Global Health Pursuit
by Hetal Baman
Why are infants still dying from preventable causes? How do national security policies impact the health of immigrants and refugees? What is voluntourism and can it harm the communities we intend to serve? The field of global health is vast, and the challenges can feel overwhelming. But learning about it shouldn’t be. Whether you're taking the first steps in the field of global health, a seasoned public health professional, or simply seeking inspiration from the stories of remarkable leaders, this podcast is for you. Discover how inspiring leaders are combating global poverty, bringing clean water to remote villages, expanding healthcare access, and much more. Hosted by engineer turned social impact storyteller, Hetal Baman, Global Health Pursuit tackles these tough questions with a beginner's mindset. Join us every Tuesday for new episodes!
Episodes
-
Eye Health and Economic Growth: A Vision Worth Investing In... w/ Jack Hennessy
Ever thought about how a quick cataract surgery or a new pair of glasses might change not just someone's life, but an entire community's future? We're diving into that idea today, exploring how the economics of eye health can drive significant changes globally. Our guest, Jack Hennessey, brings...
-
76. Why Aren't We Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom? w/ Annamarie Fernyak
In today's rapidly changing educational landscape, where classroom challenges like lockdown drills, information overload, and teacher burnout are increasingly common, one question arises: Why isn't mindfulness a mandatory part of our educational curriculum? Our guest, Annamarie Fernyak, founder…
more -
75. Humanitarian Engineering and Service Learning: The AQUA-Villanova Connection
How does an engineering student shift their career ambitions from big pharma to global health challenges? In this episode of the global health podcast, we learn from Lizzy Loughnane, an engineer who transitioned to humanitarian engineering after joining Villanova University's service learning...
-
74. Feedswap: Narratives of Purpose, "On Eradicating Period Poverty"
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...
-
73. Are We Defending Life or Not? Abortion Advocacy Through Data w/Lina López
Between 1999 and 2011, 17 Salvadoran women were sentenced to up to 40 years in prison after experiencing miscarriages, which were shockingly classified as aggravated homicide. This episode unpacks that outrageous reality, raising questions about how miscarriages (spontaneous abortions) can even…
more -
72. Part 2: Inpatient Psychiatric Care Exposed: The Polarizing Views for Reform w/ Dr. Morgan Shields
In the United States., psychiatric healthcare seems to be caught between two extreme ideologies... Dr. Morgan Shields, Assistant Professor at the WashU Brown School in St. Louis, is back for part 2 after sharing her VERY personal experiences with the inpatient psychiatric setting. If you haven’t...
-
71. Inpatient Psychiatric Care Exposed: Are We Healing Or Hurting Patients? w/ Dr. Morgan Shields
What if I told you that there are healthcare facilities that can inadvertently worsen your condition? I’m talking about the case of inpatient psychiatric care. In this episode, I feature a special guest, Dr. Morgan Shields, whose lived experiences might make you question the state of mental...
-
70. Podcasting for a Cause: Changing the Game For Charities w/ Jeremie Mani
What do charities truly need beyond just cash – a supportive community and ecosystem! Jeremie Mani is rallying podcasters worldwide to join a movement called Podcasthon. The mission? To get as many podcasters as possible to dedicate a single episode to a charity of their choice during a weeklong...
-
69. Realities for Asylum Seekers at the US-Mexico Border... w/ Erin Hughes
*Disclaimer - this episode was produced prior to Trumps inauguration on January 20th, 2025* Asylum seekers and refugees at the U.S.-Mexico border face harrowing conditions, often forced to live in makeshift camps with inadequate access to basic necessities like clean water and sanitation. Erin...
-
68. Can a Podcast Become a Fundraising Machine? (Season 2 Finale)
I think yes! In this episode, I reflect on my journey thus far. Listen in for insights on how I've successfully utilized portions of sponsorship funds to impactful charities like the Society for Women's Health Research and World Pediatrics. This episode dives into the importance of community and...
-
67. Menstruation Is Not Just a Women’s Issue. Here’s Why... w/ Danielle Keiser
Menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; it’s a vital topic for everyone, and understanding it can significantly enhance gender equality and social justice. Danielle Keiser, a leading menstrual health educator, shares her journey and insights into how cultural shifts have influenced her...
-
66. Challenges of Building a Medical Device Startup for Underserved Populations w/ Sona Shah
How does vital signs monitoring address neonatal mortality in low-income countries? What challenges do medical device startups face, especially in regulated healthcare environments? In this interview, Sona Shah, CEO of Neopenda, walks us through her personal journey from studying chemical...
-
65. The Secrets of Ayurveda: Ancient Medicine for Modern Health w/ Austin Vantastic
Ayurveda, often dismissed as mere "woo woo," might just hold the key to understanding our health in a more holistic way. In this episode, Austin Vantastic shares his transformative journey from a high-pressure career in film to discovering the healing potential of ancient Indian medicine.…
more -
64. Behind the Scenes of World Pediatrics: Partnerships that Matter
How can we advance global pediatric care to reach children in the most underserved regions? This episode tackles that pressing question while highlighting the vital role of partnerships in overcoming healthcare challenges. We dive into the transformative work of World Pediatrics, which is…
more -
63. Rewind: Elevating the Human Condition Through Pediatric Surgery w/ Vafa Akhavan
Did you know that only 3% of children in low income countries have access to surgery, while 85% of children in high income countries like the US have access? This means that easily treatable conditions like appendicitis or long bone fractures could result in death or lifelong disability for...
-
62. How Can Schools Better Support Refugee and Migrant Students? w/ Ilana Seff and Jeremy Aldrich
What unique challenges do refugee and migrant youth face during resettlement, and how can educational systems best support their integration and mental health? Ilana Seff, a Research Assistant Professor at the Brown School at Washington University, and Jeremy Aldrich, Director of Teaching and...
-
61. The Vital Role of Vaginal Microbiome Health: Insights from Dr. Craig Cohen
What is the vaginal microbiome, and why is it crucial for women's health? How does bacterial vaginosis (BV) and its treatments impact women's lives? Dr. Craig Cohen, a leading expert in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF, explains the importance of the vaginal microbiome…
more -
60. What If Men Could Take Birth Control? w/ Heather Vahdat
What if men could share the responsibility for contraception? How could this reshape relationships and economic landscapes globally? Could this reduce global poverty? Heather Vahdat, Executive Director at Male Contraceptive Initiative, talks passionately about the groundbreaking journey towards...
-
59. Guarding the Planet: Climate Change and National Security w/ Mike Smith
How do forest fires link to climate change? Why does climate pose a national security threat? How can businesses mitigate their carbon footprints? Mike Smith, co-founder and CEO of Aclymate, joined me to discuss his journey from a Navy career to founding a company focused on helping…
more -
58. Turning Science into Aid: The Fight Against Neglected Global Diseases w/ Dr. Kishor Wasan
How does a pharmaceutical scientist end up spearheading an initiative to combat neglected global diseases? What drives a tenured professor to shift focus from profitable pharmaceutical ventures to humanitarian efforts? This interview with Dr. Kishor Wasan explores the unexpected journey from a...
-
57. The Life of a Refugee: Economic Integration and Forced Migration w/ Dr. Mitra Naseh
Should immigration be a political or humanitarian issue? How do policies hinder or help the lives of displaced individuals? What challenges do forcibly displaced people face? How can economic integration be measured? Why is getting a visa for highly educated individuals based on a lottery system?...
-
Global Health Pursuit Season 2 - Forced Migration, Fatal Heat, Male Contraception, and more
After taking 6 months off (to get married and enjoy life), the Global Health Pursuit Podcast is back again for a brand new season! This season, we'll be exploring topics like refugees and forced migration, fatal heat and how it affects national security, and the controversial (or maybe not so...
-
56. What Keeps You Listening? Let's Talk!
I want your no-nonsense, genuine, feedback on this podcast! Schedule some time to chat with me by clicking this link: Hetal's Calendar OR email me at [email protected] to share your insights or schedule a time to grab coffee! Can't wait to chat!
-
55. A Letter to My Listeners (A Season Finale)
The Global Health Pursuit is closing its first season. Make sure to subscribe to be the first to know when the second season launches. You won't want to miss it. Email me at [email protected] to get in touch in the meantime! :) __________________ Support the Podcast Click here to send...
-
54. Reflecting on 1 Year of the Global Health Pursuit
Today, I'm setting aside the usual guest interview format to share my own experiences and insights as a global health podcaster. I announce a brief hiatus for my upcoming wedding (yay!) and tease the exciting lineup for the next season of the podcast! Reflecting on my travels and work in the...
-
53. From Apathy to Action: A Journey to Clean Water... One ATTA Time w/Sean Kappauf
A simple glass of water can change lives. Sean Kappauf is the inspirational figure behind the non-profit 'One ATTA Time', dedicated to tackling the global water crisis. Venturing from a place of personal apathy to launching a life-changing initiative, Sean takes us through his deeply personal...
