Episodes
In this episode I dig into the importance of improving training standards for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) with special guest Stephanie Waldon, a recent master's graduate in Applied Behavior Analysis from FIT. Stephanie shares her firsthand experiences and passion for ABA, highlighting the critical need for better training, effective supervision, and meaningful mentorship. Through her journey from a novice RBT to a training manager, Stephanie recounts her initial low expectati...
Published 06/20/24
Unlock the secrets of the criminal mind with behavior scientist Presley Wanner, as we navigate the intriguing intersection of behavior analysis and forensic investigation. Imagine peering through the eyes of a behavior analyst at the crime scenes frequented by law enforcement professionals; we do just that, offering a fresh and compelling perspective that could redefine criminal profiling. Join me on a journey into the darkest corners of human actions, where we dissect the fabric of criminal ...
Published 05/09/24
In this episode, my good friend and Vice President at Aubrey Daniels International, Francisco Gomez, breaks down the application of Organizational Behavior Management strategies in organizations. If you are interested in learning more about OBM and leadership, this is definitely an episode for you. Francisco, an OOG in this space, has supported organizations with improving performance and achieving valued outcomes across different industries across the globe! About Francisco: With a career...
Published 04/04/24
Dive into the revolutionary world of professional sports through the lens of behavior analysis with my guest, Brett Yaris. Brett is breaking the mold by integrating Applied Behavior Analysis with NFL training methods. His unique path from special education to professional football coaching challenges traditional coaching methods and sparks new ways of thinking. In this episode, we'll take a look at Brett's career including the transition from special education to coaching NFL athletes. This...
Published 02/24/24
In this episode,  David Roth and I emphasize the critical need for the field of behavior analysis to delve deeper into the concept of resilience. While the concept of resilience is widely acknowledged, there's a gap in our understanding of it. It's our goal to ignite a conversation and inspire action on the pressing issue of defining and analyzing resilience. Today's discussion is driven by compassion and our personal experiences that have served as a catalyst to encourage this...
Published 10/14/23
Ever been dumped? Remember that pain? Being broken up with is something that most people experience at some point in their life.  Many learn and continue to move forward. But for some, it's a painful experience they try to avoid but end up living many times over.  If you are one of those people, what might you have done more, less, or differently to avoid the breakup? Perhaps you wanted to get back together, but it didn't work out. Or maybe feelings are fading while emotional outbursts are...
Published 10/13/23
Dive headfirst into the intriguing world of behavior analysis with my good friend, Dr. Merrill Winston. In this fascinating discussion, we challenge the norms of traditional functional analysis in education, shedding light on the holistic aspects of behavior challenges. Anchored in the teachings of field pioneers like Brian Iwata and Hank Pennypacker, our conversation unearths the need for a deeper understanding and more probing questions about behavior. We delve into the issue of extreme...
Published 10/11/23
What does it mean to create healthier, equitable workplaces? How does behavioral science play a key role in this transformation? Join us as we welcome the insightful Portia James to answer these questions. Portia, a prominent leader in the field of behavior analysis, shares her experiences and passion for constructing fair workforces where people feel valued. She sheds light on the rapidly evolving industry, underlining the escalating demands and complexities of leadership. Embark with us on...
Published 09/15/23
Hey there, fellow behavior analysts and seekers of knowledge! Get ready to dive into an eye-opening episode with Dr. Antonio Harrison, a true maverick in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). And guess what? We're not just sticking to the ordinary. Sure, ABA is like a superhero when it comes to helping those on the autism spectrum, but in this chat, we're blowing the lid off its potential. But hold on, that's not all. Ever wondered how to blend your niche with your passions and craft...
Published 08/26/23
From a behavior analytic perspective, trauma can be seen as an aversive event or series of events that have led to maladaptive behavior patterns or reactions to certain stimuli.  When we understand that an individual's behaviors might be a response to trauma, we can respond more effectively. But how can we better understand trauma? And what constitutes effective responses from a behavior analytic lens? In this episode, I gathered accomplished behavior analysts Steve Ward, Dr. Adithyan...
Published 07/28/23
As an entrepreneurial Behavior Analyst, Dr. Emily Ice  has participated in founding organizations within the non-profit and profit sectors for over two decades. Additionally, she has expertise in consultation and mentorship with applying Applied Behavior Analysis for the treatment of sleep disturbances. In this chat we discuss behavioral approaches for improving sleep; in addition, cover key principles for improving the performance and sustainability of behavior analytic organizations. Dr....
Published 07/15/23
In the episode, Dr. Nick Green and I dive into issues related to finding the right career, determining what success is, and effectively using data to improve and sustain organizational success. Email Nick: [email protected] Find him on LinkedIn: Nick on LinkedIn Behaviorfit Website https://www.behaviorfit.com Learn about Business Intelligence: https://behaviorfit.com/business-intelligence/ Follow BehaviorFit on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behaviorfit/ The Behavioral Toolbox  Be...
