Ep. 3: Paul Bissonnette

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Paul Bissonnette. Paul is former NHL defenseman for the Phoenix Coyotes. He played in just about 200 games, but he’s one of the most well-known hockey players on the planet. He’s also a co-host of Spittin’ Chiclets. And while most know him for his loud, sometimes lewd, public persona ... there’s the Paul Bissonnette that players know: A great teammate. A great person. A great friend. Today on the show, he opens up about anxiety, coping with tragedy, self-medicating, and the stress of social media. Here’s Paul Bissonnette on Blindsided.

About Blindsided:

Plan your work and work your plan. For many athletes, words like these are scripture — permanent signposts lining the long road to success. The very act of pursuing a career in sports often gives a sense of control, a sense of safety. Just stick to the plan. Good things will follow.

That is, until life happens. The kind of life that happens while you’re making other plans. Devastating setbacks. Dark thoughts. Debilitating breakdowns. Mental health conditions that force an athlete to ditch their well laid plans and ask, “What’s my next play?”

Hosted by former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh, Blindsided allows professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete’s most important focus.

Blindsided then dives in deeper. It gets clinical. And it allows listeners to leave with a deeper understanding of mental health conditions that all people face. It then shows how athletes, in particular, face them down.

Welcome to Blindsided. Mental health. Sports. Life.

Other places to find Blindsided:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify