Functional Relations

Zachary Bird, PhD, BCBA-D and Caleb Davis, PhD, BCBA-D
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Apr 1, 2026 • 41min

#41 - Student Episode: 7 Dimensions of ABA

In this episode, Zach and Caleb have a discussion to help students understand the 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis from the 1968 article "Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis" by Baer, Wolf, & Risley. This covers A.5. of the BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed). No CEs are available for this episode. Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership References: Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 1(1), 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91
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Mar 1, 2026 • 1h 9min

#40 - Rethinking How We Teach Tacts w/ Dr. Judah Axe

In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss rethinking how we approach teaching tacts w/ Dr. Judah Axe. 0.5 Ethic/0.5 General CEU (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Making meaningful book Essentials for living References: Axe, J. B., & Laprime, A. P. (2017). The effects of contingent pairing on establishing praise as a reinforcer with children with autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 29(2), 325-340. Bahry, S., Gerhardt, P. F., Weiss, M. J., Leaf, J. B., Putnam, R. F., & Bondy, A. (2023). The ethics of actually helping people: Targeting skill acquisition goals that promote meaningful outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16(3), 672-695. Barosky, C. (2023). Antecedent variables influencing tacting with children with autism [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Simmons University. Clements, C. C., Zoltowski, A. R., Yankowitz, L. D., Yerys, B. E., Schultz, R. T., & Herrington, J. D. (2018). Evaluation of the social motivation hypothesis of autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA psychiatry, 75(8), 797-808. Dozier, C. L., Iwata, B. A., Thomason‐Sassi, J., Worsdell, A. S., & Wilson, D. M. (2012). A comparison of two pairing procedures to establish praise as a reinforcer. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 45(4), 721-735. Dube, W. V., MacDonald, R. P., Mansfield, R. C., Holcomb, W. L., & Ahearn, W. H. (2004). Toward a behavioral analysis of joint attention. The Behavior Analyst, 27(2), 197-207. Dudley, L. L., Axe, J. B., Allen, R. F., & Sweeney‐Kerwin, E. J. (2019). Establishing praise as a conditioned reinforcer: Pairing with one versus multiple reinforcers. Behavioral Interventions, 34(4), 534-552. Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 55(1), 3. Cengher, M., & Fienup, D. M. (2020). Presession attention affects the acquisition of tacts and intraverbals. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(3), 1742-1767. Moher, C. A., Gould, D. D., Hegg, E., & Mahoney, A. M. (2008). Non‐generalized and generalized conditioned reinforcers: Establishment and validation. Behavioral Interventions: Theory & Practice in Residential & Community‐Based Clinical Programs, 23(1), 13-38. Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Sundberg, M. L. (2008). VB-MAPP Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program: a language and social skills assessment program for children with autism or other developmental disabilities: guide. Mark Sundberg. Sundberg, M. L., & Partington, J. W. (1998). Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS). Pleasant Hill, CA: Behavior Analysts, Inc.
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Feb 1, 2026 • 1h 9min

#39 - The Science of Positive Culture Building w/ Dr. Bruce Tinor

In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss practices that support building positive cultures within educational settings with Dr. Bruce Tinor. 1 Supervision CEU (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Book on four hats of leadership: Positional Authority Ain't Leadership: Behavioral Science for Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding A$$ Clownery: Gavoni, Dr. Paul: 9798989798100: Amazon.com: Books References: Skinner, B. F. (1984). Selection by consequences. Behavioral and brain sciences, 7(4), 477-481.
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Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 6min

#38 - Can I Take That $11 Gift Card? w/ Dr. Paula Kenyon

In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss the BACB ethics codes related to giving gifts, accepting gifts, and multiple relationships with Dr. Paula Kenyon. 1 Ethics CEU (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Link to book Daily Ethics: Amazon.com: Daily Ethics: Creating Intentional Practice for Behavior Analysts: 9798988654858: Sellers, Tyra, Patrizi, Emily, Lichtenberger, Sarah: Books Link to Functional Relations Podcast Episode #1 where we first discuss this topic: S1E1- CAN I TAKE THAT GLASS OF WATER? Link to Functional Relations Podcast Episode w/ Dr. Tyra Sellers: S3E1 - THE SUPERVISOR EXPERIENCE: BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE SUPERVISOR W/ DR. TYRA SELLERS References: Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts - codes 1.11, 1.12
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Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 25min

#37 - Pavlovian Conditioning for the Applied Behavior Analyst w/ Dr. Michael Domjan

