This week, Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny take a behavioral dive into Netflix Love Is Blind season 9 episode 10 and 11, exploring what Applied Behavior Analysis reveals about the way people love, fight, and stay in unhealthy relationships. Using the couples they break down how reinforcement, punishment, and learning history shape emotional patterns and attraction. Paola opens the episode by sharing her experience advocating for herself in her second hospital stay, connecting it to the importance of empathy and communication in both healthcare and behavior analysis. Throughout the discussion, the hosts connect these relationship patterns to behavioral principles like functional analysis, reinforcement history, private events, and environmental contingencies. They emphasize that these same dynamics appear in therapy rooms, workplaces, and families, not just reality TV. This episode helps listeners understand how reinforcement drives connection and conflict, why empathy and bedside manner matter in every field, and how “trusting your gut” can function as a cue for self-advocacy and boundary setting.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EveryDayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate here! 👟 Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes using discount code PAOLA   💲Earn Rewards every time you shop by using Fetch  To advertise on this podcast please e-mail: everydayaba.3@gmail.com    After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Identify examples of how bedside manner or empathic communication influences client outcomes.  Differentiate between reinforcement patterns that maintain healthy versus unhealthy relationship behaviors, using examples from the Love Is Blind couples discussed.  Analyze one example of how mismatched reinforcement histories contribute to chronic conflict or avoidance behavior within a partnership. Explain how clinician desensitization or burnout can lead to reduced empathy and poorer decision-making.  Apply behavior-analytic principles to assess relational power dynamics without making medical or psychological diagnoses. Describe how to use “listening to your gut” as a behaviorally anchored self-management strategy—recognizing internal cues as discriminative stimuli for self-advocacy or boundary-setting. References:  Fals-Stewart, W., O’Farrell, T. J., & Birchler, G. R. (2000). Behavioral couples therapy for male substance-abusing patients: Effects on relationship adjustment and drug-using behavior. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 944–955. Fischer, D. J., Baucom, D. H., & Cohen, M. J. (2013). Clinical processes in behavioral couples therapy. Behavior Modification, 37(6), 723–751.  Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., & Horvath, A. O. (2020). Assessing the alliance–outcome association in psychotherapy: A meta-analytic overview. Clinical Psychology Review, 82, 101934.  Halford, W. K. (1998). The ongoing evolution of behavioral couples therapy: Innovations for the treatment of relationship distress. Clinical Psychology Review, 18(6), 613–640.  Howick, J., Steinkopf, L., Ulyte, A., Roberts, N., & Meissner, K. (2018). Effects of empathic and positive communication in healthcare consultations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 111(7), 240–252.  Wilkinson, H., Whittington, R., Perry, L., & Eames, C. (2017). Examining the relationship between burnout and empathy in healthcare professionals: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 73(6), 1276–1288.

In this episode, hosts Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie dive into Netflix’s Love Is Blind Season 9 to explore the behavioral science behind reality TV relationships. Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), they unpack psychosocial development, gaslighting, DARVO, emotional regulation, boundary setting, and reinforcement to reveal what really drives attraction, conflict, and connection. Through an ABA lens, the hosts analyze emotional maturity, communication patterns, and red flags in couples like Jordan & Megan and Edmund & KB. Whether you’re a behavior analyst or just obsessed with reality tv, this episode blends pop culture and psychology to help you understand the science of love and behavior.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate Here!     Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes using discount code PAOLA      After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Describe how Erikson’s psychosocial stages relate to emotional maturity and relationship decision-making in adulthood. Analyze the behavioral and functional components of gaslighting and DARVO using an ABA framework. Explain how caregiver burnout, boundary violations, and inconsistent reinforcement patterns contribute to emotional dysregulation in relationships. Evaluate how trauma history and learned behavior patterns influence attachment, emotional responding, and relational stability. References:  Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company. Harsey, S. J., Zurbriggen, E. L., & Freyd, J. J. (2017). Perpetrator responses to victim confrontation: DARVO and victim self-blame. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 26(6), 644–663. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2017.1320777 Harsey, S. J., & Freyd, J. J. (2023). The Influence of Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender and Insincere Apologies on Perceptions of Sexual Assault. Journal of interpersonal violence, 38(17-18), 9985–10008.  https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605231169751 Laflamme, S. Z., Bouchard, K., Sztajerowska, K., Lalande, K., Greenman, P. S., & Tulloch, H. (2022). Attachment insecurities, caregiver burden, and psychological distress among partners of patients with heart disease. PloS one, 17(9), e0269366. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269366

