The World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast

In this episode, hosts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Dr. Janet Sanchez Enriquez welcome Dr. Sarah Lechago, Professor of Behavior Analysis at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, to discuss her path into behavior analysis and her work connecting rigorous science with meaningful community engagement.

Dr. Lechago shares that she discovered behavior analysis later in her undergraduate training, through a behavior modification course, and gained early experience working with the Victims Resource Institute and the Texas Young Autism Project. She reflects on her journey into graduate training at Western Michigan University, including reaching out to leaders in the field and navigating her path into behavior analysis.

The conversation explores common misconceptions about behavior analysis within psychology, particularly the need for broader dissemination beyond autism, and highlights the importance of making the science more accessible and representative across communities.

Dr. Lechago also discusses the development of the Behavior Analysts for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (BADIE) research lab at University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), a lab-based initiative founded in 2020 that mentors high school students through structured modules, hands-on lab experiences, and a culminating public symposium. The program emphasizes culturally responsive care and has continued to evolve within the context of Texas policy, including SB 17, while maintaining a strong focus on access, representation, and community engagement.

We close with reflections on humility in practice, grounding work in radical behaviorism, avoiding perfectionism, and expanding how success is defined within the field.

Listeners will gain insight into:

Dr. Lechago’s path into behavior analysis:
Her discovery of the field through coursework, early clinical experiences, and eventual graduate training at Western Michigan University.

Misconceptions and dissemination in behavior analysis:
A discussion on how behavior analysis is often misunderstood within psychology and the importance of expanding awareness beyond autism.

The BADIE High School Mentorship Program:
An innovative model that provides high school students with exposure to behavior analysis through structured learning modules, lab participation, and a final symposium.

Culturally responsive practice and systems-level thinking:
How Dr. Lechago integrates cultural responsiveness into training and mentorship, even within shifting policy landscapes.

Building pathways into the field:
The importance of early exposure, mentorship, and creating accessible entry points for diverse students.

Advice for practitioners and students:
Reflections on humility, compassionate science, avoiding perfectionism, and redefining success in meaningful ways.

Access the BADIE Repository Here!

Follow the BADIE Lab on Instagram

Erratum: 

Dr. Lechago would like make a correction. She mistakenly stated that her article on advice for early career behavior analysts was published in BAP. This article is published in Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice (BARP).

In this episode, we speak with Eyal Cohen, BCBA and World Behavior Analysis Day Ambassador for Israel, about his path into behavior analysis and his work expanding accessible, values-driven ABA across Israel. Eyal shares how his bi-cultural background informs his culturally responsive approach and discusses the structure of ABA services in Israel, including training programs, public and private systems, and ongoing challenges related to professional recognition.

The conversation explores compassionate, ethical practice; behavioral parent training rooted in empowerment and transparency; and the importance of humility when working across cultures. Eyal also highlights his work with adults with autism, emphasizing quality of life, inclusion, and meaningful community participation, including a structured community bowling group designed to foster belonging and engagement.

We close with a reflection on World Behavior Analysis Day as a celebration of the science, its humane values, and the global connections that strengthen our field.

Listeners will gain insight into:

Eyal’s path into ABA: He entered through work with adults with disabilities, discovered ABA training in Tel Aviv, and built a career as a clinician and educator in Israel.

Cultural responsiveness as a core value: His American–Israeli–Jewish identity shapes how he approaches families, schools, and communities with humility and respect.

ABA in Israel today: Services are widespread across schools, kindergartens, and adult centers, with multiple training programs—yet the field still lacks formal licensure/official recognition.

Training, supervision, and accessibility: Eyal emphasizes teaching ABA transparently (no “black box”), making practices understandable for parents and teachers, and building capacity through structured training.

Adults, quality of life, and inclusion: He highlights adulthood as an underserved area and focuses on meaningful engagement, environment design, community participation, and vocational opportunities.

WBAD meaning: For Eyal, World Behavior Analysis Day is about celebration and connection, building global collaboration and remembering the field’s humane roots.

Resources Mentioned:

Ethics for Behavior Analysts (Bailey & Burch)

Behavior LIVE: The Impact of Cultural Factors on Behavior Analysis Practice in a Multi-Cultural Society 

In this World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast episode, hosts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Dr. Janet Sanchez Enriquez welcome David Roth, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst whose work is deeply informed by the writings of B.F. Skinner. For more than two decades, David has studied and reflected on Skinner’s ideas, extending them through his conceptual work on mindfulness, compassion, and culture. In his professional role, David also works directly with autistic support classrooms and children, bringing these principles into practice in educational settings.

