Beyond The Science Podcast

An ABA clinic can bring in millions and still struggle to make payroll. Kurston Williams, founder of Bounce Back Financial, explains why cash can remain tight even as a practice grows, and how better financial systems can help clinic owners make stronger decisions. He also shares how a serious car accident, a long recovery, and his experience as a father shaped his work in ABA.

In this episode, Kurston discusses:

• Why strong revenue or paper profits don’t always mean cash is available
• How reimbursement rates and fee schedules affect margins
• Why billing, accounting, and financial planning need to work together
• How cash flow and strong systems can prepare a clinic to grow
• How his son’s autism journey shaped his perspective on advocacy and care

Watch the full conversation for an honest look at ABA finances, fatherhood, and resilience. If you run an ABA practice, visit bouncebackcfo.com to connect with Kirsten and explore how Bounce Back Financial can support your clinic.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Kurston Williams’ Story

(08:42) Fatherhood and His Son’s Autism Journey

(13:08) Advice for Parents and Fathers

(15:03) How Fatherhood Shapes His Business

(17:44) What Bounce Back Financial Does

(19:36) The ABA Industry’s Cash Flow Challenges

(21:20) Fee Schedules, Margins, and Rate Cuts

(27:47) Is Scaling an ABA Practice Sustainable?

(31:42) ABA Finance Rapid-Fire Questions

(34:58) Financial Scenarios for ABA Owners

(38:03) Bounce Back Financial

(39:29) Preparing for His Son’s Future

(42:33) A Message to His Son’s Mother

(44:41) The Legacy He Hopes to Leave

(46:16) His Most Memorable Football Game

BTS is powered by Bounce Back Financial, a financial partner helping founder-led ABA practices strengthen their finances, improve cash flow, and build sustainable growth through revenue cycle management, bookkeeping, and fractional CFO services.

To learn more, visit: https://www.bouncebackcfo.com/

Follow Beyond the Science and join your hosts Jeron, Joe, and Coop as they dive deep into the world of ABA, exploring fresh perspectives, untold stories, and the heart beyond the science.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheSciencePod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.science.pod

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-science/id1813418906

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/beyond-the-science-pod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.science

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14n31Si3eW/

Website:https://www.bmbanetwork.org

#ABA #ABAtherapy #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ABAbusiness #ABAclinic #ABAowners #BehaviorAnalysis #HealthcareFinance #RevenueCycleManagement #CashFlowManagement #PracticeManagement #BCBA #Autism #BounceBackFinancial #BeyondTheSigns

ABA is way bigger than autism. So why do we keep putting behavior science in such a small box?

Dr. Jared Van joins the BTS crew for a real conversation about behavior science, Black identity, mental health, education, and where the field can go next.

A few highlights:

• ABA goes far beyond autism. Dr. Jared breaks down what behavior science can actually do in the real world.
• Identity matters. He shares how growing up Black in predominantly white spaces shaped the person, researcher, and educator he became.
• Who defines “professional”? The crew gets into dress codes, respectability politics, authenticity, and Black self-expression.
• ABA has some history to reckon with. Jared talks openly about past harms and why criticism of the field deserves to be heard.
• Behavior science has a much bigger future. Mental health, education, sports, and beyond are all part of the conversation.

Come for the science. Stay for the conversation.

Watch the full episode of Beyond the Science.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Dr. Jared Van

(01:46) Research, Mental Health & Precision Teaching

(08:00) Growing Up Black in the Bay Area

(11:55) Racism, Bullying & Finding Your Identity

(16:35) Advice for Earning a Doctorate

(19:41) Credentials, PhDs & PsyDs

(21:23) Life Coaches vs. Licensed Therapists

(23:11) Tuskegee, Dress Codes & Professionalism

(31:07) Respectability Politics & Black Identity

(38:42) Using Behavior Science to Create Impact

(41:14) Disproportionality in Special Education

(43:15) ABA Is More Than Autism

(45:54) ABA vs. Autism Services vs. Behavior Science

(48:36) The Problems and Potential of ABA

(51:27) Marriage, Psychology & Behavior Science

(52:49) J. Cole, Kendrick, Drake & LeBron

(55:11) Freestyle Session

Follow Beyond the Science and join your hosts Jeron, Joe, and Coop as they dive deep into the world of ABA, exploring fresh perspectives, untold stories, and the heart beyond the science.

