RWYS - Brandon Novak on Addiction and Recovery

On todays episode of Reap what you sew, we have special guest Brandon Novak, of Jackass and Viva La Bam, share his story on how addiction has impacted his life, and what life is like on the road to recovery.
Interviewed by Seth Schafer of Sethan Hill
Filmed by Curtis Blank of Anvil Productions.

[@monicalopez1760]

I have read a lot of comments about how annoying it is that Mr Novak repeats himself in every interview... Here is what I think.. ****Getting clean and staying away from the lifestyle and everything involved requires a lot... But one of the biggest that it requires is your very own "Sober Routine". I know because I was homeless for two years on Heroine, Fetynal and meth. (In that order, daily.😞) Which is why I feel like telling his story Is a huge part of his new healthy routine. Ya know.. Make appearances share his story to thousands or to one person, or maybe even just reflecting on it with himself.. it helps him remember the Evil place he was in and the Evil he did to himself, other's and to recognize where he truly is now. So I never get tired of watching him in his sober routine sharing his story because it makes me acknowledge my past and stay clean for one more day!! I've been clean for 5 months now!! I got a good job, a place to live, and most importantly I got my wife and kids back. I didn't think I was going to share all that lol but I'm glad I did....God bless. - Jordan

[@yoman3857]

Everyone says the same shit in every interview, it's not just Novak. People just ask them the same things

[@nadiamuns615]

Fair play society is always telling us how to live and projecting shame on people with addiction. One day at a time is the best way to be. Understanding that live for the present and time will take care of itself. Thanks for sharing much love keep on living in the present

[@derrickboess5886]

i think he also repeats his story the same kinda way bc its obv resonating w ppl and helping them, so stick w what works, ya know? hes not gonna be like "okay well this however many ppl have heard my story told this particular way, so for their sake, so as not to bore them, ill find entirely new and interesting ways to tell it, screw all the ppl who havent heard it at all yet." lol thats actually super arrogant for ppl to bitch that hes being repetitive, as if its his responsibility to entertain and cater to each one of them

[@18JR78]

Everything you’ve summarized was my exact thought. I’m glad other people recognize this from him. Everyone else saying he’s a broken record will never understand his experience with drugs. It’s a vicious circle.

[@eldona7747]

Love!

[@zachweaver599]

Good old Novak...I used to let him sleep at my house in west Chester when I went to school there. I lived across the street from his gf at that time Apple (Abby). Man we did a lot of drugs. Glad both of us are clean now. GL Novak!

[@janesays9658]

U think he would be able to help me? I live in bklyn ny

[@richardcot-te-rell7476]

@@janesays9658 this Brandon Novak number 610-635-9092 Godbless you Rich from the UK 🇬🇧 x

[@chrismontanez7543]

@@janesays9658 where u at?

[@fohdatass]

@@janesays9658 give us a shout if you need anything

[@DankSinatra902]

@@richardcot-te-rell7476 dont dox the guy

[@shelbytristin10]

Novak got me into a rehab in Florida, even though I relapsed, his story and hope gives me hope and inspires me to stay clean.

[@LilSaintLouis]

Shelby Tristin you got this head up and keep pushing no matter how hard it is

[@facehunter504]

Shelby Tristin that’s really great to hear, he helped me as well. I was already sober for short periods. Novak and Jason Mewes both helped me out. I hope you’re good and healthy. If not totally understandable, remember tomorrow is a new day!

[@shelbytristin10]

KaYoTiiC 504 Louisi-Arrma I’m 32 days clean today!

[@facehunter504]

Shelby Tristin hell yea and tomorrow 33 and so on. Just take it day by day and I’m here if you need anything I’ll pass along info. Keep up the positive vibes that goes a longgggg way.

[@highcaliberexclusive9890]

Probably cuz your a chick with insurance. He didn't do shit for me. Fuck this lieing asshole

[@facehunter504]

Novak and Jason Mewes from Jay and Silent Bob helped get me sober, crazy thing is both people actually reached out to help me. Sobriety is something that brings people together that you’d never imagine. Thanks to everyone that ever helped me or tried, and anyone out there in pain and tired of the bull shit just ask for help.

