Enlighten U

Watch this month’s special episode of “Enlighten U,” as we sit down with Dr. Brendan Kelly, Eastern Michigan University’s newest president and a proud EMU alum. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the importance of being a student-centered president, well-being, and what it’s like to leave the university as a student and return as its president.Dr. Kelly shares his perspective on how universities can support the whole student --academically, emotionally and socially. He also discusses the growing mental health needs of today’s college students and the importance of creating a campus culture where every student feels seen, supported and valued.

In this April episode of “Enlighten U,” in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we sit down with a military servicewoman who bravely shares her story of surviving sexual assault and the long, complex journey of reclaiming her mental health. Through resilience, self-advocacy, and support, she fought back—not just in the moment, but in the months and years that followed.This conversation explores the realities of trauma, the stigma surrounding mental health in the military, and what healing can truly look like. Her story is one of courage, survival, and ultimately, empowerment.

In this empowering episode of "Enlighten U,” EMU senior Kallista Marie discusses the challenges many first-generation and nontraditional students face when stepping onto a college campus. From balancing adult responsibilities to overcoming imposter syndrome, this conversation offers practical strategies for building confidence, finding mentorship, and claiming your place at the academic table.

Watch as this episode explores mixed-race identity and belonging in college -- and in life, highlighting the mental health impact of navigating multiple cultures, feeling “in between,” and finding community.

Hannah Palmer, Miss Michigan and EMU alum, shares her powerful journey as a five-time suicide survivor and mental health advocate, offering hope, resilience, and encouragement for all.

College life often brings excitement and opportunity—but also uncertainty, pressure, and emotional exhaustion. In this episode, we explore how anxiety and depression can quietly take hold when the future feels unclear. Hear one student’s personal story, expert insights, and practical tools to manage uncertainty and protect your mental well-being.

From manic bursts of creativity to the weight of deep depression, bipolar disorder is often misunderstood—and misrepresented. In this powerful episode, we shine a light on the realities of living with bipolar disorder as a college student. Learn how to recognize symptoms, seek help, and support friends or classmates with empathy and awareness.

From situationships and love bombing to breadcrumbing and future-faking, this episode explores the complex dynamics of modern relationships and their impact on college students’ mental health. Hear candid insights, practical advice, and strategies for protecting your well-being while navigating love and connection on campus.

College can feel overwhelming, but you’re not in it alone. In this episode, you’ll discover college isn’t just about lectures and grades — it’s about building a support system that helps you grow. Watch and listen to the experts running the programs designed to boost your mental health, academic confidence, and sense of community. Discover the hidden gems on campus that can make your college journey easier and more fulfilling.

This empowering episode of EMU’s award-winning mental health podcast for students dives into the often-painful world of body image and how it affects self-worth, self esteem, and overall mental health. Recent graduate Antonio Byrd openly shares his personal story of devastation and triumph, and all the lessons he learned on his journey to finding confidence beyond the mirror. Resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., contributes to the conversation by breaking down the connection between body image and emotional well-being. Whether you're on your own journey to body acceptance or supporting a friend, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and encouragement.

EMU’s award-winning mental health podcast for students is exploring how positivity and optimism can enhance our lives. Student guest Shayla Mostyn, an EMU junior majoring in sociology, joins the show to share about her wildly popular TikTok account, which focuses on positivity. She also discusses how she spreads joy through her content and in real life – and provides advice to students thinking of sharing their own content online. Resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., talks about what toxic positivity is, how being positive impacts mental health, and emotional regulation.

EMU’s award-winning mental health podcast for students recorded its first-ever live studio audience episode. Watch as students asked questions that mattered most to them and received expert answers and advice. Topics range from self care to stress management to confidence-building to support systems – and everything in between!

Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation.EMU’s award-winning mental health podcast for students is diving into the one-of-a-kind experiences of international college students. Student guest Treasure Affia, EMU junior double major in psychology and women and gender studies, talks about her experiences as an international student from Nigeria. Affia touches on the importance of community, especially when alone in a new country, as well as diving into the suicidal ideation she faced during a particularly difficult time. Resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., talks about the myths and misconceptions surrounding suicide, how having a strong community away from home can impact international students, and the signs that someone you know may be struggling with suicidal ideation.

EMU’s award-winning mental health podcast for students is taking a look at a variety of topics in this episode, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the LGBTQ+ community. EMU senior public relations and communications double major Gavin Millard joins to discuss his experiences as a gay man who, like many, occasionally fights against the negativity of imposter syndrome and perfectionism.  Mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., talks about how to support members of the LGBTQ+ community, ways to combat imposter syndrome, and how sometimes, anxiety and perfectionism can be helpful.

EMU’s award-winning mental health podcast for students kicks off the new year with an episode on loneliness and Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. EMU senior Bella Cannon discusses her struggles with loneliness and her personal tips for those feeling similarly. Mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., talks about social media and its connection with loneliness, how to find your place in college, and strategies to combat the “winter blues” during the new year.

