Behavior Bitches

40 Episodes
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By: Study Notes ABA, LLC

Ever wonder why guys always assume you’re down to get dirty within 3 seconds of meeting them? Why you keep making the same bad decisions and getting back with your crummy ex? Why you can’t stick to a diet? Well, there’s a reason and we’re ready to be direct AF with you by behaviorally breaking down the situation and identifying the function in a way that any average Joe or Jane can understand. Liat Sacks, a badass Behavior Analyst and your soon to be BFF, makes this “random” world make sense through the lens of Applied Behavior Analysis (AB

Shiny Happy People Cult to Stand Up Comedy with Davey Jackson (Part 1)
#183
Last Monday at 11:30 AM

In part one of this wild 2-part convo, Liat chats with comedian and cult survivor Davey Jackson. From escaping a high-control group to crushing it on stage, Davey’s story is raw, real, and ridiculously funny. You’ll laugh, gasp, and maybe even have a new crush.

Behavior Concepts Covered:

Pairing

Behavior Contract

Stimulus Discrimination

Modeling

Operational Definition

Dead Man’s Test

Positive & Negative Reinforcement

Matching Law

Connect with Davey:

Instagram - @daveyjax

Youtube - @daveyj...


Beyond the Science with Jeron Trotman
#182
04/28/2025

This week, Liat sits down with Jeron Trotman—a badass BCBA who's redefining what it means to show up authentically in the field of behavior analysis. From his Bronx roots to making waves in boardrooms, Jeron shares how environment shapes behavior, why representation matters, and how he’s breaking barriers in a field that desperately needs it. Expect truth bombs, real talk, and plenty of laughs.

Behavior is more than science—it’s a movement. Tune in or miss the F out!

Behavior Concepts Covered:

Token Economies

Reinforcement

Dissemination

Gen...


Behavior Smackdown with Pro Wrestler Damo McCullough
#181
04/14/2025

Get ready to rumble! This week, we’re body-slamming into the world of pro wrestling with Damo McCullough—professional wrestler, gym owner, family guy, and Liat’s personal burpee dictator. Damo’s spilling all the secrets on how wrestlers use behavioral science to pump up the crowd, master insane moves, and keep the drama flowing like pyro on a championship night.

Whether you’re here for the wrestling, the behavior nerdiness, or just some good ol’ laughs, this episode is a total showstopper. Don’t forget to tag your favorite wrestlers on Instagram @behaviorbitchespodcast!

Behavior Concepts Cover...


From BCBA to Bachelor Nation with Parisa Shifteh
#180
03/31/2025

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be on The Bachelor? Well, today we’ve got the inside scoop from none other than Parisa Shifteh, BCBA and contestant from Season 29! Parisa may have left in week 4, but she’s here to spill all the behind-the-scenes tea—like how she landed on the boldest first convo of the season (yes, the PowerPoint was 100% her idea), why she literally breaks out in hives when she’s nervous, and what it’s like taking the Collective (aka the best way to pass the BCBA exam). Plus, she gives us the inside scoop on pic...


Autism, Polyvagal Theory & the ABA Debate with Sean Inderbitzen
#179
03/17/2025

In this episode, Liat sits down with Sean Inderbitzen, author of Autism in Polyvagal Terms, to break down the science behind neuroception, how the nervous system shapes behavior, and what the Polyvagal Theory means for understanding autism. They also dive into the heated world of ABA criticism—how to handle the haters, what the field gets right (and wrong), and how we can do better. This conversation will make you think differently about autism, behavior, and the future of ABA. Don’t miss it!

Behavior Concepts Covered:

Stimming

Discreet trial

Reinforcement


Apple Cider Vinegar, Belle Gibson and Faking Cancer with Expert Bill Petrich
#178
03/03/2025

On this week's episode, we sit down with Bill Petrich, a cancer survivor whose own experience opened his eyes to the shocking world of cancer fakers. We discuss the real Belle Gibson from Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar, Real Housewives of Orange County’s Brooks Ayers, Scamanda’s Amanda C. Riley, Anatomy of a Lie’s Elizabeth Finch, and more fakers and frauds that haven’t gotten their own documentaries (yet!) Bill helps us break down the M.O.s, the consequences, and more behind this bizarre behavior. Buckle up, because this one’s a wild ride through deception, manipulation...


Brainwave Behavior: Exploring Neurofeedback with Julie Bucalos
#177
02/17/2025

This week on Behavior Bitches, we’re talking all things neurofeedback with Julie Bucalos! Ever wish you could just train your brain to chill out or focus better? Neurofeedback might be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Julie breaks down how it works and how it can seriously improve your mental game. It’s science meets self-care, and it’s way cooler than you think. Listen in for a raw, real conversation about how to level up your brain.