Published 06/28/23
In this episode, Dr. Bruce Tinor and I talk shop about leadership in schools and organizations. We will be presenting on leadership in education at the sold-out BABACon 2023. The Behavioral Toolbox  Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 
Published 06/03/23
Achieving results in any organization requires behavior. But too often, leaders do not know how to get critical behavior going and keep it moving to achieve desired outcomes. In this episode, Dr. John Austin lays out key approaches for reaching results using practical behavior science. If you are interested in getting a copy of Dr.  Austin's book RESULTS: The science-based approach to better productivity, profitability, and safety, it will be available starting May 25 at ABAi and on...
Published 05/21/23
There have been a lot of concerns about the use of punishment regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of it as a behavior-change tool. And rightfully so, as the use of punishment can have a number of unintended side effects like emotional distress, retaliation, R- of undesired behaviors, the suppression of other adaptive behaviors, and more. In addition, the use of punishment raises questions related to individual rights, autonomy, consent, and assent. Given the dangers inherent in...
Published 05/06/23
In his book Beyond Freedom and Dignity, Skinner (1971) reminds us that “culture is the social environment that shapes and maintains the behavior of those who live in it. A given culture evolves as new practices arise, possibly for irrelevant reasons, and are selected by their contribution to the strength of the culture as it “competes” with the physical environment and with other cultures.” Now, we (Steve Ward and I) mention the term culture because there are words in our culture that have...
Published 03/31/23
The concept of assent has garnered a lot of attention in recent years.  And rightfully so.  Engaging learners in their treatment is extremely important.  Like you, they don't want things done "to" them but done "with" them.  Behavior Analysts recognize they have assent when a learner verbally or non-verbally agrees to participate in treatment. But is assent ALWAYS needed?  Are there conditions where compliance is necessary?  In this episode, veteran behavior analyst, Steve Ward, takes a...
Published 01/22/23
Organizational Justice refers to employee perceptions of fairness in the workplace.  But while the concept has been around for close to four decades, can it be explained behaviorally, and is the research sound?  In this episode, Behavior Analyst Rob Scalise takes a look at the concept of Organizational Justice through a Behavior Analytic lens.  Show notes: Rob's organization, villiv, is always looking for content creators for The Wider Path. Email Rob Scalise if you have behavior analysis...
Published 01/05/23
In this episode, Dr. John Austin and I talk behavior science, leadership, and practical approaches for improving climate, culture, and reaching results.  Dr. Austin is an internationally recognized expert in providing behavior-based solutions to organizational challenges. He is the founder of Reaching Results, a consultancy for management, motivation, leadership, and safety.   Dr. Austin was a Professor of Psychology at Western Michigan University. He has consulted with organizations for 20...
Published 12/22/22
Some people talk the leadership talk.  But when you lift the hood, there is misalignment with their say-do as they aren't walking the walk.  In this episode, I interview my best friend of almost 50 years, Leigh Martin.  Leigh and I lived, traveled, struggled, partied, and even fought together (stories for another episode!).   An authentic leader and individual with high values, Leigh walks the talk. He understands that leadership is not about title or degree.  A master of storytelling to...
Published 12/13/22
In the episode, David Roth and I tackle the very controversial and sensitive topic of punishment and CESS.  It is broken down into 3 sections: pre-show monologue, full episode, and post-show discussion about the ABC video that highlighted the unethical use of CESS at the Judge Rotenberg Center.   Please listen to the episode in its entirety as we spiral back to key points throughout.  Opting to listen to just one section would be like reading a book, but starting with a chapter midway...
Published 12/03/22
If you follow me, you are likely aware that I make numerous posts.  Now, 99.9% of the time I receive positive feedback on them.  But somebody might take issue with a post every once in a while, which is OK because I'm not perfect, and everybody has their opinion.  And that's just what happened last week when I was accused of being "myopic" and "grandstanding" in relation to a post I made about Elon Musk and leadership.  Rather than debate online, I thought I would go ahead and invite this...
Published 11/30/22
Poor performance happens.  Sometimes it might be related to skill, and other times, will.  Even in the greatest organization, people are bound to make mistakes.  When this happens, feedback must be provided to get performance back on track.  Unfortunately, people tend to avoid providing this type of feedback as it is often aversive to them and the recipient. But it doesn't have to be. In this episode, I offer you 7 tips for delivering feedback that helps performance, not hurts. By the way,...
Published 11/12/22
Want to develop, sustain, or repair any relationship? Some people seem to be engaged in happy relationships, the reciprocal nature of which might be described as magical as each person fulfills their significant other’s needs while simultaneously meeting their own.  Many people make earnest attempts at developing and maintaining these types of relationships.  And fail.  Unfortunately, this can result in severe and debilitating pain that can derail even the best of us.  But there’s good news....
Published 10/29/22