This week, the EveryDay ABA team puts on their behavioral science goggles to break down season 9 of Netflix’s hit Love Is Blind. What can this social experiment teach us about operationally defining goals, verbal behavior, motivating operations, and long-term reinforcement in relationships? From shallow questions in the pods to meaningful conversations that predict real compatibility, the hosts analyze the show’s dating dynamics through the lens of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Whether you’re a BCBA, RBT, student, or just a fan of Love Is Blind, you’ll walk away seeing love, language, and decision-making in a whole new behavioral way.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate here!   Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes!    After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Describe how operationally defining goals clarifies expectations in relationships and parallels to behavior-analytic treatment planning. Evaluate how questions reflect socially significant behaviors and long-term reinforcers. Identify examples of verbal behavior from the show and analyze their function in building or undermining compatibility. Explain how environmental changes (e.g., the “pods”) function as motivating operations that alter dating behaviors and decision-making.   References:  Austin, J., & Carr, J. E. (2000). Applications of organizational behavior management to goal setting in ABA service delivery. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 20(2), 69–95. Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1(1), 91–97.  Michael, J. (1993). Establishing operations. The Behavior Analyst, 16(2), 191–206. Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. Appleton-Century-Crofts. Wolf, M. M. (1978). Social validity: The case for subjective measurement or how applied behavior analysis is finding its heart. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11(2), 203–214.   

In this episode of EveryDay ABA, Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny sit down with Matthew Harrington, a board-certified behavior analyst and founder of the ABA Digital Marketing Agency. Together, they dive into the intersection of applied behavior analysis and marketing, exploring how evidence-based strategies can be applied to referral generation, business growth, and brand development while maintaining the highest ethical standards.  Matthew shares his journey from practitioner to marketing expert, highlighting how clinical expertise and behavior modification principles translate into powerful marketing insights. The discussion unpacks how BCBAs can leverage their analytical and problem-solving skills to understand client needs, drive measurable outcomes, and thrive in marketing roles.  Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how transferable skills from ABA support effective digital marketing, enhance referral pipelines, and foster sustainable business growth in both clinical and non-clinical settings.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 BCBAs Get your CEU certificate here!!  Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes use discount code PAOLA!   By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: Identify at least three ABA principles that can be applied to evidence-based marketing strategies. Analyze how core  behavior-analytic competencies can transfer to roles in business, consulting, or marketing contexts. Evaluate common mistakes BCBAs make when applying behavior analysis to organizational consulting or marketing, and propose corrective strategies using data-driven decision making.   References Dixon, M. R., Belisle, J., Rehfeldt, R. A., & Root, W. B. (2018). Why we are still not acting to save the world: The upward challenge of a post-Skinnerian behavior science. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 41(1), 241–267. Foxall, G. R., Oliveira-Castro, J. M., & Schrezenmaier, T. C. (2004). The behavioral economics of consumer brand choice: Establishing a methodology. Journal of Economic Psychology, 25(5), 611–633. Skinner, B. F. (1971). Science and human behavior. New York, NY: Free Press. (Original work published 1953)   👤 Guest Expert: Matthew Harrington is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the founder of The Behaviorist Bookclub, a platform dedicated to making ABA research practical and accessible for clinicians through CEUs, podcast content, and implementation guides. He is also the driving force behind The ABA Digital Marketing Agency, where he helps ABA therapy companies grow ethically through referral based outreach, lean ad campaigns, and leveraging technology. Blending clinical expertise with marketing strategy, Matthew focuses on empowering providers to scale high-quality care without compromising values. His work bridges the gap between research, practice, and sustainable growth in the ABA field. Check out his Free ABA CEU Community: https://www.skool.com/free-aba-ceus Schedule a marketing audit: https://abadigitalmarketing.com/contact-us/  

In this episode of EveryDay ABA, Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie break down the science, myths, and lived experiences of birth order through the lens of applied behavior analysis (ABA). From the pressure and perfectionism of the firstborn, to the diplomacy and identity struggles of the middle child, to the freedom and creativity of the youngest, they explore how sibling roles shape behavior, relationships, and even career paths. Drawing on research on personality traits, the hosts connect family dynamics to reinforcement history, motivating operations, and self-management strategies. You’ll hear personal stories of rebellion, responsibility, and resilience; and, learn practical ways to support siblings without creating harmful comparisons or rivalry. Whether you’re the eldest, middle, or youngest, this conversation will give you fresh insight into how your place in the family influences your behavior; and, how ABA can help you rewrite unhelpful patterns.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate HERE     Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes use discount code PAOLA!    After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Differentiate between cultural myths about birth order traits and research-supported findings.  Describe how caregiver attention and environmental variables influence role assumptions among siblings. Evaluate how ABA principles can be used to promote equity and reduce harmful sibling comparisons, fostering healthier family dynamics.   References:  Adler, A. (1931). What life should mean to you. Little, Brown. Ashton, M. C., & Lee, K. (2022). The HEXACO personality inventory: A new measure of the major dimensions of personality. In P. Corr (Ed.), Personality and individual differences: Revisiting the classic theories in light of new evidence (pp. 233–252). Routledge. Eckstein, D., & Kaufman, J. A. (2012). The role of birth order in personality: An enduring intellectual legacy of Alfred Adler. Journal of Individual Psychology, 68(1), 60–74. Lehman, K. (2009). The birth order book: Why you are the way you are. Revell. Lehmann, J.-Y. K., Nuevo-Chiquero, A., & Vidal-Fernandez, M. (2018). The early origins of birth order differences in children's outcomes and parental behavior. Journal of Human Resources, 53(1), 123–156. Rohrer, J. M., Egloff, B., & Schmukle, S. C. (2015). Examining the effects of birth order on personality. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(46), 14224–14229. Washington Center for Equitable Growth. (2019). The “Mighty Girl Effect”: How fathers of firstborn daughters tend to support gender equity. Washington, DC.

