Keywords motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, psychology, behavior, evolution, learning Summary In this conversation, Dr. Sparks discusses the complexities of motivation, challenging the common belief that intrinsic motivation is superior to extrinsic motivation. He argues that intrinsic motivation is essentially an evolved form of extrinsic motivation, prompting a reevaluation of how we understand these concepts in psychology and behavior.

What's in a name? The Doc and Co. explore the psychology behind naming, discussing its impact on identity, relationships, and emotional connections. We talk about how cultural context shapes our perceptions of names, the evolution of naming from pets to inanimate objects, and the role of superstitions in naming behaviors.    Have something interesting you'd like us to analyze? Email thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com

We dive into the origins and evolution of Halloween, exploring its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, the cultural practices associated with it, and how it has transformed into the modern celebration we know today. Black cats, the merging of pagan and Catholic traditions, and the commercialization of Halloween festivities: let's analyze it! Dr. Sparks gets into the cultural significance of Halloween, discussing its origins, traditions, and personal experiences.

In this episode, Dr. Sparks Kyle and Brad dive into the complexities of anxiety, exploring its role as both a motivator and a challenge in our daily lives. From historical perspectives to modern-day implications, the discussion covers how anxiety can drive us to action or become a debilitating force Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doc-analyzes-anything/id1818413411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aOpUjyNT9JfdCm1yb0SfD?si=751331ebb5244580 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning

Keywords candy, hot takes, yo-yo tricks, making your bed, boneless wings, apples, banana flavors, olives, pickles, Greek food, cereal, soup, toilet paper preferences, sparkling water   Summary Hey! We're going to explore a variety of topics ranging from Greek food and family traditions to hot takes on food preferences, the debate over whether cereal is a soup, etc. Personal preferences regarding toilet paper and sparkling water - this episode's got it all.   Chapters 00:00 Candy Conundrums: The Gobstopper Debate 02:27 Introduction to Hot Takes: Setting the Stage 04:49 The Invisible Dog: A Hot Take on Behavior 07:46 Yo-Yo Tricks: The Art of Attention 12:47 Making the Bed: A Morning Ritual Debate 19:09 Boneless Wings: The Great Chicken Nugget Debate 21:31 Nostalgia and Wings: A Trip Down Memory Lane 24:04 The Case Race: College Shenanigans 25:23 The Decline of Chewing Gum: A Cultural Shift 28:22 Banana Flavors: Love or Hate? 33:29 Apples: The Great Debate 39:43 Olives: A Divisive Snack 41:03 Greek Food Favorites 43:07 Hot Takes on Food Preferences 44:11 Cereal: A Soup or Not? 47:48 Defining Soup and Sandwiches 01:01:48 The Legacy of Horrocks: 01:03:27 Toilet Paper Preferences: Over or Under?  

Keywords psychology, human behavior, stimulus pairing, Pavlovian conditioning, addiction, sensory stimuli, environmental cues, unlearning behaviors Summary In this episode, Dr. Steve and friends explore the peculiar phenomenon of feeling the urge to use the restroom in specific public places. Takeaways The urge to use the restroom in public places can be linked to psychological conditioning. Stimulus pairing can create strong associations between environments and bodily responses. Pavlovian conditioning explains how neutral stimuli can trigger conditioned responses over time. Sensory stimuli, such as smells, can evoke memories and influence behavior. Environmental cues play a significant role in addiction and cravings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bathroom Behavior 02:49 The Phenomenon of Defecation at Kohl's 05:43 Stimulus Pairing and Its Effects 08:43 Pavlov's Conditioning and Behavioral Responses 11:37 The Science Behind Sensory Stimuli 14:41 The Brown Note and Its Mythology 22:05 The Impact of ASMR on Health 23:13 Childhood Experiences with Card Games 25:14 Family Game Nights and Their Challenges 26:20 Pavlovian Conditioning in Everyday Life 28:01 Social Influences on Smoking Behavior 29:57 Breaking the Cycle of Addiction 31:49 Reinforcement Techniques in Behavior Modification 32:48 The Power of Pairing in Learning 36:23 Generalized Conditioned Reinforcers 37:10 Allergies and Environmental Triggers 41:41 Unlearning Distressful Pairings 46:04 Aversive Conditions and Toilet Training

