It was a privilege to hear Dr. Al Poling discuss his extensive career in behavior analysis and the lessons he’s learned along the way. What started as an interview about his work using operant conditioning procedures to train rats to detect mines and TB morphed into more of a career introspective with the lessons Dr. Poling has learned along the way. We focused on the APOPO project, an NGO utilizing scent detection animals to address global issues such as landmine detection and tuberculosis. Dr. Poling discusses the importance of collaboration between behavior analysts and other disciplines, the challenges of data collection in applied settings (even live minefields!), and the need for critical thinking in addressing societal challenges. Dr. Poling reflects on his career, emphasizing the role of community support and resilience in professional development, while also addressing his contributions to behavioral pharmacology.

*Note this episode is not eligible for CEUs