Enthusiastic Life | with Brendan Walsh

In Episode 45 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Detroit musician, entrepreneur and Cadieux Cafe co-owner John Rutherford.

John shares the incredible journey that began with an early obsession with the trombone and eventually took him around the world — performing, touring and recording with artists including Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Yo-Yo Ma, Noel Gallagher and countless others. John founded the Motor City Horns and Brass Jar Music, building a career that has touched nearly every corner of Detroit's music scene. 

But John's story extends far beyond performing. He and Brendan talk about his passion for preserving Detroit institutions, becoming an owner of the legendary Cadieux Cafe, and his newest chapter helping shape the musical future of the renovated Bonstelle Theatre. Cadieux itself has been part of Detroit's east-side culture since 1933, known for live music, Belgian traditions and, of course, feather bowling. 

In this episode, we cover:

•  John's early obsession with music and the trombone 
•  Becoming an elite brass musician at a remarkably young age 
•  Founding the Motor City Horns and Brass Jar Music 
•  Touring and recording with Bob Seger 
•  Performing with Yo-Yo Ma, Noel Gallagher and other legendary artists 
•  Building a life and business around music 
•  Taking ownership of the iconic Cadieux Cafe 
•  Preserving Detroit's history while helping it evolve 
•  John's new role booking talent at the Bonstelle Theatre 

To learn more about John and his ventures visit: 
John Rutherford / Brass Jar Music
Cadieux Cafe

The Enthusiastic Life Podcast
Hosted by Brendan Walsh
Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

In Episode 44 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with conductor, organist and lifelong musician Scott Hanoian.

Scott shares the incredible journey music has taken him on — from his time at Washington National Cathedral, where he played for services including the funerals of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, to performing and conducting in some of the world's most iconic churches and concert halls.

Today, Scott serves as Music Director and Conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union and Director of Music and Organist at Christ Church Grosse Pointe. He and Brendan talk about the responsibility of carrying on these musical traditions, developing young musicians and singers, and the incredible ability music has to bring people together and change lives.

In this episode, we cover:

• Scott's journey into a career in music
• His time at Washington National Cathedral
• Performing at presidential funerals
• Traveling the world through music
• Performing in iconic churches and venues
• Conducting and leading musicians at the highest level
• Building the music program at Christ Church Grosse Pointe
• Mentorship, tradition and inspiring the next generation
• The role music has played throughout Scott's life

To learn more about Scott or to find out how you can participate in his music organizations visit: 

https://www.scotthanoian.com/

The Enthusiastic Life Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Walsh
Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media

Follow The Enthusiastic Life Podcast on Instagram:
@enthusiasticlifepod

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

In Episode 43 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, there’s no guest — Brendan and producer Ryan sit down together to answer questions submitted by the audience.

What starts as a mailbag episode quickly turns into a much deeper conversation about adulthood, expectations, technology, the things we value, and some of the questions that don’t necessarily have a right answer.

Would your 25-year-old self be happy with where you are today? What are the unwritten rules of adulthood? Has the internet actually made the world better? And, of course, what’s one conspiracy theory you’re not quite ready to completely rule out?

In this episode, we cover:

• Would our 25-year-old selves expect the lives we have today?
• The unwritten rules of adulthood
• Whether the internet has made the world better or worse
• Underrated products and experiences we couldn't live without
• The conspiracy theories we’re not quite ready to rule out
• And plenty of unexpected tangents along the way

A different kind of episode this week — no guest, no agenda, just Brendan and Ryan answering your questions and seeing where the conversation takes them.

The Enthusiastic Life Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Walsh
Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media

Follow The Enthusiastic Life Podcast on Instagram:
@enthusiasticlifepod

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

In Episode 42 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with Emmy Award-winning journalist Christy McDonald, whose career has spanned more than three decades covering some of Detroit's biggest stories.

Christy reflects on her journey through local television news, working her way from reporter to one of Detroit's most respected anchors. She shares unforgettable moments from the field, including her experience reporting from New York during the events of September 11th, and what it's like covering history as it unfolds.

The conversation also explores Christy's transition away from daily television news, launching her own communications company, and the lessons she's learned about reinvention, resilience, leadership, and presence. They also talk about family, motherhood, and what brings Christy joy today.

In this episode, we cover:

•  Christy's journey through 30 years of Detroit journalism 
•  Working her way up in local television news 
•  Reporting live from New York during 9/11 
•  Some of the biggest stories she's covered 
•  Life after television news 
•  Launching SamMac Communications 
•  Public speaking, leadership & communication 
•  Family, motherhood and finding joy 

Learn more about Christy

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christymcdonaldmi/

The Enthusiastic Life Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Walsh

Produced by Ryan Dewan | Wave Media

Follow us on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/enthusiasticlifepod

Follow us on Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/enthusiasticlifepod

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & everywhere you get your podcasts.

In Episode 41 of The Enthusiastic Life Podcast, Brendan sits down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Reimer Priester, founder of Café Sous Terre, Café Un Deux Trois, and The Grand Porter.

Reimer shares the winding journey that brought him to Detroit — from studying at Duke University and falling in love with the arts, to working in orchestral management throughout the Southeast and eventually at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

They talk about Reimer’s transition into real estate and property management, his fascination with the idea of “third spaces” — places outside of home and work where people can gather and connect — and how that ultimately led him into the world of hospitality and restaurants.

In this episode, we cover:

•  Reimer’s journey from Duke University to Detroit 
•  His career in the arts and orchestral management 
•  Working with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra 
•  Serving in the Peace Corps in Guinea 
•  His transition into real estate and property management 
•  Why he became fascinated with “third spaces” 
•  Building Café Sous Terre, Café Un Deux Trois & The Grand Porter 
•  Lessons from entrepreneurship and changing careers 

Reimer's Spaces:

• https://www.cafesousterre.com/
• https://www.thegrandporter.com/
• https://www.undeuxtroisdetroit.com/

The Enthusiastic Life Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Walsh
Produced by Ryan Dewan + Wave Media

Follow The Enthusiastic Life Podcast on Instagram

Follow The Enthusiastic Life Podcast on Facebook

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major podcast platforms.

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/

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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.