Hold Me Back: Son and Father Change the Conversation

Aidan and Ash ElDifrawi

Gen X and Gen Z live together, but we occupy different worlds. As the generational gap widens and conventional wisdom on parenting and education fails, is it even possible to understand one another? In this unique son-and-father podcast, Aidan and Ash ElDifrawi hash out a new contract between generations, forcing them to violate comfort zones on today’s most charged topics: social media and screen time, bullying and loneliness, inequality and privilege, sex and drugs, education and etiquette, even politics, religion, and sports. All to uncover a path toward greater harmony and a hopeful future for the next generation read less

Our Editor's Take

Different generations often experience a cultural divide. The Hold Me Back: Son and Father Change the Conversation podcast features a father and son bridging this generational gap. Son and father Aidan and Ash ElDifrawi share their thoughts on various social issues.

The interplay of generations on the podcast offers an interesting dynamic. Aidan is an insightful young man with a refreshing perspective. He isn't afraid to challenge societal norms and advocate for progressive change. Ash is a seasoned and contemplative father with a nuanced and tempered approach. Together, the son and father foster an open and profound discussion.

On Hold Me Back, divergent opinions are welcome. Aidan and Ash share a genuine desire to find common ground on the most important social topics. They don't avoid difficult or taboo issues on the podcast. For more complex matters, they bring experts and academics to interview.

Some important subjects Aidan and Ash examine include race, religion, and education. They also discuss more specific topics, such as gambling and swearing. What ensues is a thought-provoking conversation. Discussions on the show connect the two generations represented.

Aidan and Ash set out to take conversations beyond surface-level disagreements. Hold Me Back is their attempt to be impartial about differences of opinion. The hosts take a respectful approach to divisive topics. They keep preconceived notions in check and try to come to a better understanding.

The format of the show is loose and easy to listen to. The conversations on Hold Me Back: Son and Father Change the Conversation are open and exploratory. The son and father duo delivers an engaging combination of perspectives. Anyone looking to break generational assumptions might find an interesting debate here. Episodes air monthly and are about an hour long.

read less

Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Start Here

Boomer Training: A Gen Z Lesson in Social Media Lingo

Boomer Training: A Gen Z Lesson in Social Media Lingo

A growing part of the generational divide is an emerging and unexpected language barrier. This phenomenon is a byproduct of the explosion in social media platforms, which seem to have created a new Gen Z dialect - particularly on TikTok. To help bridge this gap, Aidan recruited his sister Allison to take Ash through basic training on social media terminology in hopes he wouldn’t embarrass himself at work and with friends. The jury is still out, so Aidan and Ally want complete deniability. You be the judge! This one will make you laugh out loud…and cringe! Who was more convincing: Ally or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Episodes

Boomer Training: A Gen Z Lesson in Social Media Lingo

Boomer Training: A Gen Z Lesson in Social Media Lingo

A growing part of the generational divide is an emerging and unexpected language barrier. This phenomenon is a byproduct of the explosion in social media platforms, which seem to have created a new Gen Z dialect - particularly on TikTok. To help bridge this gap, Aidan recruited his sister Allison to take Ash through basic training on social media terminology in hopes he wouldn’t embarrass himself at work and with friends. The jury is still out, so Aidan and Ally want complete deniability. You be the judge! This one will make you laugh out loud…and cringe! Who was more convincing: Ally or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Resilience: Blessing or Curse?

Resilience: Blessing or Curse?

Over the last decade, the concept of resilience has been synonymous with raising healthy kids. But what if we're wrong? What if one person's life journey shined a bright light on how resilience can function in society in a way that is far from healthy? Ash and Aidan welcome onto the show Emi Nietfeld - journalist, mental health advocate, and author of the highly acclaimed book, “Acceptance: A Memoir.” From homeless to Harvard, psychiatric wards to Google, Emi’s memoir - which she started writing as a teen - is a powerful commentary that society can often unwittingly fail those who need them most in the name of “resilience.” For Ash and Aidan, it was a commentary that was hard to confront, but impossible to turn away from. Join them for one of the most engaging interviews they’ve ever done. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Ash and Aidan tackle the topic every teenager can't wait to discuss with their parents: sex. In the spirit of not holding back, the boys openly and honestly discuss why, how, what, and when parents should discuss the topic of sex with their children. Aidan and Ash also share research most will find surprising, particularly when it comes to teens’ sexual activity and the pros and cons of dating in high school. They also supply 10 useful tips for discussing this delicate topic with your teen. The only question left unanswered is who squirmed more during this candid discussion. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Season 4 kicks off with the topic Aidan has successfully avoided for 3 seasons: dating, relationships, and sex. The first of this 2-part series focuses on how hypersexualized media and the ease of access to explicit pornography is affecting tween and teen psychological development, as well as Gen Z’s attitude towards sex and intimacy. The episode features an extensive interview with Dr. Gail Dines, a widely recognized author and scholar on the topic of pornography. Dr. Dines has been researching and writing about the porn industry for well over 30 years, and recently authored the highly acclaimed book Pornland: How Porn Has Hijacked Our Sexuality. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Aidan and Ash end the year - and Season 3 - with a topic that lies at the center of changing the conversation: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). After discussing the role Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action play within DE&I, Ash and Aidan welcome to the show one of the country's leading minds in DE&I, Lareina Yee. Lareina is a senior partner for the most prestigious consulting firm in the world, where she also served as their first Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Lareina has over 23 years of experience advising companies on growth and organizational transformation, and is a recognized leader in gender and diversity. Yee discusses topics including the true impact DE&I is having, progress in gender equality, generational differences in the importance of DE&I, and why everyone needs to understand the concept of micro-aggressions. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

