Is compassion in ABA a “soft skill”… or a missing piece of the science? 👀In this episode of The BC(BAes) Podcast, Melina and Jordan sit down with Dr. Nissa Intarachote Van Etten, BCBA and leader in training and development, to unpack one of the most important — and often overlooked — topics in behavior analysis:🧠 Compassionate careWith over 20 years in the field, Dr. Nissa shares why she dedicated her doctoral research to compassion, how soft skills impact real outcomes, and why being technically sound isn’t enough if you can’t connect with the families you serve.From navigating ethical gray areas, to supporting staff in real-life, vulnerable home settings, to using AI to be more present (not less) — this episode dives into the human side of ABA that doesn’t always show up in textbooks.If you're a BCBA, RBT, or ABA professional, this conversation will challenge how you think about care, connection, and what it really means to be effective in this field.Because at the end of the day…👉 We’re humans working with humans.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Meet Melina, Jordan & Dr. Nissa00:40 – Why study compassionate care in ABA?01:20 – Early ABA: working directly with families (pre-insurance era)02:00 – Why parents had to trust you back then02:50 – What are “soft skills” in ABA?03:40 – Technical skills vs soft skills explained04:30 – Why soft skills are missing in ABA training05:00 – Should RBTs be trained in compassionate care?05:10 – Can empathy be taught?05:30 – Inside Dr. Nissa’s dissertation research06:20 – Measuring empathy (Jefferson Scale)07:00 – Can you teach compassion—or just “mask” it?07:40 – Gender, empathy & societal conditioning08:40 – “Fake it till you make it” in compassionate care09:20 – Self-reflection as a clinician10:20 – What families actually want from BCBAs11:00 – Can you use ABA principles and be compassionate?12:00 – Protocol vs clinical judgment13:00 – Where the field is missing compassion the most13:30 – Compassion between colleagues (not just clients)14:20 – Ego, gatekeeping & growth in ABA15:00 – Why collaboration matters in a growing field16:00 – Being in vulnerable spaces with families16:40 – Cultural responsiveness in the home17:20 – Real ethical dilemmas (hugging a parent?!)18:10 – Balancing ethics code vs being human19:00 – Navigating boundaries as a clinician20:00 – Learning from mistakes in the field20:50 – Rigid thinking vs true behavior analysis21:30 – Self-awareness and checking your biases22:20 – Coaching RBTs beyond “you’ll figure it out”23:00 – Practical ways to improve compassionate care TODAY23:40 – Balancing data collection vs human connection24:20 – Using AI to improve presence in sessions 🤖25:00 – Why automation can enhance (not replace) care25:40 – Final thoughts + Part 2 teaser🧠 Topics We Cover✔️ Compassionate care in ABA✔️ Soft skills vs technical skills✔️ Teaching empathy to clinicians✔️ Ethics vs real-world practice✔️ Cultural responsiveness✔️ Supporting families in vulnerable moments✔️ RBT & BCBA training gaps✔️ Using AI in ABA sessions✔️ Collaboration vs gatekeeping in the field📲 Follow The BC(BAes)Instagramhttps://instagram.com/thebcbaesTikTokhttps://tiktok.com/@thebcbaesYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@TheBCBAes🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.If you're in the ABA field, make sure to subscribe for real conversations about ethics, leadership, clinical work, and the human side of behavior analysis.

She was doing telehealth before telehealth even existed… 🤯In this episode of The BC(BAes) Podcast, Jordan and Melina sit down with Emaley McCulloch, Chief Clinical Officer at Motivity, to unpack her incredible journey from early ABA pioneer to tech innovator.From taking data as a child 📊 (yes, really), to building autism programs in Hawaii and Tokyo, to creating one of the first ABA training video platforms, Emaley has been shaping this field for decades.Now, she’s helping lead one of the most impactful ABA data and practice management platforms in the game — and giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how technology is transforming behavior analysis.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered:🧠 How did ABA evolve into what it is today?💻 Can technology actually improve clinical quality?📈 How do we scale services without losing the human side?⚖️ Are we drifting away from the roots of the field?This conversation is equal parts history lesson, inspiration, and future roadmap for ABA professionals.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Meet Emaley McCulloch (Motivity CCO)01:05 – Getting into ABA on purpose (not by accident!)01:30 – Early experiences supporting individuals with disabilities02:30 – First exposure to autism & behavior modification03:50 – Learning ABA in the 90s (and how much has changed)05:30 – College, career path & early field experiences06:20 – Marriage, life pivots & unexpected directions07:15 – Moving to Hawaii for adventure 🌺08:00 – Becoming a district autism specialist08:40 – The impact of the Felix Consent Decree09:00 – Opening a school for autism in Hawaii09:10 – Expanding services to Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵09:50 – Early telehealth using cameras & remote supervision (way ahead of its time)10:50 – The birth of online ABA training content11:30 – Starting Autism Training Solutions12:30 – Growing to 600+ organizations13:15 – Acquisition by Relias & shifting roles14:00 – Joining Motivity & returning to ABA roots14:45 – Reflecting on 30 years in the field15:10 – Being a pioneer in ABA technology16:00 – Is ABA shifting back to clinician-led roots?17:00 – How insurance funding changed the field18:00 – The reality of admin burden in modern ABA19:00 – Why going independent isn’t always “freedom”19:30 – The role of technology in scaling ABA services20:00 – Rapid growth of the ABA field (and challenges)20:30 – Online training & accessibility in ABA21:00 – How tech supports clinicians & families21:30 – The vision behind Motivity22:00 – NIH funding & building research-backed tech23:00 – Creating data-driven clinical tools24:00 – Why data collection must connect to billing & reporting25:00 – Building an all-in-one ABA platform26:00 – Scaling from startup to 60+ employees27:00 – Favorite Motivity features from a clinical perspective28:00 – Using data to support staff performance & quality🧠 Topics We Cover✔️ The evolution of ABA from the 90s to today✔️ Early telehealth & global autism services✔️ ABA technology and data systems✔️ Scaling ABA services with tech✔️ Insurance & payer impact on the field✔️ Clinical quality vs administrative burden✔️ Training the next generation of clinicians✔️ Inside Motivity’s platform and vision📲 Follow The BC(BAes)Instagramhttps://instagram.com/thebcbaesTikTokhttps://tiktok.com/@thebcbaesYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@TheBCBAes🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.If you’re a BCBA, RBT, or ABA professional, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of where the field has been — and where it’s going next.🔎 Hashtags#BCBA #ABAtherapy #BehaviorAnalysis #ABAfield #AutismSupport #RBTlife #ABAtechnology #BCBAlife #ABAcommunity #BehaviorAnalyst #TheBCBAes #Motivity

