In this episode, we’re diving into one of our favorite and most meaningful topics in ABA: relationship-based motivation. We talk about why reinforcement doesn’t have to look like tokens, toys, or snacks and how you can become the most powerful reinforcer in the room. When learners enjoy being with us, motivation shifts from doing work for rewards to genuinely wanting to engage, connect, and participate.

We share real-life examples from our own clinical experiences, including moments when we realized we weren’t yet reinforcing enough and what changed when we leaned into play, connection, and authenticity. We also unpack common misconceptions around work versus play, breaks, and pairing, and explain why separating social interaction from reinforcement can unintentionally send the wrong message.

This conversation applies not only to young learners but also to older students, parents, teachers, supervisees, and even supervisors. Strong relationships increase the value of everything else we do in ABA. When connection comes first, behavior change is more sustainable, more meaningful, and honestly, more enjoyable for everyone involved.

What’s Inside:

• Why relationship-based reinforcement is more powerful than external rewards
• How to become a preferred person, not just the person delivering demands
• Rethinking breaks, play, and motivation in everyday sessions
• Why authentic connection matters across learners, families, and supervisees

Mentioned in This Episode:

Episode 221: ESDM in Action: Embedding Goals in Daily Routines and Play
The Science Behind ESDM: Why Relationship Matters as Much as Reinforcement
HowToABA.com/join
How to ABA on YouTube
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram

In this episode, we sat down with Mellanie Page, BCBA, MBA, and founder of The ABA Collective, to dive into the world of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and how it can transform the way we experience our work. We talked about why so many BCBAs feel burnt out or stuck in leadership and supervisory roles and how OBM offers practical, behavior-analytic solutions that go far beyond surface-level self-care.

Mellanie shared how OBM can help us pinpoint high-impact problems, improve workplace culture, and increase job satisfaction—whether we’re clinicians, supervisors, or business owners. We explored why burnout isn’t just an individual issue, how small behavior changes can create meaningful ripple effects across teams, and why reinforcing the process matters just as much as reinforcing outcomes.

This conversation is full of practical insights, real-world examples, and a refreshing reminder that we can apply the science we already know to organizations, leadership, and even ourselves. If you’ve ever wondered how to use ABA to improve your work life, this episode is for you.

What’s Inside:

• What OBM is and why it matters for BCBAs
• Using behavior analysis to address burnout and job satisfaction
• Applying OBM to leadership, supervision, and workplace culture
• Practical examples of small changes with big organizational impact

Mentioned in This Episode:

The ABA Collective
The OBM Practitioner Program
HowToABA.com/join
How to ABA on YouTube
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram

One of the most common concerns we hear from parents, teachers, and even ABA professionals is, “Isn’t that just bribery?” In this episode, we dig into the long-standing confusion between bribery and reinforcement and explain why the difference truly matters. We walk through real-life examples, from grocery store meltdowns to classroom expectations, to show how timing, intent, and planning change everything.

We unpack why reinforcement is not about quick fixes or paying for behavior but about intentionally teaching skills, building motivation, and supporting long-term success. We also discuss how poorly planned reinforcement can unintentionally strengthen the very behaviors we are trying to reduce and why coercive “reminders” can feel just as uncomfortable as outright threats.

Along the way, we share practical strategies for using reinforcement ethically and compassionately, including how to individualize it, avoid power struggles, and reframe “if then” language into more supportive “when then” statements. If you have ever worried that reinforcement feels wrong or been told it is, this episode will help you feel confident, grounded, and aligned with both the science and your values.

What’s Inside:

• The real difference between bribery and reinforcement
• Why timing and intent matter more than the reward itself
• How reinforcement can accidentally backfire if misused
• Ethical, compassionate ways to use reinforcement effectively

Mentioned in This Episode:
Episode 127: Classroom Reinforcement
What is ACT in ABA? A Beginner’s Guide to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
HowToABA.com/join
How to ABA on YouTube
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram