Rad N Bad Podcast

Ready to stop getting your science from bedtime stories? In this wake-up call of an episode, Sean Yocum and Mike Carrero dive headfirst into the recent, controversial claims linking Tylenol to autism. As BCBAs, they break down the fundamental flaws in this argument, starting with the first rule of behavior analysis fight club: correlation is not causation.They discuss how this narrative oversimplifies a complex neurodevelopmental condition, ignoring decades of peer-reviewed research on genetics and other contributing factors. Sean and Mike challenge the "miracle drug" mentality, calling out the ethical dangers of promoting misinformation and the real harm it causes to families. This isn't a political debate—it's a critical discussion about upholding the standards of evidence-based practice and why the so-called "autism epidemic" is actually a sign of social and scientific progress. Get ready to question everything you think you know and find out why the truth is far more complex, and more hopeful, than a single, simple answer.

Ready to stop getting your science from bedtime stories? In this wake-up call of an episode, Sean Yocum and Mike Carrero dive headfirst into the recent, controversial claims linking Tylenol to autism. As BCBAs, they break down the fundamental flaws in this argument, starting with the first rule of behavior analysis fight club: correlation is not causation.They discuss how this narrative oversimplifies a complex neurodevelopmental condition, ignoring decades of peer-reviewed research on genetics and other contributing factors. Sean and Mike challenge the "miracle drug" mentality, calling out the ethical dangers of promoting misinformation and the real harm it causes to families. This isn't a political debate—it's a critical discussion about upholding the standards of evidence-based practice and why the so-called "autism epidemic" is actually a sign of social and scientific progress. Get ready to question everything you think you know and find out why the truth is far more complex, and more hopeful, than a single, simple answer.

In this bold and edgy episode, your hosts Sean Yocum and Mike Carrero get into the most talked about but least solved problem in the field: RBT burnout. Joined by special guest Nick Klinkefus, a tech-savvy leader specializing in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), they expose the hard truths behind the industry's staffing crisis.Are RBTs just billable machines? Is the high turnover rate a direct result of prioritizing profit over people? They dissect a system that has fundamentally distorted the RBT role, reducing it to a disposable resource and a mere means to an end. We challenge the notion of "client-first culture" and dive into the lack of professional development, a rigid certification system, and the devastating consequences of an undervalued workforce.This isn't a surface-level discussion; it's a deep dive into the business of behavior analysis, the profitability of a broken model, and the uncomfortable realities that are holding our field back. If you've ever felt like your voice isn't being heard or that you're just a number, this episode is for you. We're cutting through the noise and asking the questions everyone else is too afraid to ask.Find Nick on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklinkefus/Check out his business at: https://www.greatdayconsults.com/

In this bold and edgy episode, your hosts Sean Yocum and Mike Carrero get into the most talked about but least solved problem in the field: RBT burnout. Joined by special guest Nick Klinkefus, a tech-savvy leader specializing in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), they expose the hard truths behind the industry's staffing crisis.Are RBTs just billable machines? Is the high turnover rate a direct result of prioritizing profit over people? They dissect a system that has fundamentally distorted the RBT role, reducing it to a disposable resource and a mere means to an end. We challenge the notion of "client-first culture" and dive into the lack of professional development, a rigid certification system, and the devastating consequences of an undervalued workforce.This isn't a surface-level discussion; it's a deep dive into the business of behavior analysis, the profitability of a broken model, and the uncomfortable realities that are holding our field back. If you've ever felt like your voice isn't being heard or that you're just a number, this episode is for you. We're cutting through the noise and asking the questions everyone else is too afraid to ask.You can find Nick Klinkefus on Linkedin here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklinkefus/Find his business here:https://www.greatdayconsults.com/

Welcome back, behavioral misfits! On this special episode, hosts Sean Yocum and Michael Carrero dive into a topic that bridges Sean's two worlds: music and behavior analysis.We’re breaking down the incredible, and unexpected, viral resurgence of Sean's old band, Lady Radiator, and their song, "Box Turtle." What looks like a happy accident is, in fact, a perfect storm of behavioral principles in action.Join us as we analyze:Intermittent Reinforcement: How social media algorithms, like a slot machine , drive compulsive scrolling and set the stage for a song from 18 years ago to blow up.Discriminative Stimuli (SDs): How influencers function as a "green light" for viral behavior and why their endorsement is a powerful cue for their followers.Rule-Governed vs. Contingency-Shaped Behavior: The shift from a user learning through direct consequences to following a verbal rule set by an influencer, and how this accelerates virality.Behavioral Momentum & Shaping: How the band's proactive response and strategic content creation moved passive listeners into an active, engaged fan base, ensuring the trend's maintenance and generalization.This isn't just a story about music; it's a real-time, unfiltered look at how ABA principles are running the world. Get ready to analyze the algorithm and question everything you think you know about viral content. Remember, you're not just a consumer—you're a participant in a grand digital experiment.Don't forget to stay edgy, stay bad, and don't forget to analyze that behavior!Check out Sean's old band Lady Radiator on Spotify!

