In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, 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 from student aide to experienced forensic scientist, reflecting on nearly two decades in the crime lab and her growing expertise in cannabinoid analysis. The conversation explores the scientific challenges of separating and identifying THC isomers, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, and the importance of developing validated LC-MS/MS methods in a post-Farm Bill landscape.

Joey and Nelly also discuss the realities of method validation, courtroom testimony, laboratory problem-solving, and the balance between high-stakes forensic work and family life. This episode offers an inside look at the precision, persistence, and curiosity required to keep forensic toxicology moving forward as drug trends continue to change.

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, 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 testing recommendations, and the importance of standardizing drug testing practices across laboratories.

The discussion explores how consensus recommendations are developed, why evolving drug trends require continual updates, and how emerging substances such as nitrous oxide create new challenges for law enforcement, laboratories, and expert witnesses. Amanda also reflects on career growth, collaboration within the forensic science community, and the real-world demands of communicating toxicology findings in court.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the intersection of science, policy, and public safety through the perspective of a scientist helping guide the future of impairment testing.

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.