Podcasts about Assent

In this Heidelberg Catechism Devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church explores Question #64. If salvation is completely by grace, doesn't that make people careless and wicked? Pastor Jason answers this age-old question by delving into the nature of true, living faith. He unpacks why true faith cannot be dead and must produce the fruit of thankfulness, and why it is so much more than mere knowledge or agreement—it's active trust in Jesus Christ. In this episode, we cover: The transition from Grace to Gratitude in the Heidelberg Catechism The true nature of saving faith: Knowledge, Assent, and Trust The contrast between a "diseased tree" and a "healthy tree" in the life of a believer To learn more about our church, visit: foresthillpca.org

Click for the Review Guide: Offer, Acceptance, and Mutual AssentContract Formation: Mastering the Objective Theory and Key DoctrinesUnderstanding whether parties have actually reached a binding agreement is fundamental to contract law—and it's trickier than it seems. This episode breaks down the critical gateway question: Did a valid, enforceable contract really form? We explore the core principles, from the objective theory of mutual assent to the mechanics of offers, acceptances, and revocations, all tailored for law students aiming for exam mastery.Most offers are revocable—unless you know how the law creates airtight exceptions that turn those promises into enforceable contracts. In this episode, we crack the code of contract formation, revealing the hidden rules that determine when a deal is truly binding—and when it's just talk. If you've ever wondered how a simple email or a handshake becomes a legal obligation, this is your essential playbook.We unpack the core doctrine that courts rely on: the objective theory of mutual assent. You'll discover why what parties outwardly express matters far more than what they secretly think. From the classic “meeting of the minds” myth to the real-world standards courts use—considerations like context, tone, and behavior—this episode illuminates how courts see sincerity in actions, not words alone. Expect concrete examples: a motorcycle sale at a loud party versus a detailed napkin contract from a restaurant. These highlight how outward manifestations, shaped by setting, tone, and circumstances, form the backbone of enforceability.Key topics include: how to identify a valid offer versus an invitation to negotiate; the crucial difference between preliminary negotiations and binding proposals; and the specific ways offers terminate—through lapse, rejection, death, destruction, or revocation. We break down legal nuances like the mailbox rule—why acceptance becomes effective as soon as you send it—and how exceptions such as option contracts, firm offers under the UCC, promissory estoppel, and beginning unilateral performance solidify irrevocability. Plus, we cover how courts interpret “matching” acceptance versus varied responses, and the subtle but crucial line between mere inquiries and binding agreement.Why does this all matter? Because misunderstanding these rules can lead to costly mistakes—both in law school exams and real-world deals. Every piece of doctrine we discuss builds a foundation for reliable transactions in a complex economy. The broader importance? As technology advances—think AI and smart contracts—the objective theory will face unprecedented challenges. How will courts interpret code and algorithms that make outward signs of assent less human, more machine-generated? These are the questions shaping the future of contract law and commerce.Perfect for law students preparing for final exams, future lawyers, or anyone who wants to see through the smoke and mirrors of dealmaking, this episode arms you with the precise insight you need to master contract formation. Understand the rules of engagement—because in the law of promises, outwards, not inward, truth is what counts.Main Topics Covered:The Objective Theory of Mutual Assent: How outward manifestations define intentDistinguishing Offers from Invitations to Treat: Specificity, context, and the role of languageThe Formation Timeline: When is an offer made, accepted, or terminated?Revocation, Rejection, and Irrevocable Offers: The four key exceptions and how consideration, UCC rules, reliance, and performance influence revocabilityAcceptance Mechanics: How matching terms, timing, and method of acceptance determine contract validityThe Impact of Silence and Conduct: When silence can constitute acceptance based on prior dealings or benefit-takingThe Battle of the Forms: How the UCC's flexible rule manages boilerplate and conflicting terms in sale of goodsTimelines and the Mailbox Rule: Dispatch and receipt ru

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman is joined by Dianna Yip, behaviour analyst and practitioner with over a decade of experience building services in Hong Kong. Dianna shares her journey from Vancouver to Hong Kong and what it was like entering a system with limited services, minimal regulation, and little awareness of ABA or PBS. Over time, she helped grow access, build community, and shift perceptions—often starting from scratch. This conversation explores how culture shapes behaviour support, from parenting expectations to professional practice. Dianna explains why positive behaviour support (PBS) has been more readily accepted than ABA in Hong Kong, and how language, history, and collaboration play a role. Together, they unpack: The realities of autism services in Hong Kong Why ABA is often misunderstood—and how PBS helps bridge the gap The challenges of privately funded care and lack of regulation Cultural values like compliance, academic success, and authority How to balance respect for culture with person‑centred practice The conversation also dives into emerging ideas that are still gaining traction in the region: Assent-based practice and mutual respect Neurodiversity and shifting from charity to empowerment Moving from compliance to collaboration Dianna also shares her work in building international practitioner communities, including the Global PBS Coalition, aimed at bringing more diverse perspectives into behaviour science. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about what happens when behavioural science meets culture—and how we can do better when we listen, adapt, and stay curious.   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rr7g18L9J-M Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 Ethics IBAO:  1.0 Cultural QABA: 1.0 Ethics CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity  Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak Find Diana here! LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianna-yip-plai/ PBS Asia https://www.pbsa.asia/ P.L.A.I. Consulting https://plaiconsulting.com/ Resources: The Global PBS Coalition https://globalpbscoalition.org/ Related Episodes: Empowering The Chinese Autism Community  https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-212-empowering-the-chinese-autism-community-with-hazel-lim/ Reclaiming the Constructional Approach in PBS with Dr. John Wooderson and Oliver Roschke https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/beyond-behaviour-reduction-reclaiming-the-constructional-approach-in-pbs-with-oliver-roschke-john-wooderson/   Family Centred Positive Behaviour Support with Dr. Joe Lucyshyn https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-43-family-centred-positive-behaviour-support-with-dr-joseph-lucyshyn-phd-bcba-d-part-1/ https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-44-family-centred-positive-behaviour-support-with-dr-joseph-lucyshyn-phd-bcba-d-part-2/  

What does it actually mean to believe in Jesus? In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert breaks down the three essential components of genuine biblical faith: content (knowing the facts about Jesus), assent (agreeing that those facts are true), and personal trust (staking your life on what you believe). Drawing from Hebrews 11, this is a clear, pastoral answer to one of the most fundamental questions a person can ask.0:13 - This week's question: How do you believe?1:21 - Why faith matters: Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God2:06 - The first element of faith: Content (knowing the facts)3:45 - The second element of faith: Assent (intellectual agreement)4:39 - The third element of faith: Personal trust and conviction5:43 - Hebrews 11:1 - Faith as assurance and conviction of things not seen6:18 - How faith changes your life: Hebrews 12:1-28:30 - Summary: What it truly means to believe

"If, then, the infinite benevolence of God wins our love, certainly His justice commands it; and were we able, as the Saints made perfect are able, to combine the notion of both in their separate perfections, as displayed in the same acts, doubtless our awe and admiration of the glorious vision would be immeasurably increased." St. John Henry Newman's Oxford Sermons, delivered during his time as an Anglican preacher at the University of Oxford, were instrumental in shaping the Oxford Movement, which sought to revive High Church traditions within the Church of England and ultimately led to many conversions to Catholicism. In addition to the profound influence these sermons had on both Anglican and Catholic theology, they also bore a personal significance for Newman's own conversion to Catholicism years later. These fifteen sermons, though deeply interconnected in theme and insight, are not sequential in nature; rather, each stands on its own as a distinct and self-contained reflection on faith and reason. Newman lays the groundwork for themes developed in later works, such as Grammar of Assent and Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. In this sixth sermon, Newman opposes the sentimental tendency to portray God as mere benevolence, insisting instead that true religion acknowledges God's perfect justice together with His mercy. Links On Justice, as a Principle of Divine Governance full text: https://www.newmanreader.org/works/oxford/sermon6.html SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