On a brand-new installment of our "Who The Hell Is That?" series, Sean and Mike welcome a guest who's not afraid to challenge the status quo: the brilliant Dr. Lindsey Sneed. As the Vice President of Clinical Excellence at Catalight and a licensed psychologist, Dr. Sneed is fiercely passionate about an approach with robust evidence that is often resisted by the mainstream: Parent-Mediated Interventions (PMI).In this no-holds-barred conversation, we dive headfirst into the why behind this resistance. We explore the ethical and clinical reasons for prioritizing PMI as a least-restrictive, highly effective treatment model. Dr. Sneed shares her "aha" moment that drove her to champion this cause, revealing how she's swimming upstream against a field that often equates intensive, 30-hour-a-week models with quality—despite the evidence suggesting otherwise.This isn't a conversation about tearing down traditional ABA; it's about evolving. Dr. Sneed argues that by ignoring PMI, we are limiting access to care, contributing to clinician burnout, and potentially damaging outcomes for families. She offers a compelling argument for a future where we stop chasing dosage and start chasing fit, focusing on what truly empowers caregivers and improves well-being.Join us as we challenge our biases, question the comfort of our current models, and fight for a more effective, humane, and collaborative approach to ABA.Find out more about Dr. Sneed's work at:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/catalightcares/(14) Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA-D | LinkedIn Instagraminstagram.com/catalightcares/Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA-D (@drlindseysneed) • Instagram photos and videosFacebookCatalight | Walnut Creek CA | Facebook YouTubeCatalight - YouTube X (though, we don’t really use it anymore)Catalight (@CatalightCares) / XPodcastWhat’s Up With Catalight - CatalightWhat’s Up With Catalight! - Podcast - Apple PodcastsWhat’s Up With Catalight! | Podcast on SpotifyDon't forget to stay edgy, stay bad, and don't forget to analyze that behavior!

On this special episode of the Rad N Bad Podcast, host Sean Yocum takes a break from his usual bold and edgy takes on behavior analysis to dive into a wild personal story. Forgetting the textbooks and dry data, Sean reunites with his old bandmate, Adam Kobylarz, guitarist from the alternative band Lady Radiator.Join them as they reminisce about their days as loud, angry, and avant-garde musicians in a band that was "18 years too soon." Adam, the band's brainchild, recounts the band's origin story, from its formation to the legendary recording sessions. They discuss the unexpected viral TikTok revival of their song "Box Turtle Magnificent Isn't She" and how it catapulted them from forgotten to famous almost two decades later. Adam shares the process of reclaiming their music, engaging with new fans, and turning this brief moment of digital luck into a massive opportunity. Sean highlights how his current life of being a behavior analyst has made him see things differently in how all of this came to play.They discuss how staying in the music industry and being genuine with their audience helped them seize this second chance at fame. This episode is not just about nostalgia; it's a testament to the power of authentic art and the idea that you get what you can handle. Whether you're a musician, an artist, or a consumer of digital content, this conversation will inspire you to keep creating, drop your art, and understand that you're a participant in a much bigger digital behavior, and that behavior analysis is at play everywhere in life.Check out Lady Radiator on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/5U2FH1VnxiZYbLcUVWGrov?si=lxmaS_cvS0yZsNWo7LtQ2A

This episode of 'Who the Hell Is That?!' features the incredible Dr. Kristyn Peterson, who cuts through the noise of corporate culture in applied behavior analysis (ABA). She joins hosts Sean Yocum and Mike Carrero to expose the uncomfortable truths behind buzzwords like 'psychological safety' and 'client-centered care.' Dr. Peterson, an expert in organizational behavior management (OBM), dismantles the myths of so-called 'family' work environments, revealing how things like rigged surveys and hollow mission statements lead to high employee turnover and compromised client outcomes. The conversation gets brutally honest, tackling everything from the dangers of the RBT level system to how leaders can use behavior analytic principles like FBA to uncover—and fix—a company’s true cultural rot. If you're ready to stop sugarcoating and start confronting what's truly broken in the field, this is the episode for you.You can find Kristyn here:⁠linkedin.com/in/kristynpeterson⁠⁠moralismachina.com ⁠

