ABA Business Leaders

Stephen Smith
  • 4.9 (36)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sustainability of ABA services. Hosted by April & Stephen, the team behind 3 Pie Squared, each episode brings actionable insights for practice owners, clinicians, and leaders in the field—whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business. Expect candid conversations, expert interviews, and honest advice about supervision, billing, hiring, training, compliance, and more. Our goal? To help you build an ABA practice that serves clients ethically and effectively—while supporting your team and growing your business with purpose. 🔗 Learn more about our courses, handbooks, and consulting services at www.3piesquared.com.

  1. Building an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul

    6D AGO

    Building an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul

    In this episode, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith celebrate the release of Stephen’s new book, ABA Business Leaders Guide: How To Start, Grow, and Sustain an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul. Stephen shares candid reflections on the writing process, the anxiety that comes with putting your ideas into the world, and why having a clear vision is non-negotiable if you want to build something sustainable in the ABA space.  🔑 Key Takeaways  Why most ABA businesses fail to scale sustainably—and how to avoid it The internal challenges (self-doubt, fear, imposter syndrome) that leaders don’t talk about How to define a business vision that actually guides decision-making The philosophy behind building a business without “losing your soul” Lessons learned from writing a book while running a business What’s next, including plans for a companion book and future resources   Pre-order your copy now: Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017 Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNm 🚀 Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs  SILNA https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started  ABA Business Leaders Guide (Book)  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXXX  Stephen Smith on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensmith  3 Pie Squared Official Website  https://3pisquared.com  Discord Support Group  https://discord.gg/yourgroup  📞 Have a Question?  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

    44 min
  2. ABA Business Stories with Rick Kubina

    APR 9

    ABA Business Stories with Rick Kubina

    Coming Soon: Stephen Smith’s New Book Stephen’s upcoming book is almost here packed with practical insights for ABA business owners looking to grow with clarity, integrity, and strong operational foundations. Pre-order your copy now: Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017 Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNm Release Date: May 12, 2026 If you're serious about building a sustainable, ethical, and profitable ABA business, this is a must-read. In this episode, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Rick Kubina to explore some of the most pressing and complex topics facing the ABA field today, including the rise of artificial intelligence.  Rick Kubina is a professor, researcher, author, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of behavior science, education, and technology. Since joining Penn State University in 2000, he has taught courses in reading, applied behavior analysis, instructional design, and more—while mentoring doctoral students who have gone on to shape the field globally.  Stephen, April, and Rick unpack:  The appropriate role of AI in clinical environments  Where AI can drive efficiency without compromising care  The ethical boundaries every ABA leader must understand  How business incentives can quietly shape clinical decisions  Why human connection remains the core asset in ABA   This episode is both a strategic lens for business owners and a grounding conversation for clinicians navigating rapid change.  Sponsor  This episode is brought to you by MarginKeepers, helping ABA business owners take control of their financials with clarity and confidence.  Resources & Links  MarginKeepers:  https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers   Business Essentials List:  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24   Schedule a Consultation with Stephen:  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page   Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment:  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment   ABA Billing Tips Guide:  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips   ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs:  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs   Have a Question?  Have a question for Stephen and April?  📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

    58 min
  3. April Fools'

    APR 2

    April Fools'

    In this April Fool’s–themed episode, Stephen and April Smith are joined by a panel of ABA owners – Chris, Jennifer, Alecia Barrett, & Mallory Stinger - sharing their most unbelievable (but very real) stories from running an ABA business.   From insurance nightmares to staff issues and difficult audits, the conversation balances humour with practical takeaways. At its core, it’s about staying grounded, trusting your instincts, and leading with clarity when situations get messy.  ☎️ Have a Question?  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432    🔗 Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24   Schedule a Consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page   Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment   ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

    1h 8m
  4. Buying and Selling an ABA

    MAR 26

    Buying and Selling an ABA

    In this episode, Stephen and April sit down with Alex Veach, founder of Agenda Health, to break down what it looks like to buy or sell an ABA business. From understanding valuations to navigating the emotional and operational challenges of a sale, this conversation gives a practical look at a process many owners think about, but few fully understand.  Alex shares insights from the transaction side of the industry, highlighting what makes a business attractive to buyers, what slows deals down, and how owners can position themselves for a successful exit or acquisition.  Sponsored By Office Puzzle  This episode is brought to you by Office Puzzle.  Simplify your back-office operations and get the clarity you need to scale your ABA business.  Try it free for 30 days:  officepuzzle.com/3ps  Have a Question for Stephen & April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links  Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a Consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

