SLU Public Health Unscripted

In this episode of the ‘Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, second-year MPH student Mehreen Iqbal shares insights from her experience as an international student in CPHSJ, as well as a summer intern at SSM Health.

She reflects on her interest in health disparities, the ways she has grown throughout her graduate program, and her favorite classes and professors. Iqbal also discusses her transition to the United States from Pakistan and the support she received along the way. Tune in to this exciting episode!

Mehreen would like to sincerely thank the following individuals for the meaningful impact they have had on her experience at the College for Public Health and Social Justice: Kimberly Elliott, Mary-Lynn Glenn, Maggie Snodgrass, Miteshnot Teni, Tom Burroughs, Kimberly Enard, Marcea Walter, Sam Biver, Ricardo Wray, Susan Kendig, Kelly Ayres, Qiang Pu, Jason Marquart, Darleesa Doss, Michael Elliott, Nancy Weaver, Aver Yakubu, Elizabeth Baker, Rebecca Bahan, Anne Sebert Kuhlmann, Molly Griffin, and Benjamen Loewnau.

In this special episode for 3-1-4 Day, a day which celebrates the St. Louis area code of 314 every March 14th, of the ‘Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, we celebrate the city we call home with our favorite St. Louis spots. Joining the conversation are staff and students from the College for Public Health and Social Justice.

Together, they share their favorite things about St. Louis, from must-try places to eat and beloved neighborhoods to hidden gems around the city. The group also reflects on what sports mean to St. Louis culture, why the community is such a special place to live and study, and the local spots they recommend to anyone visiting or new to the area.

Tune in for a fun and local-focused conversation as we celebrate 3-1-4 Day and highlight some of the places, flavors, and experiences that make St. Louis unique. 

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this episode of Public Health Unscripted are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Saint Louis University or the Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice. References to brand names, restaurants, businesses, or services are made for discussion and commentary purposes only and do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Saint Louis University or the College. Any omission of similar brands, restaurants, businesses, or services is unintentional.

In this episode of the 'Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, CPHSJ’s Director of the Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Administration programs, Marcea Walter, joins us to share insights into her roles and responsibilities.

Walter reflects on her professional journey, highlights the value of the Professional Development course for MHA students at SLU, and discusses the importance of mentorship in shaping future health leaders. She also shares the biggest lessons she has learned in academia, talks about her recent recognition as the recipient of the Nancy McNeir Ring Award for Excellence in Teaching, and describes what excites her most about the future. Tune in for an engaging look at the MHA & MSHA programs at SLU.

In this episode of the 'Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, CPHSJ’s Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions, Laura Schrubb, joins us for an inside look at the world of graduate recruitment! 

Laura shares her background and professional journey at SLU and beyond, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective on how recruitment and admission truly work. Schrubb discusses the types of applicants CPHSJ attracts, the value of a Jesuit-focused education, and provides thoughtful advice for students considering graduate school. Tune in for an engaging conversation and a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping future public health leaders. 

In this episode of the 'Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, MHA/JD Alum & current Associate Attorney at Spencer Fane LLP, Kaleb Rasmussen, shares his inspiring career journey! 

He reflects on his time in the dual-degree MHA/JD program, discusses the intersection of healthcare and law, and offers insight into his current professional role! Rasmussen also highlights important legal updates relevant to the CPHSJ community and shares a service opportunity with the St. Louis-based nonprofit Kindness Begins With Me, which supports refugees in the community. Tune in for this exciting episode that discusses dual-degree programs, legal updates, and an impactful way to serve the community. 

"In this episode of the Public Health: Unscripted podcast, which focuses on mental health, second-year MPH student Jayden Radtke shares her experiences as the Graduate Assistant for Wellness in the Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness.

She reflects on her academic and professional journey in the mental health field during both her undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as her role supporting student wellness at SLU. Jayden discusses common misconceptions surrounding mental health, ongoing conversations about mental health on campus and across the United States, and the importance of advocacy and education in this space. Tune in to hear her insights, key takeaways, and perspectives on promoting mental well-being in higher education and beyond."

The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice’s 'Public Health Unscripted' podcast is back for the spring semester! In this teaser episode, host Molly Griffin gives listeners a preview of what’s ahead.

In 2026, we’ll be diving into topics like mental health, dual degree programs at CPHSJ, St. Louis recommendations, and much more! We’re excited to continue spotlighting faculty, staff, alumni, and students while sharing the many perspectives that shape our community.

In the first episode of 2026 for the ‘Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, we welcome Aaron Qian, a second-year Master of Public Health student and President of the Student Association of Public Health (SAPH). 

Aaron shares exciting plans SAPH has in store for the upcoming new year, reflects on his experiences within the MPH program, and offers valuable advice to public health students looking to get more involved in CPHSJ. Tune in for this exciting episode to learn more about SAPH! 

In this episode of the 'Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, Director of Pastoral Formation Patrick Cousins shares insights from his work on the Mission and Identity team and explores the meaningful connections between public health and Jesuit Identity!

Reflecting on his years in Campus Ministry and his experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, Cousins highlights the Jesuit values most relevant to today’s urgent public health challenges. He discusses cura personalis, magis, and the call to strive for the greater good. Cousins shows how these guiding principles shape both public health education and practice. Tune in to learn more about how Jesuit education and mission can help form the new generation of public health leaders. 

In this episode of the 'Public Health: Unscripted’ podcast, MHA Alum & current Service Line Manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aubrey Zahuranec, shares her career journey! 

She reflects on her experience in the accelerated MHA program, her administrative fellowship, and her current professional role! Zahuranec discusses the importance of discovering your why, showing up as your authentic self, and pursing opportunities that fill your cup. Tune in to hear more about the benefits of earning an MHA degree at SLU and gain insight into working in pediatric healthcare.