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
106 episodes
Social Media Turned Bullying Into Content
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, amplifi...
Is Healthy Masculinity Even Possible Anymore?
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 103In 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 cultura...
The Male Victims Nobody Acknowledges | Domestic Violence Reality
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 102In 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 a...
The Unhappiest Generation Explained | Why Young Canadians Are Losing Hope
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 a...
Navigating the Sandwich Generation
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 100In 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 expectati...
Why Everyone Thinks They’re Right (The Psychology Behind It)
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 99In 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, ...
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FAFO Parenting vs Gentle Parenting: Are We Raising Resilient Kids or Doormats?
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 98In 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 fe...
Can ChatGPT Be Your Therapist? The Hidden Risks of AI in Mental Health
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 97In 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 help...
Ontario’s Psychology Shake-Up: Access at What Cost?
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 96Ontario 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 t...
Cancel Me If You Can: Eric Kaufmann on Ideology, Power & Free Speech
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 95In 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 ...
Navigating the Detransition Landscape
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 94In 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...
Why Gender Activism Without Evidence Is A Recipe For Disaster
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 93In 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 resear...
What’s Really Happening With Gender Identity in 2025?
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 92Interested in Stephanie Winn's ROGD Repair course? Use code "AWAKE" for 50% off your first month at www.rogdrepair.comFind Stephanie at https://stephaniewinn.comCheck out the You Must Be Some Kind o...
Colouring Outside the Lines: Bias in Kids’ Books
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 91In 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 explor...
To Kill a Conversation: Free Speech on Trial in the Classroom
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 90In 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 s...
Why Grit and Systems Matter More Than Hustle
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 89In 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 ...
Framing Family as Harmful: What’s Really Happening in Our Schools?
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 88In 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 ...
Can We Save Liberalism? Helen Pluckrose on the Fight for Reason
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 87In 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 evolutio...
The Politics of Danger: Pit Bulls, Activism, and Ignored Data
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 86In 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 un...
Barbara Kay: Reflections on Anti-Semitism and Identity Politics
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 85In 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. T...
The Lost Boys Report: Are Boys Really Falling Behind?
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 ...
Rethinking Adolescence: Are We Failing Boys’ Mental Health?
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 83In 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...
The Silent Struggles of Modern Men: Identity, Mental Health & Masculinity
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 expectation...
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 p...
Unmasking Manipulation & Bias: Dr Dina McMillan on Abuse, DEI, and Empowerment
Awake at the Wheel | Ep 80In 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 a...
