Functional Relations

Zachary Bird, PhD, BCBA-D and Caleb Davis, PhD, BCBA-D
  • 4.7 (36)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

An ABA podcast where Dr. Zachary Bird and Dr. Caleb Davis set aside time to have engaging conversation with experts in the field of behavior analysis to explore topics like ethics of functional analysis, effective supervision practices, translating research to practice, and others. BACB, IBAO, and QABA CEUs are available for listeners. To purchase, visit www.functionalrelationspodcast.com To deliver social praise or aversive stimulation, you can email us at functionalrelationspodcast@gmail.com

  1. #40 - Rethinking How We Teach Tacts w/ Dr. Judah Axe

    1D AGO

    #40 - Rethinking How We Teach Tacts w/ Dr. Judah Axe

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss rethinking how we approach teaching tacts w/ Dr. Judah Axe. 0.5 Ethic/0.5 General CEU (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Making meaningful book Essentials for living References: Axe, J. B., & Laprime, A. P. (2017). The effects of contingent pairing on establishing praise as a reinforcer with children with autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 29(2), 325-340. Bahry, S., Gerhardt, P. F., Weiss, M. J., Leaf, J. B., Putnam, R. F., & Bondy, A. (2023). The ethics of actually helping people: Targeting skill acquisition goals that promote meaningful outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16(3), 672-695. Barosky, C. (2023). Antecedent variables influencing tacting with children with autism [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Simmons University. Clements, C. C., Zoltowski, A. R., Yankowitz, L. D., Yerys, B. E., Schultz, R. T., & Herrington, J. D. (2018). Evaluation of the social motivation hypothesis of autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA psychiatry, 75(8), 797-808. Dozier, C. L., Iwata, B. A., Thomason‐Sassi, J., Worsdell, A. S., & Wilson, D. M. (2012). A comparison of two pairing procedures to establish praise as a reinforcer. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 45(4), 721-735. Dube, W. V., MacDonald, R. P., Mansfield, R. C., Holcomb, W. L., & Ahearn, W. H. (2004). Toward a behavioral analysis of joint attention. The Behavior Analyst, 27(2), 197-207. Dudley, L. L., Axe, J. B., Allen, R. F., & Sweeney‐Kerwin, E. J. (2019). Establishing praise as a conditioned reinforcer: Pairing with one versus multiple reinforcers. Behavioral Interventions, 34(4), 534-552. Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 55(1), 3. Cengher, M., & Fienup, D. M. (2020). Presession attention affects the acquisition of tacts and intraverbals. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(3), 1742-1767. Moher, C. A., Gould, D. D., Hegg, E., & Mahoney, A. M. (2008). Non‐generalized and generalized conditioned reinforcers: Establishment and validation. Behavioral Interventions: Theory & Practice in Residential & Community‐Based Clinical Programs, 23(1), 13-38. Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Sundberg, M. L. (2008). VB-MAPP Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program: a language and social skills assessment program for children with autism or other developmental disabilities: guide. Mark Sundberg. Sundberg, M. L., & Partington, J. W. (1998). Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS). Pleasant Hill, CA: Behavior Analysts, Inc.

    1h 9m
  2. #39 - The Science of Positive Culture Building w/ Dr. Bruce Tinor

    FEB 1

    #39 - The Science of Positive Culture Building w/ Dr. Bruce Tinor

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss practices that support building positive cultures within educational settings with Dr. Bruce Tinor. 1 Supervision CEU (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Book on four hats of leadership: Positional Authority Ain't Leadership: Behavioral Science for Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding A$$ Clownery: Gavoni, Dr. Paul: 9798989798100: Amazon.com: Books References: Skinner, B. F. (1984). Selection by consequences. Behavioral and brain sciences, 7(4), 477-481.

    1h 9m
  3. #38 - Can I Take That $11 Gift Card? w/ Dr. Paula Kenyon

    JAN 1

    #38 - Can I Take That $11 Gift Card? w/ Dr. Paula Kenyon

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss the BACB ethics codes related to giving gifts, accepting gifts, and multiple relationships with Dr. Paula Kenyon. 1 Ethics CEU (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership   Things to check out from the episode: Link to book Daily Ethics: Amazon.com: Daily Ethics: Creating Intentional Practice for Behavior Analysts: 9798988654858: Sellers, Tyra, Patrizi, Emily, Lichtenberger, Sarah: Books Link to Functional Relations Podcast Episode #1 where we first discuss this topic: S1E1- CAN I TAKE THAT GLASS OF WATER? Link to Functional Relations Podcast Episode w/ Dr. Tyra Sellers: S3E1 - THE SUPERVISOR EXPERIENCE: BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE SUPERVISOR W/ DR. TYRA SELLERS References: Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts - codes 1.11, 1.12

    1h 6m
  4. #37 - Pavlovian Conditioning for the Applied Behavior Analyst w/ Dr. Michael Domjan

    12/01/2025

    #37 - Pavlovian Conditioning for the Applied Behavior Analyst w/ Dr. Michael Domjan

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss respondent concepts such as habituation, sensitization, and Pavlovian conditioning with Dr. Michael Domjan, and how these processes are relevant in applied clinical practice. 1.5 CEUs (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) are available for this episode. You can purchase them at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Dr. Domjan's Youtube channel: Introduction to Learning and Behavior: Key Concepts Dr. Domjan's textbooks discussed during the episode: The Essentials of Conditioning and Learning, Fifth Edition Amazon.com: The Principles of Learning and Behavior: 9781285088563: Domjan, Michael P.: Books References: Breland, K., & Breland, M. (1961). The misbehavior of organisms. American psychologist, 16(11), 681. Groves, P. M., & Thompson, R. F. (1970). Habituation: a dual-process theory. Psychological review, 77(5), 419. Skinner, B. F. (1965). Science and human behavior (No. 92904). Simon and Schuster. Weinert, C., Maier, C., Laumer, S., & Weitzel, T. (2022). Repeated IT Interruption: Habituation and Sensitization of User Responses. Journal of Management Information Systems, 39(1), 187–217. Wolpe, J., Brady, J. P., Serber, M., Agras, W. S., & Liberman, R. P. (1973). The current status of systematic densitization. American Journal of Psychiatry, 130(9), 961-965.