This week we're joined by Lexus Johnson, a BCBA here at ABS Kids who is doing really meaningful work with her clients every day. Lexus is passionate about something that doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves; making sure that kids aren't just learning skills, but learning to communicate who they are, what they need, and what they're okay with. Today we're talking about functional communication, life skills, and what it really means to put a child's voice at the center of their care. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association): for AAC and communication supports  Autism Society of America: for family support during Autism Acceptance Month and beyond  ABS Kids: to learn more about services, including life skills and social skills programs  ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

Chairman of Parliament's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Shaibu Mahama, has described former President Akufo-Addo's decision not to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, as a blessing in disguise

As behavior analysis pursues more opportunities to meaningfully ally with the neurodiversity movement, we need to ensure we're doing more than just playing lip service to those seeking additional supports by improving our listening. But how can you listen for assent without good communication skills? This week we are joined by Armando Bernal to explore how PECS may provide a more robust inroads to collaboration than we may have thought as well as some other ways that BCBAs can up their assent game. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Allen, L.L., Mellons, L.S., Syed, N., Johnson, J.F., & Bernal, A.J. (2024). Neurodiversity-affirming applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00918-0 Doherty, A., Bracken, M., & Gormley, L. (2018). Teaching children with autism to initiate and respond to peer mands using picture exchange communication system (PECS). Behavior Analysis in Practice, 11, 279-288. doi: 10.1007/s40617-018-00311-8 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

April showers are fun, especially after winter snowstorms. Fortunately, we've thawed out a whole mess of episodes for you to enjoy this month including our latest grab bag. But what about the themed episodes? Glad you asked! First, we'll be talking all about relapse which includes discussions of resurgence and renewal (see, aren't you glad you're learning about this?). Then we're joined by Armando Bernal to discuss how PECS could be a key component of building up our support of assent practices. Finally we get real and talk about peer mediation. The kind where children support skill acquisition of their with cues and praise. Not the other one. That'll get its own episode someday. All that and a new LISTENER POLL! Articles for April 2026 Golden Grab Bag (Spring Grab Bag 2026) Loomis, K. Morales, L., Yeo, Y., & Fienup, D.M. (2026). Turning the page: Increasing young children's preference for looking at and engaging with books. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 59. doi: 10.1002/jaba.70051 Bigwood, L., Staples, E., & Sharp, R. (2026). Making preference assessments more acceptable and effective for people with dementia. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01145-x Kaplan, B. A., Gelino, B. W., & Reed, D. D. (2018). A behavioral economic approach to green consumerism: Demand for reusable shopping bags. Behavior and Social Issues, 27, 20-30. doi: 10.5210/bsi.v.27i0.8003   Relapse Shahan, T.A. (2020). Relapse: An introduction. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 113, 8-14. doi: 10.1002/jeab.578 Mitteer, D.R., Greer, B.D., Fisher, W.W., Briggs, A.D., & Wacker, D.P. (2018). A laboratory model for evaluating relapse of undesirable caregiver behavior. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 110, 252-266. doi: 10.1002/jeab.462 Podlesnik, C.A., Ritchey, C.M., Muething, C., & Falligant, J.M. (2025). Different criteria affect prevalence of relapse of behavior targeted for treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 58, 225-231. doi: 10.1002/jaba.2927 Muething, C., Call, N., Ritchey, C.M., Pavlov, A., Bernstein, A.M., & Podlesnik, C.A. (2022). Prevalence of relapse of automatically maintained behavior resulting from context changes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 138-153. doi: 10.1002/jaba.887   Assent and PECS w/ Armando Bernal Allen, L.L., Mellons, L.S., Syed, N., Johnson, J.F., & Bernal, A.J. (2024). Neurodiversity-affirming applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00918-0 Doherty, A., Bracken, M., & Gormley, L. (2018). Teaching children with autism to initiate and respond to peer mands using picture exchange communication system (PECS). Behavior Analysis in Practice, 11, 279-288. doi: 10.1007/s40617-018-00311-8   Peer Mediation Morrison, L., Kamps, D., Garcia, J., & Parker, D. (2001). Peer mediation and monitoring strategies to improve initiations and social skills for students with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 3, 237-250. doi: 10.1177/10983007010030040 Beaulieu, L., Hanley, J.P., & Roberson, A.A. (2013). Effects of peer mediation on preschoolers' compliance and compliance precursors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 555-567. doi: 10.1002/jaba.66 Grauvogel-MacAleese, A.N. & Wallace, M.D. (2010). Use of peer-mediated intervention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 547-551. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-547

In this episode, Ben sits down with Danielle Cohen to explore Constructional Exposure Therapy (CET)—an emerging, compassionate approach grounded in the constructional framework of behaviour analysis. Rather than focusing on eliminating fear or escape behaviour, CET identifies the behaviour the person needs to access meaningful outcomes—and systematically teaches it in a way that maintains choice, assent, and low distress throughout. Danielle shares how this approach: - Reframes reinforcement through the lens of critical consequences - Uses shaping with negative reinforcement in a practical, ethical way - Prioritizes multiple pathways to success (and genuine assent) - Allows learners to opt out—without stopping progress Through powerful case examples—including supporting a learner through a blood draw and teaching independent nail clipping in under an hour—this episode highlights what's possible when we truly align effectiveness with compassion.   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jjk7LrWWM1Y This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University's Faculty of Education.  Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 Learning IBAO:  1.0 ABA Topics QABA: 1.0 General CBA/CPD: 1.0 Learning   Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/ Contact Danielle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-cohen-bcba-0a247a213/ Links: Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr Article on CET: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Awab-Abdel-Jalil-2/publication/373767631_TOWARD_A_CONSTRUCTIONAL_EXPOSURE_THERAPY/links/64fb1cd510813375f267dc4e/TOWARD-A-CONSTRUCTIONAL-EXPOSURE-THERAPY.pdf Exposure therapy literature review: Abdel‐Jalil, A., Baldwin, J. N., & Leaf, J. B. (2024). Exposure‐based treatments for fear and reactivity to medical procedures: A systematic review of the literature with implications for research and practice. Behavioral Interventions, 39(3), e2010. Concept analysis on assent: innehan, A.M., Abdel-Jalil, A., Klick, S. et al. Foundations of Preemptive Compassion: A Behavioral Concept Analysis of Compulsion, Consent, and Assent. Behav Analysis Practice (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00890-1 Another paper on compassion and assent: https://www.maracalearning.com/assets/can-there-be-compassion-without-assent_-a-nonlinear-constructional-approach.pdf To learn more about the constructional approach, check out the first two episodes in our series Episode 250: The Constructional Approach: A Primer with Awab Abdel-Jalil https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-250-the-constructional-approach-a-primer-with-awab-abdel-jalil/ Episode 252: Applications of the constructional approach with Madhura Deshpande https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/    

