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
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 Intro
00:33 Meet Quatiba Davis
03:06 How her daughter’s stroke led her to ABA
07:33 Discovering the power of Applied Behavior Analysis
08:30 Role as Chief Clinical Officer
09:33 Overcoming challenges as a Black woman in a C-suite role
18:07 How her Bronx upbringing shaped her career
21:03 Advice for Black women entering corporate leadership
23:23 Staying grounded under high responsibility
29:04 The sponsor who changed her life
32:13 The Importance of mentorship
38:22 Parenting, independence, and supporting her daughter
42:28 Why there are so few Black women in ABA leadership
45:15 Diversity, equity, and inclusion in ABA today
48:29 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 mission
03:10 Excitement about networking and events
04:17 Keynote speakers and session highlights
07:17 Friday schedule: scholarships and the 3‑on‑3 tournament
09:04 Saturday schedule: speaker and panels
12:12 Entrepreneurship panel and block party
13:16 Networking mixer and sponsors mentioned
14:30 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 Intro
00:50 Meet Arthur Hairston
01:55 Arthur’s Warm Welcome & Shutout
03:02 From Teaching to Group Homes
06:02 At-Risk Youth & Group Home Community
08:04 Different Types of Group Homes
09:55 Hiring & Staffing Realities
10:40 Opening a Group Home
12:46 Running a Group Home
15:26 Unexpected Challenges: Parental Rights & Approvals
19:08 Working with Your Spouse
22:25 Being a Black Entrepreneur in ABA
25:25 Balancing Business & Fatherhood
27:56 Curiosity & Asking Questions Publicly
29:34 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Spirit
32:50 Passing Down the Game
34:22 Knowledge Sharing & the BNBA Summit
37:43 Ignorant Purchases & Real Estate Dreams
41:04 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 Intro
00:26 Highlights from the Adult Services Panel
01:49 Launch of Unum Place Residential Campus
02:46 The Origin of “BehaviorBabe”
05:35 What Ethical ABA Looks Like Today
07:00 The Biggest Misconceptions in ABA
08:12 From Advocacy to Legislation
11:16 Challenges in Hawaii Advocacy Work
13:22 Social Media's Role in ABA and Advocacy
16:30 What Keeps Amanda Motivated & Grounded
18:11 Advice to Her Younger Self
20:16 Legacy and Long-Term Vision
21:37 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 Intro
00:25 Meet Smith Anderson & Emily McCullough
01:10 How Motivity got started
05:04 From data tool to full clinical platform
07:54 Partnering with Kalmanak & launching PM
09:14 Scaling without losing quality
10:04 Smart scheduling & routing features
12:05 Mission-driven hiring and growth
15:05 What new investment means for Motivity
17:50 Staying focused on clinical outcomes
20:00 Introducing “Acuity”
21:27 Fun facts about the team
24:23 Book & podcast recommendations
25:49 How ABA has evolved
28:59 Impact of real-time data access
30:28 Future of connected care
32:23 Ethical use of AI in ABA
35:59 Leadership at Motivity
38:20 Building intentional culture
40:27 What motivates the team
44:09 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 Conference
01:30 APF’s Evolving Mission
03:58 Reaching a Wider Audience
05:16 The Push for Quality Intervention
08:03 Shifts in the Field of ABA
11:55 Challenges in Training & Access
12:22 Can AI Help the Field?
14:42 Leadership at APF
18:32 Leadership Books to Recommend
19:26 One-Word APF Legacy Goals
21:01 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 Intro
00:22 Live at APF 2025: Meet Amy Gravino
01:28 Amy’s Diagnosis and Early Advocacy
04:41 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 Matters
07:33 What Professionals Should Do Differently
09:25 Autism, Sexuality & Memoir
10:41 A Broken Adult Services System
12:53 Why Adults with Autism Are Forgotten
15:43 Sex Education for Autistic Adults
17:14 The Rutgers Center & Community Integration
18:06 Dating as an Autistic Female
20:09 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 Into
00:21 Van Jones Live from the APF Conference
00:43 COVID & Credibility of Science
03:26 RFK Jr., Autism, & Misinformation
04:26 The Danger of Stereotyping Autism
05:05 Talent on the Spectrum
05:46 Final Reflections & What Keeps Van Going