The Gold Standard Podcast

BDA

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Join Board Certified Behavior Analysts Kate Wiamer and Brianna Snyder, along with Brandon Dzwonkowski, a Registered Behavior Technician, as they explore how principles of Applied Behavior Analysis can be applied to everyday life. With new guests each episode, both from within and outside the ABA field, the podcast offers fresh insights and practical tips. The Gold Standard Podcast is available in both HD video and audio formats on various platforms.

Sep 23

The Lost Art of Listening with Dr. Pat Friman | 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
Sep 10

What It Really Means to Be a Behavior Analyst | The Gold Standard Podcast

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
Jul 6

10,000 Followers Later with Quintara Tucker | The Gold Standard Podcast

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
May 18

Why ABA Is Getting Burnout Wrong | Carlos Del Rio on Wellness & Stress | The Gold Standard Podcast

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
Apr 28

ABA Clinicians Are Ditching Flashcards for This App… Here’s Why | The Gold Standard Podcast Ep 21

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
Mar 4

Social Media Is Training You (And You Don’t Know It) | The Gold Standard Podcast Episode 20

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
Jan 24

Burnout, Balance, and Bold Leadership in ABA | the gold standard Podcast Ep 19

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
12/18/2025

ABA Beyond Autism: Parenting, Grit, and Becoming a Bodybuilder

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

Join Board Certified Behavior Analysts Kate Wiamer and Brianna Snyder, along with Brandon Dzwonkowski, a Registered Behavior Technician, as they explore how principles of Applied Behavior Analysis can be applied to everyday life. With new guests each episode, both from within and outside the ABA field, the podcast offers fresh insights and practical tips. The Gold Standard Podcast is available in both HD video and audio formats on various platforms.

Creator

BDA
Years Active

2026
Episodes

25
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 The Gold Standard Podcast
Show Website

The Gold Standard Podcast