Awake at the Wheel

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 society. He also presents his study on DEI, which chall...

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 his approach to analyzing ContraPoints'...

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, exploring themes such as destreaming, the...

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, exploring the reasons people gravitate towards thes...

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 fake disorders are sensationalized for a...

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 to find out the truth behind the misconc...

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! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet...

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 break the cycle of silence surrounding me...

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, from their use as assistive devices to tools for chea...

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 inherent bias, exploring the psychological...

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 individual who undergoes trauma. Additionally, they na...

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 guidance they share. #newyear  #resolution #goals...

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 individuals within faith communities embrace...

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 provide strategies to help listeners mainta...

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 Chanel on X: https://twitter.com/chanlpfa Chanel&apo...

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 individuals resist ideological influence, "wake u...

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 LLC. During this enlightening conversation, Shara d...

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 how various disorders can mimic its symptoms, lead...

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-provoking discussion for a concise yet enlightening persp...

Malini and Oren delve into the concerning trend that has emerged in recent years: the proliferation of low-quality, misleading, and harmful content targeting  children. Join them as they dissect the multifaceted issues arising from this trend, from the unintended consequences like children's indoctrination to a worrying increase in juvenile delinquency. Discover how parenting practices, or th...

Malini and Oren discuss the far-reaching effects of the recent escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict following the devastating attack on October 7th. They explore its impact on different populations worldwide and strategies to combat divisiveness while maintaining calm and rational during distressing times. We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awak...

Oren and Malini discuss the potential advantages of pornography, such as its potential to enhance one's sexual vocabulary and potentially break down barriers in a relationship. Additionally, they explore the topic of sexual dysfunction within marriages, the prevalence of sexless marriages, and the impact this can have on the overall health of the relationship. We want your questions! Send you...

In this episode, Dr. Amitay and Malini tackle everyday parenting challenges, including techniques to improve children's listening skills, strategies for effective discipline, and navigating the sea of misinformation and bad advice on today's social media landscape. We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com...

What if the antidepressants, the very pills meant to be your lifeline, turned out to be the source of your suffering instead? Today, Malini and Oren engage in a conversation with two distinguished guests: Ruben, the founder of PSSD Network, and Simon, the head of PSSD Network UK, a nonprofit organization committed to shedding light on and fostering a supportive community for survivors of PSSD, or...

In this episode, Oren and Malini delve deeper into the subject of pornography. They analyze the findings of current research and insights from clinicians in this field. The discussion covers the associated risks, potential advantages, and psychosocial factors that should be taken into account. Additionally, they address the frequently debated question of whether pornography can be addictive and de...