In this episode of the Clearing the Haze podcast, host Chuck Marting speaks with Chandra Spring DeWald, a nominee for the NDASA Board of Directors. Chandra delves into her background in occupational health and drug testing, originating from her mother's pioneering work in the field. She discusses her career trajectory, her views on the importance of education in the industry, and her passion for advancing drug and alcohol testing standards. Chandra also highlights the critical challenges facing the industry, such as the legalization of marijuana and the need for stringent workplace safety policies. Throughout the conversation, Chandra emphasizes the significance of continuous learning, member engagement, and her commitment to representing the voice of collectors and other stakeholders on the NDASA board.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:45 Chandra's Background and Career Journey

14:55 Challenges in the Drug Testing Industry

24:03 Advocacy and Policy Influence

31:37 A Charlie Brown Moment

32:08 The Need for Impairment Levels

32:57 Inspiring the Next Generation

34:57 Leadership Qualities for the Executive Board

37:15 Marketing and Growth Strategies

39:20 The Importance of Member Engagement

42:01 Expanding Staff and Delegation

43:54 The Role of Committees

48:21 Why I Am the Right Candidate

53:49 The Value of Connections

56:08 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of Clearing the Haze podcast, host Chuck Marting interviews board of directors nominee Mark Magsam.

Mark shares his extensive 29-year career in the drug and alcohol testing industry, driven by a personal mission to help individuals affected by substance abuse.

With a re-election bid in play, he discusses his priorities for NDASA, the importance of advocacy, and his vision for the industry’s future.

Mark also delve into the challenges of member engagement and leadership qualities essential for guiding industry changes.

Mark highlights the significance of participation, innovation, and collaborative leadership in ensuring safety and effective policy-making in the evolving landscape of drug and alcohol testing.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:19 Mark Maxim's Background and Journey

04:30 Re-Election Bid and Priorities for NDASA

08:47 Advocacy and Industry Challenges

21:55 Leadership and Committee Engagement

34:46 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

40:09 Conclusion and Appreciation

In this episode of 'Clearing the Haze' podcast, host Chuck Marting interviews Patrice Waters, a candidate for the Board of Directors for NDASA.

. Patrice shares her background, detailing her work in the drug and alcohol testing industry since 2015, and her previous experience in government contracting and healthcare. She discusses her vision for INDESA, focusing on priorities such as expanding strategic partnerships with large employers, advocating evidence-based policies, and supporting new companies entering the industry.

Patrice emphasizes the importance of mentoring, addressing challenges like evolving marijuana laws, and leveraging technology advancements such as oral fluid testing. She also highlights her leadership qualities and corporate experience. The conversation covers issues like member engagement, education, and gender dynamics in the industry.

Patrice expresses her commitment to INDESA's mission and outlines her plans for contributing to the organization's growth and influence.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Patrice Waters' Background and Industry Experience

02:12 Vision and Priorities for INDESA

06:19 Challenges in the Drug and Alcohol Screening Industry

09:40 Advocacy and Policy Influence

16:53 Leadership and Mentoring

23:12 Membership Engagement and Growth

26:05 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode of 'Clearing the Haze,' host Chuck Marting interviewsJonathan Baktari MD a nominee for the Board of Directors for NDASA. Dr. Baktari shares his extensive background in clinical medicine and leadership roles, including his current focus on occupational health and drug testing through his organization, E7 Health. 

He also discusses his podcast 'Baktari MD,' which focuses on leadership skills. The conversation covers Dr. Baktari's vision for the future of drug and alcohol testing, the importance of education and advocacy, as well as his potential contributions to NDASA's board. This episode provides an in-depth look at Dr. Baktari's approach to leadership, mentorship, and his plans for advancing the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:40 Meet Dr. Jonathan Baktari

00:53 Dr. Baktari's Career Journey

01:11 E7 Health and Industry Impact

02:36 Leadership and Podcast Insights

05:54 INDESA Board Priorities

09:11 Advocacy and Policy Making

19:40 Leadership and Teamwork

28:28 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Nina French: Future of Drug Testing and Industry Innovations

In this episode of Clearing the Haze podcast, Chuck Marting interviews Nina French, a seasoned professional in the drug and alcohol testing industry.

Nina reflects on her extensive career, beginning in a small medical review office in 1992, and growing into leadership roles within major organizations. She discusses the evolution of drug testing, industry innovations, and the need for modernization in policies and practices.

Nina emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches and holistic prevention strategies. She also candidly shares her vision for the future of the industry as a board candidate for the NDASA Executive Board.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 Nina French's Background and Career Journey

03:07 Industry Innovations and Changes

04:59 Running for the Board: Priorities and Vision

08:52 Challenges and Opportunities in Drug Testing

26:12 Leadership and Engagement in the Industry

34:03 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

Navigating the Future of Drug Screening with Nick Hartman

In this episode of the Clearing the Haze podcast, host Chuck Marting interviews Nick Hartman, a candidate for the Board of Directors of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA).

Nick discusses his background as the co-founder and managing partner of the Drug Screening Compliance Institute (DSCI), his extensive experience in the drug screening industry, and his vision for the future of NDASA.

They delve into topics such as the complexities of state drug testing laws, the evolution of testing technologies, and the importance of advocacy and policy-making in the industry.

Nick also shares insights into his leadership style, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges facing the drug and alcohol screening industry today.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:02 Nick Hartman's Background and Experience

02:42 Entering the Drug Screening Industry

05:18 Challenges and Priorities in Drug Screening

14:20 Advocacy and Policy Influence19:05 Leadership and Teamwork

22:33 Mentorship and Industry Involvement

26:49 Engagement and Industry Collaboration

31:45 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

36:40 Conclusion and Future Plans

Alcohol and Cancer The Hidden Dangers

Chuck discusses the push for updated warning labels on alcohol containers to raise awareness and draws parallels to historical declines in smoking rates following similar warnings.

The episode also explores the implications for workplace safety and productivity, advocating for stronger employee education and updated company policies. Tune in to learn about practical strategies for minimizing health risks and stay informed on upcoming safety discussions.

 Today. We're going to talk about a workplace crime crisis, something that's starting to get more publicity throughout the news.

This week. I wanted to talk about a recent case that was in the news, and that's in addressing how drugs and addiction can fuel criminal activity on the job.

In recent years, cannabis has been celebrated for its therapeutic potential, including pain relief, anxiety management, and even its role in reducing seizures. But behind the rising popularity lies a growing concern: its impact on young minds at risk of psychosis. A groundbreaking study conducted at McGill University, recently published in JAMA Psychiatry, sheds light on how cannabis exacerbates brain changes in young adults already vulnerable to psychosis. For some, this is not just a scientific finding—it’s a lived nightmare.

"Welcome to today’s episode of Clearing The Haze, where we unpack the latest developments affecting employers, employees, and the regulations that shape modern workplaces. Today we’re diving into the controversial DOOBIE Act, passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. This bill prevents federal agencies from using past marijuana use to deny employment or security clearances.

But is this an evolution in hiring practices, or a forced policy shift that leaves employers on shaky ground? Let’s explore how the DOOBIE Act impacts employers, job seekers, and the dynamics of workplace security."