Best Chromatography Podcasts (2025)

1
Is it safe to use weed killer (Roundup)? 34:40

1d ago34:40

34:40

Melissa and Jam discuss the multifaceted debate surrounding the use of the widely known weed killer, Roundup, specifically its active ingredient, glyphosate. Prompted by a listener's question, they explore the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of glyphosate, including its effectiveness in agriculture, potential health risks, and environmental imp…

1
Quick note from the Toxpod- win a mug! 0:19

3d ago0:19

0:19

Listen to the latest NPS update, email us the name of the 1000th drug detected by the EUDA and the 25th correct response will win a special edition Toxpod mug. Thanks for listening! You can send us a text message using this link!By The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT)

1
NPS Update - June 2025 40:36

6d ago40:36

40:36

WIN A TOXPOD MUG! Listen to the episode and email [email protected] the name of the EUDA's 1000th drug and we'll send one lucky listener a coveted Toxpod mug! Keeping up to date with New Psychoactive Substances is hard! We've assembled a crack team of international experts to help us do just that: Michael Evans-Brown, EUDA Jared Brown, UNODC Alex Kr…

1
Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes? 39:58

8d ago39:58

39:58

#212 Melissa and Jam explore the concept of ozone and its impact on air quality in airplanes. Melissa explains the chemical reaction of ozone, why it's significant in organic chemistry, and how it can lead to discomfort in air travel by interacting with the oils on our skin. They also discuss various tips for flying and the potential benefits of no…

1
What is the ozone layer? 27:05

16d ago27:05

27:05

#110 Rebroadcast Originally Published August 26, 2021 We've all heard about it. And most likely you've heard that it's in danger. But what is the ozone layer in the first place? And once we learn that, how about figuring out why it's in danger? Ok let's do it. References from this episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ozone/3005901.articl…

1
Ask a Chemist: What is heavy water? (and other questions) 43:43

23d ago43:43

43:43

Question and Response #67 Melissa and Jam dive into a series of chemistry-related questions from their audience. From understanding why wintergreen mints spark in the dark to the science of pregnancy tests and heavy water, the episode covers a broad range of fascinating topics. They also discuss the role of moisturizers, dispel myths about chapstic…

1
The Zinc Connection: The Pancreas, Diabetes and Beyond 23:58

25d ago23:58

23:58

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the connection between zinc and diabetes, focusing on functions of zinc in the pancreas and for blood glucose control. Using animal models of obesity and prediabetes, researchers investigated how mild zinc deficiency—similar to levels potentially seen in humans—affects the pancreas and regulation of blood …

1
Why do airplanes make you gassy? 38:58

29d ago38:58

38:58

#211 Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for mana…

1
TIAFT Bulletin Episode 55(1) 16:44

1M ago16:44

16:44

Peter is joined by Bulletin editors Rebecca, Samantha and Luke for a rundown of the latest Bulletin. For more information on the Bulletin, including how to submit content, click here. Contact us at [email protected] Find out more about TIAFT at www.tiaft.org The Toxpod is a production of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists. The o…

1
Challenges of Chromatographic Analysis for New Modalities 27:59

1M ago27:59

27:59

Join host Neil Lander on Chromatography Life as he interviews, Arnaud Delobel, R&D and Innovation Director at Quality Assistance. In this episode, Arnaud discusses chromatographic analysis for new modalities, with adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) in the spotlight. He discusses the complexities of analyzing these large biomolecules and the innovative…

1
Chemistry at Home: Chromatography 13:29

1M ago13:29

13:29

Chemistry at Home: Chromatography Rebroadcast Originally Published June 29, 2020 Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine markers, coffee filters, and water. Let's do chemistry! Watch the experiment here! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

1
How do pregnancy tests actually work? 40:21

1M ago40:21

40:21

#210 Melissa and Jam dive into the science of home pregnancy tests. They explore the process in which these tests detect the presence of the hormone HCG, which signals a positive pregnancy result. The episode explains the roles of capillary action, antibodies, and enzymes in the test's operation and discusses the specificity needed to avoid false p…

1
Ask a Chemist: Are all food dyes bad? (and other questions) 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

Ask a Chemist #66 Melissa and Jam dive into a range of listener-submitted questions exploring everyday chemistry. Topics include the chemistry behind toasting herbs, the effect of gravity on elemental bonds, the purpose and ethics of creating elements with short half-lives, and the effectiveness of cough medicine. They also discuss potential causes…

1
How do plants defy gravity to "drink" water? 44:46

2M ago44:46

44:46

#209 Melissa and Jam dive into the fascinating chemistry behind how plants transport water from their roots to their leaves, effectively defying gravity. They explore processes such as capillary action and the cohesion tension mechanism, citing a primary source from Nature journal. Melissa and Jam also touch on key chemistry concepts like water pol…

1
Automating Dissolution in the Laboratory 14:15

2M ago14:15

14:15

Join host Neil Lander on Chromatography Life as he interviews Ben Calvopina, Application Scientist and expert in dissolution testing at SOTAX. Ben shares his journey from service engineering to leading automation projects, highlighting the impact of automation on efficiency and accuracy in pharmaceutical quality control. The episode explores the pr…

1
What is the future of antihistamines? 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

#098 Rebroadcast Original Air Date: June 3, 2021 Could histamine and antihistamines do more than just affect our allergies? Actually yes. Today we discuss new and recent research in the world of histamine, and believe us, there's some really cool stuff. References from this episode https://cen.acs.org/articles/91/web/2013/06/Tracking-Histamine-Leve…

1
Why are seasonal allergies the worst? 29:11

2M ago29:11

29:11

#097 Rebroadcast Most of us know the feeling. But what are we actually experiencing when we experience allergies? How does being around plants and pollen make us all sniffly? Why does this beautiful season have such a dark side? Let's find out. References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/ https://www.chemistryworld.com…

1
Why is red food dye banned? 33:49

3M ago33:49

33:49

#208 Melissa and Jam dive deep into the topic of FDA regulations, particularly focusing on food additives like red food dye. They discuss the complexities of the FDA's approval process, the Delaney Clause, and recent changes in the regulation of red dye number 3, which has been banned in response to cancer risks found in rats. They also delve into …

1
From Energy Drinks to Drugs: Uncovering Stimulants 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

Send us a text In this episode, forensic toxicologist Dr. Karolina Nowak takes us into the world of forensic toxicology, from the energy drinks we consume daily to the dangerous synthetic drugs on the streets. Dr. Nowak discusses the growing issues surrounding stimulant use, including the rise of synthetic drugs and the overlooked dangers of legal …

1
Chemistry Support: Where does a fart go? (and other questions) 27:03

3M ago27:03

27:03

Question and Response 65 Melissa and Jam delve into a variety of interesting chemistry-related questions sourced from Reddit. They explore why farts stop smelling over time, the non-oily nature of Castile soap, why cookies and candies remain safe to eat at room temperature, and the mechanics behind rice cookers. They also discuss how opening a bott…

1
The Evolution of UPLC Columns 14:22

3M ago14:22

14:22

In this episode of the Chromatography Life podcast, our host Neil Lander sits down with Tom Walter, a corporate fellow at Waters, to explore the fascinating journey of UPLC column evolution. Tom, a seasoned expert with numerous patents and innovations under his belt, shares his experiences and insights from his extensive career in chromatography. F…

1
Can gasoline freeze? 31:05

3M ago31:05

31:05

#207 Melissa and Jam explore why gasoline doesn't freeze in extremely low temperatures while water and other substances do. They delve into the concepts of intermolecular forces, polarity, and how impurities can affect the freezing and melting points of substances. The discussion includes a comparison of the behavior of different substances at vary…

1
What's the chemistry of sticky stuff? 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

#011 Rebroadcast Why is honey sticky but salt isn’t? What’s the difference between things that stick and things that just feel sticky? In this episode, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind adhesion, cohesion, and the forces that make substances cling to surfaces (and to our fingers). They explore intermolecular forces, viscosity, and why …

1
Can I trust the FDA? (from thalidomide to cough medicine) 30:23

4M ago30:23

30:23

#206 Melissa and Jam address a listener's question about the FDA's reliability in approving products. They discuss the intersection of chemistry, government, and society, focusing on FDA's role in regulating food and drugs. The episode includes a deep dive into the historical thalidomide tragedy, the improvements in the FDA's approval process since…

1
Ask a Chemist: Does metal mess up sourdough? (and other questions) 47:25

4M ago47:25

47:25

Ask a Chemist #64 Melissa and Jam delve into intriguing chemistry questions posed by their listeners. They explore whether all salts are salty, the chemistry of gunshot residue and fingerprinting, and the reactions between chemicals and sound waves. Special guest Maison, Melissa's husband, joins to discuss sourdough starter cultures and answer sour…

1
What is going on with science funding?? 44:02

4M ago44:02

44:02

#205 Jam and Melissa discuss the complexities and consequences of recent executive orders surrounding science funding. Melissa provides insight into how these changes impact university research, faculty positions, and broader society. The duo also highlights the historical context and importance of DEI in academia, emphasizing the broader implicati…

1
What is rust and is it kinda cool? 34:46

4M ago34:46

34:46

#047 Rebroadcast This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of rust. What even is it? Where does it come from? Is it bad? Is it reversible? Let's get into it. References from this episode Turning Back Time: Watching Rust Transform into Iron - National Institute of Standards and Technology The Color of Soil - United States Department of Agricu…

1
Validating Chromatographic Methods: Challenges, Tools, and Optimization 14:44

5M ago14:44

14:44

Join host Neil Lander as he welcomes Katy Rhynard, Associate Director of Laboratory Informatics at Gilead Sciences. In this episode, Katy discusses the intricacies of validating chromatographic methods, including guidelines and regulatory requirements, key success metrics, documentation, techniques, and tools. Katy details the pervasive challenges …

1
Demystifying Forensic Medicine: Tales from the Morgue 31:31

4M ago31:31

31:31

Send us a text Join us on the Analytical Zen Podcast for an interview with Professor Christopher Milroy, a forensic pathologist and professor based in Ottawa, Canada. Professor Milroy earned his medical degree from the University of Liverpool and trained in pathology in Liverpool, Bristol and London before specializing in forensic pathology in Shef…

1
How do Tums make us feel better? (And why do they make us burp?) 27:31

5M ago27:31

27:31

#114 Rebroadcast Tums, alka seltzer, and other antacids: they're simple, they've been around for a long time, but they're a tried and true method for helping our stomachs. But how do they work? What's the chemistry behind these unsung heroes? References from this episode Chemistry Julia Burdge Biochemistry 4th edition by Garret & Grisham https://ww…

1
What's the Chemistry Inside Sourdough Bread? 41:06

5M ago41:06

41:06

#204 In this episode Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating biochemistry behind sourdough bread. They explore the role of microorganisms, including different strains of yeast and bacteria, in the fermentation process. The discussion covers how these organisms contribute to the unique flavors and textures of sourdough, and addresses common quest…

1
Ask a Chemist: Why do carrots cause hiccups? (and other questions) 29:44

5M ago29:44

29:44

Ask a Chemist #64 In this bonus edition of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam tackle intriguing questions from listeners. They delve into why some people hiccup when eating carrots, the fascinating uses of poinsettias in food packaging, the role of benzene as a carcinogen, and the controversies surrounding hydrogen-rich water bottles.…

1
Why does Benadryl make us sleepy? 38:30

5M ago38:30

38:30

#203 In this episode, Jam recounts a humorous yet enlightening story of accidentally taking a dog-sized dose of Benadryl and the sleepy consequences that followed. Melissa, a chemist, dives deep into the chemistry of antihistamines, explaining the difference between first-generation (drowsy) and second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamines. The ep…

1
Enhancing Detection via Multi-Angle Light Scattering in Size Exclusion Chromatography 13:31

5M ago13:31

13:31

In this episode of Chromatography Life, we're joined by Andy Meyer from Wyatt Technology to explore the tech, applications and challenges of leveraging Multi-Angle Light Scattering with Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Andy delves into the intricacies of SEC, discussing columns, standards, and the innovative techniques that are enhancing detect…

1
Ask a Chemist: How can fire have different colors? (and other questions) 24:47

6M ago24:47

24:47

Question and Response 63 In this episode Melissa and Jam embark on an 'Ask a Chemist' segment, delving into the ethics surrounding the field of chemistry and addressing listener questions. They discuss managing discussions on the dark side of chemistry, why certain chemicals emit characteristic colors in the flame test, and share personal experienc…

1
How do poinsettias detect pH levels? 40:41

6M ago40:41

40:41

#202 Melissa and Jam dive into a fun and educational holiday-themed activity using poinsettia plants. They explore the chemistry behind these festive plants, specifically focusing on anthocyanins, which are pigments that give the leaves their red color and act as pH indicators. The episode includes a hands-on experiment that listeners can try at ho…

1
Paper-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for a Smarter World: From Health to the Environment 36:46

6M ago36:46

36:46

Send us a text What if you could transform the way we gather and interpret critical data in resource-limited settings? Join us on the Analytical Zen podcast as we chat with Professor Stefano Cinti, a trailblazer in the realm of sensors and biosensors. Stefano's journey from hesitant beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for analytical chemis…

1
What are LEDs and how are they different from other bulbs? 37:42

6M ago37:42

37:42

#075 Rebroadcast Happy holidays, we hope you have a wonderful season whatever you celebrate! We've got a holiday related episode for you: LEDs. Well I guess we use them all year round, but they get an extra spotlight this time of year. What are they? How do they work? How are they different from other lights? Let's find out! References from this ep…

1
5 in 30 (Cognitive bias, more metabolics, electromembranes and fentalogs) 44:04

6M ago44:04

44:04

We look at 5 recent publications in the field of toxicology. Ning He, et al. Contextual bias in forensic toxicology decisions: A follow-up empirical study from China. (2024) Journal of Forensic Sciences, doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.15520. Kesmen, E. et al. Bioinformatics-driven untargeted metabolomic profiling for clinical screening of methamphetamine a…

1
What is canned air? (and should we use it?) 46:28

6M ago46:28

46:28

#201 Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind air dusters. They explore the components inside these cans, and how the physical properties of these chemicals can lead to rapid evaporation, cold burns, and potential hazards. Listeners will learn about the processes of pressure and boiling, the potential dangers of misuse, and how these air dust…

1
Using Smart Devices in Your Kitchen: Are Phones and Tablets a Recipe for Contamination? 11:29

6M ago11:29

11:29

Send us a text Can smartphones contribute to food safety risks in home kitchens? Join Dr. Mairead McCann from SafeFood as she examines the role of smart devices in household food safety. Drawing on research conducted by Queen's University Belfast and commissioned by SafeFood, Dr. McCann provides evidence-based insights into how technology, integral…

1
Chemistry at Home: Chocolate and Gum 10:40

7M ago10:40

10:40

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 12 (Rebroadcast) Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine chocolate and gum. Yep, you read that right. And yes, it's a little gross. Thanks to our monthly supporters Scott B Jessie Reder Ciara Linville J0HNT…

1
What is gum? And what happens when you swallow it? 47:39

7M ago47:39

47:39

#200 In this episode Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating world of chewing gum. They start by discussing awkward combinations of food and gum, leading to an exploration of what gum is made of. The conversation covers the basics of gum composition, including the roles of sugar, flavor, and especially the gum base, which itself is made of polym…

1
Ask a Chemist: Why are crystals rare? (and other questions) 28:59

7M ago28:59

28:59

Question and Response 62 New College-Style Sweatshirt! In this special bonus episode of Chemistry for Your Life, Melissa and Jam dive into listener-submitted questions, covering everything from the rarity of crystals and the chemistry of sourdough to the science behind melting ice on roads in Canada. Along the way, they explore fun tangents about n…

1
Off the Spot -TIAFT St Gallen Part 2 33:02

7M ago33:02

33:02

In the final part of the St Gallen Special, The Toxpod speaks with TIAFT President Simon Elliott, Young Scientist Best Paper Award winner Liam Ward and host of TIAFT 2025, Matt Hosking. Liam Ward's paper can be found here: Ward, Liam J. et al.Postmortem metabolomics as a high-throughput cause-of-death screening tool for human death investigations, …

1
Do carrots help us see better? 51:54

7M ago51:54

51:54

#199 In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry behind the popular belief that eating carrots improves night vision. They take a deep dive into the scientific processes, including how beta carotene from carrots is converted into vitamin A, then into rhodopsin, and how this helps with night vision. They…

1
Off the Spot -TIAFT St Gallen Part 1 27:58

7M ago27:58

27:58

Neither Tim or I could make it to the The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists meeting in St Gallen to get “On The Spot” interviews with delegates this year, so we asked TIAFT past President Dimitri Gerostamoulos to give us a rundown of how the meeting went. Also we have Michael Scholz, who won the Young Scientist’s best oral present…

1
What makes honey crystallize? 33:54

7M ago33:54

33:54

#055 Rebroadcast Ever notice that honey crystalizes? Isn't that like super weird? Why does it do that? This week, Melissa and Jam risk getting stuck in this question. References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884753/ https://www.usda.gov/codex https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/PDF---Guidance-for-Industry--Pro…

1
How do things glow in the dark? 42:14

8M ago42:14

42:14

#198 In this special Halloween episode Melissa and Jam explore the spooky yet fascinating world of glow-in-the-dark chemistry. The discussion delves into nostalgic aspects of Halloween, focusing particularly on phosphorescence and the forbidden transitions that cause electrons to glow. The chemistry behind these glowing phenomena is explained with …

1
Ask a Chemist: Why do self-tanners smell weird? (and other questions) 26:23

8M ago26:23

26:23

Question and Response 61 New College-Style Sweatshirt! And Spooky Chemistry Shirts Are Back! In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam address a variety of intriguing listener questions. They cover topics such as the chemical processes behind self-tanners and why early formulations could result in uneven appearances, the u…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chromatography Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen