Hold Me Back: Son and Father Change the Conversation

Latest Episodes:

Teens and Their Screens Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

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 Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

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 Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

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 Sep 21, 2022

Show notes

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 Aug 31, 2022

Show notes

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

Drinking Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

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 Jul 01, 2022

Show notes

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 Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

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 May 18, 2022

Show notes

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 Apr 02, 2022

Show notes

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

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