ToxChats©

In this podcast, we sit down with Dr. Yvonne Maldonado of Stanford University School of Medicine, a widely recognized leader in infectious diseases. Building on the conversation sparked by Dr. Maldonado’s plenary talk, “Infectious Disease Outbreaks and Disease Elimination in the 21st Century,” at the 2025 ACT Annual Meeting, we explore how pandemics have shaped history, sometimes more than we realize, and what it truly means to be prepared. We also dig into how to communicate in ways that build public trust, especially in the face of misinformation and mistrust in science and institutions.

This episode of ToxChats is designed to offer listeners a practical and insightful overview of the waiver process for carcinogenicity studies in pharmaceutical development, with a focus on the ICH S1B and S1B(R1) guidance documents. In this episode, host Zac Iloyd engages with two recognized experts to explore critical considerations for obtaining waivers, discuss the characteristics of strong versus weak waiver requests, and share real-world strategies for leveraging the weight of evidence framework. Through an accessible conversation, we discuss key data requirements, regulatory expectations, and common pitfalls in preparing a successful waiver application.To learn more about the speakers and connect with them professionally, please visit their LinkedIn: Todd Bourcier and Tim McGovern 

In this episode of ToxChats, hosts Lauren Walker and Sarah Benjamin sit down with the groundbreaking Donald Ingber—visionary scientist, engineer, and Founding Director of the Wyss Institute. Dr. Ingber shares how his unique path through medicine, biology, and design converged to spark breakthroughs such as human Organ Chips—systems that are redefining toxicology, drug development, and disease modeling. Together, they discuss how Organ Chips outperform traditional in vitro and animal models, the promise of personalized “human avatars,” and the technical, regulatory, and cultural challenges that remain. Future-focused and packed with insight, this episode spotlights the breakthroughs changing toxicology as we know it.

In this episode, Tanya McDonnell and Hemraj Dodiya sit down with two highly regarded toxicologists, Ric Stanulis and Mary Ellen Cosenza, who transitioned from industry and currently work as consultants, either independently or within a consulting firm. During our time together we will explore what it really takes to build and sustain a consulting career to help you consider if consulting may be a good fit for you in your next career and how to get started. Our guests share insights on managing diverse client expectations, balancing unpredictable workloads, and leveraging the tools, soft skills, and business structures that keep practice running smoothly.

In this episode, Aimee Altemus and Adelaide Frimpong speak with Dr. Gary Miller of Columbia University, a widely recognized leader in exposome research. Dr. Miller discusses how the exposome—the full spectrum of environmental exposures throughout a lifetime—is transforming our approach to human and environmental health. He highlights how exposomics, data science, and toxicology contribute to Next Generation Risk Assessment strategies to more accurately predict disease risk and guide public health strategies. From innovative technologies to ethical implications, this conversation offers a compelling look at the future of health science in a complex and rapidly changing world. 

In this compelling ToxChats podcast episode, hosts Kristin DeSouza and Michael Dorato speak with renowned drug development scientist Richard DiMarchi as he shares his deep understanding into the art and science of mentorship within the biomedical research community. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. DiMarchi explores the evolving nature of mentorship and its critical role in shaping the next generation of innovators.  Richard DiMarchi shares powerful insights on setting clear expectations in mentor-mentee relationships, delivering constructive criticism with both empathy and precision, and speaking truth to power with integrity and professionalism. The conversation explores how mentorship is a two-way street—where learning flows in both directions and adapting mentorship styles to meet the diverse needs of mentees, as well as building confidence and resilience in emerging scientists, preparing them to lead with both competence and compassion. 

Laid off—or worried you might be—and wondering what's next? In this episode, hosts Sunjay Sethi and Sarah Benjamin partner with the Early Career Professionals to demystify the post-layoff job search for early- to mid-career toxicologists. Kristin DeSouza and Terry Leyden are interviewed to talk about the hard stuff: quiet firing, the market that favors 10+ years’ experience or entry-level candidates, and then get practical about moving forward.

This podcast episode is designed to offer listeners a discussion about the FDA’s evolving stance on animal testing and exploring thoughts on its potential phase-out for monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies. Hosted by Zac Lloyd and featuring expert insights from Dr. Whitney Helms, Executive Director of Nonclinical Development, Large Molecule Discovery at Eli Lilly and Company, and Dr. Diann Blanset, consultant at Akkeri, Inc., this roundtable-style discussion unpacks the scientific, ethical, and regulatory implications of this paradigm shift. Whether you're deep in the biologics pipeline or navigating the changing CRO landscape, this episode offers valuable perspectives on what the future may hold—and how to prepare for it.

In this episode, host Zac Lloyd engages with expert in the field Colleen Johnson to discuss critical considerations in designing in vivo nonclinical programs for dermal and topical products. Through this conversation we aim to enhance understanding of key aspects in this specialized area of toxicology.  This podcast is designed to offer listeners an introduction to dermal product drug development.

In this episode, we speak with Jean-Philippe Therrien, a senior director of R&D, to discuss critical considerations in designing nonclinical programs for dermal and topical products. Through this conversation, we aim to enhance understanding of key aspects in this specialized area of toxicology. This podcast offers listeners an introduction to dermal product drug development.