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 33 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 33 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: 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.
CT scans may be more harmful than previously thought, Intermittent fasting may be better than calorie counting, Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
5/8/2025
This week Zorba and Karl look at a study showing CT scans may be more harmful than previously thought, and they look at research that found intermittent fasting was better than calorie counting for weight loss. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for a Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl.
Only 1 in 10 common treatments for back pain effective, Socks can really improve your sleep, Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs
4/23/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss why only 1 in 10 common non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for back pain are effective, and they look at why experts are saying socks can improve your sleep. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs.
Measles and vaccine fatigue, Increasing fruit, fiber, dairy and caffeine linked to lower tinnitus risk, Spring Frittata
4/9/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss the implications surrounding the recent measles outbreak, and they discuss how fruit, fiber, dairy and caffeine are linked to lower risk of tinnitus. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for a Spring Frittata.
How parenting may help keep your brain young, Tea brewing may help filter out heavy metals, Quick Chicken Supper Skillet
3/20/2025
This week Zorba and Karl look at how parenting may kee your brain young, and they discuss how brewing tea may filter out harmful heavy metals. Plus, they share a delicious recipe from an Elvis cookbook for Quick Chicken Supper Skillet.
Lifestyle and environmental factors affect health more than our genes, Racism in medicine, Soba Noodle Salad
3/12/2025
This week Zorba and Karl look at how lifestyle and environmental factors affect health and aging more than our genes, and they discuss if racism in medicine is getting better. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Soba Noodle Salad.
Muscular strength and physical fitness linked to lower risk of death in people with cancer, Air pollution reduces people’s ability to focus on everyday tasks, Sausage and Kale Black Bean Soup
2/20/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss how muscular strength and good physical fitness are linked to lower risk of death in people with cancer, and they look at a study that suggests air pollution reduces people’s ability to focus on everyday tasks. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Sausage and Kale Black Bean Soup.
Duration:00:53:29
Surgeon General sounds alarm about link between alcohol and cancer, A single cigarette may slash 20 minutes off your life, Tortilla de Patatas
2/5/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss the U.S. Surgeon General's recent warning about a possible alcohol and cancer link, and they look at research suggesting a single cigarette may slash 20 minutes off your life. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Tortilla de Patatas.
Duration:00:52:57
Your standing desk isn’t making you healthier, Certain foods may disrupt your body’s fight against cancer cells, Marinated Winter Squash with Sage
1/9/2025
This week Zorba and Karl discuss standing work desks, and they examine new research that found certain foods disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Marinated winter squash with sage.
Duration:00:52:54
New FDA rules for TV drug ads, Small amounts of physical exertion may halve major cardiovascular risks in women, Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
12/18/2024
This week Zorba and Karl examine the new guidelines for TV drug ads recently rolled out by the FDA, and they discuss new research that found small amounts of vigorous physical exertion may halve major cardiovascular risks in women. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Roasted parsnips and carrots.
Duration:00:53:14
Getting more light in the day and less at night is good for your health, Memories are not only found in the brain, Paella-Style Mushroom and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Rice
12/5/2024
This week Zorba and Karl discuss research on how light can affect our health, and they look at new research that found memories are found in other parts of the body other than our brain. Plus, they share a delicious recipe for Paella-style mushroom and roasted red bell pepper rice.
Duration:00:52:57
Sugar in first 1,000 days after conception linked to health issues later in life, Five minutes of extra exercise a day could lower blood pressure, Spicy Mango Salad
11/27/2024
This week Zorba and Karl discuss research that shows the effects sugar can have on children later in life, and they look at how an extra five minutes of exercise per day can lower blood pressure. Plus, they share a delicious guest chef recipe for Spicy Mango Salad.
Duration:00:53:14