The Poison Lab

Clinical Toxicology LLC
  • 5.0 (90)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Dive into the captivating world of poisons with The Poison Lab! Hosted by Clinical Toxicologist Ryan Feldman (@EMPoisonPharmD), who has over a decade of managing poisoning and drug overdose via poison centers and in the emergency department. Also occasional co-hosted by his robo cohost Toxo! (@LabPoison). This show unpacks the fascinating history, cutting-edge science, and life-saving medical management of toxins from around the globe. From stories of those impacted to expert insights from pioneers in poisoning treatment, each episode brings you closer to understanding the poisons that lurk in plain sight. Explore episodes, med videos, games, and more at thepoisonlab.com—every poison has a story to tell!

  1. 3D AGO

    Outbreak: 75 Fatalities After a Funeral Poisoning in Mozambique

    In this episode of The Poison Lab Outbreak, Ryan talks with Dr. Alaina Steck about a devastating mass poisoning in Mozambique that began at a funeral and ultimately sickened more than 200 people, with a fatality toll of over 70. Early reports blamed crocodile bile. Others suspected intentional poisoning. But as the investigation unfolded, the clinical picture, timeline, and exposure history did not fit neatly with the early theories. Dr. Steck, then a medical toxicology fellow at Emory, joined a CDC-supported outbreak investigation team sent to Mozambique. She walks through what it was like to investigate the outbreak on the ground, including the overwhelmed rural health center, limited medical records, scarce biological and environmental samples, early toxicologic hypotheses, and the eventual role of comparative food testing in identifying the cause. This episode explores the real-world uncertainty of outbreak investigation: incomplete data, competing theories, community fear, and the importance of epidemiology, toxicology, public health, and analytical chemistry working together. Topics CoveredMass poisoning investigation in rural MozambiqueEarly reports of crocodile bile and suspected intentional poisoningClinical presentations including GI symptoms, seizures, pulmonary edema, liver injury, kidney injury, and multisystem diseaseChallenges of interpreting sparse medical records during a mass casualty eventHow toxicologists approach possible intentional poisoningWhy exposure history and timing matter in outbreak investigationThe importance of control samples in analytical testingLessons for clinicians, poison centers, and public health teams GuestDr. Alaina Steck Medical toxicologist, Emory University Former medical toxicology fellow involved in the CDC-supported investigation of the Mozambique outbreak Resources (Spoilers)Outbreak paperU.S. Case Instagram @tox_talk • Twitter @LabPoison • Email toxtalk1@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Poison Lab is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. If you suspect a poisoning, contact your local poison center. In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1222. Support the showReview the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodesBonus content and early accessDiscounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushroom card game The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game! The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book! Full book reading (6 minutes!) Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!) Reach the showEmail: Toxtalk1@gmail.com More Show Resources Ryan's Medical Games and ResourcesShow Website

    59 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Rebroadcast: Phenibut. The emerging drug you don’t know about (yet)

    Phenibut is an emerging and unfamiliar drug taking hold in the US that is readily available online and legal to obtain. It acts as a GABA-B agonist and carries risks of dependency and withdrawal. In this episode Ryan interviews phenibut users as well as experts involved in phenibut treatment. They explore the history, current trends, toxicity, and management of phenibut, a novel GABA-B agonist. He is joined by guest Dr. Matthew Stanton PharmD and Dr. Benjamin Weston MD who listen in to an audio documentary that includes clips from Dr. Janessa Graves PhD and Dr. Erica Liebelt MD who wrote a recent report on increasing phenibut exposures, Dr. Dan McCabe MD who is the author of the largest published phenibut case series, and Elliot, a recovered phenibut user who we would like to sincerely thank for sharing his story of use and recovery. +Update- a systematic review of phenibut withdrawal treatment strategies authored by the poison lab host himeself, Ryan!+ More on St Anthony's fire CDC MWR Study documenting increased poison center exposures (Dr. Graves & Dr. Liebelt) Phenibut case series from Dr. McCabe All published cases of phenibut withdrawal, reported baclofen regimens, clinical outcomes, multimodal therapiesTHEORETICAL UNTESTED Phenibut withdrawal treatment schema (Not tested, not intended as treatment, intended to stimulate discussion and highlight key considerations in managing withdrawal) Support the showReview the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodesBonus content and early accessDiscounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushroom card game The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game! The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book! Full book reading (6 minutes!) Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!) Reach the showEmail: Toxtalk1@gmail.com More Show Resources Ryan's Medical Games and ResourcesShow Website

    1h 6m

  3. FEB 11

    If I had a Nickel (Mystery Case) & Toxicologist vs The internet (#13) with Dr. Damilola Idowu-Ellsworth

    In this episode of The Poison Lab, host Ryan Feldman is joined by medical toxicologist Damilola Idowu‑Ellsworth for a fast-moving, case-heavy conversation packed with clinical pearls, listener participation, and classic toxicology weirdness. The show opens with listener guesses for the previously released mystery case before diving headfirst into a rapid-fire series of Stump the Toxicologist cases—questions pulled straight from the internet and real-world toxicology problem-solving. Along the way, Ryan and Dami cover everything from rodenticides and drug-testing myths to how to clean a benzodiazepine bottle, plus one of the most toxic substances you’ve probably never heard of. One lucky listener also wins a copy of Poisonous Fungus Amongus, and a shout-out to the newly released second edition featuring photography from expert mycologists. Skip the listener guesses and jump straight to the mystery toxin: 38:15 Mystery toxin case The rest of the episode is Dr. Idowu and Ryan discuss the topics below. Looking for timestamps? Join the supporting member feed! Looking for time stamps for the rest of the show? Join as a supporting member Stump the Toxicologist – Case Discussions(Looking for timestamps? Join the supporting member feed!) Case #1 A methemoglobinemia, renal failure inducing enema Case #2 Wide-complex dysrhythmia from an over-the-counter topicalBonus - Paper from Ryan on the topical toxicity (or lack there of) of this product Case #3 Black stools, seizures, high sodium and low potassium after trying to beat a drug test. Case #4 GCS 15 and normal vitals… until they’re not — delayed seizures, neurologic collapse, and a toxicologic time bomb.Paper from Ryan on this tricky toxic time bomb Internet & Listener QuestionsDo GLP-1 agonists release toxins from fat and how might that impact drugged driving laws with THC?Why do sedatives make you twitch?Not all benzos are XanaxWhat shape is a ketamine crystal Support the showReview the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodesBonus content and early accessDiscounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushroom card game The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game! The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book! Full book reading (6 minutes!) Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!) Reach the showEmail: Toxtalk1@gmail.com More Show Resources Ryan's Medical Games and ResourcesShow Website

    1h 41m

  4. FEB 4 ·  BONUS

    Poison Lab Update: Mushroom Poisoning Radio Roundup

    Hey everybody, you’re listening to The Poison Lab—well, almost. We’ve got a new episode coming next week, but we’re running a little behind on our usual release schedule because… life happens. That said, if you’re looking for some toxicology content right now, I’ve got you covered. Recently, I had the chance to appear on two local and state radio shows talking about one of my favorite topics: mushroom poisoning 🍄—and both were an absolute blast. 🌱 Garden Talk (Call-In Episode) (Ryan starts @ 1 hour and 14 min)The first appearance was on Garden Talk, a fun, live call-in show where we covered: Mushroom poisoning basicsListener questionsMy game GOTTA PICCEMThe book Poisonous Fungus Among Us It was lively, unpredictable, and a great example of how curious people are about mushrooms once you open the door. 📻 Local Health Update Radio SegmentAfter that, I joined a local radio health update to talk specifically about mushroom poisoning from a public-health perspective. It’s always interesting to hear how radio hosts approach such a niche topic—and how quickly it turns into something broadly relevant. 🔬 Want a Quick Toxicology Fix?If you’re itching for some Poison Lab content while you wait for the next full episode, these two appearances are a great place to start. And don’t worry—we’ll be back next week with a full episode and answers to our mystery case. Thanks, as always, for listening. Hope to see you there. — Ryan

    2 min

  5. 12/19/2025 ·  BONUS

    Sick at Work? A Poisonous Cause of Coworker Illness?

    Do you think you know the cause of these symptoms? Send your guesses to toxtalk1@gmail.com to take part in the next episode Support the showReview the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodesBonus content and early accessDiscounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushroom card game The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game! The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book! Full book reading (6 minutes!) Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!) Reach the showEmail: Toxtalk1@gmail.com More Show Resources Ryan's Medical Games and ResourcesShow Website

    2 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Outbreak: Thebaine Poisoning from Poppy Seed Tea in Australia

