Hold Me Back

28/07/2023

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?

We are honored to welcome onto the show Emi Nietfeld - journalist, mental health advocate, and author of the highly acclaimed book, “Acceptance: A Memoir” - available August 1st. 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.”

Listen to the complete episode at http://bitly.ws/PnxM.

Listen to this episode from Hold Me Back: Son and Father Change the Conversation on Spotify. 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....

24/02/2023

It is with a heavy heart that we share our longtime friend, Heath Miller, passed away last Friday. Heath was a beautiful, compassionate person who brought joy to every connection he made. Heath lived his life each day wondering how he could make the world better. He made the world less gray and filled it with the color of his imagination and spirit. We will miss him with our whole hearts and are keeping his family and friends in our thoughts. Rest easy, friend.

16/12/2022

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. Listen to the full episode here, https://spoti.fi/3uZbyIR.

11/11/2022

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.
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After listening to Dan, Ash and Aidan can’t wait to play poker (or perhaps, never play it again)! Listen to the full episode by visiting, https://spoti.fi/3DYPz8V.

28/10/2022

Reimagining Diversity with Eboo Patel!
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Eboo is the 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.
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Listen to the full episode here, https://spoti.fi/3WaTqIi!

28/10/2022

Hold Me Back is excited to join the UChicago MAPSS Alumni to discuss connecting the generations! Follow the link below to register.

Mixer with food and drink, followed by a conversation with Ash and Aidan ElDifrawi, creators of the father-son podcast Hold Me Back

26/10/2022

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.
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Listen to the full episode here: https://spoti.fi/3zi5X2Z.

20/10/2022

We could not be more excited to welcome Emily Weinstein and Carrie James, Project Zero researchers and authors of ‘Behind Their Screens: What Teens are Facing (and Adults are Missing)’, as our next guests on latest episode, ‘Teens and Their Screens’!

“As a teen, I can’t express the gratitude I feel toward Emily and Carrie’s work. Knowing they’ve spent so many years doing research to help my generation lead happier and healthier lives inspires me to be better and find the harmony between our generations that we so desperately need.” - Aidan ElDifrawi

Check out their latest interview on the Today Show, as they discuss their findings and what teens and tweens are experiencing online - and how parents can help navigate that. You can also visit https://www.behindtheirscreens.com/ to read more from ‘Behind Their Screens’.

12/10/2022

“Who gets in and why?” is the question all prospective college students are asking themselves.
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Just when Aidan and Ash thought they have shared everything there is to know about the process, they had the opportunity to interview one of the brightest minds in the field - Jeff Selingo, New York Times Best-Selling Author of ‘Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions”.
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🎧 Hear more at https://spoti.fi/3SXC3sm.

30/09/2022

In the world of the workplace, it is a "buyer's market". From remote work, to benefits, to having windows in your office; what's important and what is not? We all have our opinions. But what's interesting is hearing it from your teenager. Ash has spent so much time in Gen Z’s world, Aidan felt it was time to turn the tables. Aidan infiltrated several work environments during his internships and exploratory visits this past summer - and he had some things to say! In fact, he made a Top 10 list of observations. Visit https://spoti.fi/3SQ6WPf to listen to the full episode.

25/09/2022

Is it important to know what you want to do with your life when you apply to college?
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Find the answer to that question and so many more about the college admissions process in this NEW episode of Hold Me Back! Join Aidan and Ash as they welcome Lee Coffin, Vice Provost for Enrollment and Dean of Dartmouth Admissions and Financial Aid at Dartmouth College. In this thought-provoking interview, Mr. Coffin discusses 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. Visit https://spoti.fi/3SfjpMq to hear more.

06/09/2022

Listen in as we 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. https://spoti.fi/3RcOuQj

30/08/2022

We are so pleased to announce that Hold Me Back is a finalist in TWO CATEGORIES for the People's Choice Podcast Awards - Kids & Family and Society - Culture! We are so honored to have made it so far thanks to the endless support from our family, friends, and listeners. We could not have done this without you all!

To see the complete list of nominations, visit https://www.podcastawards.com/.

29/08/2022

Ever wonder how we started Hold Me Back? Take a look at our interview with Kristen Scholer and cheddar news, where we chat about the first time we noticed the generational divide and how we wanted to create a safe space where we can model rational discourse based on facts and research instead of bias and reactionary comments. Thank you Kristen and Cheddar News for the chance to chat! https://bit.ly/3wD7Q97

08/08/2022

Changing the conversation on...Drinking. How should parents and teens navigate the conversation on alcohol consumption? As Aidan and Ash debate one of the heaviest topics of our social lives, they dive into 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. They also share their findings from a focus group with several Gen Z “drinkers''. Listen now, and let us know your thoughts in the comments or by leaving us a review! https://spoti.fi/3bEbFTW

02/08/2022

We are so excited to share our new look with you, and honored that it can be accompanied by Common Sense Media's Common Sense Selection badge. Hold Me Back has been selected as one of the first podcasts to earn this distinction from Common Sense Media, the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families. According to Common Sense Media, Hold Me Back is "an eye-opening podcast great for teens and adults to listen to together. It bridges the generational gap between kids and their parents in a real and empathetic way." Hold Me Back also stands out for diverse representations, positive messages, and positive role models. "It's humbling, and frankly unbelievable, to see the positive impact the Hold Me Back podcast is having on so many families. As a kid, my parents used Common Sense Media for guidance, and I could never have imagined that one day Hold Me Back would earn their endorsement and highest honor." - Aidan ElDifrawi
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Read more and leave a review for Hold Me Back at https://bit.ly/3Q8pxEC.

