Brandon Novak. Skateboarding, Show Business, Jacka**, and Viva La BAM. Episode 688 with The Real Brad Lea (TRBL)
Jan 29, 2024
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Brandon Novak, professional skateboarder and author of best-selling addiction memoir Dreamseller, discusses his journey through addiction and recovery. They explore the devastating impact of addiction, the importance of mentorship, addressing root issues, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. They also highlight the severity of the opioid crisis and the significance of inspiration, gratitude, and support in overcoming addiction.
Novak's journey highlights the power of friendship in addiction recovery.
Support from loved ones is crucial for overcoming addiction and rebuilding relationships.
Mentors and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous play a pivotal role in the recovery process.
Deep dives
Brandon Novak's Journey to Recovery
Brandon Novak, a former professional skateboarder and MTV celebrity, shares his journey of addiction and recovery. Growing up as a skateboarder, Novak formed a close bond with fellow skateboarder Bam Margera. However, as Novak's addiction to heroin escalated, his life took a rapid decline while Margera's career soared. Novak's addiction led to homelessness and desperation until a chance encounter with Margera led to an opportunity for recovery. Margera offered him a chance to get clean and return to skateboarding, ultimately leading Novak to a path of sobriety and dedicating his life to helping others in their recovery.
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Novak's addiction to drugs and alcohol caused him to lose everything, including the support of his family and loved ones. He discusses the pain and suffering he caused to those around him, stealing from loved ones and even prostituting himself for drug money. Novak reflects on the desperate state he was in and the profound impact it had on his loved ones. Through his journey of recovery, Novak has been able to rebuild relationships, including with his mother, who stuck with him throughout his addiction and has now become his closest ally in sobriety.
The Importance of Support and Mentorship
Throughout Novak's recovery journey, he emphasizes the importance of support from others who have gone through similar experiences. He highlights the role of mentors such as Chris Herring, a former professional basketball player, who played a significant role in inspiring Novak to believe in himself and pursue sobriety. Novak also acknowledges the vital support of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community and how the guidance and wisdom of others in recovery have played a pivotal role in his own journey.
Creating Novak's House and Redemption Addiction Treatment Center
As part of his dedication to helping others in recovery, Novak has founded Novak's House, a sober living program that provides scholarships to individuals in need. He also established Redemption Addiction Treatment Center, which offers comprehensive addiction treatment services. Novak's goal is to ensure that shame and financial constraints do not hinder individuals from accessing the support and care they need to recover from addiction.
The Opioid Epidemic and Hope for Recovery
Novak addresses the severity of the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis, acknowledging the alarming number of deaths and the challenges faced in combatting this epidemic. Despite the grim statistics, Novak remains hopeful and committed to inspiring others to seek recovery. He believes that sobriety can be achieved through offering support, creating connections, and providing guidance for those struggling with addiction.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Brandon Novak is a professional skateboarder discovered by Tony Hawk and a part of the renowned Powell-Peralta team, an MTV celebrity (Viva La Bam, Bam’s Unholy Union), an alumnus of the Jackass motion picture series, a star of the legendary CKY skateboard video series, and author of his best-selling addiction memoir Dreamseller. Brandon is able to relate to ten of millions of people across the country; 1 in 4 to be exact who are directly affected by addiction in their family. Brandon Novak keynotes the National Youth Summit on Opioid Awareness in partnership with the DEA and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. The National Youth Summits on Opioid Awareness are a half day school event designed to educate middle and high school students about the dangers of opioid misuse while promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The Summits take place in several cities across the United States. Through the foundation’s partnership with the DEA 360 Events, thousands of high school level children have the ability to attend a very impactful event with speakers, musical entertainment, and engaging discussions.
In this episode, Brandon and Brad discuss Brandon’s story and how he came into and out of addiction along with his time skateboarding, in show business, and on two very famous shows, Jackass and Viva La Bam.
Support Brandon’s cause through venmo @novakshouse or give him a call at 610-314-6747