Enthusiastic Life | with Brendan Walsh

Brendan Walsh
  • 5.0 (7)
  • CAREERS

Brendan Walsh is the host of the Enthusiastic Life podcast - where he interviews friends, colleagues, and all around interesting people to learn about their origin stories, what's made them successful, what lessons they've learned throughout life and most importantly what's bringing them joy

  1. Ep 25 — Katie Katz: The Estate Planning Gap & Building Mitzi for Women and Families

    1D AGO

    Ep 25 — Katie Katz: The Estate Planning Gap & Building Mitzi for Women and Families

    In Episode 25, Brendan sits down with Katie Katz, founder of Mitzi, a company built to solve one of the most overlooked problems in America today — the estate planning gap. Today, nearly 70% of Americans don’t have a plan in place, and many don’t even realize they need one. Katie shares how her experiences across law, nonprofit work, and finance revealed just how broken and inaccessible the system is — especially for women and families. She explains why this gap matters so deeply, from preserving generational wealth to reducing the emotional and administrative burden placed on loved ones during life’s hardest moments. With women expected to inherit $84 trillion over the next two decades, the stakes have never been higher — yet confidence and access remain low. Mitzi is Katie’s answer: a more human, approachable way to help people plan, protect, and move forward with clarity and peace of mind. In this episode, we cover:  What the “estate planning gap” is — and why 70% of Americans are unprepared  Why this issue disproportionately affects women and families  The emotional and financial consequences of not having a plan  Katie’s journey from law, nonprofit, and finance into entrepreneurship  How Mitzi is rethinking estate planning to make it more accessible and human  Why confidence, clarity, and control matter in planning for the future 🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    36 min
  2. Ep 24 — Dr. Seth Krupp: Inside Emergency Medicine & Building the Future of Care in Detroit

    MAR 10

    Ep 24 — Dr. Seth Krupp: Inside Emergency Medicine & Building the Future of Care in Detroit

    In Episode 24, Brendan sits down with longtime friend Dr. Seth Krupp, Vice Chair of Operations for the Emergency Department at Henry Ford Health. Seth shares the story of how he found his calling in emergency medicine, what residency was really like inside one of the country’s most respected training programs, and how he ultimately made his way to Detroit. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the massive work underway to design and build a brand-new emergency department and hospital, opening in 2029. From interviewing ED teams across the country to rethinking patient flow, staffing, technology, and even the helicopter operations — Seth explains how this new space is being built with intention, humanity, and impact. This episode blends medicine, design, leadership, and some unexpectedly awesome stories (including the helicopter ones). In this episode, we cover: Seth’s path into emergency medicine and what drew him to the fieldWhat it was really like training in a high-intensity residency programHow he came to Detroit and what makes its medical community specialThe design process behind Henry Ford Health’s new emergency department & hospitalHelicopters, jumpsuits, and other unexpected parts of the jobSeth's love for trees and his passion project on the Grosse Pointe City Council🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    47 min
  3. Ep 23 - Adam Steiner: From Performing Worldwide to Reinventing a Family Business

    MAR 3

    Ep 23 - Adam Steiner: From Performing Worldwide to Reinventing a Family Business

    In Episode 23, Brendan sits down with Adam Steiner, a performer whose career has taken him from musical theatre stages across the country and around the world — including national and international tours of Cats, Gypsy, and Shrek the Musical. Adam shares what life is really like on the road, the highs and challenges of performing night after night, and how his years in theatre shaped his identity. Today, Adam channels his creativity into running Steiner Merchandise — known for their “Good Times Soft Shirts” — where he’s expanded the family business into new markets, new products, and even the fast-growing world of TikTok Shop. The conversation wraps with reflections on family, healthy habits, and how performers find ways to scratch the creative itch long after leaving the stage. In this episode, we cover: Adam’s early career in musical theatre and performing on national & international toursWhat life is really like on the road as a full-time performerHow he took over and reinvented the family business, Steiner MerchandiseDiversifying products, finding new audiences, and embracing TikTok ShopStaying creative, staying healthy, and keeping the “performer energy” aliveThe role family plays in work, life, and legacy🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    43 min
  4. Ep 22 — Lorna G. Utley: Lessons from the Woman Who Helped Shape General Motors’ Culture

    FEB 24

    Ep 22 — Lorna G. Utley: Lessons from the Woman Who Helped Shape General Motors’ Culture

    In Episode 22, Brendan sits down with Lorna Utley, a leader whose career spans more than two decades at General Motors—including serving as Head of HR during some of the company’s most pivotal years. Lorna shares what it was like to work at one of the largest companies in the world during its heyday, where she helped shape workplace culture, policy, and people strategy for hundreds of thousands of employees. She also reflects on her decade of leadership at Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, where she served on the board before becoming CEO, leading major initiatives that strengthened the organization and the community. This conversation blends insider stories from Detroit’s auto industry, powerful lessons on leadership, her passion for golf, and deeply personal insights on marriage and family—Lorna and her husband Jud have been married for 49 years, and her advice is some of the most heartfelt we’ve heard on the show. In this episode, we cover: What it was really like to lead HR at GM during its most influential eraHow workplace policies evolved and the role Lorna played in shaping themHer journey from GM to leading Goodwill Greater DetroitInsights on leadership, culture, and developing peopleHer love for golf—including favorite courses around the worldHer wisdom on marriage, relationships, and building a strong family life🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    46 min
  5. Ep 21 - Ryan Dewan: From College Golf to Creative Founder

