Wellness Talk with George Batista

A new large study published in The BMJ on September 10, 2026 examined how one medication can lead to another—sometimes unnecessarily.

This is called a “prescribing cascade.” It happens when:

A medication produces a side effect.

The side effect is mistaken for a new medical condition.

A second medication is prescribed to treat it.

That medication may introduce additional risks or side effects.

For example, an NSAID used ...

This week on Wellness Talk, George examines the controversy surrounding avocado oil in products marketed as healthy. Recent testing has raised serious concerns about whether some foods promoted as containing avocado oil actually contain what their labels suggest. George explores how misleading claims can affect consumers, why ingredient transparency matters, and what you can do to make more informed choices—including reading ...

A new clinical trial has raised serious questions about Tamiflu after researchers reported a higher mortality rate among patients who received the antiviral medication compared with those who did not.

In this week’s Weekly Wellness Report, George examines what the study found, what the results may mean, and the important limitations listeners should understand before drawing conclusions. Does the research establish that Tamifl...

What happens to children when the family dynamic changes?

In the first half of this week's episode, George Batista takes a closer look at divorce and separation and the impact they can have on children. Drawing from research on family relationships and children's well-being, George explores how parental conflict, instability, changes in the home environment, and the loss of family connection can affect a child's mental health, behav...

This week on Wellness Talk, George kicks off the show by taking a closer look at META’s reported $17 billion settlement and what it could mean for the future of social media, Big Tech, and the way these platforms affect our families.

George then shares practical tips for parents on how to navigate social media when you have kids—from setting healthy boundaries to being more aware of how technology is influencing their da...

In this episode of Wellness Talk, George dives into one of the most common gene mutations and explores how genetic variations may influence the way our bodies function and potentially contribute to disease. He discusses how understanding your genetics can help you make more informed choices about your health, including what nutrients and supplements may be worth looking into to support your body.

Then John takes us into the Way to H...

This week on Wellness Talk, George takes a closer look at President Trump’s new executive order aimed at overhauling the childhood vaccine schedule. The order calls for a reduced list of routine childhood vaccines, greater spacing between vaccinations, and changes to the way combination vaccines such as MMR are administered. George breaks down what the executive order actually says, what could change for parents, and the ques...

In this episode of Wellness Talk, we take a closer look at two important issues affecting the health and well-being of our communities.

In the first segment, George examines the controversy surrounding potassium bromate, a flour additive that has been banned or restricted in several countries due to safety concerns. George discusses why this ingredient is still found in some bread products in the United States, what scientific and r...

In this episode of Wellness Talk, George opens the show by examining Anthony Fauci's testimony before Congress and the renewed debate surrounding his public statements during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the significance of newly scrutinized diary entries and testimony, explores why many Americans say their trust in public health institutions has changed since the pandemic, and considers what transparency and accountability ...

This week on Wellness Talk George and John tackle two issues that impact every one of us—**the air we breathe** and **the time we have**.

In the first half, George examines the growing impact of **Canadian wildfire smoke** and the health risks associated with poor air quality. What does wildfire smoke actually do to your lungs, heart, and immune system? More importantly, what practical, natural strategies can help protect your...

In this episode of Wellness Talk, George Batista and John Soto tackle two topics that, at first glance, seem unrelated—but together raise important questions about the choices we make and the lives we lead.

George begins by breaking down the recent Supreme Court decision involving Monsanto and Roundup. He explores what the ruling means, why the case has generated so much public attention, and what consumers should consider whe...

In this episode of Wellness Talk, George tackles a question that affects nearly everyone: Who should we trust for nutrition advice—doctors or social media influencers? With health information flooding our feeds every day, he explores the strengths and weaknesses of both and discusses how to separate evidence-based guidance from online hype.

Next, George puts nutrition recommendations into perspective by breaking down the Recom...

In this episode, George opens the show by examining the dramatic transformation of America's classrooms. With schools spending an estimated $30 billion on education technology in 2024—roughly ten times more than they spent on textbooks—he explores whether this massive investment is delivering on its promises to modernize education, improve equity, and prepare students for an increasingly digital world. He then turns to ...

In this episode, George kicks things off by discussing new research showing that people who feel older than their actual age tend to report poorer sleep quality. He then dives into a study reviewing magnesium's potential role in addressing five common sleep conditions, exploring what the science says about this popular supplement and its impact on better rest.

Later, John shares an important reminder about goal achievement: don't ru...

In this episode, George explores a thought-provoking question: should we be biohacking for longevity, or should we focus on learning how to age better? He examines the growing pursuit of life extension, the promises and pitfalls of biohacking, and what it really means to live well as we grow older.

Then, John dives into one of the biggest challenges of modern life: navigating the attention economy. With endless distractions competin...

In this episode, George explores "The Gut Feeling Behind Common Medications," diving into the surprising ways everyday drugs can alter the gut microbiome and influence brain health, mood, and overall well-being. From antibiotics to acid reducers and beyond, he unpacks the science behind the gut-brain connection and what it means for your long-term health.

Then, John shifts the conversation to the mental side of healthy living. How d...

In this episode, George kicks things off with an important discussion on avoiding tick bites, understanding Lyme disease, and separating fact from fiction when it comes to Alpha-Gal Syndrome. He shares practical tips for staying safe outdoors and explains how tick-borne illnesses can impact your health.

Then, John explores a growing trend in today's digital world: people are beginning to prioritize genuine human interaction over con...

In this episode, George dives into Medicine by Captivity: The Rise of the Hostage Physician, exploring how modern healthcare is shifting and why concierge medicine is becoming the new trend among doctors and patients alike. He breaks down the pressures facing physicians today and what this growing model means for the future of healthcare.

Then John takes the conversation in a different direction, focusing on the importance of respec...

In this episode, George breaks down new research showing how vigorous exercise may significantly reduce your risk of developing eight major diseases, why intensity matters, and how small changes in your fitness routine could have long-term health benefits.

Then John delivers a powerful conversation on personal responsibility in the creative world, explaining why artists must stop waiting for validation, opportunities, or rescue &mda...