Can you really blend evidence-based ABA with energy work like tapping and manifestation? In this episode of EveryDay ABA, the hosts interview intuitive mindset and manifestation coach Elizabeth Plancon to explore how behavior analysis intersects with nervous system regulation, self-talk, and somatic healing. Plancon discusses how practices such as EFT tapping, breathwork, and affirmations align with behavior-analytic concepts like motivating operations, rule-governed behavior, and self-management. She guides listeners through a live tapping session and offers insight into how nervous system regulation supports sustainable behavior change. Drawing from both behavior science and popular mindset literature—including the works of Skinner, Seligman, Dispenza, and Goddard—this episode offers a unique blend of practical tools and theory. The conversation provides a behavior-analytic lens on intuition, energy work, and everyday wellness.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate Here!       Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes use discount code PAOLA Buy the books discussed in this episode- The Secret Becoming supernatural: How common people are doing the uncommon Feeling is the secret     You were born rich      Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life        After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Define and describe how verbal behavior—including covert verbal responses—can influence observable behavior. Identify how self-management strategies such as affirmations, journaling, and goal-setting can be operationalized and measured within a behavior analytic framework. Explain how physiological states (e.g., dysregulation) may function as establishing operations (EOs) for problem behavior, and evaluate behavior-analytic methods to teach alternative self-regulation skills. Compare and contrast rule-governed behavior with contingency-shaped behavior in the context of mindset practices, and describe how beliefs may impact responding. References:  Byrne, R. (2006). The secret. Atria Books. Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson. Craig, G. (2011). The EFT manual (2nd ed.). Energy Psychology Press. Dispenza, J. (2017). Becoming supernatural: How common people are doing the uncommon. Hay House. Goddard, N. (1944). Feeling is the secret. DeVorss & Company. Proctor, B. (n.d.). You were born rich. LifeSuccess Productions. Seligman, M. E. P. (2006). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life. Vintage Books. Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. Appleton-Century-Crofts.    👤 Guest Expert: Elizabeth is an Intuitive Spiritual Mentor, Soul Purpose Activator, and Healer devoted to helping women awaken their intuitive gifts, embody their purpose, and step into their most radiant, abundant, selves. Her signature method, The Light Council Method helps clients activate their soul purpose, regulate their nervous system, release subconscious blocks, and manifest the abundance, impact, and joy their soul came here to experience. She’s the founder of Radiance, a high-frequency monthly portal for soul activation, embodiment, and expansion. Elizabeth is also the Author of the book Manifesting with Purpose, and lives near Chicago with her husband, two young daughters, and three rescue pups. Follow Her on IG   @ElizabethPlancon Access Her Free Resources   https://msha.ke/elizabethplancon/ Website:  https://www.elizabethplancon.com/

In this episode of EveryDay ABA, hosts Brittanny, Leslie, and Paola reflect on the transformative summer months and how applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles showed up in their everyday lives. From postpartum recovery and navigating matrescence with Paola, to professional development and career transitions with Brittany, to personal growth and refined goal-setting with Leslie — each host shares their unique journey. Paola opens up about welcoming her second baby and the emotional and behavioral changes of the postpartum period, sharing what she’s learned about sleep, support systems, and self-compassion. Brittanny talks about using reflection and behavior momentum to earn new certifications and land a new job. Leslie discusses building consistency and goal-directed behaviors while balancing parenting and pursuing her BCBA certification. ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EveryDayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate here! Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes  use discount code PAOLA   After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Define matrescence and describe its relationship to developmental transitions and the behavioral principles that can support adaptation during postpartum changes. Analyze how reflection and momentum function as motivating operations (MOs) that can influence behavior change and goal-directed action in both professional and personal contexts. Evaluate the impact of social support systems on behavior maintenance during times of transition.  Discuss the role of identifying and modifying private events and self-talk in reducing limiting beliefs and promoting behavioral flexibility.    References:  Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond. Guilford Press. Deslippe, A. L., Soanes, A., Bouchaud, C. C., & Cohen, T. (2023). Barriers and facilitators to diet, physical activity and lifestyle behavior intervention adherence: A qualitative systematic review of the literature. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 20(1), Article 24. Nelson, A. M. (2003). Transition to motherhood. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 32(4), 465–477.  Pierce, W. D., & Cheney, C. D. (2017). Behavior analysis and learning. Psychology Press. Raphael, D. (1975). The tender gift: Breastfeeding. Schocken Books.

