#54 Hockey 2 Hell And Back Ft. Ryan VandenBussche

#54 Hockey 2 Hell And Back Ft. Ryan VandenBussche

Brady Leavold's 'Hockey 2 Hell and Back' isn't just another sports podcast. In this episode, Brady sits down with former NHL enforcer Ryan VandenBussche, one of his childhood heroes, to talk about a different kind of battle—overcoming addiction. Ryan opens up about his struggles with substance abuse and how he found a path to recovery through plant medicine. This isn't your typical hockey story; it's a raw, unfiltered look at the darker side of professional sports.

Ryan shares what it was like to be an enforcer in the NHL, a role that often comes with immense physical and emotional tolls. He talks about the lack of support for junior hockey players and the culture of silence that surrounds addiction in sports. Brady and Ryan's conversation is both eye-opening and heart-wrenching, shedding light on issues that are often swept under the rug. But it's not all doom and gloom.

Ryan's journey is also one of hope and resilience. He discusses how plant medicine played a crucial role in his recovery and how he's now advocating for more open conversations about mental health and addiction in the hockey community. The episode also touches on the importance of inclusivity in sports and paying tribute to players who have lost their lives to addiction.

Whether you're a hockey fan, someone struggling with addiction, or just interested in stories of human resilience, this episode offers something for everyone. It's a candid, heartfelt discussion that challenges the stigma around addiction and mental health, making it a must-listen.