

The Plugged In Show
Focus on the Family
Join Focus on the Family's media and culture analysts for lighthearted reviews for parents and conversation about entertainment, pop culture and technology. Through this 30-minute podcast from Focus on the Family, you'll hear practical information from a Biblical worldview to help guide decisions about what to watch, listen and visit. And connect to a ton of related Christian resources and articles.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2021 • 34min
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 the show. They then explore the Netflix movie franchise "The Kissing Booth." You'll learn why these programs have such a draw with their audiences and what you need to know for your family. Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12-31?refcd=1139903Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-91/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Aug 12, 2021 • 34min
Episode 90: Vivo, "Parenting Generation Screen," and a Culture Countdown
To close out the summer, the Plugged In team examines a new Netflix release Vivo and Jonathan McKee's latest book "Parenting Generation Screen." They also run through a quick culture survey, highlighting things you need to know to navigate the world of entertainment and media with your family. Get Jonathan's book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-08-12?refcd=1128701Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-90/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Aug 5, 2021 • 26min
Episode 89: When Books for Teens Turn Into R-Rated Entertainment
When books written for teens hit streaming services, they seem to 'grow up' quite a bit. The Plugged In team reflects on their favorite books versus the companion movies/television shows, then discuss Netflix's new take on R.L. Stine's "Fear Street" series. You'll learn what you need to know about these shows targeting your teen and how you can guide them to make better choices.Get the book "The Read-Aloud Family" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-08-05?refcd=1126701Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-89/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Jul 29, 2021 • 27min
Episode 88: Plugged In Goes to the Olympics
The Olympics give us a global opportunity to celebrate excellence and competition every four (or five years), to see the remarkable things that athletes can accomplish in their single-minded devotion to their sport. The Plugged In team explores what you need to know when it comes to the controversy and commercialism surrounding the Olympic games. You'll be inspired to move from a passive to active mindset with regard to how you and your family consume this type of media where there are still worldview, philosophical and content issues on multiple levels.Get the book "7 Traits of Effective Parenting" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-01-07?refcd=1123204Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-88/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Jul 22, 2021 • 32min
Episode 87: A Look at "Space Jam" and a Conversation With an American Idol
As "Space Jam: A New Legacy" hits movie theaters, the Plugged In team recounts some of their favorite moments from the original and compares it to the reboot. Host Adam Holz then sits down with former American Idol star Phil Stacey to talk about the influence and impact of music. You'll gain insight on how to better navigate your family's entertainment choices.Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12-31?refcd=1123407Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-87/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Jul 15, 2021 • 30min
Episode 86: Fathers, Orphans and Entertainment
One of the biggest stereotypes in Hollywood is the "doofus dad." But every now and then, a movie or TV show challenges that stereotype. This week, the Plugged In team examines two such movies – "Blue Miracle" and "12 Mighty Orphans" – both of which focus on men who act as surrogate dads to orphans in need. They also dive into the movie, offering up some tidbits for super fans. While helping your family navigate the wild world of media, you'll be encouraged to think about how your entertainment choices can affect you as an adult, too.Get the book "7 Traits of Effective Parenting" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2021-01-07?refcd=1118402Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-86/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Jul 8, 2021 • 32min
Episode 85: Black Widow & The State of the Superhero Union
As the blockbuster movie "Black Widow" hits theaters this week, the Plugged In team reflects on their favorite superheroes and the impact these fictional characters have had on their lives. They’ also dive into the movie, offering up some tidbits for super fans. You’ll be better equipped to talk with your family about some of the deeper issues in these stories.Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12-31?refcd=1116301Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-85/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Jul 1, 2021 • 36min
Episode 84: Fat Monica and The Rest of Us
The Plugged In team explores how certain actors have been impacted by the roles they’ve played, resulting in some pretty major twists and changes in their lives. You’ll be encouraged to equip your kids to deal with this reality and talk about what they are seeing, actively engaging in a critical conversation about what they’re watching.Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12-31?refcd=1116301Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-84/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Jun 24, 2021 • 36min
Episode 83: When Antiheroes Become Our Heroes
With the new Marvel series "Loki" hitting Disney+, the Plugged In team unpacks the trend toward embracing anti-heroes onscreen. As these stories seemingly seek to generate sympathy for characters that we used to consider pure evil, lines are blurred. You’ll better understand the need to be in conversation with your family about knowing the difference and continuing to act as “heroes” in our own relationships with those in need all around us.Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12-31?refcd=1104401Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-83/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Jun 17, 2021 • 33min
Episode 82: What's the Draw With Dystopian Fantasy?
Jumping from hit novels to hit TV shows and movies, the dystopian genre has taken the entertainment world by storm. The Plugged In team explores some these dark stories, particularly Hulu’s "The Handmaid’s Tale," discussing the positives and negatives. You’ll see how these stories have both content and worldview issues that need your attention if your kids are drawn to them.Get the book "Burning Bush 2.0: How Pop Culture Replaced the Prophet" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-plugged-in-2020-12-31?refcd=1104301Get more episode resources: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/the-plugged-in-show-episode-82/If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/


