Enthusiastic Life | with Brendan Walsh

Brendan Walsh
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Personal Journals

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. 1d ago

    Ep. 55 - Yorg Detroit: Rock Star, Filmmaker, Storyteller & Detroit Creative Icon

    In Episode 55 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Detroit musician, filmmaker, photographer, and content creator Yorg Kerasiotis — better known as Yorg Detroit — for a conversation about music, creativity, storytelling, social media, and the city that inspires it all. Yorg's creative journey began on stage, playing in bands and touring across the country. But over time, his passion for music evolved into a new creative pursuit: capturing the artists, performances, and personalities around him through photography and film. That transition eventually led Yorg into the world of social media, where he's become known for using short-form video, photography, and authentic storytelling to help local businesses, brands, and fellow artists connect with their audiences. Brendan and Yorg dive into the evolution of his creative career, the art of capturing great content, what makes social media storytelling effective, and why Detroit continues to produce such an incredible amount of musical talent. And in a full-circle moment, Yorg shares how he's returned to performing music, playing alongside his friend and country music artist Louie Lee. In this episode: Yorg's early years playing in bands and touring the countryTransitioning from musician to photographer and filmmakerCapturing live music, artists, and creative personalitiesThe art of photography and visual storytellingUsing short-form video to grow brands and local businessesWhat makes engaging social media contentSupporting Detroit's artists and creative communityWhy Detroit has produced so many influential musiciansBuilding a career around creativity and passionReturning to the stage with country music artist Louie LeeThe Enthusiastic Life Podcast Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media Follow Yorg Detroit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorgdetroit/ Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

    Ep. 55 - Yorg Detroit: Rock Star, Filmmaker, Storyteller & Detroit Creative Icon

  2. Oct 28

    Ep. 54 - Mark Rieth: Building, Selling & Buying Back Atwater Brewery - Lessons in Entrepreneurship

    In Episode 54 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Detroit entrepreneur Mark Rieth, the businessman behind Atwater Brewery, FÜL Beverage, and the revival of Velvet Peanut Butter, for a fascinating conversation about entrepreneurship, taking risks, building great brands, and betting on yourself. Mark's entrepreneurial journey began with a simple homebrewing kit and a passion for making beer. After building a career in the automotive industry, he decided to take a chance on himself, eventually purchasing Detroit's Atwater Brewery and transforming it into one of Michigan's most successful craft beer brands. In 2020, Mark sold Atwater to Molson Coors. Six years later, his journey came full circle when he had the opportunity to buy back the brewery he helped build. But Mark's story doesn't end with beer. He shares his experiences launching a functional beverage company, bringing the historic Detroit brand Velvet Peanut Butter back to life, and discovering what it really takes to build a brand that people connect with. Brendan and Mark also explore the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs should avoid, lessons learned through decades of business ownership, and Mark's passion for Michigan State University, where he serves on the Broad College of Business Advisory Board. In this episode: From homebrewing as a hobby to owning Atwater BreweryLeaving the automotive industry to pursue entrepreneurshipGrowing Atwater and selling it to Molson CoorsThe full-circle opportunity to buy back Atwater six years laterLaunching FÜL BeverageReviving Detroit's iconic Velvet Peanut ButterWhat separates great brands from average onesThe biggest pitfalls entrepreneurs should avoidTaking risks, learning from mistakes, and betting on yourselfMark's connection to Michigan State University and the Broad College of BusinessThe Enthusiastic Life Podcast Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

    Ep. 54 - Mark Rieth: Building, Selling & Buying Back Atwater Brewery - Lessons in Entrepreneurship

  3. Oct 21

    Ep 53 - Jared Kozinn: The Business of College Sports & the Future of MSU Athletics

    In Episode 53 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Jared Kozinn, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Spartan Ventures at Michigan State Athletics, for a fascinating conversation about career reinvention, the business of sports, and the future of college athletics. Jared shares his journey through the professional sports industry, including leadership roles with organizations like the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Arizona Coyotes, and the decisions that ultimately brought him to Michigan State. Brendan and Jared explore what it means to bet on yourself, embrace career changes, and navigate an industry undergoing enormous transformation. They also dive into the evolving business of college athletics, the vision behind Spartan Ventures, and what the future could look like for MSU student-athletes, fans, and the university. Along the way, Jared shares stories from his career, including meeting Magic Johnson, and reflects on balancing professional ambition with life as a dad. In this episode: Betting on yourself and making major career changesJared's journey through professional sports organizationsLessons learned working with the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Pirates, and other teamsHow the business of college athletics is evolvingThe vision behind Spartan VenturesWhat's next for Michigan State AthleticsLeadership, relationships, and career growthMeeting Magic JohnsonBalancing career ambitions with fatherhoodThe Enthusiastic Life Podcast Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media Learn more about Jared's work with MSU at https://msuspartans.com/ Spartan Ventures: https://www.spartanventures.org/ Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

    Ep 53 - Jared Kozinn: The Business of College Sports & the Future of MSU Athletics

  4. Oct 14

    Ep 52 - Ellsworth Miller: Becoming a CEO Overnight, Learning to Lead & the Power of Stoicism

