Advertise on podcast: Beyond The Science Podcast

What happens when empathy meets smart technology in ABA? In this episode of Beyond the Science, we sit down with Charlene Kurth, COO of Office Puzzle, to explore how one practice management platform is helping ABA providers run smarter, scale sustainably, and reduce daily stress. Charlene shares her path from psychology and analytics into ABA tech, and why Office Puzzle was built to support people, not just data. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why broken systems, not care, hold practices back - How Office Puzzle unifies scheduling, notes, billing, and compliance - Where AI actually helps (and where it shouldn’t) - Why affordable, flexible tools matter for growth - How customer support and community drive success If you’re an ABA provider, clinic owner, or clinician looking for better systems without burnout, this episode is for you. 👉 Watch now and discover a smarter way to run your practice. Timestamps: 00:38 Meet Charlene of Office Puzzle 02:08 Charlene’s background and career path 04:23 Day-to-day role as COO 05:12 Advice for aspiring leaders 06:47 Origin of the Office Puzzle name 08:46 Key pain points Office Puzzle solves 12:48 HIPAA compliance and data security 13:26 AI features and note generation 16:23 Common mistakes business owners make 20:55 The biggest challenge in the field 22:29 Proudest moments and team growth 23:35 Provider success story 25:34 Straight Talk with Joe 28:46 Supporting small and growing practices 30:30 All-in-one pricing and accessibility 32:36 Long-term vision for Office Puzzle 34:17 Expanding services and position in the market 38:20 Georgia pilot program teaser 43:21 Industry perspective and competition 45:10 Empathy and community impact 47:30 Coop’s Off the Clock

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