The Gold Standard Podcast

What happens when behavior analysis becomes so focused on technical language that we lose sight of the person we're actually trying to reach?

In this episode of the Gold Standard Podcast, we sit down with renowned behavior analyst and clinical psychologist Dr. Pat Friman for a wide-ranging conversation on communication, listening, clinical practice, mentorship, and the evolution of behavior analysis.

Dr. Friman shares stories from the mentors who shaped his career, including Ed Christophersen and Don Baer, and explains why humor, storytelling, presentation skills, and ordinary language have played such an important role in his work.

We also discuss one of his strongest clinical philosophies: listen all the way to the end. Dr. Friman explores why people often need to feel understood before they're ready to hear advice, how this applies to working with families and stakeholders, and why listening may be one of the most important skills a behavior analyst can develop.

The conversation also covers the growing role of AI in behavior analysis, the importance of writing and presenting, compassion in clinical practice, and where the field may be headed next.

A thoughtful conversation with one of the field's most distinctive voices—and one that goes well beyond the technical side of behavior analysis.

#GoldStandardPodcast #BehaviorAnalysis #ABA #PatFriman #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #BehaviorScience #ClinicalPsychology #BehaviorAnalyst #BCBA #Communication #Listening #BehaviorScience

In this episode of The Gold Standard Podcast, we sit down with BDA’s own Crystal Miller, BCBA, to hear the story behind her journey into behavior analysis.

Crystal shares how a background in criminal justice unexpectedly led her to ABA, how her experiences as a parent have shaped the way she supports families, and what she has learned from working across homes, schools, communities, and inpatient mental health settings.

We also explore caregiver capacity, cultural humility, trauma-informed care, supervision, professional resilience, and the importance of seeing the person—not just the behavior or data point—in front of you.

From finding her own path into the field to presenting at conferences and continuing to expand her clinical perspective, Crystal offers a candid look at what it means to grow as a clinician while keeping compassion and humanity at the center of practice.

#BehaviorAnalysis
#BCBA
#AppliedBehaviorAnalysis
#BehaviorAnalyst
#GoldStandardPodcast
#QuintaraTucker
#TheMysticalAnalyst
#NJABA
#AutismSupport
#ABACommunity
#BehaviorScience
#Leadership
#ProfessionalDevelopment
#PhDJourney
#WomenInABA
#FitnessJourney
#MentalHealth
#WorkLifeBalance
#podcastinterview

Quintara Tucker is back on the Gold Standard Podcast!

Since her last appearance, Quintara has continued growing her impact across the ABA field—working on her dissertation, teaching future behavior analysts, serving on the NJABA board, building a thriving social media presence, and helping push conversations around culturally responsive care.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ Earning a PhD while working full-time
✅ Managing a packed schedule without burning out
✅ Fitness, self-care, and building confidence
✅ Growing to 10,000+ followers on social media
✅ Being reported to the BACB over an Instagram post
✅ Cultural responsiveness in ABA
✅ Teaching the next generation of behavior analysts
✅ Balancing ambition, wellness, and authenticity

Whether you're a BCBA, RBT, student, or simply someone striving to grow personally and professionally, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Follow Quintara:
📱 Instagram: @themysticalanalyst

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations that advance the science and practice of behavior analysis.

#ABA
#BehaviorAnalysis
#BCBA
#AppliedBehaviorAnalysis
#BehaviorAnalyst
#GoldStandardPodcast
#QuintaraTucker
#TheMysticalAnalyst
#NJABA
#AutismSupport
#ABACommunity
#BehaviorScience
#Leadership
#ProfessionalDevelopment
#PhDJourney
#WomenInABA
#FitnessJourney
#MentalHealth
#WorkLifeBalance
#podcastinterview

What is the field of ABA getting wrong?

In this powerful episode of the Gold Standard Podcast, motivational speaker, wellness strategist, and behavior analyst Carlos Del Rio joins the team for a deep conversation on burnout, stress, gut health, mental resilience, entrepreneurship, and the future of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Carlos shares his journey from working as an RBT and special education teacher to coaching high-level professionals and opening the first special needs center in his province in the Dominican Republic. The conversation dives into:

Why stress can actually be beneficial
Breathwork and nervous system regulation
Burnout in ABA and mental health professions
Gut health, nutrition, and behavior
Self-image, identity, and behavior change
Why the field of ABA may be prioritizing the wrong things
Holistic wellness strategies backed by behavioral science
Entrepreneurship, purpose, and overcoming depression

This episode challenges traditional thinking and opens up an honest discussion about what meaningful behavior change really looks like — for clients, clinicians, and ourselves.

