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ABA is way bigger than autism. So why do we keep putting behavior science in such a small box? Dr. Jared Van joins the BTS crew for a real conversation about behavior science, Black identity, mental health, education, and where the field can go next. A few highlights: ABA goes far beyond autism. Dr. Jared breaks down what behavior science can actually do in the real world.Identity matters. He shares how growing up Black in predominantly white spaces shaped the person, researcher, and educator he became.Who defines “professional”? The crew gets into dress codes, respectability politics, authenticity, and Black self-expression.ABA has some history to reckon with. Jared talks openly about past harms and why criticism of the field deserves to be heard.Behavior science has a much bigger future. Mental health, education, sports, and beyond are all part of the conversation. Come for the science. Stay for the conversation. Watch the full episode of Beyond the Science. Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Dr. Jared Van (01:46) Research, Mental Health & Precision Teaching (08:00) Growing Up Black in the Bay Area (11:55) Racism, Bullying & Finding Your Identity (16:35) Advice for Earning a Doctorate (19:41) Credentials, PhDs & PsyDs (21:23) Life Coaches vs. Licensed Therapists (23:11) Tuskegee, Dress Codes & Professionalism (31:07) Respectability Politics & Black Identity (38:42) Using Behavior Science to Create Impact (41:14) Disproportionality in Special Education (43:15) ABA Is More Than Autism (45:54) ABA vs. Autism Services vs. Behavior Science (48:36) The Problems and Potential of ABA (51:27) Marriage, Psychology & Behavior Science (52:49) J. Cole, Kendrick, Drake & LeBron (55:11) Freestyle Session Follow Beyond the Science and join your hosts Jeron, Joe, and Coop as they dive deep into the world of ABA, exploring fresh perspectives, untold stories, and the heart beyond the science. YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheSciencePod⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.science.pod⁠  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-science/id1813418906⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/beyond-the-science-pod/⁠  TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.science⁠  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/14n31Si3eW/⁠  Website: ⁠https://www.bmbanetwork.org⁠ #JaredVan #BeyondTheScience #BlackMenInABA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #BehaviorScience #BCBA #BlackMentalHealth #BlackIdentity #BlackProfessionals #PrecisionTeaching #SpecialEducation #MentalHealthInABA #DiversityInABA

The BMBA Summit is back in Atlanta, and it’s bringing much more than keynotes and CEUs. In this episode of Beyond the Science, the team gives an inside look at this year’s Summit, from the speaker lineup and new workshops to RBT opportunities, mentorship, networking, and the social events that make this conference different. Inside the episode: What RBTs can expect, including PDUs, mentorship, and networkingKey conversations around authenticity, leadership, ethics, and clinical excellenceNew career and business opportunities beyond traditional ABA rolesThe Thought Exchange and lessons from leaders in the fieldBasketball, Fellowship Lounge, the Block Party, and the community behind the conference Whether you’re an RBT, BCBA, student, business owner, or ally, this episode shows what the BMBA Summit is really about and why you may want to be there. Watch the full episode and get ready for Atlanta. Timestamps: (00:00) — Welcome & Summit Preview (01:29) — What Makes the BMBA Summit Different (02:39) — The Vision Behind the Summit (04:58) — Community, Mentorship & Networking (05:38) — Thursday Workshops & Fellowship Lounge (06:36) — Friday Keynote & Speaker Lineup (07:45) — What RBTs Can Expect (09:13) — Friday Sessions & Panels (13:01) — The Thought Exchange (14:40) — Saturday Keynote & RBT Career Growth (16:07) — Taking the Leap Beyond Direct Therapy (18:29) — Ethics, Mentorship & Leadership (20:29) — New Ways to Build a Career in ABA (22:00) — Basketball & Summit Social Events (23:54) — Saturday Night Block Party (24:42) — Who Should Attend the Summit (26:58) — Registration & Final Invitation Join Us at the 2026 BMBA Summit in Atlanta, September 3–6. Get your tickets and learn more about the conference here: https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/bmba26/registration Follow Beyond the Science and Join your hosts Jeron, Joseph and Darius as they dive deep into the world of ABA. Exploring fresh perspectives, untold stories, and the heart beyond the science. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheSciencePod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.science.pod  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-science/id1813418906  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/beyond-the-science-pod/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.the.science  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14n31Si3eW/  Website: https://www.bmbanetwork.org #BMBA #BMBA26 #ABA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #BehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #RBT #ABACommunity #ABAPodcast #ABACareers #ABALeadership #BehaviorAnalysisCommunity

What does it really take to build an ABA clinic from the ground up? In this special episode of Beyond the Science, we celebrate the grand opening of 3K ABA and co-host Darius Cooper's journey from Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to clinic owner. Coop shares the challenges, sacrifices, financial realities, and leadership lessons that came with building one of the first Black-owned ABA clinics in Locust Grove. Along the way, we take a behind-the-scenes tour of the clinic, hear from family, friends, and community leaders, and discuss the impact 3K ABA hopes to make for families across the region. Key takeaways from this episode: What it really costs to open an ABA clinicThe lessons learned from building a business from scratchWhy community impact matters more than growth aloneThe importance of Black leadership and representation in ABAHow Sapphire AI could shape the future of behavioral healthcareA behind-the-scenes look at the grand opening of 3K ABA Whether you're a behavior analyst, RBT, entrepreneur, or someone interested in opening your own clinic, this episode offers practical insights and an inspiring story of perseverance, leadership, and community. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. Timestamps: (00:00) Grand Opening of 3K ABA (00:53) What It Takes to Build an ABA Clinic (02:03) Serving the Local Community (02:47) From RBT to Clinic Owner (04:04) Celebrating the Grand Opening (05:33) The Vision Behind 3K ABA (07:17) Leadership & Community Impact (07:55) Sapphire AI and the Future of ABA (08:46) Tour of 3K ABA (09:41) Therapy Rooms & Clinical Services (10:39) Sensory Spaces & Daily Therapy (11:31) Supporting Families in Locust Grove (12:43) Family Reflections (13:45) A Mother's Perspective (14:38) Messages from Family & Friends (17:48) Final Thoughts & Congratulations #BeyondTheScience #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #ABAClinic #BehaviorAnalyst #RBT #BCBA #AutismServices #BlackOwnedBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HealthcareLeadership #BehavioralHealth