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheSciencePod⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.science.pod⁠

Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-science/id1813418906⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/beyond-the-science-pod/⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.science⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/14n31Si3eW/⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.bmbanetwork.org⁠

#JaredVan #BeyondTheScience #BlackMenInABA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #BehaviorScience #BCBA #BlackMentalHealth #BlackIdentity #BlackProfessionals #PrecisionTeaching #SpecialEducation #MentalHealthInABA #DiversityInABA

The BMBA Summit is back in Atlanta, and it’s bringing much more than keynotes and CEUs.

In this episode of Beyond the Science, the team gives an inside look at this year’s Summit, from the speaker lineup and new workshops to RBT opportunities, mentorship, networking, and the social events that make this conference different.

Inside the episode:

• What RBTs can expect, including PDUs, mentorship, and networking
• Key conversations around authenticity, leadership, ethics, and clinical excellence
• New career and business opportunities beyond traditional ABA roles
• The Thought Exchange and lessons from leaders in the field
• Basketball, Fellowship Lounge, the Block Party, and the community behind the conference

Whether you’re an RBT, BCBA, student, business owner, or ally, this episode shows what the BMBA Summit is really about and why you may want to be there.

Watch the full episode and get ready for Atlanta.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Welcome & Summit Preview

(01:29) — What Makes the BMBA Summit Different

(02:39) — The Vision Behind the Summit

(04:58) — Community, Mentorship & Networking

(05:38) — Thursday Workshops & Fellowship Lounge

(06:36) — Friday Keynote & Speaker Lineup

(07:45) — What RBTs Can Expect

(09:13) — Friday Sessions & Panels

(13:01) — The Thought Exchange

(14:40) — Saturday Keynote & RBT Career Growth

(16:07) — Taking the Leap Beyond Direct Therapy

(18:29) — Ethics, Mentorship & Leadership

(20:29) — New Ways to Build a Career in ABA

(22:00) — Basketball & Summit Social Events

(23:54) — Saturday Night Block Party

(24:42) — Who Should Attend the Summit

(26:58) — Registration & Final Invitation

Join Us at the 2026 BMBA Summit in Atlanta, September 3–6. Get your tickets and learn more about the conference here: https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/bmba26/registration

Follow Beyond the Science and Join your hosts Jeron, Joseph and Darius as they dive deep into the world of ABA. Exploring fresh perspectives, untold stories, and the heart beyond the science.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheSciencePod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.science.pod

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-science/id1813418906

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/beyond-the-science-pod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.science

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14n31Si3eW/

Website: https://www.bmbanetwork.org/

#BMBA #BMBA26 #ABA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #BehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #RBT #ABACommunity #ABAPodcast #ABACareers #ABALeadership #BehaviorAnalysisCommunity

What does it really take to build an ABA clinic from the ground up?

In this special episode of Beyond the Science, we celebrate the grand opening of 3K ABA and co-host Darius Cooper's journey from Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to clinic owner.

Coop shares the challenges, sacrifices, financial realities, and leadership lessons that came with building one of the first Black-owned ABA clinics in Locust Grove.

Along the way, we take a behind-the-scenes tour of the clinic, hear from family, friends, and community leaders, and discuss the impact 3K ABA hopes to make for families across the region.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• What it really costs to open an ABA clinic
• The lessons learned from building a business from scratch
• Why community impact matters more than growth alone
• The importance of Black leadership and representation in ABA
• How Sapphire AI could shape the future of behavioral healthcare
• A behind-the-scenes look at the grand opening of 3K ABA

Whether you're a behavior analyst, RBT, entrepreneur, or someone interested in opening your own clinic, this episode offers practical insights and an inspiring story of perseverance, leadership, and community.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Grand Opening of 3K ABA

(00:53) What It Takes to Build an ABA Clinic

(02:03) Serving the Local Community

(02:47) From RBT to Clinic Owner

(04:04) Celebrating the Grand Opening

(05:33) The Vision Behind 3K ABA

(07:17) Leadership & Community Impact

(07:55) Sapphire AI and the Future of ABA

(08:46) Tour of 3K ABA

(09:41) Therapy Rooms & Clinical Services

(10:39) Sensory Spaces & Daily Therapy

(11:31) Supporting Families in Locust Grove

(12:43) Family Reflections

(13:45) A Mother's Perspective

(14:38) Messages from Family & Friends

(17:48) Final Thoughts & Congratulations

#BeyondTheScience #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #ABAClinic #BehaviorAnalyst #RBT #BCBA #AutismServices #BlackOwnedBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HealthcareLeadership #BehavioralHealth

AI is transforming ABA faster than most people realize — and according to Dr. Adam Ventura, behavior analysts who ignore it risk falling behind.

