Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

In this conversation, Dr. Ruby Mannankara-Cabrera shares her journey in behavior analysis, emphasizing the importance of cultural responsiveness in clinical practice. She discusses her experiences in nonprofit work, the challenges of integrating cultural humility into treatment, and her decision to pursue a doctorate focused on creating a culturally responsive curriculum for behavior analysts. Dr....

In Episode 111,   Ben speaks with Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez, an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Bemidji State University and is the President-Elect of the Society of Indian Psychologists. Dr. Baez is of Mohawk/Pawnee/Coahuiltecan and Mexican descent. Dr. Baez uses a culturally responsive approach he developed in 2009 called the 'Sweetgrass Method' which incorporates...

In this conversation, Jessie Arroyave shares her journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and discusses the challenges and opportunities for ABA in Guatemala. She highlights the importance of education, mentorship, and community building in advancing the field, as well as the need for more certified professionals and resources to support families with autism. Jessie also talks about...

In this conversation, Asmahan discusses the critical need for improved safeguarding strategies in education, particularly in the context of sexual health and behavior management. She emphasizes the importance of cultural responsiveness in her work within the Arab world, highlighting the skills necessary for effective intervention. Asmahan explains the concept of behavioral activation, detailing ho...

In this conversation, Dr. Kasey Bedard discusses Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), focusing on its genetic basis, symptoms, and the importance of early intervention. She emphasizes the significance of dietary management, particularly in addressing hyperphagia, and explores behavioral challenges such as skin picking and emotional regulation. Dr. Bedard highlights the role of parent training programs and...

In this conversation, Rochelle and Rahma share their journeys into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the UK, discussing their backgrounds, the evolution of ABA practices, and the current challenges faced in certification and public perception. They explore the role of the UK SBA in promoting ABA services and the importance of representation in the community. They also delve into the...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. C. Richard Spates shares his journey as the first Black behavior analyst and clinical psychologist, discussing the evolution of behavior analysis, the impact of social justice movements on the field, and the complexities of trauma treatment. He critiques the rise of treatment packages in psychology, particularly EMDR, and introduces the concept of moral injury, e...

In this conversation, Dr. Erika McDowell discusses the challenges and opportunities within the education system, focusing on school enrollment, the importance of capital in education, and the role of micro-schools and Montessori education. She emphasizes the need for liberatory schools that prioritize freedom and inclusivity, while also addressing the intersection of PBIS and Montessori practices....

In this conversation, Cheretta Clerkley discusses the future of the Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS), emphasizing the need for the organization to evolve and offer more value to its members. She outlines innovative changes, including new educational opportunities, partnerships, and a focus on inclusivity. The new APBS Executive Director also highlights the importance of internation...

In episode 194, Ben Reiman interviews Issac Morgan and Wesley Guy, two Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). They share their journeys into the field, discussing their experiences and the challenges they faced, particularly regarding training and identity. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, the need for diversity in the field...

In this conversation, Dr. Amber Sessoms discusses the complexities of identity and community within the Black experience, particularly in predominantly white spaces. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, the need for intentional conversations at home, and the role of education in challenging harmful narratives. Dr. Sessoms also explores the significance of ancestry and historical trauma, ad...

This conversation explores the contributions of three authors of the paper: Behavior Analysis in Venezuela: An Unrecognized Legacy published in the journal, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and outlines their journeys from Venezuela to the U.S., and the socio-political context that shaped their experiences. The speakers discuss the rich history of behavior analysis in Venezuela, the unique Latin Ame...

In this conversation, Ben Reiman interviews Hanna Kalinouskaya, a behavior analyst from Belarus, who shares her journey from being a musician to becoming the first BCBA in her country. She discusses the political situation in Belarus, the challenges faced by families with children with autism, and the evolution of autism services in the region. Hanna also talks about her experiences during the war...

In Episode 190, Leslie Peters shares her story as a Métis individual, exploring her family history, cultural identity, and the impact of colonization. Leslie discusses her professional role in student support services in the Yukon, her experiences growing up in a mixed heritage family, and the importance of understanding and embracing Métis culture. The conversation delves into the complexities of...

In this conversation, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu shares her journey as an Autistic individual and advocate for disability justice. She discusses her background, the challenges she faced growing up, and her experiences with mental health. Morénike emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities. The conversation also delves into the...

In this conversation, Ben Reiman and Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo discuss the importance of Filipino identity, language diversity, current issues in the Philippines, and the resilience of Filipino culture in the face of generational trauma. She discusses the impact of her upbringing in the Philippines, the challenges she faced in the education system, and how these experiences shaped her understand...

In this conversation, Camille Proctor, the executive director of the Color of Autism Foundation, shares her personal journey of founding the organization to support families of color affected by autism. She discusses the unique challenges faced by Black families in accessing timely diagnoses and culturally competent support. The conversation explores the foundation's initiatives, including a uniqu...

In this episode,  Ben speaks with Drs. Traci Cihon, Kiyo Kazaoka, and Albert Malkin. This conversation delves into the emerging field of Culturo-Behavior Science, exploring its historical roots, practical applications, and the personal journeys of the speakers within this discipline. The discussion highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the challenges faced by behavior analy...

In episode 185 I chat with Raven Lacerte, co-founder and national ambassador for the Moose Hide Campaign, a grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness and preventing violence against women and children. She delves into the tragic realities of the Highway of Tears, a stretch of highway notorious for the disappearance of Indigenous women, and explores the historical context of violence against...

This conversation explores the development and impact of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing war. Alla Moskalets has been there from the beginning and shares her personal journey into ABA, the establishment of the Ukrainian Association for Behavior Analysis, and the challenges faced by families and professionals in the field. The discussion highli...

In this conversation, Charda'e shares her journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a behavior analyst in a general education setting. She discusses the challenges of cultural identity, code-switching, and the impact of her experiences on her professional life. The conversation delves into the unique role of behavior analysts in general education, the importance of functional analysis, and th...

This episode explores the intersections of Indigenous knowledge, colonialism, and mental health, emphasizing the need to continuously unpack modernity's implications on identity and relationships. Dr. Emma Elliott discusses the importance of strengthening community ties, the urgency of climate action, and the role of Indigenous practices in fostering resilience and well-being. They highlight the p...

In Episode 181,  Ben speaks with Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn. Dr. Minthorn is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe of Oklahoma. She is a full professor at the University of Oklahoma in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department and, in 2025 will be the first Indigenous President-Elect of the Association For The Study of Higher Education.  In this conversation, Dr. Minthorn d...

Episode 180 explores the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through the experiences of three Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and their clinical director. They discuss their journeys into ABA, the challenges faced in accessing services, and the importance of RBTs in the field. The conversation culminates in the introduction of the ABA Roundtable, a conference designed to center RBTs an...

In episode 175, Ben welcomes back Dr. Marija Čolić. Marija is an assistant professor of special education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she studies stigma in autistic people, those with developmental disabilities, and their caregivers as well as the parental experiences of autistic children.  They discuss her research in Serbia for which she won the 2021 Diversity in Research Award fr...