This week’s episode of Everyday ABA brings you a special feature from the My BCBA Life podcast. In this insightful episode, Paola joins Penina from Circle Care Services to explore what leadership looks like in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. With warmth and clarity, Paola shares her journey into leadership, practical strategies for motivating teams, and how behavior analytic principles can strengthen clinical supervision and workplace culture. Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on managing burnout, balancing clinical and operational demands, and leading with intention. Whether you're a BCBA, RBT, or simply someone navigating leadership in human services, this conversation offers meaningful tools and reflection.  This episode is originally from the My BCBA Life podcast and shared here with their permission.  You can listen to the original episode and receive a CEU certificate here   ☕ Support EveryDayABA by showing US love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDayABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes!  Follow Paola on LinkedIn

In this must-listen episode of EveryDay ABA, hosts Paola (BCBA), Leslie and Brittanny (RBT) break down the major updates to the Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) certification requirements coming January 1, 2026, from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Listeners will learn what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how to prepare. Whether you're a current RBT, a supervisor, or an aspiring behavior technician, this episode covers everything from eligibility and training updates to new exam content, supervision requirements, and international certification restrictions.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/EveryDayABA ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EveryDayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate by clicking THIS     Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes HERE!     After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Describe the key structural updates to the RBT certification process, including eligibility criteria, the revised 40-hour training curriculum, and updated competency assessment requirements. Summarize the changes to the RBT examination content based on the 3rd edition Test Content Outline, including changes to domain titles, task counts, and question distribution. Differentiate between acceptable types of professional development that satisfy the new 12-hour continuing education requirement, including in-service training, podcast CEUs, and university coursework. Identify the jurisdictions impacted by new BACB restrictions and explain how voluntary inactive status applies to affected RBTs and BCBAs. References:  Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2023, December). BACB newsletter: December 2023 [PDF].   Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2023, September 18). Upcoming changes to BACB certification in Ontario [PDF]. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (n.d.-d). Maintaining your RBT certification. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (n.d.-e). Supervision and training. 

In this powerful episode of Everyday ABA, the hosts are joined by Maty, the Burnout Coach, for an honest and eye-opening conversation. Together, they unpack the psychology of burnout, diving deep into how societal expectations, perfectionism, and emotional labor contribute to chronic stress, disconnection, and loss of identity. Maty shares her personal journey through burnout and offers actionable strategies rooted in both behavioral science and self-development for setting boundaries, redefining relationship roles, and learning through natural consequences. The conversation explores toxic relationship patterns, codependency, and the importance of building partnerships over caretaking dynamics. Listeners will walk away with insights on how to reprogram their mindset, seek professional help, and take behavioral steps to reclaim joy, autonomy, and purpose. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in survival mode, this episode is for you.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate HERE!     Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes!    After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Define burnout from both a psychological and behavioral lens, including its differentiation from acute stress and its potential developmental origins.  Identify covert and overt behavioral signs of burnout, particularly in female caregivers and clinicians, and explain how these behaviors are socially reinforced over time. Explain the role of rule-governed behavior and self-imposed contingencies in the maintenance of burnout-related patterns, including over-responsibility, people-pleasing, and overachievement. Evaluate the impact of codependency and overhelping on client and family outcomes, and propose strategies for redefining “support” through behavior skills training and shaping independence. References:  Gilligan, C. (1982). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women’s development. Harvard University Press. Hochschild, A. R. (1983). The managed heart: Commercialization of human feeling. University of California Press. Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103–111. Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the Mindful Self‐Compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28–44.

In this episode of Everyday ABA, the hosts explore the transition from high school to military enlistment through the lens of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Listeners will learn about the ASVAB, how to choose the right military branch, and the step-by-step process of enlisting. The episode offers actionable ABA strategies like goal setting, reinforcement, and behavior chains to help teens build habits and stay motivated. Designed for high school graduates, parents, educators, and future service members, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the path to military life. ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EveryDayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate by click this LINK     Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings! Buy the Shoes    After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Identify key behavioral principles (e.g., goal setting, reinforcement, motivating operations) as they apply to preparing for military enlistment. Describe how each step involved in transitioning from high school to military service can be supported using applied behavior analysis (ABA). Evaluate how support systems and environmental variables impact motivation and follow-through in high-stakes behavioral transitions.   References: College Vine Expert. (2025, June 17). High school to military transition: Statistics? CollegeVine.  Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson Education Inc. GoArmy. (2025, July 13). Understanding the ASVAB. Keyworth, C., Epton, T., Goldthorpe, J., Calam, R., & Armitage, C. J. (2020). Delivering opportunistic behavior change interventions: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Prevention Science, 21(3), 319–331. Military.com. (2014, November 16). Getting the scoop on MEPS. Military.com. (2025, June 19). Join the military: Steps to joining the military.

In this episode of Everyday ABA, host Paola Ortiz (BCBA), along with RBTs Brittanny and Leslie, sit down with Armando Bernal, a neurodivergent BCBA for a candid conversation about the negativity, criticism, and the ongoing controversy surrounding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Armando shares his personal journey with an autism diagnosis, the power of parental support, and how evolving perceptions of ABA have been shaped by social media, public discourse, and lived experience. Together, they unpack both the valid concerns and harmful practices associated with ABA’s history, while also highlighting where the field is growing. The discussion emphasizes the importance of consent, community engagement, and understanding behavior as communication, while also addressing the value of autistic voices in clinical spaces, and the need for transparency and ethical reform in behavior therapy.    ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EveryDayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate  HERE    Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings Shoes!  Click Here To BUY! After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Compare historical practices in early ABA with contemporary ethical guidelines emphasizing reinforcement and assent.  Define assent and self-advocacy practices in ABA and describe strategies for supporting autonomy in clients. Evaluate the importance of social validity and person-centered goal selection for aligning ABA practice with neurodiversity-affirming care. Identify evidence-based practices that emphasize parent involvement and collaboration to enhance client outcomes in ABA treatment.   References:  Bearss, K., Johnson, C., Smith, T., & Lecavalier, L. (2015). Effect of parent training vs parent education on behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 313(15), 1524–1533. Eaves, L. C., & Ho, H. H. (2008). Young adult outcome of autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(4), 739–747. Leaf, J. B., Cihon, J. H., Ferguson, J. L., Milne, C. M., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., & Ross, R. K. (2022). Contemporary ABA and the good behavior therapist: Changing with the times. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15, 1–15. Schreibman, L., Dawson, G., Stahmer, A. C., Landa, R., Rogers, S. J., McGee, G. G., Kasari, C., Ingersoll, B., Kaiser, A. P., Bruinsma, Y., McNerney, E. K., Wetherby, A., & Halladay, A. (2015). Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions: Empirically validated treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(8), 2411–2428. 👤 Guest Expert: Armando Bernal is a neurodivergent board certified behavior analyst. Armando is also the founder of Autism International Consulting, PLLC, a self-advocacy-centered organization which provides in-home ABA, in-clinic ABA, and international consultation. He provides autistic consultation, parent and therapist consultation, speaking engagements for companies across the nation, and supervision and mentorship to other BCBAs and therapists. He is also the distributor of the podcast, “A Different Path.” He hopes to spread awareness and acceptance of autism by interviewing and sharing the stories of other individuals with autism. Armando has also participated in several collaborations with Vanderbilt University and the Suny Empire State University meant to further support self-advocacy and independence for individuals with autism. Listen to his podcast A Different Path His company     https://www.autismintl.com/  

In this episode of Everyday ABA, Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny break down how to use applied behavior analysis (ABA) to help students transition successfully from high school to college. They share real-life strategies for parents, students, and educators to build independence, manage time, stay motivated, and avoid common pitfalls of college life. Learn how self-monitoring, reinforcement, and creating supportive environments can make the college experience less stressful and more successful for young adults.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your FREE CEU certificate HERE    Get a 10% Discount at Tiny Explorings! Buy The Shoes!   After listening to the episode, participants will be able to: Identify common environmental and social variables that impact college students’ independent functioning and describe how to modify them using ABA strategies. Explain the concept of person–environment fit and how it relates to successful behavioral outcomes for young adults in new educational settings. Develop examples of behavior contracts, self-monitoring systems, or reinforcement schedules that promote study habits, time management, and independence in college students. Analyze the role of social support systems and how they interact with individual behavior to prevent dropout and promote mental health continuity during the transition to college. Demonstrate how to teach and fade prompts effectively to build independent living skills for adolescents before they enter college.    References: Cirillo, Francesco. The Pomodoro Technique: The Acclaimed Time-Management System That Has Transformed How We Work. Crown Currency, 2018. Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., & Heward, W.L. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis, Third Edition. Pearson Education Inc. Sprick, R. S., & Baldwin, K. Frederick, L. D., Deitz,S.M., Bryceland,J.A., & Hummel,J.H. (2000). Behavior Analysis, Education, and Effective Schooling. Context Press/New Haringer Publications. Geller, L. L., & Greenberg, M. (2009). Managing the Transition Process From High School to College and Beyond: Challenges for Individuals, Families, and Society. Social Work in Mental Health, 8(1), 92–116. 