In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss respondent concepts such as habituation, sensitization, and Pavlovian conditioning with Dr. Michael Domjan, and how these processes are relevant in applied clinical practice. 1.5 CEUs (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) are available for this episode. You can purchase them at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Things to check out from the episode: Dr. Domjan's Youtube channel: Introduction to Learning and Behavior: Key Concepts Dr. Domjan's textbooks discussed during the episode: The Essentials of Conditioning and Learning, Fifth Edition Amazon.com: The Principles of Learning and Behavior: 9781285088563: Domjan, Michael P.: Books References: Breland, K., & Breland, M. (1961). The misbehavior of organisms. American psychologist, 16(11), 681. Groves, P. M., & Thompson, R. F. (1970). Habituation: a dual-process theory. Psychological review, 77(5), 419. Skinner, B. F. (1965). Science and human behavior (No. 92904). Simon and Schuster. Weinert, C., Maier, C., Laumer, S., & Weitzel, T. (2022). Repeated IT Interruption: Habituation and Sensitization of User Responses. Journal of Management Information Systems, 39(1), 187–217. Wolpe, J., Brady, J. P., Serber, M., Agras, W. S., & Liberman, R. P. (1973). The current status of systematic densitization. American Journal of Psychiatry, 130(9), 961-965.
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Nov 1, 2025 • 1h 32min

#36 - Did Skinner Meditate? Behaviorism Meets Contemplative Living w/ David Roth

David Roth, a behavior analyst and member of the B.F. Skinner Foundation, explores the intersection of behaviorism and meditation. He shares insights into Skinner's thoughts on meditation and offers a behavior-analytic breakdown of self-mands and mindful practices. The conversation delves into everyday meditative routines, the significance of breath observation, and the challenges of loving-kindness. David also emphasizes the link between a deterministic view and enhanced compassion, encouraging practical ways to integrate contemplative habits into daily life.
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4 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 8min

#35 - Ethics of AI in behavioral services w/ Dr. David Cox

Join Dr. David Cox, an expert in AI and ethics in behavioral services, as he explores the fine line between innovation and safety in AI applications. Discover how AI technologies like natural language processing and robotics can enhance behavior analysis practices. Dr. Cox addresses critical topics, including data privacy risks, the importance of transparency in AI use, and the need for ethical guidelines specifically for AI. He emphasizes the necessity of balancing rapid advancements with trustworthy implementations to safeguard both practitioners and clients.
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Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 29min

#34 - Feedback and Leadership w/ Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni

In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss feedback and leadership with Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni. 1.5 Supervision CEs (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) are available for this episode. You can purchase them at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership Dr. Gavoni's Digital Business Card Some of Dr. Gavoni's books: The Feedback Effect: Lead Smarter, Not Harder With the Science of Human Behavior Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science Positional Authority Ain't Leadership: Behavioral Science for Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding A$$ Clownery Deliberate Coaching: Optimizing Teaching and Learning Through Behavior Science: Education Edition The Feedback Effect: Lead Smarter, Not Harder With the Science of Human Behavior References: Austin, J. (2000). Performance analysis and performance diagnostics. Handbook of applied behavior analysis, 321-349. Bukszpan, A. R., Leaf, J. B., O'Brien, J. G., Lewis, A., Kristiansen, S., Lord, J., ... & Weiss, M. J. (2025). Utilizing the Teaching Interaction Procedure to Train Special Education Teachers in Behavioral Artistry. Behavioral Interventions, 40(3), e70017. Green, D. R., Ferguson, J. L., Cihon, J. H., Torres, N., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., ... & Leaf, J. B. (2020). The teaching interaction procedure as a staff training tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13(2), 421-433.
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4 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 36min

#33 - Student Episode: Mentalism vs Radical Behaviorism

Zach and Caleb dive into the intriguing clash between radical behaviorism and mentalism. They explore how mentalistic explanations can hinder effective interventions, using frustration as a prime example. The duo emphasizes pragmatic approaches, citing William James on the importance of prediction and control in psychology. They also shed light on radical behaviorism's take on private events and environmental analysis. Listeners are left with a better understanding of behavior through the lens of environmental contingencies rather than inner causes.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 9min

#32 - Is Private Equity Good for ABA? w/ Dr. Cody Morris

In this episode, Zach and Caleb discuss private equity as an ownership structure and its implications for ABA companies w/ Dr. Cody Morris. 1 Ethics CE (BACB, IBAO, and/or QABA) is available for this episode. You can purchase it at https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com Become a member to get access to our entire library of CEs and access exclusive behind the scenes content for $79/yr. https://www.functionalrelationspodcast.com/subscription/membership References: Morris, C. (2025). Private Equity in Behavior Analysis: A Reckoning. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 1-7. Morris, C., Grauerholz-Fisher, E., Ellsworth, M. E., & Crocker, C. E. (2024). A primer on private equity ownership in ABA. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-10. Palley, H. A. (1985). The Social Transformation of American Medicine.

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