In this episode of Beyond the Science, Dr. Ventura explores how AI is reshaping behavior analysis, education, leadership, and the future of human work itself. From ethical clinical practice and burnout prevention to parenting, mentorship, and the “meaning crisis” surrounding automation, this conversation goes far beyond technology.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why AI may soon become essential in ethical clinical practice
• How Intraverbal AI helps behavior analysts save time and improve outcomes
• The biggest AI threat may not be extinction — but loss of meaning and human connection
• Why human-centered fields like ABA could be safer than most industries
• The leadership and mindset shifts professionals need to adapt to the AI era
• How AI could transform education, business, and behavior analysis over the next decade

If you work in ABA, healthcare, education, or leadership, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of work and human connection. Watch now.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:33) Dr. Adam Ventura Is Back

(03:00) Exercise and Stress Management

(04:37) What Intraverbal AI Does

(05:55) AI Tutor for BACB Exam Prep

(08:54) Why RBT Training Is Coming Later

(10:22) Helping Behavior Analysts Focus on ABA

(11:50) AI Ethics and Behavior Analysis

(13:01) Using AI for Evidence Based Practice

(15:13) What ABA Could Look Like in 2032

(17:58) Why Human Focused Fields Are Safer

(19:18) Meaning Risk and AI Automation

(22:18) AI in Business and Education

(23:28) Generational Wisdom and Technology

(27:44) Leadership and Passion Explained

(29:47) Advice for Young Leaders

(30:46) Mentorship vs Coaching

(35:46) Parenting Boys and Girls

(38:32) Balancing Family and Business

(40:50) Cuban Culture and Language Learning

(43:26) Why You Should Learn AI Now

#BeyondTheScience #ArtificialIntelligence #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #AIinHealthcare #BACB #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealth #FutureOfWork #AIandEducation #EntrepreneurMindset #HealthcareInnovation

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Beyond the Science, we honor the women who carried us through life with love, sacrifice, strength, and grace.

We welcome our mothers onto the show for an honest and emotional conversation about motherhood, family, faith, resilience, and the sacrifices that shaped our lives.

Filled with laughter, gratitude, tears, and reflection, this episode is a celebration of the women whose love held everything together — even during the hardest seasons.

Together, we reflect on:

• The sacrifices our mothers made behind the scenes
• Growing up through difficult times
• The strength and beauty of Black motherhood
• Faith, resilience, and family values
• Emotional conversations between sons and mothers
• Lessons passed down through generations
• Gratitude for the women who gave us everything

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman whose love became the foundation for someone else’s life.

Timestamps

(00:00) – Mother’s Day Special Introduction

(02:03) – Mothers’ Introductions & Personal Journeys

(09:56) – The Challenges of Motherhood

(14:39) – Celebrating Their Children’s Achievements

(17:36) – Sons Reflect on Their Mothers’ Sacrifices

(24:23) – Moments of Struggle & Sacrifice

(31:39) – Straight Talk with Mom

(36:45) – Favorite Family Traditions & Holidays

(41:46) – Reflections on Motherhood, Legacy & Faith

(46:04) – Advice for Other Mothers

(52:48) – Final Reflections & Mother’s Day Message

#BeyondTheScience #MothersDaySpecial #BlackMotherhood #MotherhoodJourney #FamilyLegacy #FaithAndFamily #MentalHealthConversations #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalGrowth #PodcastClips

Is AI about to change behavior analysis forever?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adam Ventura, founder of Intraverbal AI, to unpack what’s really happening at the intersection of artificial intelligence and ABA and what it means for clinicians, researchers, and practice owners right now.

We explore:

• Whether AI could become part of your ABA treatment team
• The ethical concerns the field can’t ignore
• How AI is transforming session notes, reports, and research
• Why ABA may be moving faster than it’s ready for
• A bold prediction for where AI and ABA are headed by 2030

We also go beyond technology, diving into leadership, decision-making, parenting, and what it means to build something that lasts. If you’re a BCBA, RBT, clinic owner, student, or simply curious about the future of ABA, this conversation will challenge how you think about AI.

