Common Sense Media Review
By Diana Baron-Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Father-son debates bridge generational gap; mild language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say this podcast provides a unique and valuable platform for open and honest discussions between generations, particularly between parents and teens. The engaging father-son dynamic, combined with research-driven topics, fosters an environment where both sides can learn, challenge their viewpoints, and enhance communication, making it a must-listen for families looking to strengthen their relationships.
- open dialogue
- generational insights
- research-based discussions
- thought-provoking topics
- improved communication
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 1 kid review
What's It About?
HOLD ME BACK is a talk show that explores the many issues families with tweens and teens must navigate in modern America. Each episode, father and son hosts Ash and Aiden Eldifrawi debate a topic they are grappling with in their household, from grades and applying to college to screen time and privacy. Ash is a clinical psychologist with a background in family therapy and Aiden is a thoughtful and self-aware high schooler, whose opinionated banter with his father may be recognizable to any parent of a teen. They analyze relevant research and also share their personal experiences and opinions, attempting to come to accord from across the generational divide. At the end of each episode, they offer their new contract, a set of agreements that they generate together, through their discussion. Some episodes feature experts on particular topics to add varied format and perspective to the show.
Is It Any Good?
The show is a thoughtful examination of how norms and rules for teens are changing due to the ongoing evolution of technology and media. Led by father and son in the thick of these questions, Hold Me Back offers equal measure of raw, personal discussion and thorough engagement with research. Listeners may be surprised by the nuanced contract that emerges between father and son as a result of each conversation. Meanwhile, the Difrawi's dynamic together is a treat and it's clear how much the two respect one another.
As a teenager, Aidan is unafraid of sharing his strong opinions and disagreeing with his father. Ash gives a deeper insight into the parent perspective and how many of the topics discussed also seep into other family dynamics. In one episode Ash is candid about how him and his wife had to seek to therapy because of their differing opinions on their son's grades. This compelling podcast explores what a collaborative approach to crafting rules and expectations could look like for parents and teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Hold Me Back models active listening? What does active listening mean to you? How do you show people that you are listening to them? How does it feel when adults take your thoughts and ideas seriously?
What rules in your household seem unfair to you? Which seem fair? Why do you think that?
What are some feelings or parts of life that are difficult or confusing to you right now? What do you need to open up to a trusted adult about these challenges?
How do hosts Ash and Aiden demonstrate empathy, compassion, humility, teamwork and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Podcast Details
- Release date : March 25, 2021
- Genre : Mental Health & Wellness
- Run time : 60 minutes
- Website : https://holdmeback.com/
- Hosts : Aidan ElDifrawi , Ash ElDifrawi
- Production Company and Network : Independent
- Pricing structure : Free
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Gratitude , Humility , Teamwork
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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