Keywords autism, Tylenol, human behavior, psychology,, reinforcement, sensory processing, genetics, environmental factors, vaccines Takeaways The connection between Tylenol and autism is largely unfounded. Autism is defined by specific social and behavioral criteria. Social interaction deficits are a key aspect of autism. Reinforcement plays a crucial role in learning behaviors. Genetics may contribute to autism but are not the sole cause. Misconceptions about autism can lead to harmful treatments. Environmental factors may play a role in autism rates. Evidence-based practices are essential for effective treatment. Summary In this conversation, Dr. Sparks explores the connection between Tylenol and autism, discussing the recent Health Department announcement and the complexities of autism spectrum disorder, its diagnosis, and the role of reinforcement in behavior. They explore common myths surrounding autism, including misconceptions about vaccines and environmental factors, while emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in treatment. The discussion highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of autism and the various factors that contribute to its diagnosis and treatment. Sound bites "Tylenol doesn't cause autism." "Autism is not a disease." "Vaccines do not cause autism."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Human Behavior Analysis 03:11 Debunking Myths: Tylenol and Autism 07:23 Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder 17:55 The Role of Social Interaction in Learning 30:50 Exploring Causes of Autism 32:28 The Dangers of Misguided Treatments 35:49 Understanding Correlation vs. Causation 40:08 Exploring Genetic Factors in Autism 46:00 Environmental Influences and Epigenetics 50:58 Debunking Vaccine Myths 51:48 The Search for Causes and Misconceptions 54:30 The Importance of Effective Interventions 57:55 Rising Diagnosis Rates and Their Implications 01:00:03 Conclusions and Moving Forward

Keywords social interactions, political violence, human history, fear, social media, positive reinforcement, media accountability, mental health, gun control, skepticism, empathy, negativity, technology Takeaways Navigating social interactions can be challenging in a digital age. Political violence is on the rise and affects societal well-being. Understanding human history helps contextualize current violence. Fear influences decision-making and can lead to aggression. Social media amplifies political discourse and can create echo chambers. Positive reinforcement is essential for societal improvement. Accountability in media is lacking, leading to misinformation. Mental health issues can lead to violence if not addressed. Gun control discussions must consider mental health factors. Skepticism is crucial for discerning truth in media but can be misunderstood. Empathy is necessary for constructive political discussions. Finding balance in a negative world is vital for mental health. Technology evolves faster than society can adapt, creating challenges. Summary In this conversation, your hosts explore the intersection of psychology, social behavior, and current events, particularly focusing on political violence, the influence of fear, and the role of social media. They discuss how societal negativity can lead to aggression and the importance of positive reinforcement and empathy in navigating these challenges. The conversation also touches on the complexities of mental health, gun control, and the need for accountability in media, ultimately advocating for a more positive societal outlook. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Social Interactions in the Digital Age 02:53 The Impact of Political Violence on Society 05:43 Understanding Human History and Violence 08:44 The Role of Fear in Decision Making 11:37 The Influence of Media and Social Media on Perception 14:44 The Psychology Behind Consuming Fear-Based Content 17:31 The Need for Accountability in Media 20:38 Skepticism and Critical Thinking in Society 23:26 Empathy and Compassion in Political Discourse 33:50 The Challenge of Political Messaging 39:11 Mental Health and Societal Negativity 44:57 Gun Control and Mental Health 50:54 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions 01:00:27 Navigating Modern Technology and Society

In this episode, Dr. Steve, Kyle, and Chad hit the brakes on everyday chatter to dive into the science of traffic safety. We unpack the research from Ron Van Houten at Western Michigan University, look at what the data really says about speeding and distracted driving campaigns, and even watch Kyle struggle (with love) to remember what his master’s thesis was about (spoiler: contingency management). It’s equal parts research, real talk, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re a data nerd, a safe-driving advocate, or just here for the banter, this episode will steer you in the right direction. 👀 Tune in, buckle up!

Dr. Sparks joins Kyle and Chad to explore one of the most fascinating topics in human behavior: invention, ingenuity, and genius. Are these forms of creativity the result of innate talent, or can they be explained through environmental contingencies, reinforcement histories, problem-solving under multiple control, and complex combinations of both physiological and operant conditions? In this episode, we unpack how behavior analysis sheds light on the science of creativity—how shaping, variability, and exposure to novel situations can lead to breakthroughs that change the world. We dive into: How reinforcement and stimulus control contribute to “genius” behavior Why problem-solving can be analyzed as a behavioral process The role of shaping, generalization and differential reinforcement in producing novel responses How environments rich in opportunity and feedback increase the likelihood of innovation Whether you’re curious about creativity, behavioral psychology, or the science of human potential, this discussion connects behavior analysis to the everyday question: where does genius come from?

The Doc Analyzes Anything | The Chameleon (Frédéric Bourdin) This week, the gang dives into the unbelievable story of Frédéric Bourdin—known as The Chameleon—who impersonated children and adults hundreds of times across the globe before finally getting caught. From his wild deceptions to the families, investigators, and systems he fooled along the way, this case is stranger than fiction. We break it down from a behavioral perspective, exploring the patterns that drove his choices, how reinforcement and consequences shaped his strategies, and what this case reveals about deception, trust, and human behavior. 🔎 Topics we cover: How Bourdin pulled off so many impersonations Why people believed him, even against the odds The behavioral principles behind deception and identity theft 👉 Subscribe for more cases where psychology, behavior analysis, and true crime collide!

The gang discusses self-diagnosis; what it is, why it might be gaining popularity, and the pros and cons from both a behavioral standpoint and cultural perspective. They explore how self-identifying can impact access to resources, mental health awareness, and social support, while also considering potential pitfalls like misinformation or mislabeling. Join us for a nuanced conversation that looks beyond the buzzwords and dives into the real-world implications of self-diagnosis.