    In Episode 52 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Ellsworth Miller of Ellsworth Cutting Tools for an inspiring conversation about unexpected leadership, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and the wisdom of Stoicism. Ellsworth was working in his father's cutting tool manufacturing business when his father's passing suddenly thrust him into a leadership role he had never been trained for. Faced with the responsibility of running the family business, Ellsworth had to learn what it truly meant to be a CEO — navigating challenges, developing his leadership skills, and ultimately helping the company grow to new heights. Brendan and Ellsworth explore the lessons learned along the way, the importance of building a strong workplace culture, and how continuous learning and Stoic philosophy can shape the way we lead, make decisions, and approach life's challenges. In this episode: Unexpectedly stepping into the CEO role after losing his fatherNavigating the challenges of running a family businessGrowing Ellsworth Cutting ToolsLearning to lead without formal leadership trainingBuilding a strong company cultureThe importance of mentorship and VistageLifelong learning and developing better habitsStoicism and its application to business and everyday lifeBooks, philosophies, and lessons that have shaped Ellsworth's mindsetThe Enthusiastic Life Podcast Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media Learn more about Ellsworth Cutting Tools: https://www.ellsworthtoolsusa.com/about Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

    Ep 52 - Ellsworth Miller: Becoming a CEO Overnight, Learning to Lead & the Power of Stoicism

  5. Sep 30

    Ep 50 - Rod Arroyo: Uncovering the Lost Stories That Shaped Detroit

    Episode 50 of the Enthusiastic Life Podcast features Rod Arroyo - founder of Detroit Legacy Tours, urban planner, photographer, and passionate student of Detroit history. Rod joins Brendan for a fascinating look at the city of Detroit - from the decisions that shaped its streets, neighborhoods, infrastructure, and architecture to the people and culture that made the city what it is today. In this episode: What makes Detroit different from other American citiesThe history behind Detroit's planning and infrastructureDetroit's most interesting architectureHow the city's neighborhoods developedThe incredible history of jazz in DetroitSeeing the city through the eyes of a photographerCombining photography, history, and urban planningThe stories behind Detroit Legacy Tours🎙️ Hosted by Brendan Walsh 🎥 Produced by Ryan Dewan & Wave Media Follow Enthusiastic Life: Instagram: @enthusiasticlifepodcast YouTube: Enthusiastic Life Podcast Learn more about Rod & Detroit Legacy Tours: Detroit Legacy Tours New episodes of the Enthusiastic Life Podcast every week.

    Ep 50 - Rod Arroyo: Uncovering the Lost Stories That Shaped Detroit

  6. Sep 23

    Ep 49 - Chris Moyer: How PR Shapes What We See, Hear & Believe

    What shapes the way we see the world — and who shapes the message? This week, Brendan sits down with Chris Moyer, communications strategist, public speaker, and host of Beyond Both Sides, for a fascinating conversation about the power of communication. Chris shares his unlikely journey from playing college and professional soccer overseas to building a career in PR and public affairs. They dive into how PR has influenced politics and media, how the way we consume information has completely changed, and why communication has played such an important role throughout human history. In this episode:  Playing soccer professionally overseas  Going from writer to public speaker and communicator  Building a career in PR and public affairs  How PR shapes politics, media, and public perception  How social media changed the communications industry  Why communication has been essential to human progress  Launching Beyond Both Sides Lessons Chris has learned throughout an unconventional career 🎙️ Hosted by Brendan Walsh 🎥 Produced by Ryan Dewan & Wave Media Follow Enthusiastic Life: Instagram: @enthusiasticlifepodcast YouTube: Enthusiastic Life Podcast Connect with Chris Moyer: LinkedIn: Christopher D. Moyer Podcast: Beyond Both Sides New episodes of the Enthusiastic Life Podcast every week.

    Ep 49 - Chris Moyer: How PR Shapes What We See, Hear & Believe

  7. Sep 16

    Ep 48 - Vina Taylor: Building The Zealous Root, Beating Cancer & Creating a Culture That’s Contagious

    In Episode 48 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with entrepreneur and founder of The Zealous Root, Vina Taylor. Vina shares the journey behind building The Zealous Root into much more than a salon — creating a workplace where women can thrive and a culture that clients can feel the moment they walk through the door. Founded in 2015, the Grosse Pointe Park salon was intentionally designed with contributions from Detroit artists and makers.  Vina and Brendan also have an incredibly personal conversation about her battle with breast cancer, entrepreneurship through adversity, her love of fine art, and why she's so excited about Detroit's growing creative community. In this episode:  Building The Zealous Root  Creating an incredible workplace culture for women  Vina's battle with breast cancer  Entrepreneurship through adversity  Building an experience clients want to return to  Leadership, positivity & authenticity  Vina's love of fine art  Detroit's creative renaissance The Enthusiastic Life Podcast Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media The Zealous Root Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

    Ep 48 - Vina Taylor: Building The Zealous Root, Beating Cancer & Creating a Culture That’s Contagious

  8. Sep 9

    Ep 47 - Angela Gargano: From Biochemist to 6x American Ninja Warrior

    In Episode 47 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with 6x American Ninja Warrior competitor, former biochemist, entrepreneur and keynote speaker Angela Gargano.  Angela shares her unlikely journey from working long shifts in a science lab to fitness competitions and eventually American Ninja Warrior — including the devastating ACL injury on national television that threatened to end her career and the long road back to competing again. But the conversation goes well beyond Ninja Warrior. Angela and Brendan talk about resilience, separating your identity from an outcome, building the Pull-Up Revolution, her transition into keynote speaking, and why sometimes the journey toward the goal ends up becoming more important than the goal itself. Her Pull-Up Revolution has since grown into a program centered around helping women accomplish something many once thought impossible: their first pull-up.  In this episode:  From biochemistry to fitness  The road to American Ninja Warrior Tearing her ACL on national television  Rebuilding physically and mentally  Why failure doesn't define the journey  Creating the Pull-Up Revolution  Becoming a keynote speaker  Angela's upcoming book  Resilience, confidence & doing hard things Learn more about Angela Gargano The Pull-Up Revolution The Enthusiastic Life Podcast Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media

    Ep 47 - Angela Gargano: From Biochemist to 6x American Ninja Warrior
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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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