This episode of 'Who the Hell Is That?!' features the incredible Dr. Kristyn Peterson, who cuts through the noise of corporate culture in applied behavior analysis (ABA). She joins hosts Sean Yocum and Mike Carrero to expose the uncomfortable truths behind buzzwords like 'psychological safety' and 'client-centered care.' Dr. Peterson, an expert in organizational behavior management (OBM), dismantles the myths of so-called 'family' work environments, revealing how things like rigged surveys and hollow mission statements lead to high employee turnover and compromised client outcomes. The conversation gets brutally honest, tackling everything from the dangers of the RBT level system to how leaders can use behavior analytic principles like FBA to uncover—and fix—a company’s true cultural rot. If you're ready to stop sugarcoating and start confronting what's truly broken in the field, this is the episode for you.You can find Kristyn here:linkedin.com/in/kristynpetersonmoralismachina.com 

Get ready, Rad N' Bad fam! Sean and Mike are tearing into another unapologetically honest episode of "Who The Hell Is That?!"—our series dedicated to the fearless individuals igniting real change in ABA. This week, we welcome the brilliant and uncompromising Dr. Kristen Byra, PhD, BCBA-D, a true force in clinical excellence who's not afraid to push back against the norm.Kristen, a highly credentialed BCBA with vast experience in autism services, reveals the "fed up" moments that fueled her mission to transform quality and accountability in our field. She pulls back the curtain on the alarming inconsistencies in ABA training and supervision she witnessed, contrasting it with her own rigorous Western Michigan University experience. Discover the genesis of her game-changing Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) and Quality Assessment tools—innovations designed to tackle the biggest systematic failures in clinical practice. We dive deep into why she demands "fridge-worthy" work, the power of her "red dot" system for RBT feedback, and the audacious medical analogy that exposes why we're defaulting to the most restrictive interventions when evidence-based alternatives are available.This episode is a candid, no-holds-barred discussion on everything from the nuances of non-billable time accountability to the critical importance of parent involvement beyond "tuck and roll" drop-offs. Kristen shares her vision for standardizing quality across agencies, empowering BCBAs and RBTs, and safeguarding the future of ABA by prioritizing client outcomes over mere billables. If you're craving brutal honesty, radical insights, and a blueprint for elevating your practice, strap in! This is where the real insights break loose.You can contact Kristen at:Website: Her professional website is UpskillABA.com.LinkedIn: She primarily posts and is active on her personal LinkedIn profile, Kristen Byra.

Get ready, Rad N' Bad fam! Sean and Mike are tearing into another unapologetically honest episode of "Who The Hell Is That?!"—our series dedicated to the fearless individuals igniting real change in ABA. This week, we welcome the brilliant and uncompromising Dr. Kristen Byra, PhD, BCBA-D, a true force in clinical excellence who's not afraid to push back against the norm.Kristen, a highly credentialed BCBA with vast experience in autism services, reveals the "fed up" moments that fueled her mission to transform quality and accountability in our field. She pulls back the curtain on the alarming inconsistencies in ABA training and supervision she witnessed, contrasting it with her own rigorous Western Michigan University experience. Discover the genesis of her game-changing Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) and Quality Assessment tools—innovations designed to tackle the biggest systematic failures in clinical practice. We dive deep into why she demands "fridge-worthy" work, the power of her "red dot" system for RBT feedback, and the audacious medical analogy that exposes why we're defaulting to the most restrictive interventions when evidence-based alternatives are available.This episode is a candid, no-holds-barred discussion on everything from the nuances of non-billable time accountability to the critical importance of parent involvement beyond "tuck and roll" drop-offs. Kristen shares her vision for standardizing quality across agencies, empowering BCBAs and RBTs, and safeguarding the future of ABA by prioritizing client outcomes over mere billables. If you're craving brutal honesty, radical insights, and a blueprint for elevating your practice, strap in! This is where the real insights break loose.You can find Kristen at the following locations:Website: Her professional website is UpskillABA.com.LinkedIn: She primarily posts and is active on her personal LinkedIn profile, Kristen Byra.

