A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington

Matt Harrington
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A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington explores what happens when behavior analysis meets business, marketing, leadership, and growth. Hosted by Matthew Harrington, BCBA, a behavioral health growth strategist with experience in clinical leadership and ABA marketing, the show goes beyond theory to explore the ideas, decisions, and strategies shaping the future of behavioral health. Each episode features candid conversations with founders, clinicians, executives, and industry leaders about growing organizations, building stronger teams, reaching more families, navigating change, and creating meaningful impact. From ABA and behavioral science to marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, Matt brings a behavior analyst’s perspective to the challenges that leaders face every day. Whether you’re a BCBA, practice owner, healthcare leader, marketer, or simply interested in how behavior influences business, A Train of Thought offers practical insights, fresh perspectives, and conversations worth thinking about.

Episodes

  1. 7h ago

    Ryan Paul Carruthers, PhD – Chief Clinical Officer & Executive Vice President, CenterPointe

    What if the biggest barrier to addiction recovery isn't a lack of treatment, but a lack of choice? In this episode of A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington, Matt sits down with Dr. Ryan Paul Carruthers, Chief Clinical Officer and Executive Vice President at CenterPointe and author of Beyond the Twelve: Overcoming Addiction Without the Script, to challenge traditional approaches to addiction recovery and explore why giving people control over their own treatment can lead to more meaningful change. Drawing from over two decades of personal and professional experience in addiction recovery, Ryan shares why the traditional 12-step model isn't the right fit for everyone and how evidence-based alternatives, including SMART Recovery and motivational interviewing, can help individuals find their own path forward. The conversation also explores the business side of behavioral healthcare. Ryan shares how CenterPointe has expanded access to care through same-day assessments, navigated rising operational costs, and balanced financial sustainability with its mission to help more people. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why addiction recovery should focus on empowerment rather than powerlessness. - How offering multiple recovery pathways can build trust and improve engagement. - Why respecting a person's right to make their own decisions matters in clinical care. - How motivational interviewing supports choice-based treatment. - How CenterPointe is improving access to behavioral healthcare while managing rising costs. - Why effective leadership means connecting productivity goals to better outcomes for the people being served. Whether you're a BCBA, behavioral health professional, clinical leader, or healthcare business owner, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between personal choice, effective treatment, and sustainable organizational growth. Because better behavioral healthcare isn't about forcing everyone down the same path. It's about giving people the tools, support, and freedom to find the one that works for them. Tune in to A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington for a thought-provoking discussion on addiction recovery, clinical leadership, and putting people first.

  2. 2d ago

    Lew Zeidner - CEO, EOSIS

    What happens when your behavioral health organization grows faster than its systems can keep up? In this episode of A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington, Matt sits down with Lew Zeidner, CEO of EOSIS and Executive Board Chairman of Family of Kidz, to explore what it really takes to scale a behavioral health organization without sacrificing quality of care. With more than four decades of experience in behavioral health and addiction treatment, Lew shares his journey from clinical psychology to executive leadership and explains why turning a great vision into real results requires more than good intentions. Together, they discuss the importance of bridging clinical and business perspectives, building strong leadership teams, using meaningful metrics to measure quality, and creating systems that support sustainable growth. Lew also shares why reputation and trusted referral relationships are essential to attracting patients and how leaders can recognize when their organizations have outgrown their existing processes. For ABA practice owners, behavioral health executives, and clinicians stepping into leadership, this conversation offers practical insights into balancing growth, operational efficiency, and exceptional patient care. Because real growth isn't just about serving more patients. It's about building an organization that can consistently serve them well. Tune in to learn how effective leadership, clear processes, and a commitment to quality can turn ambitious ideas into lasting impact.

