The BC(BAes)

There’s a conversation happening in ABA that not enough people are talking about… and it’s this:👉 Why does so much research never actually make it into real-life practice? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jared Van to unpack the disconnect between researchers and practitioners—and honestly… some of it might surprise you. From universities missing the mark, to research that feels “too far rem...

What happens when the science of behavior meets the reality of parenting… and they don’t always align? 😅In Part 2 with Nissa, we get real—like really real—about what it’s like being a BCBA and a parent. From emotional moments behind closed doors to token economies failing spectacularly (yes, literally thrown back in your face 💀), this episode pulls back the curtain on the pressure behavior analy...

Are we actually serving our clients… or just teaching them to fit into OUR world? 👀In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Jordan & Melina sit back down with Javon May to get real about what it actually takes to provide ethical, culturally responsive ABA services—especially in a city as diverse as LA 🌍This isn’t surface-level “DEI training” talk. This is about:💥 Biases we don’t even realiz...

What if we’ve been measuring behavior… the wrong way this whole time? 👀In this episode of The BC(BAes) Podcast, Jordan and Melina sit down with Dr. Jared Van to break down one of the most powerful — and overlooked — tools in ABA:📊 Precision TeachingFrom his journey into behavior analysis to earning his PhD through a DM on Instagram 😳, Dr. Jared shares how he became a leading voice in precision...

Is compassion in ABA a “soft skill”… or a missing piece of the science? 👀In this episode of The BC(BAes) Podcast, Melina and Jordan sit down with Dr. Nissa Intarachote Van Etten, BCBA and leader in training and development, to unpack one of the most important — and often overlooked — topics in behavior analysis:🧠 Compassionate careWith over 20 years in the field, Dr. Nissa shares why she dedicat...

She was doing telehealth before telehealth even existed… 🤯In this episode of The BC(BAes) Podcast, Jordan and Melina sit down with Emaley McCulloch, Chief Clinical Officer at Motivity, to unpack her incredible journey from early ABA pioneer to tech innovator. From taking data as a child 📊 (yes, really), to building autism programs in Hawaii and Tokyo, to creating one of the first ABA training vi...

Can you scale an ABA company without losing your values… or your soul? 👀In this episode of The BC(BAes) Podcast, Jordan and Melina sit down with Javon May, CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of Autonomous Behavior Solutions in Los Angeles, for a real conversation about growing an ABA business the right way. The ABA field is expanding faster than ever. 🚀 But with growth comes hard questions:⚖️ How do...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a leader whose journey embodies what it truly means to build, grow, and lead in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. From early challenges to building thriving agencies, to redefining mentorship, culture, and community impact — this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to level up. We dive into:💡 The truth about mentorship (and wh...

In this special on-the-road episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina pile into the car with keynote speaker Dr. Andre Anderson, the First Lady Angie, Amber Furby and a car full of powerhouse energy fresh off the ABA conference stage. From unpacking the keynote’s impact, to talking about representation, leadership, multitasking at conferences, love, poetry, cognitive maps, symbolism, and the emot...

🎧 Episode Description:In this inspiring episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina sit down with Marquii Jacobs—aka The ABA Guru—to talk all things legacy, leadership, and leveraging social media to create meaningful change in behavior analysis. Marquii shares her journey in the field, her approach to ethical and engaging dissemination, and how she balances professionalism with authenticity onlin...

🎧 Episode Description: Parenting While Neurodivergent: Lessons in Love, Awareness & AdvocacyIn this raw and powerful episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Maryna sit down with the incredible SupernNovaMomma (Natasha) — advocate, educator, and proud neurodivergent mother — to talk about what it really looks like to navigate parenting, partnership, and personal growth when both parents are neurod...

In this episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina sit down live at the BMBA Summit with powerhouse entrepreneur and content creator Christina Torres (ABA Made EZ). Christina opens up about her journey into independent practice, how her daughter’s NICU experience shaped her resilience, and why BCBAs must lean into entrepreneurship, transparency, and community building. Together, we dive into what...

