Advertise on podcast: Wellness Talk with George Batista

Are supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building unsafe for teens—or should families have the freedom to make those choices? On this episode of Wellness Talk, George and John discuss California’s effort to restrict minors’ access to certain supplements, the concerns behind the proposed limits, and the debate over how best to protect young people while preserving access to health products. They’ll also consider what parents and teens should know when evaluating supplement claims and making informed decisions. *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com

Is your snoring simply a nighttime nuisance—or a health warning you shouldn’t ignore? In this week’s Weekly Wellness Report, George Batista explores the Wellness Resources article, “More Than a Noisy Night: How Snoring Affects Your Health.” We look at how habitual snoring can disrupt restorative sleep, how sleep apnea differs from ordinary snoring, and why breathing problems during sleep deserve attention. George discusses the connections between sleep-disordered breathing, blood pressure, heart health, and daytime fatigue—and why children’s snoring shouldn’t be overlooked. He also highlights practical habits that may help, including sleeping on your side, limiting evening alcohol, and addressing nasal congestion, along with when to seek a professional sleep evaluation. If you snore, wake up exhausted, or share a bedroom with someone who does, this episode offers a reason to listen more closely to what happens during the night. Better sleep starts with understanding the warning signs.

AI promises to transform our lives—but will it do more good than harm? This week on Wellness Talk, George Batista and John Henry Soto explore the growing debate over artificial intelligence, from the data centers moving into American communities to its expanding role in healthcare. Referencing The HighWire’s article on grassroots opposition to data centers, they discuss concerns about water, electricity, noise, and how much say residents should have in decisions affecting their neighborhoods. The conversation then turns to our health. Could AI help doctors detect disease earlier and improve care—or could relying too heavily on algorithms introduce errors, threaten privacy, and weaken the human connection between patients and providers? Who is accountable when technology gets it wrong? Join George and John for a thoughtful discussion about progress, corporate influence, personal responsibility, and why asking questions matters. When our health and communities are at stake, convenience shouldn’t be the only consideration. www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

Heartburn relief can be quick—but what should you know about taking these medications long-term? In this week’s **Weekly Wellness Report**, George examines the Wellness Resources article, “Are Your Heartburn Medications Putting Your Health at Risk?” He explores concerns surrounding prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including potential nutrient deficiencies and reported links to kidney problems, bone fractures, infections, and cognitive health. George also discusses why an association doesn’t necessarily prove a medication caused a health problem, why these treatments can still be important, and how everyday habits may help manage acid reflux. From meal timing to identifying food triggers, this episode encourages a more informed approach to digestive health. **Do you still need your heartburn medication—and when was the last time you reviewed it with your healthcare provider?** This episode is for educational purposes. Speak with your prescribing clinician before stopping or changing any medication.

Is chiropractic quack science or a healing art? This week on Wellness Talk, George Batista and John Henry Soto explore the history, claims and controversy surrounding chiropractic care—and share their own experiences seeking help for back and neck problems. Through an honest conversation about pain, treatment and expectations, George and John discuss what led them to see chiropractors and how they evaluate their care. They consider the difference between personal experience and scientific evidence, the questions patients should ask, and where chiropractic might fit into a broader approach to managing pain. Whether you regularly see a chiropractor, are considering your first visit or remain skeptical, join us for a thoughtful discussion about relief, informed choices and taking an active role in your health. *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com

Are you getting enough sleep—or simply getting used to feeling tired? In this week’s Weekly Wellness Report, George explores “The Hidden Cost of Sleep Deprivation” and why sleep deserves a higher place on our list of health priorities. What could you be overlooking when busy schedules and late nights become your normal routine? George also highlights practical steps you can take to improve your sleep, build better bedtime habits, and make room for the rest your body needs. Tune in for a timely reminder to take sleep seriously—and ideas to help you start making changes tonight. The Weekly Wellness Report—a Wellness Talk series. *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician

The GLP-1 weight-loss craze continues—but are the growing concerns receiving enough attention? In the first half of this episode, George examines the latest reported side effects associated with GLP-1 medications, including health problems described by several celebrities who have used them. He explores what these reports may mean for people considering the drugs and why potential benefits should always be weighed against the risks with a qualified healthcare professional. In the second half, John looks at the powerful influence celebrities and the entertainment industry have over their fans—not only when it comes to medications, but also health trends, products and lifestyle choices. Why are people so willing to follow advice simply because it comes from a famous face? George and John discuss the importance of thinking critically, consulting credible sources and doing your own research instead of blindly treating actors and influencers as medical authorities. This is Wellness Talk—where science meets the soul. www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician

New cholesterol guidelines are changing how doctors evaluate cardiovascular risk—and could lead to more people being prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications as a preventive measure. In this edition of The Weekly Wellness Report, George examines what has changed, including lower LDL targets, earlier intervention and the growing emphasis on statins and other medications before a heart attack or stroke occurs. But are medications the entire answer? George also explores the important role of lifestyle medicine—including nutrition, exercise, weight management, sleep and other daily habits—in controlling cholesterol and improving overall cardiovascular health. Should prevention begin with a prescription, lifestyle changes or a combination of both? This report breaks down what the new guidelines could mean for you and why informed conversations with your healthcare provider matter. *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

Is aging something to fear—or can it become one of life’s most meaningful stages? This week on Wellness Talk, George explores the beliefs we hold about growing older and how those beliefs may shape the way we experience aging. He examines the physical realities of aging, including changes in strength, mobility, energy and the risk of chronic conditions. But he also considers a more hopeful question: Are decline and poor health inevitable, or can our mindset, daily habits and expectations influence how well we age? In the second half, John explores what the Bible, The Way to Happiness and ancient wisdom traditions teach about growing older. Rather than treating age as a loss of value, these traditions often associate it with wisdom, perspective, experience and a greater responsibility to guide future generations. Together, George and John challenge the fear-based narrative surrounding aging and ask whether growing older can be viewed not simply as physical decline, but as an opportunity for continued growth, purpose and wisdom. www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

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 for pain may raise someone’s blood pressure. Instead of reconsidering the NSAID, a blood-pressure medication might be added. *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician

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 the complete ingredient list, researching manufacturers, looking for independent testing, and questioning vague marketing terms such as “natural” and “made with.” In the second half, John discusses the seventh precept from The Way to Happiness, “Seek to Live With the Truth.” He connects its lessons about dishonesty and harmful lies to the way some food companies and corporations market their products. When businesses use health claims to influence consumers, do they have a responsibility to ensure those claims tell the whole truth? It’s a timely conversation about food, honesty, corporate accountability, and protecting yourself in a marketplace where a healthy-looking label may not always reveal what is really inside. www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com

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 Tamiflu caused the increased deaths—or could other factors explain the difference? We separate the alarming headline from the evidence and discuss what patients should consider when speaking with their healthcare providers about flu treatment. Follow Wellness Talk—Where Science Meets the Soul for a new Weekly Wellness Report and our full Sunday program. This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Never begin, discontinue, or change a medication without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

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, behavior, emotional well-being, and development. He also discusses why the way parents handle conflict and separation can make an important difference for kids. Then, in the second half, John Henry Soto continues the journey through The Way to Happiness with the third precept: Be Faithful to Your Partner. John explores why faithfulness is about more than just the relationship between two people. When trust is broken, the consequences can ripple throughout a family. He discusses the importance of trust, commitment, honesty, and responsibility in building strong relationships—and how protecting those relationships can help create a more stable environment for children. Together, George and John ask an important question: When we make choices in our relationships, are we considering how those choices may affect the entire family? www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com

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 daily lives. In the second half of the show, John explores the second precept from The Way to Happiness: “Be Temperate.” John connects this principle to our relationship with social media and Big Tech, discussing why moderation and self-control are becoming increasingly important in a digital world where we're constantly encouraged to scroll, watch, click, and consume. From the courtroom to our homes, this week's Wellness Talk asks an important question: Are we in control of technology, or is technology starting to control us? Listen in and join the conversation about social media, parenting, wellness, and finding balance in an increasingly digital world. www.georgebatista.com www.johnhenrysoto.com *This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician

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 Happiness Guide and its first precept: “Take Care of Yourself.” George and John discuss the simple, everyday habits that can make a meaningful difference in taking care of both your body and your mind—from nutrition and movement to rest, personal care, and making healthier choices. This episode brings together genetics, nutrition, mindset, and practical daily habits to explore an important question: Are we simply stuck with the way our bodies are programmed, or can the choices we make every day help us live healthier, happier lives?