The interview series
Where science, law, and real-world experience intersect.
Hosted by Joseph O. Jones, PhD
Perspectives from the people behind the investigations and the science.
Guests share lessons learned over their careers, advice for building one in this field, historical perspective, and the view from students just starting out. It is less step-by-step instruction than a look at how people grow in this work.
Every episode is free. Watch it here on DrugImpairment.com, or take the audio version with you on the podcast platform you already use.
Your host
Joseph O. Jones, PhD
System Director, North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory
Dr. Jones has dedicated his career to forensic science since 2006, currently serving as System Director at the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory. In this role, he manages the operations of two forensic laboratories and an evidence hub, serving the…
Read the full bioNewest first. Each one opens on DrugImpairment.com, where the full interview plays.
15 episodes
Dick Studdard—widely regarded as the architect of the Drug Recognition Expert program—shares the personal experiences, street-level lessons, and collaborative work that shaped modern drug-impaired driving enforcement. He reflects on the program’s…
Host Joey Jones sits down with Dr. Karen Scott, Director of Forensic Toxicology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, for a conversation about forensic science education, toxicology, and the real-world challenges of preparing the next…
Host Joey Jones talks with Nelly Mikhaltsevich, a Forensic Scientist III with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau, about the complex and evolving world of cannabinoid testing in forensic toxicology. Nelly shares her journey…
Host Joey Jones sits down with forensic toxicologist Amanda D’Orazio of NMS Labs for a conversation about the evolving world of drug-impaired driving toxicology. Amanda shares her path into forensic toxicology, her work helping shape national DUID…
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,…
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,…
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…
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 orphine…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Teixeira shares how impaired driving enforcement has evolved—from the early days of…
Forensic toxicologist Dr. Sabra Jones shares her personal and professional journey into the field of forensic science. From her early exposure to substance abuse in her hometown to an unexpected internship at the FAA toxicology lab, Dr. Jones…
We talk with Tom Page, a pioneer in the development of the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program. He shares how his early work in public health and law enforcement shaped his approach to drug-impaired driving, and how the DRE program evolved from…
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