Ryan Phillips: From Hockey Star to Mental Health Advocate
I'm able to just do the best I can to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially in the mental health space.
Ryan Phillips had it all: a loving family, dreams of becoming the next Wayne Gretzky, and a promising hockey career. But life took an unexpected turn when he got caught up in the world of drug trafficking, earning him the title 'King of Pot'. In this episode of Knockin' Doorz Down, hosts Jason LaChance and Mikey Nawrocki sit down with Ryan to unpack his incredible journey from fame to infamy and back to a life of purpose and advocacy.
Ryan's story is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. At 16, he left home to pursue professional hockey, only to find himself ensnared in the party lifestyle. His involvement in smuggling marijuana across the Canadian border led to his arrest and a lifetime ban from re-entering the United States. But that wasn't the end of Ryan's story; it was just the beginning of a remarkable transformation. After serving his time, Ryan was eventually allowed back into the U.S.
as a humanitarian. He channeled his energy into mental health advocacy and addiction recovery, finding happiness and fulfillment in helping others. Today, Ryan is not just a survivor but a beacon of hope for those struggling with similar issues. In this episode, Ryan talks about the importance of mental health education and breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction. He shares his plans for an ambitious ride across Canada and the U.S.
to raise awareness for mental health, aiming to inspire others to seek help and live their best lives. Ryan's encounters with celebrities like Wayne Gretzky and Elvis Stojko add a fascinating layer to his story, but it's his commitment to making a positive impact that truly stands out. Amid the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, Ryan emphasizes the need for mental well-being and staying connected with loved ones.
Tune in to hear Ryan's inspiring journey of resilience, redemption, and the power of advocacy. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we've fallen, there's always a way to rise again.