[@frankierivera6369]

Brandon I have been clean 151 days now. I am inspired completely by your stories reading your books I had to take breaks because I walked the same lifestyle. When you say if your able to get clean anyone can do it. I feel the same way I did what I had to do to get that bag of heroine then it was fentynal I loved speed balling I would overdose and as soon as I was brought to my first thought was ok I'm ready for my next shot. It was horrible now that I look back on it. But at the time I thought I was living the life little did I know my addiction was alive while I was dead. Thank you for sharing.

[@Sethanhill]

Amazing! Congrats

[@MeanManu]

Everybody thought that this guy was an idiot back in the day, including myself , he is living proof to never judge a book by its cover, he is incredibly smart and even inspiring

[@nashvilleantiques8691]

*Are you sure about that?*

[@ryancanney8620]

because he got sober dumbass

[@Crippler1228]

First Steve-o then Novak? Damn proud of you boys. Keep it up

[@davidca96]

I feel the same way, they are doing incredibly well and by most accounts, should be dead. Brandon especially makes me proud to see, he was REAL bad and has done a complete 180. He also really cares about other people and he lets random people call him and talk about how to stop using etc. Hes a great guy.

[@runeplate123]

Well when you age you just look like a fucking loser at your mid 40’s

[@SAMEntalhealth]

And Bam

[@SAMEntalhealth]

@@runeplate123 wtf?

[@oscardihno123]

@@SAMEntalhealth Not Bam.

[@infinitypoker6383]

I have so much respect for him...be is incredibly insightful and a powerful human

[@valerievallonga1793]

I ♥️ this 🐱...52 days sober 👍🏼🙏🏻♥️😊 Brandon has been such an inspiration🥰 God Bless y’all 🙏🏻

[@Sethanhill]

Keep it up!

[@JubeProductions]

Brother. Thanks for helping me today!

[@austinepich5696]

Watching this in rehab and his story helped before I came helped me realize there is hope

[@infinitypoker6383]

I related to this so damn much every word was in my head especially about relationships....the whole thing was me talking I swear....crazy how similar we all are and how much people are actually alike

[@topspot4834]

Been clean for 4 years now after a bad opiate addiction. See Novak every so often (I live in West Chester, not sure if he still lives here) ... Never said anything to him but always followed his story from afar. If we can do it anyone can. Hardest part was the first 6 months, just not imagining being happy in life not using drugs ... About a year later I remember one day thinking to myself, I had gone a few days without thinking about drugs. Best thing I did was learn how to make serotonin naturally through downhill mountain biking, which replaced my addiction and gave me that rush my body was craving. Don't do NA but I've been to hundreds of meetings and use a lot of what I learned there everyday.

[@eldona7747]

I'm your ageish, you give me strength Brandon. My brother's name is the same as yours.....but I'm the struggling sister. You are amazing. I follow you. Your interviews always help. Keep doing it, if you choose. Your message is priceless. X

[@MrBeagle216]

Great interview! So awesome Seth!

[@88gillies]

Amazing to see how far he has come! Enjoyed that you asked him about his fashion as he now looks as if he does care as he look clean and healthy.

[@Sethanhill]

Thank you! He has come a long way, internally and externally.

[@rollofthedice]

Good story from this guy, glad to hear he is still sober. And that's one hell of a thick book there on the table!

[@ronleblanc4518]

I'm minutes away from losing everything do to a relapse. 5 year's clean and COVID-19 has taken all my employment opportunities away, I'm struggling to pay bill's and feed my 2 children. Sometimes I just wanna fade away and hope that the next life is better than this one. Congratulations to everyone who has overcome addiction and managed to stay clean, you deserve true happiness. 💚💚💚

[@johnnytwohalves]

Hey, you deserve true happiness too. I pray that you're alright, as well as your two children. And that y'all are managing day after day throughout this world's crazy way of existence. You have got this. Don't give up. You do deserve better, no matter how long of a time you view having had or have now; all we really have is today. You're going to get through. God has a plan for you, believe that...

