PODCAST · society
Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero
by Louis Ruggiero
On Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero, no topic is too heavy, no story too raw. Through powerful conversations about resilience, perseverance, and beating the odds, Louis and his guests confront life’s toughest challenges head-on. This is a space for unfiltered honesty, real growth, and relentless inspiration—because when it comes to overcoming adversity, nothing is off the table.
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"Love Island Star Opens Up | Suicide Attempts, Addiction & How He Got 4 Years Sober
Cormac is an Irish-born fitness coach, model, and former Love Island USA cast member — and he's now nearly four years sober. In this raw, no-holds-barred episode of Nothing's Off, he sits down to share the full story behind the highlight reel. We get into his last drink at his brother's wedding in Australia, just months after losing his father. His battle with cocaine, Adderall, and alcohol that dropped his weight to 162 lbs. The suicidal thoughts that started at 21 and the multiple rock bottoms that followed. And the moment he watched himself on national TV and realized he hated the person he'd become. But this is also a story about coming back. Cormac opens up about going to rehab in 2020, the relapses in between, walking into the rooms again and again, and how recovery, fitness, and brutal honesty gave him a "ladder out of the dark hole." Today he runs an online coaching business and uses his platform to spread awareness around addiction, sobriety, depression, and men's mental health. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is for you. As Cormac says: everything is going to be okay — one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Topics we cover: * His last day drinking & drugging (4 years sober July 12th) * Losing his father and the emotional spiral that followed * Coke, Adderall, and the lifestyle that nearly killed him * Multiple suicide attempts and the shame around them * Why men don't talk about their feelings — and why that has to change * His Love Island USA experience and the trauma behind it * How fitness became a non-negotiable in his recovery * Accountability, amends, and learning to like who he is * His best advice for anyone still sick and suffering 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: 🌎 Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/iamcormacmurphy) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcormacmurphy) 👉 Website: (https://beacons.ai/iamcormacmurphy?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGni6ohbn7QcNIqHSQXs5-3ybpoAwuwqPPW8Nuz11ss-RupCnxXeIRg594VBvI_aem_un2FA0a8XhytKxgW0rTP3Q) 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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"I Lost $20,000 in 15 Minutes" | A Gambling Addict's Brutal Confession
Adam Joseph spent over a decade as a compulsive gambler — losing $5,000 to $10,000 a week, blowing $20,000 in a single 15-minute blackjack session, and hiding it all from his wife for the first 10–12 years of their marriage. To everyone around him, Adam was the responsible one: a business owner, a baseball coach, active in his church, a devoted family man. Nobody suspected that "Adam's dirty little secret" was quietly gambling away a fortune. In this raw episode of Nothing's Off the Table, Adam takes us from the very beginning — a $100 bet on a golf course at 21 — through casino floors, sportsbooks, relapse after relapse, and a near-death COVID hospitalization where he prayed it might finally be the only way to stop. He opens up about the lying, the manipulation, the shame, and the moment his wife finally caught him for the last time on November 5th, 2022. Now over three years clean, Adam shares how he found freedom through recovery, why sponsoring other men at Celebrate Recovery became the most fulfilling work of his life, and the one message he wants every person still suffering in silence to hear: you are not alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling or addiction, this conversation is for you. In this episode: * Adam's last day gambling and how he got caught * How a $100 golf bet spiraled into a full-blown addiction * Losing $20K in 15 minutes at the blackjack table * Hiding a double life from his wife, family, and church * Hitting bottom in the ICU during COVID * Finding recovery, faith, and purpose on the other side 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: 🌎 Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/adamdink) 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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"He Shot Me Up With Heroin For The First Time" | Surviving Addiction, Prison & 7 Years Sober
"He shot me up with heroin for the first time" — and that single moment sent Lauren G. into a years-long battle with addiction that nearly cost her an arm, a foot, and her life. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Nothing's Off The Table, Lauren G. (Philly / Kensington) opens up about the addiction story she's never fully told. From taking her first drink at 14, to a trauma bond that pulled her into opiates, to shooting heroin despite being terrified of needles — Lauren holds nothing back. She walks us through the hardest chapters: multiple DUIs, stealing from her own mom, watching her sister break down crying through prison glass, blood infections that nearly took her left arm, cellulitis that nearly took her foot — and why even THAT wasn't enough to make her stop. But this is also a story of hope. Lauren shares how a year in prison, Bucks County drug court, and finally hitting the point where "the pain gets great enough" led her to over 7 years of recovery — and a life beyond her wildest dreams. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is for you. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: 🌎 Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/laurgaff) 👉 TikTok:(https://www.tiktok.com/@lala.g730) 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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"I Started Gambling at 11 Years Old" | He Stole Wallets, Did Jail Time & Got Hooked on Crypto Casinos
He placed his first bet at 11 years old. By 21, he'd stolen wallets, done jail time, and burned through everything chasing the next bet on underage crypto casinos. In this episode of Nothing's Off The Table, I sit down with Kurt F. — a former compulsive gambler now in recovery — to talk about the dark reality of youth gambling addiction in the age of sports betting apps, loot boxes, and 24/7 access casinos in your pocket. We get into: - How a kid gets hooked on gambling at 11 years old - Underage gambling through crypto casinos - Stealing to fund the addiction and the jail time that followed - Why losing can feel just as addictive as winning - The stigma of being a compulsive gambler vs. a drug addict or alcoholic - How loot boxes & video games are grooming the next generation of gamblers - What finally made him surrender — and how he got into recovery - His best advice for anyone still sick and suffering This is one of the most raw, honest conversations we've had about gambling addiction and recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is for you. Kurt is now pursuing his master's to become a counselor and help other compulsive gamblers. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: 🌎 Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/ParentsStandingTogether) 👉 Website: (https://parentsstandingtogether.org) 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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"I Thought I Couldn't Overdose" | 16 Years on Heroin to Sober
For 16 years, Jessie thought she was the exception — that she was too smart to overdose, that the heroin, the chaos, and the dangerous people would never actually catch up to her. Then one overdose changed everything. In this raw, no-filter episode of Nothing's Off The Table, Jessie opens up about the full arc of her addiction and recovery: getting hooked, losing herself to heroin, a violent relationship in a Marina del Rey apartment that looked perfect from the outside, nearly dying from a septic infection during COVID, leading police on a chase in her blacked-out Hellcat, house arrest, and the moment she finally surrendered and got sober in 2022. We get into the stuff most recovery conversations avoid — why she refuses to "reset her clock" after a relapse, the shame that keeps so many people from coming back, what tough love from her parents actually felt like from the inside, and how she rebuilt her entire life from nothing. Today Jessie runs a sober living home, works in the treatment field, and launched her own clothing line, Broken Bandit. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this one is full of hope, honesty, and proof that the doors that open in recovery are bigger than any fear that's keeping you out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Lamar Odom’s SHOCKING Story: The Coma, Khloe Kardashian & The Night That Almost Killed Him
Lamar Odom sits down for one of the most raw, honest conversations we've ever had on Nothing's Off The Table. Two-time NBA champion. Sixth Man of the Year. Played alongside Kobe Bryant. Married into the most famous family on earth. And then — 12 strokes, 6 heart attacks, and a coma that nearly ended it all at the Bunny Ranch in 2015. In this unforgettable episode, Lamar opens up about growing up around addiction, losing his mother and his infant son, the spotlight of the Lakers and the Kardashians, the truth about his marriage to Khloé, the night he overdosed, waking up unable to walk or talk, and the long road back to recovery. He shares why he's clean today, the plant medicine helping him heal, his thoughts on the gambling crisis in sports, and the message of hope he wants every struggling addict to hear. This is a story about how far addiction can take you — and proof that it doesn't have to end there. Recovery is possible. Change is possible. If he made it out, so can you. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/lamarodom) 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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Her Kids Found Her Passed Out at a 0.47 BAC | Anne's SHOCKING Story of Alcohol Addiction