Holiday grief and healing are the focus of December’s episode of “Enlighten U,” EMU’s award-winning mental health podcast for students. EMU grad student and student-athlete Kyra Buffen discusses her deeply personal journey through grief and loss, beginning with the death of her mother during her freshman year of high school. Mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., delves into the stages of grief, how to support someone grieving, what grief exhaustion can look like, and strategies for healing.

November’s episode of “Enlighten U” explores practical strategies, inspiring stories, and expert advice for college students living with developmental and learning disabilities. The show welcomes student guest Hugh Thorp, who discusses his personal experience with a developmental disability, and what that means for him in and beyond the classroom. Resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa shares statistics, resources, and advice for students with developmental and learning disabilities.

Tinker, Eastern Michigan University’s new on-campus facility dog, is the star of this month’s “Enlighten U” student mental health podcast. Joined on set by Lolita and Melissa, along with resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., and university archivist and library department head Alexis Braun Marks, Tinker brings the cuteness. Tune in for a talk on animal certification, what facility animals are used for, and a ball of dog-loving fun.

"Enlighten U," Eastern Michigan University’s mental health podcast for students, returns for its second season with an episode on a feeling many of us know all too well: fear of failure. Guests Jahnavi Rambus, an EMU senior majoring in communication, media & theatre arts and minoring in public relations, and resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., sit down with "Enlighten U" co-hosts, Lolita and Melissa, to discuss what fear of failure looks like, how it impacts students, and how to overcome it to live our best, fearless lives.

This month on “Enlighten U,” Eastern Michigan University’s mental health podcast for students, guests Raina LaGrand, LMSW, MPH, CYT, and Laleh Walker talk about all things self-care. LaGrand, owner of Root to Rise Somatics in Ypsilanti, details her practice, the importance of self-care, and the role connectedness plays in our well being. Walker, a sophomore majoring in public relations at EMU, discusses her experience with self-care as a busy college student and how she plans to do more of it during her self-proclaimed “chill girl summer.” This episode will be your go-to guide to being good to yourself all summer and beyond.

Episode 9 of “Enlighten U” exposes the reality of higher food prices, the challenges of securing nutritional foods, and food insecurity among college students. Hear first hand experiences, insightful discussions, and practical solutions as EMU alum Casey Lamont and EMU assistant professor of leadership and counseling, Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D, address hunger and lack on college campuses.

Episode 8 of “Enlighten U” explores ADHD and how the neurodevelopmental disorder affects students navigating college. Watch as EMU graduate student Bri Burns shares her diagnosis and coping strategies. Also, learn more about the disorder and expert advice from Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., an EMU leadership and counseling assistant professor. Mustafa is also co-owner of Integrative Empowerment Group, a downtown Ypsilanti center dedicated to counseling, healing, and wellness.

This episode of “Enlighten U” explores two intersecting mental health topics: social media harm and collegiate athletics. Watch as EMU junior public relations major and cheerleader Elena Davis personally shares her experiences with both topics -- and learn expert advice from Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., an EMU leadership and counseling assistant professor who works to promote self-care and self-love through therapy. Mustafa is the co-owner of Integrative Empowerment Group, a downtown Ypsilanti center dedicated to counseling, healing, and wellness.

This episode of Enlighten U focuses on the importance of compassionate classrooms and how they are being cultivated at Eastern Michigan University. Watch as EMU graduate student Emerson Storlie personally shares his insight -- and learn expert advice from Ron Flowers, Ed.D, an EMU leadership and counseling professor who recently was awarded a $50,000 grant to spearhead the effort.

Enlighten U hosts expose the negative effects of overcommitment and burnout on college students' mental health. Join us as Eastern Michigan University MBA student Justin Walters shares his personal experiences, and hear expert mental advice from EMU counseling professor and licensed counselor, Perry Francis, Ed.D.

Enlighten U hosts explore how financial struggles affect students' mental health as they navigate college. Join us as Eastern Michigan University graduate student Lamarr Mitchell talks candidly about his financial journey – and hear the expert financial advice offered by Veronica Brandon, supervisor of Washtenaw County’s Financial Empowerment Center.

Enlighten U hosts explore the challenges of alcoholism and how it affects students on college campuses. Join us as Eastern Michigan University alumnus Chrissie Zavicar talks candidly about her personal struggles with alcohol abuse in college – and hear the expert advice offered by mental health expert, Brenna Breshears, Ph.D.

Enlighten U hosts explore the challenges LGBTQ+ community members face on college campuses – and in life. Join us as Eastern Michigan University alumnus and gifted musician Baddie Brooks talks candidly about transitioning during the COVID-19 pandemic – and hear the expert advice offered by LGBTQ+ mental health expert, Deb Crawford, Ph.D.

On the very first episode of Enlighten U, Eastern Michigan University students Jaida and Jessica Turner are featured alongside counseling professor and licensed counselor Perry Francis, Ed.D. Join us as they share personal stories, insights, and expert advice, shedding light on the challenges faced by students and the invaluable support that expert mental health professionals provide.