The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Episode 360: Brandon Novak – $80 Worth of Drywall
Release Date: November 17, 2025
Guest: Brandon Novak

Episode Overview

This episode of The HoneyDew dives deep into the lows and eventual highs of Brandon Novak’s life—the skater, Jackass/Viva La Bam cast member, published author, and recovering addict. Novak and host Ryan Sickler share their mutual Baltimore roots and bond over stories of addiction, dysfunctional families, survival, and redemption, with hard-hitting honesty and signature dark humor. The conversation revolves around Novak’s tumultuous upbringing, meteoric skateboarding career, harrowing drug addiction, time on the streets and in prison, and, ultimately, finding purpose through recovery and helping others.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Life and Family Chaos

Family Background
- Born in Kingsville, Maryland, later moved to Parkville.
- Father: Never had a legitimate job, ran with the Hell’s Angels, engaged in various criminal hustles.
- Mother: Went from drawing blood door-to-door for $5 to becoming a nuclear physicist at Mercy Hospital.
- Siblings: Half-brother (now an attorney in the White House), half-sister (works at Mercy).
Parental Instability
- Father gave Novak a machete for his 6th birthday (“...to keep in the freezer.” – Novak, 07:10).
- Violent, erratic, and often absent. Brandon describes frequent moves: “We migrated to Parkville... felt like we were going on a pilgrimage to God knows where.” (04:18)
- Eventually, Novak, his mother, and siblings fled his father, who responded by sitting at the door with a baseball bat as they packed.

2. Baltimore Roots & Crime

Colorful Baltimore City Stories
- Grandfather owned the produce market featured in "The Wire," last episode ("That was in what used to be my grandparents’ produce market." – Novak, 09:02).
- Anecdotes of the local drug trade, embezzlement, and neighborhood lore (“You hang on the corner of Eastern Avenue and Patterson Park with the other young boys...selling my ass, letting men blow me.” – Novak, 47:07).

3. Escape and Skateboarding Success

Skateboarding as Salvation
- Became close with skate legend Bucky Lasek, who helped advance Novak’s career.
- Novak’s mom placed newspaper ads looking for rides so Brandon could skate after school.
- Skating provided confidence and "did for me what drugs and alcohol did for me later" (31:55).
Brush with Fame
- Sponsored by Pal Peralta; entered the scene with future icons like Bam Margera.

4. Descent into Addiction

Exposure and Onset
- Genetic predisposition: “My father was an addict, and his father was an addict.” (24:05)
- Early exposure: Taken to strip clubs by his father; normalized criminality and addiction young.
- First party drink at 16/17 lit the fuse, despite earlier resistance:
  
  “Skateboarding did for me at a young age what drugs and alcohol did for me later...” (31:55)
Rapid Progression
- Alcohol, then Xanax, then cocaine, then heroin.
- Bucky eventually told Bam Margera at a skate event that Novak was “on heroin,” marking the start of Novak's time “homeless in Baltimore, shooting heroin.” (37:27)
Loss and Isolation
- Estrangement from family; living in abandoned houses.
- “Everyone loved him—except his family. Straight up.” (15:17, about his father.)

5. Living on the Edge: Crime, Survival, and Deepest Lowlights

Crime & Survival
- Worked odd gigs, hustled, scammed via charm (like his father).
- Frequented dangerous spots (Lexington Market, abandoned houses).
Sex Work for Drugs
- Describes reaching the point of selling his body for cash to buy drugs:
  
  “The young boys would hang there… I used to make fun of those boys, and one day, I was them.” (54:32)
  “I let a man blow me for a hundred bucks, bought $80 worth of dope and coke, and it turned out to be drywall and sugar.” (58:46)
- Memorable story: Trading a stolen iron table for a night of sex work and defective drugs (53:12–64:23).
Scams and Hustles
- “You get drywall from any abandoned house, crush it up in a gel cap, and sell it as dope.” (63:02)

Notable Quote (on being conned after rock bottom sex work):

“I let a man blow me. I’ve come in a stranger’s mouth, swallowed a quarter of drywall, and still ended up sick.” — Novak (64:23)

6. Jackass, Viva La Bam, and Addiction on Air

Career on TV
- Novak became a regular on Jackass and Viva La Bam, often high.
- Bam’s rule was no opiates, but alcohol/cocaine were tolerated, which led Novak to do outrageous stunts for attention and pain meds.
- “I was the guy that did whatever, whenever, with whoever, and it really didn’t matter to me.” (68:41)
Legal Trouble and Incarceration
- Caught trying to fill a fraudulent prescription; arrested during Jackass filming after a stunt, sent to prison (70:28–72:00).
- Smuggled drugs into jail via cigarette wrappers in his rectum; caught after boasting on live radio (73:37).
- “My very best thinking has me in a weird basement with some weird boy handing me used women's clothing and shoes, and I'm grateful.” (94:58)