In this episode of EveryDay ABA, hosts Paola (BCBA) and Leslie (RBT) talk with special guest BCBA, Kassandra, author, and founder of The Guiding Circle. Kassandra shares how she helps parents of neurodivergent children shift from survival mode to thriving by embracing the radical idea that self-care is not optional. You’ll learn why focusing on the family system creates sustainable change, how to anchor emotional regulation in daily routines, and how to navigate guilt and social pressure. The conversation dives into cross-cultural research on spanking, co-parenting strategies, and practical ABA hacks to transform your family dynamic. Listeners will leave with real-life strategies, research-backed insights, and a renewed commitment to caring for themselves — because when parents are supported, the entire family thrives.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate HERE      By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: Define the distinction between traditional ABA parent training and parent-focused coaching models. Describe the impact of parent emotional regulation on child behavior and family dynamics. Apply the concept of “anchors” to help parents generalize self-regulation skills. Analyze how social and generational expectations influence parental guilt and behavior.   References: Bearss, K., Johnson, C., Smith, T., & Lecavalier, L. (2015). Effect of parent training vs parent education on behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Medical Association, 313(15), 1524–1533.    Deater-Deckard, K., & Dodge, K. A. (1997). Externalizing behavior problems and discipline revisited: Nonlinear effects and variation by culture, context, and gender. Psychological Inquiry, 8(3), 161–175. Hayes, S. A., & Watson, S. L. (2013). The impact of parenting stress: A meta-analysis of studies comparing the experience of parenting stress in parents of children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(3), 629–642.   Lorber, M. F. (2012). The role of maternal emotion regulation in overreactive and lax discipline. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(4), 642–647.    👤 Guest Expert: Kassandra is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), author, and founder of The Guiding Circle — a leading coaching community dedicated to supporting parents of autistic children. With over five years of experience in applied behavior analysis and a career that began as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Kassandra has empowered more than 100 families to move beyond survival mode toward lasting connection, calm, and confidence. Her autism coaching approach combines clinical expertise with empathy-driven strategies designed to help parents feel supported, reduce stress, and improve family well-being.  Follow Her on IG @PromptPath Sign up for Consulting https://www.promptpathconsulting.com/guiding-circle  

This week Paola (BCBA) along with Leslie and Brittanny (RBTs) unpack how prompts and prompt fading work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to build true independence at home, school, or work. We break down what prompts really are, why they matter, and how using the right prompting strategies can guide behavior toward success. You’ll hear real-life examples of how to apply ABA prompting and fading in daily routines, like morning checklists, brushing teeth, taking vitamins, and even workplace habits. We also dive into the science of stimulus control and reinforcement, so you understand how to fade prompts the right way and avoid prompt dependence. If you want practical ABA strategies to help kids, students, or adults respond to natural cues (not constant reminders) this episode is for you.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate by clicking HERE!   After listening to this episode, participants will be able to: Explain how stimulus prompts operate on antecedent stimuli to increase the likelihood of correct responding.Explain the concept of prompt dependency and describe how overuse or failure to fade prompts can interfere with the development of stimulus control Describe how the principle of stimulus control applies to prompt fading, including how to arrange antecedents and reinforce independent responding to promote generalization and maintenance. Develop an example plan for prompt fading in a common daily routine or social situation, demonstrating how to match the appropriate fading strategy to the learner’s skill level while maintaining efficient skill acquisition. Reference: Cengher, M., Budd, A., Farrell, N. et al. A Review of Prompt-Fading Procedures: Implications for Effective and Efficient Skill Acquisition. J Dev Phys Disabil 30, 155–173 (2018). Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., & Heward, W.L. ((2020). Applied Behavior Analysis, Third Edition. Pearson Education Inc. Sprick, R. S., & Baldwin, K. Mcdonnell, John & Ferguson, Brad. (1989). A comparison of time delay and decreasing prompt hierarchy strategies in teaching banking skills to students with moderate handicaps. Journal of applied behavior analysis. 22. 85-91. 10.1901/jaba.1989.22-85. Schnell, L.K., Cengher, M., Kisamore, A.N. (2023). Prompt and Prompt-Fading Procedures. In: Matson, J.L. (eds) Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. 

