The Doc Analyzes Anything

The Doc Analyzes Anything Welcome to The Doc Analyzes Anything — the podcast where curiosity meets chaos (with a touch of credentials). Join Dr. Steve Sparks, BCBA-D, along with Kyle Steury (BCBA) and Brad Clements (actual veterinarian, occasional philosopher) as they take stabs at analyzing all kinds of human behavior — from the quirky to the downright confusing - using science and behavior analysis as their basis. Ever wonder why people clap when a plane lands? Or why your uncle insists on shouting during Zoom calls? We don’t have all the answers... but we’re happy to pretend we do. Powered by science. Driven by nonsense. Occasionally about cats. Disclaimer time: Remember, we’re here for curiosity and conversation, not clinical consultation. We break down behavior the best we can from a deterministic, science‑based perspective for education and, more importantly, entertainment purposes only. Nothing you hear should be taken as personal advice, diagnosis, or treatment — so relax, enjoy the analysis, and consult a qualified professional for any individual concerns. Subscribe, laugh, and learn something weird — because The Doc Analyzes Anything. Literally. Anything.

Episodes

Jun 22, 2026

57 min

Does your dog look at you and think "I wonder if this is truly all there is to life?" Is your cat plotting its great world takeover? Today we're talking animal cognition, language, problem-solving, and the differences between human and animal thought processes from a behaviorist lens.
Have an idea you'd like us to analyze? Email thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com
 

Jun 22, 2026

57 min

Jun 15, 2026

1 hr 7 min

Let's jump into the psychology and behavior behind life hacks. In this episode the Doc and crew examine their effectiveness, motivations, and potential pitfalls. From DIY solutions to clickbait tricks, discover what makes some hacks work and others fail. From boiling pasta tricks to the science of dowsing rods, discover what works, what doesn't, and what might just be a fun myth. Look for a chicken or two to make an appearance!
Have a fun topic you'd like us to analyze? Send an email to thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com

Jun 15, 2026

1 hr 7 min

Jun 5, 2026

55 min

Steve and Kyle team up in California while Chad joins from his cardboard box. We talk about the societal implications of denied access (you know, watching that celebrity roll up in the Lamborghini) and how simply through witnessing others enjoy various stimuli, those activities become conditioned reinforcers for us. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Human Behavior Analysis08:00 Reinforcement and Its Implications14:10 Generalized Reinforcers and Their Impact17:37 The Elevator Button Myth18:02 Humorous Anecdotes and Social Perception18:49 Reinforcement Through Peer Influence22:33 The Role of Age in Reinforcement24:06 Higher Order Conditioning Explained26:52 The Impact of Social Reinforcement30:35 Societal Implications of Reinforcement36:31 Addiction and Reinforcement Dynamics42:51 Contingency Management in Addiction Treatment48:32 Utopian Societies and Reinforcement Theory
 
Contingency Management for Addiction - https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recoveryMythBusters Traffic Jam Study - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZefgUVg3qx0Walden II by B.F. Skinner - https://www.amazon.com/Walden-Two-Hackett-Classics-Skinner/dp/0872207781/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CZOTJAFFQ32V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2ysGoWEHwbsLLqP8JxzyY_13bzfvGcvrqRPPxg9rce3BM3DKLFu_dD9OvsVqXS4GUTeO3cBTm7IIHmKF0K7O0gGU1QzEyB1bIZRj28owuMGZqAINl1xI-4D9BmhM-smKfGV8G7vLQgSIZ_Uop82dgWAeJIcc94kHw84Byf7qELrtd2Hul2fRxmdxRVSZfXXumyepO1ygJuhV_d09OzQP09vZS-bfEWk36SqO1gS_AHA.xv8BmVLji_8eB6RcqOvqhi5lsERcDYW8HjukPOW3yfQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=walden+2&qid=1780681681&s=books&sprefix=walden+2%2Cstripbooks%2C161&sr=1-1

Jun 5, 2026

55 min

May 29, 2026

1 hr 2 min

Fan submission! Thanks Mel for the suggestion.
Alright, we're exploring the world of bar behavior, from the social dynamics of college bars to upscale whiskey lounges. We've got some personal anecdotes, an analysis of different types of patrons, and insight into how environment influences our bar-havior.  Join us as we explore the nuances of social behaviors at bars, from handshakes and drink choices to dating etiquette and group dynamics. 
 
