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.

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.

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 be...

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...

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...

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...

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 la...

In Episode 29, Brendan sits down with Cathy Harber, a Grosse Pointe-based realtor who has completely redefined what it looks like to succeed in real estate today.

Cathy shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to building a thriving real estate career — and ultimately becoming a local social media standout by embracing content creation in a way few others in her space were willing to try.

They dive into the mindset it takes to put yourself out there, how she built momentum through social platforms, and the pushback that comes when yo...

In Episode 28, Brendan sits down with Erik Meier, CEO of Sandler Training by EAM Consulting Group, to talk about what it really takes to succeed in sales, leadership, and business today.

Erik shares how his career in sales training evolved, the lessons he’s learned coaching professionals across industries, and why most people misunderstand what great selling actually looks like. From mindset and communication to leadership and accountability, Erik breaks down the principles that help individuals and teams perform at a higher level.

They also explore how leaders can become better co...

In Episode 27, Brendan sits down with Ashok Sivanand, a tech founder who has experienced the full arc of building, scaling, and ultimately exiting a company — and is now navigating what comes next.

Ashok shares the real story behind selling a business, what life looks like after the exit, and how his perspective on success, identity, and purpose has evolved. They dive into his work in AI and product development, but also explore something deeper — mindfulness, meditation, and how those practices shape the way he approaches both life and leadership.

The conversation also...

In Episode 26, Brendan sits down with Clint Crook, a technology leader with deep experience helping organizations solve complex business challenges through AI, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise systems.

Clint breaks down how companies are actually using AI, data, and digital tools today — moving beyond the hype to real-world applications that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making. From digital twins and data governance to large-scale enterprise integrations, Clint shares what it takes to successfully implement technology at scale.

They also explore leadership in high-stakes environments, working with C-suite teams, and ho...

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 preservi...

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 re...

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...

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 serv...

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 shap...

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 newe...

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...

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, cultur...

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Mary Zatina, General Manager of WDET 101.9FM and one of Detroit’s most respected leaders in communications, nonprofit work, and community advocacy. Mary has spent her career linking message strategy to reputation, public service, and meaningful change — whether guiding turnaround efforts, building high-performing teams, or launching major campaigns with limited resources.

She shares her journey across journalism, government, public radio, and nonprofit fundraising, offering powerful lessons on leadership, service, and staying rooted in purpose. And yes — she also delivers one of the best dog stories we've ever h...

Episode 16 — Matt Rossetti: Designing Stadiums, Cities & the Architecture of Fun

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Matt Rossetti, President & CEO of ROSSETTI and the “Chief Architect of Serious Fun.” Matt shares how he designs world-class stadiums, entertainment districts, and urban spaces by blending rigorous strategy with a philosophy centered on joy, human connection, and meaningful experiences.

He breaks down how ROSSETTI’s data-driven Return on Design process uncovers a project’s true value — and why the best architecture must go beyond form and function to shape how people feel...

Episode 15 — Ashley Davidson: Storytelling, Reinvention & Building Community Through Creativity

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Ashley Davidson, a creative strategist and storyteller whose career has taken her from the world’s biggest fashion blog to luxury brands, hospitality, and home restoration. Ashley reflects on her early days at Fashionista, her work with Chanel in France, and the storytelling campaigns she helped shape for brands like Lincoln Motor Company as they reimagined their identity.

She also shares the behind-the-scenes story of launching her Detroit bar...

I can confidently say I laughed more during this episode than any other on The Enthusiastic Life Podcast.

It was an absolute blast sitting down with Brian Katz of Umbrelic and Anchor Bay Entertainment. We had a wide-ranging, fun, and thoughtful conversation that covered everything from career paths to pop culture debates.

In this episode, we talk about:
🎬 How Brian got his start in the film industry
🤝 Why networking—and who you know—matters more than ever
🖖 Star Trek vs. Star Wars
👨‍👧 Fatherhood and the importance of being p...

In this episode of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Claude Molinari, President & CEO of Visit Detroit, one of the most influential voices shaping the region’s growth, reputation, and momentum.

Claude shares an inside look at Detroit’s continued resurgence — from major events and tourism strategy to economic impact and regional collaboration. He discusses what it takes to market an entire city, how Detroit competes on a national stage, and why he believes the region’s best days are still ahead.

This is a masterclass in leadership, storytelling, and building civic pride.

In this episode of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Kerry Duggan, a nationally recognized climate & energy expert, CEO of SustainabiliD, and senior advisor to leaders across government, tech, and industry. Kerry has worked at the highest levels — including advising the Obama-Biden Administration — and now helps organizations develop real solutions for climate, infrastructure, and resilience.

Kerry brings a powerful blend of urgency, optimism, and practicality. She shares her journey from Detroit to Washington D.C., what it’s really like influencing national energy policy, and how communities can navigate climate challenges with i...

In Episode 11, we sit down with Peter VanDyke, the visionary founder and CEO of VVK Marketing & PR. Based in Detroit and already making waves, Peter shares how he built a modern communications agency that blends PR, video, and brand storytelling — and why he says “yes” to opportunity until it demands otherwise.