    FEB 17

    Ep 21 - Ryan Dewan: From College Golf to Creative Founder

    In Episode 21, Brendan sits down with a familiar face — Ryan Dewan, co-founder of Wave Media, creative director, storyteller, dad, golfer, and the producer behind The Enthusiastic Life Podcast. With a last-minute cancellation, Ryan stepped in as today’s guest, opening the door for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on his journey and the heart behind Wave Media. Ryan shares how he went from working construction to radically changing direction and building a creative agency from the ground up. He talks about life inside the media and production world, the lessons that shaped him, and some of his favorite shoots and projects over the years. They also dive into Ryan’s college golf days, his love for fatherhood, and the story of how he and Brendan met — and how that connection sparked the growth of this podcast. This episode is honest, wide-ranging, and a chance to hear the story behind the storytellers. In this episode, we cover: Ryan’s journey from construction to launching Wave MediaWhat he’s learned building a creative career from scratchFavorite projects, shoots, and experiences in the production worldCollege golf, competition, and how the game shaped himLife as a dad and building a life aligned with valuesHow Brendan and Ryan met — and why the EL Pod matters so much to both🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    44 min
  6. Ep 20 - Matt Dery: Inside the Career of a Sports Broadcaster, Detroit Sports Legends & the Psychology of Exit Planning

    FEB 10

    Ep 20 - Matt Dery: Inside the Career of a Sports Broadcaster, Detroit Sports Legends & the Psychology of Exit Planning

    In Episode 20, Brendan sits down with Matt Dery, a 30-year sports broadcasting veteran and one of the most recognizable voices in Detroit sports media. Matt shares stories from his decades of play-by-play, reporting, and interviewing — including behind-the-scenes moments with Detroit sports legends and the lessons he learned living inside the world of professional sports. From radio days to TV hits to hosting Locked On Lions and the Dery Brothers GuardiansCast, Matt walks through a career shaped by preparation, persistence, and a deep love for the craft. They also discuss Matt’s newest chapter at Financial Architects, where he brings his communication and relationship-building skills into marketing, recruiting, and business development. This episode is packed with storytelling, nostalgia, and wisdom from a career spent behind the mic. In this episode, we cover: Matt’s early days breaking into sports journalismWhat it’s really like calling play-by-play at a professional levelBehind-the-scenes stories from interviewing Detroit sports legendsThe evolution of sports media from radio → TV → podcastingWhy storytelling is central to great broadcastingMatt’s shift to Financial Architects and how he now builds relationships off-air🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    51 min
  7. Ep 19 — Lulu Fall: The Journey to Broadway, the Power of Art & Leading Cabaret 313

    FEB 3

    Ep 19 — Lulu Fall: The Journey to Broadway, the Power of Art & Leading Cabaret 313

    In Episode 19, Brendan sits down with Lulu Fall, a multidisciplinary artist whose long, winding path to Broadway is as inspiring as her work itself. Lulu opens up about her deep love for music, theater, and the arts — and the perseverance required to navigate setbacks, self-discovery, and the grind of a creative career. Today, Lulu continues her artistic work while serving as the Executive Director of Cabaret 313, where she helps elevate Detroit’s performing arts community and create platforms for intimate, world-class storytelling. This episode explores creativity, resilience, the realities of the Broadway journey, and what it means to dedicate your life to the arts. In this episode, we cover: Lulu’s long road to performing on BroadwayThe determination and self-belief required for a creative careerHer love for the arts, theatre, and music — and how they shaped her identityWhat she’s learned from performing across stage and screenHer vision as Executive Director at Cabaret 313Why storytelling and performance remain essential human experiences🎙 The Enthusiastic Life Podcast Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Follow us: Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon • Google Podcasts 🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves creativity and storytelling.

    52 min
  8. Ep 18 - Sarah Zigila: The HEART of Leadership, People Development & Human Energy

    JAN 27

    Ep 18 - Sarah Zigila: The HEART of Leadership, People Development & Human Energy

    In Episode 18, Brendan sits down with Sarah Zigila, VP of People Development at Orbis Holding Group, Vistage Speaker, Zumba instructor, and the force behind a leadership movement called HEART. Sarah’s work blends research from the HeartMath Institute with practical leadership development—showing how our emotional state doesn’t stay inside us, but radiates outward and shapes the people around us. She shares how leaders can regulate their own energy, create healthier environments, and lead with intention, presence, and humanity. This conversation goes deep into emotional intelligence, culture-building, and what it truly means to develop people from the inside out. In this episode, we cover: Sarah’s journey into people development and leadership coachingThe science of emotional energy and HeartMath researchWhy leaders must understand the impact of their internal stateThe HEART framework and how it’s reshaping leadership trainingHow movement, mindfulness, and self-awareness build better teams🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Brendan Walsh is the host of the Enthusiastic Life podcast - where he interviews friends, colleagues, and all around interesting people to learn about their origin stories, what's made them successful, what lessons they've learned throughout life and most importantly what's bringing them joy

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