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...
Location:
United States
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
Episodes
Are Blue Zones Legit? | Melatonin vs. Traditional Sleep Aids | Sinus Rinses | Measles Booster
4/15/2026
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Zorba explains and weighs in on so called "Blue Zones." He helps out a caller who is comparing melatonin to traditional, over-the-counter sleep aids, and he helps a listener who has questions about what water to use for sinus rinse. Zorba gives advice about the measles booster shot, and we get a mom joke that fans of the Wizard of Oz will drink up.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:27:28
"Everywhere Chemicals" Are Hurting Us | What Health Sources Can You Trust? | Red Meat | Mom Jokes
4/8/2026
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Zorba looks at a new study about "Forever Chemicals" (phthalates). What products are they found in, and what are they doing to our health? He helps a caller who is questioning the merits of certain medical studies and online health information. An emailer asks about red meat and the new food pyramid, and Zorba helps out a listener with pelvic issues. Zorba fields comments from Facebook page, and we get a mom joke for the wine enthusiasts.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:30:49
RFK vs. American Heart Association: More Red Meat?
4/3/2026
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Zorba's thoughts on the American Heart Association's reaction to the red meat recommendations laid out on the new food pyramid.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duration:00:02:59
Is the Alzheimer's Blood Test Legit? | Joint Pain | Benadryl | E-bikes | IBS | Mom Jokes
4/1/2026
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Zorba gives digs in to the new blood test that purports to predict when symptoms of Alzheimer's may begin. He helps out a caller with joint pain issues. An emailer asks about Benadryl use, and Zorba helps out a listener with IBS issues. Zorba fields comments about riding his e-bike, and we hear a mom joke...which happens to be Zorba's favorite one so far.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:30:05
Tanning Beds...how harmful are they?
3/27/2026
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It's spring break and prom season! Zorba shares his thoughts on tanning beds, the science involved, and what health risks may be associated with using them.
(Recorded March 20, 2026)
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:04:59
What is the deal with Peptides? | Ambien & Sleep Aids | Surgery for Back Pain? | Mom (Dad) Jokes | Calcium
3/25/2026
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Zorba gives his take on the latest wellness and biohacking trend...peptides. He helps out a caller who has concerns about taking prescription sleep aids. An emailer asks about back pain and if surgery is the correct path, and Zorba talks about the best calcium to take. We hear a mom joke...actually a dad joke from Karl's dad.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:37:09
A Federal Judge halts RFK Jr's anti-vaccine policies
3/20/2026
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Zorba's thoughts on recent news that a federal judge thwarts Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's continued efforts to overhaul the nation's vaccine policies.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duration:00:04:20
We're Getting Less CDC Health Alerts | Rash Help | The Cost of Eating Healthy | Hiccups | CBD | Mom Jokes
3/18/2026
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Zorba and Karl discuss why doctors are concerned that we're seeing a huge drop in official health alerts from the CDC. Zorba helps a caller with her pesky gardening rash. An emailer questions the affordability of eating according to the new dietary guidelines, and Zorba helps out a listener with hiccups. We hear a mom joke, and the CBD Cops make a visit.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duration:00:27:05
It's time to take civic action regarding vaccines and public health
3/13/2026
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Zorba lays out a plan for taking action regarding the CDC rolling back universal Hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for newborns, which goes against widespread public health consensus.
(Recorded December 5, 2025)
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duration:00:06:34
Cancer treatment effectiveness may depend on the time of day it’s given | How much Vitamin D? | Shingles | RFK Compares the US to Denmark | Beef Cops
3/11/2026
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Dr. Zorba looks at a study that shows the effectiveness of cancer treatments may depend on the time of day it's given. He helps a caller with vitamin D questions, and a listener about when to get the shingles shot. Zorba also discusses why it is dangerous for RFK and CDC to compare the U.S. to Denmark as it relates to vaccines. The Beef Cops also chime in, and we hear a Mom Joke.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:32:24
SNAP Benefits and Restrictions on Soda, Candy, and Energy Drinks
3/6/2026
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Dr. Zorba's thoughts on more states restricting soda, candy, and energy drinks from the list of approved items that retailers can accept payments for through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP).
