Do Better Pod Live - Sept 2025: Catching up and Articles to Read for October
In this episode, Dr. Megan and Joe catch up on some MAJOR life events for Joe and discuss what articles to read for October.
Check out this FOLDER (https://app.box.com/s/uw6bj8437qq7vqj6yhwe3w02bxcx62qy) to access the articles mentioned and join us for our recording on October 10th at 12pm Est!
*Don't have a link to join us? Email Megan@dobettercollective.us to receive it!
AI SUMMARY FROM FATHOM:
Meeting Purpose
Catch up on personal updates and plan for upcoming Do Better podcast episodes.
Key Takeaways
Joe has a newborn son and started a new job as a BCBA consultant in public schools
Next podcast (Oct 10) will discuss "expertise" in ABA, with pre-selected articles for listeners
Do Better Collective celebrating 5th birthday in November; planning Rejected Conference and retreat
Megan has extensive travel/speaking schedule through end of 2025
Personal Updates - Joe
New son born August 6th (premature, brief NICU stay)
Started new job as BCBA consultant in public schools
Enjoying balancing new baby and job, appreciating school schedule
Learning to adapt consulting style to different school cultures
Do Better Collective Updates
5th birthday celebration on November 15th, 2025
Planning second Rejected Conference (speakers confirmed)
February 2026 retreat being organized
Megan's upcoming travel/speaking:
October Podcast Plans
Topic: Defining "expertise" in ABA
Pre-selected articles for discussion:
Considering opening discussion to public participants
BACB ACE Instructor Requirements Discussion
New rules effective July 2026:
Concerns about potential limitations on CE opportunities
Lack of clear rationale or research basis for new requirements
Parenting Observations
Joe enjoying newborn phase, noticing rapid changes in older children
Discussion on children adopting new slang/trends (e.g. "six seven" meme)
Importance of maternity/paternity leave
15 Sept 2025
Do Better Pod Live - August 2025, What Keeps us Up at Night?
Join Dr. Megan and Special Guest, Nicole Parks, as they discuss the topics keeping them at a night in the field of behavior analysis.
Meeting Purpose
To discuss current issues keeping behavior analysts "up at night" and explore potential solutions in the field of ABA.
Key Takeaways
Licensure requirements for behavior analysts across states are inconsistent and often unclear, causing confusion and challenges for practitioners.
RBT turnover remains a significant issue in ABA, with no clear solutions despite ongoing discussions and attempts to improve company culture.
There's a growing divide between academic and practitioner expertise in the field, leading to debates about the definition of an "expert" in ABA.
State Licensure Challenges
Inconsistent interpretation of licensure requirements across states
Lack of clear guidance from regulatory boards on specific situations (e.g., providing supervision across state lines)
Need for a comprehensive resource outlining state-by-state licensure requirements
Challenges with reciprocal licensing and the cost/time involved in obtaining multiple state licenses
RBT Turnover and Retention
Ongoing issue with high turnover rates among Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
Difficulty balancing professional expectations with entry-level position realities
Challenges in creating a sustainable business model while providing adequate support and growth opportunities for RBTs
Need for better screening tools to identify candidates well-suited for the unique demands of RBT positions
Defining Expertise in ABA
Growing divide between academic and practitioner perspectives on expertise
Recent publications emphasizing journal articles and academic credentials as primary indicators of expertise
Practitioners feeling undervalued despite extensive real-world experience
Need for a more inclusive definition of expertise that recognizes both academic and practical contributions to the field
13 Aug 2025
Do Better Pod Live - July 2025 - Interview with Jerrod Zertuche on Kind Extinction
In this episode, Dr. Megan and Joe interview Jerrod Zertuche about Kind Extinction and the upcoming webinar he is conducting on August 27th. Check it out to learn more!
AI SUMMARY FROM FATHOM:
Meeting Purpose
Live recording of the Do Better Podcast featuring guest Jerrod Zertuche discussing kind extinction and his unique experience in behavior analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Kind extinction incorporates validation and co-regulation into behavioral interventions, avoiding traditional extinction bursts - Mental rehearsal and somatic awareness can help practitioners become more comfortable with empathetic, validating approaches
- There's a need to shift ABA culture away from "enforcer" mentality toward more compassionate, connection-based practices
- Jared will be conducting a webinar on kind extinction for Do Better Collective on August 27th (https://dobettercollective.com/course/kind-extinction-the-inner-work-of-doing-better/)
Introduction to Kind Extinction
- Developed by Tarbox & Tarbox (2023) to incorporate validation of emotional experiences without reinforcing problem behaviors
- Allows practitioners to provide emotional support during challenging moments, rather than ignoring clients
- Shown to produce gradual behavior reduction without extinction bursts in initial research
Cognitive Dissonance in Shifting ABA Practices
- Many practitioners experience discomfort transitioning from "enforcer" role to more empathetic approaches
- Mental rehearsal and somatic awareness exercises can help build comfort with new techniques
- Shift requires vulnerability and relinquishing some control, which can feel uncomfortable initially
Benefits of Kind Extinction
- Improves social validity
- feels better for clients, families, and practitioners
- Promotes faster de-escalation of challenging behaviors
- Aligns with modern neuroscience on co-regulation and emotional support
- Cultivates safety and connection, enhancing learning potential
Challenges in ABA Culture Shift
- Many practitioners conditioned to value data/procedures over empathy
- Discomfort with vulnerability required for validation/empathy - Easier to fall back on traditional extinction despite limited evidence base
- Need for patience and understanding during transition period
Mental Rehearsal Training
- Jared plans to incorporate guided meditations and mental rehearsal in upcoming webinar (https://dobettercollective.com/course/kind-extinction-the-inner-work-of-doing-better/)
- Evidence shows mental practice improves skill acquisition (e.g. musicians, nurses)
- Can help practitioners become more fluent in kind extinction techniques
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
25 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
58
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
89
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