🎧 Watch now and decide for yourself:

Is AI a breakthrough tool… or a risky shortcut?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:38 Personal Updates & Adam’s Big News

02:44 What Is Intraverbal AI

04:02 Balancing Product Development vs Sales

05:37 Favorite Tools in the Intraverbal Toolbox

08:04 AI in ABA Hype Vs. Reality

12:27 AI Ethics and Accountability Concerns

16:56 AI Agents Developing Their Own Language

20:10 Elon Musk, Robots and the Future of AI

20:50 Could AI Join ABA Treatment Teams?

25:08 New Research Initiative and Literature Analysis

28:27 AI and New Discoveries in Behavior Analysis

31:43 Straight Talk With Joe

33:51 Arguing in Front of Kids

37:39 Marriage, Society & Modern Dating

39:59 The Benefits of Marriage

44:55 Healthy vs Unhealthy Arguments

52:00 Intraverbal Updates and Predictions

55:22 Coop’s Off The Clock

What happens when empathy meets smart technology in ABA?

In this episode of Beyond the Science, we sit down with Charlene Kurth, COO of Office Puzzle, to explore how one practice management platform is helping ABA providers run smarter, scale sustainably, and reduce daily stress.

Charlene shares her path from psychology and analytics into ABA tech, and why Office Puzzle was built to support people, not just data.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why broken systems, not care, hold practices back

- How Office Puzzle unifies scheduling, notes, billing, and compliance

- Where AI actually helps (and where it shouldn’t)

- Why affordable, flexible tools matter for growth

- How customer support and community drive success

If you’re an ABA provider, clinic owner, or clinician looking for better systems without burnout, this episode is for you.

👉 Watch now and discover a smarter way to run your practice.

Timestamps:

00:38 Meet Charlene of Office Puzzle

02:08 Charlene’s background and career path

04:23 Day-to-day role as COO

05:12 Advice for aspiring leaders

06:47 Origin of the Office Puzzle name

08:46 Key pain points Office Puzzle solves

12:48 HIPAA compliance and data security

13:26 AI features and note generation

16:23 Common mistakes business owners make

20:55 The biggest challenge in the field

22:29 Proudest moments and team growth

23:35 Provider success story

25:34 Straight Talk with Joe

28:46 Supporting small and growing practices

30:30 All-in-one pricing and accessibility

32:36 Long-term vision for Office Puzzle

34:17 Expanding services and position in the market

38:20 Georgia pilot program teaser

43:21 Industry perspective and competition

45:10 Empathy and community impact

47:30 Coop’s Off the Clock

This Holiday Special brings all the vibes: laughter, games, and real talk.

Jeron, Joe, and Coop are back in their ugly sweaters for a festive episode filled with holiday debates, movie face-offs, and a Christmas dinner draft that gets surprisingly competitive. But between the jokes, they open up about family, loss, and what the holidays really mean to them as fathers, friends, and business owners.

In this episode:

• Fun holiday showdowns: movies, traditions, music, and the ultimate dinner plate

• How dads balance joy, pressure, and family expectations this season

• Behind the Sapphire AI launch and what it taught about community

• Honest talk on grief, forgiveness, and navigating tough moments during the holidays

• Quick insights on Georgia insurance changes every ABA family should know

A warm, entertaining, and genuinely heartfelt episode to close out the year.

Press play and celebrate the season with the Beyond the Science crew.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:30 Holiday Special Begins

01:42 Parenting, Presence, and Christmas Balance

03:04 Holiday Traditions and Family Life

06:08 Recap of the Sapphire AI Launch

10:21 Coping with Loss During the Holidays

14:39 Holiday Movie Showdown

17:37 Overrated or Underrated Holiday Edition

21:32 Straight Talk with Joe: Georgia Insurance Changes

26:01 One Tip for Starting an ABA Business

27:34 Holiday Dinner Plate Draft

30:20 Coop’s Off the Clock

31:31 Ultimate Artist Showdown

🔥 At FABA, one of ABA’s most respected researchers sits down for a rare, unfiltered conversation and the insights are game-changing. Dr. Bill Ahearn, Director of Research at the New England Center for Children, opens up about the state of ABA today, the misconceptions holding practitioners back, and the breakthroughs that could reshape how we understand automatically reinforced behavior, social skills, and early-career supervision. Here’s What We Dive into:✨ Why automatically reinforced behaviors require fresh strategies and how new research is shifting best practices.