A 0.47 blood alcohol content. Five rehabs. Three kids coming home from school to find their mother passed out. In this episode of Nothing's Off The Table, Anne— a mom from Michigan, now 7 years sober — shares the raw, unfiltered story of how alcoholism nearly killed her, and the single moment that finally broke through. She takes us from a childhood with an alcoholic father, through a progression that ended with her drinking vodka and mouthwash just to stop the tremors, to the day a CPS worker looked her in the eyes and said she'd place all three of her children in separate homes. That was the moment she surrendered. This is a story about how bad it can get — and proof that recovery is possible at any age. 🔎 What We Cover In This Episode - Growing up with an alcoholic father — and how she used "it's in my genes" as an excuse for years - The terrifying progression: beer to wine to vodka to drinking mouthwash to survive - A 0.47 BAC hospitalization and the doctor telling her husband she shouldn't be alive - The day her 14-year-old daughter read a letter about what the drinking did to her - The CPS visit that became her rock-bottom — and her surrender on the side of the road - Finding the rooms of AA, "Big Mike," and why she says those rooms saved her life - Making amends to her high school sweetheart husband and rebuilding her family - Her advice for anyone still suffering: just keep coming back 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: 👉 TikTok: 👉 Website: 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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Gambling Addiction Almost Killed Him by 28 | Anthony’s SHOCKING Gambling Addiction
Anthony Natoli was 12 years old when he placed his first bet. By his late 20s he was living a "perfect" six-figure tech sales life in San Francisco — while secretly drowning in over $100K of gambling debt, 60 pounds overweight, a credit score in the 400s, and standing at the edge of the Golden Gate Bridge. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Nothing's Off The Table, Anthony tells host Louis how a compulsive sports betting addiction (DraftKings, FanDuel, bookies, parlays) nearly cost him his life — and how an ultimatum from his Italian mother became the wake-up call that saved it. Six and a half years into recovery, Anthony is now debt-free, married, healthy, and living a life he once thought was impossible. We go deep on the stuff most people are too ashamed to say out loud: lying to your therapist with live bets pending, the dread of Sunday night, why winning $158,000 on the Super Bowl was gone in 72 hours, and why gambling is an EMOTIONAL disease — not a financial one. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is proof that recovery is possible and you are not alone. 🔎 WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE • How an innocent bet at 12 years old spiraled into a secret six-figure gambling addiction • The double life: a "perfect" six-figure tech career on the outside, crushing debt and shame on the inside • His last bet, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the mom ultimatum that saved his life • Lying to his own therapist with live bets pending — and why gambling is an EMOTIONAL disease, not a financial one • Gamblers Anonymous & the Pressure Relief Group: how to function and survive massive debt • Why winning never fixes it — and the exact steps Anthony took to rebuild his health, finances, and marriage 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. Learn More: Website: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/ant_natoli) 👉 TikTok:(https://www.tiktok.com/@theanthonynatoli) 👉 Website: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-natoli) 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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"I Overdosed in My Father's Car — Then Begged Him to Drive Me to Rehab"| Alan’s SHOCKING Story
What does it take to survive 14 trips to rehab, a fentanyl overdose in your own father's car, and still find your way back? In this raw, unfiltered episode of Nothing's Off the Table, Louis Ruggiero sits down with Alan Griffin — a man who used drugs and alcohol from age 12 to 31, hit a rock bottom most people don't survive, and is now 15 years sober and the National Director of EAP & Union Partnerships at Banyan Treatment Centers, helping first responders and veterans across the country get the help they deserve. Alan opens up about everything: * His last day using — crack, heroin, and fentanyl laid out in his father's condo * Overdosing in a car after his dad gave him $40 out of desperation * Being told by his father: "Don't call me your father anymore" * Checking into treatment for the 14th time — and finally meaning it * Meeting his wife in recovery and what she means to his sobriety * Why 15 years in, he does MORE work on himself than he did in Year 1 * His life-changing experience at Onsite in Tennessee and intensive trauma work * What keeps him sober — and what he tells people who are still suffering This one is real. This one hits different. And it might be the episode someone needs to finally make the call. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. 📞 Learn More: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/mayor252) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@banyantreatmentcenter) 👉 Website: (https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com) 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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63
"‘Mom, What Are You Snorting?’ | Jodi’s SHOCKING Recovery After 10 Years of Secret Opioid Addiction
For 10 years, nobody knew. Not her parents. Not her friends. Not even her children. In this powerful episode of Nothing's Off the Table, Jordi shares her shocking journey from a successful suburban mom secretly battling opioid addiction to finding freedom through recovery. After a decade of hiding her addiction, everything came crashing down during COVID when she unknowingly took counterfeit pills, suffered a terrifying psychotic episode, hallucinated, was hospitalized, restrained, and had CPS show up at her home. What followed was the beginning of a life-changing recovery journey. In this raw and emotional conversation, Jordi opens up about: -Secret opioid addiction -Snorting oxycodone for 10 years -Counterfeit pills and overdose scares -Withdrawal and detox -CPS involvement -Parenting during addiction -Shame, guilt, and recovery -Rehab and getting sober -Life after addiction -Finding hope and healing If you're struggling with addiction—or love someone who is—this episode proves that no matter how dark things get, recovery is possible. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. 📞 Learn More: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: 👉 TikTok: 👉 Website: 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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62
“I Snorted Heroin While My 2-Month-Old Daughter Slept…” | The SHOCKING Truth About Heroin Addiction
In this shocking episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Andrew shares the raw truth about addiction, heroin, overdoses, crime, recovery, and nearly losing everything. From selling drugs and stealing to support his addiction… to overdosing, surviving getting shot FOUR times, and fighting to become a better father — this story is unbelievable. Andrew opens up about: * Heroin & oxy addiction * Overdosing twice in one night * Getting arrested & going to juvie * Stealing to survive addiction * Surviving being shot 4 times * Recovery, sobriety & redemption * Fatherhood after addiction * The terrifying rise of 7OH / kratom addiction This is one of the most intense addiction recovery stories we’ve ever shared. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode could change — or even save — a life. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. 📞 Learn More: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: 👉 TikTok: 👉 Website: 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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61
“I Gambled Until I Lost My Mind” | The SHOCKING Truth About Gambling Addiction
Jordan Freeman opens up like never before in this brutally honest conversation about addiction, gambling, Xanax abuse, alcohol, recovery, rehab, relapse, and rebuilding his life from rock bottom. In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Jordan reveals the shocking truth behind his gambling addiction, hiding substance abuse from his family, getting high while shopping for rehab clothes with his dad, and the mental destruction that came with compulsive gambling and Xanax addiction. This is one of the most raw and emotional addiction recovery stories we’ve ever shared. We talk about: * Gambling addiction and sports betting * Xanax and alcohol abuse * Rock bottom moments * Recovery and sobriety * Rehab and treatment * Mental health and addiction * College addiction culture * Recovery after relapse * Compulsive gambling and debt * Building a new life in sobriety Jordan is now helping others recover from gambling addiction while pursuing his master’s degree at NYU and working directly with clients struggling with addiction and recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, gambling, alcohol, drugs, or mental health — this episode could change your life. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable 🧢 Buy a Nothing's Off The Table Hat: https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com 🤝 Proudly Sponsored by Right Choice Recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or addiction, please reach out. Louis personally recommends Right Choice Recovery, a team that genuinely cares and treats every client like family. They provide compassionate, individualized support and can help connect people with the resources they need to begin their recovery journey. 📞 Learn More: (https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com) 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/rightchoicerecovery) ☎️ Contact: (732) 808-2725 🎙️ Connect with Our Guest 👉 Instagram: @blueprintbyjordan 👉 TikTok: @blueprintbyjordan 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 #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #RightChoiceRecovery 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
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60
“I Was The Bottom Of The Barrel Drunk.” | Addiction Nearly Took Everything
In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Louis Ruggiero sits down with Caitlin for a raw, emotional, and honest conversation about addiction, alcoholism, relapse, detox, treatment, recovery, faith, therapy, and what it really takes to rebuild your life. Caitlin shares her journey from growing up outside of Boston to struggling with alcohol, drugs, repeated relapses, treatment centers, and the painful cycle of getting sober, losing herself again, and trying to find a way back. Now with 18 months sober, she opens up about the moments that nearly broke her — and the recovery tools that finally helped her find peace, self-love, and emotional sobriety. This episode is not about glorifying addiction. It is about showing the truth of where addiction can take someone, while also proving that recovery is possible. Caitlin’s story is a reminder that no matter how many times you fall, your life can still change. If you are struggling with addiction, alcoholism, drug addiction, relapse, gambling, mental health, codependency, or feeling hopeless in recovery, this conversation is for you. “If I can get sober, you can too.” Recovery is possible. Change is possible. And if someone else made it out, so can you. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/thecaitalexis) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@thecaitalexis) 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 #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
