EveryDay ABA Podcast

In this episode of EveryDay ABA , Brittanny, Leslie, and Paola celebrate Autism Acceptance Month by breaking down Season 4 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum through a behavior analytic lens, exploring dating on the autism spectrum, social skills development, and relationship coaching. They analyze real moments from the latest season, including first-date anxiety, communication challenges, emotiona...

In this episode, the hosts take a candid and reflective look at personal growth, goal setting, and what it really takes to follow through in the middle of busy, demanding lives. Through honest conversation, they unpack the tension between setting ambitious goals and actually taking consistent action, highlighting how easily people can confuse planning with progress. Listeners are invited into a gr...

In this episode of Everyday ABA, Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie explore how societal conditioning and self-criticism shape women’s confidence at work and in life. They break down the behavioral science behind assertiveness, communication, and the fine line between being confident and being perceived as harsh. Listeners will learn practical strategies to build authentic confidence, practice assertive...

Can you really be friends with your coworkers? Workplace friendships are common, but they can also be complicated. In this episode, the hosts explore the psychology of workplace friendships and why relationships at work can feel meaningful while also creating challenges. Coworker relationships often develop through shared goals, daily interaction, and mutual support, but questions about boundaries...

In this episode of EveryDay ABA , Brittanny, Leslie, and Paola celebrate the legacy of B.F. Skinner in honor of his birthday and World Behavior Analysis Day on March 20, 2026. The hosts explore how Skinner’s behaviorist principles extend far beyond autism services and applied behavior analysis influences workplace culture, leadership, feedback, and organizational performance. The conversation exam...

Welcome to Season 2 of Everyday ABA, a podcast that applies behavior science, workplace psychology, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) to real-life leadership, work, and everyday decision-making. Hosted by Paola Ortiz, a board-certified behavior analyst, psychology professor, and workplace consultant, along with behavior consultants Leslie and Brittanny, the podcast explores how understanding hum...

In this episode, Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie unpack the reality of Queen Bee Syndrome in the workplace and how toxic leadership and scarcity culture can push women into competition instead of collaboration. The conversation explores behaviors like gatekeeping opportunities, selective mentorship, and public undermining, and how these dynamics impact psychological safety, leadership development, an...

In this episode of Everyday ABA , the hosts kick off Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by exploring gendered work and emotional labor in the workplace. They break down how women are often expected to take on invisible labor that is essential to workplace functioning but rarely recognized, rewarded, or tied to promotions. Through real-world examples, the conversation examines how...

In this episode of EveryDay ABA , Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie discuss Employee Appreciation Day coming up on March 6. The conversation explores how unclear expectations, weak systems, inconsistent feedback, and poor leadership practices create environments where employees struggle to succeed, especially in human services and ABA organizations. Drawing from principles of organizational behavior ma...

In this episode of EveryDay ABA , Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny explore how understanding relationships through the lens of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can improve partnership dynamics. The hosts discuss how to identify patterns in relationship behaviors, determine the function of those behaviors, and apply reinforcement strategies to increase positive interactions. Listeners learn practical to...

This week, the hosts examine why labeling people as difficult often obscures what is actually happening behaviorally and how applied behavior analysis (ABA) provides a clearer, more functional framework. Using behavior science, the episode explores how to operationally define difficult behavior, identify early behavioral red flags in professional and personal relationships, and determine when boun...

In this episode of Everyday ABA, hosts Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie discuss communication styles, listening behaviors, and why even good intentions can lead to misunderstandings, especially in professional and personal relationships. The hosts unpack real-life communication failures, exploring how tone, clarity, and delivery shape how messages are received. Brittanny shares her journey of self-awa...

This week, Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny break down how a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) can be used far beyond business strategy and applied to personal growth, career planning, and professional sustainability. Using an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and psychology lens, the conversation explores how strengths reflect reinforced behaviors, weaknesses often signa...

We all think we’re good listeners… until we’re in conflict. In this episode of Everyday ABA , hosts Paola, Brittany, and Leslie break down listening styles. Not how we talk , but how we hear ; and, why listening is often the real reason communication falls apart. Using applied behavior analysis (ABA), psychology, and real-life examples from their own dynamic, they explore five common communication...

What do timeshares, ABA, and selling your services have in common? More than you think. In this episode of EveryDay ABA , Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie are joined by Graham Lukas, one of the top sales performers for Hyatt Vacation Club, to explore sales through a behavioral science lens. This is not a pitch about timeshares. It is a deep dive into influence, motivation, and persuasion using real-wo...

In this episode of Everyday ABA , Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie are joined by Northwestern Mutual financial advisor, Tommy Smith, to break down retirement planning through a behavioral lens. Using principles from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the conversation demystifies 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth vs. traditional accounts, employer matches, and target date funds in a way that feels practical rather tha...

In this episode of Everyday ABA, Brittanny, Paola, and Leslie move past vague resolutions and break down how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help you set 2026 goals that actually stick. From light-hearted stories about the week to deeper conversations about self-belief, accountability, and behavior change, this episode blends real life with behavioral science in a relatable, practical way. Rat...

In this episode of EveryDay ABA , Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny continue their conversation on The 5-Second Rule and break down how this popular productivity tool can be understood through an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) lens. This episode moves beyond theory and into real-life application, exploring how the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown can help with task initiation, emotional regulation, communication,...

This week, Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny dive into Mel Robbins’ Five Second Rule and break down why it works through the lens of Applied Behavior Analysis. If you’ve ever struggled with procrastination, low motivation, decision fatigue, or the mental load of everyday life, this episode gives you actionable strategies you can start using today. The hosts show how a simple countdown can interrupt hes...

In this episode of Everyday ABA, hosts Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny discuss Lean Six Sigma, particularly the White Belt, and its application in various fields. They delve into the DMAIC framework, emphasizing its relevance in problem-solving and process improvement. The hosts share practical examples and discuss the role of third parties in identifying inefficiencies. The episode concludes with an...

This week, the hosts and feminist leadership expert Dr. Deepa explore the systemic and gendered roots of burnout for women in leadership. The conversation focuses on delegation as a critical leadership skill, exploring why many women struggle to delegate, how cultural expectations and upbringing shape “do it all” behavior, and how redefining responsibility can transform both personal and professio...

This week, the hosts explore the power of gratitude practices and how cultivating a grateful mindset can enhance mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Listeners learn the importance of expressing gratitude consistently and how daily gratitude habits can enhance happiness and personal growth. The episode offers practical strategies for building gratitude into everyday life, including t...

This week, Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie sit down with Board Certified Behavior Analyst Patricia (Tricia) Lund to unpack one of the most avoided yet deeply human topics- death, dying, and grief. Together, they explore how people experience grief, why traditional behavior plans often miss the mark, and how clinicians and caregivers can respond with compassion instead of compliance. From understandin...

In this episode of Everyday ABA, hosts Paola, Leslie and Brittanny, engage in a deep conversation with Debbie Simmons, the CEO of Anchor Point. They explore Debbie's innovative BEST strategy (Breathe, Evaluate, Step back, and Take Action). This method is designed to help individuals navigate challenging situations, particularly in the context of trauma-informed care and parenting. Debbie shares ho...

Hosts Paola, Leslie, and Brittanny break down Netflix’s Love Is Blind Season 9 episode 12 and the Reunion. From the Gottman Institute’s research on relationships to ABA principles like reinforcement, learned behavior, and values, they unpack what makes some couples thrive while others crash. You’ll hear real-world examples from the reunion explained through an ABA and psychology lens. Whether you’...