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.
Awake at the Wheel
The Honesty Experiment: Journaling, Masculinity, and Healing
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.
Together with Malini and Oren, Eric delves into the often-overlooked challenges men face in expressing vulnerability, confronting societal expectations, and seeking support. They emphasize the transformative power of honest conversations and structured approaches to personal development, inspired by thought leaders like the Beatles and Einstein.
The dialogue thoughtfully navigates themes of masculinity, self-discovery, and the essential role of journaling as a means of understanding oneself and navigating life’s difficulties. With practical advice and real-world insights, this episode encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability, cultivate self-awareness, and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilled, authentic life.
Read Eric's Book, Ruthless: https://a.co/d/cDseXje
Visit Eric Online: https://www.thehonestyexperiment.com
takeaways
-Eric's childhood was marked by homelessness and trauma.
-He struggled with narcissism and toxic relationships.
-Journaling helped him shed self-deception.
-Stoicism played a crucial role in his transformation.
-Men often resist discussing feelings due to societal norms.
-Trauma can lead to a breaking point that prompts change.
-Support systems can help prevent hitting rock bottom.
-The Honesty Experiment promotes structured journaling.
-Life's balance is akin to navigating a river.
-Personal growth requires continuous self-auditing. You have to viscerally feel your experiences to understand them.
-Rock bottom is subjective; it varies for everyone.
-Seek help the moment you feel sad; it's not normal to be unhappy.
-Communication is key in relationships, especially for men.
-Ego is the number one enemy to happiness and fulfillment.
-Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth.
-Exercise restraint in one area of life to find joy.
-Personal growth requires effort and self-honesty.
-Compersion is essential for building healthy relationships.
-The narrative we create about our lives shapes our reality.-
Sound Bites
"I grew up homeless on the streets."
"I was through and through a narcissist."
"Life is like a river, balance is key."
"I want to be the best version of me."
"You have to viscerally feel it."
"Your rock bottom is not my rock bottom."
"You have to do the work."
"Love begets love."
"The joy of exercising restraint."
"Just get up and write."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Men's Mental Health
00:56 Eric's Journey: From Homelessness to Healing
07:57 The Power of Journaling and Stoicism
13:31 Trauma and Motivation: Finding Purpose
18:09 Influences of Greatness: The Beatles and Einstein
22:41 The Honesty Experiment: A Structured Approach to Journaling
25:55 Rock Bottom: The Path to Recovery
26:20 The Journey to Self-Awareness
We want your questions! Future episodes will feature a new segment, Rounds Table, where Malini and Dr Amitay will answer your questions, discuss your comments, and explore your ideas. Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a comment on this video!
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