Awake at the Wheel | Ep 98

In 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 feel natural consequences, why accountability and resilience matter more than ever, and how to hold the line—especially with teenagers—without becoming a drill sergeant. We also get honest about what it looks like to stay in charge, earn respect, and still be a human who messes up sometimes.

Takeaways

FAFO parenting emphasizes natural consequences for children.
Gentle parenting may lead to a lack of accountability in children.
Parents should guide children while allowing them to learn from mistakes.
Teaching resilience is crucial for children's development.
It's important to maintain a strong parent-child relationship.
Parents need to present a united front in discipline.
Changing parenting styles can be challenging but is possible.
Authority in parenting should not equate to fear or shame.
Self-respect in children is fostered through respect for parents.
Parenting methods may evolve as children grow.

Sound Bites

"F around and find out parenting."
"Let them learn the lessons when they're younger."
"It's never too late to change."
"You have to slowly work it in."
"It's about self-agency and regulating behavior."
"It's not about creating shame or fear in the kid."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to FAFO Parenting
01:26 The Importance of Natural Consequences
04:26 Navigating Parenting Styles
07:45 Teaching Accountability and Resilience
11:46 The Shift from Gentle to FAFO Parenting
17:57 Implementing Changes with Teenagers
22:18 Maintaining Authority and Respect
28:32 Conclusion: Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

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!

Email
Insta
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Awake at the Wheel | Ep 97

In 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 helpful—and where it becomes downright dangerous. We explore why real healing depends on human connection, empathy, and a genuine therapeutic relationship that no algorithm can truly mimic. We also look at the risks of vulnerable people turning to chatbots for support, the ethical and clinical pitfalls of treating AI like a therapist, and why accessible, high-quality mental health care is more crucial now than ever.

Takeaways

-ChatGPT isn't a viable replacement for real-life therapists.
-Humans are emotional and selective in interactions with chatbots.
-Parents should monitor children's online engagement with chatbots.
-AI can provide psychoeducational support but not replace therapy.
-Therapeutic rapport is crucial for effective therapy.
-AI lacks the ability to pick up on non-verbal cues.
-Chatbots can reinforce maladaptive beliefs if not used cautiously.
-AI should be an adjunct, not a replacement, for therapy.
-Proper mental health care access is essential to prevent reliance on AI.
-Human therapists provide empathy and insight that AI cannot.

Chapters

00:00:53 Introduction to AI in Therapy
00:01:19 The Role of AI in Mental Health
00:01:44 Case Study: Risks of AI in Therapy
00:03:33 Limitations of Chatbots
00:05:13 The Importance of Human Connection
00:10:02 AI as an Adjunct, Not Replacement
00:15:00 Future of AI in Therapy

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!

Email
Insta
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Awake at the Wheel | Ep 96

Ontario 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 the proposal, separating “more providers” from “better care.” We explore why rigorous standards exist, where supervision truly improves outcomes, and how to expand access without lowering the bar. It’s an honest conversation about public safety, professional integrity, and what evidence-based reform could look like. Tell us your perspective, have you seen standards shift in your setting?

Takeaways:

-Good intentions executed poorly lead to terrible outcomes.
-The mandate is to protect the public, not psychologists.
-Changes in regulation may reduce training requirements.
-Supervision and training are crucial for public safety.
-The importance of maintaining rigorous professional standards.
-The tension between accessibility and professional standards.
-Personal experiences highlight the impact of regulation changes.
-The role of supervision in professional development.
-Concerns about dumbing down the field of psychology.
-Public engagement is crucial in regulatory changes.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Regulation Changes
00:00:41 Background on Psychology Training
00:01:35 Discussion on Regulation Changes
00:03:01 Personal Experiences and Insights
00:05:00 The Role of Supervision
00:09:50 Public Safety and Professional Standards
00:17:03 Historical Context and Future Implications

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!

Email
Insta
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter