Beyond The Science Podcast

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 Intro00:30 Holiday Special Begins01:42 Parenting, Presence, and Christmas Balance03:04 Holiday Traditions and Family Life06:08 Recap of the Sapphire AI Launch10:21 Coping with Loss During the Holidays14:39 Holiday Movie Showdown17:37 Overrated or Underrated Holiday Edition21:32 Straight Talk with Joe: Georgia Insurance Changes26:01 One Tip for Starting an ABA Business27:34 Holiday Dinner Plate Draft30:20 Coop’s Off the Clock31:31 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 Intro0:47 FABA Podcast Presentation and Dr. Bill’s Intro4:24 Dr. Bill’s Research and Excitement8:56 Challenges and Successes in the Field16:16 Impact of New RBT Requirements18:22 Post-COVID Generations and Social Skills Training25:10 Rapid Fire Questions And Reflections32:23 Final Thoughts and Appreciation33:53 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 Intro00:38 Live from FABA conference00:53 Meet Dr Paulie Gavoni02:29 Why ABA and OBM matter02:38 Unlocking behavior and real leadership05:33 Lessons from Aubrey Daniels07:01 What sparked his leadership journey09:46 Coaching fighters vs educators12:33 Punishment procedure and sparring14:24 Behavioral insights in coaching fighters17:36 Greatest fighters of all time19:59 Book recommendations20:58 Current debates in ABA27:07 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 FABA01:03 Dr. Bailey on why FABA outshines national conferences02:27 How FABA’s community feel began03:31 The value of intimate, state-level conferences04:24 Cultural responsiveness topic05:42 How new RBTs can address their concerns07:22 Cultural humility within ethical ABA practice09:13 Understanding family culture in ABA work10:00 Research findings on culturally responsive behavior11:35 Generalizing cultural responsiveness13:45 Preparing children for school environments14:42 Advice for early-career BCBAs17:57 Advice for students researching cultural responsiveness19:17 Collaboration and mentorship dynamics21:31 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 Intro01:40 Meet Rachel: BCBA & Autism Travel Pro04:00 Autism on the Seas: Support on Cruises06:30 How Travel Goals Become Therapy Goals09:40 Can Insurance Cover Travel Therapy?13:20 Why Vacations Boost Family Well-being14:45 Genius Safety Tip for Traveling with Kids17:40 Autism-Friendly Parks & Resorts20:10 Airport Help: TSA Cares & Sunflower Program22:00 Practice Flights for Autism Families23:20 The Learning Escape: CEUs at Sea25:50 Inside the First ABA Cruise Conference29:30 Balancing Motherhood & a BCBA Career34:20 Beating Burnout and Finding New Paths36:30 How to Become a Certified Autism Travel Pro38:10 The Future of Accessible Travel42:00 Group Trips, Sponsorships & Insurance45:25 Rapid-Fire Travel Q&A with Rachel47:00 Rachel’s Early Morning Rituals48:20 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 Intro00:48 Welcome Back to Beyond the Science Podcast01:21 Year in Review & New Ventures02:57 From Clinician to CEO06:23 Journey to Entrepreneurship08:13 The Power of Community10:55 Behind the Scenes of BNB Summit12:27 Civil Discourse and Thought Exchange15:26 Block Party & Fellowship Moments17:48 Residential Services Vision20:29 Homelessness and the Autism Spectrum22:23 Challenges of Starting Group Homes24:56 Introducing Sapphire AI31:14 What Makes Sapphire Different35:14 BACB ACE Provider Changes37:32 Special Education Funding Cuts41:51 BCBA at Sea 202743:31 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey45:53 Brotherhood & Mental Health54:32 The Cost of Success55:29 Family Sacrifices, Balance & Fatherhood1:08:40 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 Intro00:35 Meet Dr. Shane Spiker01:42 Why FABA Matters in Florida03:03 Favorite Conference Topics04:17 Treating Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors07:42 Openness & Approachability08:27 His Most Impactful Publications10:28 Teaching Critical Thinking13:24 Favorite College Football Team14:50 Why We Do What We Do Podcast16:37 New Books and Projects17:34 His Go-To Conference Drink18:06 ABA in the Next 10 Years20:11 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 Intro00:39 Welcome & FABA 45th anniversary intro01:04 Meeta Patel, expert on pediatric feeding disorders02:08 Why focus on the home environment02:59 What pediatric feeding disorders look like03:53 Parent involvement as the key to success05:03 Takeaways from recent FABA presentation08:09 Interdisciplinary collaboration:10:18 Evolution of research & literature13:20 Addressing myths around escape extinction16:42 When and why to refer patients out19:12 Reducing tube dependency 21:32 Role of gut health in treatment 24:53 Fun fact: from fashion to behavior analysis25:37 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 Intro00:28 Welcoming Dr. Merrill Winston01:45 Physical restraint vs. physical prompting04:20 When are prompts turning into restraints07:20 The truth about misaligned motivations10:05 Informed consent vs. cooperation from parents13:16 Malice, incompetence & real goal15:44 How Dr. Winston got into crisis management21:23 Lessons from 25 years of restraint cases23:34 Police, parents, and the realities of restraint29:06 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 Intro00:45 Welcome & podcast journey so far02:57 Introducing guests and their achievements08:00 Pivotal moments of leadership journeys11:31 How leadership in ABA has shifted over time14:23 Audience Q&A: Passing knowledge to children17:40 Mentorship and inspiring the next generation20:25 Financial literacy and family education23:01 Challenges & future of ABA service27:54 Community perspectives and testimonies30:25 Cultural competences in ABA36:38 Code-switching and staying authentic41:59 Building trust, hope, and measurable results43:22 Advice for young behavior analysts48:30 Navigating cultural nuances without DEI mandates54:30 Publishing research and creating ABA literature59:33 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 Intro00:30 Poetry performance01:10 Meet Andre Anderson03:10 Personal connections, support, and recognition05:07 Excitement about the summit08:22 Ben Crump’s message of support10:10 Reflections on mentorship & inspiration12:20 Origins of Black Male BCBA Day17:59 Statistics on representation in ABA18:14 Grandmother’s influence, poetry, and ABA24:00 Challenges as the first Black male BCBA in Tennessee27:43 Advice for RBTs entering the field30:45 Function-based interventions & friendships35:04 Applying ABA principles in marriage & family life36:53 Blending poetry, hip hop, and behavioral science39:05 Quick-fire questions with Andre40:21 Message for young professionals in ABA42:27 Straight talk on fatherhood & raising daughters45:41 Gratitude and legacy in ABA47:39 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 Intro00:42 Meet Michelle01:41 From nursing to OT to ABA04:26 Why OT + ABA credentials matter06:38 Gaps in OT training08:18 Multidisciplinary teamwork challenges10:12 Sensory and neurological lens in ABA11:17 Proprioception made simple13:58 Connecting OT & ABA15:23 Finding each child’s “formula”16:36 Teaching vs. direct treatment17:52 Going viral on TikTok19:04 RBT support & telehealth debate20:34 Remote vs. in-person BCBA23:21 Limits of medical model24:15 Finding the right balance25:25 Lightning round: Q&A27:06 Beyond the “four functions” of behavior28:02 True cross-discipline collaborations31:11 Representation & authenticity33:35 Advice for queer and neuro-divergent pros35:02 Building trust with families37:19 Study journal & exam prep38:09 ADHD: boys vs. girls40:20 Life outside ABA44:18 Final message to share45:19 Where to find Michelle online

From the Bronx to the C-Suite, this is the remarkable journey of a woman who refused to be defined by limits.In this inspiring conversation, you’ll hear how she rose from special education teacher to become the first Black woman in ABA’s C-suite, leading with passion, data, and grit. She shares the personal story that brought her to Applied Behavior Analysis, the challenges she’s overcome, and the leadership strategies driving real change in the field.Whether you’re in ABA, leadership, or just love stories of resilience and impact, this episode will motivate you to break barriers of your own. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:33 Meet Quatiba Davis03:06 How her daughter’s stroke led her to ABA07:33 Discovering the power of Applied Behavior Analysis08:30 Role as Chief Clinical Officer09:33 Overcoming challenges as a Black woman in a C-suite role18:07 How her Bronx upbringing shaped her career21:03 Advice for Black women entering corporate leadership23:23 Staying grounded under high responsibility29:04 The sponsor who changed her life32:13 The Importance of mentorship38:22 Parenting, independence, and supporting her daughter42:28 Why there are so few Black women in ABA leadership45:15 Diversity, equity, and inclusion in ABA today48:29 Final advice for women in leadership

Big announcements, big names, and even bigger plans!Get an inside look at the upcoming BNBA Summit – from powerhouse keynote speakers and game‑changing panels to scholarships, networking mixers, and even a three‑on‑three basketball tournament with a $500 prize! The hosts share why this year’s event is bigger than ever, how it’s creating space for Black men and allies in ABA, and what exciting sessions you can’t afford to miss. If you want inspiration, connection, and a front‑row seat to the future of ABA, this is the episode you’ll want to watch. Timestamps:02:03 Introduction to BNBA Summit and its mission03:10 Excitement about networking and events04:17 Keynote speakers and session highlights07:17 Friday schedule: scholarships and the 3‑on‑3 tournament09:04 Saturday schedule: speaker and panels12:12 Entrepreneurship panel and block party13:16 Networking mixer and sponsors mentioned14:30 Final thoughts and excitement for the summit

Ever wondered what it really takes to start a group home from scratch?In this powerful episode, Arthur Hairston breaks down his journey from working in direct care to building a thriving, sustainable group home business. He opens up about the $250K startup costs no one talks about, the early chaos of working with at-risk youth, and how a single pivot changed everything.Tune in for real talk—and subscribe for more on ABA, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven leadership. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:50 Meet Arthur Hairston01:55 Arthur’s Warm Welcome & Shutout03:02 From Teaching to Group Homes06:02 At-Risk Youth & Group Home Community08:04 Different Types of Group Homes09:55 Hiring & Staffing Realities10:40 Opening a Group Home12:46 Running a Group Home15:26 Unexpected Challenges: Parental Rights & Approvals19:08 Working with Your Spouse22:25 Being a Black Entrepreneur in ABA25:25 Balancing Business & Fatherhood27:56 Curiosity & Asking Questions Publicly29:34 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Spirit32:50 Passing Down the Game34:22 Knowledge Sharing & the BNBA Summit37:43 Ignorant Purchases & Real Estate Dreams41:04 Where to Connect with Arthur

