Beyond The Science Podcast

Join us for an unfiltered, emotional, and refreshingly honest conversation with three Registered Behavior Technicians. In this groundbreaking episode, RBTs reveal the untold truth about what it’s really like working on the front lines of ABA therapy—from burnout and low pay to joy, purpose, and everything in between.Whether you’re an RBT, BCBA, or someone curious about the field, this episode will challenge your perspective and move you deeply

Discover:

• Why many RBTs feel invisible, undervalued, and underpaid
• Shocking behind-the-scenes moments that’ll make you laugh and cry
• The real emotional cost—and reward—of this work
• Powerful insights on burnout, passion, and staying in the field
• What every BCBA needs to hear from their RBTs

This episode is 100% real, unscripted, and guaranteed to change how you see ABA—and the people who make it happen.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:40 Special guests & fun facts about them

03:35 April’s journey into ABA and motherhood

07:10 Lily’s story: early intervention and becoming an RBT

09:04 Rob’s path from undergrad to crisis unit

12:09 A day in the life of an RBT

17:48 The burnout and wanting to quit

27:45 Dear BCBA, I wish you knew

21:44 Clients with more challenging behaviors

36:03 RBT Conference announcement and why it matters

39:58 Community, visibility, and raising RBT voices

44:27 Real talk: pay rates, PTO, and cancelations

46:31 Ideas to fix client cancelation challenges

56:40 The future of the field: retention and respect

59:03 Wildest things kids have ever said

1:02:44 Rapid-fire game

1:03:30 Off the clock: love languages

1:06:06 Final advice for new RBTs

🎙️ Live from APBS 2025!We’re coming to you straight from the Innovation Zone at APBS 2025 with a laid-back, honest recap of everything that went down. From favorite sessions and unexpected interviews to real talk about collaboration, equity, and what’s next in behavior support—we’re covering it all.You’ll hear audience takeaways, behind-the-scenes moments, and even the big reveal of the 3K Academy. Whether you made it to the conference or not, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the energy, connection, and ideas that made APBS 2025 one to remember.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:31 Live from the APBS Innovation Zone01:21 Conference Highlights and Standout Interviews03:28 Audience Reflections on the Conference06:42 Openness and Connection at APBS08:40 What Would You Change About Behavior Support?13:13 Why You Should Attend the APBS Conference15:02 Announcing 3K Academy in Atlanta17:53 Looking Ahead to APBS 2026 in Minneapolis19:09 The Conference Theme Song

Millions of children struggle with feeding disorders and food insecurity, yet these issues often go unnoticed in schools and healthcare settings.

In this compelling episode, Dr. Meara McMahon, a leading expert in pediatric feeding therapy, breaks down why some kids refuse food, how medical and behavioral factors intertwine, and why traditional advice like “they’ll grow out of it” can be dangerously wrong.

We explore the role of behavior analysts (BCBAs) in tackling these challenges, the gaps in school nutrition programs, and practical solutions for parents and educators. Plus, we discuss how public policies can better support children with complex feeding needs.

If you're a parent, teacher, or healthcare professional, this conversation will change how you think about kids and food.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Meet Dr. Meara McMahon

02:30 Journey into feeding therapy

05:34 Moving to Georgia & career growth

06:44 Why feeding is so complex

09:43 Advice for parents facing feeding issues

11:05 Feeding challenges in schools

14:13 Food insecurity’s impact on children

18:01 Parent training in feeding therapy

20:09 Feeding challenges in older kids

24:30 School nutrition & the National School Lunch Program

28:12 How can BCBAs help with feeding issues

30:43 Breaking into public health

35:00 Straight Talk with Joe: Self-care & hiking

38:05 The importance of working at GABA

43:06 The “Asian Glow” story

46:24 Where to connect with Dr. Meara McMahon

In this powerful Orlando panel discussion, top Black women leaders in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) share their journeys, challenges, and bold innovations reshaping the field. From breaking barriers in leadership to navigating the evolving landscape of DEI, they dive into what it takes to create lasting impact.

🔥 Key Topics:

✅ The secrets to effective leadership in ABA

✅ How to stay innovative in a changing industry

✅ Tackling high turnover & building strong teams

✅ Why authenticity is the key to success

Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful conversation—watch now and level up your leadership game! 🎥✨

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:48 Welcome to the Thought Exchange Panel

02:06 Introduction to Panelist

05:29 Key experiences that shaped their careers in ABA

11:06 What makes an effective leader?

18:51 Staying innovative in the field of ABA

24:13 Creating lasting impact and meaningful careers

32:32 Using ABA principles in leadership

35:46 Addressing high turnover rates in ABA

41:15 The importance of company culture and alignment

In this episode, live from Miami, behavior analysis expert Adam Ventura shares his remarkable journey - from building a successful ABA therapy company to pivoting into the world of AI.

Discover how a family tragedy led Ventura to reevaluate his priorities and find the perfect balance between professional success and personal relationships.

Dive into Ventura's insights on the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into ABA, including his innovative Intraverbal AI platform designed to enhance the assessment process and transform education.

