Brandon Novak | How I Lost My Pro-Skateboarding Career…

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.
Show Notes:
(Full episode release September 23, 2024)
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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:
brandonnovak.com/
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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @nadiaali
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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.