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:
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
New CDC Director is a step (back) in the right direction
5/1/2026
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Zorba shares his thoughts on Dr. Erica Schwartz, the newly-nominated director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duración:00:03:23
Statin Hysteria! | COVID Nasal Spray | RECIPE: Gazpacho | Vitamin D | Weed Gummies | Mom Jokes
4/29/2026
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Zorba talks about "Statin Hysteria" and people's reluctancy with taking them. He helps out a caller with questions about Astepro nasal spray, and he helps a listener who has questions about Vitamin D and HRT. Zorba shares his daughter's favorite Gazpacho recipe, he gives advice about taking THC gummies for sleep, and we hear a mom joke that is so good it needs to be explained.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duración:00:33:40
More Thoughts on RFK's Congressional Testimony (PART 2)
4/24/2026
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Zorba continues his thoughts on the ongoing congressional testimony from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duración:00:04:36
Long COVID Brain Fog | Sleeping Pill Depedency | Showering Too Much | Is It Bad To "Hold It?" | Flouride
4/23/2026
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Zorba helps out a caller who has brain for from "long COVID." And he helps a listener who has questions about certain sleep aids and if they are addictive. Zorba briefly talks fluoride, he gives advice to Karl's son about dry skin, and we learn about bladder control and if it's a bad thing to "hold it" for too long.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duración:00:22:48
Thoughts on RFK's Congressional Testimony
4/21/2026
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Zorba dissects recent congressional testimony from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson
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Duración:00:04:16
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
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Duración: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
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Duración: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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Duración: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!):
Stay well!
Duración: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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Duración: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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Duración: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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Duración: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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Duración: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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Duración: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
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Duración: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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Duración: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
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Duración: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
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Duración: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
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Duración: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
Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
Stay well!
Duración:00:03:21