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.
Disclaimer: Awake at the Wheel is a platform for open dialogue, critical thinking, and the exploration of diverse perspectives. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts, Dr. Oren Amitay and Malini Ondrovcik, or their affiliated organizations. The inclusion of a guest or discussion of a particular viewpoint does not constitute agreement with, support for, or endorsement of that guest's statements, beliefs, or positions.
The purpose of these conversations is to encourage thoughtful examination of complex issues, not to advocate for any particular ideology or position.
Episodes
91 episodes
The Dating Game | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 22
In this episode, Malini and Oren discuss the perils of modern dating and navigating early relationships. From how to select a partner to the importance of knowing exactly what you are looking for, and tips for communicating those needs clearly ...
Diversity Revisited | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 21
Our hosts revisit the topic of DEI, and further delve into how poor implementations of a potentially noble cause have led to terrible consequences, both for the people they have wrongly targeted, and even the people or groups they purport to he...
Pandemic: The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 20
In this episode, Oren and Malini delve into the profound psychological and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore various aspects, including the effects on education at different levels, the impact on relationships and connectedn...
Parenting: Beyond the Hype | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 18
In this episode, Malini and Oren take a critical look at current trends in parenting and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations that parents can implement into their parenting practice today.Read the book:
Autoheterosexual Pt 2: Paradigm Shifter | Awake at the Wheel | Phil Illy | Ep 17
In this episode, Oren and Malini welcome their guest, Phil Illy, author of the paradigm-shifting book, Autoheterosexual: Attracted to Being the Other Sex. Phil discusses his personal journey with regard to his sexual orientation, what in...
Autoheterosexual Pt 1: Redefining Autogynephilia | Awake at the Wheel | Phil Illy | Ep 16
In this episode, Oren and Malini welcome their guest, Phil Illy, author of the paradigm-shifting book, Autoheterosexual: Attracted to Being the Other Sex. Phil discusses his personal journey with rega...
Unmasking Social Media: Psychological Implications | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 15
In this episode, Oren and Malini discuss the social and psychological implications of increased exposure to social media and electronic communication, including topics such as dating, psychopathic behaviour, and ghosting, and the negative impac...
The Truth About Cheating | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 14
In this episode, Malini and Oren discuss the silent killer of relationships-- infidelity. They explore differences amongst male and female cheating behaviour, why people cheat, and whether or not a couple can overcome the damage. <...
Hard Work: Is it toxic, or are you just lazy? | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 8
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Oren and I discuss current attitudes that not only denounce the value of hard work, but celebrate excuses and lack of accountability. I also share a very personal story that helped fuel my own strong work ...
Relationships: Is monogamy for everyone? | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 7
In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Malini and Oren discuss the concept of consensually non-monogamous relationships, better known as open relationships. They explore factors that often lead couples to consider this lifestyle, in addition to...
Who are you calling crazy!? | Awake at the Wheel | Rounds Table Mini
In this Rounds Table mini, Oren and Malini discuss questions they have received in response to the episode Words Have Meaning (https://youtu.be/HBWHVyA1QBs), specifically regarding the use of the word 'crazy'. In the healthcare pro...
Andrew Tate: Masculinity or Misogyny? | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 6
In this Rounds Table episode of Awake at the Wheel, Oren and Malini discuss questions they have received regarding the controversial social media personality, Andrew Tate. They take a critical-thinking approach to criticisms against Tate, and a...
Words Have Meaning | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 5
In this week’s episode of Awake at the Wheel, Malini and Oren discuss the ways in which language has evolved in a manner whereby it has become divisive, weaponized, and manipulated such that it satisfies various narratives. In this episod...
Marriage: It’s not All About You | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 4
In this episode, Malini and Oren discuss the implications of various social phenomena on the institute of marriage and romantic relationships. They explore the role of narcissism, feminism, culture, and core values as they relate to the develop...
Unpacking the Patriarchy | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 3
Join Malini and Oren as they discuss the concept of the patriarchy in North America, and the perceived and tangible impact it has on the success of women. In this episode, they also explore the role of academia, family values, and corporate cul...
The Diversity Debate | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 2
This week, our hosts are discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives which are cropping up in all kinds of institutions. Malini and Oren discuss the importance and implications of such initiatives, and also explore important conside...