"... we shall find it difficult to estimate the moral power which a single individual, trained to practice what he teaches, may acquire in his own circle, in the course of years. While the Scriptures are thrown upon the world, as if the common property of any who choose to appropriate them, he is, in fact, the legitimate interpreter of them, and none other; the Inspired Word being but a dead letter (ordinarily considered), except as transmitted from one mind to another." St. John Henry Newman's Oxford Sermons, delivered during his time as an Anglican preacher at the University of Oxford, were instrumental in shaping the Oxford Movement, which sought to revive High Church traditions within the Church of England and ultimately led to many conversions to Catholicism. In addition to the profound influence these sermons had on both Anglican and Catholic theology, they also bore a personal significance for Newman's own conversion to Catholicism years later. These fifteen sermons, though deeply interconnected in theme and insight, are not sequential in nature; rather, each stands on its own as a distinct and self-contained reflection on faith and reason. Newman lays the groundwork for themes developed in later works, such as Grammar of Assent and Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. In this fifth sermon, Newman contends that Christian truth spreads and endures in the world primarily through the personal character of holy individuals, rather than through the influence of institutions or intellectual arguments alone. Links Personal Influence, the Means of Propagating the Truth full text: https://newmanreader.org/works/oxford/sermon5.html SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Over the past few years, our field has been evolving in powerful and necessary ways. In this episode, we unpack the shift from compliance-driven ABA to assent-based practice and what that actually looks like in our day-to-day work.When we were first trained, “instructional control” and follow-through were often the priority. But we now know that meaningful learning does not come from rigid compliance. It comes from collaboration, autonomy, and dignity. We talk through what assent really means and what it does not mean, and how we can maintain structure and high expectations while still honoring a learner's voice.Through practical examples, like rethinking toileting readiness and embedding meaningful choice, we explore how shaping, relationship-building, and clinical judgment create more ethical and effective teaching. Assent-based practice is not about lowering standards. It is about evolving ABA to be more humane, neuroaffirming, and socially significant.What's Inside:The difference between compliance and assent in ABAPractical strategies to balance structure with autonomyHow shaping, choice, and dignity improve learner outcomesMentioned in This Episode:Malone (2025), Upholding Anti-AbleismEpisode 113: How to Maintain Client Dignity in ABAHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic philosophy guides us toward living well with ourselves and others. In this episode, we reflect on Epictetus' insight on friendship and values:“What a man sets his heart on, that he naturally loves... It remains for us to conclude then that good things alone are what they set their heart on. And if they set their heart on those, they love them too.”Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 22Epictetus reminds us that people naturally love what they believe to be good. When someone acts poorly, it is often because they misunderstand what truly benefits them. Stoicism teaches that real good lies not in wealth, status, or external success, but in virtue and good character. When we understand this, our priorities change, and so do the relationships and friendships we cultivate.This connects with the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: we learn to value what truly matters, question mistaken judgments about success or happiness, and act in ways that support both our own character and the well-being of others. Practically, this means choosing friendships grounded in shared values, guiding others with patience when possible, and remembering that everyone acts according to what they think is best, even when they are mistaken.For more, check out this related article with the Stoic view on friendship:https://viastoica.com/the-stoic-view-of-friendship/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic philosophy helps us remain steady amid the challenges of everyday life. In this episode, we reflect on Marcus Aurelius' personal reminder from his private notes:“So other people hurt me? That's their problem. Their character and actions are not mine. What is done to me is ordained by nature. What I do, by my own.”Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.25Marcus reminds himself that we cannot control what others do, only how we respond. People will sometimes speak harshly, act unfairly, or behave poorly, but their actions belong to them. Our responsibility is to protect our own character and respond with reason rather than anger. Stoicism teaches that true harm occurs only when we abandon our own values and lose control of our response.This reflects the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: we accept that external events and other people lie outside our control, we question the judgment that tells us we've been harmed, and we choose actions that preserve our peace of mind and integrity. Practically, this means pausing before reacting, letting go of insults that carry no truth, and using criticism, when valid, as a chance to improve rather than as a personal attack.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoicism and dealing with difficult people:https://viastoica.com/how-to-stop-taking-things-personally/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic philosophy helps us face life's challenges with steadiness and wisdom. In this episode, we look at Seneca's reflection from his consolation to Marcia, who was grieving the loss of her son:“What is the need to weep over parts of life? The whole of it calls for tears. Fresh troubles will press upon you before you have done with the old ones.”Seneca, Consolation to Marcia, 11Seneca's message is direct: suffering is part of the human condition, and no life is free from hardship. Grief and sadness are natural, but if we focus only on loss, we risk missing the larger truth that challenges are woven into life itself. Instead of being crushed by each new difficulty, Stoicism invites us to accept change, find support in others, and transform hardship into growth and resilience.This teaching connects with the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: we learn to accept that difficulties are inevitable, question the judgments that make suffering unbearable, and choose responses that move us forward rather than trap us in despair. Practically, this means allowing ourselves to grieve while avoiding rash decisions, supporting others through their pain, and remembering that past hardships have already helped shape the strength we carry today.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoicism and grief:https://viastoica.com/on-dealing-with-loss/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama is prepared to assent to the controversial LGBTQ bill once it is presented to him

Send us a textHow does someone assent to a proposition? By a jump of intuition based on many converging pieces of evidence.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic wisdom helps us navigate modern life. In this episode, we reflect on Epictetus' reminder:“In a similar way, you too should remind yourself that what you love is mortal, that what you love is not your own. It is granted to you for the present while and not irrevocably, not forever, but like a fig or a bunch of grapes in the appointed season. And if you long for it in the winter, you are a fool.” Epictetus, Discourses, Book 3, Chapter 24.86The message is simple and powerful: everything we enjoy, relationships, possessions, circumstances, is temporary. Suffering arises when we cling to what is gone or long for what is not present. Stoicism teaches us to align our desires with reality, appreciate what is here now, and avoid missing the present moment while chasing something absent.This connects directly with the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: want only what is within your power, question the judgments that create attachment, and act with gratitude toward what you have today. Practically, this means giving attention to the people around you, appreciating what is in your life now, and remembering that everything we love is given to us only for a time.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic desire and attachment:https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-the-stoic-discipline-desire/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we look at a passage by Marcus Aurelius from Meditations, Book 5.3, where he reminds himself how to act in the face of criticism and doubt:“If an action or utterance is appropriate, then it's appropriate for you. Don't be put off by other people's comments and criticism. If it's right to say or do it, then it's the right thing for you to do or say.”— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 5.3The core idea is simple: first judge carefully what is appropriate, then have the courage to act. Marcus points out that other people follow their own impulses and views. Their reactions are not your responsibility. What matters is whether your action aligns with reason, ethics, and your role in the world.This theme runs through Stoicism as a whole. Epictetus emphasizes responsibility for choice, Seneca warns against living for approval, and all three Stoic disciplines come together here. Desire is trained away from praise, Assent is used to judge what is right, and Action is where courage is required to follow through.In practice, this helps when you hesitate to speak honestly, make a difficult decision, or feel shaken by criticism. Ask whether the action is fair and necessary. If it is, do it. Learn from feedback if it is useful, but do not let it define your worth or stop your progress.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic courage:https://viastoica.com/10-epictetus-quotes-on-stoic-courage/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.Where we take a moment to slow down and reflect on what the Stoics can teach us about living with reason and restraint. In this episode, we turn to Seneca and a striking passage from On Anger, Book 3, section 3: “So tell me, will someone call a man sane who, as if caught up in a tempest, does not walk, but is driven along and takes as his master a furious demon?”Seneca uses vivid language to show what anger does to the mind. When anger takes over, we are no longer choosing our actions; we are being carried by them. The Stoic principle at work here is self-command. Anger is not strength, but a loss of inner direction, a momentary madness that blocks reason and leads us away from acting well.This idea connects closely with Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who both warn against being ruled by impressions instead of examining them. Through the disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, Stoicism teaches us to loosen our attachment to emotional impulses, question the judgments that ignite anger, and respond deliberately rather than react blindly. In everyday life, this means learning to pause when irritation arises, recognizing when emotion is taking the lead, and choosing restraint over release, especially in moments of pressure or conflict.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoicism and anger:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-anger/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this week's Stoic Quotes episode, we look at Epictetus, Discourses, Book 4, Chapter 4, recorded by Arrian. He writes: “But it is a much finer thing to be happy, to have a peaceful and undisturbed mind, to have what concerns you depend on nobody but yourself.”At first glance, this can sound like withdrawal from the world, but Epictetus is pointing to something more demanding. He is reminding us that the moment we tie our happiness to externals, whether comfort, leisure, approval, or even quiet, we become dependent and easily disturbed. Stoic happiness is not about arranging perfect conditions, but about cultivating inner steadiness through right judgment. In modern terms, peace comes not from controlling life, but from aligning our desires with what is truly up to us.This teaching echoes through Stoicism, from Marcus Aurelius' emphasis on inner rule to Seneca's insistence that freedom begins with self-command. It touches all three Stoic disciplines: Desire, by letting go of attachments to externals; Assent, by examining the judgments that create disturbance; and Action, by choosing what accords with reason and virtue, even when it feels uncomfortable. Practically, this means learning to remain composed when plans fail, choosing values over convenience, and finding contentment in acting well rather than feeling comfortable.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic inner peace and solitude:https://viastoica.com/10-marcus-aurelius-quotes-on-being-alone/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent was Newman's most difficult work. While not a formal epistemology (theory of knowledge), Newman prompted a movement away from modern epistemology, stressing certainty that is best found in logic and mathematics, to common sense epistemology, affirming truth that is not absolutely certain. Bishop Barron explains why this epistemology is proper to religious knowledge, which includes notional and real assent.   Topics Covered: Why assent is not certitude  Religious Liberalism  Notional and Real Assent  Conscience  Links: Article: A Meditation on the Grammar of Assent Video: Dr. Reinhard Huetter on Newman Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/   NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.  

