The Poison Lab

In this bonus episode of A Morel Dilemma, Ryan shares his recent interview on WTMJ Conversations with Libby Collins.

The conversation goes behind the scenes of the series and explores why Ryan spent two years investigating the 2023 Bozeman, Montana morel mushroom outbreak, one of the strangest poisoning outbreaks in recent history. Ryan discusses how the outbreak challenged long-held assumptions about morels, why mushroom poisonings are not all the same, and how public health investigators work through uncertainty when people become seriously ill from a shared exposure.

The episode also covers mushroom foraging safety, the difference...

In Episode 5, we put the morel mushroom on trial. This bonus episode shows how we built the case.

Dr. Grant Comstock joins me for the full, unfiltered causation breakdown using the Bradford Hill criteria, a public health framework used to separate true causation from simple association. We walk through the CDC data step by step, looking at strength of association, timing, dose response, plausibility, consistency, specificity, and the places where the morel theory starts to strain.

This is the deeper dive behind the trial: how toxicologists stress-test an outbreak theory when there is no smoking...

The case against the morel mushroom is starting to come together, but there are still major problems. Not everyone who got sick ate morels, and not everyone who ate morels got sick. If the mushroom is really the culprit, those gaps have to be explained.

In Episode 5 of A Morel Dilemma, we put the CDC data on trial with Dr. Grant Comstock and stress-test the evidence linking morels to the Bozeman outbreak. We look at case definitions, dose response, why some may have gotten sick but not others,

Because the question is no longer just...

When every obvious test comes back negative, investigators have to look for another way to prove what caused the outbreak. So this episode takes a step sideways, from Bozeman, Montana to a small mountain village in the French Alps, where researchers faced a different kind of mystery: a cluster of ALS cases with no clear cause.

What they found there may help explain how scientists can link a mushroom to a devastating illness, even without finding a toxin.

In Episode 4 of A Morel Dilemma, we follow the investigation into Montchavin, mushrooms, environmental exposure, and the...

In this bonus episode, we go deeper into the public health machinery behind a mass poisoning investigation.

Dr. Michael Yeh, a medical toxicologist at the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health, explains how the CDC gets pulled into unusual outbreaks, how poison centers and health departments help spot early signals, and what happens once a local cluster starts looking like something bigger.

We also explore several real-world investigations, from lead-contaminated applesauce to synthetic cannabinoid poisonings to Diamond Shruumz chocolate products, and ask a practical question: when something strange is happening, who do you call?

With the restaurant closed and the first interviews underway, investigators bring in the CDC and FDA to help answer the question at the center of the outbreak: what actually made people sick?

The leading suspect is still the morel mushroom, but proving that is not simple. The symptoms could fit bacterial food poisoning, spoiled fish, a chemical contaminant, a mislabeled spice, or even a toxic mushroom mixed in by mistake. So the team starts testing everything they can: patient samples, food samples, bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals, classic mushroom toxins, and more.

In Episode 3 of A...

Who actually treats mushroom poisoning?

In this short mini episode, we answer a surprisingly important question: when someone gets sick after eating a mushroom, who do they call, and who helps the doctors figure out what to do next?

We break down the role of poison centers, medical toxicologists, emergency clinicians, and why the most important number to remember is 1-800-222-1222.

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This bonus episode takes a deeper look at the muscarine poisoning case discussed by Dr. Matthew Stanton. We break down how muscarine causes toxicity, why its symptoms can become life-threatening, and why its important for foragers to recognize so they can be treated.

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In this bonus episode, Dr. Rob Bassett from Philadelphia Poison Control walks us through one of the most useful teaching tools in mushroom toxicology: GOTTA PICCEM.

This mnemonic organizes toxic mushrooms by their clinical syndromes and, most importantly, by the timing of symptom onset. That timing can be one of the biggest clues toxicologists use to decide whether a mushroom exposure is likely to be mild, dangerous, or potentially life-threatening.

Dr. Bassett is a gifted educator, and in this episode he breaks down the major mushroom toxins in a way that is practical, memorable, and...

As reports of severe illness and death come in, the Bozeman outbreak moves from medical mystery to full public health investigation. Local and state investigators race to identify the source, shut down the risk, interview patients, collect food samples, and figure out whether anyone else could still be in danger.

The early signal points toward one unlikely ingredient: morel mushrooms. But for toxicologists, that raises more questions than answers. Morels are supposed to be edible. Rapid vomiting and diarrhea usually suggest foodborne illness, not a deadly mushroom poisoning. So investigators have to ask the question that will...

A deadly outbreak begins with a single meal at a sushi restaurant in Bozeman, Montana. Within hours, diners develop severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some collapse. Two people die. At first, it looks like food poisoning, but investigators quickly notice one strange ingredient connecting many of the sick patients: morel mushrooms.

In the first episode of A Morel Dilemma, we meet the people caught in the earliest moments of the outbreak and begin following the investigation as it unfolds in real time. What starts as a suspected restaurant-associated illness quickly becomes a much stranger question: how could...

Available June 3rd- A deadly outbreak begins at a sushi restaurant in Bozeman, Montana. Diners develop rapid, severe gastrointestinal illness. Some collapse. Two people die. And the only clue pointing investigators toward a cause is also the hardest one to believe: morel mushrooms.

A Morel Dilemma is a serialized outbreak investigation from The Poison Lab, following the story in real time as clinicians, toxicologists, public health officials, mycologists, and families try to answer one unsettling question:

How could a prized edible mushroom suddenly be linked to death?

This is a story about poisoning...

In this special co-broadcast episode, The Poison Lab joins forces with The Kratom Sobriety Podcast for a deeper conversation about kratom, regulation, addiction, recovery, and what poison center data can tell us about real-world harm.

Kratom is a plant-derived substance that contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, compounds with opioid-like effects. It is sold in many forms, including powders, capsules, drinks, tonics, and concentrated extracts, often in gas stations, smoke shops, and online. For many people, kratom is encountered with little warning about its risks, including dependence, withdrawal, and toxicity.

Study News

This episode grew...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

Do you think you know the cause of these symptoms? Send your guesses to toxtalk1@gmail.com to take part in the next episode

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The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game!

The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book!

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:

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 colorfu...

Show Notes

In 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...

Show Notes

In this special live episode from the 2025 North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology (NACCT), Ryan takes you inside the poster hall 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.

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 belo...

In this episode of The Poison Lab, host Ryan Feldman is joined by Dr. Joe Kennedy, medical toxicologist at the University of Vermont and consultant for the Northern New England Poison Center. Together they work through real poisoning cases to sharpen toxic differentials, sum up practical resuscitation priorities, and connect first-principles pharmacology to bedside decisions. They also answer listener questions on THAM vs bicarbonate, when to dialyze even with “normal” kidneys, and why rattlesnake antivenom costs so much—plus the real-world logistics of sourcing exotic antivenoms in the U.S.

Dr. Kennedy and Ryan discuss the topics below...

GOTTA PICCEM: The Poisonous Mushroom Card Game

👉 Order now right here OR go to www.gottapiccem.com and click "Buy GOTTA PICCEM"

Why this is awesome

What started as a nerdy teaching tool made to teach mushroom poisoning by folks who treat mushroom poisoning is now a full-fledged card game—equally great for Friday game night and the classroom.

What’s inside the deck

Listen here (https://www.wpr.org/shows/larry-meiller-show) to hear Ryan Live on AIR for the Larry Meiller show, Thursday July 17th 11:45AM-12:30 PM CST.

Check this "Listen Live" link if your having trouble!

A Morel Dilemma

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The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game!

The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book!

Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!)

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The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game!

The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book!

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In this episode of The Poison Lab, host Ryan Feldman is joined by Dr. Amy Zosel, a medical toxicologist, emergency physician, and educator. Together, they use real poisoning cases to practice identifying toxins and flexing their toxic differential The conversation dives into intriguing and challenging toxicology cases, with a focus on educating listeners about real-world poisoning scenarios, myth-busting internet misinformation, and providing practical clinical insights.

Mini episode with Dr. Robert Bassett on Remembering Poisonous Mushrooms

Dr. Zosel and Ryan discuss:

14:15 Case 1

33:04 Case 2

37:00 Case 3

In this special collaboration with NephMadness, we're diving into the world of nephrotoxins with an expert panel from Virginia Commonwealth University. NephMadness is an educational competition modeled after March Madness, and this year, one of the featured regions focuses on plant-based nephrotoxins. Together, with our expert panel we break down the competing nephrotoxin teams: Tubular Toxins vs. Oxalate Offenders.

