From Ice to Entertainment: Brady Leavold and Mike Butters' Journey of Resilience
I'm just grateful to be in the position I'm in cause there's so many people that have supported me and that are there for me, and those are the friendships and I think I took advantage of them, for the majority of my life is, you know, actually having people that you can count on and that you can, they can count on you.
Ever wondered how someone can transition from the ice rink to the big screen? In this episode of 'Hockey 2 Hell and Back', host Brady Leavold chats with retired pro hockey player turned actor Mike Butters. Their conversation takes you back to 2008 when Butters was the GM for the AHL's Norfolk Admirals and Leavold was navigating his own challenges. Butters, known for his roles in the Saw franchise, shares his multifaceted career journey.
He's been an actor, a musician, and even the owner-operator of a junior league hockey team where he entertained crowds by riding the Zamboni and tossing ice cream bars. Leavold opens up about his own battles with addiction and homelessness, emphasizing the power of honesty and genuine relationships. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the importance of supporting the LGBTQ+ community through initiatives like the special edition puck support pride tape.
Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that goes beyond the rink.