Explore every episode of the podcast Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zorba's thoughts on the Midterm Election results | 06 nov. 2026 | 00:03:18 | |
Zorba offers up his perspective on the sweeping Democratic midterm election wins, and what will change in healthcare as a result. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| New vaccine for Melanoma | Creatine | Biologic medications | A chance meeting in New York City | Mom Jokes | | 04 nov. 2026 | 00:37:40 | |
Zorba talks about a new mRNA vaccine that can reduce the return risk for melanoma by 42%. He helps out a caller with questions about creatine, talks about biological meds, we hear a Mom Joke, and Zorba and Karl talk about their chance meeting in Times Square (and who Zorba hobnobbed with at a fancy gala). Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| The Milwaukee Brewers Won The World Series! (for your health) | 30 oct. 2026 | 00:02:42 | |
Zorba's thoughts on how sports can bring folks together, and how that is healthy and good for longevity. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Use your brain to fight memory loss | Household cats carry Giardia | Zorba's Guacamole Recipe | Skin tags | Coffee health benefits | 28 oct. 2026 | 00:42:03 | |
Zorba talks about staying socially and mentally engaged to help fight dementia and memory loss. He digs into a new study that found 1 in 15 household cats carry Giardia (also called "Beaver Fever"). We learn how it's spread and how to prevent getting it. We get Zorba's secret recipe for guacamole, he helps out a caller about skin tags, answers listener emails, and talks about the many health benefits of drinking coffee. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Good news for statin users! (bad news for statin haters) | 23 oct. 2026 | 00:03:21 | |
Zorba digs into the recent STAREE study. Results showed a 30% drop in major cardiovascular events for patients who took the statin (atorvastatin). These findings address a long-standing evidence gap around starting statins for primary prevention in older adults, who have been underrepresented in previous cardiovascular outcome trials. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Kids & Energy Drinks | RECIPE: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili | Mediterranean Diet | Magnesium for Sleep | Mom Jokes | 21 oct. 2026 | 00:22:06 | |
Doctors are warning parents about the risks energy drinks pose to kids. Zorba answers emails about how to tweak the Mediterranean Diet to suit your needs, and how magnesium can help with sleep. We hear a Mom Joke for all you bridge lovers, and Zorba shares his favorite recipe for Turkey Chili. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Trump officials are delaying Covid vaccines for children in some states | 16 oct. 2026 | 00:04:34 | |
The Trump administration is holding back Covid vaccines for all children in at least 11 states and one US territory. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| The Flu is different this season | Wrist pain | Lactose in meds | Kegel exercises | 14 oct. 2026 | 00:25:25 | |
Zorba explains why influenza will be different this year. He helps a caller whose longtime work on boat motors has caused wrist and hand pain. Emails about lactose in medications, and incontinence, and we get some listener feedback. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Weight Watchers Diet vs. Mediterranean Diet (with a Southern twist) | 09 oct. 2026 | 00:03:49 | |
Zorba weighs in on the DELISH study -- a comparison of the Weight Watchers Diet vs. The Mediterranean Diet with a southern food twist. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Working from home may hurt mental health | Too many meds causing fatigue | How much sodium? | Constructive Criticism | Compassion during dark times | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:35:46 | |
Zorba digs in to a study that suggests working from home may be detrimental to our mental health. What are the pros and cons, and what is the best solution? He helps a caller who may be on too many medications. A listener asks about how much daily sodium is healthy, a listener chimes in with constructive criticism for Zorba, and he talks about the role of compassion and resilience during trying times. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Why are Federal officials underreporting measles deaths in Pennsylvania? | 02 oct. 2026 | 00:04:37 | |
Zorba discusses the discrepancy between state and federal officials regarding measles deaths reported in Pennsylvania. Why is the current federal administration questioning and underreporting measles fatalities? Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| New OTC pain medication | Vitamins for memory | Acid reflux | Prostate health | Pavlov's hair | Zorba's disastrous first date | 30 sept. 2026 | 00:32:41 | |
The FDA has approved a new over-the-counter pain medication that combines acetaminophen with naproxen. Zorba weighs in on why now, and what this could be useful for. He helps out a caller with questions about vitamins to help with memory. He fields emails about GERD and prostate medications, we hear a Pavlovian Mom Joke, and Zorba reminisces about a horrible first date he had when he was 16 at a restaurant in Chicago. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| New study suggests eating eggs may lower Alzheimer's risk | 25 sept. 2026 | 00:04:20 | |
Eggs! They're good for us again! Zorba digs into the complicated history of eating eggs; and he looks at new research that suggests egg consumption may lower the risk for Alzheimer's disease. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Diet is linked to male infertility | Preserving hair during chemo | Zorba's father's gumball machine for dogs | Nuts & cholesterol | Eye drops to correct vision | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:31:03 | |
