

Episode 300: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fun
As the Plugged In Show comes to its final episode, Paul Asay sits down with Adam Holz and Bob Smithouser (former host of the original Plugged In Podcast) to reminisce about hosting the show. The Plugged In team then gathers to offer some final encouragement on media discernment for your family. Whi…

Episode 299: Got Questions? We've Got Answers. Plus, Truth Rising and the Power of Documentaries
The Plugged In team often receives comments and questions from a variety of people. With The Plugged In Show coming to a close, the team pulls out some of those questions and comments to address them. They then take a look at Focus on the Family’s soon-to-be-released documentary Truth Rising and th…

Episode 298: Great Bible-Based Entertainment for Your Kids. Plus, Sketch
As a mom or dad, it’s easy to look at today’s media and get pretty discouraged. But the Plugged In team says we are in a Golden Age of Bible-based entertainment. They discuss some great kid-friendly options you may want to consider for your family. Kristin Smith then talks with Paul Asay about the …

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

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

Episode 295: Jesus Glow, plus The Smurfs
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 …

Episode 294: Superman, Mario Kart, and a Super Important Announcement
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. T…

Episode 293: Jurassic World: Rebirth. Plus, Phishing Scams on Social Media
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 fam…

Episode 292: Are Youth Finding Faith Again? Plus, Batman Begins Turns 20
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…

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