ABA on Tap

By Mike Rubio, BCBA & Dan Lowery, BCBA (co-Hosts) & Suzanne Juzwik, BCBA (Producer)Science Social Sciences Health & Fitness Mental Health Education

ABA on Tap episodes

June 07A Perfect Pairing Toward the Eighth Dimension: Compassion and Food with Dr. Yev Veverka (Part II)
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ABA on Tap is proud to present Dr. Yev Veverka (Part 2 of 2):
Grab a tasty libation, a comfy seat and sip slowly. In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike and Dan are pouring out a fresh perspective on the evolution of behavior science. We are thrilled to welcome a powerhouse, Dr. Yev Veverka, PhD, BCBA-D--a world-class researcher, and educator from the University of Washington. Yev is also well versed as a parent of neurodivergence.
We are tackling the flaws in traditional ABA delivery and diving straight into how we can reform the field without abandoning the proven science. Dr. Veverka breaks down the concept of compassionate care as the "Eighth Dimension" of ABA, exploring how practitioners can move from being rigid experts to collaborative partners who actively center client autonomy and well-being. Plus, as a leading feeding specialist, she serves up some highly actionable strategies from her work on making mealtimes positive and manageable for families.
On the Menu Tonight:
The Compassion Reform: Why the current application of ABA can feel flawed to families, and how shifting toward person-centered, empathetic care can reshape the future of our field.
The Dual Perspective: What happens when a BCBA is also an autism parent navigating the daily realities of therapy.
Meaningful Mealtimes: Dr. Veverka’s practical, evidence-based tips to prevent and handle common mealtime challenges without the battle of wills.
Client Autonomy & Assent: Shifting the focus toward meaningful participation, social justice, and asking the critical question: Whose lives are we actually improving?
Whether you are a seasoned BCBA, an RBT in the trenches, or a parent looking for real-world support, this episode delivers high-impact behavior science with absolutely zero boring jargon.
Tune in, Drink up, and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY.
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
56 min
May 31A Perfect Pairing Toward the Eighth Dimension: Compassion and Food with Dr. Yev Veverka (Part I)
Send us Fan Mail
ABA on Tap is proud to present Dr. Yev Veverka (Part 1 of 2):
Grab a tasty libation, a comfy seat and sip slowly. In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike and Dan are pouring out a fresh perspective on the evolution of behavior science. We are thrilled to welcome a powerhouse, Dr. Yev Veverka, PhD, BCBA-D--a world-class researcher, and educator from the University of Washington. Yev is also well versed as a parent of neurodivergence.
We are tackling the flaws in traditional ABA delivery and diving straight into how we can reform the field without abandoning the proven science. Dr. Veverka breaks down the concept of compassionate care as the "Eighth Dimension" of ABA, exploring how practitioners can move from being rigid experts to collaborative partners who actively center client autonomy and well-being. Plus, as a leading feeding specialist, she serves up some highly actionable strategies from her work on making mealtimes positive and manageable for families.
On the Menu Tonight:
The Compassion Reform: Why the current application of ABA can feel flawed to families, and how shifting toward person-centered, empathetic care can reshape the future of our field.
The Dual Perspective: What happens when a BCBA is also an autism parent navigating the daily realities of therapy.
Meaningful Mealtimes: Dr. Veverka’s practical, evidence-based tips to prevent and handle common mealtime challenges without the battle of wills.
Client Autonomy & Assent: Shifting the focus toward meaningful participation, social justice, and asking the critical question: Whose lives are we actually improving?
Whether you are a seasoned BCBA, an RBT in the trenches, or a parent looking for real-world support, this episode delivers high-impact behavior science with absolutely zero boring jargon.
Tune in, Drink up, and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY.
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
53 min
May 24Tap Into A Reinforcing Conversation with Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres
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*FOR PART I of this interview, please go to the Reinforcing Conversations Podcast
Grab a cold one and pull up a chair! In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by a powerhouse duo shaking up the behavior analysis space: Nicole Stewart and Christina Torres, creators of the Reinforcing Conversations podcast. This is a pod-swap, so part I of this convo starts on the Reinforcing Conversations platform. Please do check it out.
Nicole and Christina are known for their honest, unfiltered dialogue and deep reflection on the ethics of real-world practice. In this "pour," the crew moves past the rigid, compliance-based textbook jargon to focus on what it truly means to center humanity while still honoring the science. They dive into the realities of modern clinical practice, the nuances of trauma-assumed care, and how to build an authentic professional brand without losing your mind.
In this pour, we are serving up:
Textbook vs. Reality: Why standard "one-size-fits-all" behavior protocols fail in the field, and how to individualize affirming care.
Trauma-Assumed Practices: Shifting the focus from strict behavioral compliance to fostering true safety, assent, and belonging.
Building an Authentic Brand: Christina shares her journey as a self-made entrepreneur and how she uses social media to make ABA accessible.
Navigating Field Burnout: Honest talk on setting boundaries, advocating for yourself, and upholding ethical supervision standards.
Whether you are a seasoned BCBA, an RBT in the trenches, or a business owner trying to steer the future of therapy, this episode delivers the straight talk you need—minus the boring jargon.
Tune in, drink up, and always analyze responsibly!
Connect with the Guests:
Listen to their podcast: Reinforcing Conversations on Spotify
Follow on Instagram: @reinforcing.conversations
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
1 hr 17 min
May 17The Birds, The Bees, and The BCBAs: Understanding Sexual Behavior Analysis with Nicholas Maio-Aether (Part II)
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ABA on Tap is proud to present Nicholas Maio-Aether (Part 2 of 2):
Find the most comfortable seat in the house, pour yourself a cold one, maybe two! In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by the "Sex Analyst" himself, Nicholas Maio-Aether.
Nicholas is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and a certified sexuality counselor who specializes in Sexual Behavior Analysis (SBA)—a subfield he pioneered at his agency, Empowered: A Center for Sexuality LLC.
In this "pour," we’re serving up:
The Intersection of Sexology and ABA: Why Nicholas saw a desperate need for competency in addressing sexual behavior within behavior analysis and how he bridges that gap.
Humanistic & Affirming Care: Moving away from traditional "mitigation" or "extinction" of sexuality toward approaches focused on self-determination, sexual access, and gender affirmation.
Navigating Taboos: Real talk on the "good, the bad, and the ugly" history of ABA and sexuality, and how to ethically teach consent and education to neurodivergent populations.
Sensate Focus & Practical Tools: A look at how behavior analysts can use clinical rigor to help clients achieve meaningful relational outcomes.
Whether you’re a BCBA looking to expand your scope of practice or just curious about how behavior science applies to the most human of narratives, this episode delivers science-backed insights with the signature ABA on Tap humor and practicality.
*This episode is marked 'Explicit' simply due to the topic and themes discussed.
TUNE IN, DRINK UP, and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY!
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
1 hr 2 min
May 10The Birds, The Bees, and The BCBAs: Understanding Sexual Behavior Analysis with Nicholas Maio-Aether (Part I)
Send us Fan Mail
ABA on Tap is proud to present Nicholas Maio-Aether (Part 1 of 2):
Find the most comfortable seat in the house, pour yourself a cold one, maybe two! In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by the "Sex Analyst" himself, Nicholas Maio-Aether.
Nicholas is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and a certified sexuality counselor who specializes in Sexual Behavior Analysis (SBA)—a subfield he pioneered at his agency, Empowered: A Center for Sexuality LLC.
In this "pour," we’re serving up:
The Intersection of Sexology and ABA: Why Nicholas saw a desperate need for competency in addressing sexual behavior within behavior analysis and how he bridges that gap.
Humanistic & Affirming Care: Moving away from traditional "mitigation" or "extinction" of sexuality toward approaches focused on self-determination, sexual access, and gender affirmation.
Navigating Taboos: Real talk on the "good, the bad, and the ugly" history of ABA and sexuality, and how to ethically teach consent and education to neurodivergent populations.
Sensate Focus & Practical Tools: A look at how behavior analysts can use clinical rigor to help clients achieve meaningful relational outcomes.
Whether you’re a BCBA looking to expand your scope of practice or just curious about how behavior science applies to the most human of narratives, this episode delivers science-backed insights with the signature ABA on Tap humor and practicality.
*This episode is marked 'Explicit' simply due to the topic and themes discussed.
TUNE IN, DRINK UP, and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY!
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
53 min
May 03Putting the 'U' in Behaviour: The Art of the Behaviour Lifestyle with Shouberte Abreu (Part II)
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ABA on Tap is proud to spend some time with Shouberte Abreu (Part 2 of 2):
Grab a seat and pour yourself a cold one! In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by Shouberte Abreu, a powerhouse in clinical ABA and Founder of Behaviour Lifestyle. In addition, the crew is pleasantly surprised by a bonus guest, Dr. Scott O'Donnell.
Shouberte takes us beyond the laboratory, sharing her journey from navigating tough supervision to becoming a leading mentor, author, and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist. We are tackling the real-world applications of ABA, focusing on compassionate care, family training, and how to teach "the art of you" to our learners.
In this "pour," we’re serving up:
The Path from RBT to BCBA: Real talk on field challenges, the importance of supportive supervision, and navigating the independent field work route.
Family Guidance & Training: How to educate and support parents to implement effective strategies in the home.
Compassionate Care: Blending clinical rigor with empathy to create meaningful, individualized programming.
Whether you are a new RBT looking for mentorship or a BCBA refining your clinical approach, this episode is filled with practical insights to help you grow.
Tune in, drink up, and always analyze responsibly!
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
1 hr 1 min
April 26Putting the 'U' in Behaviour: The Art of the Behaviour Lifestyle with Shouberte Abreu (Part I)
Send us Fan Mail
ABA on Tap is proud to spend some time with Shouberte Abreu (Part 1 of 2):
Grab a seat and pour yourself a cold one! In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by Shouberte Abreu, a powerhouse in clinical ABA and Founder of Behaviour Lifestyle. In addition, the crew is pleasantly surprised by a bonus guest, Dr. Scott O'Donnell.
