Episode 48

If I had a Nickel (Mystery Case) & Toxicologist vs The internet (#13) with Dr. Damilola Idowu-Ellsworth

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 heard of.

One lucky listener also wins a copy of Poisonous Fungus Amongus, and a shout-out to the newly released second edition featuring photography from expert mycologists.

Skip the listener guesses and jump straight to the mystery toxin: 38:15

Mystery toxin case

The rest of the episode is Dr. Idowu and Ryan discuss the topics below. Looking for timestamps? Join the supporting member feed!

Looking for time stamps for the rest of the show? Join as a supporting member

Stump the Toxicologist – Case Discussions

(Looking for timestamps? Join the supporting member feed!)

Case #1

A methemoglobinemia, renal failure inducing enema

Case #2

Wide-complex dysrhythmia from an over-the-counter topical
Bonus - Paper from Ryan on the topical toxicity (or lack there of) of this product

Case #3

Black stools, seizures, high sodium and low potassium after trying to beat a drug test.

Case #4

GCS 15 and normal vitals… until they’re not — delayed seizures, neurologic collapse, and a toxicologic time bomb.
Paper from Ryan on this tricky toxic time bomb

Internet & Listener Questions

Do GLP-1 agonists release toxins from fat and how might that impact drugged driving laws with THC?
Why do sedatives make you twitch?
Not all benzos are Xanax
What shape is a ketamine crystal