  3. Oct 29

    Martin Myers - Chief Strategy Officer, Grateful Care ABA

    What if the key to building a successful ABA organization isn't hiring people who are obsessed with their work, but creating an environment where they can be effective? In this episode of A Train of Thought, host Matt Harrington, BCBA, sits down with Martin Myers, Chief Strategy Officer at Grateful Care ABA and founder of BX Mastery and Flatrock Weekly, to explore the intersection of clinical excellence, organizational leadership, and sustainable growth in applied behavior analysis. With over a decade of experience in ABA, Martin shares how his journey from working directly with children with autism to leading clinical teams and organizations shaped his approach to leadership. He challenges the idea that great employees need to be completely consumed by their careers, arguing that effectiveness, meaningful relationships, and a supportive work environment matter far more than obsession. The conversation also dives into the creation of BX Mastery, Martin's platform featuring more than 4,000 sequenced ABA goals designed to help BCBAs make better clinical decisions. He explains how component-composite analysis can help clinicians break complex skills into smaller, teachable steps while keeping long-term independence and meaningful outcomes in focus. Matt and Martin also discuss one of the biggest challenges facing growing ABA organizations: how to scale without sacrificing clinical quality, company culture, or the relationships that make great care possible. From listening to frontline staff to developing future leaders internally, Martin shares why strong organizational values must guide every stage of growth. In this episode, you'll learn: Why effective employees are more valuable than employees who are simply obsessed with work.How behavior analytic principles translate from clinical programming to organizational leadership.Why Martin created BX Mastery and how sequenced goals can improve ABA treatment planning.How ABA organizations can scale while protecting clinical quality and company culture.Why listening to employees is essential for identifying problems before they affect care.How relationship-driven leadership can strengthen staff retention, community connections, and organizational growth.Why developing leaders from within can be more valuable than searching for the perfect candidate.Whether you're a BCBA, clinical director, ABA business owner, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical insights into building organizations where clinicians can thrive, families feel supported, and growth doesn't come at the expense of quality care. Connect with Martin Myers: BX Mastery: https://www.bxmastery.com Flatrock Weekly: https://flatrockweekly.substack.com/ About A Train of Thought Hosted by Matt Harrington, BCBA, A Train of Thought explores the intersection of behavior analysis, business growth, marketing, and leadership through conversations with professionals shaping the future of ABA. Learn more about A-Train Marketing: https://atrainmarketing.com

  4. Oct 27

    Shan Padda - CEO, Harvard MedTech

    What if the key to treating chronic pain isn't another prescription, but retraining the brain? In this episode of A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington, Matt sits down with Shan Padda, CEO of Harvard MedTech, entrepreneur, and investor, to explore how virtual reality and neuroplasticity are changing the way we approach chronic pain, behavioral health, and recovery. Shan shares his journey from building and selling multiple healthcare companies to developing a non-pharmaceutical approach to pain management. He explains how Harvard MedTech's 90-day virtual reality therapy program aims to help patients manage chronic pain while addressing related challenges like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbances. With more than 5,000 patients treated, Shan shares reported outcomes from the program, including a roughly 33% reduction in pain, 60% reduction in anxiety, and 97% patient satisfaction rate. Matt and Shan also discuss the importance of whole-person care, bringing treatment into patients' homes, reducing reliance on opioids, and the perseverance required to build businesses that solve meaningful healthcare problems. Whether you're a behavior analyst, healthcare professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of brain-based therapies, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, behavior, and healing. Learn more about Harvard MedTech: https://harvardmedtech.com About A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington Join Matt Harrington, BCBA, as he explores the intersection of behavior analysis, healthcare, business, and innovation through conversations with leaders who are challenging traditional approaches and creating meaningful change.

  5. Oct 20

    Olu Jegede - SVP, Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Officer, Cone Health

    What if improving healthcare outcomes meant looking beyond the hospital and addressing the barriers people face in their everyday lives? In this episode of A Train of Thought, host Matt Harrington sits down with Dr. Olu Jegede, Senior Vice President and Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Officer at Cone Health, to explore how healthcare organizations can build healthier communities through meaningful partnerships, integrated care, and mission-driven leadership. Dr. Jegede shares how his early experiences as a physician in Flint, Michigan, shaped his commitment to health equity. After witnessing patients repeatedly return to the hospital because of limited access to primary care, transportation, and other essential resources, he realized that improving health outcomes requires more than treating medical conditions. The conversation explores Cone Health's community-centered approach, including mobile healthcare services, partnerships that address social drivers of health, and strategies for integrating physical and behavioral healthcare. Dr. Jegede also discusses the importance of measuring community impact, building trust with underserved populations, and keeping teams connected to their mission as organizations grow. For behavioral health professionals, healthcare executives, and organizational leaders, this episode offers valuable insights into creating sustainable systems of care that prioritize both individual needs and community well-being. Tune in to learn how bold leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to health equity can transform healthcare delivery and create better outcomes for all.

