Eastern Michigan Athletics
Podcasts
Season 7 - Episode 1: New Beginnings and Big Wins
Published on 8/26/2024
Published on 8/26/2024
The season seven premiere of the Eastern Insider Podcast, hosted by Greg Steiner and Tom Helmer, sets a vibrant tone for the year ahead, blending light-hearted banter with deep dives into Eastern Michigan University's athletic programs. The episode kicks off with Helmer's amusing recount of a family trip to Disney, where an unexpectedly intense roller coaster ride led to both thrills and spills. This light-hearted start transitions smoothly into a celebration of EMU women's soccer, now under the leadership of new head coach Taylor Clarke.
Clarke's arrival marks a turning point for the program, with the team already off to an impressive 3-0 start. Steiner and Helmer commend the squad's noticeable improvements in conditioning and tactics, reflecting Clarke's vision for a fast-paced, aggressive style of play. Clarke, who has cultivated a close-knit coaching staff that shares a deep personal connection, emphasizes the importance of a cohesive, family-like atmosphere. His strategy of integrating a few key transfers while maintaining the core of the existing team has paid off, as the Eagles soar into the new season with confidence and determination.
The podcast then shifts focus to the highly anticipated football season opener against UMass, a future Mid-American Conference member. The hosts explore the complexities of the matchup, including UMass's rigorous "Thunderstruck drill," designed to maximize the team's speed and agility. Football head coach Chris Creighton, entering his 11th season at EMU, shares insights on the challenges of blending a large group of newcomers with seasoned players, reflecting on his extensive experience in team management from his Division III coaching days.
Creighton also underscores the importance of EMU's core values—belief, excellence, and togetherness—established at the start of his tenure and crucial to the team's resilience and growth. As college football evolves with the rise of NIL and the transfer portal, Creighton remains steadfast in his commitment to nurturing a strong, character-driven program.
Overall, the season premiere of the Eastern Insider Podcast not only entertains but also provides fans with a comprehensive look at what's in store for EMU athletics. With engaging storytelling and in-depth analysis, Steiner and Helmer lay the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year across all sports.
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The Eastern Insider wrapped up 2025 with a fast mix of holiday music talk, lighthearted moments and major news across EMU athletics. Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened with favorite songs and a story about Davis dressing as a Christmas tree in Detroit before shifting to football honors, a 37 player signing class and the team banquet that highlighted Dante McMillan. They moved to basketball updates, including a look at freshman guard Peyton Hill, who later detailed her early rise and strong support system. The episode also covered women's games against Indiana and Ball State, the men's December road stretch and a return home against UMass. The show previewed gymnastics, noted several sports coming back in January and closed by celebrating WEMU's 60th anniversary.
Published on 12/8/2025
Episode 15 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE begins with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis breaking down what they called "a lot of W's" across Eastern Michigan, led by the men's basketball team's road upset at Cincinnati, the program's first Power Conference road victory in a decade. The hosts joke about Steiner's prediction and detail the scheduling quirks, late-night travel, and quick holiday turnaround that framed back-to-back wins before previewing upcoming matchups with Butler and Cleary. They highlight the women's team's strong start and set up two major interviews, including point guard Ainhoa Cea discussing her move from Spain and her growing impact, and President James Smith reflecting on his decade of leadership, community ties, and upcoming retirement. The segment closes with reminders about Giving Tuesday, football signing da,y and Friday's basketball doubleheader.
Published on 12/1/2025
Episode 14 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE sets the scene for Eastern Michigans rivalry matchup with Western Michigan as Greg Steiner and Elena Davis break down postseason paths, revisit Westerns last trip to the MAC Championship, and outline the stakes for EMU's senior night. The hosts move through football promotions, highlight recent men's and women's basketball results, and preview the episodes featured interviews. Chris Creighton explains his teams late season growth, senior leadership, and the challenge Western brings to the finale. Ruby Brannon shares her transition from Australia to Division I basketball, her adjustment to American culture and style of play, and the impact of EMUs international roster on her comfort and development.
Published on 11/24/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE shifted past its light opening banter and focused on two interviews that framed the episode. Junior swimmer Lucy Noble detailed her path from Florida to Eastern Michigan, her work behind the camera, her years as a lifeguard, and her approach as a team captain. She also discussed the adjustment to Michigan seasons and the bonds that define the roster. The show then turned to head football coach Chris Creighton, who spoke about reaching 200 career wins and the people who shaped his three-decade journey. He pointed to former players, colleagues, and mentors who reconnected during the week, and he reviewed the defensive surge, special teams execution, and road performance that carried Eastern Michigan to the milestone victory.
Published on 11/17/2025