Check out Carlos Del Rio on
Instagram:   / carlosdr.official 
Linkedin:   / itscarlosdr 

#ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #Burnout #MentalHealth #Wellness #Podcast #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #SelfImprovement #StressManagement #BehaviorScience #GutHealth #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #BCBA #RBT #Autism #PersonalGrowth #GoldStandardPodcast

In this episode of the Gold Standard Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Vega, creator of the FirstWork app, to break down how technology is transforming Discrete Trial Training (DTT) in ABA.

From eliminating manual data tracking to reducing hours of prep time (and yes… death by lamination), this conversation dives into how clinicians are streamlining sessions while making learning more engaging for clients.

We cover:

How automatic data tracking and graphing changes DTT delivery
Why learners are completing trials faster (and enjoying it more)
The real cost of material prep — and how to cut it
Scaling ABA services across organizations and into the home
Using technology as reinforcement without losing control of the session

With over 25,000 BCBAs and RBTs already using the platform, this episode explores what happens when behavior science meets smart tech.

Whether you’re a BCBA, RBT, or part of a growing ABA organization — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

👉 Check out the app: FirstWork (App Store & Google Play)
👉 Explore ABA apparel: The Karma Kollection

#ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #RBT #DTT #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #AutismSupport #SpecialEducation #DataCollection #ABAtherapy #BehaviorScience #EdTech #AutismEducation #ClinicalTools #ABACommunity #TherapyTools #BehaviorTech #FirstWork #GoldStandardPodcast #ABAcontent

Dr. Liza-Bergman Geonie on Linkedin: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-liza-bergman-geonie-37691a33/

Did Facebook used to feel… different?

In this episode of the Gold Standard Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Liza Bergman Geonie — BCBA, PhD, and researcher studying misinformation through a behavior analytic lens.

We dive into:

Why social media feels more chaotic than ever

How algorithms reinforce misinformation

The behavioral science behind scrolling, sharing, and outrage

Why “doing your research” isn’t as simple as it sounds

What her dissertation revealed about pre-commitment and truth-sharing

How AI and misinformation are shaping the future

Why even trained behavior analysts fall for false content

Dr. Geonie’s research applies behavior analysis beyond autism and into society at large — examining how reinforcement, response effort, echo chambers, and meta-contingencies shape what we believe online.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking,
“Is any of this even real?”

This episode is for you.

🧠 Social media behavior is behavior.
And if we understand it… we can change it.

🎧 Listen now and start scrolling more mindfully.

👕 Check out stylish ABA-inspired apparel at thekarmakollection.com
Free shipping on orders over $120.

#GoldStandardPodcast
#BehaviorAnalysis
#ABA
#Misinformation
#SocialMediaPsychology
#BehaviorScience
#BCBA
#AppliedBehaviorAnalysis
#AIandBehavior
#CriticalThinking
#BehavioralEconomics
#TruthMatters

In this episode of The Gold Standard Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nandi Nelson—BCBA, LCSW, entrepreneur, and founder of Social Behavior Learning Solutions LLC—to discuss the realities of working in ABA. From her start as a social work student to becoming a dual-certified BCBA, Nandy shares her journey navigating clinical work, leadership, and running a business.

We dive deep into the challenges ABA professionals face, including burnout, difficult conversations with families and staff, and balancing personal life while building a business. Nandy offers actionable tips for recognizing early signs of stress, fostering strong relationships with families, and leading teams effectively. She also shares candid insights on delegating responsibilities, maintaining a support system, and managing the “ugly cry” moments that come with entrepreneurship and high-stakes work.

Whether you’re a clinician, supervisor, or ABA business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and real-world strategies to thrive in the field while staying grounded.

Find Dr. Nandi Nelson here!
https://www.instagram.com/drnandinelson/?hl=en
https://www.nandinelson.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYUvOg4L0PdUS3G-cWodUeA


#GoldStandardPodcast #ABAtherapy #BCBA #BurnoutPrevention #LeadershipInABA #SelfCareForClinicians #ABAprofessionals #Entrepreneurship #BehaviorAnalysis #MentalHealthInABA #worklifebalance

Applied Behavior Analysis isn’t just for therapy sessions — it’s a way of life.