-
52. Rewind: Global Nutrition: Addressing Hidden Hunger and Stunting w/ Dr. Lora Iannotti
March is National Nutrition Month. Created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an annual nutrition education and information campaign is celebrated to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Since is it National...
-
51. The Cave: A Secret Underground Hospital and One Woman's Story of Resilience in Syria w/ Dr. Amani Ballour
War. bombings. Terror. Is history repeating itself? We see it happening all around the world. And today's episode is about resilience in the face of war. In this episode Dr. Amani Ballour, a Syrian pediatrician and activist discusses Her upbringing in a conservative Syrian community Her path to...
-
50. Re-Defining Ethical Healthcare: An Emergency Medicine Physician's Journey Through East Africa w/ Dr. Marc-David Munk
The Western healthcare system is full of rack rage, moral injury, and ethical crises. How can we redefine how physicians deliver healthcare to stay true to morality? In this episode, Dr. Marc-David Munk, an emergency medicine physician, shares his transformative experiences working with the…
more -
49. Using Engineering To Serve Humanity w/ Abe Wright
Can engineering create sustainable change in the world? In this episode of the Global Health Pursuit podcast, we speak with Abe Wright, co-founder and CTO of Design Outreach. We discuss Abe's transition from an engineer at J&J to leading a nonprofit focused on global health. Abe shares the story…
more -
48. Can Education Solve Poverty?
Can breaking the glass ceiling of education shatter the cycle of poverty? Amidst the complex tapestry of global health and humanitarian efforts, this episode is a reflection of my conversation with Ajit George, Chief Operations Officer at Shanti Bhavan, and just my general thoughts and opinions...
-
47. Shanti Bhavan: Powering Young Minds While Breaking Generational Poverty w/ Ajit George
Imagine stepping into a world where education is the key that unlocks the shackles of generational poverty. Such is the reality for the students at Shanti Bhavan, where Ajit George, the Chief Operating Officer, has taken his father’s vision and helped turn it into a beacon of hope in rural India....
-
46. Rewind: How Do Internally Displaced Persons Access Healthcare? w/ Elvis Ndansi
What does it mean to be internally displaced? Internally displaced persons and citizens of last mile communities often have to travel miles to receive the healthcare they need. After a mothers long trek to a medical center in Cameroon, Elvis Ndansi untied a dead baby from the mothers back. A baby...
-
45. How Does Participatory Medicine Influence Human Behavior? w/ Katie Baric
How do you change behavior in people who have lived in a system where healthcare is built on the idea of being sick? In this episode, co-founder and executive director of Hands on Peru, Katie Baric, steps into the spotlight to share her story from growing up in North Carolina to bringing a…
more -
44. The Global Blood Shortage: 10 Facts You Didn't Know
Did you know that only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly? This is a micro episode to shed light on some shocking facts about blood demand and the need for donations. With statistics sourced from the World Health Organization and the American Red Cross, we unpack the gravity of the...
-
43. What if You Could Donate Blood Back to Yourself? w/ Gillian Henker
If you needed blood, but there was no blood in the hospital blood bank, what do you do? Today, we speak with inventor and mechanical engineer, Gillian Henker, who unravels the story behind Hemafuse, a revolutionary autotransfusion device that addresses the dire need for donor blood worldwide.…
more -
42. Discover Your Passion in Global Health
Reflecting on the journey from burnout to breakthrough, I share the intimate details of my personal transformation that began with a wish for courage, motivation, and perseverance. This isn't just my story, but an invitation to you, to find strength in your own dreams as we navigate the new year...
-
41. Rewind: The Honest Truth about Healing from Burnout
Exactly 2 years ago, I decided to quit my engineering job. This conversation reveals the conflict between corporate success and seeking a place where one's soul feels at home. The journey wasn't just about leaving a job; it was a journey for fulfillment that challenged me to confront deep-set…
more -
40. Obstetric Fistula: A Path to Prevention w/ Brooke Sulahian and Cara Brooks
Can you imagine a world without Obstetric Fistula? Brooke Sulahian and Cara Brooks, the driving forces behind Hope for Our Sisters, share their inspiring stories, fervor, and dedication in advocating for and providing support to women battling with this condition. This episode is not just about...