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. This is another Stoic Quotes edition, where we reflect on a single passage and its meaning for everyday life. In this episode, we turn to Marcus Aurelius and a note from Meditations 10.37: “Learn to ask of all actions, ‘Why are they doing that?' Starting with your own.” In another translation, he adds: “What is his point of reference here? But begin with yourself.”Marcus is reminding himself that frustration often comes from rushed judgments. We often assume that others act to inconvenience or offend us when, in reality, they are guided by their own pressures, habits, and priorities. The Stoic task is to pause and question the story we tell ourselves, while first turning that same scrutiny inward. Have I acted like this before, and why?This short reflection connects directly to the Stoic disciplines of Assent and Action. We cannot control what others do, but we can examine our judgments and choose a response rooted in patience rather than impulse. Practiced consistently, this habit softens irritation, reduces conflict, and helps us meet daily interactions with more understanding and restraint.For more, check out this related article with quotes on dealing with frustrating people:https://viastoica.com/how-to-deal-with-frustrating-people/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Since the 1970s the scientific field has been steadily improving in its use of meaningful consent practices. But how are we doing when it comes to the related practice of gaining client assent? This week we discuss the similarities and differences between both and take a pulse check as to how behavior analysis is doing to ensure only the best of practices when it comes to benefiting our clients whether in the research lab or clinic setting. If you think of assent practices as just willingness to enter the classroom, you definitely need to listen to this episode. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Mead Jasperse, S.C., Kelly, M.P., Ward, S.N., Fernand, J.K., Joslyn, P.R., & van Dijk, W. (2025). Consent and assent practices in behavior analytic research. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18, 826-841. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00838-5  Flowers, J. & Dawes, J. (2023). Dignity and respect: Why therapeutic assent matters. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16, 913-920. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00772-6 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

An hour of synthetic bells and real rain.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, we turn to Epictetus and one of the most important passages from the Handbook (Enchiridion), 1. Epictetus writes: “Practice then from the start to say to every harsh impression, ‘You are an impression and not at all the things you appear to be.' Then examine it and test it by these rules … whether it has to do with the things which are up to us or with the things which are not. And if it has to do with the things which are not up to us, be ready to reply, ‘It is nothing to me.'”This quote points to a core Stoic insight: events themselves do not disturb us, but the judgments we add to them do. Impressions arise automatically, but we always have the capacity to pause, examine them, and decide whether they concern what is truly up to us. This is where Stoic freedom begins.The same idea appears throughout Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius urges us to remove opinion from events, while Seneca warns how unchecked impressions quickly turn into destructive emotions. Through the disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, the Stoics teach us to release attachment to externals, question our immediate reactions, and act from virtue rather than impulse.In practice, this means learning to pause when something unsettling happens, asking whether it lies within your control, and letting go of value judgments where it does not. What remains is the freedom to respond well, no matter the circumstances.For more, check out this related article with quotes on control:https://viastoica.com/10-epictetus-quotes-on-control/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore a powerful line from Seneca's On Anger (Book 3.5): “The first essential is not to become angry; the second, to cease being angry; the third, to cure anger in others.” Seneca calls anger a form of “momentary madness,” a state that pulls us away from clarity and keeps us from making the right moral choice.We walk through why the Stoics saw anger as a judgment rather than an inevitable reaction, and how examining that judgment helps us understand the emotion instead of being overpowered by it. Drawing on the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, this episode shows how we can pause before anger rises, return to reason when it does, and eventually help others do the same.You'll also hear practical ways to apply Seneca's three steps in daily life, from creating a pause between trigger and response, to setting a calmer example for the people around us. This is a reflective and grounded look at how Stoicism helps us navigate one of the most common and disruptive emotions.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger:https://viastoica.com/how-to-take-right-action-like-a-stoic/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: https://badmic.com

Defeat the Beast of Rage BaitIn this episode, I dive deep into the mechanism of the algorithm—a system designed not to serve you, but to exploit your lowest emotional patterns. We define "Rage Bait" as content engineered to incite anger for profit, hijacking your attention to fuel the monetization machine.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In today's Stoic Quotes episode, we explore a powerful reflection from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1, a reminder of responsibility, harmony, and our place within the larger human community:“No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I feel angry at my relative or hate him. We were born to work together, like feet, hands, and eyes; like two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural.”Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1Marcus opens with a simple but profound truth: the state of your character is yours alone. No one can force you to act without integrity. No one can push you into bitterness or moral compromise. The choice, the judgment, is always yours. And then he widens the frame: because we share the same nature, hurting others ultimately harms ourselves. Unity is our natural state; hostility is the obstruction.This teaching points directly to two Stoic principles: responsibility for one's own moral choices, and cosmopolitanism, the idea that we are all parts of one body. In modern language: you are accountable for the way you respond, and the people around you are not obstacles but fellow limbs of the same organism.Epictetus says that nothing external can force your judgment. Seneca grounds responsibility in the integrity of one's own soul. And Marcus constantly reminds himself that he is part of a larger whole.Seen through the three Stoic disciplines, this passage becomes even clearer:• Desire — letting go of the impulse to want people to be different from what they are.• Assent — choosing not to accept impressions that provoke anger or hatred.• Action — behaving in a way that supports the unity and well-being of the larger human community.When you look at life this way, the quote becomes an invitation: protect your character, and treat others as parts of the same living structure.Here are a few practical reflections for daily life:• When someone behaves poorly, pause before reacting. Their action is theirs. Your judgment is yours.• Choose responses that strengthen the connection rather than fracture it. Even a moment of patience is a step toward harmony.• When tempted to blame others for your choices, remind yourself that accountability is freedom. You keep your integrity by owning your decisions.For more, check out this article to learn how to Practice Stoicism: https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-stoicism/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

US Senate unanimously passes bill to force release of Epstein files, pending Trump's assent Gangster Anmol Bishnoi deported from US; set to arrive in India today Sunil Gavaskar to Gambhir: Eden loss a warning; stop picking part-time all-rounders or risk another WTC Final miss Greater Noida turns most polluted with AQI at 454, Ghaziabad second Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we turn to Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 10, where he begins with a powerful invitation:“Examine who you are. For you are capable of understanding the divine governance of the universe and of reasoning on what follows from that.”Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 10At the heart of this quote lies the Stoic call to self-knowledge. Epictetus reminds us that our first duty is not to chase success, fame, or wealth, but to understand ourselves. Only when we know who we are can we know how to live. This isn't abstract philosophy; it's an invitation to observe, question, and align our actions with our nature. In modern terms, it's about becoming aware of our beliefs, values, and reactions, the foundations of a meaningful life.Epictetus follows the example of Socrates, who famously said that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” The Stoics carried this Socratic insight further: by knowing ourselves, we come to understand nature itself. As Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself, we are fragments of the same Logos that governs the universe.This idea connects deeply with the three Stoic disciplines:Desire – wanting only what aligns with nature.Assent – judging impressions clearly and rationally.Action – behaving in a way that reflects our true character.Through self-examination, we cultivate harmony between what we think, desire, and do.Pause before reacting. When something triggers you, ask: Why does this affect me so strongly? What belief lies beneath my reaction?Reflect daily. Journal about your choices and emotions. What patterns do you see? What virtues guide your actions?Detach from labels. You are not your job, income, or reputation. You are the sum of your moral choices — your character revealed through action.For more, check out this related article with quotes on self-knowledge: https://viastoica.com/how-to-know-yourself/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

"Human philosophy was beaten from its usurped province, but not by any counter-philosophy; and unlearned Faith, establishing itself by its own inherent strength, ruled the Reason as far as its own interests were concerned, and from that time has employed it in the Church, first as a captive, then as a servant; not as an equal, and in nowise (far from it) as a patron." St. John Henry Newman's Oxford Sermons, delivered during his time as an Anglican preacher at the University of Oxford, were instrumental in shaping the Oxford Movement, which sought to revive High Church traditions within the Church of England and ultimately led to many conversions to Catholicism. In addition to the profound influence these sermons had on both Anglican and Catholic theology, they also bore a personal significance for Newman's own conversion to Catholicism years later. These fifteen sermons, though deeply interconnected in theme and insight, are not sequential in nature; rather, each stands on its own as a distinct and self-contained reflection on faith and reason. Newman lays the groundwork for themes developed in later works, such as Grammar of Assent and Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. In this fourth sermon, Newman demonstrates how Reason oversteps its bounds when it sets itself up as the legitimate judge of religious truth, over and against childlike spiritual discernment. Links The Usurpations of Reason full text: https://www.newmanreader.org/works/oxford/sermon4.html SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the show where ancient wisdom meets modern life. In this episode, Benny explores a passage from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 1.9, a lesson Marcus attributes to his teacher Sextus:“Not to display anger or other emotions; to be free of passion and yet full of love.”Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 1.9This quote captures a profound Stoic balance, emotional freedom without emotional emptiness. Marcus reminds himself that true strength lies not in suppressing feelings, but in mastering them through reason. To be “free of passion” (apatheia) is not to be cold, but to live without being ruled by destructive impulses like anger or fear.Seneca called anger “temporary madness,” and Epictetus taught that emotions begin as impressions, automatic responses we don't control, but that what we do with them is up to us. The Stoic discipline of Assent helps us pause between feeling and action, so that love, kindness, and reason guide our response instead of passion and impulse.This teaching also points to the discipline of Desire, learning not to crave emotional intensity, and instead to choose harmony. And through Action, we express virtue outwardly: gentleness, compassion, and integrity toward others.How to Practice This Teaching:When anger arises, recognize it as a pre-emotion, a reflex, not a command.Pause before reacting, and ask: “What would love choose here?”Cultivate the good emotions (eupatheiai), joy, wish, and caution that arise from virtue and clear thinking.By freeing ourselves from destructive passions, we make space for a tender, affectionate heart, the kind Marcus admired in Sextus, and that remains a timeless expression of Stoic strength.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger and emotional control:https://viastoica.com/what-is-the-stoic-emotional-focus/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the show:https://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.Gratitude is often seen as soft, sentimental, or religious, but for the Stoics, it was a pillar of strength. In this episode, we explore how Stoicism offers a deeper, more grounded form of gratitude: one rooted in reason, awareness, and acceptance of the present moment.Drawing on Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we reveal how the Stoic view of gratitude isn't about comparison or comfort, it's about clarity. Through practice, gratitude becomes a rational response to life's impermanence and change. When Epictetus writes, “When you kiss your child goodnight, whisper softly: tomorrow you will die,” he isn't being morbid. He's reminding us to be fully present, to love, notice, and appreciate what's here before it's gone.From there, we can connect gratitude to the three Stoic disciplines:Desire – wanting less and appreciating what you already have.Assent – perceiving events clearly, without distortion or complaint.Action – living with fairness, kindness, and awareness of the whole.You'll learn how gratitude aligns with Amor Fati, the love of fate, and how to stop the mental habit of complaining that clouds perception. With practical reflections and modern examples, we show how even simple awareness of what's present can calm anxiety, reduce comparison, and restore peace of mind.By the end of this episode, you'll see that Stoicism is not a cold philosophy of detachment; it's a joyful, grateful way of seeing the world as it truly is.Listen to the full episode now and discover how gratitude can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the companion article: https://viastoica.com/how-to-view-the-world/Support the show:

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismIn this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, we reflect on a powerful line from Seneca's Letters to Lucilius, Letter 12: On Old Age:“How nice is it to have outworn one's desires and left them behind.”Seneca, Letters to Lucilius, Letter 12Seneca's words remind us that there's peace in growing beyond our old desires. What many see as loss, fewer passions, less drive, a quieter rhythm of life, can instead be freedom. The Stoics teach that as we age, we shed the compulsions that once ruled us and move closer to calm, reason, and virtue. Seneca himself wrote this late in life, finding new joy not in chasing but in observing, not in striving but in understanding.This reflection connects deeply with Epictetus' warning not to let our wants drive us, and with Marcus Aurelius' reminder to “be content with what nature gives.” It points to the Stoic discipline of Desire, learning to want only what's up to us, and to the discipline of Assent, choosing which thoughts and impulses deserve our attention.So what can we take from Seneca's view on aging today?Learn to see detachment not as loss but as liberation.Recognize how changing desires can open space for peace and reflection.Use each stage of life to align more closely with virtue rather than vanity.Seneca invites us to see old age not as a decline but as a refinement, the quiet strength that comes when we finally stop running after what never mattered.For more, check out this related article with quotes on dealing with death:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-death/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe to more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Kim Marotta is the Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer and Head of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) at Suntory Global Spirits, a global premium spirits leader with iconic brands including Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, and Hibiki. Kim spearheads the company's development and implementation of long-term sustainability initiatives through its Proof Positive strategy, ensuring a comprehensive approach across the entire value chain. Kim also plays a crucial role in integrating risk management into the company's core strategies to drive growth and enhance organizational resilience. Before joining Suntory Global Spirits, Kim spent nearly two decades with Molson Coors Beverage Company and its predecessor companies, where she served as Global Senior Director of Sustainability and ERM. Kim holds degrees from Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. After completing law school, she served as The Deputy State Public Defender and an adjunct law professor at Marquette University Law School. Kim currently serves on the boards of Maker's Mark Distillery and Marquette University National Alumni Association. Kim also served on the Keurig-Dr. Pepper advisory board and was appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin to the Great Lakes Protection Fund. Recognized as a leader in sustainability, Kim has been named among Crain's Notable Leaders in Sustainability, Assent's Top 100 Corporate Social Responsibility Influence Leaders, and Triple Pundit's Top 35 Female CSR Leaders. She is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in media outlets such as Fortune, The Guardian, the Economist, Reuters, Cheddar News, and CNBC. Additionally, she has been an invited lecturer at the University of Chicago, the University of North Carolina, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Marquette University. Kim Joins Sustainable Nation to Discuss: Integration of sustainability and risk management: Suntory Global Spirits' Proof Positive strategy Achieving water reduction goals using employee incentives  Suntory's supplier engagement program Scaling regenerative agriculture Listen as Kim Marotta shares insights from her two-decade-long career in sustainability, particularly within the alcohol industry, and discusses her unique path from public defense into corporate sustainability leadership. She provides an overview of Suntory Global Spirits' global operations and explains how Japanese cultural values influence the company's holistic and long-term approach to sustainability. Kim delves into the development and execution of the company's Proof Positive sustainability strategy, touching on key areas such as water conservation, carbon and energy reductions, sustainable sourcing, and regenerative agriculture. She highlights how Suntory has achieved a 50% reduction in water use per unit and is pushing ambitious climate targets, including engaging suppliers in emissions reductions. Kim also discusses the integration of sustainability and risk management, the importance of tying employee incentives to progress on sustainability goals, and the collaborative, metrics-driven process behind supporting suppliers and farmers in adopting sustainable practices. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need for cultural commitment, stakeholder engagement, and continual innovation to make meaningful, measurable progress in the industry.  

In Session 313, Dr. Cody Morris from Salve Regina University, and the newly re-launched All Things Behavior podcast (please also see The BAPcast Podcast), joins me to dive into a topic that has merited quite a bit of discussion in Applied Behavior Analysis. These days, you pretty much have to be living under a rock in ABA circles to not have noticed the increased focus on assent practices in treatment programming. Cody is one of the preeminent authorities on this topic, and in this episode, we talk about the definitions of assent, how assent has been conceptualized in other fields, and how it applies to the work we do as Behavior Analysts. In doing so, we review Cody's article, Toward a Further Understanding of Assent, which was published in the winter 2024 issue. Long story short, if you're looking for a nuanced discussion on this topic that avoids binary, black and white conceptualizations, you've come to the right place. Here's a deeper dive into what we discussed: Assent in Behavior Analysis: Cody's research on assent—a concept similar to consent but applicable to individuals without legal authorization to consent for themselves. Assent involves four critical features: legal status, giving permission, adequate information, and the ability to withdraw permission. This concept is essential for involving clients in therapeutic decisions, particularly those with communication differences or developmental disabilities. Client Assent in Therapeutic Settings: The discussion covers the historical roots and practical applications of assent in behavior analysis. Cody clarifies that assent is a specific strategy for involving clients in treatment decisions, not an all-or-nothing requirement. He addresses the challenges of obtaining accurate verbal assent from clients with complex communication needs and recommends using multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences. Assent Procedures in Research: An examination of assent procedures in behavior analytic research, including the distinction between free choice and fair choice. The episode explores how researchers and clinicians can minimize undue influence and coercive contingencies while arranging fair choices and creating socially acceptable outcomes. Balancing Clinical Progress and Client Autonomy: Cody discusses the critical balance between making clinical progress and giving clients independence and autonomy. He explains that while some procedures are necessary and non-negotiable, there are often opportunities to involve clients in decisions about their treatment, such as choosing the time of day or setting for therapeutic activities or medication management. Implementing Assent in Practice: The episode addresses nuances and limitations of implementing client assent in behavioral therapy, emphasizing that assent should be balanced with clinical progress. Cody highlights the dangers of overgeneralizing procedures without individualizing treatment and encourages a broader approach to maximizing client involvement in therapeutic decisions. Challenges in Assent Assessment: A discussion on the challenges and limitations of developing simplified decision-making tools (like checklists) for assessing client assent. Cody emphasizes the need for nuanced clinical judgment due to insufficient research and recommends that researchers take small, focused steps in studying specific aspects of assent. Resources & References Morris, Dietrich, and Peterson. (2021). Participant assent in behavior analytic research: Considerations for participants with autism and developmental disabilities. Bannerman, et al., (1990). Balancing the right to habilitation with the right to personal liberties: The rights of people with developmental disabilities to eat too many doughnuts and take a nap. Inside JABA 24: Improving Health Routines for Adults with Disabilities Using Synchronous Reinforcement Strategies (CEU available!). Inside JABA 23: ABA Strategies for Safer Playground Behavior (CEU available!). Inside JABA 22: Response to Name Interventions for Staff and Caregivers (CEU available!). Skinner (1999). Cumulative Record. Northup (2000). Further evaluation of the accuracy of reinforcer surveys: A systematic replication. Good Will Hunting. Takeaways for Practitioners Assent is one tool within a larger framework of client-centered services, not the sole focus of treatment Incorporate clients in as many meaningful decisions as possible throughout treatment, distinguishing between necessary procedures and flexible choices Use multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences, especially for individuals with complex communication needs Balance clinical progress with client autonomy and independence Avoid overgeneralizing or rigidly following assent procedures without individualizing treatment Take a nuanced, clinically-informed approach to client involvement in therapeutic decisions This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: •    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! •    MindBodyBehavior's Certified Health Coach Program. If you're a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. Click here to learn more! •    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! •    The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don't miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25, led by Dr. Emily Kerwin and Gina Zecchin-Tirri from All Points Behavior (formerly The Carbone Clinic). The discounted early-bird registration price is only available for a limited time, so get your ticket right away!

For the episode we're heading to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for a conversation with Rick Hester, Amy Schilz and Lucy Butler. Rick is the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He oversees all the zoo's behavioral programming. His work includes the zoo's animal training for husbandry, medical, and public show behaviors, enrichment, developing programs to improve problem behavior situations, the zoo's formal animal welfare assessments, and exhibit design for behavior goals. We're also joined by Amy Schilz who has the dream job of working with the Cheyanne Mountain zoo's giraffe. Amy is the Senior Animal Behaviorist for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, where she runs giraffe workshops and conferences, both stateside and internationally. Both Rick and Amy also partner with Dr. Susan Friedman and her Behavior Works consulting team so you'll hear a lot of references to Susan throughout this conversation. In addition to Rick and Amy, I invited Lucy Butler to join us. Lucy and her husband run the River Haven Animal Sanctuary in Rhode Island. I knew she would have a lot of questions for Rick and Amy. When you take in animals who are the victims of abuse, there's a lot to be learned from the work that goes on in zoos to reduce the stress of handling and also to improve the overall quality of life for the animals under their care. In this episode Rick and Amy talk about fine-tuning what a “no response” looks like and what handlers should do when they see the first signs of an animal saying “no”. As they fine tuned their understanding of “no” responses, they were actually describing an operationalized behavior that is “yes”. What does it look like for an animal to say “yes” Assent is a behavior the learner performs and continues to perform that lets us know we can continue. When they stop performing that behavior, assent is withdrawn, so we have to withdraw. This is the process that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo trainers follow. Relief is readily available to the animal learners. Across species in a system where relief is abundantly available and there are strong reinforcers at a high rate for opting in, most animals opt in more and opt out less. After Rick and Amy describe the training that they are doing at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we switch the focus to horse training. Letting horses opt out runs counter to traditional horse training methods. But certainly we know that horses also opt in more when they have the option of saying “no”. This episode also includes an announcement for my new book: “Never Get A Wizard Mad At You”: Book One in the Upstairs Armadillo Series.

