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

    6h ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Ep 31 - Brendan Walsh: From Host to Guest - Life, Podcasting & What Matters Most

    May 6

    Ep 31 - Brendan Walsh: From Host to Guest - Life, Podcasting & What Matters Most

    For the first time, Brendan Walsh — the host and founder of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast — steps into the guest seat as Ryan takes over the mic. This conversation pulls back the curtain on Brendan’s story, from his background and life experiences to the habits, mindsets, and lessons he’s picked up from the incredible guests he’s met along the way. They talk about what inspired him to start the podcast, what he’s learned through the process, and how those conversations have shaped the way he approaches life. More than anything, this episode is about perspective — slowing down, reflecting, and focusing on what truly matters. And most importantly, Brendan shares what’s bringing him joy these days. In this episode, we cover:  Brendan’s background and personal journey  The habits and mindsets he’s adopted from podcast guests  What inspired him to start The Enthusiastic Life Podcast His favorite part about building the show  Lessons learned through conversations with others  What’s currently bringing him the most joy 🎙 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.

    33 min
  8. Ep 30 - Matt Loria: AI, Cybersecurity, Podcasting & the Power of Modern Leadership

    Apr 29

    Ep 30 - Matt Loria: AI, Cybersecurity, Podcasting & the Power of Modern Leadership

    In Episode 30, Brendan sits down with Matt Loria, CEO and Managing Partner of Auxiom, to talk about the journey from early sales roles to building and leading a high-performing technology and cybersecurity company. Matt shares stories from his early days selling extreme sports equipment, his experience working with Midwest Technology Leaders, and how those chapters shaped his approach to leadership and business. He walks through the process of starting and scaling Auxiom, the mindset required to build a strong team, and what it means to lead in today’s fast-moving tech landscape. They also dive into the impact of Vistage, the peer-to-peer leadership network both Matt and Brendan are part of, and Matt’s newest creative outlet — the BLTNT Podcast — where he’s exploring ideas around performance, mindset, and growth. This episode is about evolution, leadership, and building something that lasts. In this episode, we cover:  Matt’s early career and selling extreme sports equipment  His experience with Midwest Technology Leaders  Building and growing Auxiom into a cybersecurity and IT leader  What great leadership looks like in today’s environment  The role of Vistage in personal and professional growth  Why he started the BLTNT Podcast  Lessons from entrepreneurship, team building, and scaling a business 🎙 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
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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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