Kurtis Gabriel

a Former NHL tough guy Kurtis “Gabriel” Gabriel joins Adam to talk hockey, ego, spirituality, psilocybin, pride tape, and what “permanent happiness” really means.
This episode goes far beyond the rink, exploring identity, compassion, and how athletes can grow into something bigger than the game.

0:00–1:04 — Sponsor + Intro
Adam opens the show, thanks listeners, and gives the Play It Again Sports Mansfield sponsor message.

1:04–3:02 — Introducing Guest: Kurtis Gabriel
Adam sets up why he invited Kurtis: a former NHL player with a deeper, more spiritual worldview beyond hockey.

3:02–4:18 — Namaste & Identity Shift
Kurtis explains why he now goes by Gabriel, leaving the ego-driven “Kurtis” identity behind.

4:18–6:05 — When Spirituality Entered His Life
He describes growing up without spirituality, rejecting religion, and how suffering pushed him toward seeking meaning.

6:05–7:27 — First Psilocybin Journey
Gabriel explains his first major psychedelic experience and how it revealed there was “a veil” behind ordinary life.

7:27–9:10 — Integrating (or Not Integrating) the Lessons
He admits he spiritually bypassed the experience and fell back into ego for years.

9:10–11:42 — Defining the Ego
Gabriel shares his framework: ego isn’t the enemy — it’s a tool. You’re the awareness behind the ego, not the ego itself.

11:42–13:58 — His Hockey Path & Choosing Hockey
He loved many sports, but hockey’s culture in Ontario made it the irresistible choice.

13:58–16:30 — The Unlikely Road to the NHL
From nearly quitting hockey at 16 → mom suggests a $50 Jr A tryout → OHL within 18 months → NHL draft at 19 → NHL debut at 22.

16:30–20:51 — Ultimate Frisbee Tangent (and Greatness)
Adam and Gabriel nerd out over their shared Ultimate Frisbee past, athletic crossover, and how “handlers” and basketball players dominated.

20:51–26:03 — The Pride Tape Story & LGBTQ Perspective
Gabriel recounts the “rainbow tape” moment, how it came from real-life experiences, and why it resonated more than he expected.

26:03–28:02 — Love, Teammates, and Accountability
Adam reflects on teammates he loved deeply and how harmful language conflicts with that love.

28:02–31:02 — Spirit, Yoga, and Youth Sports
They discuss spirituality, Ram Dass, and why yoga means “union,” not merely stretching.

31:02–32:00 — The Meaning of Namaste
Gabriel shares his full “Namaste” definition — a preview of his talks to youth sports teams.

32:00–34:10 — What Permanent Happiness Means
He expands on “permanent happiness” vs fleeting pleasure, using food as an example of temporary enjoyment.

34:10–36:12 — Adam’s Shoutout: We Are All One
Adam shares his decade-long belief in interconnectedness and how it shapes his behavior.

36:12–38:00 — Why These Lessons Matter
Gabriel emphasizes that pain pushed him to seek truth — and anyone can find this inner freedom.

38:00–End — Closing, How to Follow Gabriel, and Next Steps
Adam promotes the show; Gabriel plugs his platforms and teases two upcoming books.