In this powerful episode of The BC(BAes), Jordan and Melina sit down with Michael Conteh, a seasoned behavior analyst, CEO, and OBM leader. Together, they explore how efficiency and empathy can work hand-in-hand in the workplace. 💡✨From preventing burnout to staying motivated, and from focusing on your best ideas to leading with compassion, this conversation offers practical strategies and real-...

Change is never easy—especially when it means stepping away from something that has shaped you for years. In this heartfelt episode, Jordan and Melina dive into the topic of transitions in the ABA field. Melina reflects on her journey leaving the clinic setting they’ve both been part of for over five years, sharing what it’s like to process that change on both a personal and professional level. To...

In this heartfelt episode of The BC(BAes, we sit down with a dedicated parent to discuss what it's really like navigating ABA services from the other side. From diagnosis day emotions to celebrating small wins (like restaurant dinners without behaviors or the triumph of shoe-tying!), this episode sheds light on the profound impact that RBTs, BCBAs, and true connection can have on a family'...

Welcome back to The BC(BAes)! In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with a community leader from the Andy & Aiden Safety Group—a grassroots initiative bringing law enforcement, neurodivergent youth, and their families together for hands-on safety education, empowerment, and connection. We talk about:How this movement got startedThe life-changing impact on autistic children and th...

In this heart-opening episode of The BC(BAes), we sit down with Rubi — a powerful mother, advocate, and truth-teller — as she shares her raw, real journey through autism diagnosis, denial, advocacy, and everything in between. From crying in silence to standing proudly in the light with her boys, Rubi takes us through the emotional complexity of navigating early childhood milestones, working with p...

In this hilarious, insightful episode of The BC(BAes), Melina and Jordan break down the concept of Interobserver Agreement (IOA) — what it is, why it matters, and how it shows up both in our work and in our personal lives 🧠💬. From data collection drama 😅 to learning humbling lessons as BCBAs, this episode keeps it 💯 while staying informative and real. They also share:Common IOA mistakes 😬Real...

Welcome back to The BC(BAes) with your favorite Board Certified BAEs — Melina & Jordan! 💁🏽‍♀️💁🏾‍♂️ In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of Behavior Cusps and Pivotal Behaviors — what they are, how they differ, and why it matters in both your clinical practice and daily life. From toddler communication breakthroughs 🧠💬 to learning public transportation 🚌💼 and strengthening...

Being a BCBA and a parent presents unique challenges and insights! In this episode, Melina and Jordan, board-certified behavior analysts and mothers, dive deep into the realities of applying ABA principles at home while navigating the joys and struggles of parenthood. They share personal experiences, discuss the importance of ethical practice (especially avoiding multiple relationships), and explo...

In the final episode of our powerful series with Seamus, the BC(BAes) dive deep into one of the most critical and misunderstood truths: every neurodivergent person is unique. Together, we challenge myths like “autistic people are always…” and discuss the real impact of stereotyping within clinical, educational, and everyday settings. We explore the Double Empathy Problem, person-centered practices...

Welcome back to The BC(BAes) Podcast with Melina and Jordan! In this episode, we're joined by Seamus as we dive into the powerful and personal topic of neurodivergence, identity, and the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. Join us as Seamus shares key experiences that have shaped his understanding of being neurodivergent, from childhood diagnosis to adulthood self-acceptance. We discu...

Welcome to another episode of The BC(BAes) podcast with Melina and Jordan! In this insightful episode, we continue our conversation with Sheamus, diving deep into autism, masking, and the evolution of ABA practices. As two seasoned BCBAs and an RBT turned BCBA, we explore personal journeys and professional insights, focusing on the balance between respecting neurodiversity and providing effective...

In this episode, Melina and Jordan, your Board Certified Baes, are joined by their first guest, Sheamus O'Hara, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Sheamus shares his personal journey growing up as an autistic individual with ADHD, OCD, and bipolar 2, reflecting on identity-first language, the importance of context in self-identification, and the complexities of navigating life as a neur...

In this episode, the Baes tackle a crucial yet often overlooked part of the BACB Ethics Code—1.10. As behavior analysts, maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding conflicts of interest is key to delivering high-quality, ethical services. Melina and Jordan break down why separating personal emotions from professional decisions is essential—not just for clinicians, but for parents navigating...