✨ How the field is failing early-career BCBAs and what must change to support competent, confident practitioners.

✨ The real reason social-skills training lags behind and how to build interventions that actually transfer to real-world environments. If you care about the future of ABA, or want to sharpen your own practice, this episode is a must-watch.👉 Tune in now and level up your understanding of the field.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:47 FABA Podcast Presentation and Dr. Bill’s Intro

4:24 Dr. Bill’s Research and Excitement

8:56 Challenges and Successes in the Field

16:16 Impact of New RBT Requirements

18:22 Post-COVID Generations and Social Skills Training

25:10 Rapid Fire Questions And Reflections

32:23 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

33:53 Where to find Dr. Bill online

Live from the FABA Conference, Dr. Paulie Gavoni breaks down how behavioral science and OBM can transform the way you lead, coach, and motivate people. You’ll learn why most leaders fail, how the environment shapes performance, and how simple behavioral tools can bring out the best in any team.

Through real stories from schools, gyms, and workplaces, and practical tools like the four leadership hats, Dr. Paulie shows exactly how to inspire, train, support, and sustain meaningful change.

If you want to lead smarter and get better results, don’t miss this one. Watch now!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:38 Live from FABA conference

00:53 Meet Dr Paulie Gavoni

02:29 Why ABA and OBM matter

02:38 Unlocking behavior and real leadership

05:33 Lessons from Aubrey Daniels

07:01 What sparked his leadership journey

09:46 Coaching fighters vs educators

12:33 Punishment procedure and sparring

14:24 Behavioral insights in coaching fighters

17:36 Greatest fighters of all time

19:59 Book recommendations

20:58 Current debates in ABA

27:07 Where to find Dr Paulie online

The most important shift happening in ABA right now isn’t technical, it’s cultural.

Live from the 45th FABA Conference, Jeron sits down with Dr. Jon Bailey, Jaelyn Windham, and Chinara to unpack how cultural humility is transforming ethical practice, why understanding family culture is essential for effective ABA, and what new research reveals about how naturally responsive RBTs already are.

A must-watch for anyone committed to the future of ABA.

Hit play and join the conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Beyond the Science Live at FABA

01:03 Dr. Bailey on why FABA outshines national conferences

02:27 How FABA’s community feel began

03:31 The value of intimate, state-level conferences

04:24 Cultural responsiveness topic

05:42 How new RBTs can address their concerns

07:22 Cultural humility within ethical ABA practice

09:13 Understanding family culture in ABA work

10:00 Research findings on culturally responsive behavior

11:35 Generalizing cultural responsiveness

13:45 Preparing children for school environments

14:42 Advice for early-career BCBAs

17:57 Advice for students researching cultural responsiveness

19:17 Collaboration and mentorship dynamics

21:31 Three-word descriptions of FABA

What if your next family vacation could double as therapy?

In this episode of Beyond the Science, BCBA and certified autism travel pro Rachel Morelli shares how she helps families turn travel into progress, not stress. From cruises with built-in respite care to airports that actually support neurodiverse kids, Rachel breaks down real-world tools that make exploring the world possible for every family. She also introduces The Learning Escape, a first-of-its-kind ABA cruise where professionals can earn CEUs while their families enjoy the trip.

🎧 Watch now and see how travel can become therapy and freedom for families everywhere.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:40 Meet Rachel: BCBA & Autism Travel Pro

04:00 Autism on the Seas: Support on Cruises

06:30 How Travel Goals Become Therapy Goals

09:40 Can Insurance Cover Travel Therapy?

13:20 Why Vacations Boost Family Well-being

14:45 Genius Safety Tip for Traveling with Kids

17:40 Autism-Friendly Parks & Resorts

20:10 Airport Help: TSA Cares & Sunflower Program

22:00 Practice Flights for Autism Families

23:20 The Learning Escape: CEUs at Sea

25:50 Inside the First ABA Cruise Conference

29:30 Balancing Motherhood & a BCBA Career

34:20 Beating Burnout and Finding New Paths

36:30 How to Become a Certified Autism Travel Pro

38:10 The Future of Accessible Travel

42:00 Group Trips, Sponsorships & Insurance

45:25 Rapid-Fire Travel Q&A with Rachel

47:00 Rachel’s Early Morning Rituals

48:20 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

What happens when three ABA leaders turn their vision into a movement?

