Search Results


To Listen to Audio click the Play Button [beneath each segment] which varies based on the browser you are using.


November 21, 2024


Title: Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

People are hungry for family-friendly movies – even ones with Christian themes.

Today, Paul Asay discusses his recent review of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Paul Asay is the Editor of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.

Click here for more reviews from Paul and Plugged In.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the story line for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?

Is this a movie that all ages will enjoy? Paul Asay discusses the humor that children will appreciate and the old-time feel that older folks will find endearing.

Does the movie remind us that the people we tend to avoid are the people we should embrace? Paul Asay reminds us that Jesus didn’t die on a cross for “perfect people”.

Did the New York Times have kind words for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?

Click here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent company for Plugged In.



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

October 10, 2024


Title: Movie Review: The Wild Robot
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Disney has had many blockbusters over the years, but lately, parents have needed to take extra caution about which Disney movies to take their kids to. The same is true for other animated/children’s film companies, such as Dreamworks.

Paul Asay has been providing guidance for parents and families for more than 20 years. Today, Paul discusses his recent review of the new Dreamworks children’s movie: “The Wild Robot”.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the storyline of “The Wild Robot”?

How is “The Wild Robot” different than other recent children’s movies, especially those made by Disney?

Are there some great teachable moments in “The Wild Robot”?

Does Paul Asay recommend “The Wild Robot” for families to view together? Dr. Asay gives a warning to parents who have overly-sensitive kids, but believes that most families will thoroughly enjoy the movie.

Click here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent-company for Plugged In.



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

December 21, 2023


Title: 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever
Topic: Christmas
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)


Part 1 of 3

Hollywood doesn’t focus much on Christ’s birth and most Christmas movies do not dive into Scripture. But, can they still be family-friendly?

Today, Paul Asay discusses some of the best family Christmas movies to watch. Paul Asay is a widely published author who loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment. Paul is with Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family’s entertainment department.

Click here to read Paul’s full review of “The 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever”.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

A Christmas Carol (1951)

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018, PG)



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

Title: Part 2 of 3 - 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever
Topic: Christmas
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Elf (2003, PG)

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020, PG)

The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017, PG)



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

Title: Part 3 of 3 - 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever
Topic: Christmas
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

A Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Click here for the most recent review from Plugged In on this classic Christmas movie.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992, G)

The Nativity Story (2006)

Click here . to help support Plugged In.



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

August 30, 2022


Title: Are Selfies Really Bad for Our Mental Health?
Topic: Mental Health
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Selfitis” is a term coined to describe the cultural habit of taking an overabundance of photos of oneself and posting them on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media sites.

Senior Associate Editor of Plugged In, Paul Asay, discusses how we can balance social media usage while surviving the selfie culture without falling into the comparison trap.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Has “selfitis” been a problem for many people for a while now? Paul reveals that the average person takes more than 450 selfies per year!

Can posting the most perfect, most current selfie become an addiction?

Are our youth and young adults becoming so preoccupied with being seen on social media that they no longer enjoy real-life experiences? Paul believes it’s a danger for adults, too. He says: “Sometimes we are so used to taking lots of pictures, not only of ourselves but of the world around us, that we begin to live our lives on screen.”

If we don’t get the right response/comment to our post on social media, can we become depressed?

Experts urge limiting our daily exposure to social media. How can we take tangible steps to be more “present”? Paul has some great suggestions, especially for kids and teens. First and foremost, though, parents need to be good examples.



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

November 28, 2018


Title: Review: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Topic: TV Review
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Netflix has debuted a new show aimed at tweens and teens: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Paul Asay, with Focus on the Family’s Plugged In, has the details about the show and why parents should be cautious.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is there a continuing, ongoing battle for the hearts and minds of our children?

Listen as Paul Asay describes the show on Netflix: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The details will shock you! Click here  for more...

