Skinner’s Locker Room

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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
 

Misaligned Motivations: What happens when we stop being polite and start getting real, with Dr. Merrill Winston

Welcome to the latest episode of Skinner's Locker Room, with hosts Amy Bukszpan and Jimmy O'Brien. This episode explores everything from how to be an expert witness to dissecting buzzwords and hot topics in behavior analysis with special guest Dr. Merrill Winston (don't call him Winston Merrill).
With over 35 years of expertise, Dr. Winston offers an engaging discussion on the ethical complexities surrounding restraint, trauma-informed care, and the current state of behavior analysis. He shares anecdotes from his vast experience, exploring the intersection of behavior analysis with law and how external perceptions shape the field.
Dr. Winston also offers insights into the potential pitfalls of assenting behavior in clients, the misunderstood intricacies of compliance, and how applied behavior analysts navigate these challenging and often controversial topics. 
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or newly introduced to the field, this episode promises to both educate and entertain with candid conversations and expert insight. Don't miss it!

Transcending Boundaries: Redefining Behavior Analysis, Justice for Toddlers, and Unpacking Social Media with Sarah Welsh, BCBA

Join hosts Amy Bukszpan and Jimmy O'Brien as they delve into a captivating discussion with Sarah Welsh, the owner and head of the Catalyst Behavior Project, in this insightful episode of Skinner's Locker Room. Sarah shares her journey from being a BCBA to creating a transformative behavior analysis practice that transcends traditional boundaries. We explore how her innovative collaborative approach is redefining health, wellness, and leadership.
Throughout the episode, Sarah passionately describes her mission to apply behavior analysis beyond traditional practice, helping clients achieve their personal and professional goals.  
Perfect for anyone interested in personal development, psychology, or behavior analysis, this episode is a testament to the transformative potential of understanding behavior. Tune in to learn how Sarah is breaking barriers and inspiring change, and cracking us up, one behavior at a time.
We had fun recording this one.
So crank up the volume as we shout "Justice for toddlers" and get this podcast cranking.

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.

"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.