Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA

Shane Gorbett, Board of Directors, The Animal Behavior Management Alliance
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The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) strives to spread knowledge throughout the animal care field to help enhance animal care through operant conditioning. Each episode we will discuss a topic in the world of animal care and break down the science of behavior change. To achieve this, the podcast’s host, Shane Gorbett, will interview fellow trainers and experts from across the world to discuss all things training, behavior, enrichment, welfare, and much more! This podcast will be a great resource for all trainers. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

  1. 18 SEPT

    71: The Behaviors of a Unified and Supportive Team - Part 2 with Dave O'Connell, Bearizona

    This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, which is a continuation of episode 29, Dave O’Connell, Bearizona, discusses “The Behaviors of a Unified and Supportive Team”.  The biggest takeaway from the entire episode is that one of the most important behaviors of a supportive team is the ability to talk with another.  Through talking with one another we are able to create shared team goals, disagree in a productive and positive manner, give and receive growth minded feedback, and provide effective corrective feedback.  Dave discusses that the behaviors of effective feedback include being timely, being specific, and being kind.  Dave finishes off the learning by talking about the behaviors of creating supportive and growth-minded team culture. Stay tuned in for Dave’s  "Training Tale" about how the Bearizona team continues their learning journey through “Lunch and Learns”. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ and to contact Dave email dave@bearizona.com For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: ⁠https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference⁠ To submit an abstract for the ABMA 2026 annual conference visit this link: ⁠https://www.theabma.org/abma-annual-conference 4:50 Introduction to Dave O’Connell  13:25 Creating shared goals  20:50 How to disagree well?  25:20 The behaviors of a team with a growth mindset  29:30 Giving and receiving constructive, growth-based feedback  41:20 Giving effective corrective feedback?  47:25 Advice for approaching leadership with feedback and suggestions?  55:15 The behaviors of a team with a unified and supportive culture 1:03:00 “Training Tales”

    1h 13m

  2. 27 AUG

    70: Chaining & Behavior Chains with Justin Garner, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

    This episode Justin Garner, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, provides some great learning on behavior chains and the process of chaining.  Justin starts by breaking down the process of chaining while giving practical application examples.  The discussion then dives into how a behavior chain works and dissects what it means for each behavior in the chain to serve as both a discriminative stimulus and a conditioned reinforcer.  Justin then explains the difference between backward and forward chaining and why it is recommended to utilize backward chaining.  The discussion ends with advice on preventing behavior chain breakdown and an explanation on the difference between shaping and chaining.  Stay tuned in for Justin’s  "Training Tale" about a team and a mob of macropods reaching new heights in training.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference To submit an abstract for the ABMA 2026 annual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/abma-annual-conference To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: ⁠⁠https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025⁠⁠ 1:30 Upcoming ABMA offerings  5:35 Definition and practical application of chaining and behavior chains 15:30 Backward chaining  22:35 Forward chaining  26:15 Recommendation to utilize backward chaining 31:15 Advice on preventing behavior chain breakdowns  33:50 The difference between chaining and shaping  38:50 “Training Tales”

    43 min

  3. 7 AUG

    69: Changing Conditions to Change Motivation - Part 2 with Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 & The Kuzo Group

    This episode wraps up (for now) the two episode arc discussing how changing conditions can change motivation with Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 and the Kuzo Group. Before listening to this episode, please take the time to listen to Part 1 of this topic which is episode 68 of the podcast.  This episode is a direct continuation of Episode 68 in which Wouter discusses a multitude of ways in which we can change conditions to change motivation without utilizing diet/weight management.  Wouter discusses strategies if you have come to “the last stop” and determined that the best decision is using food to change motivation. Topics covered include considerations on safety, non-food reinforcers, using all available resources, timing, specific situations, and the importance of record keeping and observations.  The episode ends on a reminder that behavior and learning itself is reinforcing and how we should be adding things, not removing them from animals’ lives and behavioral repitoires. Stay tuned in for Wouter’s inspiring “Training Tale” about training the next generation of animal care givers.    For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ and to contact Wouter email wstellaard@behavior360.com or wouters@thekuzogroup.com  For more information and to register for the 2025 ABMA virtual conference visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: ⁠⁠https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025⁠⁠ Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 1:40 New ABMA Virtual Conference + Behavior Month Information 3:50 Short recap of Episode 68 - Part 1  10:25 Shifting from Diet/Weight Management to Behavior Management  14:05 Non-Food Reinforcers  17:50 The Last Stop: Using Food to Change Motivation  19:50 Timing of Sessions  21:20 Considerations for Using Food to Change Motivation 24:35 Importance of Record Keeping and Observations  26:15 Considerations About Safety  28:50 Using All the Resources Available to Make the Most Informed Decisions  33:50 Signs that Using Food is Detrimental  39:45 Can the Animal Physically Accomplish the Behavior 41:35 Definition of Depreciation and its Practical Application   44:50 Behavior and Learning are Reinforcing  52:30 “Training Tale”

    1 hr

  4. 24 JUL

    68: Changing Conditions to Change Motivation - Part 1 with Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 & The Kuzo Group

    This episode begins a two episode arc discussing how changing conditions can change motivation with Wouter Stellaard, Behavior 360 and the Kuzo Group. In this episode Wouter discusses the many, and not exclusive, ways in which we can change conditions to change motivation that do not involve diet management.  The episode begins by discussing motivation as a construct and a label and then breaking down motivating operations and setting events. Wouter educates on the many ways in which we can alter antecedents and the environment in order to effect motivation.  Additionally, Wouter encourages listeners to evaluate ourselves and our shaping plans.  Stay tuned in for Wouter’s “Training Tale” about getting into the weeds of training Calm Attentive Behaviors (CAB) with wolves at Bearizona.   For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ and to contact Wouter email wstellaard@behavior360.com or wouters@thekuzogroup.com  For more information and to register for the ABMA virtual courses visit this link: ⁠⁠https://www.theabma.org/behavior-management-courses⁠⁠ To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: ⁠⁠https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025⁠⁠ Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!  3:50 Introduction to Wouter Stellaard  9:40 A jumping off point for a discussion  11:35 Change from weight management mindset to behavior management mindset 15:10 Definition of Motivation 18:50 Motivation as a label  22:55 Motivation and the Study of One in One Moment 26:20 Definition of Motivating Operations and Setting Events  29:20 Relationship and Trust  30:40 Variety of reinforcers  31:10 Variety of asked behaviors, rate of reinforcement  33:20 Shifting the mindset to what we can do and away from the animal isn’t motivated 37:10 Antecedents and changing the environment  43:50 Evaluating ourselves  49:55 Differential Outcome Effect 52:00 Competing Reinforcers  56:30 Reevaluating our shaping plan 59:40 Low Motivation vs Reinforced Behavior  1:03:50 Social Structure and Hierarchy  1:13:50 “Training Tales”

    1h 18m

  5. 2 JUL

    67: Get Out of the Way and Let Behavior Happen with Ari Bailey, Natural Encounters, Inc.

    This episode Ari Bailey, Natural Encounters, Inc., discusses a topic that she will be presenting on at the IAATE Symposium titled “Get Out of the Way and Let Behavior Happen.”  The episode is a great conversation that focuses on recognizing when to fade out and when to implement specific tools such as baiting, prompts, target, etc.  Ari also gives advice on how to approach others with ideas on changing or trying something new in the training process.  The discussion finishes with Ari discussing how getting out of the way of the animal’s behavior can create more consistent and resilient behaviors and learners.   Stay tuned in for Ari’s very unique "Training Tale" about the origin story of a terminology for different sizes of peanuts.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ and to contact Ari email a.bailey@naturalencounters.com ⁠ For more information and to register for the ABMA virtual courses visit this link: ⁠https://www.theabma.org/behavior-management-courses⁠ To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: ⁠https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025⁠ Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!  4:30 Introduction to Ari Bailey  12:55 “Get Out of the Way and Let the Behavior Happen”  21:10 How to recognize that it’s time to move on from an approximation  30:30 Using baiting, targets, prompts in the shaping process  42:00 Advice on how to approach teammates with moving to the next approximation  46:10 How to approach teammates about “testing” something new  53:00 How does this correlate to consistent and resilient behaviors?  1:02:05 “Training Tales”

    1h 11m

  6. 4 JUN

    66: Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedure and Other Behavior Topics with Dr. Susan Friedman, Behavior Works