AI is transforming ABA faster than most people realize — and according to Dr. Adam Ventura, behavior analysts who ignore it risk falling behind. In this episode of Beyond the Science, Dr. Ventura explores how AI is reshaping behavior analysis, education, leadership, and the future of human work itself. From ethical clinical practice and burnout prevention to parenting, mentorship, and the “meaning crisis” surrounding automation, this conversation goes far beyond technology. Key insights from this episode: Why AI may soon become essential in ethical clinical practice How Intraverbal AI helps behavior analysts save time and improve outcomes The biggest AI threat may not be extinction — but loss of meaning and human connection Why human-centered fields like ABA could be safer than most industries The leadership and mindset shifts professionals need to adapt to the AI era How AI could transform education, business, and behavior analysis over the next decade If you work in ABA, healthcare, education, or leadership, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of work and human connection. Watch now. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:33) Dr. Adam Ventura Is Back (03:00) Exercise and Stress Management (04:37) What Intraverbal AI Does (05:55) AI Tutor for BACB Exam Prep (08:54) Why RBT Training Is Coming Later (10:22) Helping Behavior Analysts Focus on ABA (11:50) AI Ethics and Behavior Analysis (13:01) Using AI for Evidence Based Practice (15:13) What ABA Could Look Like in 2032 (17:58) Why Human Focused Fields Are Safer (19:18) Meaning Risk and AI Automation (22:18) AI in Business and Education (23:28) Generational Wisdom and Technology (27:44) Leadership and Passion Explained (29:47) Advice for Young Leaders (30:46) Mentorship vs Coaching (35:46) Parenting Boys and Girls (38:32) Balancing Family and Business (40:50) Cuban Culture and Language Learning (43:26) Why You Should Learn AI Now #BeyondTheScience #ArtificialIntelligence #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #AIinHealthcare #BACB #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealth #FutureOfWork #AIandEducation #EntrepreneurMindset #HealthcareInnovation

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Beyond the Science, we honor the women who carried us through life with love, sacrifice, strength, and grace. We welcome our mothers onto the show for an honest and emotional conversation about motherhood, family, faith, resilience, and the sacrifices that shaped our lives. Filled with laughter, gratitude, tears, and reflection, this episode is a celebration of the women whose love held everything together — even during the hardest seasons. Together, we reflect on: The sacrifices our mothers made behind the scenes Growing up through difficult times The strength and beauty of Black motherhood Faith, resilience, and family values Emotional conversations between sons and mothers Lessons passed down through generations Gratitude for the women who gave us everything Happy Mother’s Day to every woman whose love became the foundation for someone else’s life. Timestamps (00:00) – Mother’s Day Special Introduction (02:03) – Mothers’ Introductions & Personal Journeys (09:56) – The Challenges of Motherhood (14:39) – Celebrating Their Children’s Achievements (17:36) – Sons Reflect on Their Mothers’ Sacrifices (24:23) – Moments of Struggle & Sacrifice (31:39) – Straight Talk with Mom (36:45) – Favorite Family Traditions & Holidays (41:46) – Reflections on Motherhood, Legacy & Faith (46:04) – Advice for Other Mothers (52:48) – Final Reflections & Mother’s Day Message #BeyondTheScience #MothersDaySpecial #BlackMotherhood #MotherhoodJourney #FamilyLegacy #FaithAndFamily #MentalHealthConversations #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalGrowth #PodcastClips

Is AI about to change behavior analysis forever? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adam Ventura, founder of Intraverbal AI, to unpack what’s really happening at the intersection of artificial intelligence and ABA and what it means for clinicians, researchers, and practice owners right now. We explore: Whether AI could become part of your ABA treatment teamThe ethical concerns the field can’t ignoreHow AI is transforming session notes, reports, and researchWhy ABA may be moving faster than it’s ready forA bold prediction for where AI and ABA are headed by 2030 We also go beyond technology, diving into leadership, decision-making, parenting, and what it means to build something that lasts. If you’re a BCBA, RBT, clinic owner, student, or simply curious about the future of ABA, this conversation will challenge how you think about AI. 🎧 Watch now and decide for yourself: Is AI a breakthrough tool… or a risky shortcut? Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:38 Personal Updates & Adam’s Big News 02:44 What Is Intraverbal AI 04:02 Balancing Product Development vs Sales 05:37 Favorite Tools in the Intraverbal Toolbox 08:04 AI in ABA Hype Vs. Reality 12:27 AI Ethics and Accountability Concerns 16:56 AI Agents Developing Their Own Language 20:10 Elon Musk, Robots and the Future of AI 20:50 Could AI Join ABA Treatment Teams? 25:08 New Research Initiative and Literature Analysis 28:27 AI and New Discoveries in Behavior Analysis 31:43 Straight Talk With Joe 33:51 Arguing in Front of Kids 37:39 Marriage, Society & Modern Dating 39:59 The Benefits of Marriage 44:55 Healthy vs Unhealthy Arguments 52:00 Intraverbal Updates and Predictions 55:22 Coop’s Off The Clock

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