25 episodes

In the Thoughts & Rants of a Behavior Scientist Show, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni looks at common issues or phenomena in our personal and professional lives, gives you his thoughts, sometimes rants about it, and provides you with practical solutions rooted in the science of human behavior. Sponsored by the Opioid Awareness Foundation, whose mission is to unify influencers and exercise their platforms to promote international awareness of opioid usage and associated issues to bring attention to the dangers and risks of opioid misuse and abuse. If you want to join the battle, please go to opioidawarenessfoundation.org and donate today. 

Thoughts & Rants of a Behavior Scientist Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 32 Ratings

In the Thoughts & Rants of a Behavior Scientist Show, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni looks at common issues or phenomena in our personal and professional lives, gives you his thoughts, sometimes rants about it, and provides you with practical solutions rooted in the science of human behavior. Sponsored by the Opioid Awareness Foundation, whose mission is to unify influencers and exercise their platforms to promote international awareness of opioid usage and associated issues to bring attention to the dangers and risks of opioid misuse and abuse. If you want to join the battle, please go to opioidawarenessfoundation.org and donate today. 

    Creating Equitable Workplaces: The Role of Behavioral Science and Humane Leadership with Portia James

    Creating Equitable Workplaces: The Role of Behavioral Science and Humane Leadership with Portia James

    What does it mean to create healthier, equitable workplaces? How does behavioral science play a key role in this transformation? Join us as we welcome the insightful Portia James to answer these questions. Portia, a prominent leader in the field of behavior analysis, shares her experiences and passion for constructing fair workforces where people feel valued. She sheds light on the rapidly evolving industry, underlining the escalating demands and complexities of leadership.

    Embark with us on Portia's personal odyssey as she navigates the challenges of leading in a domain that often prioritizes corporate power, money, and titles over human-centric approaches. Journey with us through the intricate world of entrepreneurship and leadership, where Portia emphasizes on the necessity for decision-making prowess and perspective-taking. We delve into the science of behavior analysis as the very DNA of leadership, stressing on the alignment of values and behaviors. As leaders, we must ensure accountability and resist the temptation to get overly absorbed in daily business trivialities.

    In our concluding act, Portia and I focus on the essential subject of feedback and perspective in leadership. We scrutinize the dangerous notion of 'selling your soul' and how it cannibalizes a person's essence over time. Portia highlights the essence of humility in leadership and the need for feedback, both from industry veterans and team members within our organization. We wrap up with Portia sharing her insights on using social media effectively for communication and fostering engaging conversations. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the significance of vision, integrity, and humility in leadership.
    Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement 
    The Behavioral Toolbox 
    Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

    • 49 min
    Niche + Passion + Science: Crafting Your Unique Journey in Applied Behavior Analysis with Dr. Antonio Harrison

    Niche + Passion + Science: Crafting Your Unique Journey in Applied Behavior Analysis with Dr. Antonio Harrison

    Hey there, fellow behavior analysts and seekers of knowledge! Get ready to dive into an eye-opening episode with Dr. Antonio Harrison, a true maverick in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). And guess what? We're not just sticking to the ordinary.

    Sure, ABA is like a superhero when it comes to helping those on the autism spectrum, but in this chat, we're blowing the lid off its potential. But hold on, that's not all. Ever wondered how to blend your niche with your passions and craft your own ABA path? Dr. Harrison and I spill the beans on exactly that. Tune in to find out how to explore how to leverage your passion and unleash your potential through the magic of ABA.

    Link to Antonio's letter discussed in the episode
    Link to Antonio's website






    Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement 
    The Behavioral Toolbox 
    Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

    • 59 min
    Trauma Informed Care: Some ThingsYou Should Know

    Trauma Informed Care: Some ThingsYou Should Know

    From a behavior analytic perspective, trauma can be seen as an aversive event or series of events that have led to maladaptive behavior patterns or reactions to certain stimuli.  When we understand that an individual's behaviors might be a response to trauma, we can respond more effectively. But how can we better understand trauma? And what constitutes effective responses from a behavior analytic lens?

    In this episode, I gathered accomplished behavior analysts Steve Ward, Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman, Dr. Jennifer Austin, and David Roth to dig into a number of questions as a call for nuance on the topic.

    AN IMPORTANT AND PERSONAL NOTE ON THIS EPISODE:
    I believe there are a number of very good and compassionate behavior analysts who feel one way or another about the concept and approaches associated with TIC. Unfortunately, in some cases, it's led to a classification of behaviors that might be labeled "cancel culture." This is an important topic, and engaging in these types of cancel culture behaviors can create defensiveness and division as opposed to open dialogue and learning. In addition, it tends to punish philosophical doubt, a fundamental underpinning of science.

    Using coercion to drive a point home, even if it's a good point, too often leads to counter-control, which usually makes things worse. Let's make a stand on our points, but do so respectfully and in a way that keeps the conversation going. I was grateful to learn from these brilliant and compassionate behavior analysts.. #walkthetalk
    Links:
    1) Trauma-Informed Care, Assent, and Compassion - A Call for Nuance in ABA
    2.) An Intellectually Honest Discussion about Punishment and CESS
    3.) Assent and Compliance - When to Use Which
    4.) Punishment on Trial in Behavior Analysis
    5.)Trauma-Informed Care, Assent, and Compassion - A Call for Nuance in ABA
    6.) Towards Trauma-Informed Applications of Behavior Analysis: Inside JABA Series
    7.)  American Medical Association support for ABA
    8.) Toward Trauma-Informed Applications of Behavior Analysis
    Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement 
    The Behavioral Toolbox 
    Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

    • 1 hr 59 min
    Using ABA to Improve Sleep Performance and Organizational Outcomes with Dr. Emily Ice

    Using ABA to Improve Sleep Performance and Organizational Outcomes with Dr. Emily Ice

    As an entrepreneurial Behavior Analyst, Dr. Emily Ice  has participated in founding organizations within the non-profit and profit sectors for over two decades. Additionally, she has expertise in consultation and mentorship with applying Applied Behavior Analysis for the treatment of sleep disturbances.

    In this chat we discuss behavioral approaches for improving sleep; in addition, cover key principles for improving the performance and sustainability of behavior analytic organizations.

    Dr. Ice’s consultation link: stepinautism.com/sleep
    Here is a great overview of behavior analytic research provided by Dr. Ice

    Luiselli, J. K. (2021). Applied behavior analysis measurement, assessment, and treatment of sleep and sleep‐related problems. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(2), 654-667. (link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Luiselli-2/publication/351117293_Applied_behavior_analysis_measurement_assessment_and_treatment_of_sleep_and_sleep-related_problems/links/60885e34907dcf667bcac1b4/Applied-behavior-analysis-measurement-assessment-and-treatment-of-sleep-and-sleep-related-problems.pdf)
    *Check out his reference list and deep dive into some of the great articles out there exploring this realm!
    Dr. Ice is on the public outreach committee for the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM). The SBSM is an interdisciplinary organization committed to advancing the scientific approach to studying the behavioral, psychological, and physiological dimensions of sleep and sleep disorders and the application of this knowledge to the betterment of individuals and societies worldwide. (link: https://www.behavioralsleep.org/)
    There is also a Facebook group to connect with other behavior analysts interested in sleep-related behaviors: (link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/403669074259028)
     
    Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement 
    The Behavioral Toolbox 
    Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

    • 56 min
    Following Your Passion, Defining Success, and Leveraging Business Intelligence with Dr. Nick Green

    Following Your Passion, Defining Success, and Leveraging Business Intelligence with Dr. Nick Green

    In the episode, Dr. Nick Green and I dive into issues related to finding the right career, determining what success is, and effectively using data to improve and sustain organizational success.

    Email Nick: Nick@behaviorfit.com
    Find him on LinkedIn: Nick on LinkedIn
    Behaviorfit Website https://www.behaviorfit.com
    Learn about Business Intelligence: https://behaviorfit.com/business-intelligence/
    Follow BehaviorFit on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behaviorfit/
    Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement 
    The Behavioral Toolbox 
    Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

    • 55 min
    Behavior Analysis and Leadership: A Primer for BABA Con 2023

    Behavior Analysis and Leadership: A Primer for BABA Con 2023

    In this episode, Dr. Bruce Tinor and I talk shop about leadership in schools and organizations. We will be presenting on leadership in education at the sold-out BABACon 2023.
    Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement 
    The Behavioral Toolbox 
    Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
32 Ratings

32 Ratings

Steven j Ward ,

The voice of science

Dr. Gavoni provides so much positive energy and clarity as he promotes a real understanding of behavioral science. Strategies will come and go, but Dr. Gavoni will help ensure that behavioral science endures!

416rem ,

Assent ABA Trauma Informed Care Episode

Great episode! It is wonderful to hear that as a BCBA I am not alone with my thoughts on the potential poor outcomes of using assent, the lack of clarity on assent, and that single offensive statement that we should “assume” that our clients have experienced trauma. Thank you so much for putting together such an amazing group of professionals discuss these topics. I feel better knowing that there is a growing alliance on these issues.

ASHLYN,s ,

One of the best shows

Dr Paulie always delivers content that is right on point and reflective of what is occurring on the ground, in the field. He is honest, candid, and super relatable. His shows are a must listen for anyone in the field!

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