Eastern Insider

Episode 26 centers on impact beyond competition through conversations with Rachel Amity and Omar Ahmad, who detail how Eastern supports student-athletes at every level. Amity emphasizes a “full spectrum of care” that blends therapy with performance tools while building trust through visibility and relationships, noting “we can’t completely separate athlete from person.” Her work focuses on strategies like “visualization and imagery” and reinforcing that mental health must match physical preparation for true performance. Ahmad, highlighting the Week of Excellence, shifts the lens to storytelling and opportunity, calling it “an opportunity… to highlight what our student-athletes are bringing to the table.” He underscores the role of mentorship, legacy, and donor support in shaping futures, adding, “we’re really changing people’s lives.” Together, the interviews show a unified approach where care, connection, and investment define the Eastern experience.

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Episode 25 centers on two behind-the-scenes perspectives within Eastern Michigan athletics, as quarterback Noah Kim discusses the unexpected NCAA waiver that granted him another season and the leadership role he embraces as he enters year two, leading the Eagles' offense. Kim reflects on continuity, preparation, and the motivation of returning to a familiar program while guiding a younger roster. The episode also highlights assistant sports performance coach Aaron Abraham, who explains how he balances responsibilities with both basketball programs while building individualized training plans, monitoring athlete performance data, and developing trust with student-athletes. Together, the interviews offer insight into the preparation, leadership, and development shaping Eastern Michigan programs heading into spring competition.

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Episode 24 highlights two in-depth conversations across Eastern Michigan athletics. Senior tennis captain Regina Mendez Carreño shares the story behind her path from Mexico to Ypsilanti, describing the family support, cultural adjustments, and mindset that shaped her final collegiate season while helping lead an international roster preparing for MAC play. The episode also features interim baseball head coach Trevor Beerman, who discusses the lessons from a demanding 16-game road stretch, the emergence of leadership within a young roster, and the significance of returning to Oestrike Stadium as the Eagles begin the next phase of their season.

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Season 8, Episode 23 opens with hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis setting the stage for EMU athletics in March, then dives into two in-depth interviews. Senior pitcher Ethan Davis discussed navigating a season of change, explaining, “I think we… faced some adversity on the pitching staff. But then… staying together through that adversity, it helped us a lot.” He highlighted consistency, preparation, and mental focus as keys to success, noting, “Being able to trust [catchers]… that’s one of the biggest things.” The episode also featured EMU Men’s Basketball Director of Operations Carlos McMath, who reflected on his path from football player to lawyer to basketball coach. McMath emphasized leadership and mentorship, saying, “Ultimately, basketball is great, but I want to make sure he’s a great young man. He represents our last name with respect and integrity.” He shared lessons from sports and law school, adding, “Invest in yourself. Figure out your goals, map it out, and when the map gets destroyed, remap it again.” The show captures both athletic insight and personal development, framing March as a time of competition, growth, and preparation for EMU athletes.

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Season 8, Episode 22 centers on two in depth conversations, beginning with Eastern Michigan freshman guard Gregory Lawson II, who reflects on earning a larger role, building confidence, and embracing defense as injuries reshaped the rotation, saying, “At first, it was kind of nervous… but now I’m ready,” and crediting steady belief with “staying confident” during his recent scoring surge, while also sharing how family ties and long term recruiting trust made EMU feel like home; the episode then shifts to Andrew Sivulka, president of Endurium’s newly formed VIPER division, who traces his path from SEC diver to business leader and explains how his firm works “week in and week out” with clients, adding, “We’re coaches, and we’re players too,” as he outlines a hands on approach to cutting costs, driving efficiency, and strengthening community partnerships with Eastern Michigan athletics.

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Season 8, Episode 21 centers on two in-depth conversations that highlight preparation and possibility across Eastern Michigan athletics. Men’s golf coach Andy Walker details how winter training, national rankings, and a deep roster have positioned his team for a MAC title push, stressing that “Golf is an outdoor sport” while embracing indoor work to refine “process and mentality and breathing.” He points to leaders like Charlie Box, who “wants to tear your guts out,” and a healthier lineup as key pieces in a postseason chase where “MAC determines postseason for us this year.” The episode then shifts to former track star Jasmine Jones, who reflects on her foundation at EMU and her path to the 2026 Winter Olympics in bobsled. “It’s definitely created this foundation that I needed,” Jones says of her Eastern career, recounting the moment she heard her name called for Olympic selection while “sitting on pins and needles.” From rebuilding confidence after her first World Cup win to balancing motherhood and elite sport, Jones shares a story grounded in belief, closing with a message that defines the episode’s tone: “As long as you believe it and you can strive to do it, then go do it.”

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Season 8, Episode 20 centers on voices shaping Eastern Michigan athletics, with women’s golf coach Josh Brewer and interim baseball coach Trevor Beerman leading the conversation. Brewer shares belief built through winter work, national ranking momentum, and a roster driven by daily competition as the spring season begins on the West Coast. Beerman details a transition marked by trust, continuity, and hunger, pointing to leadership within the locker room, growth on the mound, and pride tied to Oestrike Stadium. Framed by the show’s 200th episode milestone, the interviews carry a feature tone rooted in purpose, patience, and programs pushing toward championships.

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The episode featured extended conversations with Eastern Michigan lacrosse head coach Maddie Dugan and sophomore Alex Paterson, placing the focus squarely on people driving the program forward. Dugan discussed life after a regular-season conference title, describing excitement around returning talent, a strengthened coaching staff, and clear goals of postseason advancement. “We’re excited and expected to do well this year,” Dugan said, pointing to experience, balance on offense, and a physical defensive identity as foundations entering the season. The second interview shifted to Paterson, who shared a personal journey back to the field after suffering burns across 28 percent of her body in an off-field accident. Patterson detailed recovery, surgery, and relearning how to walk, all while keeping lacrosse at the center of her motivation. “My first question was asking if I could play lacrosse again,” she said. Together, the interviews framed a show built on ambition, growth, and perseverance within Eastern Michigan lacrosse.

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Episode 18 opened with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a busy week across EMU Athletics, from women’s basketball honoring the day against Toledo to a packed doubleheader and campus events. The conversation touched on national college football, then shifted home as senior gymnast Kyrie Lowe discussed an unbeaten start, all-around success, leadership growth, and balance inside the gym and classroom. Men’s basketball head coach Stan Heath followed with a breakdown of the Bowling Green comeback effort, growth from Braelon Green and Mehki Ellison, and lessons shaping preparation for Kent State. Together, the show blended reflection, competition, and forward motion across the department.

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Episode 17 opened the new year with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis blending humor with momentum before spotlighting two voices shaping EMU’s winter season. Gymnastics junior Gwendelyn Cantu reflected on her first career vault win, the confidence built through training, and the energy driving a resurgent program ahead of a themed home meet. Tennis coach Ryan Kucera followed with a look at the spring season shift, team culture, and the growth of a young roster as match play begins. Together, the conversations framed a semester fueled by belief, preparation, and competitive edge across Eastern Michigan athletics.

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