Skinner’s Locker Room is the only podcast dedicated to the intersection of human behavior and sports--perfect for behavior analysts, scientists, economists, and sports and performance enthusiasts. Skinner’s Locker Room is a podcast dedicated to behavior analysis and its application to sports, fitness, health, and wellness.
The crossroads off trauma informed care and ultra endurance sports with BCBA and endurance athlete, Vic Lovelace
In this episode Vic Lovelace—BCBA and ultra-athlete—shares her path from endurance sports to building trauma-informed extended foster care homes. She discusses passing the BCBA exam after many attempts, training for Ironman and a 100-mile race, and how resilience informs her work with at-risk youth.
The conversation covers a holistic approach to behavior therapy, staff training, navigating Medicaid policy changes in Florida, and practical trauma-assumed approaches in everyday caregiving. Vic and the hosts explore how clear, consistent, compassionate care and personal perseverance help young people rebuild skills and independence.
15 May 2026
Lindsey Dwyer's Cocodona 250 - Are we counting in miles or tortillas?
In this very special episode, we host recent Cocodona 250 finisher, and 5th place female Lindsey Dwyer.
Lindsey breaks down her post-Cocodona 250 performance — improving her time by roughly seven hours to finish 253 miles in 72:48:49 and place fifth female. She discusses sleep strategy (about 60–70 minutes total across the race), shifting to a largely liquid nutrition plan, and aiming for ~60 g carbs/hour (averaging ~47 g/hr during the race) with Precision Fuel and Hydration support.
Lindsey also shares lessons learned from UTMB, discusses learning from past experiences, race recovery and quick post-race debriefs, plus lighter moments including where to find the best tortillas, when to start a good celebration dance, and her future race plans.
We had so much fun with Lindsey, we didn't want to let her go!
3 Mar 2026
Poison Parrots & The Hexaflex: Dr. Rue’s Practical Guide to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Clinical psychologist, ultra runner, and gravel cyclist... Dr. Rue joins Skinner's Locker Room to explain Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in plain terms, walking through the six core processes (acceptance, cognitive defusion, present moment awareness, self-as-context, values, and committed action) with vivid metaphors like the "poison parrot" and the sky-as-self.
Dr.Rue connects ACT to real-world performance — ultra running, veteran care, forensic work, and daily life — and offers practical tips (anchoring, naming unhelpful thoughts, clarifying values) and resources for listeners interested in applying ACT to their daily life or sports performance.
30 Jan 2026
From Free Throws to Flow: Inside Team ABA’s Science-Driven Playbook with Team ABA's Kirk Kirby
In this episode, Coach Kirk Kirby, managing director and co-founder of Team ABA, discusses how applied behavior analysis and precision teaching are used to improve athletic performance. Coach Kirby explains the team’s individualized, data-driven approach, examples like free-throw improvements, and how private events factor into high-pressure performance.
Coach Kirby also covers Team ABA’s collaborative model, practical tools for coaches, and steps for bringing behavioral science into mainstream sports programs to measure, train, and sustain elite performance.
2 Dec 2025
From Institutions to Endurance Sports — An Intriguing Conversation About the Future of Behavior Analysis , Ted Lasso, and Elite Sports with Behavior Analyst, Andrew Houvouras
In this episode of Skinner's Locker Room, hosts Amy and Jimmy interview Andrew Houvouras and discuss everything from Andrew's new book The Lives of the Silent, and institutionalization to the effectiveness of ABA-based interventions in endurance and elite sports. They explore the benefits of adopting a scientist-practioner model in behavior analysis and coaching, the strengths of being a good listener, and how behavior science applies to elite sports performance.
The conversation blends personal stories, critiques of current trends, and practical ideas — from community-based practice to pre-performance routines and coaching — offering a thoughtful, candid overview of how behavior analysis can improve real lives.
24 Sept 2025
Bumpers, Billiards & Behavioral Science: How Becoming a Pool Shark Takes More than Just Talent
Dr. Scott O'Donnell returns to Skinner's Locker Room to dive deep into Relational Frame Theory (RFT), practical behavior analysis, and how these ideas apply to sports, billiards, and personal performance.
We talk fantasy football strategy, transforming stimulus functions, self-monitoring with data charts, breathing and visualization techniques, and real-world interventions for oppositional behavior — all interwoven with humor, sports stories, and coaching insights.
7 Aug 2025
Is it a snake or a tree trunk? Scott O'Donnell discusses RFT, golf, billiards and why understanding perspectives matter when it comes to behavior analysis
In this intriguing episode, Amy and Jimmy dive into the expansive world of behavior analysis with their guest, Dr. Scott O'Donnell. The conversation navigates through various aspects of behavior analysis beyond its typical applications, steering into golf, billiards, mental health, and RFT.
Dr. O'Donnell shares insights from his research reviewing golf swings and schedules of reinforcement and how behavior analysis transcends traditional boundaries, even touching on personal growth and mental health strategies like ACT and mindfulness.
It's an enlightening discussion for anyone interested in understanding human behavior, potential, and a deep dive into Skinner, the joy of research, and why behavior analysis can save the world.
20 Jul 2025
From Fighter to Thought Leader: The Passionate Path of Dr. Paul 'Paulie Gloves' Gavoni
Welcome to another episode of Skinner's Locker Room. In this episode we dive into the fascinating intersection of behavioral science, coaching, and authenticity with our special guest, Dr. Paul 'Paulie Gloves' Gavoni.
As a a globally recognized thought leader and bestselling author, Dr. Gavoni shares his thoughts on the science of behavior with straightforward strategies that drive performance and effect lasting change across diverse fields, from education to combat sports.
