode 113: The Sacred/Secular Music Conversation … and ‘The Book of Boba Fett’
Music has a powerful influence in our lives. The Plugged In team examines secular versus Christian music. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the latest Disney+ addition to the Star Wars canon—"The Book of Boba Fett". …
Jan. 13, 2022
Episode 112: A Preview of 2022’s Movies … and an Interview with John Cooper
2022 is sure to be packed with some new and exciting movies. The Plugged In team looks ahead to what will be hitting the big screen, anticipating some of the content and stories you’ll want to know about for your family. Ada…
Jan. 6, 2022
Episode 111: The Biggest Entertainment and Tech Stories of 2021
2021 is now in the history books! The Plugged In team explores some of the top entertainment and technology stories of the past year. From the impact of screen time, social media, and the Metaverse to the Friends reunion on …
Dec. 30, 2021
Episode 110: 'American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story' and the Enduring Appeal of the football movi
With the popularity of football as a sport, it’s no wonder that football films captivate us. The Plugged In team examines the football movie genre, highlighting the newest offering American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. A…
Dec. 23, 2021
Episode 109: Spider-Man: No Way Home; Contributor or Consumer (with Danny Huerta)
Spiderman: No Way Home is now out in theaters, and with the popularity of the Marvel and Spiderman franchises, there’s a lot you need to know for your family. Adam Holz then speaks with Focus on the Family Vice President Dr.…
Dec. 16, 2021
Episode 108: The Sequels Strike Back ... Again
Many of the movies hitting our screens this season seem pretty familiar – reboots, sequels, and reimaginings of classic films. The Plugged In team takes a look at these “new” offerings and why Hollywood is reaching back for …
Dec. 9, 2021
Episode 107: What’s with All the A.I. Stories? & The Wheel of Time
In the last year or so, we’ve seen a surprising number of films dealing with artificial intelligence. The Plugged In team explores these films and why A.I. is such a hot topic. Adam Holz then speaks with Emily Clark about Am…
Dec. 2, 2021
Episode 106: Christmas with "The Chosen: The Messengers" and a Conversation with Jesus and Mary
The hit TV series "The Chosen" has given fans an imaginatively dramatized glimpse into the life of Christ and what it might have been like to follow him. Now, this groundbreaking series is looking a bit further back into his…
Nov. 25, 2021
Episode 105: Encanto & Marvel's Latest Video Game
Thanksgiving is surrounded by lots of traditions – family, turkey…and for some, movies. As Disney's "Encanto" hits theaters, you may be wondering if it's a good choice for your family. The Plugged In team explores the positi…
Nov. 18, 2021
Episode 104: Today's Top Female Singers & Finch
With young female singers like Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande topping the charts, there's a lot for families to navigate. The Plugged In team examines the draw of these musicians and what you need …
Nov. 11, 2021
Episode 103: Paranormal TV & Clifford the Big Red Dog
Shows dealing with the paranormal themes have been around forever. But these days, you have entire networks devoted to ghost-hunting, Bigfoot stalking and UFO chasing. The Plugged In team discuss the allure of these programs…
Nov. 4, 2021
Episode 102: Dune, The Eternals & Sci-Fi Spirituality
As we inch closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, Hollywood is loading up some of its big guns for our holiday enjoyment. Two of the biggest, "Dune" and "The Eternals" have recently landed in theaters to prime the pump. The P…
Oct. 28, 2021
Episode 101: Why We Review the Way We Do & Christmas Tech Trends
Ever wonder why Plugged In reviews cover so much ground? The Plugged In team opens up about their review process and how they help you and your family make wise entertainment choices. Adam and Jonathan then examine upcoming …
Oct. 21, 2021
Episode 100: The Addams Family, Monster Movies & Superman's Coming Out
As the calendar drifts toward late October, Hollywood has one thing on its mind – monsters. And monster movies for kids are hitting theaters and streaming services everywhere. The Plugged In team talks about "The Addams Fami…
Oct. 14, 2021
Episode 99: Fall TV & What Instagram Knows About Its Influence
The arrival of Fall ushers in a new television season with lots of new shows on both network and streaming services. The Plugged In team examines these new offerings with recommendations for programs to enjoy and to avoid. A…
Oct. 7, 2021
Episode 98: "Dear Evan Hansen" and the Reprise of the Movie Musical
We've seen a resurgence of musical movies hit streaming networks and the big screen. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite musicals, what you need to know about the new movie "Dear Evan Hansen," and why this style o…
Sept. 30, 2021
Episode 97: A Look at the "God's Not Dead" Franchise and a Conversation With Francesca Battistelli
The fourth installment of the "God's Not Dead" film franchise is about to hit theaters. The Plugged In team examines these movies and unpacks what you need to know about "God's Not Dead: We the People." Adam Holz then speaks…
Sept. 23, 2021
Episode 96: Is Rock Dead? No One Told Skillet ... or Switchfoot ... or Imagine Dragons
With little rock music on the charts, you might think rock is dead ... but it's not! The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite rock song and examines the work of bands like Skillet, Switchfoot, and Imagine Dragons. Adam…
Sept. 16, 2021
Episode 95: Anime & Manga 101: Everything You Need to Know
Anime and manga – Japanese animated storytelling genres – are growing in popularity with kids and teens, even though the target audience is adult. The Plugged In team discusses the history of these artforms and the allure be…
Sept. 9, 2021
Episode 94: A Conversation With Alex Kendrick and Unveiling Amazon's "Cinderella"
As the Kendricks' Brothers latest movie "Show Me the Father" hits theaters, the Plugged In team's Adam Holz talks with Alex Kendrick about this new documentary. They discuss the "why" behind the film and the heart that is re…
Sept. 2, 2021
Episode 93: A Look at Shang-Chi and Exploring the Metaverse
Marvel's latest superhero to hit the big screen – "Shang-Chi" – has some unique offerings, and the Plugged In team wants to share those with you. They will also explore a new trend in virtual reality known as the metaverse a…
Aug. 26, 2021
Episode 92: This is Your Brain on Screens
Between cell phones, computer gaming, and television and movie viewing, you may be concerned about too much screen time in your family. The Plugged In team talks with Focus on the Family's Vice President of Parenting Dr. Dan…
Aug. 19, 2021
Episode 91: Ted Lasso and The Kissing Booth
Popular streaming services Apple TV and Netflix are promoting some of their new content, and as a parent, you'll want to know about it. The Plugged In team takes a deep dive into Apple TV's "Ted Lasso" and the charm behind t…