    1h 15m
  5. Self Care in ABA

    MAR 19

    Self Care in ABA

    In this episode, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Josh Levine, co-founder of Momentum, for a conversation about burnout, leadership, and the role of self-awareness in the ABA field. Josh shares how a simple habit of daily reflection helped him grow as a clinician and develop a mindset focused on continuous improvement rather than perfection.  The discussion explores the emotional side of behavioral work, from overcoming negative self-talk to recognizing how burnout affects business owners, staff, and clients alike. Stephen, April, and Josh also talk about the importance of trust, delegation, and hiring team members who align with your organization’s values.  The episode closes with a powerful reminder that meaningful change in leadership starts internally. When clinicians and business owners prioritize self-awareness, compassion, and personal growth, it creates healthier teams and better outcomes for the families they serve.  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links  SILNA  https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started ABA Support Group for Business Owners  https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC   Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

    1h 39m
  6. Audit Anxiety in ABA Businesses: Lessons Every Owner Needs to Hear

    MAR 12

    Audit Anxiety in ABA Businesses: Lessons Every Owner Needs to Hear

    Audit anxiety is one of the most common — and least talked about — pressures facing ABA business owners.   Hosts Stephen and April, joined by Alecia Barrett from A. Barrett Academy LLC, share candid stories about the audits they personally went through, including moments when accusations of fraud and recoupment demands threatened their stability. These stories highlight an important truth for ABA owners: audits are stressful, but they’re also manageable when you understand your rights and keep strong documentation.  They also walk through what happens when insurers raise fraud concerns, how to respond to recoupment demands, and the importance of preparing long before an audit begins. Clean documentation, consistent systems, and proactive processes can make the difference between a stressful review and a business-threatening crisis.  If you’ve ever felt the weight of compliance anxiety or worried about what an audit might uncover, this episode offers reassurance, practical guidance, and real-world lessons from leaders who have navigated these challenges themselves.  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links  MarginKeepers:  https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers   Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips  ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

    1 hr
  7. ABA Business Leaders and Work-Life Balance

    MAR 5

    ABA Business Leaders and Work-Life Balance

    In this solo episode, April Smith takes a direct and nuanced look at burnout in the ABA industry, and challenges the way we talk about it.  Rather than accepting burnout as an inevitable byproduct of leadership, April explores the illusion of burnout and how it shows up specifically for ABA business owners. She unpacks the subtle ways leaders can feel trapped: by their standards of excellence, by financial pressure, and by the belief that exhaustion is simply “part of the job.”  This episode goes beyond surface-level self-care advice. April examines how a lack of operational options—limited margin, no leadership depth, unclear systems—creates the emotional experience we label as burnout. When you don’t have choices, everything feels heavy. When you can’t step away, every problem feels personal.  If you’re an ABA owner who feels constantly behind, stretched thin, or questioning the reason you built your business, this conversation will resonate.   Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links  Free ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/cigPR8wFFC Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

    35 min
  8. Why Are Prior Authorizations in ABA Changing?

    FEB 26

    Why Are Prior Authorizations in ABA Changing?

    In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen discuss the evolving landscape of prior authorizations in ABA with Jeff Morelli from Silna Health. SILNA handles prior-authorizations using the power of AI, all designed specifically for ABA Businesses and their workflows.  They explore the challenges faced by clinicians due to administrative burdens and how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the reimbursement process.   Jeff introduces Silna's Predictive Document Intelligence, which aims to streamline authorizations and reduce denial rates. The conversation highlights the importance of efficient systems in ABA practices, the financial risks associated with denied authorizations, and the need for delegation and resource utilization to enhance clinician focus on patient care.  Have a question for Stephen and April?  Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432  Resources & Links  SILNA:  https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started    Business Essentials List  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24  Schedule a consultation with Stephen  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page  Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment  ABA Billing Tips Guide  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

    49 min
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4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sustainability of ABA services. Hosted by April & Stephen, the team behind 3 Pie Squared, each episode brings actionable insights for practice owners, clinicians, and leaders in the field—whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business. Expect candid conversations, expert interviews, and honest advice about supervision, billing, hiring, training, compliance, and more. Our goal? To help you build an ABA practice that serves clients ethically and effectively—while supporting your team and growing your business with purpose. 🔗 Learn more about our courses, handbooks, and consulting services at www.3piesquared.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Smith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Stephen Smith
  • Show Website
    ABA Business Leaders

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