EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s "Enlighten U" podcast has earned the No. 1 spot among Michigan’s mental health podcasts, ranked by FeedSpot, a global podcast database. The podcast was recognized for its creativity, influence, and broad appeal, standing out as a vital platform for addressing mental health.

FeedSpot’s ranking process evaluates thousands of podcasts worldwide, using criteria such as relevancy, authority, social media presence, and freshness of content. This recognition highlights the podcast’s impact as a meaningful resource for listeners across Michigan and beyond.

“This recognition from FeedSpot is an honor,” added Lolita Cummings, public relations professor and podcast co-host. “Our goal has always been to shed light on topics that matter most to students, and we’re proud to see the impact it’s making.”

“We’re thrilled that ‘Enlighten U’ continues to resonate with listeners and gain recognition,” said Melissa Thrasher, EMU’s executive director of media relations and social media and podcast co-host. “While the podcast is designed with students in mind, its relatable stories and valuable insights are reaching a much broader audience, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.”

New "Enlighten U" episodes come out on or around the 15th of each month. To watch previous episodes, follow EMU’s YouTube channel, or listen and subscribe to Spotify.

For more information, please contact Lolita Cummings at lcummin2@emich.edu or Melissa Thrasher at mthrashe@emich.edu. To submit a topic idea or to be a guest, please contact the show directly at Enlighten_U@emich.edu. 

About “Enlighten U”  
“Enlighten U” is an Eastern Michigan University-produced, award-winning podcast for college students as they experience unique stressors, including academic pressures, personal growth, social challenges, and more. EMU executive director of media relations and social media Melissa Thrasher and EMU public relations professor Lolita Cummings serve as co-hosts. Each episode is released each month and welcomes a student or alum and a subject-matter professional. Episodes of “Enlighten U” address mental health topics like imposter syndrome, financial strain, grading anxiety, adjustment to campus life, social media harms, social justice, and more.

About Eastern Michigan University  
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.