Have an interesting topic you'd like us to explore? Email thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com

May 29, 2026

1 hr 2 min

May 18, 2026

1 hr 9 min

It's another week and another TaDAA. Today we explore the good bad and ugly history of education from ancient times to modern day, discussing how societal, political, and technological changes have shaped learning systems. Can education could be improved for a more equitable and effective future? We'd like to think so.
Have a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com.

May 18, 2026

1 hr 9 min

May 12, 2026

1 hr 1 min

Today we dive into the complex nature of good and evil, exploring societal norms, historical shifts, and psychological experiments that challenge the idea of inherent morality. Join us as we analyze how context, culture, and perception shape our understanding of right and wrong.
Have a topic for our show? Email us at thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com

May 12, 2026

1 hr 1 min

May 1, 2026

1 hr 2 min

Taylor joins Steve and Kyle to discuss the Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn story and an analysis of misconduct, investigations, and criminal behavior. We look at how systemic failures and systemic biases could have led to wrongful accusations and sinus the importance of scientific rigor in criminal investigations.
Have an episode topic? Email us a thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Analyzing Human Behavior05:07 Transition to True Crime Story06:32 The Kidnapping Incident11:01 Police Interrogation and Misunderstandings17:07 The Investigation Unfolds23:18 Identifying the Perpetrator28:09 Legal Consequences and Sentencing29:19 The Investigation's Missed Opportunities32:24 Legal Battles and Apologies33:42 Frustrations with Law Enforcement37:47 The Role of Empathy in Crime41:29 The Burden of Proof in Investigations45:55 The Aftermath of Trauma47:59 The Mystery of the Perpetrator53:25 Understanding the Mind of a Criminal

May 1, 2026

1 hr 2 min

Apr 25, 2026

1 hr 4 min

Today Dr. Sparks explores the complex nature of schizophrenia, including its symptoms and treatment approaches from a behavioral science perspective. We discuss the role of neurotransmitters, the impact of environment, and how behavior modification could aid in managing symptoms.
 keywords
schizophrenia, mental health, behavior analysis, neurotransmitters, hallucinations, delusions, treatment, mental illness, neuroscience, behavior modification
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Show and Sea Shanties03:01 Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol and Parenting05:57 The Changing Landscape of Alcohol Consumption08:58 Transitioning to the Topic of Schizophrenia11:33 Understanding Schizophrenia: Definitions and Symptoms14:52 Delusions vs. Hallucinations in Schizophrenia17:29 Personal Experiences and Anecdotes Related to Perception19:58 Understanding Schizophrenia and Intelligence24:14 Criteria for Schizophrenia Diagnosis28:28 The Role of Environment and Trauma33:17 Neurotransmitters and Brain Activity37:01 Psychedelics and Mental Health42:21 Isolation and Delusional Thinking47:05 Navigating Uncertainty and Anxiety49:26 Understanding Internal Dialogue and Its Impact51:48 The Role of Verbal Behavior in Mental Health56:06 Behavioral Approaches to Mental Health Treatment59:51 The Intersection of Behavior and Neurology
 
 
 

Apr 25, 2026

1 hr 4 min

Apr 17, 2026

1 hr 12 min

Kyle and Chad and Steve go for it with this mind-bending conversation about how memory actually works. Brainwashing and the Mandela effect: did you know Mickey Mouse doesn't wear suspenders? The big theme is simple but kind of unsettling. Our memories are way less reliable than we think, so a little skepticism goes a long way.
Plus Kyle finds all the props!
If you have an idea for us, email thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com!

Apr 17, 2026

1 hr 12 min

Apr 6, 2026

1 hr 1 min

This week, Steve Sparks et al. ask what is science? And why does it keep changing its mind??
We bounce from ancient theories (shoutout to the guys who were confidently wrong) to modern science, where being wrong is actually acceptable as long as you can prove it. Disprovability! It’s not just a big word, it’s a lifestyle.
We get into why some people trust science, why some people definitely don’t, and how objective data is supposed to keep us all from just vibing our way through reality. We also wander into subjective vs. objective measurement, mental health, neuroscience, and a few moments where it feels like we almost understand what’s going on.
Basically: science is always evolving, old ideas die (RIP), and skepticism is your friend as long as you’re not being weird about it.
If you’ve ever wondered how we went from Aristotle to whatever’s happening now… this one’s for you.
Got a topic you want us to overanalyze next? Send it to thedocanalyzesanything@gmail.com and we might just spiral on it in a future episode.

Apr 6, 2026

1 hr 1 min

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