In this episode of The Gold Standard Podcast, the hosts sit down with an extraordinary BCBA whose journey spans parenting, autism advocacy, elite bodybuilding, and behavior change at the highest level, Miin-An Hosic

What started as a mother fighting for answers for her young daughter eventually became a lifelong commitment to ABA — one that shaped her career, her family, and even her path to the bodybuilding stage.

This conversation with An dives into:

What it’s like navigating autism as both a parent and a professional

How ABA principles apply far beyond autism, from fitness to nutrition to mindset

The role of grit, shaping, reinforcement, and delayed gratification in real-world success

The importance of ethical coaching, vetting professionals, and individualized plans

How behavior science helped transform powerlifting into competitive bodybuilding

Why ABA is about quality of life, not compliance

This episode is honest, inspiring, and packed with real-world applications of behavior science — whether you’re a BCBA, parent, athlete, or someone trying to build better habits.

#GoldStandardPodcast #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ABA #BehaviorScience #BCBALife #AutismAcceptance #AutismParent #Neurodiversity #AdvocacyInAction #QualityOfLife #BodybuildingJourney #NaturalBodybuilding #WomenWhoLift #FitnessMindset #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #Grit #BehaviorChange #DelayedGratification #GrowthMindset #ScienceBased

In this episode of The Gold Standard Podcast, the team sits down with Jack Bowker, CEO and Dean of Ruff University, to explore how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) connects to dog training.

Jack explains why dogs struggle to generalize behaviors — and how our own actions directly shape the way our dogs behave. From police work to behavior science, Jack shares his journey of combining his detective background with ABA to help people build stronger, more positive relationships with their dogs.

🐾 Topics include:

Why your behavior impacts your dog’s

How to apply behavior analysis to dog training

The importance of reinforcement, motivation, and trust

What most trainers miss when working with dogs and their owners

🎧 Tune in for a mix of behavioral science, real-world stories, and insights that go far beyond “sit” and “stay.”

If you are interested in more evidence-based behavior analysis, check out our other​ @Hacking Applied Behavior Analysis channel here
   / @hackingbehavioranalysis 

If you're interested in Mentoring others check out our Mentorologist channel here    / @mentorologist 


Brett DiNovi is the founder & CEO of one of the nation's largest BCBA-owned & family-operated Behavioral Consultation/Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) companies.
Brett Cares Most That People Are Genuinely Happy At Work, Which Makes Happiness At Home!


Brett DiNovi & Associates & all subsidiaries deploy consultants across more than 300 schools/organizations using applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles to help people, from students with developmental disabilities to coaching leaders of industries worldwide.

#podcast #TheGoldStandardPodcast #Interview #InspiringStories #MustWatch #Autism #Neurodiversity #LoveOnTheSpectrum #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodivergent #AutismCommunity #Relationships #Dating #SocialSkills #LifeOnTheSpectrum #PersonalGrowth #TechCareers #ProfessionalGrowth #SuccessStories #careerdevelopment

In this special episode of The Gold Standard Podcast, we sit down with Kaelynn Partlow—autism advocate, published author, and cast member of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Kaelynn shares her inspiring story of growing up with autism and learning differences, how she found her path into Applied Behavior Analysis, and why she chose to become a Registered Behavior Technician. From her unique childhood experiences to her advocacy work and strategies for overcoming challenges, Kaelynn opens up about resilience, identity, and finding purpose in supporting others on the spectrum.

Tune in for an authentic conversation filled with insight, humor, and inspiration.

If you are interested in more evidence-based behavior analysis, check out our other​ @Hacking Applied Behavior Analysis channel here 
https://www.youtube.com/@hackingbehavioranalysis/featured

If you're interested in Mentoring others check out our Mentorologist channel here https://www.youtube.com/@UCJZddoxZYZweSFqyogT-gaA 


Brett DiNovi is the founder & CEO of one of the nation's largest BCBA-owned & family-operated Behavioral Consultation/Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) companies. 
Brett Cares Most That People Are Genuinely Happy At Work, Which Makes Happiness At Home!


Brett DiNovi & Associates & all subsidiaries deploy consultants across more than 300 schools/organizations using applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles to help people, from students with developmental disabilities to coaching leaders of industries worldwide. 

#podcast #TheGoldStandardPodcast #Interview #InspiringStories #MustWatch #Autism #Neurodiversity #LoveOnTheSpectrum #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodivergent #AutismCommunity #Relationships #Dating #SocialSkills #LifeOnTheSpectrum #PersonalGrowth #TechCareers #ProfessionalGrowth #SuccessStories #careerdevelopment