Jeron Trotman, Joseph Adams, and Darius Cooper open up about how they built Beyond the Science into one of the most impactful voices in behavior analysis. They share the highs of launching new ventures, from group homes to Sapphire AI, and the hidden struggles that come with success: family sacrifices, shifting friendships, and staying grounded while leading a growing community.

🎧 Watch now their honest, inspiring look at brotherhood, ambition, and the real cost of chasing purpose in ABA and beyond.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:48 Welcome Back to Beyond the Science Podcast

01:21 Year in Review & New Ventures

02:57 From Clinician to CEO

06:23 Journey to Entrepreneurship

08:13 The Power of Community

10:55 Behind the Scenes of BNB Summit

12:27 Civil Discourse and Thought Exchange

15:26 Block Party & Fellowship Moments

17:48 Residential Services Vision

20:29 Homelessness and the Autism Spectrum

22:23 Challenges of Starting Group Homes

24:56 Introducing Sapphire AI

31:14 What Makes Sapphire Different

35:14 BACB ACE Provider Changes

37:32 Special Education Funding Cuts

41:51 BCBA at Sea 2027

43:31 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

45:53 Brotherhood & Mental Health

54:32 The Cost of Success

55:29 Family Sacrifices, Balance & Fatherhood

1:08:40 Closing Thoughts

What happens when a punk-rock rebel becomes one of ABA’s most thought-provoking voices?

At FABA 2025, Dr. Shane Spiker brings raw honesty and insight to the world of behavior science, challenging outdated norms, breaking taboos around sex education and ethics, and calling for a more human, self-reflective approach to ABA. From Humble Behaviorism to open mentorship, Dr. Shane shows why questioning the system sparks real change.

🎧 Tune in to hear Dr. Spiker unfiltered and see why his vision could reshape the future of behavior analysis.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:35 Meet Dr. Shane Spiker

01:42 Why FABA Matters in Florida

03:03 Favorite Conference Topics

04:17 Treating Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors

07:42 Openness & Approachability

08:27 His Most Impactful Publications

10:28 Teaching Critical Thinking

13:24 Favorite College Football Team

14:50 Why We Do What We Do Podcast

16:37 New Books and Projects

17:34 His Go-To Conference Drink

18:06 ABA in the Next 10 Years

20:11 Where to Find Shane

What to do when mealtime isn’t just stressful but becomes a matter of survival?

Live from FABA 2025, Dr. Meeta Patel takes us inside the world of pediatric feeding disorders.

She shares why parent involvement is the single most important factor for success, how home-based treatment changes everything, and why some common beliefs about feeding, like “escape extinction,” are misunderstood.

From reducing tube dependency to collaborating with medical teams, Dr. Patel reveals practical insights, research challenges, and new breakthroughs that are shaping the future of feeding disorder treatment.

Hit play to learn more about Dr Patel's insights on Pediatric Feeding Breakthroughs

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:39 Welcome & FABA 45th anniversary intro

01:04 Meeta Patel, expert on pediatric feeding disorders

02:08 Why focus on the home environment

02:59 What pediatric feeding disorders look like

03:53 Parent involvement as the key to success

05:03 Takeaways from recent FABA presentation

08:09 Interdisciplinary collaboration:

10:18 Evolution of research & literature

13:20 Addressing myths around escape extinction

16:42 When and why to refer patients out

19:12 Reducing tube dependency

21:32 Role of gut health in treatment

24:53 Fun fact: from fashion to behavior analysis

25:37 Closing reflections and contact

What really counts as a restraint and why does it matter?

Recorded live at the FABA Conference 2025, Dr. Merrill Winston breaks down the thin line between physical prompting and restraint, the hidden dangers of misaligned motivations, and why focusing on “restraint reduction” misses the bigger picture. With over 25 years of experience as an expert witness and crisis management trainer, he shares what schools, parents, and even law enforcement often misunderstand.

