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John Maxwell once said, “If you think you're leading and no one is following, you're just taking a walk.” Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about the team you build, develop, and inspire. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 P’s of Team Building—Pursuing, Promoting, Purging, Pushing, and Pulling—to help you create a high-performing team that doesn’t just follow but thrives.

From attracting top talent to making tough calls on underperformance, from fueling motivation to inspiring action, we dive deep into the behavioral science behind effective leadership. Join us as we explore the strategies that separate real leaders from those just taking a walk.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to build a team that wins—together.

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

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Unlock the secrets to impactful leadership with insights from Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni and AJ Rinaldi. Discover how real leadership transcends titles and transforms cultures by focusing on influence and authenticity. Dr. Paulie reveals his journey from social work to leadership, driven by a passion for improving leadership practices. Meanwhile, AJ shares his wealth of experience in youth work and education, inspired by the wisdom of John Maxwell. Together, they offer a fresh perspective on the nuanced dance between leadership and management, urging us to look beyond mere positions to the heart of influence.

This episode promises to equip you with practical tools and real-world examples to enhance your leadership skills, no matter your formal position. Embark on a journey with us to redefine leadership as a set of behaviors that can transform not only organizations but also lives.

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

BCBAs and RBTs enter the field to create meaningful change for learners, but more and more is being dumped on their backs, draining their energy and impacting the quality of care. This burden also sucks the life out of leaders, making it harder to retain talent and maintain high standards. But what if there was a way to ease the load while enhancing outcomes?

In this episode, Michael Gao, an innovative software developer, and my authentic friend Christina Morales, CEO of Piece of the Puzzle and founder of the IQR Group, explore how cutting-edge technology is reshaping behavior analysis.

We discuss Michael's game-changing platform, successfully piloted by Christina, that uses AI tools like Alpaca Assistant to automate administrative tasks, from session notes to intakes, allowing professionals to focus on what truly matters. Christina also shares her inspiring journey as an autism mom, driving her to create inclusive organizations like Piece of the Puzzle and Believe and Achieve. Together, we highlight the challenges of scaling ABA services and emphasize the critical role of leadership, systems, and innovation in sustaining growth while embedding values like inclusion and respect.

If you're ready to see how technology can reduce workload, improve efficiency, and help behavior analysis professionals rediscover their passion, tune in—and don't forget to check out Christina’s podcast, Know Yourself to Grow Yourself, for more leadership and personal growth insights!

About the guests:

Michael Gao is the Founder and CEO of Alpaca Health. They are developing Alpaca Assistant, the last admin hire for ABA agencies. To try Alpaca Assistant's session note-generation feature, head over to www.alpacahealth.io.

Christina Morales, an Autism mom, BCBA, and the CEO of Piece of the Puzzle Behavior Analysis, is a truly authentic leader and a dear friend. Her work is driven by her personal journey with her son, Vinny, and her unwavering dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities. Christina also founded the IQR Group, which includes impactful initiatives like Bumblebee Academy, an inclusive learning center; PACE, a life and social skills program for teens; Believe & Achieve, a nonprofit fostering acceptance and awareness; and Include & Connect, a resource hub for families. Her passion and authenticity shine through in everything she does.

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

How can behavior analysts build better relationships and avoid burning out? In this episode, Dr. Monica Gilbert and I dig into the game-changing power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in behavior analysis. Monica’s journey—from working with people battling substance use to bringing MI into her ABA practice—shows just how powerful reflective listening and open-ended questions can be. Not only do they cut down on client dropouts, but they also help build genuine connections. We’ll share real-life stories and practical tips on using these tools to boost engagement and create real, lasting change—without the burnout.

We also dive deep into what makes MI tick and how it’s different from the usual solution-focused methods. One key takeaway? Getting parents and other stakeholders involved in problem-solving makes a world of difference when it comes to creating lasting, meaningful change. It’s not just about techniques; it’s about having patience, empathy, and adjusting our mindset when working with different people—whether it’s parents, teachers, or anyone else. We even tackle the ethical side of blending ABA with MI, focusing on aligning with clients’ goals and staying transparent. Trust me, this conversation is all about building stronger connections, staying true to your values, and avoiding the exhaustion that comes with the grind.

If you are interested in learning more about Motivational Interviewing, check out Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In. Anika Costa, Matt Cicoria, and I spent a year researching, designing, and producing this course to make it as engaging and meaningful as possible. If you want to begin your journey toward becoming fluent in MI techniques, enroll in our course today! 

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m tackling a topic that’s incredibly close to my heart: "Breaking the Cycle: A Behavior-Based Approach to Bullying Prevention." Growing up, I experienced just a small amount of bullying—so few incidents I could probably count them on one hand—but the impact was profound. It shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until later. For some kids, though, this isn’t a rare occurrence; it’s a daily struggle. Their courage to show up every day is remarkable.

Addressing bullying requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. This episode dives into strategies that cover all fronts: supporting those being bullied, challenging those who bully, empowering bystanders, and equipping educators with practical tools to create safer environments. And as I wrapped up this content, I realized these insights don’t just apply to kids—they’re incredibly relevant for adults facing challenges in the workplace, too.

I’ve made this content available across different platforms because it needs to be heard and shared. You can find this episode in The Behavioral Toolbox Newsletter and on my YouTube Channel as well. Whether you’re using it to support a student, a classroom, a school assembly, or even distributing it across an entire district, the message remains the same—together, we can break the cycle.

🎧 Listen, share, and be part of the change!

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

Ever wondered how behavioral science can change lives? Join us as we sit down with the insightful Kendall Ryndak Samuel, a dedicated behavior analyst who transitioned from an aspiring school counselor to a pioneer in the field of behavioral science. Kendall shares her captivating journey, fueled by a high school psychology class that sparked a deep passion for operant and classical conditioning. Throughout our discussion, she reveals her inspiring work with children with autism and intellectual disabilities, and her ambitious dream to expand the application of behavior analysis.

Behavioral science can seem daunting, but Kendall and I tackle the challenge of making it accessible to everyone. We explore the necessity of translating complex concepts into everyday language, taking cues from popular books like James Clear's "Atomic Habits." Our conversation also unpacks how understanding fundamental behavioral principles can enhance emotional intelligence, emphasizing the power of clear, relatable communication. We uncover a gap in resources that simplify these concepts and discuss the importance of bridging that divide to share the benefits of behavioral science with a broader audience.

Check out her book Talk Behavior to Me: The Routledge Dictionary of the Top 150 Behavior Analytic Terms and Translations. This book teaches readers how to not only understand behavior analysis concepts and principles in layman's terms, but it helps translate the highly complex language behavior analysts use to be more palatable for non-behavior analytic audiences. Find Kendall on TikTok and Instagram @the.behavior.influencer. You can also contact her through email: [email protected]. Her book will be available on

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

Ever wondered how a background in nutrition can lead to a flourishing career in Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management? Behavior analyst Troy Burg shares his unique journey from direct support work to ABA expertise in this enlightening episode. Troy reveals how his early experiences fueled a passion for behavior analysis, merging interests in helping others and business. We discuss the emerging potential for ABA to become a mainstream career path, much like medicine or law, and how these principles extend beyond traditional business settings, influencing education and more.

Troy shares insights on integrity and shared values, emphasizing passion-driven work as a catalyst for meaningful change. Tune in to hear Troy's compelling story and discover how you can integrate these principles into your own life and work.

Troy has a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Over the past couple of years, he has combined his education in the science of ABA with his marketing skills to create his online network. He specializes in disseminating information related to both ABA and OBM. Specifically, he enjoys showing people how behavioral science plays into marketing. He also likes designing experimental social media designs to demonstrate how behavioral science benefits the average marketer.

Troy enjoys golfing and watching sports with his friends in his free time. His favorite sports include football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and golf.

You can learn more about Troy at the following links:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behavioralstories

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralstories/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-burg-2999831ba/

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

In this episode I dig into the importance of  improving training standards for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) with special guest Stephanie Waldon, a recent master's graduate in Applied Behavior Analysis from FIT. Stephanie shares her firsthand experiences and passion for ABA, highlighting the critical need for better training, effective supervision, and meaningful mentorship. Through her journey from a novice RBT to a training manager, Stephanie recounts her initial low expectations shaped by various companies and the transformative impact of high-quality training, and the guidance of her mentor.

In this episode, we highlight the stark realities faced by RBTs because of the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application of ABA that occurs oftentimes due to inadequate supervision and support and how incorporating Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and robust simulations in coursework can bridge these gaps. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of supervision training in graduate programs and advocates for data-driven feedback loops to ensure RBTs are well-prepared and valued in their roles.

Join Stephanie and me in exploring the power of positive reinforcement and the importance of emotional (behavioral) support in the workplace. Learn how small gestures and a supportive organizational structure can significantly improve team morale and reduce employee turnover. We also discuss practical strategies for fostering a nurturing work environment, promoting professional development, and the vital role of leadership in creating a culture of trust and mutual respect. This episode is packed with insights and practical advice for anyone passionate about enhancing the field of ABA.

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

Unlock the secrets of the criminal mind with behavior scientist Presley Wanner, as we navigate the intriguing intersection of behavior analysis and forensic investigation. Imagine peering through the eyes of a behavior analyst at the crime scenes frequented by law enforcement professionals; we do just that, offering a fresh and compelling perspective that could redefine criminal profiling. Join me on a journey into the darkest corners of human actions, where we dissect the fabric of criminal behavior, from the infamous deeds of Jeffrey Dahmer to the principles that govern everyday transgressions.

We also wrap up with a critical discussion on the future of law enforcement and community safety, where positive reinforcement triumphs over punishment, and training transforms into meaningful, lasting change. We share inspiring success stories from schools to streets, highlighting the transformative power of behavior analysis in creating safer, more compassionate communities. This episode is more than an educational exploration; it's a rallying cry for a reimagined approach to behavior in our justice system and beyond, laying the groundwork for a society that's both safer and inherently more understanding of the human condition.

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

In this episode, my good friend and Vice President at Aubrey Daniels International, Francisco Gomez, breaks down the application of Organizational Behavior Management strategies in organizations. If you are interested in learning more about OBM and leadership, this is definitely an episode for you. Francisco, an OOG in this space, has supported organizations with improving performance and achieving valued outcomes across different industries across the globe!

About Francisco:
With a career that has encompassed performance management consulting for multiple industrial sectors across the globe, as well as executive positions in the tech industry, Francisco consolidates this experience to generate results and bring value to his customers.

Francisco is a board member for industrial as well as a nonprofit organizations and serves as public speaker and columnist on behavioral science and performance management. He and his family currently reside in Asheville, North Carolina. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the North Carolina mountains and playing music. 

Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In is a comprehensive online course designed to equip behavior interventionists is a goal-oriented, person-centered approach that encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavioral interventions and change.

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.