Ep 530 - Novak's House (feat. Brandon Novak)
Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Brandon Novak develop a problem with authority?
His father was a drug addict and a Hell's Angel, creating a chaotic and authoritative environment at home.
What was the turning point for Brandon Novak in his addiction?
He realized that every problem in his life had him as the common denominator, leading him to seek sobriety.
How did Brandon Novak's career shift from skateboarding to television appearances?
He met Bam Margera, who brought him into the CKY and Jackass projects, leveraging his wild stories for TV.
What was the catalyst for Brandon Novak to start writing his book?
Bam Margera challenged him to write a book, giving him a notebook and pen to document his experiences.
How did Brandon Novak's perspective on strangers change during COVID?
He shifted from having silent battles of judgment to wishing strangers well, leading to a more comfortable public experience.
What role did spirituality play in Brandon Novak's recovery?
He had a spiritual awakening during his recovery, realizing he didn't know everything and needed to accept help.
How did Brandon Novak transition from dishwashing to owning recovery homes?
His speaking engagements led to opportunities in the recovery field, culminating in the creation of Novak's House.
What is Brandon Novak's stance on 'California sober' lifestyles?
He supports harm reduction and believes in individualized approaches to sobriety, respecting personal choices.
How does Brandon Novak view the relationship between him and his former Jackass colleagues?
He maintains good relationships with some, like Steve-O and Pontius, but acknowledges personal differences with others like Bam.
What impact does Brandon Novak believe his recovery work has on the community?
He sees his work as a way to reduce harm and improve lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
- Novak's father was a significant influence in his struggle with authority and addiction.
- Skateboarding provided an escape and a sense of community before addiction took over.
- Meeting Bam Margera and being offered a place to stay was a turning point, though Novak still struggled with addiction.
Shownotes Transcript