In this episode of the New Beginnings Podcast, Aarush Gupta speaks with Dr. Desiree LaBeaud, Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean of Global Health at Stanford University, about the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases and what the world must do to prepare for future outbreaks.

Dr. LaBeaud explains how climate change is expanding mosquito habitats, why diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and Rift Valley fever deserve greater attention, and how plastic waste and inadequate waste-management systems can create breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The conversation also explores pandemic preparedness, infectious-disease surveillance, equitable global health partnerships, and the role of artificial intelligence in outbreak response. Dr. LaBeaud emphasizes that while technology can help process information and guide decisions, trust, partnership, and human connection remain essential to building healthier communities. She closes by encouraging listeners to respond to global challenges not with helplessness but with collective and purposeful action.

In this episode of New Beginnings, Aarush sits down with Dr. David Dowdy, physician, epidemiologist, and professor at Johns Hopkins University. They discuss tuberculosis, healthcare access, disease prevention, and the role of public health in improving lives around the world. Dr. Dowdy shares insights from his work in Africa, explains why healthcare systems matter as much as medical treatments, and offers advice for students hoping to make a difference through medicine and research.

In this episode of New Beginnings, Aarush speaks with Dr. Abid, a professor at Brown University and nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. He is a specialist in global health and health policy. They discuss the deep-seated inequities in healthcare access across different populations, the role of policy in shaping health outcomes, and the structural barriers that prevent vulnerable communities from receiving quality care. Dr. Abid shares his insights on what it takes to build more resilient health systems and the importance of advocacy in the pursuit of true health equity.

In this episode of New Beginnings, Aarush speaks with Dr. Rochelle Frounfelker, assistant professor in the College of Health at Lehigh University. They discuss her research on refugee young adults navigating life between “two worlds,” the barriers they face in accessing mental healthcare, and strategies to create more inclusive and culturally sensitive systems of support.

In this episode of New Beginnings, Aarush speaks with Lila Chamlagai, a doctoral student at Brown University whose research focuses on mental health in refugee communities. They discuss his personal journey, the challenges refugees face with depression, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to support mental well-being.

In this episode of New Beginnings, Aarush speaks with medical student Rachel Pomeranets about the importance of Pap smears in preventing cervical cancer. They discuss who should get screened, how often, and the role of community education in making women’s healthcare more accessible.

In this episode of New Beginnings, Aarush sits down with Minseo Kim, a pre-med student at The Ohio State University and active member of BCCO and the RIHA Clinic. They discuss the importance of colon cancer awareness, who should get screened, and how simple lifestyle changes can reduce risk. Together, they explore how community-based healthcare efforts can empower and educate immigrant and refugee populations.

In this episode of New Beginnings, Aarush speaks with Shristhi, a medical student at Ohio State University and an advocate for mental health in refugee communities. They discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, why open conversations are vital, and how the NAYMH Conference is working to create culturally sensitive resources and support.

In the very first episode of New Beginnings, host Aarush Gupta sits down with Sudarshan Pyakurel, founder of the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO). Together, they explore the challenges refugee and immigrant communities face when accessing healthcare—and how community-led efforts like BCCO are creating pathways for healing, belonging, and empowerment. From language barriers to health education needs, this episode sheds light on the experiences of resettled families and what it takes to build a healthier, more inclusive future.