Discover the importance of authenticity, leadership, and behavioral coaching in bringing out the best in individuals and organizations. Whether you're interested in sports, leadership, or behavioral science, this episode promises valuable insights and inspiration.
Check out Dr. Gavoni's website at The Behavioral Toolbox
Get Dr. Gavoni's top-selling books now!
MMA Science: A training, Coaching, and Belt Ranking Guide
Positional Authority Ain’t Leadership: Behavioral Analysis for Navigating Challenges, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding Class Clownery
Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science
Deliberate Coaching: Optimizing Teaching and Learning Through Behavior Science: Education Edition
Deliberate Coaching: Optimizing Business Performance Through the Science of Behavior: Business Edition
8 Jul 2025
Misaligned Motivations: What happens when we stop being polite and start getting real, with Dr. Merrill Winston
Behavior analyst Merrill Winston discusses ethical issues like restraint and trauma-informed care in behavior analysis, sharing insights on compliance and navigating controversial topics in this interview with Amy Bukszpan and Jimmy O'Brien.
4 Jun 2025
Transcending Boundaries: Redefining Behavior Analysis, Justice for Toddlers, and Unpacking Social Media with Sarah Welsh, BCBA
Sarah Welsh, BCBA, discusses redefining behavior analysis, advocating for justice for toddlers, and analyzing the impact of social media, offering insights into behavior transformation in this interview episode.
20 May 2025
Breaking the Silence: Real Stories of Postpartum Depression
Join hosts Amy Bukszpan and Jimmy O’Brien as they engage in a candid conversation about postpartum depression with three guests: Dr. Shannon Arthur, Laura Troy, and Stephanie Ferreira. Each guest shares their unique experiences with postpartum depression, discussing the unexpected challenges and emotional struggles they faced after childbirth.
Explore the realities of motherhood as the guests open up about their journeys, shedding light on the societal pressures and misconceptions surrounding postpartum depression. From dealing with sleep deprivation and hormonal changes to managing anxiety and depression, our guests provide valuable insights into a topic often swept under the rug.
Conceptualized through a behavior-analytic lens, these personal anecdotes and open discussions emphasize the importance of community support and open communication as encouragement to women who may feel alone in their struggles.
Tune in to understand the profound impacts of postpartum depression and the role compassion and empathy can play as powerful reinforcers for women who go through it.
4 May 2025
"Beyond Ultra Running: Exploring Human Behavior and Motivation with Ricky Urias"
In this episode, join hosts Amy Bukszpan and Jimmy O'Brien, both behavior analysts, as they dive into the fascinating world of ultra running with Ricky Urias, the elite athlete manager for UltraAspire. Discover the unique challenges and experiences that come with managing elite athletes, and delve deeper into Ricky’s personal journey as a runner, exploring his transition from mixed martial arts to ultra running.
The conversation extends beyond the physical demands of running, exploring the mental battles athletes face and the motivation required to push through grueling races. Ricky shares insightful anecdotes and advice on overcoming fears, embracing the solitude of long-distance running, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity.
This episode offers a unique perspective on sports performance and human behavior, providing listeners with an understanding of what drives elite athletes and the role of intrinsic motivation in achieving extraordinary feats. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or new to the sport, this episode is sure to inspire and offer valuable insights into the world of endurance sports.
11 Apr 2025
Juggling Motherhood and Behavior Analysis: Insights from Dr. Shannon Arthur on toilet training, sleep training, and maternity leave.
Welcome to Skinner's Locker Room, the podcast where Amy and co-host Jimmy O'Brien delve into the science of human behavior, behavior analysis, and the intersections with sports, wellness, and human performance. In this episode, Dr. Shannon Arthur joins the discussion to explore the journey of motherhood while being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The conversation navigates through the challenges and insights of balancing a professional career with parenting, diving into topics like effective toilet training, sleep training, and the nuances of maternity leave policies. Dr. Arthur shares her personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on how behavioral science can inform family life and improve existing maternity leave frameworks. Don't miss this engaging discussion as it unpacks the realities of modern-day parenting through a behavioral lens.
10 Mar 2025
Unpacking the Science: Behavior Analysis in Sports and Beyond with guests Dr. Justin Leaf and Dr. Joe Cihon
Welcome to another engaging episode of Skinner's Locker Room. Join hosts Amy and Jimmy as they dive deep into the world of behavior analysis beyond autism, with a special focus on sports. Joining them are two esteemed guests, Dr. Justin Leaf and Dr. Joe Cihon, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. In this episode, they explore the application of behavioral analysis in coaching, sports performance, and even team fandom.
Discover how behavioral principles are utilized to enhance coaching techniques, improve athletic performance, and understand the dynamics of sports fandom. The conversation also delves into the evolution of the field of behavior analysis, its growing applications in various fields beyond autism, and the future potential in areas like health and wellness. Whether you're a behavior analyst, sports enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of science and human behavior, this episode offers insights and discussions that will leave you with plenty to ponder.
9 Feb 2025
Our Addictive Behaviors: Addiction, Human Behavior, and Sports with Guest Marty Gardner
In this episode of Skinner’s Locker Room, we’re joined by ultra runner and podcaster Marty Gardener to discuss addiction, sobriety, sports, and human behavior.
22 Dec 2024
Welcome to Skinner's Locker Room
Welcome to Skinner's Locker Room! Come and explore the wild world of human behavior and performance. In this episode get to know your hosts Amy and Jimmy, two behavior analysts exploring behavior analysis, human behavior, sports performance, and why you should care at all about this topic. Jump in and get your toes wet. This one is for everyone-- even if you can't spell ABA.
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Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100
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