Beyond the Bench

Blood Banking Basics

In this episode, we break down the basics of blood banking and transfusion medicine, focusing on how blood is safely typed, screened, and matched before it ever reaches a patient. We walk through the ABO and Rh systems, explain why compatibility is critical, and outline how antibody screening and crossmatching work together as key safety steps in the laboratory. We also discuss what actually happens behind the scenes in the blood bank, from testing to product release, and highlight the role of the medical laboratory scientist in preventing transfusion reactions. This episode is a straightforward introduction to the core processes that make modern blood transfusion safe and reliable.

Episode 4: The Internet Was a Mistake

This week we took a totally normal, responsible approach to podcasting...and immediately fell down a Reddit rabbit hole. Colin, Josh and Shawn take a microscope to the wildest, funniest, and sometimes questionable stories the internet has to offer-all with a scientific twist. From weird experiments gone wrong, mysterious observations , and "did this really happen in a lab?" confessions, the crew reacts, analyzes, and occasionally facepalms at human behavior. Whether you're a scientist, a student, or just someone who loves nerdy Reddit rabbit holes, this episode is your ticket to lab chaos and internet absurdity.

Fact or Cap: Medical Lab Edition

This week, we turn the podcast into a full-on lab-themed trivia game show! I put Josh and Shawn to the ultimate test, channeling my inner Alex Trebek to see who knows their Medical Lab Science—and who’s just capping. What to Expect: * Rapid-fire MLS trivia questions 🧫 * Fun, playful banter (and a few surprising answers!) 😂 * “Fact or Cap” rounds—can you guess which answers are true? * Behind-the-scenes laughs as we turn lab nerding into a gameshow Whether you’re an MLS student, lab professional, or just love quirky podcast fun, this episode will test your knowledge and keep you laughing. Tune in and play along—see if you can call out the facts before Josh or Shawn! Follow & Connect: * Instagram: @beyondbenchpod * Twitter/X: @beyondbenchpod * Email: beyondbenchpod@gmail.com #Podcast #MedicalLabScience #MLS #Trivia #FactOrCap #LabLife #PodcastFun

Life of an MLS: A Bloody Good Tale

Curious what it’s like to work behind the scenes in a medical lab? In this episode, we walk you through a typical day as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). From analyzing patient samples to handling unexpected challenges, we share stories, tips, and laughs from the lab. In this episode: * Daily workflow and responsibilities of an MLS * Real-life lab stories and challenges * Advice for students and early-career lab professionals * How collaboration in the lab keeps things running smoothly Follow us and share your thoughts: Instagram/Twitter: @beyondbenchpod [https://www.instagram.com/beyondbenchpod]

Welcome to Beyond the Bench: Meet Your Hosts

In our very first episode of Beyond the Bench Podcast, your hosts Colin, Josh, and Shawn introduce themselves and share why they started this show. We’ll talk about life in the lab, the people and stories that inspire us, and what you can expect from future episodes. Whether you’re a scientist, a student, or just curious about what happens behind the lab coat, you’ll get a front-row seat to the conversations and experiences that go beyond the bench.