In this episode of Everyday ABA, host Paola Ortiz and co-hosts Leslie and Brittanny sit down with intuitive human design guide Lauren Oberly Pearlingi to explore how Human Design and behavior analysis can work together to help people understand themselves, break old patterns, and create meaningful change. They dive into what Human Design is, how it combines quantum physics, astrology, and ancient systems, and how it can be used alongside ABA concepts to improve emotional regulation, self-trust, and everyday decision-making. The conversation touches on recognizing frustration or bitterness as cues for behavior shifts, the role of intuition in personal growth, and practical ways to use your unique design to strengthen relationships, parenting, and coping skills. Tune in to learn how blending science and spirituality through Human Design can help you live with more alignment, purpose, and self-awareness.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate by clicking THIS      After listening to this episode, participants will be able to: Define Human Design and explain its core components in the context of individual differences and private events within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Describe how Human Design concepts can be framed as potential motivating operations (MOs) or discriminative stimuli (SDs) that influence observable behavior and reinforcement effectiveness. Identify strategies to assess clients’ private events, such as feelings of frustration or bitterness, and translate these into measurable, observable behaviors aligned with behavior analytic practice. Analyze ways to adapt reinforcement systems and intervention plans by accounting for individual learner profiles, drawing parallels to tailoring supports for diverse clients and cultural responsiveness.   References: Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & Thompson, R. H. (2007). Reinforcement Schedule Thinning Following Treatment with Functional Communication Training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Experiential Approach to Behavior Change. Skinner, B. F. (1974). About Behaviorism. 👤 Guest Expert: Lauren Oberly Pearlingi, an Intuitive Human Design biz guide, Trauma Healer, Theta Reiki Master, Mediation Coach, Author, Motivational Speaker, and Shamanic Practitioner. She helps women with multifaceted trauma liberate themselves from their past and go from victim to victor. She focuses on sharing human design (which explains the mysteries of life) in a way that’s simple, practical, and usable. She believes that every woman has a unique purpose and gift to share with the world, and they are here to help each other tap into that inner wisdom and courage to live a life of meaning and fulfillment.   Get your FREE Human Design & 30 min session: https://linktr.ee/themermaidlight  Listen to her podcast:  Enlightened Misfits Podcast Follow Her on:   Facebook Tiktok             Instagram  YouTube    

This week, EveryDay ABA explores how TAGteach and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles transform skill development in sports, education, and beyond. Your three favorite hosts break down how Teaching with Acoustical Guidance (TAGteach) uses positive reinforcement and auditory markers to shape behavior, enhance performance, and promote generalization. Listeners will hear real-life examples from basketball coaching and other high-performance settings, discovering how immediate, precise feedback reduces verbal prompts and fosters learner independence. The episode highlights practical strategies for coaches, behavior analysts, and educators to apply evidence-based techniques that improve teamwork, communication, and skill mastery.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate HERE!    Buy the Tiny Explorings Shoes HERE    By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: Participants will be able to define and explain the application of TAGteach in sports coaching. Participants will be able to implement ABA principles such as reinforcement, task analysis, and group contingencies in athletic training. Participants will be able to develop strategies to implement evidence-based behavioral coaching techniques in team and individual sports settings.   References: Dixon, M., Lorenz, K., Bolter, N., & Turner, M. (2023). Examining coaches’ instructional behavior in response to challenge and threat feedback. Journal of Sport Behavior, 46(1), 112–123. Doyle, P. (2019). The effects of TAGteach™ on the execution of resistance training movements. [Master's Thesis, Temple University]. Temple University Theses and Dissertations. Fogel, V., St. Peter, C. C., & Miltenberger, R. G. (2010). Evaluating the efficacy of TAGteach as a training strategy for teaching a golf swing. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43(2), 271–281. Miller, M. E., & Doughty, K. A. (2014). The use of contingent acoustical feedback to decrease toe walking in a young child. Behavioral Interventions, 29(1), 75–88. Smith, R. E., Smoll, F. L., & Cumming, S. P. (2007). Coaching the coaches: Youth sports as a scientific and applied behavioral setting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40(4), 852–856.