7. Rock Bottom & First Steps Toward Recovery

Family Cuts Ties
- Issued a restraining order by his mother, lost all possessions, and carried them in a single bag ("...all I owned was eight scarves, two jackets, three socks, deodorant, needle, spoon, and a restraining order and a passport.” – 85:06)
- Mother bought him a burial plot, expecting he'd die of addiction ("If anyone out there wants to buy a plot...I'll donate the money to charity. Mark my words." – 82:26)
Divine Intervention
- On the way to visit a woman (who’d read his book and offered an all-expenses-paid trip with drugs and sex), he was robbed – left with his genitals exposed and one shoe.
- Denied boarding at BWI airport by a TSA agent who said, "You will not fly for three days" (88:00); considers it a higher power intervening.
- Contacted a former sponsor and finally checked into rehab for $2:
  
  “God showed up in the form of a TSA agent and did for me what I was incapable of doing for myself, which was deny me access to my demise.” (90:49)
- Emotional turning point putting on donated women's clothing in a rehab basement:
  
  “At that moment, I realized what I do know is that I don’t have a clue.” (94:54)
  “That’s when I met the God of my understanding face to face, as a result of that gift of desperation.” (96:24)

8. The Long Road Back: Recovery & Purpose

Rebuilding Life
- Stayed 90 days in treatment, followed by a sober living house.
- Made amends with family, paid debts, and reconnected with those he'd wronged.
- Heartfelt moment with mother:
  
  "She called me and said, Brandon, I hate when you come to visit, because I get so sad when you leave." (98:46)
Current Mission
- Now runs seven sober living houses and two treatment centers (“Refuse to let price be a deterrent as to why someone can’t receive adequate care.” – 99:56)
- Urges anyone struggling to call him directly (610-314-6747).
- Deeply spiritual outlook: "My pain became my purpose." (96:24)
Closing Wisdom
- Would not give his 16-year-old self any advice:
  
  “I wouldn’t change my narrative or my script in the least bit because I believe that I’m blessed.” (100:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On family and cycles:

“My father was an addict, and his father was an addict... And I got that bad boy.” (24:05)
On hitting rock bottom (after sex work and being conned):

"I've come in a stranger's mouth, swallowed a quarter of drywall, and still ended up sick." (64:23)
On faith and gratitude in recovery:

“At that moment, I realized what I do know is that I don’t have a clue… my very best thinking has me in a weird basement with some weird boy as he’s giving me clothes and I’m grateful.” (94:54)
Mother's acceptance and healing:

“Brandon, I hate when you come back to visit, because I get so sad when you leave.” (98:46)
Reflecting on recovery:

"My pain became my purpose." (96:24)

Important Segments & Timestamps

Baltimore/Familial Backstory: 06:12–15:33
Bizarre Upbringing & Family Dynamics: 06:29, 07:10, 12:07
Skateboarding World & Early Success: 21:18, 22:29–23:39
First Exposure to Drugs: 24:02–31:47
Addiction Deepens / Power of Addiction: 33:49, 34:19, 36:06, 37:20
Sex Work & Hustling for Drugs: 53:12–64:23 (the “$80 drywall” story)
Jackass, TV career & Addiction World: 65:45–68:41
Legal Trouble & Jail Life: 70:28–77:52 (smuggling drugs, retaliation from guards)
Absolute Bottom, Family Cutoff & Divine Intervention: 81:51–94:58
Turning Point: Recovery & Redemption: 94:58–99:56
Advice to Younger Self & Life Philosophy: 100:49–101:42
Resources for Help: 101:51 (Brandon’s treatment centers/direct line)

Tone & Style

Ryan and Brandon use dark humor and streetwise bluntness to draw out the bleak details, but the tone throughout is honest, warm, and hopeful. Novak is open about shame and pain, yet speaks with humility and gratitude about his second chance and commitment to helping others.

Resources/Where to Find Brandon Novak

Website: brandonnovak.com
Instagram: @brandon__novak
Books:
- Dreamseller
- The Streets of Baltimore
- Addiction: A Graphic Novel
Treatment Centers: Redemption Addiction Treatment Center (Wilmington, DE & Pennsville, NJ)
Direct Line for Help: 610-314-6747

This episode is a powerful listen for anyone touched by addiction, seeking gritty redemption stories, or simply fans of raw, real-life storytelling with a Baltimore twist. Brandon Novak brings laughter, shock, and ultimately hope.