    In November 2022, hospitals across Australia began seeing patients with sudden rigidity, spasms, seizures—and in some cases cardiac arrest—after drinking homemade poppy seed tea. The source? Food-shelf poppy seeds contaminated with extraordinarily high levels of thebaine, an opioid alkaloid that acts nothing like morphine. In this Outbreak episode, host Ryan Feldman, clinical toxicologist and emergency medicine pharmacist, investigates how pharmaceutical-grade, thebaine-rich poppy seeds were mistakenly repackaged into the food supply—and how poison centers, clinicians, labs, and public health teams traced and contained the threat within days. You’ll hear firsthand from the experts who responded: Dr. Katherine Isoardi, Emergency Physician, Clinical Toxicologist, Medical Director, Queensland Poisons Information CentreDr. Amanda Holford, Clinical Toxicology Fellow & Emergency Physician, Princess Alexandra HospitalDr. Darren Roberts, Medical Director, NSW Poisons Information Centre; Nephrologist; Clinical Pharmacologist Together, they walk us through the outbreak timeline—from the first ICU cases and puzzling “strych­nine-like” neuroexcitation to the multi-state investigation, product recall, and lessons for future foodborne poisonings. Looking for timestamps? A fully timestamped version—so you can jump to any topic—is available to our supporting members. 💡 Key topics: Clinical presentation of thebaine toxicity (rigidity, spasms, seizures, metabolic acidosis) and how it differs from classic opioid effectsWhy thebaine behaves like a glycine receptor antagonist (strych­nine-like) rather than a sedating mu agonistHow early-warning networks (e.g., PRISE in NSW; EDNA in QLD), poison centers, and forensic labs coordinated a rapid responsePublic health trace-back: mislabeled/repacked pharmaceutical poppy seeds entering the food supply; national recallsPractical ED management pearls (benzodiazepines, airway/ICU support; recognizing recurrent symptoms) and communication pitfalls during mass poisonings 📍 Resources & Mentions: Dr. Isoardi led case series on thebaine-contaminated poppy seeds (Queensland Health, NSW Health)Dr. Roberts led kinetics study on thebainePrior Poison Lab Outbreak episode: Markham Aconite Poisoning 🎧 Listen now: www.ThePoisonLab.com 💬 Have thoughts or questions? Instagram @tox_talk • Twitter @LabPoison • Email toxtalk1@gmail.com Disclaimer: The Poison Lab is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. If you suspect a poisoning, contact your local poison center. In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1222. Support the showReview the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodesBonus content and early accessDiscounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushroom card game The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game! The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book! Full book reading (6 minutes!) Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!) Reach the showEmail: Toxtalk1@gmail.com More Show Resources Ryan's Medical Games and ResourcesShow Website

    1h 17m

  7. 11/17/2025 ·  BONUS

    Poisonous Fungus Amongus is Here— The Rhyming Kid (or Adult) Book For Mushroom Safety

    Get your copy here! https://a.co/d/8QUBmQy Want to hear it with insights from the author?:  • Poisonous Fungus Among Us | Full Children’...   Don't have time for the full thing: check the highlights:  • Poisonous Fungus Amongus Highlights Reel   Want a clearer picture: Full reading large scale here:  • Poisonous Fungus Amongus- Children's Book ...   From the mind of a toxicologist who treats real mushroom poisonings alongside doctors and poison centers comes Poisonous Fungus Amongus—a playful, rhyming adventure into the fascinating world of poisonous mushrooms! Inside, readers will find a colorful introduction to mushroom anatomy and ecology—learning the parts of a mushroom and discovering helpful hints for safe foraging and identifying dangerous look-alikes. Every species featured in these pages is a real poisonous mushroom, brought to life through vivid illustrations and engaging verse. This beautifully illustrated book goes beyond the basics, exploring how mushrooms grow, reproduce, and take shape in nature—from tiny spores to sprawling mycelium to the fruiting bodies we find in forests and fields. Through rhymes and clear explanations, readers learn to recognize essential mushroom features—caps, gills, pores, rings, bulbs (volvas), veils, warts, scales, spore prints, and gill types like free, adnate, and decurrent. Each detail helps distinguish the edible from the toxic—and shows how some features can fool us! The story encourages safe and curious observation: note each feature, dig gently to look for bulbs, observe nearby trees and seasons, and check for bruising or color changes. Along the way, readers also discover fungi’s hidden ecological roles, from tree-nurturing mycorrhizae to the saprotrophs that recycle the forest floor. With rhythm, rhyme, and a spark of scientific wonder, Poisonous Fungus Amongus blends accuracy with imagination—inviting kids and adults alike to explore and respect the natural world, while learning that curiosity and caution must always grow together when it comes to mushrooms. Perfect for young readers, nature lovers, teachers, and families who want to explore the mysterious and magical world of fungi! Support the showReview the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodesBonus content and early accessDiscounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushroom card game The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game! The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book! Full book reading (6 minutes!) Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!) Reach the showEmail: Toxtalk1@gmail.com More Show Resources Ryan's Medical Games and ResourcesShow Website

    3 min

  8. 10/06/2025

    LIVE from Chicago: 2025 NACCT Research Review – Insights from the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology

    Show NotesIn this special live episode from the 2025 North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology (NACCT), Ryan takes you inside the conference to hear directly from the researchers themselves. Covering 11 abstracts that span high-stakes management decisions, surprising case reports, and challenges to toxicology dogma, this year’s highlights feature everything from amlodipine overdoses to naturopathic misadventures, metformin-associated blindness, and more. The show kicks off with a foreword from Ryan and Dr. Jon Cole (abstract co-chair for AACT) discussing some of their favorite research from the conference. If you couldn’t make it to NACCT or just want to catch up on some of the most impactful new research in our field, this episode will give you a front-row seat. Check below for links to the published abstracts, the full list of studies discussed, and timestamps for where you can hear each one. Link to published abstract manuscript Foreword with Dr. Jon Cole 10:43 #7. Is beta blocker toxicity associated with hypoglycemia? Lead author: Dr. Megan Audette, MD 18:17 #237. V-A ECMO as a treatment for vasoplegic shock in amlodipine poisoning: a comparison Lead author: Dr. Daniel Tirado, MD 27:59 #247. Blocked but not beaten: ECMO’s role in severe amlodipine toxicity – a poison center case series Lead author: Dr. Carlos Saldarriaga, MD 28:18 #26. Amlodipine double-dose therapeutic errors reported to Poison Centers Lead author: Johanne Freeman 30:38 #27. Dosing on the edge: unpacking inadvertent amlodipine ingestions reported to a single poison center Lead author: Dr. Tiana Patriarca, PharmD 34:03 #292. Intravenous administration of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate resulting in death Lead author: Dr. Stephen Thornton, MD Researcher interviews44:16 – #21. Quantitative analysis of amlodipine removal by plasmapheresis Guest: Dr. Keahi Horowitz, MD – Acute and Intensive Care Research Award winner 48:33– #23. Relationship between reported ingestion dose and outcome in amlodipine poisoning Guest: Dr. Colleen Cowdery, MD 51:37 – #24. Management of severe amlodipine toxicity with high-dose calcium alone Guest: Dr. Vincent Ma, MDHigh dose norepinephrine in amlodipine overdose Case report of calcium death 56:56– #70. Iatrogenic exposure to long-acting buprenorphine injectable in an opioid-naïve patient Guest: Dr. Conor Young, MD 01:00:11 – #182. Left in the dark: a case of blindness in the setting of metformin toxicity Guest: Dr. Madison Bombard, MD 01:12:11 – #169. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe: a case of pediatric toxicity from topical and herbal remedies Guest: Dr. Aria Darling, MD 01:04:31 – #203. Serotonin syndrome after vaping Moocah Guest: Dr. Connor Murphy, MD 01:07:06 – #307. Intravenous ozone autohemotherapy: a retrospective observational case series Guest: Nicole McLarty 01:11:25 – #134. Do they really need n-acetylcysteine? Exploratory analysis of outcomes in patients with elevated liver function tests but no detectable acetaminophen Guest: Dr. Seth Carroll, PharmD 01:15:33 – #130. Outcomes of acute acetaminophen-poisoned patients treated with and without fomepizole: a Toxic registry study Guest: Dr. Jordan Woollum, PharmD 01:21:23 – #295. Evaluation of onset and resolution of complications after chronic methotrexate poisoning Guest: Dr. Van Quach, PharmD 01:24:51 – #325. Implications of potassium in salicylate toxicity treated with urinary alkalinization Guest: Dr. Andrew Yetka, PharmD Bonus ContentStick around to the very end of the episode for a teaser of Stump the Tox and the brand-new game Tox Wavelength, recorded on the train to NACCT. The full episode is available now for supporting members. Support the showReview the show where ever your listening Get Messages from Toxo (Join the Newsletter!) Join as a supporting member Ad free episodesBonus content and early accessDiscounts and give aways on GOTA PICCEM Mushroom card game The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game! The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book! Full book reading (6 minutes!) Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!) Reach the showEmail: Toxtalk1@gmail.com More Show Resources Ryan's Medical Games and ResourcesShow Website

    1h 42m
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5
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

Dive into the captivating world of poisons with The Poison Lab! Hosted by Clinical Toxicologist Ryan Feldman (@EMPoisonPharmD), who has over a decade of managing poisoning and drug overdose via poison centers and in the emergency department. Also occasional co-hosted by his robo cohost Toxo! (@LabPoison). This show unpacks the fascinating history, cutting-edge science, and life-saving medical management of toxins from around the globe. From stories of those impacted to expert insights from pioneers in poisoning treatment, each episode brings you closer to understanding the poisons that lurk in plain sight. Explore episodes, med videos, games, and more at thepoisonlab.com—every poison has a story to tell!

Information

  • Creator
    Clinical Toxicology LLC
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © thepoisonlab
  • Show Website
    The Poison Lab

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