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The Plugged In Show — Kids & Family
The Plugged In Show

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.

Copyright: © (c) (p) 2012-2019 Focus on the Family

Latest Episodes:

Episode 297: Is Chat GPT Making Us Dumber? Plus, The Bad Guys 2 Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Is Chat GPT making us “dumber”? The Plugged In team looks at a new study from MIT that reveals the impact of Chat GPT. Kennedy Unthank then speaks with Pierre Perifel, the director of the animated movie The Bad Guys and its new sequel and shares what you need to know before you take your family to see it!

Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In team’s terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· The Bad Guys

· The Bad Guys 2

Check out the Plugged In Blog:

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 174: ChatGPT: Tech and Trust; Plus Got Questions? YouTube Channel

· The Plugged In Show Episode 187: Our Romance with AI. Plus, ‘Elemental’

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 256: How AI is Changing Adolescence. Plus, ‘Agatha All Along’

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 262: Creating with AI – A Parents’ Primer. Plus, ‘Moana 2’

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 287: Lilo & Stitch. Plus, AI in Entertainment and Technology

· Your AI Companion Has Its Hand Outstretched. Do You?

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you enjoyed listening to The Plugged In Show, please give us your feedback.

Episode 296: The Fantastic Four: It’s Nostalgia Time! Plus, Is It Time to Stop Talking to AI? Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

The new movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has been leaning hard into the sense of nostalgia. The Plugged In team looks at that movie and reflects on other films that are predicated on nostalgia. They then revisit ChatGPT and some of the latest changes that are making it maybe a little too chatty. And you don’t want to miss another round of Pop Rumble!

Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In teams great book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family today!

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· Fantastic Four

· Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

· Fantastic Four (2015)

· The Fantastic Four: First Steps

· Lilo and Stitch

· Lilo and Stitch (2025)

· How to Train Your Dragon

· How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

· Mission Impossible (1996)

· Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning (2025)

· Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

· Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

· Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

· Karate Kid: Legends

· Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

· Star Wars: Attack of the Clones

· Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Check out the Plugged In Blog:

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 174: ChatGPT: Tech and Trust; Plus Got Questions? YouTube Channel

· The Plugged In Show Episode 187: Our Romance with AI. Plus, ‘Elemental’

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 256: How AI is Changing Adolescence. Plus, ‘Agatha All Along’

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 262: Creating with AI – A Parents’ Primer. Plus, ‘Moana 2’

· The Plugged In Show: Episode 287: Lilo & Stitch. Plus, AI in Entertainment and Technology

· Your AI Companion Has Its Hand Outstretched. Do You?

Option Ultrasound Program

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 295: Jesus Glow, plus The Smurfs Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Social media influencers are shaping the way the broader culture thinks about Jesus—in both good ways and some that might seem a bit questionable. The Plugged In team looks at the TikTok trend “Jesus Glow” and how it may impact your family. Paul Asay then joins in to talk about the enduring appeal of The Smurfs and the latest reboot of the franchise.

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· The Smurfs 2

· The Smurfs: The Lost Village

· YouTube Reviews

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 294: Superman, Mario Kart, and a Super Important Announcement Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

With another Superman movie flying into theaters, the Plugged In team examines the Superman character, the phenomenon, and why this superhero has stood the test of time. They also talk a bit about Mario Kart World, a new/old favorite game that’s landed on Nintendo’s newest platform, the Switch 2. Then, they will reveal a little secret about The Plugged In Show.

Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In team’s outstanding book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· Superman Returns

· Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice

· DC League of Super Pets

· Justice League

· Zack Snyder’s Justice League

· Man of Steel

· Guardians of the Galaxy

· Guardians of the Galaxy 2

· Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

· Captain America: The First Avenger

· Captain America: The Winter Soldier

· Captain America: Brave New World

· Batman Begins

· Mario Kart World

· Mario Kart 8

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 293: Jurassic World: Rebirth. Plus, Phishing Scams on Social Media Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

The Jurassic World: Rebirth film is coming out. Does it look dino-riffic? The Plugged In team looks at the newest installment and the franchise as a whole, letting you in on what you need to know. The team then discusses online phishing scams and how you can be vigilant to protect your and your family.

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· Jurassic World: Rebirth

· Jurassic World: Dominion

· Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

· Jurassic World

· Jurassic Park III

· The Lost World: Jurassic Park

· Jurassic Park

· Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

· The Beekeeper

Check out the Plugged In Blog:

· On the Radar: Social Media Phishing Gender Gap with Teens and Tiktok Amber Alerts

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 292: Are Youth Finding Faith Again? Plus, Batman Begins Turns 20 Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

We are seeing an increase in Gen-Zers seeking more answers to their faith questions. The Plugged In team explores this phenomenon and how technology and social media may be contributing to it. The team then reflects on Christopher Nolan’s 20-year old movie Batman Begins and the influence its had on superhero movies.

Click here to get your copy of the Plugged In teams terrific book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· Redeemed Zoomer

· Batman Begins

· The Dark Knight

Check out the Plugged In Blog:

· Building Faith Online: A Conversation with Redeemed Zoomer

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 291: Under the Skin - A Conversation about Nudity in Art and Entertainment. Plus, Elio! Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

Nudity is often seen in paintings and certain movies and television shows. The Plugged In team discusses the artistic (and gratuitous) use of nudity and offers thoughts on how your family can navigate that. Paul Asay then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new Pixar movie Elio. You’ll also hear some fun dad jokes!

Nudity is often seen in paintings and certain movies and television shows. The Plugged In team discusses the artistic (and gratuitous) use of nudity and offers thoughts on how your family can navigate that. Paul Asay then talks with Emily Tsiao about the new Pixar movie Elio. You’ll also hear some fun dad jokes!

Click here to get your copy of Plugged In’s outstanding book Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family!

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· Up

· Inside Out 2

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 290: How to Train Your Dragon. Plus, Bad Influencers Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

The Dreamworks’ classic How to Train Your Dragon returns to the big screen in a new live-action version. Kennedy Unthank of the Plugged In team talks with the movie’s director, Dean DeBlois to get some insider secrets on Toothless and Hiccup. The team then discusses the Netflix docu-series Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, giving insight on the content as well as what it reveals about young influencers.

Click here to get your copy of Jonathan McKee’s great book The Teen's Guide to Face-To-Face Connections in a Screen-To-Screen World: 40 Tips to Meaningful Communication!

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

Check out the Plugged In Blog:

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

Donate Now!

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 289: The Power of Music in Movies, plus, the Switch 2 Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Music can be powerful. It can shape us, inspire us, terrify us. And when it’s paired with a movie, we might not even notice how manipulative it can be. The Plugged In team reflects on cinematic songs and soundtracks and the impact they can have. Paul Asay speaks with Bob Hoose about the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new features.

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· Star Wars: The Force Awakens

· Star Wars: The Last Jedi

· Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

· Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

· Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

· Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Episode 288: The Scary Science of Screen Time. Plus, Bono’s Stories of Surrender May 29, 2025

Show notes

As parents, we want to help our kids develop healthy tech habits. But where do we start? Paul Asay of the Plugged In team speaks with Melanie Hempe, founder of ScreenStrong, and Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Focus on the Family’s Parenting department, about the dangers of too much screen time and ways you can help your family step back and reconnect. Paul then speaks with Adam Holz about recording artist Bono’s new documentary Stories of Surrender.

Connect with us!

www.ThePluggedInShow.com

Connect on Facebook

Find us on Instagram

EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com

PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459)

Read the full review:

· Stories of Surrender

Check out the Plugged In Blog:

· ScreenStrong.org

· Practice Makes Parent podcast

· Seven Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment

The Plugged In Tech Guide

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Episode: How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Part 1

How You Can Make Wise Entertainment Choices for Your Family

We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

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