Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University’s podcast “Enlighten U” has released an October 2025 episode focused on toxic trends in college dating relationships. The episode discusses issues such as situationships, love bombing, breadcrumbing, and future-faking, highlighting the pressures and challenges students may encounter while dating.

The discussion features Maura Lane, a graduate student in clinical research administration at EMU, and Dwight Hamilton, the university’s chief access and opportunity officer. They share advice on identifying unhealthy relationship patterns and emphasize the importance of self-care when building connections. During the episode, Lane and Hamilton introduce “Same Page,” a new EMU initiative that includes programming, curriculum, events, and dialogue centered on healthy relationships.

A September 2024 article in the Journal of Social Research notes that individuals affected by toxic relationships often experience low self-esteem and decreased confidence. These effects can contribute to mental health problems like anxiety, stress, and depression.

Melissa Thrasher, co-host of “Enlighten U” and EMU executive director of media relations and social media, commented on the relevance of the topic. “I’m grateful we had the chance to have an open, honest conversation about what distinguishes healthy relationships from those that can negatively impact our mental health and overall well-being,” said Thrasher. “This segment offers an invaluable resource for young people, helping them recognize which relationships uplift them and which may drain their energy or distract them from their academic goals.”

The podcast is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms. For further information or to submit topics or guest suggestions for future episodes, contacts are provided for Lolita Cummings (lcummin2@emich.edu), Melissa Thrasher (mthrashe@emich.edu), or directly via Enlighten_U@emich.edu.

“Enlighten U” is produced by Eastern Michigan University for college students dealing with academic pressures and personal growth challenges. Each monthly episode features a student or alum alongside a subject-matter expert discussing topics related to mental health such as imposter syndrome, financial strain, grading anxiety, adjustment to campus life, social media harms, social justice issues, among others.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan’s second-oldest public university,Eastern Michigan University enrolls over 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral programs. The institution offers more than 300 areas of study through its various colleges including Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; along with its Graduate School.EMU is recognized nationally for excellence, diversity initiatives,and commitment to applied education.