 David shares his journey into behavior analysis, his intersectional work with mindfulness, meditation, and lovingkindness, and his continued role with the B.F. Skinner Foundation publication committee. The discussion highlights David’s origin story with Verbal Behavior (1957), his formative experiences navigating the Skinner-Chomsky debate, and his thoughtful conceptual writings on compassion, ethics, and culture.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• David’s introduction to Skinner through Verbal Behavior (1957) and impact.
• How early disagreements about Chomsky’s critique shaped his academic growth and commitment to Skinnerian analysis.
• His role in the B.F. Skinner Foundation publication committee, supplementing re-publications with Skinner’s notes.
• Why Skinner’s cultural commentaries in Reflections on Behaviorism and Society remain crucial today.
• Conceptual writings on meditation, mindfulness, and lovingkindness as scientifically grounded practices.
• How Walden Two and Skinner’s Notebooks continue to inspire ethical perspectives on helping and compassion.
• The development of the Dialogues on Verbal Behavior podcast with David Palmer as a resource for learners.
• Practical advice for applying the contingency view lens to our own lives for more compassionate, ethical action.
• BEHAVIORAL IMPLICATIONS OF “LOVING” ONE’S ENEMIES JESUS, BUDDHA, AND SKINNER AS PARTNERS ON THE PATH TO PEACE

Timestamps:

04:30 – David’s origin story: discovering Verbal Behavior (1957)

12:30 – Early challenges and the Skinner vs. Chomsky debate

23:00 – Entering academia and formative mentorship experiences

29:30 – Discovering Skinner’s Notebooks and its impact

34:00 – Reflections on Skinner’s cultural commentaries today

41:00 – Lovingkindness paper: bringing Skinner, Jesus, and Buddha into dialogue

In this World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast episode, hosts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Dr. Janet Enriquez welcome the esteemed Dr. Dave Palmer. A leading voice in behavior analysis, Dr. Palmer shares his journey into radical behaviorism, the impact of B.F. Skinner on his career, and his deep exploration of verbal behavior.

The conversation dives into his early inspiration from Walden Two, his attempt at forming a cooperative based on behaviorist principles, and how a personal letter to Skinner led to a life-changing mentorship. Dr. Palmer also discusses his academic journey, his deep intellectual dive into Noam Chomsky’s linguistic theories, and how he ultimately refuted Chomsky’s critiques of behaviorism.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Influence of Walden Two – How reading B.F. Skinner’s Walden Two shaped Dr. Palmer’s early ideals and career.
• Meeting B.F. Skinner – His firsthand experience meeting Skinner and how it influenced his professional trajectory.
• Critique of Chomsky – His in-depth analysis of Noam Chomsky’s linguistic theories and how they contrast with behavior analysis.
• Selectionist Account of Reinforcement – The connection between reinforcement and natural selection in shaping behavior.
• Emersonian Philosophy & Behavior Analysis – How Emerson’s philosophical ideas intersect with behavior analysis.
• Intellectual Humility & Scientific Debate – The importance of engaging with opposing views to advance knowledge in behavior analysis.

This engaging and thought-provoking discussion is a must-listen for behavior analysts, educators, and anyone interested in the philosophy and application of radical behaviorism.

Timestamps:
04:30 - Welcoming Dr. Dave Palmer
06:00 - How Walden Two sparked his interest in behaviorism
12:30 - His efforts to create a Walden Two-inspired cooperative
18:15 - Writing to B.F. Skinner and their first meeting
25:40 - His deep dive into Chomsky’s linguistic theories
34:00 - Why Skinner’s approach to verbal behavior still holds up today
41:20 - The selectionist account of reinforcement & its parallels to natural selection
50:00 - How philosophy, particularly Emerson’s essay on Compensation, connects to behavior analysis
56:00 - Reflections on mentorship and shaping future behavior analysts

Resources Mentioned:

• Walden Two by B.F. Skinner
• Verbal Behavior by B.F. Skinner
• Dr. Palmer’s paper Chomsky’s Nativism Criticized (Published in The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 2000)
• Learning and Complex Behavior by John Donahoe & Dave Palmer

Connect with Dr. Palmer:

Smith College Website

Email Dr. Palmer

In this special episode of the World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast, hosts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Dr. Janet Enriquez welcome the legendary Dr. Steven C. Hayes—a pioneering psychologist and the founder of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Dr. Hayes takes us on a deep dive into his personal and professional journey, from his early exposure to behavior analysis to the pivotal moments that led to the development of ACT and RFT. He shares candid stories about his struggles with panic disorder and the intellectual battles that shaped his groundbreaking work in contextual behavioral science.