What does it take to change a field from the inside out? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Amanda Kelly, better known as BehaviorBabe, to explore her journey from grassroots advocacy to influencing national autism policy.Amanda shares how she built a movement through free resources, tackled ethical challenges in ABA, and helped pass landmark legislation in two states—all while staying grounded in her purpose.From social media backlash to the launch of a revolutionary residential campus, this is a masterclass in impact, integrity, and leadership. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:26 Highlights from the Adult Services Panel01:49 Launch of Unum Place Residential Campus02:46 The Origin of “BehaviorBabe”05:35 What Ethical ABA Looks Like Today07:00 The Biggest Misconceptions in ABA08:12 From Advocacy to Legislation11:16 Challenges in Hawaii Advocacy Work13:22 Social Media's Role in ABA and Advocacy16:30 What Keeps Amanda Motivated & Grounded18:11 Advice to Her Younger Self20:16 Legacy and Long-Term Vision21:37 Final Fun Question: What’s on Your Playlist?

What if one platform could completely transform how ABA care is delivered?In this episode, we sit down with Smith Anderson and Emily McCullough from Motivity, the fast-growing platform that's changing how clinicians deliver care. From smart scheduling to real-time insights, they share how Motivity evolved from a data tool into a powerful all-in-one solution—and why their mission is all about empowering providers, supporting families, and transforming outcomes.Whether you're a clinician, founder, or ABA advocate, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe even rethinking what's possible. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:25 Meet Smith Anderson & Emily McCullough01:10 How Motivity got started05:04 From data tool to full clinical platform07:54 Partnering with Kalmanak & launching PM09:14 Scaling without losing quality10:04 Smart scheduling & routing features12:05 Mission-driven hiring and growth15:05 What new investment means for Motivity17:50 Staying focused on clinical outcomes20:00 Introducing “Acuity”21:27 Fun facts about the team24:23 Book & podcast recommendations25:49 How ABA has evolved28:59 Impact of real-time data access30:28 Future of connected care32:23 Ethical use of AI in ABA35:59 Leadership at Motivity38:20 Building intentional culture40:27 What motivates the team44:09 Advice for ABA professionals

What does it really take to transform autism care from the inside out? In this powerful live episode from the 2025 Autism Partnership Foundation Conference, APF leaders reveal how they’re reshaping ABA through accessible training, compassionate intervention, and bold leadership. Learn why free RBT education is changing lives, how the field is rediscovering its roots, and what ethical ABA looks like today. Subscribe for more conversations that drive impact. Timestamps:00:15 Live from the APF Conference01:30 APF’s Evolving Mission03:58 Reaching a Wider Audience05:16 The Push for Quality Intervention08:03 Shifts in the Field of ABA11:55 Challenges in Training & Access12:22 Can AI Help the Field?14:42 Leadership at APF18:32 Leadership Books to Recommend19:26 One-Word APF Legacy Goals21:01 Wrap-Up & Reflections

Live from APF 2025, autism advocate and sex educator Amy Gravino delivers an unfiltered, powerful conversation about dating, sexuality, and life as an autistic adult. From being bullied as a child to becoming a leading voice for neurodivergent women, Amy shares her personal journey with raw honesty and sharp wit. She opens up about the emotional toll of relationships, the heartbreak of being misunderstood, and the frustrating gaps in support that autistic adults continue to face. With real-world insights and humor, Amy challenges outdated stereotypes, breaks down why traditional sex education fails the autism community, and offers a new path forward — one rooted in inclusion, consent, and authentic connection. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:22 Live at APF 2025: Meet Amy Gravino  01:28 Amy’s Diagnosis and Early Advocacy04:41 Asperger’s vs Autism: What’s Changed?Amy explains the historical background and controversies around the Asperger’s label.06:35 Why the Autism Spectrum Label Matters07:33 What Professionals Should Do Differently09:25 Autism, Sexuality & Memoir10:41 A Broken Adult Services System12:53 Why Adults with Autism Are Forgotten15:43 Sex Education for Autistic Adults17:14 The Rutgers Center & Community Integration18:06 Dating as an Autistic Female20:09 How to Connect with Amy

Live from the APF Conference, Van Jones joins us for a brief but powerful conversation on the politicization of science, autism myths, and the fallout from COVID-19. He shares candid thoughts on RFK Jr.'s controversial claims, the real impact on young people, and why we can't afford to ignore these conversations. Honest, urgent, and unfiltered—this is one you don’t want to miss. Timestamps:00:00 Into00:21 Van Jones Live from the APF Conference00:43 COVID & Credibility of Science03:26 RFK Jr., Autism, & Misinformation04:26 The Danger of Stereotyping Autism05:05 Talent on the Spectrum05:46 Final Reflections & What Keeps Van Going