[@redhotchilifan98]

Probably the healtiest novak has ever looked its a beautiful thing and its so sad that bam is tearing him down when he cant even stay sober for a week

[@tilberry19]

Bam is tearing himself down.

[@melbruhn9837]

Ban will be ok :) I believe hell be ok

[@redhotchilifan98]

@@melbruhn9837 I sincerely hope so

[@julia-eu8xo]

@@melbruhn9837 if he gets sober hell yeah. i don't know who he is but i hope he does.

[@dravenprather27]

I used to think Bam was a dickhead for tearing Novak down, and he is. Bam is also an addict in denial and us addicts blame everyone but ourselves. I'm not saying it's an excuse, but you also have to look at the hell on wheels that Novak put Bam through when he was on H. Bam still remained his friend and helped him out and now the tables are turned and Novak is returning the favor.

[@kssksskillstank8179]

Damn Novak u are unique!! Keep climbing dude we'll be watching!!

[@laurencooper3169]

Thank u brandon. X

[@CaseyTrebisacci401]

So glad I finally got to finish watching this! Wonderful interview, Seth. And I agree with Novak, Cali really does suit you! Haha

[@Sethanhill]

Casey Trebisacci thank you! Im so glad you got to see this!

[@endthedrugwartoday]

@@Sethanhill Oh I love your channel name bud! #BAMLULZCOW2021 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHXNqGyvbNGbgZY

[@jennwill80]

This has to be the best Brandon Novak has ever looked.

[@stolencable8631]

Best interview ever ! Congrats

[@Sethanhill]

stolen cable thank you! We appreciate your feedback.

[@artapollo3367]

Right on Brandon, wish I could do what you do

[@catherineleavy3746]

Thank you! Your amazing keep on trukin everyone your all worth it you can do it! I have 12 years and my cousin best friend sister passed 1982-2019 i miss and love you! NOVAK YOUR WORDS MEANINGS DEPTH KNOWLEDGE IS KEY TO SOBRIETY! YOU ROCK

[@Sethanhill]

Yes he does

[@davelee3725]

Way to go bro You the man

[@tintmandanlawson7321]

You are an inspiration dude. Im still stuck in the bullshit somehow. 20 years not sober

[@JRRODYY]

We love you and you are worth it.

[@provethemwrong5604]

How are you going man? I’m trying to get off it now and it’s not working how are you going bro?

[@kevina5337]

I feel ya man ... But good news is you can turn that around and ask for help any day you choose..

[@CoachellaValleyCopWatch]

Proud of your Novak!!!!!!

[@michaelmartinez8066]

Word i got a year clean today. Good shit novak

[@chetrok1]

Congrats ! I have a year this month

[@aaf9666]

Keep it up bro this podcast has potential

[@betsys76]

Super impressive need to meet this man

[@carolgeorgeson9632]

Love you novak you helped me get clean ....8yrs in june 2024

[@Sethanhill]

Amazing!! Congratulations

[@lucybell1767]

I have never picked up a drug, I have had a very blessed life that I never went down that road. I have watched it destroy so many people though and this dude gives me so much hope for my friends. He is really inspiring even if you have never used personally.

[@chuckweber542]

Lucy Bell wow good stuff.yeah addiction is no joke.i was addicted to opates and herion for close to a decade.i been clean close to five years.i first tried a vicoden from my friend then he would sell me percoct.that set me off a horrible addiction that consumed my every being for years upon years.at first it was to get high.then as i got older things in my life changed so much.all my friends moved on.i could not hold a relationship with a girl.then i used to cover up negative feelings or loneliness.went to Jail and did many inpatient out patient programs 6 months at a clip.it took me almost 10 years and almost homelessness to realize not only was the drug the peoblem but my way of thinking about life the world around me or the way i thought of myself was in a bad dark place to get clean and stay clean.

[@SHHDADDYSWORKN]

Great way to look at it. Your flaws are now your assets. I understand what you mean.

[@retroxi23]

God Bless

[@kissiakardashian9787]

I just love watching Brandon he's such an inspiration funny charmingI mean I just love watching Brandon his stories just absolutely it home for me I love this dude ❤️

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Same!!! I'm trying to get back into recovery it's so hard :(((

[@JayChadwickRugby]

AWESOME!