Joining us are Dr. Anna Vinnokova (Nephrologist), Dr. Rachel Khan PharmD (Neph pharmacist), Dr. Ethan Downes (Nephrology fellow), and the legendary nephrotoxicologist, Dr. Josh King (Board certified Nephrologist and Toxicologist). We ALMOST named this episode "Getting Downe with...

Do you think you know the cause of these symptoms? Send your guesses to toxtalk1@gmail.com to take part in the next episode 

Finally, the journal club to rule ALL journal clubs.

In this episode of The Poison Lab, we tackle one of the biggest topics in emergency medicine and toxicology: Should naloxone be given during opioid-associated cardiac arrest? With three fantastic studies published in 2024, we’re diving into the data and hearing directly from the authors themselves.

Join host Ryan Feldman as he interviews Dr. Eric Quinn, Dr. Joshua Lupton, and Dr. David Dillon, some of the minds behind the latest research exploring the role of naloxone in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). With perspectives ranging from clinical ou...

In this special holiday bonus episode, Ryan takes a look back at some of the most captivating episodes of The Poison Lab from 2022. Get ready for an ultimate test of your toxicology differential diagnosis skills as we compile all the "Stump the Toxicologist" segments into one streamlined, binge-worthy episode. Explore eight unique poisoning cases, be sure to check the show notes for a description of each case. time stamp of where it begins, and links to the original episodes, where you can dive deeper into the discussions and unravel the mysteries behind these intriguing cases!

Case Teasers...

Join host Ryan Feldman in an insightful episode of "The Poison Lab" as he sits down with Dr. John Downs, Director of the Virginia Poison Center, and one of the leading experts on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." Known for their persistence in the environment and human body, PFAS have raised significant public health concerns over the past few decades. Dr. Downs shares his journey through occupational medicine, toxicology, and public health, which uniquely positioned him to provide expertise on PFAS exposure, health risks, and ongoing regulatory efforts. Together, they delve into the origins...

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The GOTTA PICCEM Poisonous Mushroom Game!

The Poisonus Fungus Amongus Children's Book!

Tox trinkets (Rep the show at home!)

R...

In this exciting live episode from the 2024 North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology (NACCT) in Denver, Ryan dives into 12 of the most impactful research abstracts presented at the conference directly with the authors themselves. Covering a wide range of toxicology topics—from the NACSTOP2 trial on acetaminophen overdose, ECG intervals, cannabis toxicity in young children, and more—each guest breaks down their study’s findings and clinical relevance. If you missed the conference or want a deeper understanding of the year's most important toxicology research, this episode is for you. Check the show notes for links to the published abstra...

In this episode the poison lab hosts scientific discourse . Three listeners (Dr. Michael Mullins, Dr. Donna Seger, and Dr. Leon Gussow) write in their critiques surrounding specific recommendations and language used with the AHA 2023 Management of Poisoning Cardiac Arrest or Life-Threatening Toxicity guidelines. Lead author of the guidelines Dr. Eric Lavonas then responds to and addresses their points with counterpoints or appraisals. Tune in and draw your own conclusions!

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Have a burning question you have always wanted to ask a toxicologist? What are tips for managing an anticholinergic overdose? What is the deadliest poison? Why are they called lead pencils if there is no lead?! Send your questions in to toxtalk1@gmail.com to take part in a future episode! (If you would like to be anonymous simply state it in the email)

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In this episode Ryan is joined by two expert guests to help read listener guesses for the cause of this poisoning murder and shed light on the toxin involved in the case, which puzzled medicolegal investigators. Ryan is joined by Dr. Dan McCabe, MD (emergency medicine physician, medical toxicologist, medical director of Iowa poison center) and Dr. Crissy Lawson PharmD (emergency medicine pharmacist). 

In this bonus episode Ryan highlights some of the great episodes done in 2023 and compiles ALL of the stump the toxicologist segments from 2023 into one easy to consume episode. Test your toxicology differential skills with more than six poisoning cases. Check out the actual episodes for more information in the show notes on each of the poisonings. 

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Do you think you know the cause of these symptoms? Send your guesses to toxtalk1@gmail.com to take part in the next episode