Behavior Concepts Covered:

Confounding VariablesPrivate EventsOperant ConditioningDataPunishmentReinforcementExternal ValidityCircular ReasoningReplacement BxFunction of BxDiscrete Trial TrainingJoint AttentionAutomaticity of R+Bx...


From China to Comedy Clubs: Jiaoying Summers Tells All
#176
02/03/2025

This week, Liat sits down with the hilarious Jiaoying Summers to talk comedy, culture, and everything in between—unfiltered. Jiaoying shares childhood experiences, her thoughts on cancel culture, and swaps stories you won’t want to miss.

If you’re here for raw truths, laughs, and a bit of chaos, this episode will have you thinking and laughing all at once!

Behavior Concepts Covered:

Reinforcement +/-

Matching Law

Punishment

Pairing

Shaping

Generalized Condition Reinforcer

Tacting

Connect with Jiaoying:

summe...


Nonprofit Work, Parent Training and Real-Life Balance
#175
01/20/2025

This week Liat hangs with Brianna Sims, an amazing BCBA making waves at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa. They talk about nonprofit work, training parents, and juggling it all as a mom. Brianna spills on moving from clinical work to group programs, working with homeless families, and why trauma-informed care is a must.

It’s real, relatable, and full of tips to level up your ABA game—don’t miss it!

Behavior Concepts Covered:

Antecedent

Environment

Data

Scatterplot

Attention as a function

Function of Behavi...


*Bonus-ode: Meet the Boss Babes of Study Notes ABA
#174
01/13/2025

It’s a bonus episode, b*tches! Liat and Danielle are spilling the tea on The Live Collective—aka the ultimate BCBA test prep experience. They’re shooting the shit, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, and giving you a peek into the lives of the fabulous ladies behind Study Notes ABA.

If you’re studying for the BCBA exam (or just here for the laughs), grab your coffee, wine, or whatever fuels your study sesh, and join the fun! 💕

Connect with Behavior Bitches

• Instagram: @behaviorbitches

• Facebook: Behavior Bitches Podcast

• Website: BehaviorBitches.com

• Patre...


Teacher First, BCBA Second with The Autism Helper
#173
01/06/2025

In this episode, we chat with Sasha Long, M.A., BCBA, and founder of The Autism Helper. Sasha shares her journey from teacher to BCBA and how her teaching background shapes her practice today. We discuss the "icks" she sees in Special Ed classrooms, ways to improve teacher-BCBA collaboration, and how behavioral knowledge could transform classrooms. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and tips for teachers, parents and BCBAs!

Behavior Concepts Covered:

Schedule

Reinforcement

Pairing

Want to connect with Sasha?

Website: theautismhelper.com

Instagram...


You Matter Too: Beating Burnout with Trauma-Informed Care
#172
12/23/2024

Burnout doesn’t discriminate—it hits practitioners across all fields. In this episode, Liat sits down with two incredible trauma-informed BCBAs, Robyn Gutierrez and Jessica Woolson, to dive into the heart of self-care and anti-burnout strategies. Robyn, founder of Reflect & Refine, and Jessica, founder of The Wellness and Behavior Collective, share their personal and professional journeys in creating holistic, accessible approaches to wellness that empower practitioners to care for themselves, their coworkers, and their employees.

Whether you’re a BCBA, teacher, healthcare worker, or anyone in a demanding role, this episode is packed with insights on how trauma...


My Wife Has 21 Personalities: Exploring Dissociative Disorder (DID)
#171
12/09/2024

In this deeply insightful episode of Behavior Bitches, we’re diving into the world of dissociative identity disorder (DID) with a special guest, Matthew Fanning, whose wife lived with 21 distinct personalities. Through the lens of behavior analysis, we explore how DID impacts daily life, the misconceptions surrounding the condition, and the role of environmental contingencies in shaping behavior across personalities. This episode is packed with real-life experiences, behavioral insights, and actionable advice for fostering understanding and empathy.

**Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Connect with Matthew Fanning

Li...


The Silent Struggles: Grief, TFMR, and IVF
#170
11/25/2024

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the story of someone who has spent her life caring for other people’s children with love, patience, and dedication. For years, Jordan Litt, a BCBA and Co-Founder of CEUs by Study Notes ABA, has been the one others relied on, nurturing, teaching, and being there for countless young lives. But now, she’s facing one of the most personal, heart-wrenching journeys of her own—the journey of trying to have a child herself. As she opens up about her struggle with finding out about a joint incompatible with life carrier status and...


