Enthusiastic Life | with Brendan Walsh

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 [https://www.michiganhumane.org] 🎙 THE ENTHUSIASTIC LIFE PODCAST Hosted 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.

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 [https://www.detcityfc.com] 🎙 THE ENTHUSIASTIC LIFE PODCAST Hosted 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

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 PODCAST Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod 📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

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 PODCAST Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.

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 PODCAST Hosted by Brendan Walsh Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media 📲 Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod  📲 Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.