In this episode of the Impairment Perspectives Podcast, host Joey Jones talks with forensic toxicologist Donna Papsun of NMS Labs about emerging drug trends, novel psychoactive substances, and the public health role of forensic toxicology. Their conversation covers kratom, synthetic opioids, nitazenes, orphines, designer benzodiazepines, xylazine, lab funding challenges, real-time drug surveillance, and the importance of clear scientific communication. Donna also shares career advice, reflections on mentorship, and insights from nearly two decades in the forensic toxicology field.

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, host Joey Jones talks with David Zimmerman, Assistant Laboratory Director at the Kern Regional Crime Laboratory, about the science and practice behind forensic alcohol testing. David shares his path from chemistry teacher to forensic toxicologist, explains why headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection remains a reliable standard in the lab, and discusses troubleshooting, measurement uncertainty, courtroom communication, and the realities of leading a modern toxicology program. The conversation also highlights the hands-on mindset required in forensic science and the importance of clear, practical training for professionals involved in impaired driving cases.

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, host Joey Jones is joined by Amy Berning and Jen Harmon for a timely discussion on the science, policy, and real-world implications of lowering the legal BAC limit to 0.05. Drawing on Amy’s 36-year career at NHTSA and Jen’s forensic toxicology expertise, the conversation explores Utah’s 0.05 law, the 2024 Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets, impaired driving research, and how data-driven policy can shape the next major shift in traffic safety.

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, host Joey Jones speaks with Rob Moore and Rebecca Wood, the clinical scientists behind The Tox Lab podcast. Together, they discuss the evolving world of clinical and forensic toxicology, the rise of emerging synthetic drugs like nitazenes and orphines, and the growing need for advanced testing methods such as high-resolution mass spectrometry. The conversation also explores the challenges of interpreting complex toxicology data, training the next generation of scientists, and bridging the gap between laboratory science, public health, and real-world impairment investigations.

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, host Joey Jones sits down with Aaron Botts, a Denver Police Department corporal, DRE specialist, instructor, and adjunct professor, for a wide-ranging conversation on impaired driving enforcement, training, and leadership. Aaron shares how his frontline experience and academic work shape his approach to teaching officers how to recognize impairment more effectively and ethically.

The episode highlights Aaron’s “Detection in 60 Seconds” philosophy, a data-informed screening approach designed to help officers quickly distinguish between sober and impaired drivers while improving efficiency and community interactions. He also discusses the challenges of teaching modern students, the role of AI in education, and how officers can go beyond basic training to better understand science, courtroom expectations, and real-world drug impairment cases.

Along the way, the conversation adds a personal side, covering Aaron’s background in music education, scouting, leadership, and even his massive board game collection, making the episode both insightful and approachable.

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, host Joey Jones is joined by Colorado TSRP Jen Knudsen to explore the realities of impaired-driving prosecution in a post-cannabis landscape. Jen shares practical insight on what makes DUI and DRE cases stand up in court—from stronger report writing to confident testimony—and how prosecutors, officers, and scientists can better connect their work to the elements of the case.

It’s a candid conversation about courtroom challenges, evolving science, and the relationships that make this work meaningful—plus a few unforgettable road stories along the way.

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, Dr. Joey Jones sits down with analytical chemist Lauren Holliday to talk about non-linear career paths in forensic toxicology and beyond. They discuss her move from South Carolina to Boston for graduate school, early experiences in evidence accessioning and toxicology, and the mentors who shaped her growth with tools like GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The conversation also explores her transition into environmental chemistry and pesticide testing at a wastewater treatment plant, highlighting how forensic skills translate across regulated laboratory settings.

In this episode of the Impairment Perspectives Podcast, host Joey interviews Jen Harmon—nationally recognized forensic science and public administration leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning toxicology, crime lab leadership, and policy work. Jen shares her journey from volunteering as a young intern at the Orange County Crime Lab to supervising forensic alcohol operations and ultimately overseeing multiple lab sections as an assistant director. Along the way, she reflects on leadership lessons, building high-trust teams, improving efficiency through Lean Six Sigma, advancing comprehensive drug testing and DUID programs, and translating lab data into actionable insights for stakeholders. The conversation also touches on her 2018 NHTSA Lifesaver Award, testimony before Congress, and her current focus on consulting, teaching, and helping the field connect science with real-world policy and safer roads.