In this special Haaretz Podcast episode, Haaretz columnist Amir Tibon offers his analysis of the comprehensive 20-point peace plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump in a White House press conference on Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood beside him. “What we saw was a plan with big headlines, but a lack of details,” Tibon said in his conversation with podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer. “We don't know yet if there is actually the political will to carry it forward.” While Netanyahu has officially endorsed and even praised the plan, Tibon added, it will be difficult for the Israeli leader to convince the hard-right wing of his coalition to accept many of the terms – particularly a full withdrawal from the Strip by the IDF. A political crisis over the deal could lead to the collapse of the government and force a new general election. Hamas has yet to fully weigh in on the plan that requires the massive concession of disarming and ceding power in Gaza to “Palestinians technocrats.” After two years of the war in Gaza, Tibon said, Trump clearly “hopes he can get a Nobel Peace Prize for ending the war and opening an opportunity for wider peace in the Middle East.” But the U.S. president “still doesn't understand that actually ending the war will require more pressure. The idea that he will simply impose all of these terms on Hamas, I think, is unrealistic. I would love to be wrong on this, but I don't see it happening so quickly.” Read more: Trump's 'New Gaza' Plan Revealed: Hostage Deal, Hamas Disarmament and 'Gaza Deradicalized' Far-right Minister Smotrich Slams Netanyahu's Assent to Trump's Plan: 'Missed Chance to Break Free From Shackles of Oslo' Hamas to Review Trump's 'New Gaza' Cease-fire Plan 'In Good Faith,' Foreign Diplomat Tells Haaretz Amir Tibon: The 'Magic Number' That Could Convince Hamas to Accept the Trump PlanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Assent, the practice of choosing how we respond to impressions, rather than being led by impulse or unexamined opinions.In an age of fast judgments, social media scrolls, and reactive emotions, this discipline gives us a way back to clarity. Stoicism teaches that when something happens, we don't have to accept what our emotions or impressions tell us immediately. With assent, rejection, or withholding judgment, we can learn to meet life with presence, wisdom, and truth.Drawing on Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Zeno, Benny walks through the stages of assent: noticing first impressions, pausing, investigating what's really going on, then either approving, rejecting, or suspending judgment. You'll discover how this discipline helps with emotional regulation, clearer decision-making, healthier relationships, and a more grounded view of what's true.If you've ever felt dragged along by rush judgments or upset by your immediate reactions, this episode will show you tools and practices to slow down, check your impressions, and act from virtue.For more on this topic, see the full guide:

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we start with a big update. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has received the President's assent and Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explains why India banned real money gaming. We also cover how D2C brands are battling the festive quick commerce rush, Ola Electric's shareholder approval to reallocate IPO proceeds, and OpenAI's move to set up its first India office in New Delhi.

"The true light of the world offends more men than it attracts; and its divine origin is shown, not in its marked effects on the mass of mankind, but in its surprising power of elevating the moral character where it is received in spirit and in truth." St. John Henry Newman's Oxford Sermons, delivered during his time as an Anglican preacher at the University of Oxford, were instrumental in shaping the Oxford Movement, which sought to revive High Church traditions within the Church of England and ultimately led to many conversions to Catholicism. In addition to the profound influence these sermons had on both Anglican and Catholic theology, they also bore a personal significance for Newman's own conversion to Catholicism years later. These fifteen sermons, though deeply interconnected in theme and insight, are not sequential in nature; rather, each stands on its own as a distinct and self-contained reflection on faith and reason. Newman lays the groundwork for themes developed in later works, such as Grammar of Assent and Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. In this third sermon, Newman distinguishes the transcendent calling of the Christian from the achievement of ordinary virtue contemplated by "natural" religion or mere ethics. Links The Influence of Natural and Revealed Religion Respectively full text: https://newmanreader.org/works/oxford/sermon3.html SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

This was after Centre, through Rashtrapati Bhavan, sought review of SC's 8 April ruling in which it held that governors cannot sit over bills passed by state legislatures.  

Hello to you listening in Thornton, Colorado!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Evildoing, like coercive power, depends on the cooperation, obedience, support, assent or at least passive tolerance of many people.  If you passively tolerate evildoing - or turn your face away - you are as much involved in it as the ones who perpetrate it. When you tolerate evildoing without protesting, you are cooperating, you are an accomplice.One who chose not to cooperate was Daniel Ellsberg, American military analyst and whistleblower, who saw clearly what had been going on with the 40 years of war in Vietnam. He chose to copy and then release over 7,000 pages of what became known as The Pentagon Papers. He exposed the long-running scandalous history of the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968 and secretly expanding its involvement with the bombing of  Cambodia and Laos.In 1971 then President Nixon filed suit to stop the NY Times and the Los Angeles Times from publishing the papers. He failed. The papers were published. Ellsberg himself was criminally indicted but charges were later dismissed.    “As Judge Byrne in Los Angles was issuing his dismissal of the indictment against Daniel Ellsberg, Nixon expressed his outrage and sense of betrayal: “ ..., on this national security thing, we have the rocky situation where the sonofabitch thief is made a national hero and is going to get off on a mistrial. And the New York Times gets a Pulitzer Prize for stealing documents ....They're trying to get at us with thieves. What in the name of God have we come to?” [SECRETS - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, pub. 2002, pp. 456 to 457]    What we had come back to was a democratic republic - not an elected monarchy - a government under law, with Congress, the courts, and the press functioning to curtail executive abuses, as our Constitution envisioned. Moreover, for the first time in this or any country the legislature was casting its whole vote against an ongoing presidential war. It was reclaiming, through its control of the purse, the war power it had fecklessly delegated nine years earlier. Congress was stopping the bombing, and the war was going to end.” [SECRETS - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, pub. 2002, pp. 456 to 457]        40 years of war ends - and Watergate is not far behind - scuttling Nixon's presidency.Individuals who choose to call evildoing what it is, who choose to withdraw their cooperation, ignite organized non-cooperation. That is where we are. We the People - an Army of Ordinary People - have ignited organized non-cooperation. We the People are fighting back and we're bringing our friends to topple the evildoing in the White House.    Thank you for listening and fighting alongside us for democracy! Click HERE to access a pdf copy of Secrets - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon PapersClick HERE to access VOICES: UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Daniel Ellsberg & SECRETS - Vietnam & the Pentagon Papers (October 25, 2002) You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Do you know a lot about God, but still sometimes feel disconnected from him? What does it mean to love the Lord with your heart, soul, mind, and strength?    Today's guest, Dr. Reverend Alan Johnson shares about spiritual formation and his journey from knowing information about God to experiencing him relationally. As a pastor, Dr. Alan sheds some light on the unique challenges that ministry leaders face in cultivating their relationship with God. Anyone facing questions or trials can find it easier and safer to retreat into the realm of knowledge about God rather than wrestle relationally with these questions. Throughout the show Dr. Alan talks about his experience of spiritual formation and the practices that helped him relate to God and see himself more and more as a beloved child of God.    So, come join us for a great conversation as we learn to let Jesus pull his weight and form us into who he made us to be, children of God.    Links/References Try out Spiritual Direction with Pastor Alan Check out Pastor Alan's sermons Get email summaries for the show on PodSnacks!  Review the podcast   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