Learn about the upcoming Shaping AI conference, where Ventura and other industry leaders will shape the future of behavior analysis and technology.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of ABA, entrepreneurship, and the cutting edge of artificial intelligence. Don't miss this inspiring story of personal growth and professional innovation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:32 Live from Miami with Adam Ventura

01:39 Adam's 20-year journey in behavior analysis

03:13 Prioritizing family over business

05:51 The cost of hyper-focusing on work

07:54 Realizing that true legacy is in family, not business

10:37 Career journey, ABA, and AI

15:30 The importance of having a partner as an entrepreneur

18:24 Skepticism & pushback on AI in ABA space

23:28 The challenge of defining humanity in the AI era

26:51 AI and the future of ABA

30:15 Intraverbal AI: A game-changing tool for behavior analysts

34:45 DeepSeek and competing with OpenAI

38:06 How Intraverbal AI enhances, not replaces, behavior analysts

43:38 Developing future features of Intraverbal AI

45:48 The Shaping AI Conference: The future of ABA and AI

50:16 Balancing career, fatherhood, and personal growth

54:07 Sacrificing and repairing family relationships

58:05 The deep need for parental validation

1:02:24 Biggest entrepreneurial wins and losses

1:05:12 The future of AI in education and ABA training

1:07:35 Do business owners check employee social media?

Autistic individuals are 7X more likely to encounter police but are officers prepared?

In this episode, we dive into the urgent need for autism training in law enforcement with Dr. Lyndsy Coffield, a BCBA specializing in police education. From real ride-alongs to key de-escalation tactics, we reveal gaps in police training and their impact on neurodiverse individuals.

- Why are so many police interactions with autistic individuals going wrong?

- What can officers do differently to avoid tragic misunderstandings?

- How can parents & caregivers help prepare for potential encounters?

Learn how small changes in awareness and training can prevent life-altering misunderstandings and improve interactions between law enforcement and the autism community.

If you care about safer communities, better police training, and protecting neurodiverse individuals, don't miss this powerful conversation.

Timestamps:

00:37 Introduction to Dr. Lyndsy Cofield

01:47 The High Interaction Rate Between Autism & Law Enforcement

02:29 Personal Experiences with Law Enforcement & Autism

04:38 Dr. Lyndsy’s Background and Career Journey

07:59 Self-Defense for Women & Fire Arm Training

09:46 Realizing the Need for Autism Training in Police Work

11:35 Ride-Along Experience & Understanding Officer Perspective

14:43 Acknowledging the Challenges of Law Enforcement

16:01 What Bad ABA Looks Like

17:20 How BCBAs Can Get Involved in Police Training

20:58 Key Lessons Learned in the Field

22:03 The Importance of Canine Scent Kits for Missing Individuals

25:34 Apollo Behavior’s Community Initiatives & Police Partnerships

30:38 What ABA & Policing Can Learn from Each Other

33:30 Ideas for Improving Police Training on Autism

34:53 Exposing First Responders to Autistic Individuals

39:53 Favorite Vacation Spot & College Football Rivalry

43:51 Closing Thoughts & Shout Out to Apollo Behavior

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable story of Kevin, a speech-language pathologist who's using his unique blend of music, humor, and creativity to transform the lives of his clients.

In this festive episode, host Jeron Trotman, Joseph Adams, and Darius Coop wrap up the year with a mix of heartfelt reflections and holiday fun. From navigating busy schedules as fathers and business owners to sharing personal stories of growth, they dive into what made 2024 unforgettable. Plus, the team brings the holiday spirit with spicy debates on traditions, holiday movie favorites, and some laugh-out-loud hot takes. It’s the perfect blend of inspiration, humor, and holiday cheer!

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Cherish the Journey: Reflect on the past year’s challenges and successes, and take pride in the growth you’ve achieved.

2. Holiday Connections: Make the most of this festive season by staying present with family and finding joy in traditions.

3. Plan with Purpose: Set meaningful goals for the new year, balancing personal growth and professional aspirations.

Timestamps:

It’s the second day of the GABA conference and we talk live with Dr. Daniel Conine, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Assistant Professor at Georgia State University.

Dr. Conine shares his personal journey into behavior analysis and explains the field's complex history with the LGBTQ community. He passionately advocates for clear ethical guidelines and groundbreaking research to support marginalized groups. You will be inspired by Dr. Conine's vision for a more inclusive, compassionate future for the science of human behavior.

Discover how behavior analysis can drive positive change and hear about the innovative work happening at Georgia State University's renowned ABA program. Tune in now!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:38 Introduction to Dr. Conine at GABA Conference

01:14 From volunteering to a career in ABA

03:53 The workshop on approaching LGBTQ community

06:36 Conversion therapy, behavior analytics, and LGBTQ advocacy

10:05 Future goals: Advancing community-supportive research by 2029

14:11 How business owners can foster inclusivity

16:09 The Master’s Program at Georgia State University

18:36 Life Outside ABA: Dr. Conine’s hobbies and interests

21:02 Final message to practitioners and parents

22:59 Encouraging new areas of research and practice in ABA

25:00 Where to connect with Dr. Conine

Live from the Arizona ABA Conference, this episode dives into the groundbreaking work of Blue Sprig Pediatrics, a leader in providing innovative ABA services across the nation.

Amanda Schaunaman, Director of Clinical Operations, shares how Blue Sprig is transforming autism care with their Severe Behavior Clinics, expanding to 21 locations in Georgia, and supporting clients of all ages with compassionate, individualized services.

Discover how Blue Sprig maintains a strong company culture while growing, and learn about their exciting projects shaping the future of ABA therapy. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome from the Arizona ABA Conference

00:35 Blue Sprig Pediatrics and Their Work

01:37 Blue Sprig’s Severe Behavior Clinic and its unique impact

04:05 Blue Sprig’s expansion in Arizona and Georgia

05:33 How Blue Sprig maintains company culture while growing

08:53 Social skills programs for teens and older clients

11:07 Off the clock: Amanda’s surrogate experience

14:04 Exciting projects and how to connect with Blue Sprig