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59
“I Lost Everything to Gambling at 15…” | Jimmy’s Gambling Recovery Story
In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Louis Ruggiero sits down with Jimmy — a compulsive gambler with 14 years in recovery — for one of the most honest conversations ever shared about gambling addiction, sports betting, shame, family trauma, and redemption. Jimmy started gambling at just 13 years old in the streets of Chicago. What began as harmless parlay cards and neighborhood betting quickly spiraled into a life consumed by compulsive gambling. By 15, he was already in debt to a bookie and forced to confess everything to his mother through tears, fear, and shame. From gambling while incarcerated… to losing the trust of the people he loved most… to being told he wasn’t welcome home for Easter… Jimmy shares the brutal emotional reality of addiction that so many people suffer through silently. But this episode is not just about addiction — it’s about recovery, transformation, forgiveness, and hope. Jimmy opens up about:• The hidden dangers of sports betting and legalized gambling• Why gambling addiction is often harder to detect than drugs or alcohol• The loneliness, lies, manipulation, and destruction addiction creates• How Gamblers Anonymous saved his life• The defining moments that changed his recovery forever• Rebuilding trust with family after years of pain• Losing both of his parents after finally earning their forgiveness• Why less than 5% of addicts stay in long-term recovery• How helping others became his purpose• The message that saved him from suicidal thoughts and gave him meaning again This conversation is raw, emotional, funny at times, heartbreaking at others, and ultimately filled with hope for anyone struggling right now. If you are battling gambling addiction, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, depression, debt, or feel completely alone — this episode is for you. Recovery is possible. Healing is possible. And your life is not over. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/gamblingrecoverypod) 👉Spotify: (https://open.spotify.com/show/7gJxD08VBZCnzV7rDnIkhT?si=MmYA4uNQQJa1lfTrvXRavw&nd=1&dlsi=ef3cc9a7547b4ab3) 👉 Website: (https://www.gamblingrecoverypodcast.com) 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 #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
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58
Porn, Toxic Love & Trauma | The Therapist Warning Everyone About Modern Relationships
For the first time on Nothing’s Off the Table, Louis sits down with a therapist who specializes in trauma, codependency, love addiction, sex addiction, and emotional recovery — and the conversation gets REAL fast. In this episode, Angela Smigiel, LCSW, CSAT breaks down: * Why people become addicted to toxic relationships * The psychology behind love addiction * How porn is rewiring young men’s brains * Why healthy relationships can feel “boring” * The hidden connection between childhood trauma and adult relationships * What emotional sobriety actually means * The warning signs of sex addiction & codependency * Why so many people chase emotionally unavailable partners This episode is different from anything we’ve done before — raw, uncomfortable, eye-opening, and incredibly important. If you’ve ever struggled with toxic relationships, validation, attachment issues, porn, or feeling emotionally empty even in sobriety… this conversation might change the way you see yourself forever. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest 👉 Website: (http://www.spiralupcounseling.com) 👉 Buy the Workbook: (https://a.co/d/073PG2B9) 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 #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
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57
“I Was Dying Inside” | How Addiction & Depression Nearly Destroyed Her Life
In this raw and emotional episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Louis Ruggiero sits down with author and recovery advocate Carly Schwartz to talk about addiction, depression, self-medication, relapse, recovery, and what it truly takes to rebuild your life. Carly opens up about using substances to cope with mental health struggles, the moment she realized things had spiraled out of control, and how she fought her way to over 7.5 years sober. Together, Louis and Carly dive deep into the realities of alcoholism, rehab, AA, dual diagnosis treatment, relapse stigma, mental health, and why recovery is never one-size-fits-all. This conversation is honest, powerful, heartbreaking, and hopeful — especially for anyone struggling silently with addiction, depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck in life. We dive into: * Addiction & self-medication * Mental health and recovery * Alcoholism & sobriety * AA and 12-step programs * Relapse and shame * Depression & dual diagnosis * Recovery success stories * Carly’s new book: I’ll Try Anything Twice If you’re struggling — or love someone who is — this conversation could change your life. Recovery is possible. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/carlicita) 👉 LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlicita) 👉 Amazon: (https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Anything-Twice-Misadventures-Self-Medicated/dp/B0FD8RPH9L) 👉 Website: (https://www.carly.ink) 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 #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