Press play and learn why restraint isn’t the enemy and what the real focus should be.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:28 Welcoming Dr. Merrill Winston

01:45 Physical restraint vs. physical prompting

04:20 When are prompts turning into restraints

07:20 The truth about misaligned motivations

10:05 Informed consent vs. cooperation from parents

13:16 Malice, incompetence & real goal

15:44 How Dr. Winston got into crisis management

21:23 Lessons from 25 years of restraint cases

23:34 Police, parents, and the realities of restraint

29:06 Advice for young professionals in the field

What happens when some of the most accomplished Black men in Applied Behavior Analysis come together on one stage? You get raw honesty, inspiring stories, and a powerful vision for the future of the field.

From breaking barriers in education, sports, and mental health to tackling cultural competence, financial literacy, and mentorship, this episode goes far beyond autism and classrooms. These leaders share pivotal career moments, the importance of trust and hope, and why representation matters for the next generation.

Hit play and discover how these leaders are reshaping ABA, inspiring the next generation, and proving that representation changes everything.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:45 Welcome & podcast journey so far

02:57 Introducing guests and their achievements

08:00 Pivotal moments of leadership journeys

11:31 How leadership in ABA has shifted over time

14:23 Audience Q&A: Passing knowledge to children

17:40 Mentorship and inspiring the next generation

20:25 Financial literacy and family education

23:01 Challenges & future of ABA service

27:54 Community perspectives and testimonies

30:25 Cultural competences in ABA

36:38 Code-switching and staying authentic

41:59 Building trust, hope, and measurable results

43:22 Advice for young behavior analysts

48:30 Navigating cultural nuances without DEI mandates

54:30 Publishing research and creating ABA literature

59:33 Should you pursue a doctorate?

1:01:37 Closing reflections

What happens when poetry, culture, and science collide? This episode reveals the story behind Black Male BCBA Day and the movement transforming the field of behavior analysis. You’ll hear powerful insights on mentorship, representation, and overcoming challenges as the first Black male BCBAs. From brotherhood to everyday lessons, it’s a look at how breaking barriers is reshaping the future of ABA.

Don’t miss it—hit play and join the movement.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:30 Poetry performance

01:10 Meet Andre Anderson

03:10 Personal connections, support, and recognition

05:07 Excitement about the summit

08:22 Ben Crump’s message of support

10:10 Reflections on mentorship & inspiration

12:20 Origins of Black Male BCBA Day

17:59 Statistics on representation in ABA

18:14 Grandmother’s influence, poetry, and ABA

24:00 Challenges as the first Black male BCBA in Tennessee

27:43 Advice for RBTs entering the field

30:45 Function-based interventions & friendships

35:04 Applying ABA principles in marriage & family life

36:53 Blending poetry, hip hop, and behavioral science

39:05 Quick-fire questions with Andre

40:21 Message for young professionals in ABA

42:27 Straight talk on fatherhood & raising daughters

45:41 Gratitude and legacy in ABA

47:39 Closing remarks

What happens when occupational therapy, ABA, and lived experience collide? In this episode, Michelle shares her powerful journey from nursing school dropout to OT and BCBA, her viral TikTok success, and why she believes collaboration, not silos, will change the future of therapy.

From decoding proprioception and sensory systems to tackling the remote vs. in-person BCBA debate, representation in the field, and raising kids with ADHD, this conversation is raw, inspiring, and packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:42 Meet Michelle

01:41 From nursing to OT to ABA

04:26 Why OT + ABA credentials matter

06:38 Gaps in OT training

08:18 Multidisciplinary teamwork challenges

10:12 Sensory and neurological lens in ABA

11:17 Proprioception made simple

13:58 Connecting OT & ABA

15:23 Finding each child’s “formula”

16:36 Teaching vs. direct treatment

17:52 Going viral on TikTok

19:04 RBT support & telehealth debate

20:34 Remote vs. in-person BCBA

23:21 Limits of medical model

24:15 Finding the right balance

25:25 Lightning round: Q&A

27:06 Beyond the “four functions” of behavior

28:02 True cross-discipline collaborations

31:11 Representation & authenticity

33:35 Advice for queer and neuro-divergent pros

35:02 Building trust with families

37:19 Study journal & exam prep

38:09 ADHD: boys vs. girls

40:20 Life outside ABA

44:18 Final message to share

45:19 Where to find Michelle online