Malarial drugs gone purple, beer in the bladder, and a blood type no one saw coming—sounds like a night out gone weird, but it's actually laboratory science history! Join Doryan and Sophia as they dive into the serendipitous side of science that reminds us that progress often starts with the unexpected.

This month Sophia and Doryan are joined by Malissa Norfolk and Miles Tompkins to break down the freshly updated ASCLS Body of Knowledge, the essential roadmap of competencies and skills for today’s medical laboratory scientists. From building marketable skills and fueling passion for the profession to a surprising Waffle House detour, this episode blends professional insight with a side of fun.

In this month's episode, Doryan Redding and Sophia Chandrasekar sit down with Heather Santaniello (previously on JAM Query Check 2024) and talk about the importance of having stories to share with those in and out of the medical laboratory profession, as well as swap some favorite stories. Come and geek out about our love of the lab with us!

Recorded live and in person at the 2025 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting in Sacramento, California, it’s the return of Query Check! Hosts Doryan Redding and Emily Woten take the stage once again for this Off the Bench game show tradition, joined by Sophia Chandrasekar for a special preface to kick things off. Contestants Emilia Marrero, Heather Parks, and Emily Reed face off in a fast-paced battle of laboratory-ish knowledge, creative scenarios, and just the right amount of chaos. So ... who earned the bragging rights and took home the coveted Query Check Champion Trophy? Listen and play along to find out!

In this episode, hosts Doryan Redding and Sophia Chandrasekar sit down with ASCLS Executive Vice President Jim Flanigan and longtime federal lobbyist Patrick Cooney to unpack the rapidly evolving landscape of federal policy and what it means for the clinical laboratory workforce and the patients we serve.

Jim and Patrick share an insider’s perspective on what’s happening as they break down how current policy decisions, like massive proposed cuts to the US Department of Health and Human Services and Medicaid and the politicization of science, are reshaping the future of the lab. From threats to workforce funding to legislative wins, this episode highlights why the lab can’t afford to stay on the sidelines.

In this episode Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding sit down with Dr. Carol Rentas, Tony Kurec, and Dr. Cathy Otto and talk about their experiences as a leader, and what advice they would share with others looking to be a leader in their community. The three also talk about the learning modules that they created for the ASCLS Leadership Development Committee's Leadership Certificate Curriculum.

Be sure to check out their work! After all, "Opportunities are seldom labeled," by John A. Shedd, American author and professor.

In this episode, host Doryan Redding talks with Anne Tate and Tristan Sonnier about the ASCLS Political Action Committee (PAC). They explore what it means to them, what the PAC does, and why they joined. Get inspired to make a difference!

Co-hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding talk about their "brain worms." Like ear worms, these are topics that are hard to get out of your head. We talk about an insomnia that kills you, blood flukes that alter the course of history, supplements that need better disclosures, and a true crime that's inspired TV plots. Give it a listen and share your brain worms!

Trigger Warning: This episode does contain a true crime story that involves sexual assault at the 43 minute mark. To skip the story, jump to the 55 min 30 sec mark. Here is a link to more information about that true crime story: https://youtu.be/kap6kovyGhM?si=WqlBUwWAhu08uYd5 

To prepare for Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2024), hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding feature four small businesses that are run by fellow medical laboratory professionals. Find links to their businesses here.