• Influence of Walden Two – How reading B.F. Skinner’s Walden Two sparked Dr. Hayes’ passion for psychology and behavior analysis.
• Modernizing Behaviorism – His efforts to bring radical behaviorism into a new era, despite resistance from traditional behavior analysts.
• Relational Frame Theory (RFT) – The origins and impact of RFT, emphasizing how "relating is an operant" transformed the study of language and cognition.
• Personal Struggles & ACT – How his experience with panic disorder led to the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
• Psychological Flexibility – The philosophical and practical foundations of psychological flexibility and its importance for human well-being.
• Mentorship & Influences – Reflections on his relationships with B.F. Skinner, Willard Day, and other influential figures in behavior analysis.
• Future of Behavior Analysis – His perspective on the direction of the field, emphasizing the importance of innovation and scientific humility.

Timestamps:
06:00 - Welcoming Dr. Steven Hayes & his early exposure to behavior analysis
12:30 - From Walden Two to radical behaviorism: The early influences on his career
18:15 - Skinner, language, and the philosophical battles in behavior analysis
25:40 - The evolution of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and why it matters
34:00 - How ACT emerged from personal struggle and scientific exploration
41:20 - The role of psychological flexibility in human well-being
50:00 - Reflections on Skinner, mentorship, and pushing the boundaries of behavior analysis
56:00 - The future of behavioral science & the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration

Resources Mentioned:

Walden Two by B.F. Skinner
Verbal Behavior by B.F. Skinner
Learning and Complex Behavior by John Donahoe & Dave Palmer

A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters by Dr. Steven C. Hayes

ACT Bootcamp for Behavior Analysts – April 24-27, 2025, in Oakland, CA

Connect with Dr. Hayes:

🌎 Website
📘 Books & Publications
🎧 ACT in Practice Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Janet Sanchez Enriquez and Dr. Paulie Gavoni are joined by a remarkable guest, Dr. Noor Syed - Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Services (CAARES) at SUNY Empire State University, and the Turben Director of Autism Advocacy. Dr. Syed has dedicated over 20 years to advancing autism advocacy, behavior analysis, and global inclusion. Her work spans teaching, therapy, and consultation in countries like Uganda, India, and Indonesia, while her leadership at Anderson Center International and ABAEthicsHotline.com reflects her commitment to ethical and affirming practices.

Highlights include:

• Dr. Syed's journey into behavior analysis and her inspiration for championing neurodiverse inclusion.
• How CAARES uses the MTSS framework to create inclusive college environments.
• Launching a Master of Science in ABA with a focus on affirming, responsive practice.
• Insights from her global consultation experience and ethical challenges in the field.
• Her vision for equity, inclusion, and the future of behavior analysis.

Tune in as we explore Dr. Syed’s innovative contributions to autism advocacy and her vision for fostering global acceptance and accessibility in behavior analysis.

We're thrilled to welcome you to a special episode of the WBAD Podcast, where Paulie and Janet Enriquez sit down with one of the true luminaries in our field, Dr. Pat Friman. Dr. Friman's influence spans decades, from his role as Vice President of Behavioral Health at Boys Town to his tenure as a Clinical Professor at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. With over 200 scientific publications and a career that bridges academic, clinical, and applied settings, his contributions to behavioral pediatrics, behavioral medicine, and the broader field of behavior analysis are legendary. 

This episode dives deep into the role of compassion in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring how integrating a compassionate perspective reshapes behavioral health services. With topics ranging from empathy in practice to the transformative "Circumstances View" of behavior, Dr. Friman's insights challenge and inspire. Tune in for a conversation that promises not only to elevate your understanding but also to ignite a passion for more humane and effective practices in our field. 

Join us as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Stuart Vyse to discuss a range of compelling topics at the forefront of behavior analysis and autism research. In this episode, Dr. Vyse explores the history of the autism diagnosis and the evolving implications of the spectrum concept. We discuss the ongoing conflict between the autism self-advocacy and neurodiversity movements and the unique challenges faced by individuals on the severe end of the autism spectrum.

