Awake at the Wheel
Join Clinical Psychologist Dr. Oren Amitay and Registered Psychotherapist Malini Ondrovcik each week as they tackle hot-button issues from every angle. With sharp clinical insights, lived experience, and a bit of out-of-the-box thinking, Malini and Oren dive deep into today’s social and psychological trends, leaving you ready to form your own take. Malini runs a multidisciplinary clinic and specializes in trauma, ADHD, anxiety, chronic pain, and more, with a strong focus on culturally competent care. She’s worked extensively with first responders and even serves as an expert witness in trauma cases. Dr. Amitay brings nearly 30 years of expertise in therapy, assessment, and university lecturing, focusing on mood, personality, and relationship issues. He’s a frequent expert witness, well-versed in psychological evaluations, and has a few academic publications under his belt. Get ready for lively discussions, and insightful perspectives.
Episodes
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 90
In this episode of "Awake at the Wheel," we delve into the complexities of addressing controversial topics in education. Join us as we explore the story of Matthew Mastronardi, a high school teacher who faced significant consequences for encouraging open dialogue and critical thinking in his classroom. Discover the challenges educators face when balancing truth-telling with societal pre...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 89
In this episode, Brittany Rastsmith discusses the psychological traits that contribute to successful entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of grit, resilience, and intrinsic motivation. She explores the challenges of hustle culture, the necessity of support systems, and the significance of mentorship. Brittany also highlights the need for effective leadership and systems to foster growth i...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 88
In this conversation, Malini Ondrovcik and Melanie Bennett discuss the significant changes occurring in the education system, particularly in Ontario. They explore the implications of critical race theory, the framing of family as harmful, and the rise of ideological content in education. Melanie shares her personal journey into education advocacy, highlighting the challenges of censorship and th...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 87
In this conversation, Helen Pluckrose discusses her journey as a liberal humanist, her involvement in the Grievance Studies Affair, and the implications of social justice movements. She reflects on the evolution of liberalism, the challenges posed by critical social justice theories, and the backlash against her work. Pluckrose shares her personal experiences with public scrutiny and character as...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 86
In Part 2 of our conversation with journalist Barbara Kay, we take a deep dive into one of her most provocative topics: the intersection of pit bull advocacy, public safety, and progressive ideology. Barbara unpacks the data around breed-specific attacks, the ideological resistance to breed-specific legislation, and what this debate reveals about a broader trend—where emotional narratives often o...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 85
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, hosts Malini Ondrovcik and Dr Oren Amitay engage with Barbara Kay, a seasoned columnist and author, to explore the evolving landscape of ideology, culture, and activism. They discuss Barbara's personal journey, the shift in academic discourse, the evolution of journalism, and the challenges faced by individuals speaking out against prevailing narratives...
In this conversation, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr Oren Amitay discuss the various challenges boys face in society today, focusing on education, employment, mental health, and family dynamics. They highlight alarming statistics that reveal boys are struggling academically, economically, and emotionally, often leading to severe outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the need for tailored educational approaches, increased representation of m...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 83
In this episode, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay take a critical look at how boys’ mental health is portrayed in a popular new TV series—and where it gets things right, wrong, or dangerously oversimplified. They unpack the real-life risk and protective factors shaping boys’ development today, from the unfiltered world of internet access to the quiet influence of peer pressure, self-esteem, a...
In this conversation, Malini Ondrovcik discusses the crisis of masculinity, focusing on the psychological distress men face in modern society. The discussion covers the barriers men encounter in psychotherapy, the impact of societal expectations on their roles, and the importance of identity and career fulfillment. The conversation emphasizes the need for recognition of men's issues and the unique challenges they face in a cha...
In this compelling conversation, Eric Ruth shares his remarkable journey from a childhood shaped by homelessness and trauma to becoming a passionate advocate for men’s mental health through his initiative, the Honesty Experiment. Drawing from personal experience, Eric explores how journaling, stoicism, and self-awareness became powerful tools in his path to healing and growth—and how they can help others do the same.
Toget...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 80
In this powerful episode of Awake at the Wheel, social psychologist Dr. Dina McMillan takes us on a deep dive into the hidden dynamics of manipulation, bias, and abuse. She shares her personal journey through academia, the challenges of confronting bias, and her mission to educate the public on recognizing and resisting coercive tactics in relationships. Dr. McMillan also critiques current DEI in...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 79
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay explore the complexities of adult friendships and the challenges of forming and maintaining meaningful connections. They discuss how friendships evolve from childhood to adulthood, the impact of life demands, and the dynamics of toxic relationships. The conversation delves into the differences between introverts and extroverts...
Valentine’s Day pressure is ruining relationships—but no one talks about why. In this eye-opening conversation, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay dive into the unrealistic expectations surrounding Valentine’s Day and how they often lead to disappointment in the bedroom. They’re joined by Dr. Elliot Justin, Founder and CEO of FirmTech, who’s revolutionizing men’s sexual health with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance erec...
In this episode, Malini Ondrovcik and Doc Amitay discuss the recent resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, exploring the public's reaction, the implications for Canadian politics, and the broader themes of hope and cognitive dissonance in political identity. They delve into the emotional responses to Trudeau's leadership, the challenges of navigating political beliefs in a changing landscape, and the impor...
In this conversation, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay delve into the often overlooked mental health struggles of new fathers, discussing the societal expectations and pressures they face. They explore the impact of feminism on masculinity, the importance of communication in relationships, and the need for a balanced approach to parenting roles. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of resentment and the necessity f...
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr Oren Amitay dive into the complexities of holiday parenting. From gift-giving stress and social media pressures to setting family boundaries and debating the magic of Santa Claus, they explore how parents can thoughtfully navigate the season while balancing childhood wonder and critical thinking. Tune in for practical tips and insights to help you thrive during the holi...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 74
In this conversation, Malini Ondrovcik and Leigh Revers explore the feminization of academia, the dynamics of gender in higher education, and the implications of equity versus equality in academic settings. They discuss the controversial perspectives surrounding these topics, the role of women in science, and the challenges of accommodating students with varying needs. The conversation also touch...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 73
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr Oren Amitay discuss the implications of the recent US election on society and the emotional responses of their clients. They explore themes of change, extremism, resignation versus acceptance, disappointment in female leadership, and the dangers of political isolation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 72 In this episode, Dr. Maggie Yu dives into the intricate world of chronic pain and its often misunderstood relationship with autoimmunity. She addresses the psychological toll of chronic pain, debunks myths surrounding fibromyalgia as a 'trash can' diagnosis, and highlights the powerful connections between long COVID, gut health, and overall well-being. Dr. Yu shares insights on dietary interven...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 71
In this episode, Dr. Julie Cappel shares her journey from being a veterinarian to becoming a life coach, emphasizing the importance of mental health and resilience in the veterinary profession. She discusses the challenges faced by veterinarians, including compassion fatigue, client emotions, and financial pressures, while offering strategies for coping and finding fulfillment in their work. The ...
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