Ever wondered how Matt built his podcasting empire? We go behind the scenes to uncover the gritty origin story of Behavioral Observations, revealing the passion and drive that fueled its creation. If you've got an entrepreneurial spirit or a burning desire to make an impact, this segment is a goldmine.But it's not all business! Matt shares invaluable, real-world suggestions for navigating the complexities of the school setting in ABA. Get ready for practical insights that go beyond the textbook, designed to help you thrive and make a tangible difference where it matters most.And because this is the Rad N' Bad Podcast, we take a delightful detour into an unexpected tangent on the comedic genius of Chris Farley. It's a reminder that even in the serious world of behavior analysis, a little wit and humanity go a long way. Also...have you tried ACT?Check out The Behavioral Observations Podcast hosted by Matt at https://behavioralobservations.com/

Ever wondered how Matt built his podcasting empire? We go behind the scenes to uncover the gritty origin story of Behavioral Observations, revealing the passion and drive that fueled its creation. If you've got an entrepreneurial spirit or a burning desire to make an impact, this segment is a goldmine.But it's not all business! Matt shares invaluable, real-world suggestions for navigating the complexities of the school setting in ABA. Get ready for practical insights that go beyond the textbook, designed to help you thrive and make a tangible difference where it matters most.And because this is the Rad N' Bad Podcast, we take a delightful detour into an unexpected tangent on the comedic genius of Chris Farley. It's a reminder that even in the serious world of behavior analysis, a little wit and humanity go a long way. Also...have you tried ACT?

Let’s stop pretending supervision is working just because someone hit 2,000 hours. In this episode of Rad N Bad, Sean Yocum and Michael Carrero rip into the broken culture of ABA supervision—and what we actually need to start producing real-deal BCBAs, not just test-passers with clipboards.We’re talking:Why more hours don’t equal more skill (and what to do instead),How agencies are using “supervision” to churn out cheap labor,The myth of “you’re ready to supervise after a year” (spoiler: you’re not),What real mentorship looks like—and why most of the field isn’t doing it,And why ethical decision-making can’t be taught in a PowerPoint.Whether you're a supervisee lost in the hour-hustle or a supervisor wondering why your mentee still can't write a goal—this episode will hit home.

In this no-holds-barred episode, Sean Yocum and Michael Carrero crack open Cody Morris’ groundbreaking article “Private Equity in Behavior Analysis: A Reckoning.” We’re talking real talk about the corporate takeover of ABA—how private equity is reshaping the field, gutting clinical integrity, and treating therapy like a cash grab.Are we selling out science for scalability? What happens when investor ROI outranks client outcomes? Cody Morris lit the match—and we’re throwing gasoline on the conversation.

We’re cracking open one of the most debated topics in ABA—does more always mean better? In this episode, we go full throttle into the 30–40 hour model of ABA therapy. Is it truly the “gold standard” for progress, or are we blindly chasing numbers without looking at the client’s actual needs? Sean Yocum and Michael Carrero bring the heat as they challenge the status quo, question outdated funding-driven practices, and ask the tough questions no one else wants to.It’s not about clocking hours—it’s about delivering meaningful, individualized care.

Let’s be real—“collaboration” gets tossed around like confetti in this field, but what does it actually look like when the rubber meets the road? In this episode, Sean and Michael break down the fine line between true interdisciplinary teamwork and a total trainwreck of crossed wires, clashing egos, and diluted goals.We get into it:Why BCBAs need to stop acting like lone wolvesWhat REAL coordination of care looks like (spoiler: it’s not just sending an email)How to navigate schools, SLPs, OTs, and everyone in between—without selling out the scienceAnd when collaboration turns into compromise that actually hurts the clientThis one’s for the behavior analysts who are sick of the fluff and ready to build bridges without burning their ethics.You’re either working together—or working against each other. No in-between.

In this episode, Sean and Michael throw down on one of the hottest and most controversial topics in the field right now: Telehealth. Is it a revolutionary tool that increases access—or a shortcut that sacrifices real impact?We ask the hard questions:Are we scaling ABA or just watering it down?Is telehealth making us lazy practitioners or forcing us to be more intentional?What does quality look like when you're not in the room?And are we helping families—or just checking boxes from behind a screen?This isn’t a tech vs. tradition debate. This is about accountability, outcomes, and integrity. If you’re riding the telehealth wave just to look progressive without results to back it up—you’re part of the problem.Get ready. We’re calling it like it is.

In this unapologetically real episode, Sean and Michael rip the Band-Aid off one of the biggest truths in ABA: If the parents aren't on board, the progress doesn't stick. We're talking raw, unfiltered takes on what "buy-in" really means, why therapy doesn’t stop when the session ends, and how to stop enabling and start empowering.

In Episode 1 of the Rad N' Bad Podcast, titled "Meet the Minds Behind Rad N' Bad", hosts Sean Yocum and Michael Carrero pull back the curtain on their mission to revolutionize Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). With unfiltered honesty, they share their personal journeys, the frustrations that ignited their passion, and their commitment to challenging the status quo. This episode sets the tone for a podcast that doesn't shy away from tough conversations, aiming to inspire practitioners to think critically and push the field toward meaningful change.