ABA Business Leaders

Hosted by Stephen Smith

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204

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Join us as we dive deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) , exploring real-world challenges and practical strategies to improve the quality, ethics, and sustainability of ABA services. Hosted by April & Stephen, the team behind 3 Pie Squared , each episode brings actionable insights for practice owners, clinicians, and leaders in the field—whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business. Expect candid conversations, expert interviews, and honest advice about supervision, billing, hiring, training, compliance, and more. Our goal? To help you build an ABA practice that serves clients ethically and effectively—while supporting your team and growing your business with purpose. 🔗 Learn more about our courses, handbooks, and consulting services at www.3piesquared.com .

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 191 hr 5 min

Nervous System Regulation, Authentic Leadership, and the Humanity Behind ABA

What happens when behavior analysts shift from compliance to connection? In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith talk with Sarah Moore, CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and author of Peaceful Discipline. They explore nervous system regulation, emotional safety, authenticity, and what it means to show up as a human being.Drawing from her expertise in attachment science and regulation, Sarah explains how emotional suppression affects relationships, leadership, and connection. The conversation highlights how many ABA professionals are trained to “shut it off,” and how that mindset often carries into both business and personal life. They also discuss what it takes to create genuine emotional safety for ourselves and others.Questions To Be AnsweredWhat is nervous system regulation and why does it matter?Why is authenticity important?How does emotional suppression affect leaders?Are we too focused on compliance?How can you regulate during stress?Can unhealthy coping mechanisms prevent emotional growth? Stephen, April, and Sarah discuss how substances, food, and other forms of emotional avoidance can temporarily numb difficult feelings while ultimately making long-term regulation more difficult. The conversation emphasizes building healthier coping skills and developing a wider range of emotional tools.Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs MarginKeepers: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

June 4, 2026Episode 181 hr 22 min

How Do We Define Quality ABA Services

How do we define quality ABA services with Bryant Silbaugh What is quality assurance in ABA, and how can behavior analysts measure service quality more effectively? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith speak with Dr. Bryant Silbaugh, behavior analyst, researcher, author, and Founder of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), about the systems, processes, and measurements that drive high-quality ABA services. Bryant explains how ABA organizations can define quality, evaluate clinical performance, establish meaningful outcome measures, and build systems that support continuous improvement. He shares practical insights from his work in autism treatment, behavioral intervention quality management, and ABA service delivery research. The conversation covers quality assurance frameworks, goal setting, key performance indicators (KPIs), clinician self-evaluation, treatment outcomes, and the role of organizational systems in delivering effective ABA services. Key Topics Covered What quality assurance means in applied behavior analysis How to measure ABA service quality Common service delivery blind spots in ABA organizations Defining quality indicators for behavioral interventions The relationship between clinical quality and business performance His research has focused on operant variability, pediatric feeding disorders, autism intervention, and ABA service delivery quality. He is the author of Quality Control for Behavior Analysts: How to Manage Behavioral Intervention Quality in Autism Service Settings, a practical framework for measuring and managing intervention quality in autism service settings. Bryant is the Founder and CEO of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), Founder and Chair of the IGNITE Quality Conference, and Director of Clinical Excellence, Quality, and Research at Gateway Pediatric Therapy. Have a Question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links Registration pages for supervision huddles: https://www.nasqn.org/Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_TipsABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

May 28, 2026Episode 171 hr 1 min

How Can ABA Providers Build Stronger Relationships with Parents?

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith speaks with Melanie Thurston and Amanda Williamson, BCBA, about one of the most important factors in successful ABA therapy: strong parent-provider relationships. The conversation explores how ABA providers can communicate more effectively with families, build trust with parents navigating an autism diagnosis, and better understand what families truly want from therapy. Melanie and Amanda share practical insights for BCBAs, clinic owners, and ABA professionals looking to create more compassionate, collaborative care experiences. How can ABA providers build trust with parents? ABA providers can build trust with parents through transparent communication, empathy, and understanding. Families want to feel heard, respected, and included in the treatment process. Each family is different, and considering these differences is crucial for maintaining a strong working relationship with families. Why is parent communication important in ABA therapy? Strong communication helps ensure consistency between therapy sessions and home life, improves caregiver confidence, and creates stronger long-term outcomes for children receiving ABA services. What questions should BCBAs ask families? BCBAs should ask families about their priorities, concerns, routines, stressors, and long-term goals. At the same time, not starting immediately with goals can avoid initial overwhelm, when a family is coming to terms with a diagnosis. About the ABA Business Leaders Podcast The ABA Business Leaders Podcast is hosted by April Smith and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared, experienced ABA entrepreneurs who built, scaled, and exited a seven-figure ABA practice. The podcast helps ABA business owners and clinicians grow sustainable organizations, improve operations, and deliver high-quality care. Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio. Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

May 21, 2026Episode 1659 min

Supporting Parents in ABA Therapy

What does a parent-led approach to ABA therapy look like? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith speak with Zandra Santella about how ABA providers can create more collaborative, sustainable, and family-centered care. Zandra Santella is a BCBA and founder of Beauty in Behavior, a platform focused on ethical, collaborative, and parent-led ABA practices. With more than 12 years of experience in autism services, she provides consultation, remote supervision for trainees, and parent coaching support for families and clinicians. The Big Questions What is parent-led ABA therapy?A collaborative approach where parents actively participate in goal setting, strategies, and decision-making.Why is parent trust important?It improves communication, increases consistency, and helps families feel supported.What should parents expect from a BCBA?Clear communication, shared goal setting, ethical recommendations, and support that fits real-life routines.Why are compliance-based goals controversial?The field is shifting toward autonomy, communication, emotional regulation, and quality of life.How can BCBAs involve parents more?By using coaching, offering practical home strategies, validating experiences, and aligning goals with family priorities.Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/ Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group: https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUsStephen’s Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABA-Business-Leaders-Guide-Practice-ebook/dp/B0G1MLVTW6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

