Brian Burke joins Alan Frew for an unforgettable episode of Life Frew Music.

Known as one of hockey's boldest voices, Burke opens up about far more than the game. He talks about growing up in a large Irish Catholic family, playing hockey, going to Harvard Law, becoming an NHL executive, being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning the Stanley Cup in Anaheim, and his deep respect for the military after visiting troops in Afghanistan.

Burke also shares powerful reflections on the loss of his son Brendan, becoming an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of actually supporting the causes you believe in, and his current work in women's hockey. And, of course, Alan brings it back to music — including Brian's love of live concerts, the songs tied to his memories, and a wild Rolling Stones story from 1975.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

00:54 - Growing Up In A Big Irish Catholic Family

03:39 - Harvard Law & Early Hockey Career 0

8:14 - From Player Agent To NHL Executive

12:09 - Getting Fired By The Toronto Maple Leafs

15:39 - Afghanistan, Friendship & The Troops

18:08 - Losing Brendan & Life After Tragedy

28:15 - Becoming An LGBTQ+ Ally

32:17 - Pittsburgh, Sportsnet & Returning To Hockey

34:18 - How Hockey Has Changed

36:06 - Winning The Stanley Cup

37:16 - The Toronto Maple Leafs Today

38:46 - What Music Means To Brian Burke

41:38 - The Rolling Stones Story

45:13 - Politics, Kindness & Taking Action

49:37 - Women's Hockey & The PWHL

50:38 - Soccer, Hunting & Final Thoughts