Off the Bench

Spooky Storytime with Dr. Brandy Gunsolus

Beware: This episode is not for the squeamish. To get in the Halloween spirit, host Sophia Chandrasekar sits down with Brandy Gunsolus, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)CM, to hear her creepiest, most disgusting, and "more unusual" stories that happened while working in medical laboratories. Special thanks go out to our episode sponsor, the University of Cincinnati Online.

Improptu Views from JAM 2023 Part 2

In this episode, hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding continue going through the "Impromptu Views" recorded at the 2023 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting and dive into the importance of self-advocacy, community, and outreach in the laboratory field.

Impromptu Views from JAM 2023 Part 1

In this episode, co-hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding reflect on the 2023 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM). They also share advice given by JAM attendees to prospective and new medical laboratory science students and new laboratorians.

Talking with Let’s Talk Micro

Hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Doryan Redding speak with Luis Plaza, MLS (ASCP)CM, the host of the Let's Talk Micro podcast. Join the hosts as they speak to Luis as to how he got started, his motivations, and more!

Off the Bench Live

During the 2023 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) in Providence, RI, Off the Bench hosted and recorded the first ever JAM Query Check (QC) live show focused on questions related, and somewhat related, to medical laboratory science. Three contestants went buzzer-to-buzzer in friendly competition in categories both scientific and not-so-scientific. Audience members even got in on the action as lifelines for the contestants.

Mental Health and Burnout in the Laboratory

In this episode guests Dr. Kyle Riding and Emily Woten join a roundtable discussion with hosts Sophia Chandrasekar and Galina Dronova about mental health, burnout, and mindfulness in the laboratory. Learn the signs of burnout and discover some tools and techniques to manage, prevent, and alleviate it.

A Psychedelic Trip from Forensics to the Clinical Lab

What do MDMA, Ketamine, Psilocybin, and DMT have in common? All four previously considered as "drugs of abuse" are now moving into the therapeutic space for life affirming treatments. In this episode, host Galina Dronova and Dr. Frederick Strathmann discuss the current limitations of laboratory testing and what the future holds.
References
Contact Dr. Frederick Strathmann: frederick.strathmann@mobilionsystems.com
Psychedelic Movement Sees 2023 Catalysts in State Laws, Drug Trials
Legal Use of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Begins in Oregon
Special thanks go out to our episode sponsor, the University of Cincinnati Online.

A Trivia Night SOP - Planning for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

In this episode, Galina Dronova and Allison Germ outline and provide tips on how to host a trivia night for lab folks—perfect for Lab Week! And, we introduce our first Doryan's Takes, with Doryan Redding reflecting on what Lab Week means for her. Special thanks go out to our episode sponsor, the University of Cincinnati Online.

Off the Bench Announcement

Host Sophia Chandrasekar makes an announcement about a short break for the podcast and exciting plans for the return in March 2023.

Hope and Healing in the Medical Laboratory Science Community

Wrap up 2022 with host Galina Dronova and Elizabeth Power, a sought after speaker, consultant, and CEO of EPower & Associates, as we discuss the importance of community in our personal and professional journeys. Listen for  advice on how to build community with patients and care teams.
Learn more about Elizabeth:www.elizabethpower.com
Book references:
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: the Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved by Matthew Kelly
The Four Agreements: a Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, a Toltec Wisdom Book by don Miguel Ruiz