Zorba Paster was a regular - and charismatic - guest on Tom Clark’s popular morning show in the 1990s before the two spun off their occasional conversations into a successful national radio show - “Zorba Paster On Your Health” - that’s heard across Wisconsin and nearly 20 other states.
Now, after more than 30 years of playful banter and barbs, Tom (above left) is retiring from the show he helped create. WPR broadcast his final segment on the show - a tribute to his work with Zorba (above right) - on Sept. 9, listen online here. Karl Christenson, who has served as a regular fill-in for Tom over the years and has been executive producer of the program since 2013, has now officially taken on the role of co-host with Zorba each week.
“Tom and I are like brothers,” Zorba said. “Every week for more than 30 years we chatted, laughed and had lots and lots of fun entertaining and educating people about health and wellness. He brought a unique talent, insight, charm and charisma that made the show spectacular. It has been an absolute honor and pleasure to work with him – I shall sorely miss him and wish him the best of luck in his retirement,” he added.
While the chemistry and laughter between Tom and Zorba have been compared to another popular public radio duo, “Car Talk” hosts and real-life brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi, “Zorba Paster On Your Health” is different because it focuses on a topic some people find intimidating, their health and well-being. Whether it's fielding questions about a cancer diagnosis or Tik Tok diets, the show succeeds with a bedside manner that offers sound medical perspective with compassion and humor.
“Karl was the perfect person to take over from Tom as co-host,” WPR Director Sarah Ashworth said. “He has worked wonderfully with both Tom and Zorba as a producer and he’s built his own compelling connection with listeners as fill-in host this summer. I’m excited for Karl and the future ahead for “Zorba Paster On Your Health,” she said.
In addition to producing the show for the past decade, Karl has been a contributing producer to WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” and “Central Time.” His original music has been part of numerous award-winning podcasts at the station, including “Derailed,” “Mapped Out” and “Open and Shut,” a partnership with Wisconsin Watch.
“The work that Tom and Zorba did together was incredible. I am grateful for all that I’ve learned from working with Tom. I look forward to keeping the show fun, fresh and meaningful to listeners,” Karl said. As a father of two young children, listeners might also notice that Karl brings a different perspective to his conversations with Zorba and the issues on the show.
“Karl’s warmth, his approachable demeanor and his genuine empathy for people shines in every episode,” Zorba said. “And his laugh is contagious. Karl is the best choice I could ever imagine. Listeners will love him,” he concluded.
Tune in to “Zorba Paster On Your Health” on Saturdays at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on WPR’s The Ideas Network stations. Listeners can also listen via the WPR app and via the “Zorba Paster On Your Health” podcast. Find the latest on the show, including recommended recipes, at wpr.org/zorba and follow the show on the "Zorba Paster On Your Health" Facebook page.
“Zorba Paster On Your Health” is produced by WPR and distributed by PRX.