Dr. Vyse also addresses the controversial resurgence of facilitated communication and its various modern iterations, including the rapid prompting method, spelling to communicate, and the use of letter boards. We examine the spread of the identity-based neurodiversity movement to other conditions like schizophrenia and the push to introduce a diagnosis for severe autism. Tune in for a compelling conversation that navigates these critical issues, shedding light on the complex landscape of autism advocacy and behavior analysis.

Show Notes/Links:

Texts written by Dr. Vyse:

Believing in magic: The psychology of superstition-updated edition. Oxford University Press, USA. Link: https://bit.ly/3WUD35a

Going broke: Why Americans can't hold on to their money. Oxford University Press. Link:https://bit.ly/4dpONlw

Skeptical Inquirer Selected Works by Dr. Vyse on Behavior & Belief:

Link to articles: https://bit.ly/4dtjdnv

Texts Referenced in the Podcast:

Controversial therapies for autism and intellectual disabilities (pp. 3-16). New York: Routledge. Link:https://rb.gy/1otnvj

Frontline: Prisoners of Silence (1992) Video: https://rb.gy/aut6bf

Facilitatedcommunication.org was created to counter misleading information about Facilitated Communication and protect the autism community from harm. This forum offers resources, research articles, portrayals in the media, and activism opportunities against facilitated communication.

Mental Illness & the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Dr.Vyse: https://rb.gy/sp3buk

National Council on Severe Autism Website: https://www.ncsautism.org/

Profound Autism Alliance: https://www.profoundautism.org/

Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://asatonline.org/

Special Issue of Communication in Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://rb.gy/7t528z

We welcome Dr. William M. Baum to the World Behavior Analysis Day podcast! Dr. Baum has made significant contributions to the field of behavior analysis. He has authored numerous influential journal articles covering a wide array of topics, from laboratory research to philosophical explorations. Two of his most widely cited papers are (1) the empirical and theoretical analysis of choice behavior, which he authored with Rachlin (1969 and 1974). In addition, he has written general philosophical works on behaviorism, focusing on biology and evolution. A consistent contributor to ABAI conventions, he has published 64 quality papers and is an invited presenter for the 2024 Association for Behavior Analysis International. 

In this insightful conversation, we explore the concepts of molar and molecular behavior, discuss some of his memories of  B.F. Skinner, and dive into Dr. Baum's latest book, "Introduction to Behaviorism: An Evolutionary Perspective." We also touch upon how Eastern philosophies have influenced his perspective on behaviorism. Don't miss this enlightening episode with one of the leading figures in the field.

Show Notes/Links:

Dr. Baum’s Texts Referenced in the Podcast:

Rethinking Reinforcement: Allocation, Induction, and Contingency:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266735/

Radical Behaviorism and the Concept of Agency: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/William-Baum/publication/233815151_Radical_Behaviorism_and_the_Concept_of_Agency/links/09e4150bd58048e2a5000000/Radical-Behaviorism-and-the-Concept-of-Agency.pdf

ABAI 2024 Events for Dr. Baum:

Invited Paper Session#66: Induction Versus Reinforcement and the Molar View of Behavior: 5/25/24: 4PM- 4:50PM

Special Event: #209 A: The Development of Behavior Science: 5/26/24; 9AM-11:50 AM

Panel #355: Significance of Evolutionary Theory and Cultural Design: Advancing Science and Practice of Behavior Analysis: 5/26/24: 6PM- 6:50PM

In this fun and essential episode of our podcast, we dive into the heart of behavior analysis with a profound discussion on Dr. Bobby Newman's enlightening book, "I Can't if I Don't Know How: B.F. Skinner, Humanism, ABA, and Promoting Freedom." Addressing the critical mischaracterizations of behavioral science, Bobby, Executive Director of Clinical Services at Proud Moments ABA,  ignites an essential dialogue on rectifying these misconceptions and underscoring the true value of ABA. From myths casting shadows over the field to their detrimental effects on those deterred from seeking help, this conversation is a must-listen for all. Join us as we explore the driving force behind Bobby's commitment to shedding light on these issues and the pathway to correcting them.

Dr. Newman's Author Page

Dr. Newman encourages listeners to support TEAM ABA as they run the half marathon in Nashville to support the families of St. Jude: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=4127584&fr_id=145338&pg=personal©_link_share