-
39. Obstetric Fistula: One Surgery to Transform a Woman’s Life w/Jesse Chu
Fistula repair surgery originated in the late 19th century. Yet, at least one million women today suffer for want of this surgery that can transform their lives. In this episode, Jesse Chu, the senior program manager at Fistula Foundation, shares her personal quest in encountering the world of...
-
38. What is Obstetric Fistula? (Global Health 101 w/ Jesse Chu)
Though childbirth injuries are practically eradicated in the developed world, they still hold a devastating grip on the lives of countless women in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Obstetric fistula, a result of prolonged, obstructed labor, leaves women socially ostracized and emotionally...
-
37. What is Giving Tuesday?
How did Giving Tuesday begin? Who founded the movement, and why is it so important to nonprofits today? In this episode, we uncover the story of Giving Tuesday, a global philanthropic movement born in 2012 as a counterpoint to the rampant consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I share some...
-
36. Redefining Epilepsy: Language, Challenges, and Community Initiatives (Q&A Series)
Why is epilepsy highly stigmatized, particularly in low and middle-income countries? Join me as we learn together. We revisit our previous discussion in episodes 34 and 35, we attempt to answer the following questions that will take us further into understanding this often misunderstood…
more -
35. Eradicating Epilepsy Stigma, Part 2: What Does Coffee Have to Do With Brain Health? w/Teguo Daniel Djoyum
Can a cup of coffee help destigmatize how the world looks at epilepsy? What if we looked at brain health as something that affects us all? Our guest, Teguo is not only making strides toward enhanced epilepsy awareness but also championing an innovative approach to sustainable healthcare delivery...
-
34. Eradicating Epilepsy Stigma, Part 1: The Origin Story w/Teguo Daniel Djoyum
Can you imagine the ripple effects of epilepsy stigma in a remote village in Cameroon? Our guest, Teguo Daniel Djoyum, a neurotechnologist and social entrepreneur, knows all too well. His personal journey began with his brother's epilepsy diagnosis, sparking a fierce passion for neurodiagnostics...
-
33. Rewind: Why Are Infants Dying From Preventable Causes? w/ Dr. Wisam Breegi
Today, amongst the crisis that is happening between Palestine and Israel, I needed some time to decompress, reflect, and continue to dig deeper into the history of these two nations. That's why I'm re-releasing one of my favorite and most relevant episodes to shed a little bit of light and faith...
-
32. Navigating Reverse Culture Shock After a Life-Changing Service Journey
Ever noticed an unsettling change in your outlook after you return from a service or volunteer trip? That, my friend, is what we call reverse culture shock, and it's what we're diving into today. Fresh from a journey with Extra Mile Pediatrics to El Salvador, I've been struck by the stark...
-
31. Extra Mile Pediatrics: Stories From the Field
Have you imagined how a medical service trip to El Salvador might look like? Strap in for a journey with Extra Mile Pediatrics, a non-profit organization transforming the lives of communities in need. Our guests, Kris , Dr. Mapp, Dr. Shah, Shyam, and Lilly, share their moving experiences in...
-
30. Going the Extra Mile to Serve Children Worldwide w/ Dr. Jeff Mapp
What would it be like to venture into uncharted territories and stretch the limitations of pediatric healthcare and bring it to those most in need? Picture the aroma of foreign spices, the sound of children's laughter, and the heartfelt gratitude in new mothers' eyes. These are just glimpses into...
-
29. Unlocking Haiti's Future: A Deep Dive into Social Justice, Education, and Healthcare w/ Callie Himsl
Why do some children end up in orphanages? Callie Himsl, an advocate for social justice, education, and healthcare in Haiti, joins us for a riveting discussion on this and much more. Having transitioned from corporate America to work with La Pointe Foundation in Haiti, Callie offers unique…
more
About this show
Why are infants still dying from preventable causes? How do national security policies impact the health of immigrants and refugees? What is voluntourism and can it harm the communities we intend to serve? The field of global health is vast, and the challenges can feel overwhelming. But learning about it shouldn’t be. Whether you're taking the first steps in the field of global health, a seasoned public health professional, or simply seeking inspiration from the stories of remarkable leaders, this podcast is for you. Discover how inspiring leaders are combating global poverty, bringing clean water to remote villages, expanding healthcare access, and much more. Hosted by engineer turned social impact storyteller, Hetal Baman, Global Health Pursuit tackles these tough questions with a beginner's mindset. Join us every Tuesday for new episodes!
Hosted by
Hetal Baman