[@lmsmbassaddict7779]

You are my hero dude

[@melbourneaustralia6373]

Omg I've been in love for years ❤ cheers to you

[@Sethanhill]

Good dude

[@carriewilliams485]

I love him so much!!!!!

[@Sethanhill]

He’s a great guy!

[@infinitypoker6383]

What a philosopher

[@Tootall7]

The difference is taking the true time to fix ourselves and be courageous enough to take our disappointments head on ...You can't drive a car on a blown out tire remember that

[@austingill2606]

That’s better then anything to be seen

[@crystallouisemarshall9081]

Absolutely great interview

[@Sethanhill]

Crystal Louise Marshall thank you Crystal!

[@lonarbuckle9788]

documentary ,,,luv docs...gonna try and track it,,,

[@dannychristensen1251]

I am a recovering alcoholic and I’ve heard most of Brandon’s speeches! I wish at this point he would speak different words! He just repeats his same phrases and even says it the same! Just feels like he is just smart enough to sell this not speak on up to date life and changes!

[@CoachellaValleyCopWatch]

Just subbed bro

[@lmsmbassaddict7779]

Novak you're wrong, adolophine is the name given to the synthesis that replaced morphine because they got cut off from medication and synthesis chemicals so the only drug they could make to keep him well at that point was methadone. Methadone was adolophine

[@darkuncle77]

You’re wrong, what you said is still not right. Your trying to be edgy lol

[@MrAndyPee]

Novak you really look so healthy and good shocked to hear about bam hope he gets back to himself and off whatever he’s taking

[@chronikoflife]

Never really liked Novak but after watching this he grew on me a little

[@richhadfield3836]

I'd like to meet him one-on-one. I am down that way every once in awhile. But only 4 years out of a heavy addiction is a short time. He's really just learning how to be an adult. It's a great story though...not a lot of people come back from being that deep into it.

[@Sethanhill]

Glad we could help shift your perspective a little!

[@YHWH711]

Yeah Novak a miracle from the Most High.

[@monadahlstrm5843]

He is a good eksempel of not giving up👏👏👏

[@Sethanhill]

Yes he is!

[@ronthunders6124]

its fucking amazing his recovery!

[@timothyjames8750]

He is really relatable

[@melbruhn9837]

His heart socks are adorable

[@infinitypoker6383]

His clean date is coming up

[@michaelwatson248]

Starts talking about Bam 31:00

[@patriciaallen5830]

well he already exposed bam as a Meth smoking junkie. pretty sad

[@marylopez2844]

Michael Watson thank you!

[@chutube6487]

I need more such a big help

[@kochaos6129]

dude speaks in poetry..

[@fohdatass]

Rad channel!!

[@Sethanhill]

Thank you! More interviews coming in 10 days

[@askiasabur381]

Peace Family

[@dangerousaries1]

The Rehab Guru!

[@Sethanhill]

He certainly is!

[@eklypised]

Still fighting this opiate addiction....I had 10 days but fuked up yesterday...got a few subs Ima just take pieces of it and ween down off it all

[@warburton8439]

Dolphine is the medical term for Methadone. Adolf hitlers favourite drug was Methamphetamine (a completley different drug).

[@learyc8077]

He got sober through AA, if you want to follow the same path!

[@Sethanhill]

Good program, helped a lot of people

[@SayyShhh]

where you get that dr evil outfit?

[@Sethanhill]

We made it, we make custom suits and jackets!

[@jodo1971]

"The program" becomes the new addiction. You certainly don't have to be in the program to have a spiritual experience or achieve sobriety. I've been thru the program so i know what it is. Don't get me wrong: for many, it's the only solution.

[@benzoadonethc1685]

It's a cult and many women are raped and sexually assaulted because of it being court ordered which is illegal. They repeat the same bullsht lines and think it's witty.

[@martinpanks992]

It’s too good to be true, hope he is sober and hope he keeps it up...

[@slam_shadyxxfuck1281]

Go down to Kensington Avenue

[@sydthemachine]

Novak is the fucking man

[@Sethanhill]

Agreed

[@Bonesph]

Dolophine is brand name for Methadone not Morphine and it is not named after Hitler.

[@robertorndorff4644]

Do you know that the f****** company he works for doesn't take State Insurance I'm from Baltimore I just called it they want $1,000 a day so that would be 30 thousand a month Coogi think we are out in Baltimore doing heroin f****** Charlie Sheen he's a fake f***** and I used to like him all the way until I just called that number for help and they said it was $1,000 a day and he gets 50% of that if you listen to Bam's webcast I f****** hate this guy now I looked up to him though I f****** hate

[@valeriepaulsen5236]

How is having crdit cards successful?

[@crustydinglecherry3451]

Brandon "8 scarves 2 jackets 1 sock" Novak

[@LadyGetDown]

Don't forget the stick of deodorant!!

[@KGHoffy]

Hes said this story almost word for word in every interview ive watched lol

[@derrickboess5886]

i think he repeats his story the same kinda way bc its obv resonating w ppl and helping them, so stick w what works, ya know? hes not gonna be like "okay well this however many ppl have heard my story told this particular way, so for their sake, so as not to bore them, ill find entirely new and interesting ways to tell it, screw all the ppl who havent heard it at all yet." lol thats actually super arrogant for ppl to bitch that hes being repetitive, as if its his responsibility to entertain and cater to each one of them

[@SAMEntalhealth]

@@derrickboess5886 damn right brother

[@erikhall1820]

Groundhog day life repeat each time

[@haroonabassi1821]

I fucking LOVE you Novak

[@Sethanhill]

We do too

[@Devilish__]

Adolophine is the name of Methadone, but close enough. Morphine is morphine, or Laudnum or diacetylmorphine (heroin). Regardless I can't stop watching this guy, he's a true influence on the world.

[@hoop-djonez8669]

Thought methadone was originally adolphadone

[@johngarza5272]

I havent pushed play but I'm guessing hes going to talk about being a pro at a young age and running for Gatorade on a tredmill next to Michael jordan and being a top selling author....letts seeee

[@johngarza5272]

15:40 nailed it.. glad hes sober and doing good I've just seen to many videos is all 🙏🙏 good vibes

[@infinitypoker6383]

This really took me the distance goddamn...

[@kineticblues2766]

I don't know how anyone can get off opioids/ opiates... that's been my problem for 13 years... a day without is catastrophic. I used to think it was impossible, but that is definitely why his career choice works... like someone else in the comments said; "it's a constant reminder to not fall back to where you've been."... and don't get me wrong, any addiction to any substance or thing can be detrimental and all consuming... but opioids/ opiates are an entirely different animal... ugh

[@tbone4781]

You can do it. Go to a hospital so that they can medically help you detox. The hard part is staying off of them. You can do it.

[@erikhall1820]

If you can do it n make it I can too. 15 months off all but thc.

[@aaronbraun0415]

Him and james Franco have real similar voices.

[@samanthamalley8739]

I can't unhear this 😆

[@DanielMartins-og2gj]

Saturn cleaned up his Scorpio and Sagittarius houses in the past 5 years. Transiting his Venus, Uranus, Sun, Neptune, Mercury , & Mars planets (inner conditioned Archetypes), helping him change and discipline (Saturn) his life

[@clark1779]

...riiiiighhhht

[@novelsolutions601]

It's God bruv.

[@ryancanney8620]

this dude with his corduroy jacket and golden microphones haha

[@ggallinthegodofhell3461]

Pewp on meh Herron Novak

[@DanielMartins-og2gj]

I want to give Novak his astrological birth chart reading!!

[@Daydreamer_92]

No matter what question u ask him every interview is exactly the same

[@jonny2hotty378]

That why I don't dare buying his book, because I have a feeling that would be exactly like every other youtube video of his

[@Daydreamer_92]

Jonny2Hotty totally man I 100% agree. There’s no reason to buy his book cuz I’ve heard the story told the exact same way a million times.

