Eastern Michigan Athletics
Podcasts
Season 6 - Episode 25: Ballers and Spikers

Published on 3/11/2024
Published on 3/11/2024
Get ready to spring forward with Episode 25 of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Eastern Insider Podcast!
As National Napping Day offers respite from daylight savings, we delve into the thrilling conclusion of EMU basketball's regular season, from the men's shocking upset at Akron to the women's victorious Senior Day. Our MAC Tournament predictions are sure to keep you on your toes! Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner shift their focus to the volleyball court, chatting with sophomore Kendal Bonney about her transition to D1 play and managing type 1 diabetes. Director of Operations Remy Foeman joins Greg to discuss the evolution of volleyball and building a winning culture at EMU, drawing from her own playing days at Maryland and her role alongside Head Coach Kevin Foeman.
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The latest episode of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE showcased a week of determination and progress across Eastern Michigan athletics. Hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened with updates on EMU soccer's key win over Akron that kept the Eagles in MAC Tournament contention and volleyball's upcoming series against Buffalo. The spotlight centered on senior setter and captain Ashlynn Belcher, who shared her story of transferring from Old Dominion and immediately earning her teammates' respect as a leader. Belcher reflected on her growth, her father's influence as a former Major League pitcher, and her appreciation for the team she calls her favorite of her career. The show also previewed EMU football's return to Rynearson Stadium for a pivotal matchup against defending MAC champion Ohio, part of a packed Made in the Mitten and Band Day celebration expected to draw more than 1,100 band members to campus.
Published on 10/20/2025

The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE turned its focus to defense and tradition in Episode 8, as hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis recapped EMU's hard-fought win over Northern Illinois and previewed the road trip to Miami. Head Coach Chris Creighton praised the Eagles' progress, pointing to improved tackling and execution as keys to sustaining success in conference play. The show also honored two legends entering the E-Club Hall of Fame, men's basketball great John Bowler and women's standout Nikki Knapp, whose careers embodied the competitive spirit that defines Eastern Michigan. With added updates across fall sports, the episode balanced on-field insight with a celebration of athletic legacy in Ypsilanti.
Published on 10/13/2025

Eastern Michigan's latest Eastern Insider Podcast mixed football grit with volleyball leadership. Head Coach Chris Creighton praised his team's aggressive mindset and offensive improvement despite an overtime loss at Buffalo, while previewing Saturday's Car Show Game against Northern Illinois. On the volleyball court, junior captain Surabhi Srinivasan shared how she transitioned from a limited role early in her career to becoming a trusted leader voted in by her teammates. She discussed her growth, balance between humor and focus, and the pride she feels representing EMU both on the court and in the classroom.
Published on 10/6/2025

The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE returned with a packed sixth episode as co-hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis recapped Eastern Michigan's rivalry loss at Central Michigan, highlighted standout running back Dante McMillan, and previewed this week's road trip to Buffalo. Head Coach Chris Creighton joined the show to stress the need for game-changing plays and consistent energy, while also praising McMillan as the toughest player on the roster. The episode shifted to alumni success as Davis sat down with former EMU pitcher Anthony Tomey, who reflected on his championship days in Ypsilanti, the honor of receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, and his growth as CEO of The Tomey Group, which now operates 50 Jimmy John's locations and brands like 8 Mile Vodka and Born in Detroit. Alongside football and alumni features, the show also spotlighted women's soccer, volleyball, baseball's "wildcard weekend," and even mixed in some Detroit sports talk, keeping the blend of athletics and personality at the forefront.
Published on 9/29/2025