May 14, 2026Episode 151 hr 15 min

Burnout and Systematic Change in ABA

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith are joined by Dr. Becca Tagg, to dive into one of the most important conversations for ABA business owners: burnout, self-care, and building sustainable systems that support leadership instead of draining it. They explore why burnout is often less about personal failure and more about broken systems, and how many ABA business owners continue operating with outdated structures that no longer serve their teams or themselves. Stephen, April and Dr. Becca break down the importance of stepping outside your own operations to identify where stress, inefficiency, and overwhelm are really coming from. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Find out more at www.mkmaudio.com Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

May 7, 202648 min

7 Common Mistakes When Starting an ABA Business

Starting and scaling an ABA business can feel straightforward at first, but the hidden mistakes can cost you time, money, and long-term growth. In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith break down 7 of the biggest mistakes ABA business owners make when starting their practice, and how to avoid them before they become expensive problems. Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and successfully exiting a seven-figure ABA practice through 3 Pie Squared, Stephen and April share practical guidance for business owners who want to build a stronger, more sustainable company from day one. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a Consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

April 30, 2026Episode 131 hr 19 min

ABA CEO Moms

What does it really look like to lead an ABA business while also navigating motherhood? In this special panel episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith is joined by Tiffany Remy, Amarilys Morales, Corinne Mercer, and Jess Marken for an honest conversation about the realities of being both a mom and the CEO of an ABA Business. From unexpected challenges and the constant mental load, to learning how to ask for help and intentionally designing an ideal week, this episode explores the practical and emotional side of balancing leadership, family, and personal wellbeing. The panel also shares candid stories about what surprised them most when stepping into both motherhood and entrepreneurship, how they manage the never-ending workload that comes with both roles, and why protecting time for yourself is essential. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

April 23, 2026Episode 1239 min

Red Flags in ABA

ABA Business Leaders Rewind: Red Flags in ABA Service Providers This throwback episode, Stephen and April break down the biggest warning signs to watch for when working with service providers who support ABA businesses. From vendors operating without clinician input to those charging fees that don’t align with value, this episode sharpens your ability to vet partners effectively. They also cover why broad, unfocused service offerings, lack of referrals, and hard selling tactics should raise immediate concerns. You’ll walk away with practical questions to ask before committing, plus insight into how 3 Pie Squared evaluates vendors to protect both clinical quality and business performance. Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 Resources & Links ABA Business Leaders Support Group: https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 Schedule a consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

April 16, 2026Episode 1144 min

Building an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul

In this episode, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith celebrate the release of Stephen’s new book, ABA Business Leaders Guide: How To Start, Grow, and Sustain an ABA Practice Without Losing Your Soul.Stephen shares candid reflections on the writing process, the anxiety that comes with putting your ideas into the world, and why having a clear vision is non-negotiable if you want to build something sustainable in the ABA space. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why most ABA businesses fail to scale sustainably—and how to avoid it The internal challenges (self-doubt, fear, imposter syndrome) that leaders don’t talk about How to define a business vision that actually guides decision-making The philosophy behind building a business without “losing your soul” Lessons learned from writing a book while running a business What’s next, including plans for a companion book and future resources Pre-order your copy now:Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNm🚀 Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs SILNAhttps://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started ABA Business Leaders Guide (Book) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0XXXXXXX Stephen Smith on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensmith 3 Pie Squared Official Website https://3pisquared.com Discord Support Group https://discord.gg/yourgroup 📞 Have a Question? Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

April 9, 2026Episode 1058 min

ABA Business Stories with Rick Kubina

Coming Soon: Stephen Smith’s New Book Stephen’s upcoming book is almost here packed with practical insights for ABA business owners looking to grow with clarity, integrity, and strong operational foundations.Pre-order your copy now:Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-aba-business-leaders-guide/id6755113017Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hgLukNmRelease Date: May 12, 2026If you're serious about building a sustainable, ethical, and profitable ABA business, this is a must-read.In this episode, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Rick Kubina to explore some of the most pressing and complex topics facing the ABA field today, including the rise of artificial intelligence. Rick Kubina is a professor, researcher, author, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of behavior science, education, and technology. Since joining Penn State University in 2000, he has taught courses in reading, applied behavior analysis, instructional design, and more—while mentoring doctoral students who have gone on to shape the field globally. Stephen, April, and Rick unpack: The appropriate role of AI in clinical environments Where AI can drive efficiency without compromising care The ethical boundaries every ABA leader must understand How business incentives can quietly shape clinical decisions Why human connection remains the core asset in ABA This episode is both a strategic lens for business owners and a grounding conversation for clinicians navigating rapid change. Sponsor This episode is brought to you by MarginKeepers, helping ABA business owners take control of their financials with clarity and confidence. Resources & Links MarginKeepers: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 Schedule a Consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs Have a Question? Have a question for Stephen and April? 📞 Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432