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

Peter MacKay joins Alan Frew for a powerful and deeply personal episode of Life Frew Music.

From East Coast roots and Celtic music to politics, military service, misinformation, AI, and the soundtrack of a life in public service, this conversation covers far more than headlines.

Peter reflects on what's changed in politics, why public life has become more punishing, the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, and how music helps shape memory, identity, and meaning.

Along the way, Alan and Peter share stories about Nova Scotia, Afghanistan, the Royal Family, Ireland, Willie Nelson, Joel Plaskett, and the artists and moments that stay with us forever.

This is Peter MacKay in a way most people have never seen him: thoughtful, grounded, emotional, and deeply connected to the people and places that shaped him.

In this episode:

- Peter MacKay's Scottish and Nova Scotian roots

- East Coast music, Celtic culture, and kitchen parties

- What's changed in politics and why public life feels more divided

- AI, misinformation, and the danger of digital manipulation

- Stories from Afghanistan and the importance of supporting troops

- Funny and unforgettable moments involving Willie Nelson and the Queen

- Why music becomes the soundtrack to our lives

Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of music, life, memory, and meaning.

Show notes:

00:00 – Peter MacKay's name, heritage, and Nova Scotia roots

02:08 – East Coast music, Celtic culture, and growing up around song

05:05 – What's changed in politics and why the world feels more divided

08:14 – Why politics has become more self-serving and punishing

10:11 – How Peter MacKay got into politics

12:47 – Public attacks, family pressure, and the cost of public life

14:08 – AI, misinformation, and the danger of fake content

16:12 – Law, order, Ukraine, and the need for leadership

17:20 – Afghanistan, the troops, and music as a piece of home

21:28 – What music really means to Peter MacKay

24:22 – Music, stress, and life behind the scenes in politics

26:20 – Willie Nelson, tour stories, and star humanity

29:00 – The Queen, King Charles, and royal encounters

33:44 – Will Peter MacKay ever return to politics?

36:03 – Ireland, identity, and old assumptions

39:18 – Van Morrison, The Chieftains, and the soundtrack of life

40:22 – Peter MacKay sums up his life through music

This week we have a very special LIFE FREW MUSIC episode. Glass Tiger joins the pod!

Alan sits down with bandmates Sam Reid and Al Connelly to tell the REAL story behind one of Canada's most iconic bands.

From basement rehearsals in small-town Ontario… to grinding through bar gigs, high schools, and thousands of shows… to global hits like "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone" and "Someday"…

This is the journey no one saw.

They open up about:

• How Glass Tiger was actually formed (from TWO broken bands)

• The years of struggle before success

• Writing two hit songs in ONE day

• Touring with Journey & Tina Turner

• Meeting legends like Paul McCartney

• The sacrifices behind the music

• And what music really means at a human level

This isn't just a music story — it's a story about persistence, identity, and legacy.

Show notes:

00:00 - Opening banter & Halifax setting

02:12 - Family roots & early musical influences

05:23 - Discovering music (radio, piano, guitar origins)

08:40 - First bands & early struggles (incomplete lineups)

12:22 - The local scene: bars, high schools, and hustle

15:12 - The chaos of early touring (yes… including the pig story 🐖)

21:03 - Formation of Glass Tiger (from two broken bands)

25:17 - Parents, sacrifice, and basement rehearsals

32:53 - "Overnight success" myth vs reality

36:52 - Breakthrough moment & record deal

41:28 - Writing TWO hit songs in one day

54:36 - What music really means (life, grief, memory)