Before reviewing movies was an internet cottage industry, Plugged In was doing it as a four-page newsletter to youth pastors back in 1991. Adam Holz joins Brian From to share that origin story before diving into this week's big release: Supergirl, James Gunn's reboot of the DC universe's most iconic heroine — and it's a shockingly dark departure from the squeaky-clean character most people remember. This Kara Zor-El is grieving, drinking, cynical, and gets pulled into a revenge plot involving a poisoned dog that turns out to be the most compelling part of the whole film. Adam and Brian dig into the bigger trend behind it — why so many superhero franchises keep darkening their once-wholesome characters, what that says about culture's appetite for angst over "boring" goodness, and why Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy remains the gold standard DC has been chasing ever since. They close with a fun detour into YouTube's endless niche communities, whatever your interest, there's a corner of YouTube built entirely around it. Full reviews at pluggedin.com.

Before reviewing movies was an internet cottage industry, Plugged In was doing it as a four-page newsletter to youth pastors back in 1991. Adam Holz joins Brian From to share that origin story before diving into this week's big release: Supergirl, James Gunn's reboot of the DC universe's most iconic heroine &mdash; and it's a shockingly dark departure from the squeaky-clean character most people remember. This Kara Zor-El is grieving, drinking, cynical, and gets pulled into a revenge plot involving a poisoned dog that turns out to be the most compelling part of the whole film. Adam and Brian dig into the bigger trend behind it &mdash; why so many superhero franchises keep darkening their once-wholesome characters, what that says about culture's appetite for angst over "boring" goodness, and why Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy remains the gold standard DC has been chasing ever since. They close with a fun detour into YouTube's endless niche communities, whatever your interest, there's a corner of YouTube built entirely around it. Full reviews at pluggedin.com.

The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God’s design for all of us fulfilled.

The idea of &ldquo;the common good&rdquo; has a rich history within the Christian church. It&rsquo;s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God&rsquo;s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God&rsquo;s design for all of us fulfilled.

The Common Good Podcast

The Common Good

Supergirl Goes Dark  with Adam Holtz

Three San Francisco Giants pitchers wrote Genesis 9 — God's covenant sign of the rainbow — on their caps during Pride Night, and the backlash has been swift. Paul Batura, VP of Communications for Focus on the Family, joins Brian From to unpack the controversy and the bigger question underneath it: is it appropriate for Christian athletes to publicly profess their faith? Paul traces a long line of precedent, from Billy Sunday to Eric Liddell to Tim Tebow, and makes the case that one player's courage tends to be contagious. He's not surprised by the intensity of the backlash, but he also senses fans and even corporations growing less afraid to push back against pressure to fall in line. The conversation extends beyond sports to everyday workplaces — how do you discern when and how to share your faith at the office without being obnoxious about it? And with the World Cup drawing tens of millions of viewers worldwide, Paul and Brian discuss how moments of public prayer by athletes can plant seeds even among people who'd otherwise never think about faith. Paul's prediction: this conversation isn't going away, and Christians are well-positioned to engage it thoughtfully. Find Paul's writing at focusonthefamily.com and the Daily Citizen.

Three San Francisco Giants pitchers wrote Genesis 9 &mdash; God's covenant sign of the rainbow &mdash; on their caps during Pride Night, and the backlash has been swift. Paul Batura, VP of Communications for Focus on the Family, joins Brian From to unpack the controversy and the bigger question underneath it: is it appropriate for Christian athletes to publicly profess their faith? Paul traces a long line of precedent, from Billy Sunday to Eric Liddell to Tim Tebow, and makes the case that one player's courage tends to be contagious. He's not surprised by the intensity of the backlash, but he also senses fans and even corporations growing less afraid to push back against pressure to fall in line. The conversation extends beyond sports to everyday workplaces &mdash; how do you discern when and how to share your faith at the office without being obnoxious about it? And with the World Cup drawing tens of millions of viewers worldwide, Paul and Brian discuss how moments of public prayer by athletes can plant seeds even among people who'd otherwise never think about faith. Paul's prediction: this conversation isn't going away, and Christians are well-positioned to engage it thoughtfully. Find Paul's writing at focusonthefamily.com and the Daily Citizen.

The Giants Controversy with Paul Batura

"I'm good, he's over there, I'm over here" — that's how Wesley Martin once described his relationship with God, the same distant dynamic he had with his own absent earthly father. Ahead of Father's Day, Wesley shares his story with Brian From: a childhood without a dad, a slide into drug dealing, partying, and addiction trying to fill a void only his Heavenly Father could fill, and the moment everything changed in a rehab facility where he gave his life to Christ. Sixteen years into recovery now, Wesley talks candidly about what it's like to father three kids without ever having had a model for it himself, including a non-traditional decade as a stay-at-home dad while his wife's nursing career took off. He shares a moment that brought him to tears — asking his youngest son to describe him in one word, and hearing "sweet" instead of the harsh coach he feared he'd become. His message to dads who feel like they're failing: be present, keep trying, and let God take care of the rest. And to anyone struggling to see God as a loving father: just take one step toward Him, and He'll take care of the rest.

"I'm good, he's over there, I'm over here" &mdash; that's how Wesley Martin once described his relationship with God, the same distant dynamic he had with his own absent earthly father. Ahead of Father's Day, Wesley shares his story with Brian From: a childhood without a dad, a slide into drug dealing, partying, and addiction trying to fill a void only his Heavenly Father could fill, and the moment everything changed in a rehab facility where he gave his life to Christ. Sixteen years into recovery now, Wesley talks candidly about what it's like to father three kids without ever having had a model for it himself, including a non-traditional decade as a stay-at-home dad while his wife's nursing career took off. He shares a moment that brought him to tears &mdash; asking his youngest son to describe him in one word, and hearing "sweet" instead of the harsh coach he feared he'd become. His message to dads who feel like they're failing: be present, keep trying, and let God take care of the rest. And to anyone struggling to see God as a loving father: just take one step toward Him, and He'll take care of the rest.

Wesley Martin's Story of Recovery and Redemption

As America's 250th birthday approaches, Brian From tackles a genuinely tricky question for pastors: how patriotic should a Sunday worship service actually be? Drawing on Russell Moore's guidance, Brian makes the case for a middle path — genuine thanksgiving for the blessings of being American, without confusing love of country with love of God or turning the worship service into a flag-waving rally. From there, a thoughtful look at the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, with fears of up to 100,000 casualties, and what it means to live with urgency in a world where life can change in an instant. A reflection on essentials versus non-essentials in the faith — and the danger of turning secondary theological debates into faith-dividing issues. A candid, vulnerable moment where Brian admits his own struggle with envy and jealousy watching other people's vacations on social media, and why thankfulness is the real antidote. A Gospel Coalition piece reframing Christian identity around belonging rather than imitation — you're not just trying to be like Jesus, you belong to him. And a closing word from David Jeremiah on conquering worry by verbalizing it, remembering God's care, and bringing it to him in prayer.

As America's 250th birthday approaches, Brian From tackles a genuinely tricky question for pastors: how patriotic should a Sunday worship service actually be? Drawing on Russell Moore's guidance, Brian makes the case for a middle path &mdash; genuine thanksgiving for the blessings of being American, without confusing love of country with love of God or turning the worship service into a flag-waving rally. From there, a thoughtful look at the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, with fears of up to 100,000 casualties, and what it means to live with urgency in a world where life can change in an instant. A reflection on essentials versus non-essentials in the faith &mdash; and the danger of turning secondary theological debates into faith-dividing issues. A candid, vulnerable moment where Brian admits his own struggle with envy and jealousy watching other people's vacations on social media, and why thankfulness is the real antidote. A Gospel Coalition piece reframing Christian identity around belonging rather than imitation &mdash; you're not just trying to be like Jesus, you belong to him. And a closing word from David Jeremiah on conquering worry by verbalizing it, remembering God's care, and bringing it to him in prayer.

Supergirl Goes Dark with Adam Holtz

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