In this episode of EveryDay ABA, Dr. David Moore joins BCBA Paola and RBT Leslie to bridge the gap between neuroscience, breathwork, and behavioral science. You’ll learn how heart-brain coherence and heart rate variability (HRV) can be tracked to measure stress and resilience, and why your emotions drive your health outcomes. Discover how intentional breathwork, like elliptical breathing, goes beyond basic box breathing to retrain your autonomic nervous system for optimal wellness. Whether you’re working with PTSD, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, or burnout, this episode gives you actionable strategies to help clients (and yourself!) regulate stress and rewire for resilience.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EveryDayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate HERE    By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: Identify at least two breathwork techniques and explain how they impact heart rate variability. Compare systematic desensitization within behavior analysis to breathwork for resilience-building. Discuss ethical considerations for BCBAs when integrating breathwork practices into treatment plans.   References: Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2008). Maximizing exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(1), 5–27.  Kazdin, A. E., & Rabbitt, S. M. (2013). Novel models for delivering mental health services and reducing the burdens of mental illness. Clinical Psychological Science, 1(2), 170–191.  McCraty, R., & Shaffer, F. (2015). Heart rate variability: New perspectives on physiological mechanisms, assessment of self-regulatory capacity, and health risk. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 4(1), 46–61.  Thayer, J. F., Åhs, F., Fredrikson, M., Sollers, J. J., III, & Wager, T. D. (2012). A meta-analysis of heart rate variability and neuroimaging studies: Implications for heart rate variability as a marker of stress and health. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 36(2), 747–756.   Wolpe, J. (1958). Psychotherapy by reciprocal inhibition. Stanford University Press.   👤 Guest Expert: Dr. David Moore  A chiropractor  turned nervous system coach and educator who has discovered that the secret to rewiring stress lies in your breath. After 25+ years in chiropractic, chronic pain pushed him to explore HeartMath and heart-brain coherence. Now, through his Brain Body Breathing method, Dr. Dave blends science and measurable data with simple breathwork to help high-achievers calm anxiety, build resilience, and rewire their nervous system for lasting change. Watch him on YouTube  Follow Him on IG: @bestlifedr  OR LinkedIn Join his course:  Brain/Body Breathing Academy 

Summer is here—and with it comes a major shift in schedules, routines, and reinforcement patterns. In this episode of Everyday ABA, hosts Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny tackle common summer challenges. Whether you're a parent, BCBA, RBT, or both, you'll get practical strategies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis to maintain skills, reduce stress, and prepare kids for vacations and transitions.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate by clicking HERE CEU Learning Objectives  Identify the role of stimulus control and extinction in behavior regression during schedule changes (e.g., summer break). Describe how antecedent interventions like priming and task analysis can mitigate travel-related behavior challenges. Apply self-management and rule-governed behavior strategies to reduce caregiver burnout during seasonal transitions. Evaluate research literature on behavior maintenance and regression across school breaks and apply findings to summer planning.   References: Cihak, D. F. (2011). Comparing pictorial and video modeling activity schedules during transitions for students with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(1), 433–441. Dixon, M. R., & Johnson, K. (2007). The role of self-control in reducing stress and increasing wellness in ABA professionals. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 2(2), 25–33.Koegel, R. L., & Koegel, L. K. (2006). Pivotal response treatments for autism: Communication, social, and academic development. Paul H. Brookes Publishing.McComas, J. J., Hartman, E. C., & Jimenez, A. (2009). The effects of behavioral skills training on response maintenance and generalization. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42(3), 663–668.

In this episode of Everyday ABA, Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie take on the topic of procrastination, time management, and overwhelm at work using the lens of applied behavior analysis. From debunking the myth of multitasking to unpacking why we avoid important tasks like documentation, the team explores how ABA principles—like task analysis, stimulus control, response effort, and the Premack Principle—can help professionals build sustainable work habits. They share real-life tools that actually work, from sticky notes and paper planners to Outlook hacks and habit stacking, all with the goal of improving treatment quality and reducing stress. Whether you're a BCBA, RBT, or just someone trying to stay on top of your workload, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies you can start using right away.   ☕ Support your favorite ABA podcast hosts by showing them love at buymeacoffee.com/everydayaba ⭐ Help EveryDay ABA reach more people by following the show + , turning on automatic downloads, and leaving a 5-star review!  📲 Follow us on Instagram: @EverydayABA.3 for daily ABA insights and behind-the-scenes podcast updates. 📖 Get your CEU certificate HERE! After listening to the episode listeners will know how to:  Describe how ABA principles can be applied to time management. Define the concept of multitasking and explain its impact on clinical effectiveness. Identify the behavioral function of procrastination in workplace settings. Analyze the ethical implications of poor time management in clinical settings.   References:  Ainslie, G. (1975). Specious reward: A behavioral theory of impulsiveness and impulse control. Psychological Bulletin, 82(4), 463–496. Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson Education. Mackenzie, A., & Nickerson, C. (2009). The time trap: The classic book on time management (4th ed.). AMACOM. Steel, P. (2007). The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 65–94.