The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Episode 360: Brandon Novak – $80 Worth of Drywall
Release Date: November 17, 2025
Guest: Brandon Novak

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Life and Family Chaos

Family Background
- Born in Kingsville, Maryland, later moved to Parkville.
- Father: Never had a legitimate job, ran with the Hell’s Angels, engaged in various criminal hustles.
- Mother: Went from drawing blood door-to-door for $5 to becoming a nuclear physicist at Mercy Hospital.
- Siblings: Half-brother (now an attorney in the White House), half-sister (works at Mercy).
Parental Instability
- Father gave Novak a machete for his 6th birthday (“...to keep in the freezer.” – Novak, 07:10).
- Violent, erratic, and often absent. Brandon describes frequent moves: “We migrated to Parkville... felt like we were going on a pilgrimage to God knows where.” (04:18)
- Eventually, Novak, his mother, and siblings fled his father, who responded by sitting at the door with a baseball bat as they packed.

2. Baltimore Roots & Crime

Colorful Baltimore City Stories
- Grandfather owned the produce market featured in "The Wire," last episode ("That was in what used to be my grandparents’ produce market." – Novak, 09:02).
- Anecdotes of the local drug trade, embezzlement, and neighborhood lore (“You hang on the corner of Eastern Avenue and Patterson Park with the other young boys...selling my ass, letting men blow me.” – Novak, 47:07).

3. Escape and Skateboarding Success

Skateboarding as Salvation
- Became close with skate legend Bucky Lasek, who helped advance Novak’s career.
- Novak’s mom placed newspaper ads looking for rides so Brandon could skate after school.
- Skating provided confidence and "did for me what drugs and alcohol did for me later" (31:55).
Brush with Fame
- Sponsored by Pal Peralta; entered the scene with future icons like Bam Margera.

4. Descent into Addiction

Exposure and Onset
- Genetic predisposition: “My father was an addict, and his father was an addict.” (24:05)
- Early exposure: Taken to strip clubs by his father; normalized criminality and addiction young.
- First party drink at 16/17 lit the fuse, despite earlier resistance:
  
  “Skateboarding did for me at a young age what drugs and alcohol did for me later...” (31:55)
Rapid Progression
- Alcohol, then Xanax, then cocaine, then heroin.
- Bucky eventually told Bam Margera at a skate event that Novak was “on heroin,” marking the start of Novak's time “homeless in Baltimore, shooting heroin.” (37:27)
Loss and Isolation
- Estrangement from family; living in abandoned houses.
- “Everyone loved him—except his family. Straight up.” (15:17, about his father.)

5. Living on the Edge: Crime, Survival, and Deepest Lowlights

Crime & Survival
- Worked odd gigs, hustled, scammed via charm (like his father).
- Frequented dangerous spots (Lexington Market, abandoned houses).
Sex Work for Drugs
- Describes reaching the point of selling his body for cash to buy drugs:
  
  “The young boys would hang there… I used to make fun of those boys, and one day, I was them.” (54:32)
  “I let a man blow me for a hundred bucks, bought $80 worth of dope and coke, and it turned out to be drywall and sugar.” (58:46)
- Memorable story: Trading a stolen iron table for a night of sex work and defective drugs (53:12–64:23).
Scams and Hustles
- “You get drywall from any abandoned house, crush it up in a gel cap, and sell it as dope.” (63:02)

Notable Quote (on being conned after rock bottom sex work):

“I let a man blow me. I’ve come in a stranger’s mouth, swallowed a quarter of drywall, and still ended up sick.” — Novak (64:23)

6. Jackass, Viva La Bam, and Addiction on Air

Career on TV
- Novak became a regular on Jackass and Viva La Bam, often high.
- Bam’s rule was no opiates, but alcohol/cocaine were tolerated, which led Novak to do outrageous stunts for attention and pain meds.
- “I was the guy that did whatever, whenever, with whoever, and it really didn’t matter to me.” (68:41)
Legal Trouble and Incarceration
- Caught trying to fill a fraudulent prescription; arrested during Jackass filming after a stunt, sent to prison (70:28–72:00).
- Smuggled drugs into jail via cigarette wrappers in his rectum; caught after boasting on live radio (73:37).
- “My very best thinking has me in a weird basement with some weird boy handing me used women's clothing and shoes, and I'm grateful.” (94:58)

