The Dark Side of Below Deck They Never Showed | Ashton's Drinking and Recovery Journey

Reality TV fame. Party culture. Alcohol. And the moment everything had to change. In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off The Table, Louis Ruggiero sits down with Ashton Pienaar from Bravo’s hit show Below Deck to talk about the reality behind reality TV — the partying, the pressure, and the moment he realized he needed to change his life. Ashton opens up about his journey from the wild lifestyle of the yachting industry and reality television to finding sobriety, purpose, and discipline through fitness and personal growth. This is a raw conversation about addiction, recovery, masculinity, trauma, and the work it takes to truly rebuild your life. If you're struggling with alcohol, addiction, or trying to change your life, this episode will hit home. Recovery is possible. As Louis shares in the episode, addiction is often not the real problem — it’s the solution we use to escape deeper pain. In this episode we discuss: • Ashton Pienaar’s time on Bravo’s Below Deck • The heavy drinking culture behind reality TV • The moment Ashton realized alcohol was controlling his life •How fitness helped him rebuild his identity in sobriety • The connection between trauma, addiction, and self-destructive behavior • Why community and recovery programs save lives • How to break the cycle of addiction If you're struggling with addiction Reach out. You are not alone. If you or someone you love needs help, contact Banyan Treatment Centers or message Louis directly for guidance and resources. 🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table. I sit down with people who’ve faced it all: addiction, loss, redemption and came out stronger. These are unfiltered conversations about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose again. If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, reach out to Banyan Treatment Centers — the team I personally believe in. They’ve helped thousands of people rebuild their lives. 👉 Call: [(855) 773-1502] 🌐 Visit: (https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/?utm_source=louis_podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=banyan_partnership&utm_content=episode_read) 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod/) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@ashtonpienaar (https://www.instagram.com/ashtonpienaar) 👉 TikTok: [@ashtonpienaar](https://www.tiktok.com/@ashtonpienaar) 👉 Website: (https://www.facebook.com/ashton.pienaar) About the Show Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty, deep insights, and stories that hit home. Meet Louis Louis Ruggiero turned his life around after years of struggling with addiction, gambling, and substance abuse. Now, he’s on a mission to amplify voices — from celebrities to everyday survivors — sharing their journeys of grit, growth, and healing. #AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsofftheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #BanyanTreatmentCenters #BanyanxLouis #BanyanRecovery #BanyanPodcastPartner #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity --- Disclaimer: The stories and views shared on Nothing’s Off The Table are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance on personal matters. Copyright: © Nothing’s Off The Table with Louis Ruggiero. All rights reserved. Feel free to share or embed episodes with proper credit and a link to our official pages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices