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Awake at the Wheel

Dr Oren Amitay and Malini Ondrovcik

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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 compet ...
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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 cha…
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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 e…
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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 worl…
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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 n…
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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 hi…
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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 c…
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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 relationship…
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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 revo…
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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 challe…
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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…
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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…
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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 challeng…
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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 i…
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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 …
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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, whil…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 70 In this episode, we dive into the critical conversation around children, smartphones, and social media. Drawing on Jonathan Haidt's advice to delay cell phone and social media use until age 16, we explore the challenges parents face in today's tech-driven world. From monitoring phone usage and setting healthy boundaries t…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 69 In this episode, Malini and Orin discuss the issue of men being left out of the conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of psychology. They highlight the growing proportion of women in the field and how this has led to biased research and a lack of understanding for men seeking therapy. They cr…
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Awake at the Wheel Ep 68 In this episode, we explore US Politics and why the United States feels more divided than ever. We dive into the psychology behind political polarization, cognitive dissonance, and the impact of social media on our beliefs. Discover how isolation, loneliness, and the lack of critical thinking contribute to the growing divid…
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Grief is an overwhelming journey that touches every part of our lives. In this episode, we explore the stages of grief, providing clear, educational insights into the emotional rollercoaster that follows loss. We also dive into the Empty Chair Theory, a therapeutic tool that empowers individuals to process their emotions in a tangible way. Whether …
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 66 This episode explores the question of whether men feel safe sharing their emotions with women or if they prefer to share with inanimate objects like trees. The discussion highlights the societal expectations and stereotypes that contribute to men's difficulty in expressing their emotions. It also touches on the manipulati…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 65 In this episode, we delve into the controversial topic of 'Man vs. Bear' and the damaging narratives it perpetuates. We explore the troubling comparison between encountering a bear and encountering a man, highlighting issues of gender bias, toxic feminism, and the impact on children and teens. Our discussion emphasizes th…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 64 In this episode, Malini and Oren dive deep into the movie Inside Out 2 from a psychological perspective. They share their disappointment with the film's portrayal of anxiety, noting its failure to differentiate between normal and disordered anxiety. They critique the movie for its ethnocentric viewpoint and lack of repres…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 63 The conversation delves into the complexities of attachment wounds, parental relationships, and the impact on adult behavior. It explores the role of personal accountability, the repetition compulsion, and the use of therapy modalities like EMDR to reconcile difficult feelings. 00:00 Addressing Attachment Wounds and Paren…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 62 Dr. Maggie Yu, a family practice and certified functional medicine physician, shares her personal health journey and the inspiration behind her holistic approach to medicine. She discusses the limitations of traditional healthcare and the impact of her own illness on her perspective as a physician. Dr. Yu also delves into…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 61 In this episode, Malini and DocAmitay discuss the victimhood mentality that is increasingly prevalent in society. They reference a study called the Dartmouth scar experiment, which showed that individuals who believed they were at a disadvantage perceived discrimination even when it didn't exist. They highlight the crisis…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 60 In this episode, the hosts discuss the topic of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and its potential harm. They explore the idea that the hyper-focus on race and the importance placed on it can be problematic. They argue that the emphasis on one's race or color of skin as the most important aspect of their identity fe…
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Awake at The Wheel | Ep 59 In this episode, Malini and Oren delve into Scott Adams' controversial assertions, particularly regarding Democrats' mental health, demonic behavior based on body language, and white liberal women's impact on America. They critique Adams' dichotomous framing of Democrats and Republicans, as well as his portrayal of wokeis…
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Awake at the Wheel | Episode 58 In this episode, Malini and Oren discuss the work of Scott Adams, known for his comic strip Dilbert. They explore Adams' controversial statements about race and his criticism of the media, schools, and government for stoking interracial division. They also discuss Adams' use of framing and persuasion techniques, as w…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 57 The conversation discusses TikTok relationship tests and their impact on relationships. It explores the factors of inequity in relationships, including commitment, investment, sacrifice, and respect. The discussion highlights the unhealthy dynamics and gaslighting present in the first test video. It also addresses the man…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 56 The conversation explores the pros and cons of introducing therapy in the workplace, particularly through employee assistance programs (EAPs) and in-house therapists. The limitations of EAPs, such as limited sessions and insufficient training, are discussed. The conflicts of interest and lack of trust that arise when ther…
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Today's episode explores the increase in bad behavior, particularly among young people, and the lack of action by schools and authorities. It discusses the role of teachers, school boards, and the removal of police from schools. The racialization of issues and the complex factors contributing to violence are also examined. The conversation highligh…
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In this episode, Professor David Millard Haskell discusses his experiences and research on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He shares his involvement in the Lindsay Shepherd affair and the importance of defending freedom of expression. Professor Haskell highlights the decline of religion among youth and the need for grand narratives in socie…
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Awake at the Wheel | Episode 53 In this episode, Warren Smith discusses his viral video on critical thinking and the power of questions. He shares his background in filmmaking and teaching, particularly at the high school level. The conversation explores the reasons behind the video's resonance and the criticism it received. Warren also reflects on…
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This week, Malini and Oren delve into a thought-provoking discussion surrounding the controversial assertion that "math is racist." The conversation was ignited by a recent court decision that overturned a prior determination deeming a math proficiency test for teachers as discriminatory. Our hosts navigate through the intricacies of this issue, ex…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 51 In this episode, Malini and Oren delve into a critical examination of the body positivity movement. They question the movement's underlying intentions, exploring whether it is fostering a constructive perspective on health or contributing to an unhealthy attitude. They cover issues like anorexia and morbid obesity, explor…
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In recent years, social media has seen a rise in the portrayal of fake disorders like Tourette's, DID, and CPTSD. This video dives into the controversy and impact of these portrayals and the implications it has for those who actually live with these disabilities. Let's have a conversation about what it means to be truly disabled in a society where …
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Is marriage really as difficult as people make it out to be? In this video, we'll be exploring this topic and sharing some valuable marriage advice based on our own experiences and professional expertise. From TikTok challenges to popular opinions, we'll react to what people have to say about marriage and give our own perspective. Watch this video …
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Join Malini and Oren in a thought-provoking discussion on the entitlement epidemic and how to break free from its grip. Watch as they react to viral videos and share insightful perspectives on the impact of entitlement on society. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation. #entitlement #mentalhealth #selfimprovement. We want your questions! Future e…
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In this video, guest Mark Tuggle talks about his book, and about the struggles that men and boys face in a world where they are taught to remain silent. Despite the cultural pressure for men to stay silent about their feelings, it's important for all genders to prioritize mental health and break the stigma. It's crucial to start conversations and b…
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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 46 In this episode Malini and Oren discuss the recent resurgence of calls for outright cell phone bans in classrooms and school boards or districts across North America, and the controversy surrounding them. Touching on topics of digital addiction, cyber bullying, and the pros and cons of cell phone use in the classroom, fro…
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Malini and Oren analyze popular videos addressing "pretty privilege"—the belief that conventionally attractive individuals receive preferential treatment in various aspects of society, including education, careers, and the legal system. The hosts delve into whether this perceived advantage stems from genuine merit or is merely a manifestation of in…
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Malini and Oren critically engage with trending videos addressing trauma and PTSD, exploring the reliability of online creators in delivering precise information with the necessary context and nuance. In this episode, our hosts delve into the intricacies of PTSD development, examining the reasons why it doesn't manifest uniformly in every individua…
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Malini and Oren explore the common pitfalls of New Year's Resolutions and propose a shift towards setting specific, achievable goals. They provide practical advice and strategies to make these goals more realistic. As you approach the new year, consider taking small, manageable steps on the path of self-improvement, following the insights and guida…
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In this episode of 'Awake at the Wheel,' Malini and Oren are joined by Reverend Kevin Saunders for an engaging exploration of religion, morality, psychology, and community. Can one lead a moral life without the guidance of religion? The conversation delves into the intriguing dichotomy of religious tolerance and intolerance, examining why some indi…
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In this episode, hosts Malini and Oren address the challenges that the holiday season can bring, acknowledging that despite its reputation as the "most wonderful time of the year," it often comes with stress. They highlight various sources of stress, including toxic family dynamics, financial pressure, and feelings of loneliness. The hosts then pro…
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Oren and Malini deepen their dialogue with Chanel Pfahl, delving into the pervasive ideologies infiltrating schools and their impact on fundamental education. Chanel offers strategic insights for parents and teachers on pushing back against disagreeable ideologies, fostering a compelling discussion on reclaiming the essence of education. Follow Cha…
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Malini and Oren are joined by Chanel Pfahl, a former teacher committed to exposing and combating the infiltration of ideology in schools. Chanel candidly discusses how she uncovered these issues and the personal repercussions she faced for speaking out against what she believes is wrong. The conversation revolves around the qualities that help indi…
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Social Work, Adversity, and Diversity | Shara Ruffin | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 38 Malini and Oren welcome Shara Ruffin, a distinguished guest with an impressive array of professional titles: LCSW, QCSW, ACSW, C-SWHC, BC-TMH. Shara is not only a Social Worker but also a Podcaster, Professional Development Coach, and the CEO at Journey to Licensure L…
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Oren and Malini dive into a discussion on identifying ADHD in this podcast episode. Together, they react to three widely watched videos on the subject, dissecting the valuable information within them while also addressing the shortcomings and gaps inherent in short-form content. Gain insights into the nuanced process of identifying ADHD, exploring …
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Join Malini and Oren as they provide a professional, critical analysis of three popular TikTok videos on marriage and relationships. They explore topics like reasons for staying in challenging relationships, infidelity, privilege, and the stages and cycles of love, offering valuable insights into these complex issues. Dive into this thought-provoki…
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