Shouberte takes us beyond the laboratory, sharing her journey from navigating tough supervision to becoming a leading mentor, author, and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist. We are tackling the real-world applications of ABA, focusing on compassionate care, family training, and how to teach "the art of you" to our learners.
In this "pour," we’re serving up:
The Path from RBT to BCBA: Real talk on field challenges, the importance of supportive supervision, and navigating the independent field work route.
Family Guidance & Training: How to educate and support parents to implement effective strategies in the home.
Compassionate Care: Blending clinical rigor with empathy to create meaningful, individualized programming.
Whether you are a new RBT looking for mentorship or a BCBA refining your clinical approach, this episode is filled with practical insights to help you grow.
Tune in, drink up, and always analyze responsibly!
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
56 min
April 19A Fresh Keg of Value-Based Care: Optum's 'Low Hours, High Impact' with Mike and Dan (Part II)
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(Part 2 of 2) Grab a seat and pour yourself a cold one! In this episode, Mike and Dan are cracking open the white paper from Optum, titled "Low Hours, High Impact".
For years, the "more is better" 40-hour-a-week model has been the industry standard, but the data is starting to tell a different story. We’re diving deep into the science and the shift toward Value-Based Care, exploring how focused, high-quality interventions can sometimes move the needle further than pure volume.
In this "pour," we’re serving up:
The 40-Hour Hangover: Why the "intensive" model might not always be the most effective for every learner, especially the little ones.
Efficiency on Tap: Breaking down Optum’s findings on how lower-intensity, high-precision services can drive meaningful clinical outcomes.
The Payer’s Perspective: A look at how major payers like Optum are redefining "Medical Necessity" and what that means for your clinic's billing and documentation in 2026.
Quality over Quantity: How to advocate for the right amount of hours without sacrificing progress or burning out your RBTs.
Whether you're a BCBA navigating authorization battles or a business owner looking at the future of ABA funding, this episode delivers the straight talk you need—minus the boring jargon.
Tune in, drink up, and always analyze responsibly.
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
1 hr 1 min
April 12A Fresh Keg of Value-Based Care: Optum's 'Low Hours, High Impact' with Mike and Dan (Part I)
Send us Fan Mail
(Part 1 of 2) Grab a seat and pour yourself a cold one! In this episode, Mike and Dan are cracking open the white paper from Optum, titled "Low Hours, High Impact".
For years, the "more is better" 40-hour-a-week model has been the industry standard, but the data is starting to tell a different story. We’re diving deep into the science and the shift toward Value-Based Care, exploring how focused, high-quality interventions can sometimes move the needle further than pure volume.
In this "pour," we’re serving up:
The 40-Hour Hangover: Why the "intensive" model might not always be the most effective for every learner, especially the little ones.
Efficiency on Tap: Breaking down Optum’s findings on how lower-intensity, high-precision services can drive meaningful clinical outcomes.
The Payer’s Perspective: A look at how major payers like Optum are redefining "Medical Necessity" and what that means for your clinic's billing and documentation in 2026.
Quality over Quantity: How to advocate for the right amount of hours without sacrificing progress or burning out your RBTs.
Whether you're a BCBA navigating authorization battles or a business owner looking at the future of ABA funding, this episode delivers the straight talk you need—minus the boring jargon.
Tune in, drink up, and always analyze responsibly.
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
52 min
April 05A Pour of the New Brew: Clinical Decision Support & Non-Binary Thinking with Amanda Ralston (Part II)
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ABA on Tap is proud to present Amanda Ralston (Part 2 of 2):
Grab a stool and a cold one because this week on ABA on Tap, we’re joined by an ABA powerhouse, now tech-innovator, Amanda "Mandy" Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA. With over 25 years in the field and a "serial entrepreneur" badge of honor, Mandy is here to help us move past the rigid, binary thinking that often limits our profession.
In this episode, we’re serving up:
The "Medical Necessity Sandwich": Mandy breaks down her viral concept for navigating documentation and clinical decision-making.
NonBinary Solutions: Why she pivoted from clinic owner to tech founder to build NonBinary Solutions, a data analytics firm creating Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS).
Standardizing the Wild West: A candid look at the lack of standardization in ABA—from terminology to outcomes—and how technology can bridge the gap without replacing clinical intuition.
Digital Mentorship: How emerging AI and software tools can act as "mycorrhizal influencers" to guide the next generation of BCBAs.
The Future of ABA: Why value-based care and clinical intelligence are the next "taps" we need to open for better quality of life outcomes.
Whether you’re a seasoned BCBA or an RBT just starting your fieldwork, Mandy’s authentic and transparent take on the industry is exactly what you need to level up your practice.
Tune in, drink up , and always analyze responsibly. Cheers!
Support the show
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform!
📢 Connect with Us:
🔗 Website: https://abaontap.com
🎧 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap
💡 Support the Show:
☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap
🎙️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us
🚀 Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content.
🎧 Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going! 🍻
52 min