Nika Stastny on Choosing to See the Brighter Side

What does it take to stay motivated in a field where the work feels endless and the need never stops? In this episode of Be the Change Podcast, Lily Mott talks with Nika Stastny, a PhD student in Global Health and host of Be the Change Media Network podcast Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side, about her path from studying biology to now researching pediatric diagnostic devices for low- and middle-income countries. Nika shares how an internship in the Caribbean unexpectedly set her on a path toward global health, why she launched her podcast to spotlight the "unsung heroes" working alongside her, and the idea from her supervisor that has stuck with her most: that health sits at the bottom of the pyramid, underpinning everything else people need to flourish. Her advice for young people wanting to make change: connect with others and don't be afraid to speak your mind because more people will cheer you on than you expect. As Nika's story shows, even in a field full of heavy realities, there's real strength in choosing to look on the brighter side. Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side launched on Be the Change Media Network on April 21, 2026, so you can listen now via wherever you get your podcasts. To get connected with Nika, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more updates on Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side, follow the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the Change Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the Change Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].