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The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria

This is a podcast about the field of Behavior Analysis. Each episode will feature an interview with a Behavior Analyst where we discuss a specific topic in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Some of these topics include functional behavioral assessment, treating severe behavioral disorders such as aggression and self-injurious behavior, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), behavioral ethics, autism treatment, parenting, and the history of Applied Behavior Analysis.
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The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria
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Now displaying: June, 2025
Using ABA to Build Better Health and Fitness Habits: Session 303 with Michal Pollack 0
Jun 24, 2025

Michal Pollack joined me to discuss how she uses her training in Behavior Analysis to help her with her personal health and fitness goals.

Michal is a Clinical Director at Apollo Behavior. In this episode, we talk about:

  • How she got her start in Applied Behavior Analysis.
  • How she found her way to Apollo, and what she enjoys about working there.
  • How she realized that getting fit doesn't require playing team sports, or being an athlete more generally.
  • How spending time abroad during a gap year motivated her to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
  • How going to the gym regularly helped her improve her emotional wellbeing.
  • How she developed grocery shopping habits that helped her eat healthier meals.
  • How she doesn't weigh herself frequently, and the rationale for this practice.
  • We both talk about the pros and cons of wearable devices, and how I use The Whoop Strap (note, this is an affiliate).

I want to make clear that during this podcast, it's important to note that neither of us are health or fitness professionals. We're not attempting to provide specific advice for listeners that's outside of our scopes of expertise.

Instead, a better framing of this episode is to consider this a conversation between two BCBAs talking about how they apply behavior-analytic principles in their own lives.

As such, if you're looking to make changes to your fitness, please consider working with a credentialed professional, with the input of your primary care provider.

You can follow Michal on TikTok or LinkedIn here and here. If you'd like to learn more about working at Apollo, you can read about them here.

Articles and resources mentioned:

This podcast is brought to you by:

  • Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
  • CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. 
  • HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years.
  • Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout!
  • Apollo Behavior. If these Apollo Series podcasts have you wondering about what it's like to work there, check out their current job openings in the greater Atlanta area and beyond!
AI, Applied Behavior Analysis, and the Future of Clinical Tools: Frontera Series on AI with Sydney Holmes 0
Jun 12, 2025
Behavior Analysis Meets Artificial Intelligence

In the second installment of Behavioral Observations' Frontera Series on AI, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sydney Holmes, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and master’s level psychologist.

Sydney is also the Clinical Product Lead at Frontera, where she’s helping bridge the gap between behavior analysis and artificial intelligence in some really exciting ways.

Did you miss the first Frontera Series interview with CEO and Founder, Amol Deshpande? Check it out here!

We covered everything from using AI tools for clinical work and content creation, to how machine learning is reshaping supervision, diagnostics, and parent support.

From Marine Biology to Behavior Analysis

Sydney has a unique background. She started in marine biology and eventually found her way to psychology and behavior analysis. Today, she’s at the forefront of tech innovation in her role at Frontera, where she combines clinical insight with product development.

What is Digital Phenotyping?

One of the more fascinating parts of our conversation was about digital phenotyping. Frontera is using AI to analyze real-world video data in order to track, measure, and interpret client behavior—helping clinicians make faster, more informed decisions.

Teaching AI to Understand Behavior

Sydney described the challenges of teaching machines to detect nuanced behaviors like crying or vocal stereotypy. It takes close collaboration between BCBAs and engineers to develop AI tools that are truly clinically useful.

Enhancing Diagnostics and Supervision with AI

We talked about how Frontera is helping BCBAs with autism diagnostics, supervision, and quality assurance through smart automation. Their platform supports more efficient monitoring of RBT sessions and helps maintain fidelity to treatment protocols.

Real-Time RBT Session Review and Feedback

Frontera’s video tools allow for recording of every RBT session, making it possible to provide objective, real-time feedback. The goal is to support staff in a way that’s consistent and non-punitive, which aligns with what we know about effective supervision.

Improving Parent Engagement with Mobile Apps

Sydney also discussed how their mobile app allows caregivers to submit short videos of their interactions with their child. This enables BCBAs to provide timely, video-based coaching and collect meaningful data outside of traditional session settings.

Advice for Behavior Analysts Embracing AI

Her advice for clinicians? Stay curious but skeptical, lean into collaboration, and look for ways to use technology to enhance—not replace—the human side of behavioral healthcare.

Learn More

To learn more about Frontera’s tools and mission, visit frontera.health. You can also connect with Sydney and the team on LinkedIn and other social platforms.

Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast. If you found this conversation helpful, be sure to subscribe and share it with a colleague!

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