Episode 9 – The Doc Analyzes Anything: Progress What does it really mean to call something “progress”? In this episode, we break down the idea of human progress—where we’ve advanced, and where we may have fallen behind. From rapid technological breakthroughs to lingering poverty rates and the decline of critical thinking, the conversation asks: are we truly moving forward? Join Dr. Steve Sparks, Kyle Steury, and Brad Clements as they dig into the paradoxes of progress and explore how we define success as a society. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions!

In this episode of The Doc Analyzes Anything, Dr. Steve Sparks, Kyle Steury, and Chad Ever dive into a topic that's often misunderstood: the difference between Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Spoiler alert: they are not the same thing. We explore: What ABA actually is and how it’s rooted in science and data Why the FBI's criminal profiling methods don’t necessarily hold up to empirical scrutiny How shows like Mindhunter blur the line between entertainment and reality Ways behavior analysts could actually support change in correctional settings This one’s for true crime fans, behavior nerds, and anyone curious about how behavior science really works. 🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join the discussion! #BehaviorAnalysis #TrueCrime #FBIProfiling #ABA #Mindhunter #TheDocAnalyzesAnything

Dr. Steve, Dr. Brad and Kyle (not a doc) talk the age-old debate: do I suck at sports because of my genes or because my dad didn't encourage me to give 110%? We'll dig into what behavior analysts, geneticists, and psychologists each bring to the table when we talk about why we are the way we are. Citing several twin studies, genetics, epigenetics and behaviorism, we'll unpack how nature and nurture interact—and why the debate might be a bit outdated. Also who you got? Brad or Chad? #bradorchad

In this episode of The Doc Analyzes Anything, Dr. Steve, Kyle Steury, and special guest Chad dive headfirst into the wild world of hustle culture. Is it motivation, attention? Unpack the weird, wacky, and often wallet-draining world of MLMs (multi-level marketing schemes). Expect real talk, unexpected insights, and an almost uncomfortable amount of eye contact. Like, a lot. You’ve been warned. 🎯 Got a burning question or a bizarre topic you’d like us to tackle next? Email us: thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com — we just might pick yours for the next episode! 📲 Stay connected and slightly amused at our Facebook and Instagram pages. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don't miss our next deep (and slightly awkward) dive! #HustleCulture #MLMs #Podcast #TheDocAnalyzesAnything #EyeContactMasters

The Doc Analyzes Anything – Episode 5: PunishmentIn this episode, Dr. Sparks, Dr. Clements, and Kyle Steury dive into the topic of punishment—not just the everyday kind, but through the lens of behavior analysis. The crew breaks down what punishment actually is (and isn’t), its potential side effects, and whether common disciplinary strategies like time-outs, grounding, or “gentle parenting” actually change behavior in the ways people hope. Brad and Steve join live from the lake for some holiday weekend banter—expect some lag, a few audio hiccups, and plenty of Fourth of July energy. A blend of science, skepticism, and just enough chaos to keep it fun.

🎙️ Episode 4 – True Crime Podcasts: Why Are We So Obsessed? Welcome back to The Doc Analyzes Anything! In this episode, Dr. Steve Sparks joins co-hosts Brad Clements and Kyle Steury to dive into the psychology and behavior behind the true crime podcast craze. Why do millions of people unwind with stories of murder, mystery, and mayhem? What keeps us coming back for more? And how do behavior analytic principles like reinforcement motivating operations tie in. 🔍 Topics include: The emotional appeal of true crime How suspense and uncertainty act as powerful motivators The role of attention, escape, and problem-solving in listener behavior Ethical considerations in entertainment based on real human tragedy Whether you're a BCBA, a true crime junkie, or just curious about human behavior—this episode will keep you hooked. 🧠 Like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite true crime podcast—or one that freaked you out the most. 📩 For inquiries or topic suggestions: thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com #TrueCrime #BehaviorAnalysis #TheDocAnalyzesAnything #PodcastPsychology #BehaviorScience

Episode 3 - Dignity | The Doc Analyzes Anything Join Dr. Steve Sparks, Kyle Steury, and Brad Clements as they dive into a fascinating behavioral analysis of pride and dignity—what they mean, how they show up differently in peoples' lives, and why they matter. Along the way, the crew debates how many cats are too many, and discuss some of their oddest accomplishments that they’re genuinely proud of. Spoiler alert: Do you use your own spice mix instead of grabbing those store-bought blends? You should.... Tune in for laughs, insight, and all the dignity you can handle.

Episode 2 – Cults On this episode of The Doc Analyzes Anything, Dr. Steven Sparks, Brad Clements, and Kyle Steury take a deep dive into the fascinating and unsettling world of cults. From the psychology of cult leaders to the vulnerability of followers, they explore what drives people to join—and stay—in high-control groups. Along the way, they unpack famous cases, challenge common myths, and even uncover the true story behind the phrase “drink the Kool-Aid.” This podcast is a project of Sparks Behavioral Services. For more information, visit sparksbehavioralservices.com