Episode Shownotes

For our first ever feedswap, I'm excited to bring you episode 63 of "Narratives of Purpose" -   a podcast hosted by a new friend of mine, Claire Murigande, that features global changemakers discussing social impact topics that include, youth empowerment, global health equity, and sustainable food systems. This one is on eradicating period poverty featuring Ira Guha!

The discourse around abortion is complex, encompassing layers of legal, social, and health dimensions. In our latest exploration, we delve into the multifaceted issues surrounding abortion rights across the globe, with a spotlight on the experiences of Salvadoran women and the overarching criminalization of abortion. This discussion aims to illuminate why abortion is fundamentally a public health issue that speaks to broader questions of reproductive rights, maternal health, and social justice.

In the realm of mental health care, the journey to emotional well-being is often fraught with numerous challenges and questions. The intricacies of inpatient psychiatric care and mental illness treatment are topics of paramount importance, not just for healthcare providers but also for patients, their families, and mental health advocates. In Part 2 of our ongoing dialogue with Dr. Morgan Shields, we delve deeper into the profound effects of psychiatric hospitalization and explore possible avenues for mental health reform.

Mental health care remains one of the most challenging aspects of the healthcare system, often shrouded in stigma and facing numerous systemic hurdles. In this two-part episode of our podcast, we delve into the intricacies of mental illness treatment with Dr. Morgan Shields, an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Shields brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation, as we unpack the complexities surrounding inpatient psychiatric care and the subsequent effects on patient well-being.

In a world constantly evolving with technology, the paths we walk can often lead us in unexpected directions. Jeremie Mani’s journey from an ambitious young entrepreneur in the digital world to a philanthropic advocate showcases his resilience and adaptability. His story is one of learning, growth, and the pursuit of using technology for good.

Every year, countless individuals embark on perilous journeys, fleeing their homes in search of safety and new beginnings for their families in the United States. This episode aims to shed light on what happens when they reach the US-Mexico border, exploring the processes, conditions, and personal stories of those involved. Whether you have strong views on immigration or not, I invite you to set those aside and delve into this pressing issue with an open mind.

As we wrap up Season 2, we delve into an imperative conversation surrounding menstrual health, gender equality, and social justice. This episode features Danielle Keiser, a passionate advocate and educator in menstrual health, who shares her journey and innovative ideas with podcast host Hetal Baman. Menstrual health often gets overshadowed by other topics in gender equality, yet understanding it can reshape societal perspectives profoundly. Danielle Keiser, a leading educator in the field, introduces us to her innovative approach – the development of a menstrual health app targeting men, aiming to broaden education and empathy. Highlighting how understanding menstruation can benefit everyone, Danielle argues it’s not just a women’s issue but a human one.

In the latest episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Sona Shah, an inspiring entrepreneur dedicated to transforming healthcare access in low and middle-income countries through her venture, Neopenda. As a pioneer in designing medical devices tailored for resource-constrained environments, Sona's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance in the face of overwhelming challenges. We kicked off our conversation by diving back into Sona's formative years at Columbia University, where she crossed paths with Tess Cohen, her co-founder, during a biodesign course. It was there that the seeds for Neopenda were sown, motivated by the staggering rates of newborn mortality in low-income regions. Their mission was clear: to develop medical devices that could withstand the unique constraints of these communities, such as unreliable electricity and challenging climates.

Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old healing system from India, is explored deeply in a conversation between Hetal Baman and Ayurvedic practitioner Austin Vantastic. The episode opens with a thought-provoking question: Is Ayurveda merely a passing fad, or is there genuine wisdom in ancient practices? Hetal shares her personal connection to Ayurveda, noting how it resonates with her Indian heritage while also addressing a common stigma within Indian families that prioritizes Western medicine. Austin recounts his own journey from a successful career in film to discovering Ayurveda after facing serious health issues that Western medicine couldn't resolve.

Advancing pediatric care globally is a complex yet critical challenge, especially in underserved regions where children often lack access to even basic medical services. The episode delves into the transformative work of World Pediatrics, an organization dedicated to bridging these gaps through innovative healthcare solutions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships, which play a vital role in overcoming barriers to healthcare access. Hetal and her guests engage in a thoughtful exploration of the organization’s recent rebranding efforts, aiming to convey their mission more effectively and emphasize their commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions. Through firsthand accounts and expert insights, you can gain a deeper understanding of how World Pediatrics is not only providing immediate surgical care but also empowering local healthcare systems to sustain long-term improvements in pediatric health outcomes.

This conversation with Vafa Akhavan’s on pediatric healthcare reveals a world where the need for surgical intervention is an often-overlooked crisis. With only 3% of children in low-income countries receiving necessary surgical care, the episode sheds light on the transformative work being done by World Pediatric Project. Vafa discusses how his diverse background in filmmaking and consulting has shaped his approach to leadership within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the critical need for compassion and community engagement in healthcare. His insights into the disparities between healthcare access in affluent and underserved regions highlight the urgent need for action and awareness in addressing these inequities.

In the latest episode of the Global Health Pursuit podcast, we explore the challenges refugee and migrant youth face as they adapt to new countries, cultures, and educational systems. This episode features Ilana Seff, a mental health expert affiliated with the SALaMA study, and Jeremy Aldrich, an advocate for inclusive education and bilingual learning. Together, they delve into how schools and communities can support these young people, ensuring they not only survive but truly thrive in their new environments.

Ever wondered why the vaginal microbiome plays such an essential role in women's health? Dr. Craig Cohen recently shed invaluable light on this topic during an in-depth conversation with Hetal Baman. From the significance of bacterial vaginosis (BV) to the future of microbiome research, Dr. Cohen's insights are a must-know for anyone interested in reproductive health.

In recent years, the conversation around contraception has predominantly focused on female methods, often leaving men with limited options such as condoms and vasectomy. However, an exciting shift is occurring in the realm of reproductive health, as male contraception takes center stage. Heather Vahdat, Executive Director at Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI), spoke with me about the promising advancements in male contraception and their potential impact on global health.

Our guest today is Mike Smith, the co-founder and CEO of Aclymate, a company that's spearheading efforts to help small to medium-sized businesses achieve carbon neutrality. Mike's journey is fascinating, from a career in the Navy to starting a company dedicated to sustainability. In this episode, we cover ground from his personal experiences to how reforestation and carbon markets fit into the battle against climate change, and even a troubling concept known as fatal heat.

Dr. Kishor Wasan, a dedicated academic at the University of British Columbia (UBC), has committed his career to tackling neglected global diseases and broadening access to essential medicines. In an interview, Dr. Wasan opens up about his unexpected journey, the challenges faced, and the significant achievements of the Neglected Global Diseases Initiative (NGDI) at UBC.

In a recent conversation with Dr. Mitra Naseh, I had the privilege of uncovering her transformative journey from Iran to the United States and the significant work she is doing in the field of social work and refugee wellbeing. This dialogue was not just enlightening but also deeply inspiring, showcasing the profound impact one person can have on addressing the complexities of forced migration.

I'm smiling so hard as I write this. This year has truly been a beautiful year of new adventures. On May 4th, I got to marry my best friend and biggest supporter as I navigate through life and career with this amazing podcast.

When I started this podcast, it was more than just a passion for global health; it was a search for purpose. I wanted to create something that was more than just a hobby. I envisioned a platform that could spark positive change and contribute to the betterment of our world. Your support has been the cornerstone of this podcast's success, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

As I sit down to reflect on the past year of hosting the Global Health Pursuit Podcast, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey it has been. From engaging conversations with inspiring individuals to the moments of self-discovery, this podcast has truly been a labor of love. Join me as I take you through some of the key learnings and experiences that have shaped this past year.