Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster
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!
Episodes
64 episodes
HPV Vaccine Can Reduce Cancers | Sinus Up! | Throat Clearing | Brain Honey | E-Bikes
Zorba looks at new research from JAMA showing that the HPV vaccine can reduce cancer risk by half in men. He helps out a caller with questions about nagging sinus pressure; and helps listeners with throat clearing, and a question about E-bikes....
New Weight Loss Drugs (You down with GLP?)
Zorba weighs in on new GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Passive Screen Time | Red Light Therapy | Medicare Cognitive Test | Radon | Mom Jokes
Zorba talks about "passive screen time" and how it may increase your risk for dementia. He helps out a caller with questions about red light therapy, and he helps a listener who isn't happy she has to take the Medicare cognitive test. Zor...
Thoughts on the Anti-Antidepressant Initiative
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is promoting new Federal initiatives to taper people off of antidepressant medications. Zorba talks about the history and importance of antidepressants, and the good and the bad surrounding this initiative...
How Harmful are Lawn Pesticides? | Advice on Switching Docs | Statins | Cherry Extract | Mom Jokes | Radio Shock Jocks
Zorba digs into how harmful are the chemicals that make our lawns weed-free and impossibly green. He helps out a caller who wants to politely switch doctors, and he helps a listener who has statin questions. Zorba weighs in on tart cherry extra...
New CDC Director is a step (back) in the right direction
Zorba shares his thoughts on Dr. Erica Schwartz, the newly-nominated director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Statin Hysteria! | COVID Nasal Spray | RECIPE: Gazpacho | Vitamin D | Weed Gummies | Mom Jokes
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 favorit...
More Thoughts on RFK's Congressional Testimony (PART 2)
Zorba continues his thoughts on the ongoing congressional testimony from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Long COVID Brain Fog | Sleeping Pill Depedency | Showering Too Much | Is It Bad To "Hold It?" | Flouride
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...
Thoughts on RFK's Congressional Testimony
Zorba dissects recent congressional testimony from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Are Blue Zones Legit? | Melatonin vs. Traditional Sleep Aids | Sinus Rinses | Measles Booster
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...
"Everywhere Chemicals" Are Hurting Us | What Health Sources Can You Trust? | Red Meat | Mom Jokes
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....
RFK vs. American Heart Association: More Red Meat?
Zorba's thoughts on the American Heart Association's reaction to the red meat recommendations laid out on the new food pyramid.
Is the Alzheimer's Blood Test Legit? | Joint Pain | Benadryl | E-bikes | IBS | Mom Jokes
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 f...
Tanning Beds...how harmful are they?
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)
What is the deal with Peptides? | Ambien & Sleep Aids | Surgery for Back Pain? | Mom (Dad) Jokes | Calcium
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 ...
A Federal Judge halts RFK Jr's anti-vaccine policies
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.
We're Getting Less CDC Health Alerts | Rash Help | The Cost of Eating Healthy | Hiccups | CBD | Mom Jokes
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 die...
It's time to take civic action regarding vaccines and public health
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)
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
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 i...
SNAP Benefits and Restrictions on Soda, Candy, and Energy Drinks
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).
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Strokes | Chef Danny Calleros: Crispy Fried Tofu recipe | Sinus Issues | Acid Reflux
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 help...
A Surgeon General Should Be Pro-Science
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...
Demystifying Calcium Scores | PPIs and Stomach Cancer | GLP-1 Drugs | Mom Jokes | Sinus Rinse Recipe
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....