Ep 40 - Paddy Lynch: From Mortician to Preserving Detroit’s Iconic Institutions

Ep 40 - Paddy Lynch: From Mortician to Preserving Detroit’s Iconic Institutions

In Episode 40, Brendan sits down with one of the most fascinating storytellers we’ve had on the podcast — Paddy Lynch. Paddy is a mortician working in his family’s business, Lynch & Sons Funeral Homes, but his story goes far beyond that. He’s also a serial entrepreneur and a passionate preserver of Detroit’s history — owning and operating iconic institutions like The Schvitz, The Convent, Dutch Girl Donuts, and the Dakota Inn. Paddy shares his unique journey — from playing football at Boston College, to spending a year in service in Haiti, to returning home and stepping into the family business. He talks about the pivotal decision to leave Birmingham, move to Detroit, and take on the massive project of renovating a 10,000 sq ft historic home with friends. The conversation is packed with incredible stories, including the unforgettable story of how and why he purchased The Schvitz — one of Detroit’s most legendary and unexpected cultural landmarks. This episode is about taking unconventional paths, preserving history, and building a life full of meaning, risk, and great stories. In this episode, we cover: *  Paddy’s background and football career at Boston College  *  His year of service in Haiti  *  Entering the family funeral home business  *  His move from Birmingham to Detroit  *  Renovating a massive historic home with friends  *  His entrepreneurial ventures across Detroit  *  The story behind buying The Schvitz  *  Preserving iconic Detroit institutions  🔗 Learn more about Paddy & his work: 📖 Article → https://www.hourdetroit.com/food-cuisine/paddy-lynch-funeral-director-preserver-iconic-detroit-properties/ [https://www.hourdetroit.com/food-cuisine/paddy-lynch-funeral-director-preserver-iconic-detroit-properties/] 🎙 THE ENTHUSIASTIC LIFE PODCAST Hosted 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

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 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 on: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon • Google Podcasts

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/ [https://getshortlist.co/] 🎙 THE ENTHUSIASTIC LIFE PODCAST Hosted 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

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

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.