Is there any connection between TV shows/movies and tweens/teens embracing Luciferian characteristics and acting out with devilish tendencies?

Can adults be affected by TV shows/movies as well?



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

August 21, 2018


Title: Is Chris Pratt a Good Role Model?
Topic: Hollywood Role Models
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)


Part 1 of 2

Actor Chris Pratt is a popular actor who is making waves in the media for something extraordinary: his unashamed faith in God.

Paul Asay is an editor with Plugged In Movie Reviews (a division of Focus on the Family). Today, he will be discussing Chris, his faith, and whether or not he should be considered a role model for our children.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do we all need role models – even adults?

Is Chris Pratt a good role model for our kids? “All of our heroes, except for one, come with an asterisk,” Paul states.

What type of characteristics should parents look for in role models for their kids?

Should parents be the best role model for their kids?



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

Title: Part 2 of 2 - Is Chris Pratt a Good Role Model?
Topic: Hollywood Role Models
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why are role models important, even to adults?

Will people in leadership/celebrity roles disappoint us at one time or another?

Listen as Paul shares a few of his own personal role models…

What makes an actor a worthwhile role model for children?

Should parents listen to these segments with their children, especially teens?

Click here  for more information from Paul Asay and Plugged In.



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

February 22, 2017


Title: The Good, The Bad, and A Whole Lot of Ugly in YOUR Home
Topic: Protecting Our Children
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Back in the 1940s, the town of Riverdale was known as the happy and innocent home of comic book characters Archie, Jughead, Veronica, Betty and the gang. However, “Plugged In” editor, Paul Asay, believes today’s “family TV shows” are anything but “family-friendly”.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the goal and mission of “Plugged In”?

Every year, there are many new TV shows to watch and become engaged in. One new show that is being touted as a “family-friendly” show is “Riverdale” on the CW based on the old Archie and the Gang TV show. Listen as Paul Asay compares the two shows…actually they are as different as night and day.

Is the progressiveness of sexuality really something Christians should be welcoming into their homes?

Are some TV shows, whether on regular or cable TV, worse than R-rated movies?

How can we encourage our children and grandchildren to turn away from something they may accidentally see on TV at a friend’s home? Do you remember the childhood song: “Be careful little eyes what you see…be careful little ears what you hear…”?

The images that we see (on TV) are incredibly powerful,” Paul states. “But those images are nothing compared to what your influence is to (your) kids.

Click here for more reviews from “Plugged In”.



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization

November 4, 2015


Title: So you Want to Date my Daughter?
Topic: Dating
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

You think you’re prepared. You think you’ll be ready. You think that your daughter will listen to you and heed your advice. You think her date will be honorable and trustworthy. This is what you have hoped and prayed for every day since your baby girl was born. But we’re never really prepared, are we?

Paul Asay has been with Focus on the Family’s “Plugged In” for eight years. Paul believes every parent, especially fathers, should have a plan in place for dates. First, remember that the boy is just as nervous as you are – probably even more so! You shouldn’t have to work too hard to make the boy realize you are serious! You don’t have to put the fear of God in him, but you should let him know the rules and the consequences if they are not followed. “Be aware of who he is as a person,” Paul says. Get to know him for a few minutes beforehand. Not only will he respect you for that, he will respect your daughter, too.

You should also talk with your daughter long before she starts dating. Let her know the rules, as well, and what will happen if she doesn’t follow them. You are the best example for your daughter. Show her what a good man really is. If she has a great example at home, she won’t settle for less in her own life.

All of this advice is applicable to young men, as well. If you have boys, talk to them about the proper way to treat a girl. Make sure he knows what is appropriate and not. Remind him to open the car door and pull her chair out at the table. Tell them it is okay not to kiss on the first date…or second or tenth!! And remember, the best example is YOU!

Single Parents: Paul also has some great advice for you, too! Listen in as he talks specifically to you about this important topic.



More from this Guest      More on this Topic      More from this Organization