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56
“The Drugs Stopped Working… But He Couldn’t Stop.” | Addiction Nearly Killed Him
Ben W thought he had everything under control. The partying. The cocaine. The drinking. The New York City lifestyle. Until addiction completely took over. In this raw conversation, Ben shares the brutal reality of addiction, relapse, detox, rehab, and what finally helped him get sober after years of chaos. From hitting rock bottom to rebuilding his life through recovery and 12-step programs, this episode shows what addiction REALLY looks like behind closed doors. Today, Ben is over 3.5 years sober and helping others escape the same darkness he lived in. In this episode we discuss: * Cocaine addiction in NYC * Alcoholism and relapse * Detox and rehab experiences * The mental obsession of addiction * Early sobriety struggles * 30/60/90 days sober * 12-step recovery programs * Building a life after addiction If you’re struggling — or love someone who is — this conversation could change your life. Recovery is possible. 🔔 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. 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod) 📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod) 🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 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 #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
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55
“I Lost Everything to Heroin… Then This Happened” | From Addiction to Recovery
This is one of the most raw and powerful addiction recovery stories we’ve ever shared. In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Matt Fleming opens up about his battle with heroin addiction, losing people he loved, survivor’s guilt, and the brutal reality of hitting rock bottom. From shooting heroin to multiple relapses… to finally achieving 4.5 years of sobriety — this is a story of pain, resilience, and transformation. We dive into: * The truth about heroin addiction and relapse * Losing loved ones to overdose and survivor’s guilt * What rehab and detox are really like * The mindset shift that changed everything * How fitness and discipline helped him stay sober * Making amends and rebuilding relationships * Why most addicts struggle to quit — and what actually works If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this conversation could change everything. Recovery is possible. Change is possible. You are not alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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54
“I Went on 3-Day Benders… Now I’m 21 Years Sober” | Addiction, Sobriety & Fatherhood
“I Went on 3-Day Benders… Now I’m 21 Years Sober” | Addiction, Sobriety & Fatherhood Michael Chernow’s story is proof that no matter how far you’ve gone… you can come back. After years of 2–3 day drug and alcohol benders, running on empty, and living without purpose, Michael hit a breaking point. What followed wasn’t luck — it was structure, discipline, and one simple but powerful decision: Ask for help. Now 21+ years sober, Michael is a successful entrepreneur, devoted father, and living example of what’s possible when you commit to change. This episode is raw, honest, and packed with real tools for anyone struggling — or anyone who wants to level up their life. “Help is the most powerful word I know.” In this episode: * What addiction actually looks like behind the scenes * The exact daily structure that got him sober * Why discipline beats motivation every time * How recovery made him a better father * Turning pain into purpose and business success * The truth about asking for help If you’re struggling right now — or even thinking about changing your life — this conversation could be the one that shifts everything. Recovery is possible. Change is possible. You don’t have to do it alone. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernow) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelchernow) 👉 Website: (https://www.michaelchernow.com) 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
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53
Heroin, Crack & Trafficking | The Moment That Saved Her Life
She was homeless, addicted to heroin and crack, and trapped in sex trafficking… until the moment that changed her life forever. In this raw and emotional episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Jillian shares her story of addiction, trafficking, survival, and recovery. From being arrested with drugs in her system to discovering she was 14 weeks pregnant… this is a story about hitting rock bottom—and choosing to rise. This episode dives deep into: * Drug addiction and life on the streets * Human trafficking and prostitution survival * Trauma, abuse, and generational pain * Getting sober and rebuilding a life * Motherhood, purpose, and long-term recovery If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation could save a life. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/herwayhomeworcester) 👉Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586873511964&rdid=ll9Q5bSinK26Hkv9&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18RYknJAtf%2F#) 👉 Website: (https://herwayhomeworcester.org) 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
