OFM Podcast Episode #77 | Guest: Dr. Amy Bukszpan
What happens when you pair the science of behavior with the science of human metabolic performance?
In this episode of the OFM podcast, Peter Defty sits down with Dr. Amy Bukszpan PhD—a doctorate-level behavior analyst and ultra-endurance coach—to unravel the deeply intertwined relationship between metabolic health, behavior, and performance. Based upon the work of BF Skinner, behavioral psychology delves into how the psyche works to shape how we eat, train, and live. This conversation delivers more than a few lightbulb moments with various insights into the intersection of metabolism and its effects upon our psyche.
Dr. Bukszpan shares how applied behavior analysis (ABA) isn’t just for clinical settings—it’s a powerful lens for understanding and optimizing endurance training, performance, and even daily life. Whether you're bonking mid-race or stuck in a carb addiction cycle, it’s likely not willpower that's failing you—it’s the behavioral contingencies shaping your choices. These choices in turn impact your metabolism and hormonal balance creating a downward cascade of unnecessary challenges.
Together, Peter and Amy explore the real roots of behavior: antecedents, reinforcers, punishments, and how starting by changing a single variable can start a cascade of better decisions and physiology. They unpack the "n=1" approach to nutrition, training and lifestyle. They offer the viewer/listener an alternative perspective of curiosity over fear, and how to build systems that remove decision fatigue, increase positive reinforcement and boost performance.
If you're tired of the rigid, one dimensional and anxiety-ridden approach to training and are looking for a framework that puts YOU back in charge—this episode is your roadmap.
🔍 Topics We Cover:
The science of behavior: antecedents, consequences & reinforcement
Why we’re not rational decision-makers (and that’s okay)
How to shift from a fear-based mindset to one of curiosity & experimentation
Reframing failure: what toddlers can teach us about being resilient athletes
Cognitive dissonance, carb addiction, and the psychology behind nutrition
Why your training should be a sandbox, not a script
Tools for empowering athletes to win in all aspects of Life
OFM’s role in stabilizing physiology to support behavioral change
🧠 Key Takeaways:
You don’t need a total life overhaul—change happens one behavior at a time.
Reinforcement, not motivation, is what keeps habits alive.
Your metabolic and psychological systems are deeply connected.
Behavior change isn’t about perfection—it’s about tweaking, testing, and evolving.
Building physiological resilience (via fat adaptation) supports behavioral freedom.
🎙 About Dr. Amy Bukszpan:
Amy is a doctorate-level behavior analyst and founder of Banana Champs Coaching. She applies behavior science in coaching athletes, particularly ultra-runners, to develop performance systems rooted in flexible decision-making, emotional regulation, and sustained motivation.
