We live in a world impacted by toxins — from the food we eat and the water we drink to the air we breathe and the products we use every day. But what does the science really say about environmental toxins, and how much control do individuals actually have?

In Episode 7 of Be Well Age Well, hosts Dr Susannah Ward and Dr John Ward explore the evidence, risks, and practical realities of toxin exposure and healthy ageing with renowned science communicator and author Julian Cribb AM.

Julian Cribb is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering and the Australian National University Emeritus Faculty. His career spans decades as science editor for The Australian, director of national awareness for CSIRO, and adviser to scientific, government, and industry organisations worldwide. He has published more than 9,000 articles, authored 12 books, and received 32 journalism awards. His work, including Poisoned Planetand How to Fix a Broken Planet, has helped shape global conversations on chemical pollution, human health, and environmental sustainability.

Together, they explore:
The scale and evidence of global chemical contamination
How environmental toxins may influence human health across the lifespan
What the evidence says about links to conditions such as cancer, infertility, neurodevelopmental and metabolic disease
Practical ways individuals and families can reduce exposure
How food choices, beverages, cooking methods, and food preparation can make a difference
The role of consumer decisions and everyday habits in lowering toxic load
Where personal responsibility ends and systemic change is required

A key strength of this episode is its balance: acknowledging the seriousness of the issue without overwhelming listeners, and focusing on realistic, evidence-informed actions rather than fear or perfectionism.

Key Takeaways & Suggested Actions:
Total avoidance of toxins is impossible — but reduction is achievable
Small, informed changes in daily habits can lower cumulative exposure
Food sourcing, storage, and preparation matter
Individual action is valuable, but broader policy and societal change are essential
Awareness should lead to empowerment, not anxiety

This episode reframes toxins not as a reason for helplessness, but as an invitation to informed choice, advocacy, and collective responsibility — all of which support healthier ageing in a complex modern world.

Thought-provoking, grounded, and practical, this conversation equips listeners with the knowledge to make smarter choices today while contributing to a healthier future for generations to come.

Overwhelmed?  Start by eliminating plastic food containers and chopping boards.  Slowly make changes towards a lower daily toxic load- that is all any of us can do.

Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here www.ataraxiacollective.com.au

We live in a world impacted by toxins &mdash; from the food we eat and the water we drink to the air we breathe and the products we use every day. But what does the science really say about&nbsp;environmental toxins, and how much control do individuals actually have?
In&nbsp;Episode 7 of Be Well Age Well, hosts Dr Susannah Ward and Dr John Ward explore the evidence, risks, and practical realities of&nbsp;toxin exposure and healthy ageing&nbsp;with renowned science communicator and author&nbsp;Julian Cribb AM.
Julian Cribb is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering and the Australian National University Emeritus Faculty. His career spans decades as science editor for&nbsp;The Australian, director of national awareness for CSIRO, and adviser to scientific, government, and industry organisations worldwide. He has published more than&nbsp;9,000 articles, authored&nbsp;12 books, and received&nbsp;32 journalism awards. His work, including&nbsp;Poisoned Planetand&nbsp;How to Fix a Broken Planet, has helped shape global conversations on chemical pollution, human health, and environmental sustainability.
Together, they explore:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The&nbsp;scale and evidence&nbsp;of global chemical contamination</li>
<li aria-level="1">How environmental toxins may influence human health across the lifespan</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the evidence says about links to conditions such as cancer, infertility, neurodevelopmental and metabolic disease</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical ways individuals and families can&nbsp;reduce exposure</li>
<li aria-level="1">How food choices, beverages, cooking methods, and food preparation can make a difference</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of consumer decisions and everyday habits in lowering toxic load</li>
<li aria-level="1">Where personal responsibility ends and&nbsp;systemic change&nbsp;is required</li>
</ul>
A key strength of this episode is its balance: acknowledging the seriousness of the issue without overwhelming listeners, and focusing on&nbsp;realistic, evidence-informed actions&nbsp;rather than fear or perfectionism.
Key Takeaways &amp; Suggested Actions:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Total avoidance of toxins is impossible &mdash; but&nbsp;reduction is achievable</li>
<li aria-level="1">Small, informed changes in daily habits can lower cumulative exposure</li>
<li aria-level="1">Food sourcing, storage, and preparation matter</li>
<li aria-level="1">Individual action is valuable, but broader policy and societal change are essential</li>
<li aria-level="1">Awareness should lead to empowerment, not anxiety</li>
</ul>
This episode reframes toxins not as a reason for helplessness, but as an invitation to&nbsp;informed choice, advocacy, and collective responsibility&nbsp;&mdash; all of which support healthier ageing in a complex modern world.
Thought-provoking, grounded, and practical, this conversation equips listeners with the knowledge to make smarter choices today while contributing to a healthier future for generations to come.
Overwhelmed?&nbsp; Start by eliminating plastic food containers and chopping boards.&nbsp; Slowly make changes towards a lower daily toxic load- that is all any of us can do.
Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here <a href="https://www.ataraxiacollective.com.au">www.ataraxiacollective.com.au</a>

Be Well Age Well is an 8-part health and wellbeing podcast that asks a simple but powerful question:
It’s not just about how long you live — but how well you live and age.

Hosted by an inspiring father–daughter doctor duo, this series brings together credible science, lived experience, and practical wisdom to help listeners optimise their health, function, and quality of life at every age.

Your hosts are:
Associate Professor Dr John Ward, 81-year-old Physician Geriatrician, and NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2024, and
Dr Susannah Ward, 44-year-old Specialist Physician of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Member Health & Wellbeing Committee, author, speaker, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and Founder of Ataraxia Collective.

With warmth, humour, and a touch of generational banter, John and Susannah translate complex, evidence-based medicine into clear, practical steps that listeners can actually use — whether they’re health professionals, patients, mid-life optimisers, or simply curious humans wanting to live well.

Across eight expertly curated episodes, Be Well Age Well explores the science of ageing and the six core pillars of functional longevity:
Exercise for life and independence
Nutrition for long-term health
Sleep and recovery
Social connection 
Living with meaning & purpose
Reducing toxins
Flexible growth, purpose, and adaptive change

Episodes:

1: The Science of Ageing

2: 1st Pillar: Exercise

3: 2nd Pillar: Nutrition

4: 3rd Pillar: Sleep

5: 4th Pillar: Social connections

6: 5th Pillar: Living a life with meaning and purpose

7: 6th Pillar: Avoiding toxins

8: Making changes and building healthy habits

Each episode features leading national experts and finishes with key takeaways and suggested actions, making the series ideal for both personal growth and professional development.

Why listen?
Because this isn’t wellness fluff or fear-based anti-ageing hype trying to sell you stuff and take your money. Age Well Be Well is a reliable source of credible, engaging, and refreshingly human advice — a thoughtful, evidence-based guide to ageing well, hosted by two generations of doctors who truly walk the talk together.

Useful. Succinct. Entertaining. Evidence-based.
Join us and discover how to live your best life — no matter your age or stage.

Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here www.ataraxiacollective.com.au

Be Well Age Well&nbsp;is an 8-part health and wellbeing podcast that asks a simple but powerful question: It&rsquo;s not just about how long you live &mdash; but how well you live and age.
Hosted by an inspiring&nbsp;father&ndash;daughter doctor duo, this series brings together credible science, lived experience, and practical wisdom to help listeners optimise their health, function, and quality of life at every age.
Your hosts are:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Associate Professor Dr John Ward, 81-year-old Physician Geriatrician, and&nbsp;NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2024, and</li>
<li aria-level="1">Dr Susannah Ward, 44-year-old Specialist Physician of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Member Health &amp; Wellbeing Committee, author, speaker, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and Founder of&nbsp;Ataraxia Collective.</li>
</ul>
With warmth, humour, and a touch of generational banter, John and Susannah translate complex, evidence-based medicine into&nbsp;clear, practical steps&nbsp;that listeners can actually use &mdash; whether they&rsquo;re health professionals, patients, mid-life optimisers, or simply curious humans wanting to live well.
Across eight expertly curated episodes,&nbsp;Be Well Age Well&nbsp;explores the science of ageing and the&nbsp;six core pillars of functional longevity:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Exercise for life and independence</li>
<li aria-level="1">Nutrition for long-term health</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sleep and recovery</li>
<li aria-level="1">Social connection&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Living with meaning &amp; purpose</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reducing toxins</li>
<li aria-level="1">Flexible growth, purpose, and adaptive change</li>
</ul>
Episodes:
1: The Science of Ageing
2: 1st Pillar: Exercise
3: 2nd Pillar: Nutrition
4: 3rd Pillar: Sleep
5: 4th Pillar: Social connections
6: 5th Pillar: Living a life with meaning and purpose
7: 6th Pillar: Avoiding toxins
8: Making changes and building healthy habits
Each episode features leading national experts and finishes with&nbsp;key takeaways and suggested actions, making the series ideal for both personal growth and professional development.
Why listen? Because this isn&rsquo;t wellness fluff or fear-based anti-ageing hype trying to sell you stuff and take your money.&nbsp;Age Well Be Well&nbsp;is a reliable source of credible, engaging, and refreshingly human advice &mdash; a thoughtful, evidence-based guide to ageing well, hosted by two generations of doctors who truly walk the talk together.
Useful. Succinct. Entertaining. Evidence-based. Join us and discover how to live your best life &mdash; no matter your age or stage.
Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here <a href="https://www.ataraxiacollective.com.au">www.ataraxiacollective.com.au</a>