Enthusiastic Life | with Brendan Walsh

Brendan Walsh
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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 39 - Rachel Adenaas: From Mrs. Michigan to Motherhood, Pageants & an Unbelievable Love Story

    4d ago

    Ep 39 - Rachel Adenaas: From Mrs. Michigan to Motherhood, Pageants & an Unbelievable Love Story

    In Episode 39, Brendan sits down with Rachel Adenaas, former Mrs. Michigan-America, for a conversation that goes far beyond the pageant stage. Rachel shares her journey through the world of pageants — what drew her to it, what she loves about it, and how she has continued to support and stay connected to that community over the years. But what makes this episode truly unforgettable is her incredible, storybook-style love story with her husband, Christian — a story that feels almost too wild to be real. They also dive into Rachel’s life today as a mom and wife, her work as a substitute teacher in Grosse Pointe, and her role with Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle, where she highlights and supports local businesses throughout the community. This episode is about love, purpose, and embracing every chapter of life — even the ones you never saw coming. In this episode, we cover:  Rachel’s journey through the pageant world  What she loves about pageants and the community around them  How she’s continued to support that world beyond competing  Her unbelievable love story with her husband  Life as a mom and balancing multiple roles  Her work as a substitute teacher in Grosse Pointe  Supporting local businesses through Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle 🔗 Connect with Rachel / Learn more: 📲 Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle → https://citylifestyle.com/grossepointe 🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Follow us on social: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/enthusiasticlifepod Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/enthusiasticlifepod 🎧 Listen on: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon • Google Podcasts

    33 min
  2. Ep 38 — Josh Gershonowicz: What Happens After You Sell Your Company?

    Jun 30

    Ep 38 — Josh Gershonowicz: What Happens After You Sell Your Company?

    In Episode 38, Brendan sits down with Josh Gershonowicz, founder, entrepreneur, and advertising executive, for a candid conversation about life, business, and what comes after success. Josh shares his journey building a company in the advertising industry, growing it over time, and ultimately making the decision to sell. But what makes this conversation especially compelling is what comes next — the often unspoken reality of what life feels like the day after a major exit. They dive into the emotional and mental side of transitioning out of something you’ve built, the identity shift that comes with it, and how success doesn’t always feel the way you expect it to. Beyond business, the conversation explores family, personal growth, and Josh’s connection to Detroit — including his work and vision for the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood, as well as his new venture, Shortlist. This episode is about ambition, identity, and navigating what comes after you reach a major milestone. In this episode, we cover:  Josh’s journey as a founder in the advertising industry  What it takes to grow and sell a business  What the day after selling a company actually feels like  The mental and emotional impact of an exit  Identity shifts after success  Family, life, and personal priorities  His connection to Detroit and the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood  His new venture, Shortlist 🔗 Learn more about Shortlist: 🌐 https://getshortlist.co/ 🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/enthusiasticlifepod 📲 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/enthusiasticlifepod 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms

    35 min
  3. Ep 37 - Amy Peterson: Turning Detroit’s Story Into Jewelry & Building a Mission-Driven Brand

    Jun 23

    Ep 37 - Amy Peterson: Turning Detroit’s Story Into Jewelry & Building a Mission-Driven Brand

    In Episode 37, Brendan sits down with Amy Peterson, co-founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, for a conversation about vision, resilience, and building something meaningful. Amy shares her early dream of becoming the first female General Manager in Major League Baseball — a goal that shaped her mindset and decision-making from a young age. But as her journey evolved, so did her path, ultimately leading her into entrepreneurship and the creation of a mission-driven business rooted in Detroit. What started with a simple moment — finding a piece of graffiti on the ground along the Dequindre Cut — turned into something much bigger. That moment sparked the idea behind Rebel Nell, a company that transforms reclaimed materials into jewelry while creating opportunities for women facing barriers to employment. Amy also talks about her work building community spaces like The Congregation and The Rectory, her background as corporate counsel for the Detroit Tigers, and her passion for creating businesses that have both purpose and impact. This episode is about following a vision, embracing the unexpected, and turning everyday moments into something extraordinary. In this episode, we cover:  Amy’s early dream of becoming a Major League Baseball GM  How that vision shaped her decisions growing up  Her transition from law and sports into entrepreneurship  The origin story of Rebel Nell  Turning Detroit graffiti into meaningful art and jewelry  Building a mission-driven business that supports women  Creating community spaces in Detroit  The importance of persistence, vision, and purpose 🔗 Learn more about Rebel Nell: 🌐 https://www.rebelnell.com 🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/enthusiasticlifepod 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms

    46 min
  4. Ep 36 - Matt Pepper: Can Pets Actually Make a City Happier?

    Jun 16

    Ep 36 - Matt Pepper: Can Pets Actually Make a City Happier?

