The World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast

• Dr. Dave Palmer on Science, Philosophy, and Chomsky

  In this World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast episode, hosts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Dr. Janet Enriquez welcome the esteemed Dr. Dave Palmer. A leading voice in behavior analysis, Dr. Palmer shares his journey into radical behaviorism, the impact of B.F. Skinner on his career, and his deep exploration of verbal behavior.The conversation dives into his early inspiration from Walden Two, his attempt at forming a cooperative based on behaviorist principles, and how a personal letter to Skinner led to a life-changing mentorship. Dr. Palmer also discusses his academic journey, his deep intellectual dive into Noam Chomsky’s linguistic theories, and how he ultimately refuted Chomsky’s critiques of behaviorism.Listeners will gain insight into:Influence of Walden Two – How reading B.F. Skinner’s Walden Two shaped Dr. Palmer’s early ideals and career.Meeting B.F. Skinner – His firsthand experience meeting Skinner and how it influenced his professional trajectory.Critique of Chomsky – His in-depth analysis of Noam Chomsky’s linguistic theories and how they contrast with behavior analysis.Selectionist Account of Reinforcement – The connection between reinforcement and natural selection in shaping behavior.Emersonian Philosophy & Behavior Analysis – How Emerson’s philosophical ideas intersect with behavior analysis.Intellectual Humility & Scientific Debate – The importance of engaging with opposing views to advance knowledge in behavior analysis.This engaging and thought-provoking discussion is a must-listen for behavior analysts, educators, and anyone interested in the philosophy and application of radical behaviorism.Timestamps:04:30 - Welcoming Dr. Dave Palmer06:00 - How Walden Two sparked his interest in behaviorism12:30 - His efforts to create a Walden Two-inspired cooperative18:15 - Writing to B.F. Skinner and their first meeting25:40 - His deep dive into Chomsky’s linguistic theories34:00 - Why Skinner’s approach to verbal behavior still holds up today41:20 - The selectionist account of reinforcement & its parallels to natural selection50:00 - How philosophy, particularly Emerson’s essay on Compensation, connects to behavior analysis56:00 - Reflections on mentorship and shaping future behavior analystsResources Mentioned:Walden Two by B.F. SkinnerVerbal Behavior by B.F. SkinnerDr. Palmer’s paper Chomsky’s Nativism Criticized (Published in The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 2000)Learning and Complex Behavior by John Donahoe & Dave PalmerConnect with Dr. Palmer:Smith College WebsiteEmail Dr. Palmer

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• Relational Frame Theory, ACT, and the Future of Behavior Analysis with Dr. Steven Hayes

  In this special episode of the World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast, hosts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Dr. Janet Enriquez welcome the legendary Dr. Steven C. Hayes—a pioneering psychologist and the founder of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).Dr. Hayes takes us on a deep dive into his personal and professional journey, from his early exposure to behavior analysis to the pivotal moments that led to the development of ACT and RFT. He shares candid stories about his struggles with panic disorder and the intellectual battles that shaped his groundbreaking work in contextual behavioral science.Influence of Walden Two – How reading B.F. Skinner’s Walden Two sparked Dr. Hayes’ passion for psychology and behavior analysis.Modernizing Behaviorism – His efforts to bring radical behaviorism into a new era, despite resistance from traditional behavior analysts.Relational Frame Theory (RFT) – The origins and impact of RFT, emphasizing how "relating is an operant" transformed the study of language and cognition.Personal Struggles & ACT – How his experience with panic disorder led to the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).Psychological Flexibility – The philosophical and practical foundations of psychological flexibility and its importance for human well-being.Mentorship & Influences – Reflections on his relationships with B.F. Skinner, Willard Day, and other influential figures in behavior analysis.Future of Behavior Analysis – His perspective on the direction of the field, emphasizing the importance of innovation and scientific humility.Timestamps: 06:00 - Welcoming Dr. Steven Hayes & his early exposure to behavior analysis12:30 - From Walden Two to radical behaviorism: The early influences on his career18:15 - Skinner, language, and the philosophical battles in behavior analysis25:40 - The evolution of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and why it matters34:00 - How ACT emerged from personal struggle and scientific exploration41:20 - The role of psychological flexibility in human well-being50:00 - Reflections on Skinner, mentorship, and pushing the boundaries of behavior analysis56:00 - The future of behavioral science & the importance of cross-disciplinary collaborationResources Mentioned:Walden Two by B.F. SkinnerVerbal Behavior by B.F. SkinnerLearning and Complex Behavior by John Donahoe & Dave PalmerA Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters by Dr. Steven C. HayesACT Bootcamp for Behavior Analysts – April 24-27, 2025, in Oakland, CAConnect with Dr. Hayes:🌎 Website📘 Books & Publications🎧 ACT in Practice Podcast

