Cooperant Learning Podcast

Cooperant Learning
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  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Interviews with behavior analysts, researchers, and practitioners exploring where the field of ABA is headed. From adult services and education to organizational behavior management, health, and basic research, Cooperant Learning Podcast dives into the science, ethics, and future of behavior analysis.

  1. MAR 23

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | From Dose to Data: Tracking Behavioral Change with Precision | Alison Cox

    Cooperant Learning Podcast |  From Dose to Data: Tracking Behavioral Change with Precision  | Alison Cox   Quick note: We ran into some tech issues, so this episode is audio-only.   CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com!   Summary: Dr. Alison Cox returns to discuss the complexities of psychotropic medication use for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics include medication effects, monitoring strategies, the case for single case designs in med effect evaluation and research gaps, emphasizing the importance of systematic assessment and collaboration. Guests (from brocku.ca) Alison Cox is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Disability Studies. She completed her doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cox is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst at the doctoral level and a Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ont). She has over 15 years of experience working in the field of Behaviour Analysis. Throughout her research and clinical work, Dr. Cox has developed specific expertise in assessing and treating severe challenging behaviour in individuals with dual diagnosis, supporting skill acquisition in individuals with dual diagnosis, and supervising early intensive behavioural intervention programs.  Survey Opportunity! Drake and Brock University researchers are enacting this project to gain perspective on the status of board certified behavior analysts’ (BCBA) general understanding of psychotropic medication’s potential effects on behavior; how they have gained that understanding, and if that understanding influences their practice with regard to how psychotropic medication effects are considered during the delivery of behavioral services (e.g., reduce challenging behavior, enhance skill acquisition). If you are board-certified and interested in participating, click this link: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9B1U5KVDoDbIwgS Research Cox AD, Pritchard D, Penney H, Eiri L, Dyer TJ. Demonstrating an Analyses of Clinical Data Evaluating Psychotropic Medication Reductions and the ACHIEVE! Program in Adolescents with Severe Problem Behavior. Perspect Behav Sci. 2021 Feb 12;45(1):125-151. doi: 10.1007/s40614-020-00279-3. PMID: 35342870; PMCID: PMC8894527. Cox AD, Virues-Ortega J. Long-term functional stability of problem behavior exposed to psychotropic medications. J Appl Behav Anal. 2022 Feb;55(1):214-229. doi: 10.1002/jaba.873. Epub 2021 Jul 30. PMID: 34329500. Cox, A. D., Davis, S., & Feldman, M. (2022). Medication training for behavior analysts.Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 22(1), 130–142. https://doi.org/10.1037/bar0000240 Song M, Rubin BS, Ha JW, Ware RS, Doan TN, Harley D. Use of psychotropic medications in adults with intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2023 May;57(5):661-674. doi: 10.1177/00048674221149864. Epub 2023 Jan 26. PMID: 36700564. Stellato, S., Cox, A.D., Thillainathan, T. et al. Psychotropic Medication Adjustment Patterns in Treatment Literature Featuring Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Challenging Behavior. J Dev Phys Disabil (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-025-10027-7 Valdovinos MG, Roberts C, Kennedy CH. Functional analysis of tardive dyskinesia: implications for assessment and treatment. J Appl Behav Anal. 2005 Summer;38(2):239-42. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2005.53-04. PMID: 16033170; PMCID: PMC1226159.   Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com   Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    1h 12m

  2. MAR 12

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Behavior Analysis in Residential Care | Nick Christensen

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Behavior Analysis in Residential Care | Nick Christensen CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary: Today we talked with Nick Christensen, a BCBA and the clinical lead at HOMES Residential Care, a BCBA-owned and operated adult foster care home service in Michigan. Nick walks us through opportunities and challenges in group homes and adult foster care homes including treatment integrity, restrictive practices, staff training, and systemic changes to promote least restrictive environments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:19 The Evolution of Homes Residential Care 09:11 Nick's Role and Responsibilities 12:05 Consultative Role vs. Direct Care 18:18 Handling Challenging Behaviors 21:10 Discussion on Restrictive Practices 22:13 Crisis Intervention Strategies 23:59 Combating the Normalization of Restrictive Practices 25:01 Data-Driven Decision Making 27:08 Ethics in Behavior Analysis 29:15 Creating Positive Environments 31:09 Staff Training and Retention 33:11 Behavior Analytic Approaches in Staffing 35:07 Organizational Behavior Management 37:07 Challenges in the Adult Service System 49:36 Redesigning the Adult Service System Guests Nick is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst and the President of Clinical Services at HOMES Residential Care. He grew up in Middleville, MI and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Argosy University in 2017. In May of 2020, Nick earned his Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and passed the BCBA exam in September of that year. Nick has experience providing in-home ABA therapy to children with autism, and has also provided these services in a clinical setting. Prior to becoming certified and licensed, Nick served as a behavior technician for Sparks Behavioral Services for nearly three years, where he trained, implemented, and monitored behavior treatment plans of adults who live in specialized residences Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    55 min

  3. MAR 5

    Cooperant Learning | Precision Teaching and Measurement of Private Events | Jared Van & Rick Kubina

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Precision Teaching and Measurement of Private Events | Jared Van & Rick Kubina  CEUs: Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004) is an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to this episode by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary: In this episode we invited Jared Van and Rick Kubina to explore the challenge with measurement of private events within a behavior analytic framework. Topics we touch on include the history of private events within Skinner's radical behaviorism, a literature review of private events and precision teaching methods (from Van & Kubina, 2026) and implications for future research.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction  01:36 Introducing the Guests and Their Backgrounds 03:09 Exploring Private Events in Behavior Analysis 11:15 The Role of Neuroscience in Understanding Private Events 16:46 Self-Reporting vs. Self-Counting in Data Collection 22:32 Measuring Inner Behavior and Responses 24:43 Understanding Inner Behavior Interventions 26:29 The Importance of Addressing Inner Behaviors 29:59 Exploring Anxiety and Depression in Behavior Analysis 32:25 Measuring Private Events and Social Validity 36:21 The Role of Self-Reporting in Behavior Change 40:23 Interventions for Positive Self-Talk 43:09 Integrating Interventions in Educational Settings 46:25 Future Directions in Research on Inner Behavior 50:27 Expanding Research for Diverse Populations Resources Measuring Change in Private Events: A Review of Precision Teaching Interventions for Inner Behavior - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42822-025-00241-5 Jared Van's Website and Standard Acceleration Chart - https://www.jaredvan.com/ PrecisionX - https://precisionx.centralreach.com/ Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    1 hr

  4. FEB 24

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Mand Modality Preference Assessments | Cynthia Livingston and Alexandra Cicero

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Mand Modality Preference Assessments | Cynthia Livingston and Alexandra Cicero CEUs  Cooperant Learning is a project of Sparks Behavioral Services, LLC (ACE #OP-21-0004), an ACE-approved provider of continuing education units for behavior analysts. You can earn continuing education units (CEUs) for listening to episodes by visiting cooperantlearning.com! Summary In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Livingston and Alexandra Cicero help us explore Mand Modality Preference Assessments (MMPAs) in the context of functional communication training. We get into the definition and application of MMPAs, the research behind caregiver versus child preferences, and the implications of autonomy and self-determination in communication. The guests share insights from their research, discuss the challenges of implementing these assessments, and highlight future research directions of their lab in the field of behavior analysis. Guests Cynthia Livingston, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Assistant Professor and board-certified behavior analyst in the Specialized Behavior Intervention Department (formerly, Severe Behavior Department) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. Dr. Livingston’s clinical and research work focuses on the assessment and treatment of severe, challenging behavior using the scientist–practitioner model. Her research emphasizes the application of functional analysis to inform individualized intervention, with a particular interest in optimizing functional communication training (FCT). Within this line of work, she examines mand modality preference assessments (MMPAs) to better understand how response form, effort, and individual preference influence treatment outcomes, efficiency, and durability within the context of FCT. Her goal is to enhance the precision and social validity of behavioral interventions by integrating empirical rigor with client-centered decision making. At MMI, Dr. Livingston serves as a case manager across day treatment, intensive outpatient, and follow-up clinics, providing evidence-based assessment and intervention for children with severe problem behavior. She works closely with interdisciplinary teams and caregivers to translate behavioral science into practical, sustainable strategies that promote challenging behavior reduction, skill acquisition, and long-term quality of life. Dr. Livingston is deeply committed to mentorship and training the next generation of behavior analysts. She views mentorship as an extension of the scientist–practitioner model—teaching students not only how to implement evidence-based procedures, but how to think analytically, evaluate data critically, and adapt interventions thoughtfully in complex clinical contexts. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys yoga, discovering new Trader Joe’s snacks, and maintaining a respectable bedtime. Alexandra Cicero is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst currently working in the Specialized Behavior Intervention Department (formerly Severe Behavior Department) at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center. She specializes in assessing and treating challenging behavior in individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. Her clinical and research interests include functional communication training (FCT), caregiver training, and mand modality preference. Alexandra is passionate about creating meaningful, individualized treatment plans and collaborating closely with families to promote long-term success across settings. She also enjoys teaching and mentoring future behavior analysts and values creating inclusive, supportive learning environments. Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    51 min

