Episode 261: Wicked and the World of Musicals. Plus, Plugged In’s New Tech Guide!

This week, the Broadway musical Wicked flies from the stage to the screen. The Plugged In team talks about the Wicked phenomenon as well as other movie musicals and the power of music woven into a story. Paul Asay then talks with Bret Eckelberry about the team’s new tech guide. Get your copy of …

Episode 260: When Should I Give My Kid a Cell Phone? Plus, Bonhoeffer

With Christmas coming, you may be considering a tech gift for your child…maybe even a cell phone. The Plugged In team shares insights and thoughts on the impact phones have had on younger generations and the best age to put a phone in their hands. Paul Asay then talks with Kennedy Unthank about the…

Episode 259: The Power and Peril of In-Game Sales, plus, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

You’re enjoying a fun online game, but then you’re hit with having to make a purchase to go any further. The Plugged In team looks at a variety of video games that employ in-game sales. Paul Asay then talks with producer Kevin Downes and director Dallas Jenkins about their new movie The Best Christ…

Episode 258: Entertainment Decisions and Kids’ Maturity, plus Chappell Roan

As your kids move into adolescence, you need to decide how much freedom you give them when it comes to entertainment and media. The Plugged In team offers some thoughts, sharing ways they succeeded and things they wish they could do differently. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the wildly …

Episode 257: Unexpected Scares in Family Movies, plus Exhibiting Forgiveness

We may be in the midst of “scary season”, but sometimes scares creep up on us from nowhere. The Plugged In team shares movies and television shows that once freaked them out and offers a few tips on how to navigate those unexpected frights. Paul Asay then talks with Adam Holz about the new movie Ex…

Episode 256: How AI is Changing Adolescence, plus Agatha All Along

Kids have been finding ways to cheat since schools themselves have been a thing. But the rise of artificial intelligence is a game-changer in the classroom. The Plugged In team looks at the rise of artificial intelligence, how kids may be misusing it, and how you can navigate it as a family. Paul A…

Episode 255: The Legend of Lara Croft and the Growing Influence of Gaming in Entertainment

Some video game characters have a special place in our hearts…and on the big screen. The Plugged In team reveals their favorite digital personalities, then explores the new animated show on Netflix Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. You’ll learn what may be a treasure for your family…and what t…

Episode 254: Beauty and the Bird

Hollywood often reinforces unhealthy beauty ideals and can undermine self-esteem in the process. But a couple recent movies—Uglies and A Different Man—are taking a different twist on the topic. The Plugged In team explores these stories and gives you some points on how to start a solid conversation…

Episode 253: An Interview With Wild Robot Director Chris Sanders, Plus Navigating Sad (But Good) Mov

The best kids’ movies usually prompt a lot of emotion. And many adults are often just as taken with these stories as their children. Paul Asay talks with Chris Sanders, the director of the new Dreamworks animated movie The Wild Robot. The Plugged In team then examines some of the more memorable fam…

Episode 252: Is It Harder to Be a Teen Today? Plus: Transformers One

With cultural influences, technology, and social media, being a teen can be a challenge. The Plugged In team reflects on their own teen years and how things have changed. In looking at recent research and personal stories, they'll share some insight on how very different life today is for teenagers…