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
91 episodes
Traffic fatalities spike when new music is released | Doctor advice vs. treatment | HRT | Grief & resilience | Baez Remorse | Zorba gets stumped!
Zorba looks a study about distracted driving, and how traffic fatalities surge on days when popular artists release new albums. He helps a caller whose health insurance soared after getting "advice" from his doc. Zorba helps a listener with HRT...
New cancer vaccine should be celebrated
Zorba's thoughts on the groundbreaking mRNA therapeutic vaccine to combat melanoma.
First mRNA flu shot approved | Zorba on compassion and visiting the Dalai Lama | Lettuce update | Mom Jokes | Corn Report
Zorba discusses the FDA's approval of the first mRNA flu vaccine, and how leadership in Washington DC will likely respond. He also talks about his recent humanitarian trip to India, and his visit (and his longtime friendship) with the Dalai Lam...
Measles cases soar and Washington DC leadership continues to call for less vaccinations
Measles cases continue to skyrocket, yet POTUS and RFK call for less MMR vaccinations. Zorba breaks down the history of the MMR vaccine, and what you can do to help educate others who may be anti-vaccine.
Coffee may slow down aging | Most baby foods are not healthy | Melatonin | Zorba breaks down cholesterol numbers & reads reviews
Good news for coffee lovers! It may slow down the aging process. Zorba also talks about how 4 out of 5 toddler foods are ultra-processed. He answers emails about melatonin, breaks down a listener's cholesterol numbers, and reads some podcast re...
Why is the US Military screening for testosterone levels?
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that military personnel aged 30 and older will undergo testing for testosterone deficiency as part of annual health screenings. Zorba provides some history on testosterone levels, and explains why...
Heavy TV viewing linked to dementia | Family Reunion Rapid Fire: Mosquitos, Leeches & Knee injections | Sleep & Food cravings | Mom Jokes
Zorba discusses a new study suggesting heavy TV watching may be linked to dementia risk. He is peppered with phone call questions from Karl's extended family who are at a northern Minnesota lake cabin. He answers emails about fatigue and blood ...
Why is the President pushing RFK Jr. to cut back childhood vaccines?
Zorba digs into the history of autism, and looks at why the President is pushing RFK Jr. to cut back childhood vaccines.Wall Stre...
Zorba Had Surgery...He's fine! | AI and Online Doctors | Liver Die | PSA Test Controversy | Grammar Cops
Zorba opens up about his recent surgery, and what led to it. He helps a caller with a question about dealing with AI on health websites. He gives advice to a listener regarding liver health, discusses why the PSA test for prostate health is see...
Tainted lettuce & Cyclosporiasis: What went wrong?
Zorba shares his thoughts on the recent Cyclosporiasis outbreak, and how staffing cuts implemented by The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have made the outbreak worse.
Early Social Media Use Can Lead to Substance Abuse | Cholesterol Drugs | Creatine | Prostate Help | Grammar Cops
Zorba examines new research that suggests early social media use in tweens can lead to substance experimentation. He helps a caller with questions about her cholesterol, and helps folks with prostate health and creatine questions. And Zorba get...
"Ball Maxxing" and other Cosmetic Social Media Trends
Zorba gives his take on "ball maxxing" and other niche cosmetic trends that are gaining popularity up on social media "self improvement" communities.
EPA Relaxing Restrictions To Approve More Pesticides | What Organic Produce Zorba Buys | Prostate Health | Sleep | Scar Help | Mom Jokes
Zorba discusses why the EPA would loosen restrictions to approve more PFAs and pesticides; and what produce he prefers to buy organic. He helps out a caller with prostate questions, a listener's husband with sleep issues, and offers up help wit...
Can a new blood test really predict Alzheimer's? And would you want to know?
Zorba gives an update on the new Alzheimer's blood test developments from the Mayo Clinic and other institutions. And he poses the question: Would you want to know?
GLP-1 Drugs Increase Testosterone | Vitamin D Recommendations | Facial Hair Woes | Grammar Cops | Loss of Taste & Smell
Zorba discusses new studies about GLP-1 drugs: One says these drugs may increase testosterone in men; the other finds people are exercising less once taking these drugs. He helps a caller with questions about Vitamin D, a listener who is grappl...
Brisk Walkers Have a 50% Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline
A new study shows that fast walkers in their 80s cut their risk of cognitive decline by half.
Has the Smartphone Impacted Birth Rates? | Zorba Sings with Karl's Band | Toenail Fungus | AFib | SNAP Benefits | Zig-Zag Eaters
Zorba looks at research linking a drop in U.S. birthrates to the release of the iPhone. Zorba describes his experience singing a song with Karl's band, and talks about how trying new things out of your comfort zone is good for your health. He a...
Doing Nothing Is Good For You! | RECIPE: Zorba's Chicken Salad | Pepcid, Allegra & HRT | Dementia | Mom Jokes
Zorba looks at new research that shows doing nothing for 10 minutes a day can be good for us. He walks us through his delicious summer time picnic recipe for Chicken Salad, and he helps a listener who has questions about HRT, sleep, and mixing ...
The CDC will stop testing for measles and mumps
Zorba reacts to recent news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to end federal diagnostic testing...
Vitamin D during pregnancy is good for child's brain health | Ehlers-Danlos syndrome | Rosacea & Raynaud's | Sven & Ole Jokes
Zorba digs into a new study that shows taking vitamin D during pregnancy can lead to better cognitive health for the child. He also helps a caller with questions about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. And he answers emails about rosacea, Raynaud's syndr...
Unproven stem cell treatments for children with Autism
Zorba's thoughts on the rise in unproven, experimental, and expensive stem cell treatments for children with autism.
Kids Screen Time Warning from Surgeon General | Pain & Sleep | Green Lawn Police | Kid Jokes | Protein Powder | Quack Tales!
Zorba deciphers the new warning from the Office of the Surgeon General regarding screen time limits for children. He helps out a listener whose chronic pain issues are affecting his sleep, and an emailer who has strong opinions about lawn chemi...
Full-body MRI Scan Trend | Peanut Allergies | Back Pain | Mom Jokes | Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones
Elective full-body MRI scans are gaining popularity...Zorba discusses why this trend is not a good idea. He helps out a listener with questions about peanut allergies, and advises a listener who has questions about back pain. Zorba talks about ...
Breakthrough Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer Doubles Survival Rate
Zorba explains a breakthrough treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer that nearly doubles the survival rate.
More Reasons To Drink Coffee | ADHD Meds | Doc Exams & Over-billing | Mom Jokes | Facebook Comments
More good news for coffee drinkers: Zorba digs into new research showing drinking 2-3 cups of coffee per day may help fend off dementia risk. Zorba helps a listener who asks why it's so difficult to obtain her monthly ADHD medication. He weighs...