Behave: The podcast to unlearn behaviour

Behave The Podcast

What if behaviour wasn’t something to fix… But something to understand? Welcome to Behave — a podcast about relearning behaviour. We’re Eleanor Brink and Erika Gleeson — two advanced/specialist Behaviour Practitioners. Together, we’re here to challenge everything you thought you knew about behaviour. This podcast is for parents, carers, educators, and professionals who are tired of behaviour charts, sticker systems, and being told to “just be more consistent.” Because when we know better, we do better.

Episodes

  1. Episode 7 - NDIA changes - WTF do they mean for me?

    May 31

    Episode 7 - NDIA changes - WTF do they mean for me?

    The NDIA changes announced last month have left a lot of people overwhelmed, confused and for some, scared. Judging by the response to our Instagram poll, this is the topic people most wanted unpacked properly. So that’s exactly what we did. In this episode, we revisit what the NDIS was actually designed to be in the first place (spoiler: an insurance scheme), what the proposed changes really mean in practical terms, and what families, providers and participants can start doing now to prepare. We also dive into some of the uncomfortable conversations happening behind the scenes in the sector right now — including sustainability, evidence, funding pressures and the growing gap between what people need and what systems are realistically resourced to provide. There may be a few controversial thoughts in this one… but avoiding the conversation isn’t helping anyone. This episode isn’t about panic. It’s about understanding the landscape, cutting through the noise, and helping people get on the front foot. Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

    38 min
  2. Episode 6: Weathering the Storm

    May 17

    Episode 6: Weathering the Storm

    Ever felt like behaviour “comes out of nowhere”? Spoiler: it usually doesn’t. In this episode, we unpack what’s actuallyhappening before, during, and after the big moments. We dive into escalation curves, nervous systems under stress, and the often-missed signs that tell us someone is struggling before things explode. Precursor behaviour, escalation curves, and why trying to “reason” with someone mid-storm usually goes about as well as you’d expect. This episode is for the parents, educators, support workers and professionals trying to hold steady in the chaos, and wanting to understand behaviour instead of just reacting to it. Because the goal isn’t to control the storm. It’s learning how to weather it. Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

    31 min
  3. Episode 5: What’s the Why?

    May 3

    Episode 5: What’s the Why?

    Every Behaviour Specialist’s favourite question… and for good reason. In this episode, we’re getting underneath it all — unpacking the why behind behaviour. Because every behaviour serves a function. And when we skip the why, we miss the whole point. We break down behaviour as communication (yes, even the ones that make you want to pull your hair out), and why surface-level responses often do more harm than good. This one’s for anyone who’s been told to “just follow through with consequences” or “set firmer boundaries” — but know it ain’t working!  And yes, we might have a few thoughts on things like suspension being called a “consequence.” (Spoiler: sending someone away doesn’t teach them how to stay.) Because when we understand the why, we stop reacting and throwing bandaids on things — and we start responding in a way that is ACTUALLY going to change things. Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

    33 min
  4. Episode 4: The realities of complex diagnosis

    Apr 19

    Episode 4: The realities of complex diagnosis

    Complex autism isn’t a checklist. It’s not a neat label. And it definitely doesn’t come with a clear roadmap. In this episode, we go there — unpacking what “complex” autism (and other complex diagnoses) actually looks like in real life. The co-occurring conditions, the constant decision-making, the systems that don’t quite fit, and the emotional load families are carrying behind the scenes. We’re also joined by a guest with lived experience, bringing a perspective that cuts through theory and straight into what it’s like to actually live it. This one’s for the parents in the thick of it — navigating risk, advocating hard, and making a thousand micro-decisions a day that no one else sees. Because complex autism isn’t just complex on paper. It’s complex to live Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

    36 min
  5. Episode 3: Regulation and the nervous system

    Apr 5

    Episode 3: Regulation and the nervous system

    Regulated = calm. Or at least… that’s what we’ve all been taught. But what if that’s not actually true? In this episode, Erika and Ellie (aka the Regulation Queen) unpack regulation in a way that will likely flip what you thought you knew on its head. We get into why “calm” isn’t the goal, how behaviour is deeply connected to the nervous system, and why regulation is not one-size-fits-all (despite what Instagram might tell you). We also unpack what dysregulation actually looks like, what recovery really involves, and why so many traditional responses to behaviour completely miss the mark. There’s a bit of myth-busting, a bit of calling things out, and a lot of “oh… that makes sense”. If you’ve ever wondered why some strategies “work” for one person and completely fall flat for another, this one’s for you. We cover: • Why regulated and calm are not always the same thing  • The nervous system–behaviour connection • Why regulation is deeply individual • What dysregulation actually looks like (and what it doesn’t) • How people respond to triggers (and why) • Why punishment doesn’t teach regulation • The impact of modern life on already stretched nervous systems Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

    28 min
  6. Episode 2: Words Matter - Why Behaviour Isn't What You Think It Is

    Mar 22

    Episode 2: Words Matter - Why Behaviour Isn't What You Think It Is

    Before we can support behaviour… we need to talk about the way we talk about behaviour. In this episode, we unpack some of the biggest misconceptions floating around in parenting, education and disability spaces; from “behaviour management” to the obsession with consequences and punishment. Because the language we use isn’t just semantics. It shapes how we see people, how we respond in hard moments, and ultimately whether we support behaviour… or just try to control it. We explore: • Why behaviour isn’t something to “fix” • The difference between behaviour management and behaviour support • Why punishment is still everywhere (even when we say it isn’t) • What actually works instead If you’ve ever been told someone is “attention seeking”, “manipulative”, or just “needs firmer boundaries”… this episode might challenge a few things you thought you knew. And that’s kind of the point.

    20 min
  7. Episode 1 - All about Behave (and us)

    Mar 3

    Episode 1 - All about Behave (and us)

    Episode 1: Why Behave? (And Why Us?) Two behaviour nerds walk into a podcast… In our very first episode, we answer the obvious questions: Who the heck are these two women, and why did they start a behaviour podcast? After years working in disability, education and behaviour support, we’ve watched the conversation about behaviour get louder… and less accurate. Quick fixes. Compliance culture. Oversimplified advice. Burnt-out families. Under-resourced systems. So we decided to do something about it. In this episode, we talk about: Our backgrounds & credentials The moments that changed how we see behaviour What “relearning behaviour” actually means Why neuroaffirming practice isn’t a trend — it’s a necessity And what you can expect from this podcast If you’ve ever felt stuck, judged, overwhelmed, or quietly thought “surely there’s a better way” — this is for you. Welcome to Behave. Let’s unlearn a few things.

    23 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

What if behaviour wasn’t something to fix… But something to understand? Welcome to Behave — a podcast about relearning behaviour. We’re Eleanor Brink and Erika Gleeson — two advanced/specialist Behaviour Practitioners. Together, we’re here to challenge everything you thought you knew about behaviour. This podcast is for parents, carers, educators, and professionals who are tired of behaviour charts, sticker systems, and being told to “just be more consistent.” Because when we know better, we do better.

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