Can you scale an ABA company without losing your values… or your soul? 👀In this episode of The BC(BAes) Podcast, Jordan and Melina sit down with Javon May, CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of Autonomous Behavior Solutions in Los Angeles, for a real conversation about growing an ABA business the right way.The ABA field is expanding faster than ever. 🚀 But with growth comes hard questions:⚖️ How do you scale ethically?📈 How fast is too fast to grow?🧠 How do you protect staff from burnout while maintaining quality care?💼 And what responsibilities come with being the person at the top?Javon shares what it’s actually like running a clinician-led ABA organization — from making difficult ethical decisions, to turning down clients when necessary, to building systems that support sustainable growth.If you’re a BCBA, RBT, clinical director, or behavior analyst thinking about starting your own company, this episode pulls back the curtain on leadership in ABA.Because scaling a business is one thing…Scaling it without sacrificing your values is another.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Meet the BC(BAes) & guest Javon May00:40 – Why a CEO should stay grounded in the clinical side01:30 – Wearing both CEO and Chief Clinical Officer hats03:40 – The ABA paradox: working yourself out of a job04:05 – What sustainable growth actually means in ABA05:00 – “More money, more problems” in business growth06:20 – Avoiding staff burnout while scaling an ABA company07:40 – Systems and SOPs that support growth08:05 – Small company vs large company leadership09:40 – Delegation and trusting your leadership team10:15 – The speedboat vs oil tanker analogy in business growth11:10 – When company growth naturally slows down13:10 – Ethical challenges CEOs face in ABA organizations14:20 – Balancing client needs vs staff protection15:45 – When you have to turn down a client16:40 – Protecting staff from disrespectful situations17:20 – Ethical decisions that aren’t in the BACB code18:30 – Tough leadership calls in ABA organizations19:50 – Advice for BCBAs thinking about starting a company21:00 – The reality of wearing every hat as an owner22:15 – Why being a great BCBA doesn’t automatically make you a great CEO23:40 – The responsibility of leading a team24:00 – The “no shield” feeling of business ownership25:45 – Staying motivated as a CEO in ABA26:50 – Why seeing client progress still fuels the mission27:40 – Measuring quality care in an ABA organization28:30 – Supporting staff while maintaining clinical excellence🧠 Topics We Cover✔️ Scaling an ABA company ethically✔️ Sustainable growth in the ABA field✔️ Preventing burnout for RBTs and BCBAs✔️ Leadership for clinician-owned organizations✔️ Ethics in business decisions✔️ Measuring quality ABA services✔️ Systems and procedures for growth📲 Follow The BC(BAes)Instagramhttps://instagram.com/thebcbaesTikTokhttps://tiktok.com/@thebcbaesYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@TheBCBAes🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.If you're in the ABA field, subscribe so you don’t miss conversations about the real life of behavior analysts — leadership, ethics, business, and the science that drives it all.🔎 Hashtags#BCBA #ABAtherapy #BehaviorAnalysis #ABAfield #BCBAlife #AutismSupport #ABAclinic #RBTlife #ABAethics #BCBAPodcast #TheBCBAes #BehaviorAnalyst

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a leader whose journey embodies what it truly means to build, grow, and lead in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. From early challenges to building thriving agencies, to redefining mentorship, culture, and community impact — this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to level up.We dive into:💡 The truth about mentorship (and why it’s not about giving answers)🤝 How to build a culture of collaboration instead of compliance📚 Teaching RBTs & BCBAs to think critically, not dependently🔥 Creating a learning environment where everyone grows📉 Turnover, agency culture, and real accountability🌱 Supporting parent communities and long-term sustainable impact🌍 Expanding ABA access through Head Start programs & community training🏁 The future of ABA, legacy building, and the “why” behind the workWhether you’re an RBT, BCBA, agency owner, or student, this episode is a must-watch for anyone committed to meaningful, ethical, and effective practice.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if you found value — it helps us reach more people doing the work! 