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duration:00:04:18
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Strokes | Chef Danny Calleros: Crispy Fried Tofu recipe | Sinus Issues | Acid Reflux
3/4/2026
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It's recipe day! James Beard nominated Chef Danny Calleros walks us through his incredible recipe for Crispy Fried Tofu with Creme Fraiche. Zorba digs into new research that suggests the Mediterranean Diet may decrease stroke risk. He also helps listeners with acid reflux and sinus issues.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:42:18
A Surgeon General Should Be Pro-Science
2/27/2026
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Zorba shares his thoughts on what criteria and qualifications are crucial when choosing a new Surgeon General; and shares a story about talking to a young family about vaccines during a recent office visit.
(Recorded February 26, 2026)
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:05:48
Demystifying Calcium Scores | PPIs and Stomach Cancer | GLP-1 Drugs | Mom Jokes | Sinus Rinse Recipe
2/25/2026
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Dr. Zorba explains the importance of calcium scores to a caller, and how it relates to cholesterol. He reviews new research that shows PPIs (stomach acid-reducing drugs) may not increase stomach cancer risk. Zorba also discusses GLP-1 drugs vs. natural methods for losing weight, and shares his recipe for sinus rinse. The Grammar Cops chime in, and we hear a Mom Joke from one of our listeners.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:39:35
We're Bringing Measles Back!
2/20/2026
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Zorba's thoughts on why measles (a virus we had nearly eradicated) is making a comeback, and how you can protect yourself and loved ones.
(recorded February 19, 2026)
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duration:00:03:21
The Best Way To Exercise For Longevity | Menopause & Orgasms | Constant Throat Clearing | Snoring Remedies | Mom Jokes
2/18/2026
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Dr. Zorba talks about his ski trips and lays out the best way to exercise for longevity. Zorba helps out a caller whose husband can't stop clearing his throat, and he reveals if mouth tape can help with snoring. Zorba also talks about menopause and orgasms. The Grammar Cops chime in, and we hear a very well thought out Mom Joke.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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Duration:00:38:14
Your Next Doctor Could be AI | Boat Names! | GERD | Iron Supplements | Mom Jokes | Grammar Cops
2/11/2026
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Dr. Zorba discusses how artificial intelligence has impacted medicine, and how soon we may see AI doctors. Karl shares some boat names. Zorba helps listeners with GERD issues, and iron supplements. The Grammar Cops chime in, and we hear a Mom Joke that will leave listeners stunned.
Just Coffee Co-op
Use Promo Code ZORBA10 for 10% off your order
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:33:55
How The New Dietary Guidelines May Impact School Lunches
2/6/2026
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The Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA recently unveiled new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, along with a new food pyramid. Zorba explores how these changes may impact schools and how they prepare and serve food to children.
(Recorded February 5, 2026)
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duration:00:04:09
Teen Social Media use Skyrocketing | What if your Doc is rude? | Parasites in Kids | GERD | Mom Jokes
2/4/2026
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Dr. Zorba looks at a new Pew Research study that shows 1 in 5 U.S. teens are on social media "almost constantly." He helps a caller with what to do when their doctor is not nice or helpful. Zorba deciphers a viral video going around about "parasite mania" in our kids, he tackles PPI use for GERD, and fields a dental question. The Grammar Cops chime in, and we hear a Mom Joke that mall rats might enjoy.
Just Coffee Co-op
Use Promo Code ZORBA10 for 10% off your order
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:28:01
Guidelines on Ozempic & GLP-1 drugs | Vitamins | Zorba Laughs | Lack of Appetite | Blood Letting still a thing?
1/28/2026
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Dr. Zorba looks at new guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization regarding GLP-1 drugs. He helps a caller who has questions about which vitamins to take, and helps a emailer about how to regain their appetite. In our Quack Tales segment we hear about modern day blood letting, and we revisit the idea of prescribing Zorba's laugh for medicinal purposes.
Support the show
Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duration:00:41:15