  6. Oct 15

    Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad – Founder, My People Clinical Services | CEO, My People Community Services

    What does it take to build a community organization that grows without losing the trust of the people it serves? In this episode of A Train of Thought, host Matthew Harrington, BCBA, sits down with Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad, Founder of My People Clinical Services and President & CEO of My People Community Services, to explore culturally responsive behavioral health, community leadership, fatherhood, mentorship, and the importance of staying true to your mission. With over 20 years of experience serving individuals and families, Abdul shares how his journey began with a passion for supporting fathers and evolved into an organization providing therapeutic services, youth mentoring, and supportive housing programs. He explains why understanding the communities you serve is essential to building trust, creating meaningful relationships, and delivering lasting impact. The conversation also explores The Manhood Tree, Abdul's initiative focused on helping men grow through brotherhood, fatherhood, mentorship, and mental wellness. He challenges traditional approaches to fatherhood programs, emphasizing why supporting men as individuals must come before expecting them to succeed as fathers. Matt and Abdul also discuss the challenges of scaling a mission-driven organization, maintaining a strong workplace culture, and ensuring that growth never comes at the expense of meaningful community connections. In this episode, you'll learn: Why cultural competence and trust are essential to effective behavioral health services.How My People Clinical Services expanded from fatherhood support into comprehensive community-based programs.How to maintain organizational culture and mission while growing your team.Why The Manhood Tree prioritizes personal growth, brotherhood, and men's mental health.The role of mentorship and intergenerational relationships in developing stronger communities.Why sustainable impact matters more than pursuing growth for its own sake.Abdul's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders looking to turn their ideas into action.Abdul leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: Never stop dreaming. Whether you're building an organization, supporting your community, or working toward personal growth, meaningful change begins with taking that first step. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, behavioral health, community impact, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

  7. Oct 13

    Roger Jansen, PhD – CEO, Exponential Health

    What if the biggest problem in healthcare isn't the quality of care, but the system delivering it? In this episode of A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington, Matt sits down with Dr. Roger Jansen, CEO of Exponential Health, to explore why traditional healthcare is becoming increasingly expensive, complicated, and disconnected from the people it's supposed to serve. With a background in clinical psychology, neuroscience, healthcare leadership, and entrepreneurship, Roger shares his journey from clinical research to leading healthcare organizations and challenging the traditional model of care. Together, they discuss how Exponential Health is rethinking healthcare through transparent pricing, direct contracting, smaller patient panels, and a greater focus on prevention rather than treatment alone. Roger also shares how his organization has grown fivefold in just 16 months, the challenges of recruiting physicians, and why listening to patients may be one of the most powerful strategies for building a successful healthcare business. In this episode, you'll discover: - Why the traditional healthcare system prioritizes complexity over patient outcomes. - How preventative care and transparent pricing can transform the patient experience. - Why employers are seeking alternatives to traditional health insurance models. - How Exponential Health is improving access through smaller patient panels and faster appointments. - The challenges of scaling a healthcare organization in a competitive industry. - Why patient feedback should shape the future of healthcare innovation. Whether you're a healthcare executive, behavioral health professional, clinic owner, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on building organizations that put people first. Because better healthcare doesn't start with more complexity. It starts with listening to the people you're serving.

  • 7 Episodes

About

A Train of Thought with Matt Harrington explores what happens when behavior analysis meets business, marketing, leadership, and growth. Hosted by Matthew Harrington, BCBA, a behavioral health growth strategist with experience in clinical leadership and ABA marketing, the show goes beyond theory to explore the ideas, decisions, and strategies shaping the future of behavioral health. Each episode features candid conversations with founders, clinicians, executives, and industry leaders about growing organizations, building stronger teams, reaching more families, navigating change, and creating meaningful impact. From ABA and behavioral science to marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, Matt brings a behavior analyst’s perspective to the challenges that leaders face every day. Whether you’re a BCBA, practice owner, healthcare leader, marketer, or simply interested in how behavior influences business, A Train of Thought offers practical insights, fresh perspectives, and conversations worth thinking about.

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