    In Episode 36, Brendan sits down with Matt Pepper, CEO of Michigan Humane, for a conversation about the powerful role animals play in shaping stronger, healthier communities. Matt shares his journey through leadership in animal welfare across the country — but one of the most impactful moments came during his time volunteering in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That experience gave him a firsthand look at how deeply connected people are to their pets, especially in times of crisis, and how that bond can shape recovery, resilience, and community. From there, the conversation expands into the broader impact of animals in our everyday lives — from supporting families to contributing to the emotional and social health of entire cities. Matt and Brendan explore the idea that building a better, more connected community might start with something simple, yet profound: the relationship between people and animals. In this episode, we cover:  Matt’s journey into animal welfare leadership  His experience volunteering during Hurricane Katrina  What that moment revealed about people and their connection to pets  His role as CEO of Michigan Humane  The impact pets have on families and individuals  How animals contribute to stronger, healthier communities  Why pets play a bigger role in city life than most people realize 🔗 Learn more about Michigan Humane: 🌐 https://www.michiganhumane.org 🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Follow us: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/enthusiasticlifepod Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/enthusiasticlifepod 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

    31 min
  5. Ep 35 - Sean Mann: From Neighborhood Soccer League to Detroit City FC

    Jun 2

    Ep 35 - Sean Mann: From Neighborhood Soccer League to Detroit City FC

    In Episode 35, Brendan sits down with Sean Mann, co-founder and CEO of Detroit City FC, for a deep dive into one of the most unique and community-driven stories in American sports. Sean shares his journey from growing up in Michigan to studying abroad in Greece — where his love for football (soccer) first began — to his time working in politics both in Lansing and overseas at the UK House of Commons. But it was his return to Detroit, and his desire to build something meaningful within the city, that truly set everything in motion. What started as a neighborhood soccer league rooted in community and service eventually evolved into Detroit City FC — a professional club known across the country (and beyond) for its passionate supporters and electric matchday atmosphere. They also explore the culture behind DCFC, the legacy of Keyworth Stadium, and what’s next for the club as they prepare for a new era with a state-of-the-art stadium. This episode is about building something that belongs to the city — and the people who make it special. In this episode, we cover:  Sean’s roots in Michigan and his time at Kalamazoo College  How studying abroad in Greece sparked his love for soccer  His experience working in politics and at the UK House of Commons  Returning to Detroit with a desire to build community  The origins of Detroit City FC as a neighborhood league  The growth into a professional soccer club  The culture and passion behind DCFC supporters  The legacy of Keyworth Stadium  What’s next for the club and its future home 🔗 Learn more about Detroit City FC: 🌐 https://www.detcityfc.com 🎙 The Enthusiastic Life PodcastHosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Follow us on social: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/enthusiasticlifepod Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/enthusiasticlifepod 🌐 Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon • Google Podcasts

    40 min
  6. Ep 34 - Marie Wallace: From France to Detroit, Building The French Cow & Chasing a Dream

    May 27

    Ep 34 - Marie Wallace: From France to Detroit, Building The French Cow & Chasing a Dream

    In Episode 34, Brendan sits down with Marie Wallace, founder of Detroit’s beloved crepe shop, The French Cow, for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is unexpected. Marie shares her journey from growing up in France to immigrating to Detroit in 2004 — a dream sparked, in part, by her love for Eminem. What started as a bold leap across the world eventually became a growing business, beginning as a small pop-up at Eastern Market and evolving into a staple in the Detroit food scene. But this conversation goes far beyond crepes. Marie opens up about her passion for storytelling and screenwriting, including a TV series she once wrote based on her own journey to America. They also explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the emotional and cultural layers of immigration, and what it means to build a life — and a business — in a new place. This episode is about taking risks, chasing something bigger, and finding your place along the way. In this episode, we cover:  Marie’s journey from France to Detroit  The unexpected influence of American culture (and Eminem) on her path  Starting The French Cow as a pop-up and growing it into a Detroit staple  The realities of running a food and catering business  Her passion for screenwriting and storytelling  The immigrant experience and building a life in a new country  Her favorite Detroit restaurants, coffee spots, and film picks 🎙 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.

    35 min
  7. Ep 33 - Eric Larson: A Life in Real Estate, Building Detroit & Generational Lessons

    May 20

    Ep 33 - Eric Larson: A Life in Real Estate, Building Detroit & Generational Lessons

    In Episode 33, Brendan sits down with Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership and a longtime leader in real estate development and urban revitalization. Eric shares the winding path that led him into real estate, the decades of change he’s witnessed across Detroit, and the pivotal moments that helped shape the city into what it is today. From large-scale development to infrastructure investment, his career offers a front-row seat to Detroit’s evolution. They also dive into the personal side of the journey — including Eric’s relationship with his father, the lessons he learned working alongside him, and how mentorship and family shaped his approach to leadership. This conversation is about perspective, legacy, and what makes Detroit such a special place — both now and in the future. In this episode, we cover:  Eric’s path into real estate and development  The transformation of Detroit over the past few decades  What makes Detroit a city to watch moving forward  Leadership lessons from a career in large-scale development  Working with his father and the impact of mentorship  What’s bringing him joy in this season of 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.

    37 min
  8. Ep 32 - Dawn Riley: First Woman to Win an America’s Cup & Sail Around the World Twice

    May 13

    Ep 32 - Dawn Riley: First Woman to Win an America’s Cup & Sail Around the World Twice

    In Episode 32, Brendan sits down with Dawn Riley, one of the most accomplished sailors in the history of the sport. A four-time competitor in the America’s Cup—the oldest international competition in the world—Dawn has sailed over 33,000 miles in a single race, competed in multiple around-the-world expeditions, and earned her place in multiple Halls of Fame. Today, she serves as Executive Director of Oakcliff Sailing, where she’s developing the next generation of leaders through the sport. This conversation is packed with incredible stories from the open ocean, lessons on leadership under pressure, and a deep passion for what it means to dedicate your life to a craft. Even if you know nothing about sailing — this one will pull you in. In this episode, we cover:  What it’s like competing in the America’s Cup  Sailing 33,000 miles around the world  Leadership and teamwork in extreme environments  The evolution of sailing as a sport  Dawn’s role at Oakcliff Sailing  Stories from a lifetime spent on the water 🎙 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.

    57 min
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5
out of 5
8 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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