
Behaviorally Speaking
Board Certified Behavior Analysts Angela Nelson and Kristin Bandi bring together nearly four decades of experience working with children, teens, and their parents. Their knowledge and expertise in implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has already helped thousands of parents better understand their children and improve everyday behaviors. Behaviorally Speaking focuses on common scenarios most parents face and provides tangible, lighthearted tips and techniques you can use in your own home.
Latest episodes

Nov 24, 2022 • 39min
Helping Kids Make Friends
On this episode, Angela and Kristin invite a guest, Pasha Bahsoun, to join and discuss all things friendships. They break down how to support your child to make new friends, when to jump in vs. hang back at playdates or “hang outs,” how to talk with kids about what makes a good friend, and much more.Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by RethinkCare. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if RethinkCare is a part of your employer-provided benefits. RethinkCare reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Oct 28, 2022 • 35min
Preparing for the Holiday Season
On this episode, Angela and Kristin discuss setting realistic expectations for the holidays and making the most out of this exciting (and often hectic) time. They give tips for managing stress, capitalizing on teaching skills, setting boundaries with family, remembering healthy habits, being kind to yourself, and more.Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by RethinkCare. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if RethinkCare is a part of your employer-provided benefits. RethinkCare reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Sep 27, 2022 • 36min
When Your Sibling Has Support Needs
On this episode, Angela and Kristin invite guests Mary Grace and Rose to join and discuss their experiences being siblings to young people with support needs. They discuss how their experiences have shaped who they are and give advice to parents on how to balance having children with and without medical or behavioral diagnoses in their home.Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by RethinkCare. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if RethinkCare is a part of your employer-provided benefits. RethinkCare reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Aug 26, 2022 • 51min
Managing Mom Guilt
On this episode, Angela and Kristin discuss a topic that flows below the surface for a lot of moms but isn’t talked about enough- “mom guilt.” They highlight what mom guilt is, where it comes from, and how to manage it. From confronting unrealistic expectations, delegating and asking for help, and setting ourselves up for success, there are several ways to work through this uncomfortable feeling that so many moms experience.Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by RethinkCare. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if RethinkCare is a part of your employer-provided benefits. RethinkCare reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Jul 30, 2022 • 37min
Flexible Thinking: An Important Life Skill For Our Kids (and Us Too!)
On this episode, Angela and Kristin discuss yet another important skill under the executive functioning umbrella, flexible thinking. They talk about the importance of developing this skill to work with others, keep our cool when it counts, and adapt to new situations- all things that are important now and for the future. From modeling appropriate behavior, creating opportunities to try new things, rewarding flexible thinking, playing logic and strategy games, and more, there are plenty of ways to support your child in this area.Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by RethinkCare. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if RethinkCare is a part of your employer-provided benefits. RethinkCare reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Jun 21, 2022 • 43min
Summer Hacks for Moms and Dads
On this episode, Angela and Kristin discuss some tips and tricks to a productive summer. From keeping chores, routines, and academics going to making a summer bucket list and anti-boredom jars, parents can integrate some new ideas to make sure summer stays on track while still proving to be a fun time for all!Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by Whil, A Rethink Division. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if Whil’s a part of your employer-provided benefits. Whil, A Rethink Division reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

May 25, 2022 • 47min
Reducing impulsive and risky behavior in kids and teens
On this episode, Angela and Kristin discuss one of the most frustrating of parenting experiences- dealing with kids and teens’ impulsive behaviors. They dive into tips and strategies from those early behaviors, from grabbing and interrupting, to more risky impulsive behaviors such as unsafe driving habits of some teens. From modeling appropriate behavior, reminders of actions and consequences, using positive reinforcement vs. punishment and more, our listeners will come away with some ideas to try out in their homes today.Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by Whil, A Rethink Division. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if Whil’s a part of your employer-provided benefits. Whil, A Rethink Division reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Apr 27, 2022 • 33min
How to Talk To Your Kids About Mental Health
On this episode, Angela and Kristin are joined by Dr. Darren Sush, a clinical psychologist and fellow behavior analyst. Darren shares practical tips with parents around broaching the topic of mental health with our kids and teens. He discusses the importance of normalizing these discussions, prioritizing our own mental health, spotting potential concerns, and more. Today, taking care of our mental health is just as important, and intertwined with, our physical health!Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by Whil, A Rethink Division. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if Whil’s a part of your employer-provided benefits. Whil, A Rethink Division reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Mar 27, 2022 • 36min
Juggling Parental Stress: It’s About Awareness
On this episode, Angela and Kristin are joined by Vicki Westra, the founder of Autism Shifts and mother of a young adult woman with autism. Vicki shares her perspective on parenting stress, how to tackle it by being intentional and aware, and the power of harnessing sources of support. Vicki explains how an acceptance of her daughter has improved her outlook on life and expanded into a career supporting the neurodiversity community with their employment goals. Although not always easy, getting into what Vicki calls “the green zone, ” essentially a happier place with your family, is a goal we think is pretty great!Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by Whil, A Rethink Division. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if Whil’s a part of your employer-provided benefits. Whil, A Rethink Division reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.

Feb 28, 2022 • 49min
Inclusion: Building a Sense of Belonging
On this episode, Angela and Kristin are joined by two guests to discuss the very important topic that families should be talking about - inclusion. Nicole Kelly is a well-known disability speaker and openly shares her lived experiences as a person with a disability. Danny Jordan shares his journey as an author of the award-winning series, The Capables, a TV producer, and a dad raising a toddler with a disability. Together, Angela and Kristin get a chance to ask some deep questions many parents wonder about but don’t know where to get the answers around disability and building inclusivity.Angela Nelson, MS, BCBA, and Kristin Bandi, MA, BCBA, are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with expertise on human behavior and child development. They spend their days working with parents and caregivers of both typically developing children as well as children with learning, social, and behavioral challenges, or developmental disabilities. This podcast is brought to you by Whil, A Rethink Division. If you need support as a parent or caregiver of a child, we encourage you to ask your Human Resources team if Whil’s a part of your employer-provided benefits. Whil, A Rethink Division reaches millions of lives globally through partnerships with top organizations and Fortune 1,000 companies.