99. The Great Cholesterol Myth: What Your Doctor Isn’t Testing with Jonny Bowden

Feb 4, 2026

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Cholesterol is one of the most fear-charged topics I hear about from clients, and the conversation often starts with a lab result that feels alarming without much context. If you’ve ever been told your cholesterol is “high” and left feeling confused, anxious, or unsure what actually matters, this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, I sat down with Jonny Bowden to unpack what cholesterol really tells us, and where the standard approach often falls short. We talk about why total cholesterol can be misleading, why LDL is far more nuanced than “good” or “bad,” and which markers like ApoB, particle size, and Lp(a) provide a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk. We also explore insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health as foundational drivers that deserve far more attention.

Jonny Bowden is a renowned nutrition educator and bestselling author, including co-author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, known for helping people rethink heart health through science, context, and common sense.

What's Discussed:

(02:05) Simple daily rituals that support grounding and long-term health

(06:40) Why standard cholesterol labs often create fear without clarity

(12:15) LDL, particle size, and what actually drives cardiovascular risk

(18:10) ApoB and Lp(a), the heart markers most people are never told about

(26:30) Insulin resistance as the missing link in heart health conversations

(38:15) Continuous glucose monitoring and what it reveals about daily habits

(49:10) Inflammation, omega-3s, and the modern imbalance affecting longevity

(01:02:40) The overlooked longevity lesson from the Blue Zones

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Learn more about Jonny Bowden:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnybowden/

Webiste: https://www.jonnybowden.com/