Awake at the Wheel | Ep 88

In 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 framing of family as harmful, and the rise of ideological content in education. Melanie shares her personal journey into education advocacy, highlighting the challenges of censorship and the consequences of dissent. The discussion also touches on the media's role in shaping public perception and the potential for segregation in educational practices. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and open dialogue in addressing these complex issues. In this conversation, Melanie discusses the implications of Critical Race Theory in education, the challenges faced by educators, and the role of journalism in shedding light on these issues. She emphasizes the importance of free speech and the consequences of censorship in both the UK and Canada. The discussion also highlights the need for parental engagement in education and the power of informed activism to drive change.

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!

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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 87

In 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 evolution of liberalism, the challenges posed by critical social justice theories, and the backlash against her work. Pluckrose shares her personal experiences with public scrutiny and character assassination, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and understanding in a polarized political climate. In this conversation, Helen Pluckrose discusses the challenges posed by authoritarianism and cancel culture, particularly in the context of critical social justice movements. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining principles against censorship and the need for organizations to navigate these ideologies effectively. Pluckrose also addresses the debate surrounding indigenous knowledge in psychology, advocating for evidence-based practices while respecting cultural perspectives. She provides strategies for individuals to challenge woke ideologies in their workplaces and encourages a respectful approach to differing beliefs. Ultimately, she highlights the importance of solidarity and the potential for change within organizations.

Read Cynical Theories: https://a.co/d/3lVtizL
Read Social (in)justice: https://a.co/d/0hhniQ3
Read The Counterweight Handbook: https://a.co/d/1SbWsu8

Takeaways
-Helen Pluckrose is a liberal humanist focused on individual liberty.
-The definition of liberalism has shifted significantly over time.
-Critical social justice movements have both positive and negative aspects.
-The Grievance Studies Affair aimed to expose flaws in academic publishing.
-Public backlash can have severe personal consequences for individuals.
-Support from close friends is crucial during public scrutiny.
-It's important to recognize when arguments are not made in good faith.
-Maintaining a strong sense of self is vital in the face of criticism.
-Engaging in dialogue across divides is essential for understanding.
-Pluckrose is currently writing on Substack about anti-woke backlash. Counter authoritarianism that punishes and cancels individuals.
-Prioritize humanitarian fields in addressing critical social justice issues.
-Decolonizing knowledge must respect evidence-based practices.
-Scientific approaches are universally applicable, regardless of identity.
-Being a polite nuisance can effectively challenge workplace ideologies.
-Avoid engaging in the critical social justice economy of arguments.
-There are always options to push back against toxic environments.
-Do not contribute to preference falsification in organizations.
-Strength lies in numbers; find like-minded individuals.
-Respectful disagreement can lead to constructive dialogue.

Sound Bites
"I think we've become increasingly illiberal."
"We need words for that."
"The shift towards the critical social justice movement..."
"This was making some strides."
"I think we did make some headway there."
"Don't let other people's projections define you."
"I'm mostly now writing on Substack."
"This is the good thing about the scientific approach."
"Make a nuisance of yourself in a ver

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!

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Awake at the Wheel | Ep 86

In 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 unpacks the data around breed-specific attacks, the ideological resistance to breed-specific legislation, and what this debate reveals about a broader trend—where emotional narratives often override facts.

We explore how ideology can distort public policy, the psychology of denial in social movements, and draw unexpected parallels to other controversial issues like trans inclusion and risk tolerance. If you've ever wondered how data gets buried beneath dogma, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways
-There is a disconnect between the ideals of diversity and the reality of inclusion in political spaces.
-The pit bull debate highlights issues of breed stigmatization and public safety concerns.
-Epidemiological data shows that pit bulls are responsible for a disproportionate number of dog attacks.
-Activism can take many forms, and social media has opened up new avenues for dissenting voices.
-It's important to support organizations that hold media accountable for misinformation.
-The narrative surrounding pit bulls is often tied to broader societal issues, including race and class.
-Finding your own community and resources can empower individuals to speak out.
-The current political climate allows for more open discussions about controversial topics than in the past.


Sound Bites
"There's a very well-funded pit bull advocacy movement."
"Pit bulls are a dangerous dog."
"You can't explain to people that they might be lucky."
"It's all ideology."
"We are making some headway and it's not as bad as it was."


Chapters
00:14 Media Influence and Accountability
00:37 Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in Politics
04:06 The Pit Bull Debate: Wokeness and Public Safety
16:10 Epidemiology and the Reality of Pit Bull Attacks
27:58 Activism and Finding Your Voice

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!

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