Zorba looks at new research about how one's diet affects men's sperm count. He helps a caller who has questions about using a cooling treatment to help preserve her air during chemotherapy. Zorba talks about his father's entrepreneurial endeavor developing and selling the "Yuppy Puppy" -- a gumball machine for dogs. He answers emails about eating nuts to help control cholesterol, and new prescription eye drops to help with near-sightedness. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Thoughts on SNAP Benefit bans for soda and junk food | 18 sept. 2026 | 00:06:02 | |
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). He also discusses the requirement to stock perishable food items. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Another Major Cancer Breakthrough | Marathoner's Hypertension | Vitamin K Foods | Mom Jokes | 16 sept. 2026 | 00:26:01 | |
Zorba discusses the newly-approved drug for treating pancreatic cancer. He talks to a marathon runner about how his blood pressure meds are affecting his ability to run long distances. He digs deep into the Vitamin K hole, and we hear a Mom Joke sent in from a listener named Sue Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Promising breakthrough for kidney transplant patients | 11 sept. 2026 | 00:03:05 | |
Zorba discusses exciting news for folks looking for a kidney transplant. A patient was successfully kept alive with a pig kidney for 271 Days until he could receive a human kidney. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Football & Concussions | Kids & Viruses | AMA calls out Zorba | Mom Jokes | Zorba in Nepal | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:43:36 | |
On our 50th episode: Zorba looks at new research showing 1 in 4 NFL players have CTE, a progressive, degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma. He also talks about how this plays into youth sports. The American Heart Association calls out Zorba for something he said on the podcast. We hear a Mom Joke and Zorba talks about his recent time in Nepal, and how folks can help with the relief efforts following the recent disasters in the area. Link to support Nepal disaster relief Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| The President's executive order on vaccines for children is far from the "Gold Standard" | 04 sept. 2026 | 00:05:46 | |
Zorba's thoughts on the President's new executive order that reduces the recommendations for childhood vaccinations. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Traffic fatalities spike when new music is released | Doctor advice vs. treatment | HRT | Grief & resilience | Baez Remorse | Zorba gets stumped! | 02 sept. 2026 | 00:29:37 | |
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 questions, talks about grief and human resiliency, Karl's mom shares a Mom Joke, and Zorba gets stumped on a boozy question. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| New cancer vaccine should be celebrated | 28 août 2026 | 00:03:43 | |
Zorba's thoughts on the groundbreaking mRNA therapeutic vaccine to combat melanoma. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| First mRNA flu shot approved | Zorba on compassion and visiting the Dalai Lama | Lettuce update | Mom Jokes | Corn Report | 26 août 2026 | 00:34:32 | |
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 Lama. A listener asks if Zorba is eating lettuce right now. We hear a mom joke and we deliver our first ever "corn report." Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Measles cases soar and Washington DC leadership continues to call for less vaccinations | 21 août 2026 | 00:07:45 | |
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. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Coffee may slow down aging | Most baby foods are not healthy | Melatonin | Zorba breaks down cholesterol numbers & reads reviews | 19 août 2026 | 00:21:03 | |
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 reviews. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Why is the US Military screening for testosterone levels? | 14 août 2026 | 00:03:56 | |
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 this policy is not necessary. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Heavy TV viewing linked to dementia | Family Reunion Rapid Fire: Mosquitos, Leeches & Knee injections | Sleep & Food cravings | Mom Jokes | 12 août 2026 | 00:30:23 | |
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 pressure, and sugar and carb cravings. We get a fishing mom joke, and get listener feedback about Zorba's short "rapid response" podcast episodes. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Why is the President pushing RFK Jr. to cut back childhood vaccines? | 07 août 2026 | 00:06:02 | |
Zorba digs into the history of autism, and looks at why the President is pushing RFK Jr. to cut back childhood vaccines. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Zorba Had Surgery...He's fine! | AI and Online Doctors | Liver Die | PSA Test Controversy | Grammar Cops | 05 août 2026 | 00:32:01 | |
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 seen as controversial, and we hear from the pesky Grammar Cops. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Tainted lettuce & Cyclosporiasis: What went wrong? | 31 juil. 2026 | 00:04:56 | |
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. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Early Social Media Use Can Lead to Substance Abuse | Cholesterol Drugs | Creatine | Prostate Help | Grammar Cops | 29 juil. 2026 | 00:30:28 | |
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 gets a smack down from the Grammar Cops about sex and cell phone use. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| "Ball Maxxing" and other Cosmetic Social Media Trends | 24 juil. 2026 | 00:04:10 | |
Zorba gives his take on "ball maxxing" and other niche cosmetic trends that are gaining popularity up on social media "self improvement" communities. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| EPA Relaxing Restrictions To Approve More Pesticides | What Organic Produce Zorba Buys | Prostate Health | Sleep | Scar Help | Mom Jokes | 22 juil. 2026 | 00:28:53 | |
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 with hiding surgical scars. And we hear an architecture-centric mom joke that history buffs will appreciate. Calm History podcast: https://podfollow.com/calm-history Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Can a new blood test really predict Alzheimer's? And would you want to know? | 17 juil. 2026 | 00:05:14 | |
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? Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| GLP-1 Drugs Increase Testosterone | Vitamin D Recommendations | Facial Hair Woes | Grammar Cops | Loss of Taste & Smell | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:26:29 | |
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 grappling with facial hair, and someone who lost their sense of taste and smell after mowing the lawn. Zorba also gets a saucy visit from the Grammar Cops. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Brisk Walkers Have a 50% Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline | 10 juil. 2026 | 00:03:34 | |
A new study shows that fast walkers in their 80s cut their risk of cognitive decline by half. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Has the Smartphone Impacted Birth Rates? | Zorba Sings with Karl's Band | Toenail Fungus | AFib | SNAP Benefits | Zig-Zag Eaters | 08 juil. 2026 | 00:40:42 | |
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 also helps a caller with toenail fungus, and another listener with atrial fibrillation (AFib) questions. We also hear a joke from Karl's mom, discuss new SNAP benefits policy changes, and talk about "zig-zag eating." Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Doing Nothing Is Good For You! | RECIPE: Zorba's Chicken Salad | Pepcid, Allegra & HRT | Dementia | Mom Jokes | 01 juil. 2026 | 00:24:48 | |
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 Pepcid and Allegra. He helps out a listener who asks if there is a connection between dementia and mixing prescription drugs. And we hear a mom joke that Zorba isn't quite sure about. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| The CDC will stop testing for measles and mumps | 26 juin 2026 | 00:04:46 | |
Zorba reacts to recent news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to end federal diagnostic testing for measles and mumps. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Vitamin D during pregnancy is good for child's brain health | Ehlers-Danlos syndrome | Rosacea & Raynaud's | Sven & Ole Jokes | 24 juin 2026 | 00:28:40 | |
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 syndrome, and we get some listener-sourced Sven and Ole jokes. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Unproven stem cell treatments for children with Autism | 19 juin 2026 | 00:02:20 | |
Zorba's thoughts on the rise in unproven, experimental, and expensive stem cell treatments for children with autism. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Kids Screen Time Warning from Surgeon General | Pain & Sleep | Green Lawn Police | Kid Jokes | Protein Powder | Quack Tales! | 17 juin 2026 | 00:36:52 | |
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 chemicals. We hear a "kid joke" and a mosquito bite question from Karl's daughter, Zorba talks protein powder, and he digs into some 18th century quackery that paved the way for how doctors conduct clinical trials. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Full-body MRI Scan Trend | Peanut Allergies | Back Pain | Mom Jokes | Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones | 10 juin 2026 | 00:23:52 | |
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 drinking lemon juice to combat kidney stones, and we hear a mom joke from Karl's mom. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Breakthrough Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer Doubles Survival Rate | 05 juin 2026 | 00:05:02 | |
Zorba explains a breakthrough treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer that nearly doubles the survival rate. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| More Reasons To Drink Coffee | ADHD Meds | Doc Exams & Over-billing | Mom Jokes | Facebook Comments | 03 juin 2026 | 00:28:49 | |
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 in on why some doctor exams can lead to extraneous billing. We hear a Disney-centric Mom Joke, and scroll through some listener comments from the Facebook page. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Are we heading towards another global pandemic? | 29 mai 2026 | 00:05:17 | |
Zorba talks about Ebola, hantavirus, and other threats...and how people are responding in a post-COVID pandemic world. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Pepcid/Allegra Trend for Menopause | Insomnia | RECIPE: Crab Cakes | Allergy Nasal Sprays | Grammar Cops | 27 mai 2026 | 00:38:19 | |
Zorba digs into the new health trend of mixing Pepcid and Allegra (or Zyrtec) to help ease menopause symptoms and other issues. Does this dual antihistamine trick really work? He helps out a listener with insomnia, and advises a listener who has questions about allergy nasal sprays. Zorba walks us through his delicious recipe for Crab Cakes, we hear a mom joke, and the Grammar Cops tell us to get off their lawn. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| HPV Vaccine Can Reduce Cancers | Sinus Up! | Throat Clearing | Brain Honey | E-Bikes | 20 mai 2026 | 00:33:19 | |
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. We learn about "Brain Honey" and Karl's mom shares one her mom jokes. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| New Weight Loss Drugs (You down with GLP?) | 15 mai 2026 | 00:04:36 | |
Zorba weighs in on new GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Passive Screen Time | Red Light Therapy | Medicare Cognitive Test | Radon | Mom Jokes | 13 mai 2026 | 00:31:30 | |
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. Zorba weighs in on radon levels in tap water, and Karl's mom shares one her mom jokes. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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| Thoughts on the Anti-Antidepressant Initiative | 08 mai 2026 | 00:07:01 | |
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. Production, edit, and music by Karl Christenson Send your question to Dr. Zorba (he loves to help!):
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