#216 - Brandon Novak Comes Clean on CKY, Viva La Bam & Heroin Addiction
Dec 29, 2023
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Brandon Novak, pro skateboarder and best friend of Bam Margera, opens up about his early days with Bam, his struggles with heroin addiction, crazy experiences filming Viva La Bam, rock smuggling for drug money, working for the DEA, and his journey towards sobriety. He also shares disturbing stories of cartel wars, a foul tattoo, and his relationship with Bam.
The podcast highlights the internal struggle and conflicting emotions experienced by the speaker during his time filming CKY and being part of Jackass and Viva La Bam, despite the excitement and success of the shows.
The devastating toll addiction takes on families is exemplified by the speaker's mother's desperate pleas for his departure and death, shedding light on the destructive nature of addiction.
Skateboarding has played a significant role in the speaker's life, both perpetuating his addiction and fostering his recovery journey, enabling him to connect with others and help those still struggling.
The speaker's transformation from addiction to becoming an advocate for change is highlighted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment programs that address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Deep dives
The Personal Struggles and Demons Faced During the CKY Era
During the heyday of filming the CKY videos and participating in projects like Jackass and Viva La Bam, the speaker experienced a deep internal struggle. Despite appearing to have an exciting and adventurous life on the surface, he was battling addiction and a lack of self-confidence. He often felt like an outsider in his own skin and struggled with his sense of identity. While the fame and success of the shows were intoxicating, he was consumed by his desire to use drugs, making it a challenging and conflicting time for him.
The Impact of Addiction on Personal Relationships
The speaker shares the pain and heartache that addiction brings to loved ones. His mother's tearful plea for him to leave and her desperation for him to die so she could finally have peace of mind is a gut-wrenching example of the toll addiction takes on families. It highlights the destructive nature of addiction and the devastating consequences it has on relationships.
The Role of Skateboarding in Transformation and Recovery
Skateboarding played a significant role in the speaker's life, both for better and for worse. While the CKY videos gave him a platform and success, it also perpetuated the destructive cycle of his addiction. However, he now recognizes the positive impact skateboarding has had on his journey to recovery. He credits skateboarding with instilling in him values such as perseverance, determination, and a refusal to accept failure. Furthermore, it has allowed him to connect with others who have similar struggles and to use his experiences to help those who are still in the grip of addiction.
The Importance of Helping Others Break the Chains of Addiction
The speaker has now become a beacon of hope for those battling addiction. His transformation and newfound purpose have led him to work closely with organizations like the DEA to effect change and address the opioid crisis. He emphasizes the need to provide appropriate treatment programs and support that address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. By stopping the demand and providing meaningful help to those in need, the narrative around addiction can be changed, allowing individuals to break free from the destructive cycle and find a path to recovery.
Significance of Helping Others in Recovery
The podcast episode discusses the importance of helping others in addiction recovery. The host shares his own journey of opening a treatment center and providing support to those struggling with addiction. He emphasizes the power of helping others and how it can positively impact their lives. Through his own experiences, he encourages listeners to find ways to give back and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Impact of Methadone in Substance Abuse Treatment
The episode touches on the topic of methadone as a form of medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse. The speaker provides insights into the complexities of methadone use, discussing its benefits and potential drawbacks. While acknowledging that methadone can help individuals manage addiction, he highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans and the need for careful monitoring and oversight to ensure its safe and effective use.
Personal Journey and Transformation in Recovery
The podcast delves into the personal experiences of the speaker, sharing stories of addiction, recovery, and personal growth. The speaker shares anecdotes from his past, including experiences with substance abuse, seeking treatment, and finding redemption. He emphasizes the transformative power of recovery, highlighting how he was able to turn his life around and help others in turn.
Challenges and Rewards of Opening a Treatment Center
The episode explores the speaker's journey of opening his own addiction treatment center. He discusses the challenges and rewards of this endeavor, including financial considerations and the establishment of a supportive and caring environment for clients. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a client-centered approach and the positive impact that treatment centers can have on individuals seeking recovery.
Brandon Novak pro skateboarder, speaker, author, & best friend of Bam Margera. He is known for his appearances on Viva La Bam, Jackass, the CKY series & Haggard. EPISODE LINKS https://brandonnovak.com https://www.instagram.com/brandon__novak Venmo for Novak's scholarship fund - @NovaksHouse SPONSORS: https://ver.so/danny - Use code DANNY to save 15% on your order. https://factormeals.com/DJP50 - Use CODE: DJP50 for 50% off. Weekly bonus episodes: https://patreon.com/dannyjones FOLLOW DANNY JONES https://www.instagram.com/jonesdanny https://twitter.com/jonesdanny OUTLINE 00:00 - Brandon & Bam in the early days 06:00 - How Brandon got into heroin so early? 09:40 - Brandon's memory is shot 12:55 - Ali Boulala & the Piss Drunx crew 20:01 - Avoiding drugs and alcohol 22:14 - Brandon's quest to sobriety 26:08 - Intentionally sabotaging his own success 29:32 - Insane story behind the ALF tattoo 33:02 - Filming Viva La Bam for MTV 37:53 - Putting a rock up his butt for drug money 41:31 - CKY stories 42:50 - Twisted stories trying to score smack 44:37 - Brandons mom prayed for his death 49:45 - Working for the DEA 58:26 - Fentanyl 01:01:57 - What's a "Speed-ball" ? 01:03:51 - Cartel wars 01:06:40 - Disturbing hotel experience in Australia 01:14:43 - Novak's relationship with Bam 01:19:57 - Novak's Houses for the Recovering 01:28:31 - Psychological affect of giving 01:32:47 - Methadone clinics 01:41:49 - Experiments with good vices 01:46:51 - The most FOUL tattoo in history 01:51:44 - Conflict
