Science of Persistence with Dr. Lilly Verhagen

Science of Persistence with Dr. Lilly Verhagen

In this episode of Global Health Talks, we are joined by Dr. Lilly Verhagen, a pediatrician, scientist, and global health researcher whose work spans the Netherlands, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Lilly shares how a childhood love of puzzles evolved into a career dedicated to understanding childhood infections and improving health outcomes around the world. We discuss her experiences conducting research in remote Indigenous communities, what working across different cultures has taught her about leadership and collaboration, and why meaningful scientific discoveries often begin with simple questions. Beyond the science, this conversation explores the realities of life in academia: navigating setbacks, dealing with rejection, building resilient teams, and finding motivation during difficult periods. Lilly reflects on the importance of curiosity, long-term thinking, and human connection, offering valuable insights for students, researchers, and anyone pursuing work that aims to make a difference. About the Guest Dr. Lilly Verhagen is a pediatric infectious disease specialist and clinician-scientist whose research focuses on respiratory infections, immunology, and global child health. She leads an international research group investigating immune defenses of the respiratory tract and works across the Netherlands, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Her research aims to improve diagnostics, treatments, and prevention strategies for infectious diseases affecting vulnerable children worldwide. She is actively involved in the global pediatric infectious disease community and serves in leadership roles within international professional societies. About the Host Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator, and host of Global Health Talks. Her PhD focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network.

Why Storytelling Matters: Climate, Community, and Hope with Roberta Bosu

In this episode of Global Health Talks, we are joined by Roberta Bosu, a strategist, campaigner, and storyteller working at the intersection of climate, nature, and human rights.   Roberta takes us back to her childhood in the mountains of Sardinia and shares how her connection to nature shaped the work she does today. We talk about career paths that don't follow a straight line, the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms, and how she moved from diplomacy and corporate sustainability to leading campaigns that advocate for the rights of nature and Antarctica. Together, we explore the power of storytelling in climate action, why creativity and art are not optional but essential for addressing global challenges, and the power it has to make us imagine a different, better world. Roberta also reflects on what it means to communicate with authenticity, connect with communities, and remain hopeful in a world facing environmental and social crises. About the Guest Roberta Bosu is a strategist, campaigner, and storyteller with over 14 years of experience working across diplomacy, NGOs, development organizations, and the private sector. She is a European Climate Pact Ambassador, a member of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication, and currently leads a global campaign advocating for the rights of Antarctica. Through her consultancy and research work, she helps translate complex environmental challenges into narratives that inspire action and systemic change. About the Host Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator, and host of Global Health Talks. Her PhD focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network.

Women’s Health, Breaking Stigmas, and Changing Policies with Dr. Petra Salarić

In this episode of Global Health Talks, we are joined by Dr. Petra Salarić to explore why breaking stigma and taboo topics is essential for improving public and global health. Petra shares her journey as a researcher, founder, and advocate working to open conversations around women’s health, mental health, and other issues that many societies still struggle to discuss openly. Together, we discuss Petra’s research on menstruation and menopause in the workplace in Croatia, and how research can move beyond academia to spark public debate and influence policy discussions.  This episode is especially for anyone sitting with an idea, passion, or frustration they feel called to act on. Petra speaks openly about fear, uncertainty, and the reality of building change without a blueprint, reminding us that confidence is often built through action — and that for global health we have to be willing to challenge what society stays silent about. About the Guest Petra Salarić is a researcher, designer, and women’s health advocate whose work focuses on addressing taboo topics and creating conversations around issues often left unspoken. She is the founder of PSTaboo, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations, communities, and individuals navigate sensitive conversations related to wellbeing, stigma, and social change. About the Host Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator, and host of Global Health Talks. Her research focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

No One's Saviour with Laia Serrano Biosca

In the second episode of Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side, we are joined by Laia Serrano Biosca, founder and CEO of BarcelonActua—a powerful community of more than 13,000 people committed to taking action and supporting vulnerable populations across Barcelona. We explore how BarcelonActua grew from a simple idea into a thriving organization that brings together citizens and volunteers to support refugees, immigrants, and others in need—through everything from meeting basic needs like food and shelter to providing education, scholarships, and long-term integration support. Laia shares her journey of building and leading a purpose-driven organization for over 15 years, reflecting on how embracing growth sometimes requires difficult decisions and change. Throughout the conversation, we reflect on empathy as a skill that should be cultivated from an early age, and how volunteering can challenge prejudice by reminding us that vulnerability is something we all share. We also touch on the contrast between the negativity often amplified in the media and the quieter reality that most people genuinely want to do good—and how collective action can bring that truth to light. To learn more about BarcelonActua and many ways of getting involved, visit: https://barcelonaactua.org/ [https://barcelonaactua.org/]. And if you’re not in Barcelona, consider exploring local volunteering initiatives in your own city—step outside your bubble, show up, and see what happens. About the Guest Laia Serrano Biosca is the founder and CEO of BarcelonActua, a community-driven organization dedicated to inspiring people to take action and create positive change. With over 15 years of experience leading the initiative, she has built a network of thousands of volunteers working together to support vulnerable groups—particularly refugees and immigrants—through integration, education, and meaningful human connection. Check out her profile for her stories of success that happens when everyone is given an equal chance - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laia-serrano-biosca-b374b4a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laia-serrano-biosca-b374b4a/]. About the Host Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator and the host of Global Health Talks. Her PhD focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

How the Past Shapes Present Action with Dr. Tamara Giles Vernick

In the very first episode of Global Health Talks, we are joined by Dr. Tamara Giles-Vernick to explore why it's important to study infectious diseases through history, human lens and wider contexts to better understand the present. Tamara Giles Vernick shares with us her path into the field and reflects on how well-intentioned volunteering projects can sometimes do more harm than good. We talk about the Sonar Cities project, which works to protect communities in times of crisis, and why mobilizing those who have already lived through emergencies may be one of the most powerful ways to support vulnerable populations. We also reflect on gratitude, career paths, and what younger generations are doing differently to shape a more thoughtful future in global health. If you want to learn more about the Sonar-cities project: https://sonar-cities.eu/tag/sonar-cities-sv/?lang=sv [https://sonar-cities.eu/tag/sonar-cities-sv/?lang=sv]. About the Guest Dr. Tamara Giles Vernick is a researcher at the Institut Pasteur and head of its first Social Sciences Unit. Her work sits at the intersection of medical anthropology, history, and global health, focusing on how cultural, social, and historical contexts shape infectious disease transmission and response—particularly in African settings. She is also the coordinator of the Sonar Cities project, a European initiative working to strengthen urban resilience and ensure that vulnerable populations are included in crisis preparedness and response. About the Host Nika Stastny is a global health PhD student, creator and the host of Global Health Talks. Her PhD focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic devices in limited-resource settings. Through conversations with experts across disciplines, she explores the ideas, experiences, and human stories shaping the future of global health. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.