💛⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introductions00:22 – How Jordan & Vargas Met01:03 – Vargas’ Background & Why He Started an Agency02:18 – Providing Services Across the Lifespan03:00 – Perspective from Working With Adults04:18 – Walking Alongside Families vs. Telling Them What to Do06:17 – Cultural Considerations & Differences in Mississippi vs. Arizona06:58 – Mississippi Story: “What Do You All Like to Be Called?”08:16 – Barriers Faced by Black Behavior Analysts in Mississippi09:05 – Why Arizona Feels More Welcoming09:19 – Experiences as the First Black-Owned ABA Agency in Mississippi10:15 – Professional Scrutiny & Credential Challenges11:17 – Being Under a Microscope as a Black Business Owner12:21 – Family Pressures & Fear of Entrepreneurship13:02 – Living Without Regrets & Starting the Business Anyway14:08 – ABA Clinicians as Entrepreneurs14:39 – Applying ABA Concepts to Business Growth15:16 – Vision Behind Mississippi Behavior Services & Trinity Behavior Consulting16:12 – Making Meaningful, Equitable Access to Services17:07 – Scaling Meaningful Change Through Providers17:52 – Strategy, Learning From Mistakes & Business Growth🎙️ ABOUT THE BC(BAes)The BC(BAes) Podcast is hosted by Melina & Jordan — two BCBAs committed to honest conversations, community building, cultural responsiveness, and elevating the field of ABA one episode at a time.📲 CONNECT WITH USInstagram: @thebcbaesLinkedIn: The BC(BAes) PodcastTikTok: @thebcbaesYouTube: @thebcbaes🔖 HASHTAGS#BCBA #RBT #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ABAPodcast #TheBCBAes #AutismSupport #ABACommunity #LeadershipInABA #Mentorship #Collaboration #BehaviorAnalysis #BCBASummit #EntrepreneurshipInABA #ParentTraining #CulturalResponsiveness

In this special on-the-road episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina pile into the car with keynote speaker Dr. Andre Anderson, the First Lady Angie, Amber Furby and a car full of powerhouse energy fresh off the ABA conference stage.From unpacking the keynote’s impact, to talking about representation, leadership, multitasking at conferences, love, poetry, cognitive maps, symbolism, and the emotional weight of community — this carpool turns into a rolling masterclass in inspiration, connection, and Black excellence in ABA.Dr. Anderson also shares a deeply personal and poetic tribute to his wife, delivers a spontaneous breakdown of learning theory and memory, and leaves the field with one final message every clinician needs to hear.This episode is heartfelt, funny, chaotic in the best way, and full of gems for BCBAs, students, and anyone who cares about culturally grounded, community-centered ABA.⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Welcome to the Keynote Carpool0:29 – Meet the Car Crew: First Lady & Dr. Anderson0:59 – Delivering the Keynote & Inspiring the Room1:28 – Emotion, Vulnerability & Impact2:06 – Representation: Black Men in Leadership3:09 – Wearing Multiple Hats at a Conference4:11 – Balancing Hustle with Quality for Attendees5:03 – Fun Facts About Jordan6:06 – “Most Men Only Get Their Flowers on Their Deathbed”7:05 – Dr. Anderson’s Poetic Tribute9:29 – The Art of Public Speaking & Not Showing Mistakes10:27 – ABA Theory: Cognitive Maps, Word Gaps & Symbolic Play11:40 – One Word to Describe the Conference13:44 – Final Wisdom: The Power of Journaling🔗 Follow The BC(BAes)🎧 Listen & Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts📲 TikTok: @the.bcbaes📸 Instagram: @thebcbaes🔍 Hashtags (SEO)#TheBCBAes #KeynoteCarpool #DrAndreAnderson #BehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #ABAConference #BlackBCBAs #LeadershipInABA #CulturalResponsiveness #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ABACommunity #Inspiration #Neurodiversity #ABAPodcast

🎧 Episode Description:In this inspiring episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina sit down with Marquii Jacobs—aka The ABA Guru—to talk all things legacy, leadership, and leveraging social media to create meaningful change in behavior analysis.Marquii shares her journey in the field, her approach to ethical and engaging dissemination, and how she balances professionalism with authenticity online. The conversation takes an unexpected and heartfelt turn as she opens up about her grandmother, Linda Martell, the first Black female country singer to perform at the Grand Ole Opry—and how Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album helped reignite her legacy.From healing generational wounds to building autism-inclusive travel spaces, this episode celebrates what it means to use your platform for impact, community, and representation.⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Meet The ABA Guru0:31 – The Power of Manifestation & “Googling Nation”1:56 – Social Media as a Functional Tool3:24 – Ethics, Citations, and Credible Dissemination6:15 – Autism-Inclusive Vacation Rentals & Airbnb Advocacy9:00 – Redefining Accessibility in Travel10:10 – Turning Homes into Safe, Sensory-Friendly Spaces12:00 – Reflections from the Conference: Healing & Epigenetics15:00 – Beyoncé, Sir Davis Whiskey, and Family Legacy18:00 – The Story Behind Cowboy Carter & Linda Martell21:00 – Using Your Platform for Generational Change22:30 – Closing Thoughts & Words of Encouragement🔗 Connect with The BC(BAes)🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube📲 Follow us on social:TikTok: @the.bcbaesInstagram: @thebcbaes🔍 Hashtags#TheBCBAes #ABAGuru #BehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #AutismAdvocate #Neurodiversity #SocialMediaEthics #InclusiveABA #BlackBCBAs #WomenInABA #CowboyCarter #LindaMartell #RepresentationMatters #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #Beyonce #AutismTravel #ABACommunity #BehaviorChange #CulturalResponsiveness

🎧 Episode Description: Parenting While Neurodivergent: Lessons in Love, Awareness & AdvocacyIn this raw and powerful episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Maryna sit down with the incredible SupernNovaMomma (Natasha) — advocate, educator, and proud neurodivergent mother — to talk about what it really looks like to navigate parenting, partnership, and personal growth when both parents are neurodivergent. From diagnosis journeys and burnout to the importance of self-regulation, communication, and pleasure in relationships, Natasha brings honesty, humor, and heart to the conversation. The BC(BAes) dive into why clinicians must consider the parent’s experience in ABA, how self-awareness transforms family dynamics, and what true support looks like for neurodivergent households.Whether you’re an ABA professional, parent, or partner, this episode will leave you rethinking how compassion, co-regulation, and connection show up in your work — and in your home.🪩 Episode Chapters(0:00) Meet SuperNovaMomma — A Powerful Voice in Parenting and Advocacy(1:12) Navigating Diagnosis: Two Neurodivergent Parents, Two Children(2:06) Burnout, Breakdown & Building Back Stronger(4:45) The Shift: Realizing Both Parents Need Support(5:20) What Positive Discipline Really Means(7:02) Self & Co-Regulation Beyond Breathing Techniques(9:20) The Power of Awareness: Triggers, Tolerance, and Growth(12:03) Clinicians, Take Note: Modeling Regulation in Real Life(16:00) Circles of Control: What Parents Can (and Can’t) Influence(19:00) Love, Intimacy, and Communication After Diagnosis🎯 Keywords & SEO Hashtags#TheBCBAes #SuperNovaMomma #PositiveDiscipline #NeurodivergentParenting #AutismAwareness #ADHDParenting #ParentTraining #ABACommunity #NeurodiversityAffirming #BehaviorAnalysis #AutisticAdults #MentalHealthMatters #BlackInABA #ParentSupport #CoRegulation📱 Follow Us On Social MediaTikTok: @the.bcbaesInstagram: @thebcbaes

In this episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina sit down live at the BMBA Summit with powerhouse entrepreneur and content creator Christina Torres (ABA Made EZ). Christina opens up about her journey into independent practice, how her daughter’s NICU experience shaped her resilience, and why BCBAs must lean into entrepreneurship, transparency, and community building.Together, we dive into what it means to sustain your energy at conferences, the challenges of balancing parenthood and clinical work, and the importance of breaking down gate-keeping in the ABA field. Christina also shares her vision for empowering BCBAs to diversify income streams and embrace authenticity on social media.If you’re a BCBA, RBT, or student looking for inspiration to expand your career beyond the traditional model—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Welcome & Meeting Christina Torres at BMBA Summit0:47 – Christina’s intro & ABA Made EZ platform1:23 – Sustaining energy at conferences & self-care3:02 – Balancing parenthood, clinical work, and passion5:20 – Christina’s origin story: from NICU to entrepreneurship6:57 – Sharing her journey on TikTok & building a community8:03 – Launching mentorship for BCBAs entering business10:44 – Transparency, gatekeeping, and money talk in ABA13:14 – Learning from mistakes & modeling independence15:54 – Looking inward: reflection & shaping your next chapter16:24 – Building your brand authentically on social media17:37 – Favorite moments at BMBA Summit & key takeaways19:56 – The power of networking & why in-person events matter📲 Follow The BC(BAes)🎥 TikTok: @the.bcbaes📸 Instagram: @thebcbaes🔑 Hashtags for #TheBCBAes #BCBA #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ABATherapy #RBT #BCBAMentor #ABABusiness #ABAMadeEZ #BehaviorAnalyst #BCBAPodcast #AutismSupport #BCBAStruggles #BCBAEntrepreneur #DisseminatingABA

In this powerful episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina sit down with Michael Conteh, a seasoned behavior analyst, CEO, and OBM leader. Together, they explore how efficiency and empathy can work hand-in-hand in the workplace. 💡✨From preventing burnout to staying motivated, and from focusing on your best ideas to leading with compassion, this conversation offers practical strategies and real-world insights for professionals at every level. Whether you’re in clinical practice, running an agency, or leading teams, Michael’s perspective is one you won’t want to miss.🔥 Tune in for lessons on balancing effectiveness with humanity—and how empathy is often the key to long-term success.⏱️ Chapters👉 0:00 – Intro & Meet Michael Conteh1:00 – Career Journey & Focus on Efficiency2:00 – Turnover, Retention, and Honest Hiring4:00 – Orientation, Growth Paths & Culture6:00 – Staff Development & Mentorship9:30 – Training, Onboarding & Early Success12:00 – Navigating Turnover & Building Commitment15:00 – Relationships, RBT Roles & Leadership Layers18:00 – Leadership Challenges & Continuous Growth21:00 – Mentorship Legacy & Lasting Impact📲 Connect with The BC(BAes):TikTok: @the.bcbaesInstagram: @thebcbaesYouTube Playlist: The BC(BAes) Podcast🔖 Hashtags#TheBCBAes #ABA #OBM #Leadership #BurnoutPrevention #EfficiencyAndEmpathy #BehaviorAnalysis #WorkplaceWellness #Motivation #BCBA #RBT #BehaviorScience

Change is never easy—especially when it means stepping away from something that has shaped you for years. In this heartfelt episode, Jordan and Melina dive into the topic of transitions in the ABA field.Melina reflects on her journey leaving the clinic setting they’ve both been part of for over five years, sharing what it’s like to process that change on both a personal and professional level. Together, the BAes explore the emotional side of being a BCBA, normalizing the struggles, doubts, and growth that come with transitions.Whether you’re a BCBA, RBT, educator, or anyone experiencing a season of change, this conversation is about giving yourself grace, finding meaning in transitions, and embracing the next chapter with confidence.📺 Watch on YouTube Playlist: BC(BAes) Podcast📲 Follow Us:TikTok: @the.bcbaesInstagram: @thebcbaes⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Welcome Back0:35 – Fall Excitements2:12 – Today’s Topic: Transitions2:45 – Parenting Transitions3:30 – Career Transitions4:35 – The Emotional Side of ABA6:27 – Clinical Growth10:01 – Pandemic Lessons10:27 – Personal Growth14:20 – Self-Care & Boundaries16:00 – Working Together as BCBAs22:11 – The Families & Kids25:00 – Saying Goodbye27:02 – Honoring the Hard Goodbyes27:46 – Looking Ahead28:23 – Closing✨#TheBCBAes #ABAtherapy #BCBA #RBT #BehaviorAnalysis #CareerTransitions #ABApodcast #BehaviorTherapy #BIPOCinABA #InclusiveABA #ProfessionalGrowth #LifeTransitions #ABAlife #BurnoutAndBalance #Neurodiversity #SelfReflection #BCBAlife #ABAcommunity