Enlighten U

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.