From scaling a team in just a few years, acquiring national-level expertise, and redefining what executive visibility means today, Peter takes us behind the scenes of an agency on the move. He discusses the future of communications — where thought leadership, content, and executive presence rule — and shares the...

In this episode of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Armond Rashad Harris — a creator, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose work spans photography, filmmaking, fitness, and youth development. Armond is the owner of JABs Gym in Eastern Market and the founder of a growing mentorship and leadership community dedicated to empowering Detroit’s young people through guidance, exposure, and opportunity.

Armond shares his powerful story of transformation — from discovering creative expression, to becoming an entrepreneur, to stepping into his calling as a mentor. He opens up about why he invests so deeply in Detroit’s youth...

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Rob Barr, Director of Athletics & Facilities at the Detroit Athletic Club and founder of The Performance Mindset, a coaching program helping people unlock their highest potential.

Rob shares his passion for growth mindset, abundant thinking, and what it takes to lead within an organization that consistently performs at the highest level. From elevating the DAC’s athletic culture to guiding individuals in their personal fitness and wellness journeys, Rob brings a wealth of perspective on discipline, leadership, and sustainable success.

If you’re looking for motivation to level up y...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sean Cassleman, founder of Mission Metabolic Health, to talk about the intersection of fitness, medicine, and longevity.

Dr. Cassleman grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, played football at John Carroll University, and went on to study medicine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. With over a decade of experience practicing Internal Medicine in Detroit and Saint Clair Shores, he’s seen firsthand how obesity, muscle loss, and metabolic disease impact long-term health.

We dive deep in...

In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Burris, an Intellectual Property Attorney, pilot, and founder of Burris Law. Kelly’s journey spans from the ice rink at Western Michigan University, where she celebrated a National Championship win, to the skies as a licensed pilot, and now to the courtroom protecting innovation and invention.

We talk about her love for aeronautical engineering, the discipline it takes to fly, and how that same mindset translates into building a successful law practice. This one’s packed with stories of grit, curiosity, and...

EPISODE 05 — Taking the Leap with Lori McColl: Entrepreneurship, AI, and Belief in Yourself
In this powerful conversation, Brendan Walsh sits down with Detroit-based entrepreneur Lori McColl, a visionary leader helping companies unlock growth through AI agents and automation.

Lori opens up about the scary but rewarding journey of stepping out on your own, navigating the risks of entrepreneurship, and learning to bet on yourself. From their shared experiences at the Detroit Athletic Club to the personal mindset shifts that come with starting something from scratch, this episode is packed with inspiration for an...

ELP EPISODE 5 — From Hockey Rinks to 100-Mile Races with Nick Gibbs
In this episode, Brendan Walsh sits down with Nick Gibbs—a third-generation leader at his family’s machinery company and an unstoppable endurance athlete who made a wild leap from competitive hockey to the world of ultramarathons.

We explore:
🔥 How Nick went from lacing up skates to running 100+ mile races
🏔️ What it takes to train for a 50-, 100-, and now 150-mile ultramarathon
🏢 The lessons he’s learned working in a multigenerational family business
💪 His mindset shift and what drives him to embrace pain, grit...

In this episode of "Enthusiastic Life," host Brendan Walsh sits down with Andrew Stein, President and CEO of the Children's Foundation in Detroit. Andrew shares his journey from the legal industry to leading a nonprofit, discussing the impact of his work and the vision for the Children's Foundation. Discover insights into leadership, philanthropy, and the importance of community-driven initiatives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about making a lasting difference in the lives of children.

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EPISODE SUMMARY: Sailing, Storytelling & Detroit Roots with Sandi Svoboda
In this episode of The Enthusiastic Life, Brendan Walsh and producer Ryan Dewan sit down with longtime friend and trailblazing sailor Sandi Svoboda—incoming Commodore at Bayview Yacht Club. From swapping sailing stories that span decades to discussing Sandi’s impressive media career and community work, this episode is full of heart, humor, and history.

We dive into:
 ⚓️ Sandi’s origin story with Brendan (and his dad!) during the Mackinac Race
 🌊 The evolving accessibility of sailing in Detroit and how to get involved

In this episode of the Enthusiastic Life podcast, host Brendan Walsh interviews Lee Padgett, the CEO and founder of Busted Bra Shop. Lee shares her unique journey from military service to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs of starting a specialty bra boutique that caters to a wide range of sizes. The conversation explores the importance of proper bra fitting, the supportive environment she creates for her employees, and her vision for expanding the business as a franchise. Listeners will gain insights into Lee's personal experiences, the significance of women's health, and the impact of community support in business.<...

Summary: In this inaugural episode of the Enthusiastic Life podcast, host Brendan interviews Dr. Joseph Daniel Hoste, the Vice President of Operations at Crossroads of Michigan. They discuss Joseph's unique journey from a career in music to nonprofit leadership, the vital work Crossroads does in supporting clients living in poverty, and the importance of providing essential documents to those in need. Joseph shares insights on leadership, community service, and how listeners can support Crossroads' mission.

You can learn more about the work Crossroads is doing by looking at their website - crossroadsofmichigan.org

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