Every athlete dreams of being sponsored by a powerhouse brand like Gatorade, and today’s guest, Brandon Novak, achieved this dream by the age of 14. Discovered by the legendary Tony Hawk, Brandon quickly found himself in the pro-skateboarding world, joining the renowned Powell Peralta team and skating along stars like Bucky Lasek and Bam Margera. His career and future seemed…promising.

He would have no idea that that bright future and nearly 20 years of his life would be lost to the disease of addiction. 

In honor of National Recovery Month, Brandon shares the cycles of his journey—from stardom on MTV’s ‘Viva la Bam’ and ‘Jackass’ to fighting for his life while on life support.

Tune in to hear how Brandon turned his struggle with addiction into a driving purpose, and get his take on how mental resilience and accountability are key to moving beyond your past.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:32] Jamie introduces Brandon Novak.

[04:44] Brandon talks about his Baltimore upbringing and having an addict father.

[07:46] Brandon recounts when he knew that he was meant to skateboard and when his skills were discovered.

[10:31] Brandon explains the experience of being selected by Gatorade to star in a commercial with Michael Jordan. 

[12:30] Brandon describes when his addiction began and when it began to negatively impact his career.

[16:00] Brandon reflects on losing his spot on the Powell Peralta team and completing his first treatment center.

[21:11] Brandon recounts reuniting with his old skating friend, Bam Margera who made an effort to help him.

[26:07] Brandon speaks about Bam’s new condition that he needed to write a book about his experiences as an addict. 

[29:42] Brandon talks about the moment that his last bridge was burned and he had to return to Baltimore. 

[34:13] Brandon describes his experience being a homeless heroin addict in Baltimore again. 

[38:10] Brandon recounts the first time he had a moment of clarity and accountability during an encounter with a TSA agent. 

[41:32] Brandon explains what influenced him to start his own foundation. 

[45:01] Brandon talks about the spiritual experience that changed the course of his life. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[28:38] Brandon describes his finding that “life is lived forwards and learned backwards”. 

[40:01] Brandon discusses his realization that he was the “common denominator” in all of his problems and that it was up to him to get out of his own way. 

[47:41] Brandon talks about how he entered his addiction as “a king” and has left as a “humble servant”, acknowledging the perspective shift he experienced in recovery.

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Brandon Novak for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Brandon on Instagram @brandon_novak.

Check out more about Brandon: 

https://brandonnovak.com/

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Brandon’s Bio: 

From Baltimore, Maryland, Brandon was a professional skateboarder discovered by Tony Hawk and rose to fame on the hit MTV show Viva la Bam, and the movies Jackass. As a teen, he became addicted to heroin which lasted for 20 years. He wrote the addiction memoir, Dreamseller, and it became a best seller on Amazon. He also penned The Brandon Novak Chronicles and recently, The Streets of Baltimore. Brandon gives back by helping people into treatment celebrating 8 years clean in May 2023 and nearly 5 years tobacco free.

He relates to millions of people across the country; 1 in 4 to be exact who are directly affected by addiction in their family. He travels the country as one of the most in-demand addiction keynote speakers, bringing awareness and education to high schools across the nation. Brandon truly embodies someone who can turn their life around. Brandon has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives through his story of sobriety. 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands