Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster
Wisconsin Public Radio
A joyful take on healthy living with family physician Dr. Zorba Paster.
"When people ask me what I hope to achieve with my podcast, I sum it up in one sentence: “To help people live a full, optimistic, vibrant, happy life—reducing suffering and developing resilience so they can say, unequivocally, ‘I’m here.’
I’ve spent 35 years hosting my nationally-syndicated public radio show, Zorba Paster On Your Health, and it’s been an incredible journey sparking thoughtful, engaging conversations about health and wellness—without the clutter, chatter, or noise.
With more than 45 years as a family physician, my experience as one of the lead physicians caring for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, my ongoing work mentoring medical students and residents at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and my humanitarian medical work with Tibetan refugees, I’ve gained a unique perspective on modern health care. I strive to blend the science of Western medicine with the balance of holistic, integrative approaches to healing. Give the podcast a listen—I think you’ll love it."
New episodes every week -- with occasional bonus episodes to respond to breaking health news. Follow the show and share it with your friends!
Location:
Madison, WI
Networks:
Wisconsin Public Radio
Description:
A joyful take on healthy living with family physician Dr. Zorba Paster. "When people ask me what I hope to achieve with my podcast, I sum it up in one sentence: “To help people live a full, optimistic, vibrant, happy life—reducing suffering and developing resilience so they can say, unequivocally, ‘I’m here.’ I’ve spent 35 years hosting my nationally-syndicated public radio show, Zorba Paster On Your Health, and it’s been an incredible journey sparking thoughtful, engaging conversations about health and wellness—without the clutter, chatter, or noise. With more than 45 years as a family physician, my experience as one of the lead physicians caring for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, my ongoing work mentoring medical students and residents at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and my humanitarian medical work with Tibetan refugees, I’ve gained a unique perspective on modern health care. I strive to blend the science of Western medicine with the balance of holistic, integrative approaches to healing. Give the podcast a listen—I think you’ll love it." New episodes every week -- with occasional bonus episodes to respond to breaking health news. Follow the show and share it with your friends!
Language:
English
Contact:
Zorba Paster on Your Health Wisconsin Public Radio 821 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706 800-462-7413
Website:
http://www.wpr.org/zorba/
Email:
zorba@wpr.org
Episodes
Bonus Episode: Pharma Police - Generic drugs and what the FDA is hiding
11/14/2025
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ProPublica (an independent, non-profit news organization) recently reported on the FDA’s handling of potential safety issues concerning generic drugs we get from overseas manufacturers. Some of their findings include:
· For decades, the FDA has blacked out the names of generic drugs on inspection reports for foreign factories that were found to have safety and quality violations.
· This has prevented patients, doctors, and pharmacists from knowing whether manufacturing failures have made medications ineffective or unsafe.
You can find the ProPublica article here
(Recorded Nov 10, 2025)
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:04:03
Beta Blockers (the good & bad) | Sciatica relief | Sugar & Aging | Zorba gets corny!
11/12/2025
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Dr. Zorba and Karl look at new research about how beta blockers may raise a heart risk for women (we also hear from Robert Downey Jr.). Zorba helps a caller with sciatica, and talks about how our sugar habits need to change as we age. Zorba walks us through his tried and true method for preparing and storing corn so it stays tasty all winter long.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:17:52
Bonus Episode: Is Melatonin use linked to heart failure?
11/7/2025
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Dr. Zorba Paster's thoughts on a new study that links long-term use of the popular sleep aid melatonin, to heart failure. Is it good science...or clickbait?
(Recorded November 7, 2025)
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:03:56
Can cannabis reduce back pain? | Gut health | Turmeric benefits | Insomnia | Shingles | Grammar Cops & Mom Jokes
11/5/2025
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Dr. Zorba and Karl look at two new studies that show cannabis products can help with back pain. Zorba takes a call about a special turmeric drink, and helps listeners with insomnia, gut health issues, and advice on shingles. They also hear a mom joke and get a visit from the newly badged Grammar Cops.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:28:04
Bonus Episode: RSV - What you need to know
11/3/2025
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Dr. Zorba Paster on the RSV outbreak and what you need to know about the different vaccines available.
(Recorded November 2, 2025)
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:04:22
Overcoming Fear | Swimmer's itch | Acupressure | Quackery | Chocolate chip cookies!
10/29/2025
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Dr. Zorba and Karl look at new research about the brain mechanism that help us overcome fear. Zorba gives a caller advice about dealing with swimmer's itch. Zorba tries out Karl's acupressure mat (on the show). They talk about how parents used to calm their children back in the day (booze and opium). And Zorba shares his favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:19:40
Are Doctors overusing AI? | Varicose vein help | Dealing with a difficult doctor | Mom Jokes
10/22/2025
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Dr. Zorba and Karl discuss if doctors are relying too much on artificial intelligence for screenings. Zorba gives a caller advice about dealing with her varicose veins. Zorba helps a listener with how to deal with her new doctor who is being difficult. Karl shares a mom joke...from his mom. And Zorba takes a Grammatical Sabbatical.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:23:05
Zorba's Update from Tibet - Acts of Gratitude | New computers for Tibetan children
10/17/2025
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Dr. Zorba Paster gives an update about his ongoing work providing new computers for children at the Tibetan Children's Villages in Dharamshala, India. He also talks about how acts of gratitude can be good for our health.
(Recorded October 14, 2025)
Zero TB in Tibetan Kids project (Zorba is an advisor)
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:04:11
Does mushroom coffee improve memory? | Seasonal Affective Disorder | Vaccines | Rat poison for runners | Zorba's dinner party tip
10/15/2025
Send us a text
A listener asks Dr. Zorba if mushroom coffee improves memory, he offers up tips for combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder, and he reveals why vaccines are so expensive. Zorba and Karl talk about the 1904 Olympics and why some coaches were giving their runners rat poison, and Zorba reveals his #1 tip for making your dinner party a smashing success.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:16:01
Bonus Episode: Covid-19 & MMR Vaccines - CDC Committee's New Recommendations (Dr. Zorba's Rapid Response)
10/9/2025
Dr. Zorba Paster responds to the CDC committee's (The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) new recommendations regarding MMR and Covid-19 vaccines.
(Recorded October 9, 2025)
WATCH: Dr. Paster on CNN Newsroom with Paula Newton talking about doctors navigating partisan divides, and the politicization of healthcare.
Production, editing, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (we just might use it!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:08:14
Importance of Eye Contact | Prilosec and your teeth | Smelly Feet remedy | Should you take Collagen?
10/8/2025
Dr. Zorba and Karl discuss research about the importance of eye contact between parents and babies, as well as adults. They take a listener phone call about a dentist suggesting Prilosec. Zorba answers voicemails about smelly feet and if collagen is good to take. Karl shares a mom joke...from his mom. And Zorba goes on a Grammatical Sabbatical.
Production, editing, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (we just might use it!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:25:55
Bonus Episode: Tylenol & Autism Link (Dr. Zorba's Rapid Response)
10/2/2025
Dr. Zorba Paster responds to The White House press release with links to scientific studies claiming that the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol), during pregnancy causes autism.
(Recorded October 2, 2025)
Dr. Paster on CNN Newsroom with Paula Newton talking about doctors navigating partisan divides, and the politicization of healthcare.
Watch interview: https://youtu.be/8OxtG5X9UJs
Production, editing, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (we just might use it!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:06:00
Acupuncture for pain relief | Best Vitamin D to take | Medical Quackery | Fake Viagra | Zorba's Dinner Party Paella
10/1/2025
Dr. Zorba takes a listener phone call about using acupuncture for pain relief (due to a Tilt-a-Whirl accident), he tells us what kind of Vitamin D to take, and he debunks some medical quackery. He also talks about his recent dinner party where he made his famous Paella, and warns us about fake Viagra.
Production, editing, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (we just might use it!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:17:59
Welcome to Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster - (Trailer)
9/26/2025
Production, editing, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (we just might use it!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:01:49
The Final Show: The importance of health literacy, Americans get over half of their calories from ultra-processed foods, Picnic Chicken
9/24/2025
On the final episode of the show Zorba and Karl talk about the importance of health literacy, and they discuss why Americans get 55% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. Plus, they share a mouth-watering recipe for Picnic Chicken.
Duration:00:53:30
Food assistance benefits tied to slower cognitive decline, CDC panel casts doubt on Hepatitis B vaccine, Lemon Pasta
8/20/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss research showing food assistance benefits are tied to slower cognitive decline in older adults, and they examine why a newly formed CDC panel is casting doubt on the Hepatitis B vaccine. Plus, they share a tasty recipe for Lemon Pasta.
Duration:00:52:56
Cannabis use dramatically increases risk of dying from heart attacks and stroke, Over half of doctors would consider assisted dying if they had advanced cancer or Alzheimer’s, Pinto Bean Chili
7/23/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss how cannabis use can dramatically increase heart attack and stroke risk, and they talk about why half of doctors would consider assisted dying if they had advanced cancer or Alzheimer's. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Pinto Bean Chili.
Duration:00:53:29
Kids’ breakfast cereals have been getting more unhealthy, New blood test checks for Alzheimer’s, Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter
6/11/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss how kids' breakfast cereals are getting less healthy, and they talk about the new blood test that reportedly checks for Alzheimer's risk. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Pan-seared steak with garlic butter.
Duration:00:52:55
Sports participation may ward off childhood mental ill health, Long working hours may alter brain structure, Alaskan Chowder
5/29/2025
This week Zorba and Karl look at a study showing physical activity and organized sports participation may ward off childhood mental ill health, and they look at research that found working long hours may alter brain structure. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Alaskan Chowder.
Ultraprocessed food may increase your chance of an early death, Brisk walking pace may lower risk of heart rhythm abnormalities, Spring Salad with Goat Cheese
5/15/2025
This week Zorba and Karl look at a study showing ultraprocessed foods will increase your chance of an early death, and they look at research that found brisk walking pace plus time spent at this speed may lower risk of heart rhythm abnormalities. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for a Spring Salad with Goat Cheese.