In Part 2 of this special two-part series on genetic lipid disorders, Susan Robbins welcomes back renowned lipidologist Dr. Tom Dayspring for an eye-opening discussion on Lipoprotein(a), often written as Lp(a), one of the most common yet overlooked genetic cardiovascular risk factors in the world. While many people focus on standard cholesterol numbers, Dr. Dayspring explains why Lp(a) deserves far more attention and why major cardiovascular organizations now recommend that every person be tested at least once in their lifetime.

Together, Susan and Dr. Dayspring break down the science behind Lp(a), how it differs from traditional cholesterol markers, and why elevated levels can significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and aortic valve disease. They discuss the role genetics play in determining Lp(a) levels, why lifestyle changes remain important even when they do not directly lower Lp(a), and how advanced testing can provide a more complete picture of cardiovascular risk.

This conversation also tackles common misconceptions surrounding cholesterol, statins, and influencer-driven health advice. Dr. Dayspring shares practical guidance on what to do if you discover you have elevated Lp(a), how to advocate for yourself within the healthcare system, and why understanding your unique biology is essential for protecting long-term health.

In this episode:

• What Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is and why it matters
• Why Lp(a) is one of the most common genetic lipid disorders worldwide
• The connection between elevated Lp(a), heart disease, stroke, and aortic valve disease
• Why every person should consider being tested for Lp(a) at least once
• How genetics determine Lp(a) levels throughout life
• The difference between Lp(a), LDL cholesterol, and ApoB
• Why standard cholesterol testing may miss important cardiovascular risk factors
• The role of oxidized phospholipids in cardiovascular disease

If you've ever been told your cholesterol is "normal" but still have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or unexplained cardiovascular events, this episode offers critical information that could help you ask better questions, pursue the right testing, and become a stronger advocate for your own health.

Learn more about Dr. Tom Dayspring on the website shownotes!

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/06/15/episode128/

RESOURCES:

Lipoprotein(a) - Family Heart Foundation

https://familyheart.org/high-lipoprotein-a

A Masterclass on Cardiovascular Risk: Decoding Lipoprotein(a) | Dr Dayspring | The Proof EP #320

Connect with Dr. Tom Dayspring

X: https://x.com/drlipid

https://familyheart.org/

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/06/15/episode128/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

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In this episode of Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable., Susan Robbins is joined by renowned expert lipidologist Dr. Tom Dayspring for Part 1 of a special two-part series on genetically driven lipid disorders. Together, they explore phytosterolemia (formerly known as sitosterolemia), a little-known but potentially serious genetic condition that affects how the body absorbs and processes plant sterols. While often overlooked in conventional healthcare, this disorder can contribute to elevated cholesterol markers, cardiovascular risk, xanthomas, kidney issues, and other health concerns when left undetected.

Dr. Dayspring breaks down the complex science of cholesterol absorption, plant sterols, and the ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes in a way that is easy to understand. Susan shares what she has observed through years of genetic testing and coaching, including how frequently she is seeing these gene variants appear in practice and why many people are being missed by standard testing. This conversation highlights the importance of personalized medicine, advanced lipid testing, and understanding the unique ways genetics can influence long-term health outcomes.

In this episode:

• What phytosterolemia is and why it is often missed
• The difference between cholesterol and plant sterols
• How the ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes regulate sterol absorption
• Why some people absorb significantly more cholesterol than others
• The connection between plant sterol hyper-absorption and cardiovascular disease risk
• Why standard cholesterol testing may miss important clues
• The role of sitosterol and campesterol testing
• How phytosterols can impact cell membranes, kidneys, joints, blood cells, and other tissues
• The difference between heterozygous and homozygous loss-of-function gene variants
• Why many patients are told their cholesterol is "fine" when deeper issues may exist
• The importance of ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and advanced lipid testing
• Why some cholesterol-lowering therapies work better than others depending on genetics
• How lifestyle, nutrition, and personalized interventions can support lipid health
• When to consider working with a lipid specialist

If you have a family history of heart disease, unexplained cholesterol elevations, or have been told your numbers are "normal" despite ongoing concerns, or if use of statins hasn’t helped yu, this episode offers valuable insight into a genetic factor that is rarely discussed but can have a significant impact on long-term health.

Learn more about Dr. Tom Dayspring on the website shownotes!

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/06/08/episode127/

RESOURCES:

Connect with Dr. Tom Dayspring

X: https://x.com/drlipid

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/06/08/episode127/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

Blue light is everywhere… but most people have no idea what it’s actually doing to their bodies.

In this episode of the Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable podcast, Susan sits down with Sam Nahna from Block Blue Light to unpack the real science behind blue light exposure, circadian rhythms, melatonin production, sleep disruption, and why modern lighting may be affecting your health more than you realize.

From doom scrolling at night to overhead LED lights, Sam explains how constant exposure to artificial blue light impacts sleep quality, recovery, focus, mood, and long-term wellbeing. The conversation dives into the differences between clear, yellow, amber, and red blue light blocking lenses, why cheap “blue light glasses” often don’t work, and how to create a more sleep-supportive environment without completely disconnecting from modern life.

Susan also shares her own experience using red light glasses and how dramatically they’ve helped her wind down, improve sleep quality, and support her natural rhythms during longer summer evenings.

This episode is packed with practical, easy-to-understand information for anyone struggling with sleep, screen fatigue, nighttime stimulation, or feeling “wired but tired” at the end of the day.

Key Takeaways:

• What blue light actually is and how it affects the body and brain
• Why artificial light exposure at night disrupts melatonin and circadian rhythms
• The difference between clear, yellow, amber, and red blue light blocking lenses
• How poor sleep impacts recovery, mental health, hormones, and overall health
• Simple ways to reduce blue light exposure and create a healthier nighttime environment

Connect with Sam Nahna + Block Blue Light:
Website: https://www.blockbluelight.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blockbluelight_official/

Learn more about Sam Nahna:

At BlueBlockLight, we create research-backed products designed to support health, circadian biology, and light-conscious living.

Sam has been with the company since its early stages and has become a leading product expert in the field of blue light mitigation and blue light blocking technology. His expertise spans the science of artificial light exposure, circadian health, sleep optimization, and the practical application of blue light blocking solutions in everyday life.

Working closely across product development, education, and marketing, Sam specializes in translating the technical and scientific side of light biology into practical, real-world strategies people can actually use. He is known for his deep understanding of how different wavelengths of light impact human physiology and how targeted light environments can support better sleep, recovery, energy, and long-term health.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Sam Nahna:

Website: https://www.blockbluelight.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blockbluelight_official/

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/06/01/episode126/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast