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
In this episode, Malini and Dr. Amitay delve into the alarming rise of the "flip the camera" trend, a form of online bullying that blends in-person humiliation with digital permanence. They explore how this behavior dehumanizes victims, amplifies cruelty, and the societal and developmental implications behind it.
Main Topics:
-The mechanics and evolution of the "flip the camera" bullying trend
-...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 103
In this episode, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay unpack the confusing and often damaging messages men receive about masculinity, sexuality, hygiene, and emotional expression. From online shame and cultural stereotypes to bias in therapy and mental health training, this conversation explores how young men are being shaped by fear-based narratives rather than nuance, confidence, and self-awar...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 102
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Dr. Oren Amitay and Malini Ondrovcik are joined by Dr. Dina McMillan—social psychologist, author, and expert on abuse dynamics—to discuss an issue that is rarely talked about: domestic violence against men.
While public conversations about intimate partner violence often focus on female victims, research suggests that male victims of domestic abuse...
Are you curious about why Canada's youth are reporting unprecedented levels of unhappiness? In this episode, we explore the societal, economic, and cultural factors influencing mental well-being, and discuss practical ways to build resilience and fulfillment in today’s complex world.
Key topics:
-The shift in happiness among Canadian youth from 2011 to 2025, and why it matters
-Economic pressures: rising ...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 100
In this episode, Malini Ondrovcik and Doc Amitay discuss the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, who are balancing caregiving for both their children and aging parents. They explore cultural expectations, the emotional toll of guilt and resentment, family dynamics, and the importance of self-care. The conversation also highlights practical solutions and resources available for caregiver...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 99
In this episode, Malini Ondrovcik and Doc Amitay explore how perspective shapes our experience of the world — and why black-and-white thinking can intensify stress, conflict, and anxiety. They discuss empathy, critical thinking, the impact of parenting, and how strengthening personal agency helps us navigate complexity without getting pulled into extremes.
Takeaways
-People inte...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 98
In this episode, Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay dive into the rise of “FAFO” (F*ck Around and Find Out) parenting and how it stacks up against gentle parenting. We talk about when kids actually need to feel natural consequences, why accountability and resilience matter more than ever, and how to hold the line—especially with teenagers—without becoming a drill sergeant. We also get honest ab...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 97
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, we dive into the messy, fascinating question: Can AI ever really replace a human therapist? Using tools like ChatGPT as a jumping-off point, we unpack where AI can be helpful—and where it becomes downright dangerous. We explore why real healing depends on human connection, empathy, and a genuine therapeutic relationship that no algorithm can truly mimic. We ...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 96
Ontario is considering cutting back training and supervision for psychologists. That may open doors, but at what cost? Dr. Oren Amitay and Malini Ondrovcik examine the data logic and clinical realities behind the proposal, separating “more providers” from “better care.” We explore why rigorous standards exist, where supervision truly improves outcomes, and how to expand access without lowering th...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 95
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Malini and Oren engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Eric Kaufmann, a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham. They delve into themes of cultural identity, ideological polarization, and the psychology of belief systems. Eric shares his experiences with cancel culture, the impact of social media, and the misconceptions surrounding the...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 94
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, host Malini Ondrovcik engages with Lynn Chadwick and Michelle Mackness, advocates for detransitioners. They discuss the complexities surrounding gender identity, the flaws in current medical and legal systems, and the emotional toll of their advocacy work. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, legal representation, and the need for...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 93
In this compelling episode of "Awake at the Wheel," hosts Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay delve into the complex world of gender ideology and medicine with guest Mia Hughes, a British journalist and researcher. Mia shares her journey from a politically left-leaning teacher to a prominent voice in the gender debate, highlighting her work with Genspect Canada and the MacDonald-Laurie...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 92
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In this conversation, licensed marriage and family therapist...
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 91
In this thought-provoking episode of "Awake at the Wheel," hosts Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay delve into the complex world of social justice messaging and its influence on young minds. They explore the challenges of biased educational materials and the importance of fostering critical thinking in children. Through candid discussions, they highlight the potential dangers of indo...
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...
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