[@stevenmcbride9773]

The truth never changes bro ... This isn't entertainment ... It's his life and sobriety ... I believe people r confusing themselves by saying he keeps repeating himself or every interview he says the same thing .. They r expecting or looking for entertainment from Novak .. U can't spice this story up or Hollywood it up ... It's his story and once u tell the truth u can't change it the next time u tell it ...

[@buckfuddy489]

Steven Mcbride u said this perfect..I been seeing a lot of comments saying about he is "repeating himself" n "telling the same story"..all I keep thinking is, "well no sh!t, it's HIS STORY of sobriety".. Ya know it's really sad when even at his best, it isn't good enough for some.. seeing him then n seeing him now, I'll take this novack any day!!

[@lisadavie5819]

Well it's his truth and his story... How can he change his story? He can't..the truth is the truth. If he was to change it you'd probably be the first to call him a liar too. Jeez.

[@tmanchu]

Defects becoming biggest assets!!!

[@mattspencer6154]

No one knows what this guy been through and seen. So if he seems like a enlightened yogi, just imagine he gave up and let something take over and it worked. So now he is a different person. You can’t fault him for that. What everyone has to take away from this is beating addiction is extremely mentally hard to do. Also physical bc it is very uncomfortable. But if Novak can do it, we can all do it because he did it all. Heroin, alcohol, and coke, which the first two are absolute horror shows to get through especially alcohol. It can be done.

[@Sethanhill]

guy has been through a lot more than we know

[@brianlohse7672]

Dolphine is methodone

[@pearljam8940]

Why do people keep inviting him on podcasts - He says the EXACT SAME THING verbatim in every single interview

[@cLABREHAB]

max schneider because he’s full of shit.

[@renee7860]

Because he's reaching different audiences and possibly changing someone's life.

[@jonny2hotty378]

@@renee7860 aww cute words

[@SonictheHedgehogInRealLife]

Wait i thought he died hes still alive?!!!!

[@aballpythonlasagna4643]

3:15 10:10 12:00

[@kalvarezalvarez7940]

I'm 17 months clean tomorrow

[@Sethanhill]

Amazing

[@AM-vk2yq]

Watching this while I sit hear smoking percs. I need help.

[@ashleygermain617]

here if u need anything insta @ ashley.germain

[@benzoadonethc1685]

Stop smoking that garbage. Oxycodone has high oral ba. Eat it . Also go to a methadone clinic. Don't believe the cult of aa. Also percs I hope you mean roxycodone and not smoking tylenol and barely any oxy.

[@tj-mb3fy]

Are you doing better ??❤️

[@AM-vk2yq]

@@tj-mb3fy yoooooo i forgot i posted this lol 52 days clean today! Hell yeah brother!

[@AM-vk2yq]

@@benzoadonethc1685 im from az where "percs" means pressed fentanyl pills. Im quite familiar with opioid BA. Did end up quitting Cold turkey and going to aa meetings. The support there has actually helped me from relapsing a couple of times.

[@Malibu7Seven]

Not that long Mr Interviewer?!! Do you even know what it takes to get ONE week?!

[@Sethanhill]

Yeah I do, I’ve been sober for 7 years. I’m nut sure what part of the interview you’re referring too but I think it was a just miscommunication and fast talking.

[@Malibu7Seven]

@@Sethanhill I apologize. I'm still in the fight and I can be drastic or dramatic high or sober. I appreciate your interview 👍✌🕉💚

[@chrissilverman6104]

The spiel is equal to an ungodly amount of time listening to self-proclaimed Yogi's speak of how much wisdom they've gained through suffering continuously listening to that spiel produced a robot like response in a social situation where your sobriety and Sanity is in question... duh!!!

[@infinitypoker6383]

I listen to this at least once a month....I never gave a fuck about jackass or skateboard this guy is just...idk I relate

[@richardcot-te-rell7476]

i thought you walked into rehab with ripped clothes after getting robbed when you was scoring 40 dollars of gear??

[@sketchyfish10]

Yer I heard him tell this story twice now so your right

[@Schneeef]

He seems to be on autopilot with these stories now.