    This episode Dr. Susan Friedman, Behavior Works, provides some great learning and insights into a multitude of current topics surrounding the science of behavior change.  Dr. Friedman starts with discussing the Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures; what it is, how we can view it to provide optimal welfare to animals, and also the importance of antecedent arrangement and the environment to behavior change.  She also breaks down what it means and looks like in practice when we strive for most positive, least intrusive, effective intervention.  Dr. Friedman then gives a summary on the free operant approach to enrichment.  She finishes the discussion by diving into the concept of control by honoring the no and shaping the yes.   Stay tuned in for Dr. Friedman’s very unique "Training Tale" about plant learning.  For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠ and to contact Dr. Friedman email ⁠ sgf@behaviorworks.org  For more information and to register for the ABMA virtual courses visit this link: https://www.theabma.org/behavior-management-courses To complete the podcast feedback survey visit this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025 Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!  5:10 Introduction to Dr. Susan Friedman and Behavior Works 19:25 Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures 27:00 Most Positive, Least Intrusive, Effective Intervention  36:20 The importance of antecedent arrangement and the environment on behavior  48:05 Free Operant approach to enrichment  1:07:00 Honor the No, Shape the Yes

    1h 36m

  7. 21 MAY

    65: Recap of the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference in Galveston, Texas, United States with Marie Filipe, Heidi Moomaw, Benjamin Fainted, Matthew Nguyen, & Li Shan Tan

    This episode, through daily live recordings, features a recap of the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference (April 27 - May 2 2025) hosted by Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, United States. Each day of the conference, one of the presenters for the day discusses their presentation and other learning that impacted them.  Day 1: Marie Filipek, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Day 2: Heidi Moomaw, Charles River Labs Day 3: Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo Day 4: Matthew Nguyen & Li Shan Tan, Resorts World Sentosa If you are an ABMA member be sure to log in to Animalprofessional.com to watch most of the presentations and panels from the 2025 conference. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! Here is the link to the podcast survey.  We really appreciate your feedback! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Rspt0Bk/abcpodcast2025  Let's talk some training and banter about behavior! 5:10 Discussion of Conference Day 1 with Marie Filipek, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park.   12:15 Discussion of Conference Day 2 with Heidi Moomaw, Charles River Labs 35:10 Discussion of Conference Day 3 with Benjamin Fainsod, Jerusalem Zoo 53:15 Discussion of Conference Day 4 with Matthew Nguyen & Li Shan Tan, Resorts World Sentosa

    1h 10m

  8. 7 MAY

    64: The Importance of Behavior in Modern Animal Care - A Live Panel Recording at the 2025 Annual Conference with panelist Tim Sullivan, Elly Neumann, Nicki Boyd, Anaka Nazareth, and Chris Jenkins

    This episode was a live panel recording at the 2025 ABMA annual conference in Galveston Texas hosted by Moody Gardens.  The expert panel consisted of Tim Sullivan - Brookfield Zoo, Elly Neumann - Jerusalem Zoo, Nicki Boyd- San Diego Zoo, Anaka Nazareth - National Aquarium, and Chris Jenkins - Natural Encounters Inc.  The panel’s theme was “The Importance of Behavior in Modern Animal Care” with questions submitted in real time from the conference attendees. The panel discussed a wide range of topics ranging from the growth of the role behavior plays in welfare to the evolution and next steps in enrichment, to advice on getting buy-in for change. In the absence of a “Training Tale” for this episode, each of the panelists utilize their years of experience to provide their “Animal Behavior Advice”. For questions or suggestions about the podcast or to get in contact with the panelists email ⁠abc@theabma.org⁠. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

    58 min
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About

The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) strives to spread knowledge throughout the animal care field to help enhance animal care through operant conditioning. Each episode we will discuss a topic in the world of animal care and break down the science of behavior change. To achieve this, the podcast’s host, Shane Gorbett, will interview fellow trainers and experts from across the world to discuss all things training, behavior, enrichment, welfare, and much more! This podcast will be a great resource for all trainers. Let's talk some training and banter about behavior!

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Gorbett, Board of Directors, The Animal Behavior Management Alliance
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shane Gorbett, Board of Directors, The Animal Behavior Management Alliance
  • Show Website
    Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA

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