The World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast

World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast

The World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast facilitates international celebrations of the science of behavior analysis and is the hub that promotes international inclusive celebration of the science through interviews with leaders, and iconic influencers in the field of behavior analysis. Join us for the latest behavior analytic conversations with today's ABA rock stars!

  1. OCT 19

    Exploring Verbal Behavior and Lovingkindness with David Roth

    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 PEACETimestamps: 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

    1h 12m
  2. MAR 20

    Dr. Dave Palmer on Science, Philosophy, and Chomsky

    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. SkinnerVerbal Behavior by B.F. SkinnerDr. Palmer’s paper Chomsky’s Nativism Criticized (Published in The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 2000)Learning and Complex Behavior by John Donahoe & Dave PalmerConnect with Dr. Palmer: Smith College Website Email Dr. Palmer

    1h 8m
  3. MAR 20

    Relational Frame Theory, ACT, and the Future of Behavior Analysis with Dr. Steven Hayes

    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

    1h 26m
  4. 08/07/2024

    Dr. Stuart Vyse of Skeptical Inquirer on Behavior & Belief

    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: Chasing the intact mind: How the severely autistic and intellectually disabled were excluded from the debates that affect them most. Oxford University Press.Link: https://rb.gy/jbdz2bControversial therapies for autism and intellectual disabilities (pp. 3-16). New York: Routledge. Link:https://rb.gy/1otnvj Referenced Videos, Websites and Papers: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

    1h 1m
  5. 05/19/2024

    World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast with Dr. William Baum

    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: Understanding Behaviorism: Behavior, Culture, and Evolution 3rd Edition: https://rb.gy/yrgpwqIntroduction to Behavior: An Evolutionary Perspective 1st Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Behavior-Evolutionary-William-Baum/dp/1394184611Science and Philosophy of Behavior: Selected Papers 1st Edition, Kindle Edition: https://rb.gy/st1s35 Selected Papers:From Molecular to Molar: A Paradigm Shift  in Behavior Analysis:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1284889/pdf/12144313.pdfBehaviorism, Private Events, and the Molar View of Behavior:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3211378/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

    1h 5m

About

The World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast facilitates international celebrations of the science of behavior analysis and is the hub that promotes international inclusive celebration of the science through interviews with leaders, and iconic influencers in the field of behavior analysis. Join us for the latest behavior analytic conversations with today's ABA rock stars!