    1h 25m
  5. #36 - Did Skinner Meditate? Behaviorism Meets Contemplative Living w/ David Roth

    11/01/2025

    #36 - Did Skinner Meditate? Behaviorism Meets Contemplative Living w/ David Roth

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss a behavior analytic interpretation of contemplative practices with David Roth. 1.5 CEUs (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) are available for this episode. You can purchase them at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: David Roth's Podcast w/ Dr. David Palmer: Dialogues on Verbal Behavior - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Consider checking out the work of the B.F. Skinner Foundation: B. F. SKINNER FOUNDATION – Better Behavioral Science for a More Humane World Link to BF Skinner Foundation bookstore to purchase Reflections on Behaviorism and Society: Behaviorism and Society: https://www.bfskinner.org/product/reflections-on-behaviorism-and-society-extended-edition/ Link to pdf for Mindfulness in Plain English: https://cdn.bookey.app/files/pdf/book/en/mindfulness-in-plain-english.pdf David's ResearchGate publication profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David_Roth11?ev=hdr_xprf Link to Skinner's article What Religion Means to Me: https://secularhumanism.org/1987/04/what-religion-means-to-me/ David Roth gifted 50 of our listeners 3 free months of Sam Harris's Wake Up meditation app.  Promo code:  WU7A-6C28129A2A  Redeem: wakingup.com/redeem This unlocks full access to the Waking Up app, including: 28-day introductory course Robust library of guided meditations In-depth talks on philosophy, science, and more Conversations with leading scholars and teachers References: Gunaratana, B. H. (2010). Mindfulness in plain English. ReadHowYouWant. com. Hanh, T. N. (2012). Old Path White Clouds: The Life Story of the Buddha. Random House. Skinner, B.F. (1980). Notebooks, B.F. Skinner. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc Skinner, B. F. (1987). What religion means to me.

    1h 32m
  6. #35 - Ethics of AI in behavioral services w/ Dr. David Cox

    10/02/2025

    #35 - Ethics of AI in behavioral services w/ Dr. David Cox

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb are joined by Dr. David Cox and discuss the ethics surrounding the use of AI in the delivery of behavioral services. 1 Ethics CEU (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Dr. Cox's podcast: The Behavioral Data Science Podcast - Podcast - Apple Podcasts How Stanford Teaches AI-Powered Creativity in Just 13 MinutesㅣJeremy Utley - YouTube   References: Cox, D. J. (2025). Ethical Behavior Analysis in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Importance of Understanding Model Building while Formal AI Literacy Curricula are Developed. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 1-11. Cox, D. J., & Jennings, A. M. (2024). The promises and possibilities of artificial intelligence in the delivery of behavior analytic services. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17(1), 123-136. O'neil, C. (2017). Weapons of math destruction: How big data increases inequality and threatens democracy. Crown.

    1h 8m
  7. #34 - Feedback and Leadership w/ Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni

    09/01/2025

    #34 - Feedback and Leadership w/ Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss feedback and leadership with Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni. 1.5 Supervision CEs (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) are available for this episode. You can purchase them at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Dr. Gavoni's Digital Business Card Some of Dr. Gavoni's books: The Feedback Effect: Lead Smarter, Not Harder With the Science of Human Behavior Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science Positional Authority Ain't Leadership: Behavioral Science for Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding A$$ Clownery Deliberate Coaching: Optimizing Teaching and Learning Through Behavior Science: Education Edition The Feedback Effect: Lead Smarter, Not Harder With the Science of Human Behavior References: Austin, J. (2000). Performance analysis and performance diagnostics. Handbook of applied behavior analysis, 321-349. Bukszpan, A. R., Leaf, J. B., O'Brien, J. G., Lewis, A., Kristiansen, S., Lord, J., ... & Weiss, M. J. (2025). Utilizing the Teaching Interaction Procedure to Train Special Education Teachers in Behavioral Artistry. Behavioral Interventions, 40(3), e70017. Green, D. R., Ferguson, J. L., Cihon, J. H., Torres, N., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., ... & Leaf, J. B. (2020). The teaching interaction procedure as a staff training tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13(2), 421-433.

    1h 29m
  8. #33 - Student Episode: Mentalism vs Radical Behaviorism

    08/01/2025

    #33 - Student Episode: Mentalism vs Radical Behaviorism

    In this episode, Zach and Caleb have a discussion to help students understand radical behaviorism and pragmatism, and how these perspectives compare to mentalism. No CEs are available for this episode. Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership References: Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Moore, J. (2008). Conceptual foundations of radical behaviorism.

    36 min
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4.7
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About

An ABA podcast where Dr. Zachary Bird and Dr. Caleb Davis set aside time to have engaging conversation with experts in the field of behavior analysis to explore topics like ethics of functional analysis, effective supervision practices, translating research to practice, and others. BACB, IBAO, and QABA CEUs are available for listeners. To purchase, visit www.functionalrelationspodcast.com To deliver social praise or aversive stimulation, you can email us at functionalrelationspodcast@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Zachary Bird, PhD, BCBA-D and Caleb Davis, PhD, BCBA-D
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Functional Relations

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