Guess Who's Back?
#169
09/16/2024

Back again... Tell a friend! You thought you got rid of us? Not so fast. The Behavior Bitches Podcast is back! Tune in for the tea...

Let us know if you have a topic request, guest idea, if you’d be a great guest, or just want to send us love at behaviorbitches@studynotesaba.com

Interested in advertising on our podcast? Want to get your name out there to thousands of listeners? Shoot us an email (behaviorbitches@studynotesaba.com) and we’ll send you the relevant details and analytics!

Interested in joining the BCBA...


Perfectly Confident with Don Moore: Are you feeling underconfident or perfectly confident and feeling great?
#168
07/08/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches sit down with Don Moore who identifies the ways confidence behaves in real life and raises thought-provoking questions. How optimistic should you be about an uncertain future? What justifies your confidence in something amorphous and subjective like your attractiveness or sense of humor? Moore reminds us that the key to success is to avoid being both over- and under-confident. In this essential guide, he shows how to become perfectly confident—how to strive for and maintain the well-calibrated, adaptive confidence that can elevate all areas of our lives. If you ever feel Imposter Synd...


From Chaos to Calm with Zack Kasabo
#167
06/24/2024

Certified school counselor and child/teen behavior expert Zack Kasabo shares the joys structure, lists, and working with strong-willed kids. Get the gritty details about the behavioral challenges Zack encounters in his work with kids who have an especially low tolerance for frustration. Grab a pen and paper, as we dive into some excellent strategies for connecting with strong willed kids and share some stories from the frontlines of school counseling, aunthood, parenthood, and beyond. Tune in or miss the F out!

Learn more about Zack's work by visiting his website at www.coachkasabo.com.

...


Behavior Analysts and Dating Apps
#166
06/10/2024

On today’s episode the Bitches chat with BCBA Carolyn Smith, AKA Behavior Shorty, and spill the tea on online dating with some real-life horror stories. As always, we will break these wild behaviors down through the eyes of behavior analysts. Trust us, you will never look at online dating the same way again! Tune in to hear all about it. Love you. Mean it!!

Support us at patreon.com/behaviorbitchespodcast

Insta: @behaviorbitchespodcast

Facebook: Behavior Bitches Podcast


How to Find Your Identity Outside of Your Work
#165
05/27/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches get to chat with Iveth Aguilar. She is a passionate and dedicated bilingual behavior analyst, committed in making a positive impact in the lives of individuals I partner with daily. Her mission is to not only analyze behavior but to continue advocating for the rights of individuals, ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive by blending expertise with compassion, I aim to create a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve and those who surround them. We talk all about taking a break when you need one to co...


ABA in Group Homes
#164
05/13/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches get to sit down with Arthur Hairston, BCBA. Former SNABA student turned BCBA and a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for creating positive change in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. With a proven track record in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, he is excited to share his journey in entrepreneurship and my commitment to fostering inclusive communities. He also has an awesome podcast the Behavioral Business Blueprint which talks about the behavioral health of business and how to create a successful venture. You do not want to miss this. Tune in or...


How to stop giving a flying F#%k
#163
04/29/2024

On today’s episode the Bitches talk with Gianna Biscontini about behavior, trauma, psychedelics, going through it to get through it, how to not give a flying f#%k, and most importantly her life-changing book Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom, behavior scientist, and lifestyle design coach guides women through the process of liberating themselves from the ten archaic, stifling expectations (a.k.a. Fucks) society has placed on them for over a century so they can finally live life on their terms.” Tune in to see how Gianna connects with the Bitches. It is too good to miss...


How to Persevere and Create Life-Long Healthy Habits Using ABA
#162
04/15/2024

Today on the show, the Bitches sit down with Dr. John Borgen. He is a clinical psychologist and doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst. He has synthesized his education, experience, and expertise into a scientific framework that allows you to succeed when you haven’t before. ABA is an amazing science but let’s be honest we all suck at applying the principles to our own life and habits.

Dr. Borgen wrote a book called “Persevere: The Science-based Guide to Starting lifelong habits.” “You know what you want to change, but all you’ve ever had for help is some advi...


What is Happening in the Bitches' Lives?
04/01/2024

On today’s episode we thought we were going to be talking about crazy Reddit posts, but life got in the way (in a good way), and you have all asked for an episode updating you on where we are in life now so here you go!

Also, we know this is EPISODE 162 and the rhyme is for 161, but like, seriously, there was too much going on to redo that part, so um, you will have to deal with it or miss the F out! Love you. Mean it!

Support us at patreon.com/behaviorbitchespodcast

...


