Episodes

  • Can You Give Me an Example of That? Book Talk with Russell Justice and Rick Creecy
    Aug 20 2025

    In this episode of Operant Innovations, Russell Justice discusses his new book This is What Leaders Do, offering insights into practical leadership principles. Host Maddie Duke then speaks with Rick Creecy about how he's successfully implementing these strategies to transform his workplace culture and drive results.

    Learn more about the book: https://abatechnologies.com/this-is-what-leaders-do

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    40 mins
  • First Steps Forward: Navigating Sex Education as a BCBA
    Apr 17 2025

    In today's episode of Operant Innovations, host Maddie Duke, MS, BCBA, welcomes sex education expert Landa Fox, BCBA, CSHE, to discuss how behavior analysts can get started in the field of sex education. Landa shares her specialized knowledge by answering frequently asked questions about sex education. Whether you're a behavior analyst curious about expanding your scope or a professional looking to better serve clients with developmental disabilities, this conversation offers valuable insights on navigating this important but often overlooked domain of human development.

    Resources:
    https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/
    https://siecus.org/

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    44 mins
  • Beyond the Birds and Bees: Breaking Down Barriers to Effective Sex Education
    Apr 4 2025

    In today's episode of Operant Innovations, host Maddie Duke, MS, BCBA, sits down with Shane Spiker, PhD, BCBA-D, to tackle the often-overlooked topic of comprehensive sex education. Shane cuts through common misconceptions, addresses the unique challenges educators and parents face, and provides evidence-based strategies for teaching sex ed in a way that's both informative and accessible. Whether you're a behavior analyst, educator, or parent, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating safe, effective learning opportunities around sexual health and development. Join us for this important discussion that bridges behavioral science with essential life skills education.

    National sex ed standards: https://siecus.org/resource/national-sex-ed-standards-second-edition/

    National Down Syndrome Society ad: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4glDF8Jsdx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sex and Sexuality Across the Lifespan book: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203863008-13/sex-sexuality-across-lifespan-amanda-donovan

    AASECT: https://www.aasect.org/

    School of Sexuality: https://www.instagram.com/school_of_sexuality/?hl=en

    Organization for Autism Research: https://researchautism.org/

    PLSSE assessment: https://sexeducationcollaborative.org/resources/plsse

    Contact us!

    Maddie: mduke@abatechnologies.com

    Shane: stspikerbehavior@gmail.com

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    36 mins
  • Beyond the Basics: Authentic Perspectives on Sexuality and Autism with Amy Gravino
    Mar 27 2025

    In this illuminating episode, we welcome Amy Gravino, an autism advocate and sexuality consultant who shares her lived experience as an autistic woman navigating sexuality and relationships. Amy offers candid insights into the gaps in sex education for autistic individuals and challenges practitioners to rethink their approaches to this essential topic.

    Throughout our conversation, Amy shares powerful personal stories that highlight both challenges and triumphs in her journey. She offers valuable perspectives on how neurotypical practitioners, educators, and supporters can better understand and respond to the needs of autistic individuals regarding sexuality and relationships. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of listening to autistic voices and creating supportive environments where authentic conversations about sexuality can take place.

    Whether you're a behavior analyst, educator, healthcare provider, or caregiver, this episode provides valuable perspectives to enhance your practice and better support autistic individuals in developing healthy relationships and sexual well-being. Join us for this honest, respectful, and eye-opening discussion that centers autistic voices in conversations about autism and sexuality.

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    44 mins
  • Sex Education in Behavior Analysis: A Meaningful Approach
    Mar 13 2025

    New Episode of Operant Innovations!

    Join Maddie Duke, MS, BCBA, as she sits down with Dr. Peter Gerhardt, EdD, and Dr. Jess Cauchi, PhD, BCBA-D, CPBA-AP, R.B.A. (Ont) for an essential discussion on meaningful sex education.

    This episode explores why sex education is critical for the clients we serve, how behavior analysts can navigate discomfort around the topic, and key steps in building an effective curriculum. Our experts provide valuable insights and practical strategies to make sex education informative, empowering, and accessible.

    Tune in now for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.

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    43 mins
  • The Importance of Vital Behaviors: An Interview with Authors Julie Smith and Lori Ludwig
    Nov 19 2024

    In this episode of Operant Innovations, Maddie Duke, MS, BCBA, dives into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Julie Smith and Dr. Lori Ludwig, authors of Vital Behavior Blueprint. Discover the secrets to identifying vital behaviors, avoiding the pitfalls of micromanagement, and building better habits with the three foundational pillars. Whether you're a behavior analyst, leader, or curious learner, this episode offers actionable insights to drive meaningful change. Tune in for these tips and much more!

    Buy the book and access the supplemental tools here: https://www.vitalbehaviorblueprint.com/

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    40 mins
  • Values-Based Safety with Terry McSween
    Nov 6 2024

    In today’s podcast episode, Maddie Duke, MS, BCBA, speaks with Dr. Terry McSween, PhD, about his book The New Values-Based Safety. Listeners will learn about the essential components of behavior-based safety, how to transition from clinical work to behavior-based safety work, how to collaborate in a behavior-based safety process, and the future of behavior-based safety.

    Purchase The New Values Based Safety: https://abatechnologies.com/the-new-values-based-safety

    Contact us!

    Maddie: mduke@abatechnologies.com

    Terry: tmcsween@qualitysafetyedge.com

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    39 mins
  • Supervision Competence with Dr. Matthew Brodhead
    Oct 22 2024

    In today’s episode of Operant Innovations, Maddie Duke, MS, BCBA, talks with Dr. Matthew Brodhead, PhD, BCBA-D, about scope of competence as it relates to supervision. Listeners will learn about supervisory scope of competence, how scope of competence changes when talking about supervisees vs. clients, and how to expand your scope of competence.

    Purchase The Dynamic Supervisor: An 8 Hour Immersion in Contemporary Standards and Skills: dynamicsupervisor.com

    Contact us!

    Maddie Duke: mduke@abatechnologies.com

    Matthew Brodhead: mtb@msu.edu

    Supervising Queer Students with Dr. Mychal Machado: https://abatechnologies.com/operant-innovations-podcast/2024-06-20/supervising-queer-students-with-dr-mychal-machado

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    39 mins