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

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 Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/ Timeline: Get 35% off your first month at Timeline.com/MONA35. 12 tips: Small shifts, big energy—feel clearer, brighter, and more like you. Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: https://www.monasharma.com/12tips Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:http://monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Jonny Bowden: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnybowden/  Webiste: https://www.jonnybowden.com/