We have a very special podcast today, especially for those of you who have followed the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) over the years. We sat down with Paul and Ellen Connett for an interview that I think many of you will enjoy and everyone should be able to gain inspiration from.

It’s not a typical FAN interview. Rather than focusing exclusively on fluoridation, the conversation was focused on their lives and all that led up to their founding of FAN back in 2000. Since its formation FAN has accomplished a lot, including helping hundreds of communities end fluoridation, producing and archiving a wealth of educational materials and analysis on fluoride science, pushing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase out sulfurly fluoride, exposing the promotors of fluoridation and government agencies for their lack of scientific integrity, getting the National Toxicology Program to review fluoride’s neurotoxicity, and suing the EPA in federal court to end the use of fluoridation chemicals …and much more.

Now, twenty-three years later, the Connetts have recently retired from their roles as Executive and Managing Directors to pursue their personal interests and spend more time with family; though they still remain active volunteers and key advisors to our organization.

The Fluoride Action Network interviews Gary O. Pittman on the connection between the phosphate industry and the fluoride chemicals that are added to drinking water in the United States. Gary spent a career as a phosphate plant manager and industry consultant. He's the author of the book "Phosphate Fluorides, Toxic Torts."

This hour-long interview features a wide-ranging discussion on:

* How phosphates are mined
* Toxic chemicals at the phosphate plant
* How fluoride is captured from from phosphate rock slurry
* Why defoamers are used in the process
* Toxic work conditions that impacted the health of workers and the environment
* The financial and political influence of the chemical industry.

Dr. William Hirzy, a former risk assessment scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, explains why the EPA Headquarters Union of Scientists and Professionals oppose fluoridation. Tune in to hear Dr. Hirzy's riveting story.

Timeline
0:00 Dr. Hirzy’s Scientific Background
~ 1:00 Establishing the EPA Headquarters Union of Scientists (NTEU 280)
~ 2:50 Seminar by Fluoride Expert Raises Eyebrows at EPA
~ 4:00 EPA Develops Controversial New “Safety” Standard for Fluoride
~ 8:10 Dr. Phyllis Mullenix Sounds the Alarm on Fluoride’s Neurotoxicity, Gets Fired
~ 11:46 The EPA Union’s Efforts to Overturn California’s Fluoridation Mandate
~ 13:45 Senator Bob Smith (NH) Invites Dr. Hirzy to Testify Before Congress
~ 15:15 Dr. William Hirzy’s Congressional Testimony in 2000
~ 22:19 Consumer Advocate Ralph Nader Assists Legal Strategy
~ 25:57 TSCA Fluoride Lawsuit Takes Shape in 2017
~ 26:51 Follow the Money $$: Fluoride Industry Profits
~ 30:18 Renewed Call for Professionals Statement Opposing Fluoridation
~ 31:18 Flashback: Judges Rule Fluoridation is Risky But Can’t Stop It
~ 32:43 Endorsements vs Science
~ 35:11 Neurotoxic Risks of Water Fluoridation & Its Impact on Society