How to be a Human and a BCBA
#161
03/18/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring on Dr. Terrance Bryant and have a conversation about the state of the ABA field, how to show up and use your soft skills to show that you are not a robot, but a human with real feelings and empathy. You have to have boundaries in this field, but you also need to relate to the families you work with and remember everyone is going through some sh*t. Dr. Terrence Bryant has over 20 years of practical experience in providing Applied Behavior Analysis services to a variety of populations. These include individuals wi...


PCIT and OOD
#160
03/04/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring back on one of our favorite guests, Dr. Steven Kurtz. 

As well all know, even the best-behaved children can be difficult and challenging at times. But oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) includes a frequent and ongoing pattern of anger, irritability, arguing and defiance toward parents and other authority figures. ODD also includes being spiteful and seeking revenge, a behavior called vindictiveness. These emotional and behavioral issues cause serious problems with family life, social activities, school and work. But as a parent, you don't have to try to manage a child with ODD...


Behavior of Bees
#159
02/19/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring on Jeff & Julie Russell, AKA, Mr. and Mrs. Bee Rescue! They rescue honeybees year-round in San Diego, California. Jeff has 18 years of experience in live bee removal and Julie is a new-bee. They have a buzzing Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook sharing bee rescue adventures and education! We could not BEEE more excited for these guests, you do not want to miss this fascinating conversation about all the behaviors of bees. Remember, behavior is BEEEUTIUFL! Okay enough with the Bee puns, tune in or miss the F out!!

Show No...


Are We Dating the Same Guy?
#158
02/05/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring back Carol Bell, BCBA. You may remember her from past episodes or the amazing SNABA App! Carol reached out to us about this Facebook group she found during her dating journey called “Are We Dating The Same Guy." This group is wild, and we had to break down the bizarre behaviors behaviorally….duh. With three BCBA’s on one podcast you can get ready for a million behavior concepts that will have you LOL’ing and #relating to. So, tune in or miss the F out Love ya. Mean it.

Support us...


A Mother’s Love is Limitless
#157
01/22/2024

Move over Casey. Estas estoy neuva bitch en la casa. On today’s episode, Casey has been replaced by Liat’s other BCBA bestie, Isabela Santos. Isabela is a lawyer, and upon her son’s diagnosis with autism, she decided she needed to make a major life pivot: moving to the USA and becoming a BCBA. This momma’s determination to do whatever it takes for her son to be successful is beyond inspiring. How far does a mother’s love go for her child? This episode shows just that…. #FarAF. Tune in or miss the F out!

Support us...


BCBA Fieldwork Tracker/Supervision
#156
01/08/2024

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring on a special guest, Angie Pickering, BCBA! Angie is the creator of "Tracker!" - a seamless documentation website to track hours for aspiring BCBAs. It’s a true north star to students who are gaining hours and want to ensure accuracy in documenting those hours and completing the supervision experience. The Bitches know the pain points and supervision horror stories. Yours might have been to go to graduate school and become a Behavior Analyst and sit for your BCBA exam. Then you got to the starting line and determined you had to do F...


Sugar Baby Turned BCBA
#155
12/25/2023

You gotta do what you gotta do to survive. On today’s episode, the Bitches bring on an ex-sugar baby. You may be wondering WTF is a “sugar baby”? Well, this is your cue to tune in and find out. Casey is V disappointed that she never made a cent for all those college wild nights. If you’re curious about how you can make big $$$ going on a date or sending a photo, this episode is for you. Soooo… like asking for a friend but how does one get into this?  Our guest (who is now a BCBA) spills all...


Shabbat: ABA Edition
#154
12/11/2023

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring on a former student, Michael Lebovitz, BCBA! Michael is the resident BCBA for BayCare Behavioral Unit where he works on the Community Action Team and Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program (SIPP), specializing in Trauma Focused ACT (TFACT). He is also Jewish and celebrates Shabbat weekly with his family. If you have been here for a while, you probably know Liat is also Jewish and celebrates Shabbat, and Casey has been lucky enough to join in these traditions and is always amazed at all the rules! When you break down the Shabbat traditions you ca...


Body Modification: Bad tats to Botox
#153
11/27/2023

On today’s episode, The Bitches have office banter with their fav B, Nicole. We are talking all things body modification; I mean all things- tats, botox, nose jobs, piercings, boob jobs. They discuss what body mod they have personally done as well as the functions behind why they did what they did. As always, the girls keep it real. This is a fun one. Join in or miss the F out! Love ya. Mean it.

Show Notes:

*TW: Self-harm is discussed in this episode*

Behavior Principles Covered:

Ontogeny Phylogeny Function of be...