7. Rock Bottom & First Steps Toward Recovery

Family Cuts Ties
- Issued a restraining order by his mother, lost all possessions, and carried them in a single bag ("...all I owned was eight scarves, two jackets, three socks, deodorant, needle, spoon, and a restraining order and a passport.” – 85:06)
- Mother bought him a burial plot, expecting he'd die of addiction ("If anyone out there wants to buy a plot...I'll donate the money to charity. Mark my words." – 82:26)
Divine Intervention
- On the way to visit a woman (who’d read his book and offered an all-expenses-paid trip with drugs and sex), he was robbed – left with his genitals exposed and one shoe.
- Denied boarding at BWI airport by a TSA agent who said, "You will not fly for three days" (88:00); considers it a higher power intervening.
- Contacted a former sponsor and finally checked into rehab for $2:
  
  “God showed up in the form of a TSA agent and did for me what I was incapable of doing for myself, which was deny me access to my demise.” (90:49)
- Emotional turning point putting on donated women's clothing in a rehab basement:
  
  “At that moment, I realized what I do know is that I don’t have a clue.” (94:54)
  “That’s when I met the God of my understanding face to face, as a result of that gift of desperation.” (96:24)

8. The Long Road Back: Recovery & Purpose

Rebuilding Life
- Stayed 90 days in treatment, followed by a sober living house.
- Made amends with family, paid debts, and reconnected with those he'd wronged.
- Heartfelt moment with mother:
  
  "She called me and said, Brandon, I hate when you come to visit, because I get so sad when you leave." (98:46)
Current Mission
- Now runs seven sober living houses and two treatment centers (“Refuse to let price be a deterrent as to why someone can’t receive adequate care.” – 99:56)
- Urges anyone struggling to call him directly (610-314-6747).
- Deeply spiritual outlook: "My pain became my purpose." (96:24)
Closing Wisdom
- Would not give his 16-year-old self any advice:
  
  “I wouldn’t change my narrative or my script in the least bit because I believe that I’m blessed.” (100:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On family and cycles:

“My father was an addict, and his father was an addict... And I got that bad boy.” (24:05)
On hitting rock bottom (after sex work and being conned):

"I've come in a stranger's mouth, swallowed a quarter of drywall, and still ended up sick." (64:23)
On faith and gratitude in recovery:

“At that moment, I realized what I do know is that I don’t have a clue… my very best thinking has me in a weird basement with some weird boy as he’s giving me clothes and I’m grateful.” (94:54)
Mother's acceptance and healing:

“Brandon, I hate when you come back to visit, because I get so sad when you leave.” (98:46)
Reflecting on recovery:

"My pain became my purpose." (96:24)

Important Segments & Timestamps

Baltimore/Familial Backstory: 06:12–15:33
Bizarre Upbringing & Family Dynamics: 06:29, 07:10, 12:07
Skateboarding World & Early Success: 21:18, 22:29–23:39
First Exposure to Drugs: 24:02–31:47
Addiction Deepens / Power of Addiction: 33:49, 34:19, 36:06, 37:20
Sex Work & Hustling for Drugs: 53:12–64:23 (the “$80 drywall” story)
Jackass, TV career & Addiction World: 65:45–68:41
Legal Trouble & Jail Life: 70:28–77:52 (smuggling drugs, retaliation from guards)
Absolute Bottom, Family Cutoff & Divine Intervention: 81:51–94:58
Turning Point: Recovery & Redemption: 94:58–99:56
Advice to Younger Self & Life Philosophy: 100:49–101:42
Resources for Help: 101:51 (Brandon’s treatment centers/direct line)

Tone & Style

Resources/Where to Find Brandon Novak

Website: brandonnovak.com
Instagram: @brandon__novak
Books:
- Dreamseller
- The Streets of Baltimore
- Addiction: A Graphic Novel
Treatment Centers: Redemption Addiction Treatment Center (Wilmington, DE & Pennsville, NJ)
Direct Line for Help: 610-314-6747

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360: Brandon Novak - $80 Worth of Drywall

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Summary

The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Life and Family Chaos

2. Baltimore Roots & Crime

3. Escape and Skateboarding Success

4. Descent into Addiction

5. Living on the Edge: Crime, Survival, and Deepest Lowlights

Notable Quote (on being conned after rock bottom sex work):

6. Jackass, Viva La Bam, and Addiction on Air

7. Rock Bottom & First Steps Toward Recovery

8. The Long Road Back: Recovery & Purpose

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segments & Timestamps

Tone & Style

Resources/Where to Find Brandon Novak

Summary

The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Life and Family Chaos

2. Baltimore Roots & Crime

3. Escape and Skateboarding Success

4. Descent into Addiction

5. Living on the Edge: Crime, Survival, and Deepest Lowlights

Notable Quote (on being conned after rock bottom sex work):

6. Jackass, Viva La Bam, and Addiction on Air

7. Rock Bottom & First Steps Toward Recovery

8. The Long Road Back: Recovery & Purpose

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segments & Timestamps

Tone & Style

Resources/Where to Find Brandon Novak