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  1:25:40
• Advancing Autism Advocacy and Global Inclusion: A Conversation with Dr. Noor Syed

  In this episode, Dr. Janet Sanchez Enriquez and Dr. Paulie Gavoni are joined by a remarkable guest, Dr. Noor Syed - Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Services (CAARES) at SUNY Empire State University, and the Turben Director of Autism Advocacy. Dr. Syed has dedicated over 20 years to advancing autism advocacy, behavior analysis, and global inclusion. Her work spans teaching, therapy, and consultation in countries like Uganda, India, and Indonesia, while her leadership at Anderson Center International and ABAEthicsHotline.com reflects her commitment to ethical and affirming practices.Highlights include:Dr. Syed's journey into behavior analysis and her inspiration for championing neurodiverse inclusion.How CAARES uses the MTSS framework to create inclusive college environments.Launching a Master of Science in ABA with a focus on affirming, responsive practice.Insights from her global consultation experience and ethical challenges in the field.Her vision for equity, inclusion, and the future of behavior analysis.Tune in as we explore Dr. Syed’s innovative contributions to autism advocacy and her vision for fostering global acceptance and accessibility in behavior analysis.

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  53:37
• World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast with Dr. Pat Friman

  We're thrilled to welcome you to a special episode of the WBAD Podcast, where Paulie and Janet Enriquez sit down with one of the true luminaries in our field, Dr. Pat Friman. Dr. Friman's influence spans decades, from his role as Vice President of Behavioral Health at Boys Town to his tenure as a Clinical Professor at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. With over 200 scientific publications and a career that bridges academic, clinical, and applied settings, his contributions to behavioral pediatrics, behavioral medicine, and the broader field of behavior analysis are legendary. This episode dives deep into the role of compassion in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring how integrating a compassionate perspective reshapes behavioral health services. With topics ranging from empathy in practice to the transformative "Circumstances View" of behavior, Dr. Friman's insights challenge and inspire. Tune in for a conversation that promises not only to elevate your understanding but also to ignite a passion for more humane and effective practices in our field. 

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  1:04:01
• Dr. Stuart Vyse of Skeptical Inquirer on Behavior & Belief

  Join us as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Stuart Vyse to discuss a range of compelling topics at the forefront of behavior analysis and autism research. In this episode, Dr. Vyse explores the history of the autism diagnosis and the evolving implications of the spectrum concept. We discuss the ongoing conflict between the autism self-advocacy and neurodiversity movements and the unique challenges faced by individuals on the severe end of the autism spectrum.Dr. Vyse also addresses the controversial resurgence of facilitated communication and its various modern iterations, including the rapid prompting method, spelling to communicate, and the use of letter boards. We examine the spread of the identity-based neurodiversity movement to other conditions like schizophrenia and the push to introduce a diagnosis for severe autism. Tune in for a compelling conversation that navigates these critical issues, shedding light on the complex landscape of autism advocacy and behavior analysis.Show Notes/Links:Texts written by Dr. Vyse:Believing in magic: The psychology of superstition-updated edition. Oxford University Press, USA. Link: https://bit.ly/3WUD35aGoing broke: Why Americans can't hold on to their money. Oxford University Press. Link:https://bit.ly/4dpONlwSkeptical Inquirer Selected Works by Dr. Vyse on Behavior & Belief:Link to articles: https://bit.ly/4dtjdnvTexts Referenced in the Podcast:Chasing the intact mind: How the severely autistic and intellectually disabled were excluded from the debates that affect them most. Oxford University Press.Link: https://rb.gy/jbdz2bControversial therapies for autism and intellectual disabilities (pp. 3-16). New York: Routledge. Link:https://rb.gy/1otnvjReferenced Videos, Websites and Papers:Frontline: Prisoners of Silence (1992) Video: https://rb.gy/aut6bfFacilitatedcommunication.org was created to counter misleading information about Facilitated Communication and protect the autism community from harm. This forum offers resources, research articles, portrayals in the media, and activism opportunities against facilitated communication.Mental Illness & the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Dr.Vyse: https://rb.gy/sp3bukNational Council on Severe Autism Website: https://www.ncsautism.org/Profound Autism Alliance: https://www.profoundautism.org/Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://asatonline.org/Special Issue of Communication in Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://rb.gy/7t528z

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