In this episode of This New Way, Aydin talks to Rob, co-founder of Heartee Foods, co-founder of Assent and longtime AI practitioner, about how he's integrating AI into every corner of his mushroom farming business — from training systems and voice-driven data entry to hiring pipelines and grant applications. Rob shares how his team replaced costly software with internal tools powered by LLMs, dramatically accelerating operations and unlocking new insights. If you're curious how AI can power real-world logistics and training — this one's for you.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Rob's background in machine learning and startup journey01:15 – Building Heartee Foods and pivoting from software to farming03:00 – Voice-based data collection for daily farm operations04:50 – Replacing forms with AI-powered voice inputs06:00 – Creating an internal LMS using LLMs and video training07:40 – Why traditional audits now take 2 hours instead of 2 weeks10:00 – The power of voice in AI interfaces and workplace design12:00 – Using AI to build and query internal documentation systems13:45 – Why LLM-powered search beats traditional search16:30 – Building internal software faster than ever before20:00 – How Rob uses AI to evaluate job candidates using transcripts24:00 – Demo: Ranking resumes with NotebookLM28:00 – Using LLMs to draft government grant applications34:00 – Automating grant budgeting and narrative writing with AI36:00 – The future of coding: From dev-led to voice-initiated workflows38:00 – Rob's advice to leaders: “Just start using it”Tools & Resources Mentioned:Fellow – For recording and transcribing interviewsAnthropic Claude / GPT-3.5 – Used to build internal toolsNotebookLM (Google) – Used to rank resumes and answer hiring questionsCursor – AI coding tool for faster software developmentSiri (macOS voice dictation) – Used for hands-free data entry and draftingCustom LMS with LLM integration – Built in-house to replace third-party toolsSubscribe at Thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step AI workflows.

We're talking with Dr. Susan Friedman about schedules Susan is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. She is well known around the world for her very popular on-line course: “How Behavior Works: Living & Learning With Animals”. She has co-authored chapters on behavior change in five veterinary texts, and her popular articles have been translated into 17 languages. She shares many of those articles on her web site: behavior works.org. It's a great resource for all of us who want to learn more about the natural science of behavior. Susan is a member of the clicker expo faculty. Her presentations at the March Clicker Expo prompted this conversation on schedules of reinforcement. In Part 1 Susan reviewed with us the basics of fixed and variable schedules. In Part 2 we take a deeper dive into continuous reinforcement schedules. We consider how you get behavior to vary without using a variable reinforcement schedule. Susan talks about a move away from transactional training to training with assent. She explains what that means and what it might look like for the learner. We ended Part 1 with a question about how you get behavior to vary when you are using a continuous reinforcement schedule. That's where we pick up as we continue the conversation.

This is not a show about teaching eye contact. We'll get to that in a bit. First though, I should note that the 22nd installment of the Inside JABA Series is coming out comically late. I apologize for getting us off schedule. The good news is that we already have a great paper to discuss for the 23rd Inside JABA episode that I think you're going to love, so I hope to have that one out later on in the spring. Back to this episode. Drs. Danny Conine and Jenn Fritz join me to discuss a paper Danny wrote with his colleagues called, "Evaluating a screening-to-intervention model with caregiver training for response to name among children with autism." There are so many great things about this paper, and listeners will be able to tell this from my enthusiasm in discussing it with Danny and Jenn. As I noted above, this is not about teaching eye contact, but rather, a more generalized repertoire of responding to one's name (RTN). We get into why these two things are different, and, as Danny tells it, RTN repertoires have many benefits that directly impact learning and safety. In this paper, he describes an elegant assessment and intervention that his research team implemented to develop RTN in the study's participants. In carrying out this study, they also employed a simple and effective assent withdrawal component, which we get into. Then, they took what the skills they developed in a clinic setting, and taught the participant's caregivers to implement RTN procedures at home. As such, this paper provides a great example of how to generalize skills across settings. Very cool! Along the way, Danny provides practical tips clinicians can consider for their own practice. All of this to say, I'm hoping you'll agree that the wait for this episode will be worth it! Resources discussed in this podcast: Conine, et al. (2025). Evaluating a screening-to-intervention model with caregiver training for response to name among children with autism. Conine, et al. (2020). Assessment and treatment of response to name for children with autism spectrum disorder: Toward an efficient intervention model. Conine, Vollmer, and Bolívar (2019). Response to name in children with autism: Treatment, generalization, and maintenance. BOP Session 212 with Tim Hackenberg. Luczynski and Hanley (2013). Prevention of problem behavior by teaching functional communication and self-control skills to preschoolers. The Verbal Behavior Approach, by Dr. Mary Barbera. Links to Danny's faculty page, Research Gate profile, LinkedIn, and his lab's Instagram. Jenn's faculty page, Research Gate profile, LinkedIn, and the UHCL ABA Program page. If you enjoy this episode, please consider sharing with friends and colleagues!

In this week's episode, "Yes Mother", Fr. Jacob is joined by Fr. Mike. Inspired by John Henry Newman's A Grammar of Assent, they discuss the importance of assenting to truth while maintaining a thoughtful and open mind.

As Juliet asks, "what's in a name?" in that Shakespeare play every 9th grader reads, I too ask the put the same question to today's guest, Dr. Caio Miguel. Welcome to Session 287 of the Behavioral Observations Podcast! Literary allusions aside, in this episode, Caio walks us through the concept of Bidirectional Naming, and its implications for research and practice. In this conversation, we use his 2016 paper, Common and Intraverbal Bidirectional Naming, from the Analysis of Verbal Behavior, as a springboard for this discussion. One of the things that I took away from this conversation is to be more careful using terms like tacting, naming, and labeling interchangeably. In this podcast, you'll learn why these distinctions are important. We also talk about why terms like receptive and expressive labeling aren't conceptually systematic, and should be avoided in the Behavior Analytic literature. If that sounds like a hot take to you, please tune in to hear the rationale. Caio is also presenting at this year's Verbal Behavior Conference, which is taking place March 27-28, 2025, both in Austin, TX, as well as virtually through BehaviorLive. If you like to nerd out on all things verbal behavior, this is your event. And during our conversation, Caio provides a preview of what he plans to talk about at the VBC. Here are some links to resources that came up during this episode: Verbale - Consult with Drs. Miguel and LaFrance. Miguel (2016). Common and Intraverbal Bidirectional Naming. Miguel (2018). Problem-Solving, Bidirectional Naming, and the Development of Verbal Repertoires. Miguel (2021). Jack and Me. The Verbal Behavior Research Lab. Sacramento State's ABA Ma Inside JABA Series #2: Big Idea Papers and Their Impact (CEU available). Horne and Lowe (1996). On the origins of naming and other symbolic behavior. Preventative Systems, Assent, and The Naming Experience: Session 278 with Jim Moore. Sivaraman et al. (2023). Verbal behavior development theory and relational frame theory: Reflecting on similarities and differences. Session 282: A Behavioral Analysis of Problem Solving (CEU available). Carbone et al. (2010). The Role of the Reflexive-Conditioned Motivating Operation (CMO-R) During Discrete Trial Instruction of Children With Autism. Palmer (2016). On Intraverbal Control and the Definition of the Intraverbal. Schlinger (1995). A Behavior Analytic View of Child Development. Endicott's Ph.D. in ABA Program. Sacramento State's MS in ABA Program. This podcast is brought to you with the support of: 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.  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.  The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In. The Verbal Behavior Conference. Whether you attend in-person in Austin, TX, or online via BehaviorLive, you're going to love this year's Verbal Behavior Conference! Click here to get all the details! If you'd like to get BOP episodes a little earlier than everyone else, with no ads... just the interview itself, consider supporting the show with a Patreon subscription.