Experimental Designs But Fun AF
#152
11/13/2023

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring on Dr. Megan Kirby who is an expert on single-case designs in ABA. We get it, this topic can be dry AF and hard to learn but if you remember Casey’s “audition” for SNABA (Check it out here!), you know she is obsessed with teaching these designs and she has now met her match in the field who is doing the research and is published! Dr. Kirby breaks down each experimental design when to use them, and its advantages and disadvantages, so if you are studying for your BCABA or BCBA exam you...


A DINKs Guide to Caregiver Coaching with Rosie
#151
10/30/2023

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring back a very special guest and friend, Rosie Jeffers, BCBA. Rosie is passionate about three things in life-- food, behavior analysis, and cats. Her dissemination efforts can be found through her podcast Behavior Bites, Instagram @rosie.eats.bx, and website rosiebx.com.

Rosie is a member of multiple organizations including MassABA, BABAT, and an Advocate/Ally Member of BABA. Rosie’s work includes three CEU courses with Study Notes ABA (A DINK's Guide to Caregiver Coaching, Soft Skills – This Time, It’s Personal, and We Need to Talk: A Webinar on Ethic...


Finding Victoria: A magical training guided to the Science of Applied Behavior Analysis
#150
10/16/2023

On today’s episode, the Bitches get to chat with Kristin Ruane, BCBA and the author of “Finding Victoria” which is the story of an adorable, yet stubborn child who meets her match when her mother, Valerie, decides to call a behavior analyst. This book is a training guide to the science of Applied Behavior Analysis written as a novel. The idea is to bring some awareness of the science to parents, teachers, and practitioners in an accessible, yet enticing way, by adding context to the lessons through relatable characters, and unexpected plot twists. We cover a sh*t ton of...


Bridging Independent Living Together: Adult Services to the Rescue
#149
10/02/2023

On today’s episode, the Bitches sit down with Christina Gravina who is the founder of BILT (Bridging Independent Living Together) in Massachusetts. Their team is committed to bridging the gap of care to enhance individuals’ independence, maximize their capabilities, and provide meaningful community inclusion by assisting and supporting their choices with regard to housing, socialization, learning, employment opportunities and recreational activities. We talk about the lack of quality adult services, how to keep and retain staff, what a good day program looks like and so much more so tune in or miss the F out! Love you, mean it! ...


Netflix's: Jewish Matchmaking Host Aleeza Ben Shalom!
#148
09/18/2023

On today’s episode, the Bitches were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Netflix’s “Jewish Matchmaking” host, Aleeza Ben Shalom. If you have been living under a rock, Liat is modern orthodox Jewish and was fascinated by the show, so of course she reached out to see if Aleeza would come on the show and answer all of her questions and explain how a reality show relates/differs from the real world of dating! Aleeza connects singles from around the world with dating coaches and Matchmakers. Aleeza has been called the “Jewish Dating Guru” for her successful c...


Sneaker Heads
#147
09/04/2023

On today’s episode the Bitches sit down for a super behavioral conversation with Nicole Williams, talking all about the sneaker industry and what it means to be a sneakerhead. Casey was skeptical about this episode at first given that she owns legit one pair of sneakers, but once the behavior principles started rolling, she was down AF. Get ready for a wild ride through tons of concepts including selectionism, limited holds, motivating operations and preferences while applying it to a real-world concept, buying sneakers! Even if you don’t own many pairs, this application of behavioral concepts is rela...


Crohn's Disease: Ostomy Surgery, or Death
#146
08/21/2023

On today's episode the Bitches bring on a badass chick. Jessica Grossman, the founder and spokesperson of Uncover Ostomy, was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 8. Between the ages of 11-13, she was bedridden in the hospital. After countless diets, torturous tests, and medications with side-effects worse than the disease itself, Jessica had to make a choice. Ostomy surgery, or death.

On January 30th, 2003, Jessica underwent ostomy surgery as her last hope. During the episode we talk about the challenges of having an “invisible” illness. Jess is an open book and answers all of our qu...


Supervision through a DM: with the Local ABA Ladies
#145
08/07/2023

On today’s episode, the Bitches bring on Marrisa and Peggy, two amazing ladies from Local ABA. Local ABA provides remote supervision to BCaBA and BCBA candidates who are working towards getting their hours to sit for the board exam. We know good supervision is hard to find and most BCBA’s do not have the time to provide the necessary supervision when they are prioritizing clients, observations, parent trainings, report writing, dealing with insurance companies etc., but these ladies have solved the problem and are super passionate about the supervision process. We talk all about what good supervision look...