One Small Step across a Large Divide

One Small Step across a Large Divide

How do you change the world? One conversation at a time, according to the CEO of StoryCorps, Sandra Clark. Clark joins Aidan and Ash for an illuminating discussion on how StoryCorps' program, One Small Step (OSS), is trying to bridge the nation's growing divide in an effort to fend off a growing “culture of contempt” in the United States. Clark shares how the program works, the science behind it, whether it’s having the desired impact, and how we can all get involved. Aidan and Ash also discuss how OSS is influencing HMB’s similar mission to bridge the divide by changing the conversation, and how HMB will support OSS in the future. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Real-Money Gaming, Game Theory, Negotiating, and Poker Strategy

Real-Money Gaming, Game Theory, Negotiating, and Poker Strategy

What started as an episode on teen gambling took a turn into a fascinating conversation with the polymathic Dan Singer, one of the world's leading experts on the businesses of online gaming, casinos, sportsbooks, daily fantasy sports, poker, and eSports. In addition to teaching Game Theory in Negotiations at Yale, Dan leads the Global Sports and Gaming Practice for the largest and most well-known strategy consulting firm in the world - where he serves major leagues and gaming companies. Dan is a regular contributor to Sports Business Journal and his research has been cited by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and ESPN. He’s also a part-time pro poker player and has ranked in the Top 40 in the American Crossword championships. After listening to Dan, Ash and Aidan can’t wait to play poker (or perhaps, never play it again)! Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Reimagining Diversity

Reimagining Diversity

Aidan and Ash tackle the topic of diversity in an interview with Eboo Patel. Eboo is the Founder and President of Interfaith America - the leading interfaith organization in the United States - and was named "one of America's best leaders" by U.S. News and World Report. He served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council and has written five books, including his recently published “We Need to Build: Fieldnotes for Diverse Democracy.” In the interview, Eboo shares how a potluck dinner is the key to building a healthy diverse democracy. He also triggers an important discovery for Aidan and a moment of reckoning for Ash. As a bonus, Aidan chronicles how Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is reimagining diversity. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Teens and Their Screens

Teens and Their Screens

What are adults missing about teens and their technology? Apparently, a lot! Aidan and Ash kick off their mental health series by welcoming Harvard Project Zero researchers Emily Weinstein and Carrie James to discuss their book, Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (And Adults Are Missing). Drawing on perspectives from 3,500 teens, Weinstein and James bring stories and data together for a powerful reframe of what teens are up against – and what teens need adults to understand. Based on this phenomenal work, HMB is now contributing a portion of their proceeds to support Harvard Project Zero’s research on teens' digital lives. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

A Look Inside the College Admissions Process

A Look Inside the College Admissions Process

Just when Aidan and Ash thought they had shared everything there is to know about the college admissions process, they found out they had an opportunity to interview one of the brightest minds in the field. In this episode, they welcome on Jeff Selingo, a New York Times bestselling author of three books who has written about higher education for more than two decades. His latest book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, was named among the 100 Notable Books of the year by the New York Times in 2020. Hear why it’s so hard to get into college these days, what to focus on when you apply, how schools differ in their admissions process, when it makes sense to apply early, and whether you need to know what you’re going to study. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Take Your Gen-Z’er to Work Day

Take Your Gen-Z’er to Work Day

Ash has spent so much time in Gen Z's world, Aidan felt it was time to return the favor. Over the summer, Aidan infiltrated several work environments during his internships and exploratory visits - and he had some things to say! In fact, he made a Top 10 list of observations to share. From work culture to snacks to meetings to commutes to clean bathrooms, Aidan tells all. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Dartmouth: Interview with Lee Coffin, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

Dartmouth: Interview with Lee Coffin, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