  5. FEB 9

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Supporting Student Transition from School to Employment | Ricky Price

    Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Ricky Price guests to discuss the critical aspects of transitioning students with disabilities from school to the workforce and where behavior analysis may fit into the mix. We talked about the importance of self-determination, the role of IDEA in transition assessments, and the need for individualized approaches that don't just check a box. Ricky highlights the gaps in training for educators, the necessity for collaboration between behavior analysts and special education professionals, and the importance of teaching self-advocacy skills early and often. Guests Dr. Price (he/they) is a white cis-gendered gay scholar with over a decade of experience supporting the transition from school to work for individuals with disabilities/disabled individuals. He holds Master's degrees in Rehabilitation/Vocational Counseling, Kinesiology - Adaptive Sport, and Applied Behavior Analysis - Autism from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Price is passionate about understanding the diverse identities and experiences of individuals with disabilities/disabled individuals, a commitment shaped by growing up with a family member with a disability and witnessing the systemic shortcomings in including and integrating people with disabilities/disabled people in education and society. Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    51 min

  6. JAN 29

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Al Poling on APOPO Hero Rats, Humility, and Collaboration | Al Poling

    It was a privilege to hear Dr. Al Poling discuss his extensive career in behavior analysis and the lessons he's learned along the way. What started as an interview about his work using operant conditioning procedures to train rats to detect mines and TB morphed into more of a career introspective with the lessons Dr. Poling has learned along the way.  We focused on the APOPO project, an NGO utilizing scent detection animals to address global issues such as landmine detection and tuberculosis. Dr. Poling discusses the importance of collaboration between behavior analysts and other disciplines, the challenges of data collection in applied settings (even live minefields!), and the need for critical thinking in addressing societal challenges. Dr. Poling reflects on his career, emphasizing the role of community support and resilience in professional development, while also addressing his contributions to behavioral pharmacology. Chapters 00:00 Introduction  01:29 Meet Dr. Al Poling 03:07 The APOPO Project Overview 04:16 Involvement with APOPO 07:20 Training Scent Detection Rats 13:19 Applications of Scent Detection 17:07 Expanding the Use of Rats in Detection 19:00 The Global Impact of Tuberculosis 21:53 Research and Humanitarian Efforts in Disease Detection 23:47 The Role of Behavior Analysts in Collaborative Research 26:52 Advocacy and Gender Disparities in Behavior Analysis 30:51 The Importance of Community and Support in Science 32:04 Addressing Global Crises with Behavior Analysis 38:18 Advice for the Next Generation of Behavior Analysts 42:55 The Role of Serotonin in Mental Health Medications 45:39 Challenges in Medication Management for Behavioral Issues 47:29 The Impact of Benzodiazepines on Anxiety Treatment 49:21 The Importance of Data in Behavioral Analysis 52:17 Reflections on a Long Career in Behavior Analysis Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    54 min

  7. JAN 20

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Delay Discounting and Teacher Decision-Making | Matt Brodhead

    In this episode of the Cooperant Learning Podcast, we sat down with MtG enthusiast and choice and decision-making expert Dr. Matt Brodhead to discuss what teacher choice and adherence to interventions when challenging behavior is happening in the classroom. Centering the conversation around the research article “Delay Discounting and Teacher Decision‐Making of Behavioral Interventions,”  we discuss and hypothesize why educators often prefer interventions that produce faster, “good-enough” improvements over strategies that may be more effective long-term but take longer to work. Dr. Brodhead explains delay discounting in practical terms, walks through how the Treatment Choice Questionnaire adapts classic discounting measures to classroom behavioral interventions, and explores what the findings suggest about social validity, feasibility, and BCBA collaboration in schools, especially when teachers are juggling limited training in classroom management, scarce resources, and constant outside pressure. We also make sure to touch base on Magic: The Gathering, D&D, and jam bands, because even behavior analysts need hobbies. Guest Bio: Dr. Matt Brodhead Dr. Matt Brodhead is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and is widely recognized for his work in ethics, professionalism, and the applied practice of behavior analysis. His scholarship and applied interests include restraint and seclusion in public schools, choice and decision-making, and the social development of children with autism. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) and has received multiple honors for his contributions to the field, including the ABAI Outstanding Mentor Award and the APBA Excellence in Ethical Practice Award. Resources: Cascarilla, A. N., Brodhead, M. T., Cox, D. J., & Sarmiento, C. M. (2025). Delay discounting and teacher decision‐making of behavioral interventions. Behavioral Interventions, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/bin.70058 Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning 🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com   Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    49 min

  8. JAN 12

    Cooperant Learning Podcast | Behavioral Gerontology in 2026 | Jonathan Baker

    Welcome to 2026! In this episode, we dove into the world of behavioral gerontology and behavior analysis with older adults. We’re joined by Dr. Jon Baker who helped break down what behavioral gerontology is, how it’s evolved, and what current research tells us about supporting the aging community in meaningful and effective ways. At the end, Dr. Baker breaks down some actionable steps for behavior analysts who want to break into working with new populations such as the aging community. We spoke about the challenges practitioners face in this space including bringing behaviorism to a medical model, navigating mental health concerns, isolation, and cognitive changes that come with aging. What really stood out in this discussion is how hopeful this work can be. Even later in life, behavior is still functional, learning is still possible, and individualized, compassionate interventions can make a real difference. This episode is about seeing aging not as a closed door, but as a stage of life where thoughtful behavioral support still matters.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Banter 02:51 Housekeeping and Why This Topic Matters 05:37 Welcoming Dr. Jon Baker 08:41 What Is Behavioral Gerontology, Really? 11:21 What Gerontology Looks Like in Practice 14:06 Behavioral Health and Aging 16:54 Do Behavioral Interventions Still Work as We Age? 19:56 Challenges in Behavioral Gerontology 22:57 Behavioral Plasticity and Aging 26:06 Behavior as Communication 28:59 Real-World Case Examples 31:54 Why Individualized Approaches Matter 35:04 Research Gaps and What We Still Don’t Know 38:08 Mental Health and Aging 41:04 Can Memory Loss Be Reversible? 43:39 Brain Injury vs. Neurocognitive Disorders 47:01 How to Get Into Behavioral Gerontology 49:46 Sustainability of Interventions 52:56 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement Our Guest: Dr. Jonathan Baker is chair and associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University. Prior to joining WMU, he was an associate professor and coordinator of the gerontology certificate program, as well as a faculty member in the behavior analysis and therapy program in the Rehabilitation Institute at Southern Illinois University. He received a certificate in gerontology from the University of Kansas and is a Doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). Baker is on the editorial board for the Analysis of Verbal Behavior and Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice. He has served as a guest Action Editor for TAVB and the Psychological Record, and serves as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, The Behavior Analyst, Behavior Analysis in Practice, The Psychological Record and The American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias. He is also the former president of the Mid-American Association of Behavior Analysis, former chair of the Behavioral Gerontology Special Interest Group with ABAI, and is on the Board of Directors for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Resources: Behavioral gerontology at home: Retaining self-care skills in an older adult with major neurocognitive disorder through stimulus control and subtle prompt hierarchies from spousal caregiver.    Expanding the Consumer Base for Behavior-Analytic Services: Meeting the Needs of Consumers in the 21st Century   Listen now: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7jEtOKZjbww4TCL9YfOMZF?si=490b8beed95c406b 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cooperant-learning-podcast/id1817490272 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cooperantlearning  🌐 Website → https://www.cooperantlearning.com Connect with us: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperantbx/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@cooperantlearning 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Cooperant-Learning/61564380433792/?_rdr

    57 min
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About

Interviews with behavior analysts, researchers, and practitioners exploring where the field of ABA is headed. From adult services and education to organizational behavior management, health, and basic research, Cooperant Learning Podcast dives into the science, ethics, and future of behavior analysis.

Information

  • Creator
    Cooperant Learning
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Cooperant Learning Podcast