MAR 31, 2026

#2476 - Shanna H. Swan

Key Takeaways

  • β€’

    Global sperm counts are declining by 1% annually - this trend, driven by endocrine disruptors, suggests a potential fertility crisis where the majority of the population may require assisted reproduction by 2045.

    β€œSince 1973, sperm counts have dropped by 50% to 60%, and the rate of decline is actually increasing.”

    β€” Shanna Swan
  • β€’

    Phthalates and PFAS are feminizing males in utero - exposure to these 'everywhere chemicals' during the critical first trimester window disrupts testosterone production, leading to permanent reproductive health changes.

    β€œPhthalates are particularly concerning because they lower testosterone, which is essential for proper male development in the womb.”

    β€” Shanna Swan
  • β€’

    Personal detoxification requires systemic lifestyle changes - reducing plastic use, switching to glass containers, and eating organic are necessary steps to lower the body's chemical burden and protect reproductive health.

    β€œWe are living in a chemical soup, and if we don't change how these substances are regulated and used, we are looking at a species-level threat.”

    β€” Shanna Swan
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Episode Description

Shanna H. Swan, PhD, is an environmental epidemiologist and author of β€œCount Down.” She is the director of The Action Science Initiative, a program within the Million Marker Institute, and is featured in the documentary β€œThe Plastic Detox,” now streaming on Netflix.www.netflix.com/title/82074244www.simonandschuster.com/books/Count-Down/Shanna-H-Swan/9781982113674www.mmresearch.orgwww.shannaswan.com Perplexity: Download the app or ask Perplexity anything at https://pplx.ai/rogan. Get a free welcome kit with your first subscription of AG1 at https://drinkag1.com/joerogan Intuit TurboTax: Learn more at https://turbotax.intuit.com/?cid=bn_wk_12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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