Dr Oren Amitay and Malini Ondrovcik

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...

Author

Dr Oren Amitay and Malini Ondrovcik

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.aatwpodcast.com

Latest episode

Apr 9, 2026

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Episodes

What's in a Dead Name | Awake at the Wheel | Brandon Showalter, Taylor Reece | Ep 29 20.09.2023

In this episode, Malini and Oren interview the director and a contributor of the documentary film Dead Name. This film is an intimate portrait of three parents whose lives have been shaken and forever altered because their children have declared (or have been given) a transgender identity. Our hosts dig in to what inspired the creation of this film, and what was uncovered in the process of making...

Birds and Bees in 2023 | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 28 13.09.2023

How do you talk to your kids or teens about sex in the modern age? The landscape has been changing for some time, and the change has only grown more rapid in recent years. Malini and Oren dig in to this conversation, tackling issues such as gender differences in sex, motivations for sex, alcohol and drug use, pornography use, and wrap it up with strategies to help you start the conversation with y...

Fighting Fair | Jonah Part 3 | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 27 06.09.2023

In this final part of the conversation, Malini and Oren weave together all the threads of their conversation, delivering a comprehensive conclusion. They peel back the layers of their discussion, delving into the intricacies of dating and the art of sustaining a meaningful relationship. They provide recommendations for navigating the often challenging terrain of arguments within a partnership, off...

Empowerment... or oppression? | Jonah Part 2 | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 26 30.08.2023

In this continuation of a previous conversation (https://youtu.be/p6wCliTbUyo), Malini and Oren delve deeper into the Jonah Hill texts, which leads to a discussion about modern female empowerment, and whether it is truly empowering, or is just another tool of oppression.  Watch this fascinating discovery, and let us know what you think, is modern sexual empowerment a good thing, or are today'...

Everyone's a therapist... | Jonah Part 1 | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 25 23.08.2023

In this captivating episode, Malini and Oren engage in an exploration of the rise of acceptance surrounding discussions about mental health. They delve into the remarkable repercussions stemming from this shift, including the emergence of what can be termed "therapy speak" within everyday conversations—an evolution accompanied by instances of its unfortunate misapplication. The episode d...

Parenting: Raising a Winner Pt 2 | Awake at the Wheel | Dr Henry Svec | Ep 24 16.08.2023

In this continuation of their discussion (https://youtu.be/aarUsM2rtjk), Malini, Oren, and Hank discuss the ten steps to being a lifetime loser (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7077966836822130688 ), the challenges and adversity that other generations and modern peoples face, and where their strength and resilience comes from. Our hosts share strategies for finding yours and y...

Parenting: Raising a Winner Pt1 | Awake at the Wheel | Dr Henry Svec | Ep 23 09.08.2023

In part 1 of this Rounds Table episode of Awake at the Wheel, Oren and Malini welcome retired psychologist Dr Henry Svec, to discuss the importance of winning across various contexts, including parenting, and instilling those values into our children. Part 2 coming August 16! __ The ADHD Fix podcast Invest Like a Honeybee podcast The ADHD Fix book What Grandpa Learned from His Honeybees : We want...

The Dating Game | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 22 02.08.2023

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 to your partner. We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or l...

Diversity Revisited | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 21 26.07.2023

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 help. We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a commen...

Pandemic: The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 20 19.07.2023

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 connectedness, and the changes experienced by various professions. With a focus on empathy and understanding, they discuss the challenges of isolation, the rise of di...

The Pronoun Puzzle | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 19 12.07.2023

In this episode, Malini and Oren delve into the world of pronouns, examining the rise of neopronouns and the role of social contagion. They critically explore the significance of this linguistic phenomenon, unraveling the complexities of identity and societal influence. From neopronouns challenging traditional binaries to the impact of social contagion on pronoun usage, this episode offers a nuanc...

Parenting: Beyond the Hype | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 18 05.07.2023

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: Don't be a Wimp Raise a Strong Leader We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or l...

Autoheterosexual Pt 2: Paradigm Shifter | Awake at the Wheel | Phil Illy | Ep 17 28.06.2023

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 inspired him to write this book, and what he hopes clinicians and the public can learn about this groundbreaking concept. _____ Find Phil's work:  Read ‘Autoh...

Autoheterosexual Pt 1: Redefining Autogynephilia | Awake at the Wheel | Phil Illy | Ep 16 21.06.2023

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 inspired him to write this book, and what he hopes clinicians and the public can learn about this groundbreaking concept. _____ Find Phil's work:  Read ‘Auto...

Unmasking Social Media: Psychological Implications | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 15 14.06.2023

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 impact this can have on an individual. We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.c...

The Truth About Cheating | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 14 07.06.2023

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.  We want your questions! 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!...

The Gender Debate Part 5: Unraveling Truth from Trends | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 13 31.05.2023

In this episode, Malini and Oren continue the conversation regarding gender—it is recommended that you watch the first four parts. Here is a playlist of all the episodes so far: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrpJnatfYm4WLjFmwDc1oCfVnCqqmU6_F In the fifth and final part of the Gender Debate, Oren and Malini further explore the pragmatic aspects and consequences of current messaging regardi...

The Gender Debate Part 4: Women's Safety and Trans Rights | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 12 24.05.2023

In this episode, Malini and Oren continue the conversation regarding gender—it is recommended that you watch the first three parts.  Oren and Malini engage in a discussion about the pressing real-world implications surrounding trans issues and their impact on women's safety within traditionally female spaces. They delve into the intricacies of the controversial concept of autogynephilia, shed...

The Gender Debate Part 3: Kids Can't Consent | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 11 17.05.2023

In this episode, Malini and Oren continue the conversation regarding gender—it is recommended that you watch Part 1 (https://youtu.be/oAQM7FeQ-T4), and Part 2 () first. In Part 3 of The Gender Debate, Oren and Malini continue the discussion regarding the psychological, emotional, and biological implications of current ideologies on children and adolescents, and explore alternative frameworks withi...

The Gender Debate Part 2: Safeguarding Childhood | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 10 10.05.2023

In this episode, Malini and Oren continue the conversation regarding gender—it is recommended that you watch Part 1 first (https://youtu.be/oAQM7FeQ-T4) Our hosts focus Part 2 on the implications of current policies, ideologies, and politics on children and adolescents from a psychological and physiological standpoint. They further explore various pieces of literature on the topic, and take a crit...

The Gender Debate Part 1: Ignoring the truth won't make it go away | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 9 03.05.2023

In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Oren and Malini discuss matters surrounding gender identity, and explore various pieces of literature and science that are not being sufficiently discussed in the media. Our hosts also explore the implications for parents, clinicians,  and society at large in addition to the heavily politicized nature of this topic. As mentioned in the video, we want to inclu...

Hard Work: Is it toxic, or are you just lazy? | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 8 26.04.2023

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 ethic and attitude towards adversity.     We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at fa...

Relationships: Is monogamy for everyone? | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 7 19.04.2023

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 the realities and possible pitfalls thereof. We want your questions! Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message a...

Who are you calling crazy!? | Awake at the Wheel | Rounds Table Mini 18.04.2023

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 profession, Rounds is a method of collaboration amongst clinicians whereby patients’ conditions, treatment, and steps forward are discussed. Our Rounds Table seg...

Andrew Tate: Masculinity or Misogyny? | Awake at the Wheel | Ep 6 12.04.2023

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 also explore the negative implications his messages have on dating, masculinity, and the development of self-concept amongst males and females alike.   In th...

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