31/07/2022

LAST DAY TO VOTE🚨Hold Me Back has been nominated for People's Choice Podcast Awards in 3 CATEGORIES - so cast your votes TODAY!!

To make your nominations:
1. Visit https://www.podcastawards.com
2. Click on: "Nominations - Click Here to Vote"
3. You have to sign up which will only take a minute.
4. It will take you to the nominations page.
5. Hold Me Back was selected for nomination in the 3 categories:
⭐️The Adam Curry People's Choice Award
⭐️Kids and Family
⭐️Society - Culture
6. Pick 'Hold Me Back' for each category 😊
7. Hit the "Save Nominations" button.

Thank you for all your support!

The People's Choice Podcast Awards established in 2005 an annual event to honor the best podcasts in the podcasting space. 15th Annual Event Underway

09/07/2022

IMPORTANT UPDATE! 🚨Hold Me Back is in the running to be nominated for People's Choice Podcast Awards in 3 CATEGORIES - and we need YOUR help. We are so excited for this opportunity and are so very grateful to our audience and followers for supporting us. Cast your votes NOW! Voting is open until 7/31.
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To make your nominations:
1. Visit https://www.podcastawards.com/.
2. Click on: "Nominations - Click Here to Vote"
3. You have to sign up which will only take a minute.
4. It will take you to the nominations page.
5. Hold Me Back was selected for nomination in the 3 categories:
⭐️The Adam Curry People's Choice Award
⭐️Kids and Family
⭐️Society - Culture
6. Pick 'Hold Me Back' for each category 😊
7. Hit the "Save Nominations" button.

05/07/2022

And we're back for Part 2! With the fear of being “canceled” looming large, Ash and Aidan tackle one of the most controversial topics in America: Political Correctness. Breaking down the 5 problems that plague political correctness in America, Aidan and Ash explore some fascinating findings, 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. Listen to the latest episode at https://spoti.fi/3yhjYN3.
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Drop us your take on "Political Correctness" in the comments. ⬇️

17/06/2022

What better way to spend Father's Day than binge watching the TOP 10 MOVIES to help bridge the generational divide! In this Father's Day special episode, the guys debate which movies should be on that list. Their search went beyond just feel good stories or inspirational biopics, but movies that help generations connect in important and meaningful ways. From comedies to dramas, recent Oscar winners to old classics, the poignant to the absurd, their final list is eclectic and ready for you and the entire family to watch together! To listen more, click https://spoti.fi/3Orbdq5.
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Do you have a movie that you think helps generations to connect? Drop it in the comments below and tell us your favorite scene!

20/05/2022

With the fear of being “canceled” looming large, Ash and Aidan tackle one of the most controversial topics in America: Political Correctness. While they battle their respective positions valiantly, Ash and Aidan learn to confront their own beliefs and biases in the process - identifying the problems that underpin this growing divisiveness in America. Listen in to the latest episode here: https://spoti.fi/3NqMvW7.
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Drop us your take on "Political Correctness" in the comments. ⬇️

26/04/2022

The pandemic challenged many people to make changes in their lives, and to try to find the good when there seemed to be little light at the end of the tunnel. For our family, that meant more family dinners and many more family debates - but in between those dinners and debates we focused on three good things that helped us all find the positive in even the smallest things.
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Read more from Aidan ElDifrawi about how two family traditions helped him learn two key life lessons in 'Three Good Things'.

The idea to have a podcast discussing how our generations are growing apart was the result of an unexpected clash of two family traditions that were meant to bring my family closer together. One of the traditions was the brainchild of my parents, while the other was thrust upon us during the pandemi...

14/04/2022

We could not be more excited to rank in several of Goodpods Top 100 Podcast Charts! Thank you to every single one of our listeners for taking the time to listen in as we discuss, openly and honestly, the hot topics that can divide generations. With each episode, we are one step closer to bridging the gap of understanding between teens and parents.
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To see what all the buzz is about, listen to Hold Me Back on Apple Podcasts. https://apple.co/3iseSpH

06/04/2022

We started Hold Me Back with the hope to inspire teens and their parents to have conversations - even the hard ones - more openly and honestly with each other. I quickly realized that this podcast is about so much more than that. It is about showing families how to love and understand one another - and this latest episode is about just that.

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. https://apple.co/3DCRWxw

From,
Aidan ElDifrawi

31/03/2022

“Conversational and fun, but also sincere and honest about the generational tensions between father and son.” Thank you so much for the feature, Axios Chicago! We are super excited to continue having conversations and creating a space where open dialogue helps us to see another person’s perspective on things. To read more visit https://bit.ly/3IXCRaZ.

