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 conversation, we cover:

- Detroit’s evolution — where the city is today and why the world is paying attention
- How major events come to Detroit (NFL Draft, conventions, tourism moments & more)
- Collaboration across business, government & community
- Why storytelling matters for cities — and how Visit Detroit uses it strategically
- Claude’s leadership philosophy and how he motivates teams to think bigger
- The future of Southeast Michigan and what’s on the horizon

If you enjoyed this episode…

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💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway from Claude!

The Enthusiastic Life Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Walsh
Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media

📲 Follow us:
Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod
Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast

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

🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a nudge toward their next big leap.

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 innovation and collaboration. This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, public service, sustainability, and living a meaningful, impact-driven life.

In this episode, we cover:

• Kerry’s path to becoming a national climate & energy leader
• Her experience advising the Biden Administration and shaping federal policy
• How public and private sectors can work together to solve big problems
• What sustainability actually looks like at the community level
• Why optimism and resilience matter in the face of global challenges
• Kerry’s leadership philosophies — and how she helps organizations think bigger

About Kerry Duggan

Kerry Duggan is the CEO of SustainabiliD, a board director, and a trusted advisor to government and industry leaders. She has served in senior roles in the Obama-Biden Administration and has spent her career helping communities and organizations build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.

If you enjoyed this episode…

Like the video
Subscribe for more inspiring leadership conversations
Comment with your biggest takeaway from Kerry

🎙️ The Enthusiastic Life Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Walsh
Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media

📲 Follow us:
Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod
Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast

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

🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs a spark of enthusiasm today.

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 mindset that drives his growth.

Whether you’re leading a brand, building a career in media, or simply passionate about how stories shape modern business, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on leadership, visibility, and doing work that matters.

🎙️ Hosted by Brendan Walsh
🎥 Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media

📲 Follow us on social:
Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod

Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast

🌐 Listen wherever you get your podcasts:
Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon • Google Podcasts

🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who’s building their brand and ready to show up in a bigger way.

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, the responsibility of leadership, and the importance of showing the next generation what’s possible. This episode is an inspiring mix of creativity, purpose, discipline, and community impact.

In this episode, we cover:

- Armond’s creative beginnings and how storytelling shaped his identity
- The evolution of his career across photography, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship
- Why he founded a mentorship and leadership community for Detroit’s youth
- The role that exposure, accountability, and belief play in shaping young leaders
- How JABs Gym has become a hub for discipline, wellness, and community
- The importance of reinvention, discipline, and trusting your creative voice
- Armond’s advice for anyone wanting to make a meaningful difference in their city

About Armond Rashad Harris:
Armond is a Detroit-based creator, entrepreneur, and mentor. He is the owner of JABs Gym, a community-focused boxing and fitness space in Eastern Market, and the founder of a youth mentorship and leadership program dedicated to empowering the next generation of Detroit leaders. His work blends creativity, service, and discipline — inspiring others to lead with intention and live with purpose.

If you enjoyed this episode…

Like the video
Subscribe for more inspiring creator & leadership conversations
Comment with your biggest takeaway from Armond

🎙️ The Enthusiastic Life Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Walsh
Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media

📲 Follow us:
Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod
Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast

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

🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who cares about Detroit’s future.

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 your mindset and take your health seriously — this is the episode for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Brendan Walsh
🎥 Produced by Ryan Dewan, Wave Media

📲 Follow us on social:
Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod

Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast

🌐 Listen wherever you get your podcasts:
Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon • Google Podcasts

🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who’s ready to take control of their health and longevity.

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 into how strength training, nutrition, and metabolic optimization can transform your energy, mindset, and lifespan — and how his practice is redefining what modern healthcare can look like.

📲 Follow us on social:
Instagram → @enthusiasticlifepod

Facebook → Enthusiastic Life Podcast

🌐 Listen wherever you get your podcasts:
Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Amazon • Google Podcasts

🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who’s ready to take control of their health and longevity.

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 the drive to keep pushing boundaries — whether in the air or in business.