Aidan and Ash continue the College Admission Series (CAS) as they welcome Lee Coffin, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Dartmouth College. Prior to joining the Dartmouth administration in 2016, he served as Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Tufts University from 2003-2016 and Dean of Admission at Connecticut College from 1995-2001. He also hosts two podcasts: Admissions Beat and The Search. In this thought-provoking interview, hear Mr. Coffin discuss what you should look for in the colleges you apply to, a behind-the-scenes look at how colleges approach the application process, and what he hopes changes about college admissions in the future. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

College Essays and Why Applying to College Should Be Stress-Free

College Essays and Why Applying to College Should Be Stress-Free

Aidan and Ash talk all things college essays with one of the most enigmatic thought leaders in Silicon Valley, Umair Khan. Khan is a successful entrepreneur, tech investor, restaurateur, and the author of the book College Application Hacked - which focuses on writing killer personal statements and why college applications should be stress-free. He’s also a visiting professor at UC Berkeley where he teaches entrepreneurship. A two-time MIT graduate, Khan has written essays that have gotten him into MIT (twice), Stanford (twice), Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, and Brown. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Aidan and Ash take on the charged topic of drinking and propose a new model for how adults and teens should navigate discussions on alcohol consumption. In addition to revealing eye-opening research, they share their findings from a focus group with several Gen Z “drinkers'' and their parents. Aidan and Ash debate a wide range of topics including why the current parent-child dialogue and preventive programs on drinking are woefully inadequate, common misconceptions about teen drinking, the “real” reasons teens drink, and the impact parental drinking has on teen decision-making on drinking. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Political Correctness, Part 2

Political Correctness, Part 2

In the final part of the series, Aidan and Ash break down the 5 problems that plague political correctness in America. They explore the fascinating findings from the Hidden Tribes research, discuss the role of social media in exacerbating the tension, assess the critical role the laws of psychology and sociology play in the divide, and deduce why the country continues to politicize and weaponize the most charged social issues. In the end, Aidan and Ash each share the 5 “wishes” they believe would bring more harmony and allow political correctness to accomplish its original intent - make the world a better place. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Father’s Day Special: Top 10 Movies That Connect Us

Father’s Day Special: Top 10 Movies That Connect Us

Can movies help bridge the generational divide? Absolutely! In this Father's Day special episode, the guys debate which movies bridge the generational divide. Their search went beyond just feel good stories or inspirational biopics, but movies that help generations connect in important and meaningful ways. Aidan and Ash each propose their movie picks one by one, and openly debate which movies make the final Top 10. From comedies to dramas, recent Oscar winners to old classics, the poignant to the absurd, their final list is eclectic and ready for you this weekend! Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Political Correctness, Part 1

Political Correctness, Part 1

In the first of this two-part series, Aidan and Ash navigate the most controversial topic in America: Political Correctness. In part one, they argue there are five problems that underpin the growing divisiveness in America resulting from political correctness. After defining each problem, Ash and Aidan draw straws and debate the pros and cons of political correctness in society today. Even with the fear of being “canceled” looming large, the boys battle their respective positions valiantly, and learn to confront their own beliefs and biases in the process. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

A Letter From My Father

A Letter From My Father

My father recently had a tragic loss in his life. His older brother suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. As his son, I wanted to find a way to bring him some comfort in his greatest time of sorrow. This episode is my gift to him with the hope it brings him even the smallest amount of peace, solace, and love

TCU: Interview with Heath Einstein, Dean of Admission

TCU: Interview with Heath Einstein, Dean of Admission

Aidan and Ash wrap up the first installment of the College Admission Series (CAS) on a high note as they welcome on Heath Einstein, Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University (TCU). Mr. Einstein is in his tenth year at TCU, having spent the prior eight years as a college counselor at the most prestigious independent schools in New York and Texas. In this fascinating interview, Mr. Einstein discusses how data and analytics can explain the recent admission trends, and how TCU uses marketing analytics in their recruitment and admission process. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com

Cornell University: Interview with Jonathon Burdick, Vice Provost for Enrollment

Cornell University: Interview with Jonathon Burdick, Vice Provost for Enrollment

Aidan and Ash discuss "everything admissions" with Jonathan Burdick, a 35-year veteran in the field, and one of the most innovative and knowledgeable enrollment leaders in the country. Mr. Burdick leads Cornell's 15 colleges and school offices of admissions, financial aid, and registrar. Under his watch, Cornell has expanded opportunities for all students including international enrollment, and he’s brought “innovation” to the admissions process. An erudite in every sense, Mr. Burdick doesn’t shy away from the tough issues in this riveting and thought-provoking interview from start to finish. Who was more convincing: Aidan or Ash? Vote at HoldMeBack.com