Father and son are trying to bridge the generational gap.

20/03/2022

Closing out our College Admissions Series on a high note with Heath Einstein, Dean of Admission at TCU – Texas Christian University (TCU). 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. To learn more about the college admission process from leaders in the field, check out our College Admission Series on Apple Podcasts. https://apple.co/34MRvDR

15/03/2022

How is it possible for a student to “stand out” in the morass of thousands of seemingly “perfect” college applicants today? The answer might not be what you think.
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Check out this insightful blog by Hold Me Backs’ own, Aidan ElDifrawi - where he dissects the “standout factor” that so many colleges are looking for in their applicants. https://bit.ly/3tZCVlc

This new reality has given rise to a multi-billion dollar industry of college admission consultants, whose primary goal is to increase the odds of students being admitted to their “reach” schools. How? The answer to this multi-billion dollar question is by making sure student’s applications .....

01/03/2022

Want to hear from one of the most innovative and knowledgeable enrollment leaders in the country? Join us as we discuss "everything admissions" with Jonathan Burdick. As Cornell University's Vice Provost for Enrollment, Mr. Burdick oversees 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. Listen more on Apple Podcasts now! https://apple.co/3BXDNdy Cornell Admissions

27/02/2022

From grades to sports to our favorite tacos from Taco Grill and Salsa Bar, we always have something to talk about (or debate lol). But taking the time to unplug and relax over some good eats is the best way to do it! All of our favorite things in one moment.

14/02/2022

In this lively and information-packed interview with Rick Clark, Georgia Tech’s Director of Admission, Mr. Clark shares the admission process at public universities, while dispelling several myths that have been propagated by “clickbait” headlines. Under his leadership, the Institute has exceeded every goal including advancing the academic class profile while driving geographic, gender, and ethnic diversity. Mr. Clark is also the co-author of the book, The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together.
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We really enjoyed the balanced perspective Mr. Clark brought to our CAS and we think you will too. Listen more on Apple Podcasts! https://apple.co/3uQVMkx

Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech Office of Undergraduate Admission

12/02/2022

Prepping for Super Bowl Sunday like… 🏈🤘🏼
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What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?

03/02/2022

Listen into this fun, lively, and incredibly illuminating interview with one of the most respected leaders in the global admissions community - Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Duke University since 2006, Christoph Guttentag. During Mr. Guttentag's tenure, the Duke student body has seen significant increases in diversity, creativity, and inclusiveness while maintaining its standards of excellence - and with this enlightening interview, we hope we can provide our listeners with even more clarity into the college admissions process. Duke Undergraduate Admissions

Listen more on Apple Podcasts! https://apple.co/3updUBu

28/01/2022

The only way to have meaningful conversations is to keep it real. 😎

Love our show? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! https://apple.co/3mDOjjG

27/01/2022

Questions about college admissions? We've got you covered! Aidan and Ash interview Lauren Lieberman, currently the Director of College Counseling at Shady Side Academy and former Assistant Director of Admissions at The University of Chicago. Lauren has spent two decades deep in the trenches, helping thousands of families navigate the college admissions process. As a result, Lauren is a highly respected figure in the national landscape of college admissions. Having been on both sides of the fence, Lauren shares a unique perspective that’s both compassionate and pragmatic in this extensive and informative interview.
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Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts and check out our upcoming interviews with admission leaders from Cornell University, Duke University, Georgia Tech, and TCU – Texas Christian University.

27/01/2022

Family dinners are important to us - cooking family dinners is even more important. It is a chance for us to learn some things from each other, and maybe even play a round of Top Chef while we’re at it!
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What is your favorite recipe to cook together?

25/01/2022

NEW EPISODE(S) ALERT‼️
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The college admissions process has become increasingly filled with uncertainty and stress for millions of families. In this multi-part series, Aidan and Ash interview the admission leaders of several renowned universities in an effort to demystify the admissions process so families can navigate through it in a healthy and rewarding manner.
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This episode reveals eye-opening data and sets the context for upcoming interviews with admission leaders from Cornell University, Duke University, Georgia Tech, TCU – Texas Christian University, and a nationally respected college counselor.
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What questions do you have about the college admissions process? To hear more, visit https://apple.co/3IFJS0y!

12/01/2022

Active listening skills are essential for productive conversations. Be sure to pay attention, withhold judgement, and reflect before sharing your own response.

09/01/2022

In 2022, we set ! What has become a family tradition, has also become the best kind of for the ElDifrawis. Brunching and discussing ways to grow with your loved ones is the best way to kick-off the new year. What are your intentions?

05/01/2022

Bringing it back to where it all started - our very first episode! If you’re new here, it’s time to catch up. Tune into our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and listen to our first season where we present research, debate our sides, and try* to find some common ground. https://linktr.ee/holdmebackpodcast

02/01/2022

Kicking the new year off with some positivity! Can’t wait to continue to keeping the conversations between generations fluid and open in our upcoming episodes.

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! https://apple.co/3mDOjjG