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52
“I Went Through a Dead Guy’s Pockets...And Then Went To Get High.” | Addict to 10 Years Sober
“I just went through a dead guy’s pockets… and then went to get high.” That moment changed everything. In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Dave Marcus shares his raw, unfiltered story of addiction — from living in his car, using heroin and fentanyl, running scams to survive, and witnessing death up close… to building a completely new life with nearly 10 years of sobriety. This is a brutally honest conversation about what addiction really looks like at its worst — and what it actually takes to come back from it. We talk about: * Living homeless in Kensington during active addiction * Using heroin and fentanyl daily * Scamming stores and surviving on the streets * The moment everything changed * Losing all sense of right and wrong * The reality of opiate withdrawal * Finding purpose through art, work, and recovery * 10 years of sobriety and rebuilding life from nothing If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode shows the truth — but more importantly, it shows that recovery is possible. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/relapsevsrecoverygame) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@relapsevsrecovery) 👉 Website: (https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/relapse-vs-recovery1) 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
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51
NFL Star Kayshon Boutte Lost $80,000 in ONE Day | Gambling Took Over His Life
NFL wide receiver Kayshon Boutte opens up about his gambling addiction, losing $80,000 in a single day, and the hidden reality inside professional sports. In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Kayshon shares how sports betting went from harmless fun in college to a daily obsession — waking up at 5AM betting on overseas table tennis, risking his NFL career, and losing control at the peak of his life. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about gambling addiction in the NFL, mental health, money, pressure, and rebuilding after hitting rock bottom. We discuss: * Kayshon Boutte’s $80,000 loss in one day * Gambling addiction in the NFL and locker rooms * Why athletes are vulnerable to sports betting * The mental side of winning big and still chasing more * Losing money fast and feeling nothing * Fan pressure and betting on player performance * The turning point that changed everything * How he’s rebuilding his mindset and career today This isn’t just a sports interview — it’s a real conversation about addiction, identity, and what happens when success and self-destruction collide. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/kayshon) 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
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50
“Watching My Son Destroy His Life…” | A Father’s Raw Truth About Addiction, Gambling & Recovery
What is it like to watch your child spiral into addiction — and feel completely powerless to stop it? In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, I sit down with my dad, Louis Ruggiero Sr., for the most honest conversation we’ve ever had about my addiction. For the first time, he shares what it was really like watching his son battle drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and gambling addiction — the fear, the sleepless nights, and the moments he thought he might lose me forever. This is the side of addiction recovery that rarely gets talked about: the parents. In this episode, we talk about: * The constant fear of getting “the call” that I was dead or in prison * My arrest making headlines — and the public humiliation that followed * Why my gambling addiction became the most dangerous part of my disease * The toll addiction took on my family, marriage, and mental health * Watching someone close to me overdose — and not knowing the truth * The fear surrounding my legal battles and what it meant for our family * How he held onto hope when there was almost none left “The pain of that still lingers today.” — Louis Ruggiero Sr. If you're a parent of someone struggling with addiction, a loved one trying to help, or someone in recovery looking to understand the impact — this episode is for you. Recovery is possible. You are not alone. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/louisthelawyer) 👉 Website: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-j-ruggiero-415a66142) 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
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49
“I Buried My Daughter… Then God Told Me ‘Go Get Clean’” | From Crack Addiction to 15 Years Sober
She buried her 16-year-old daughter — and walked into rehab 30 days later. This is Anika Pitts's miracle. For 15 years, Anika Pitts was locked in the grip of crack addiction — consumed by shame, low self-esteem, and trauma she couldn't escape. Then, on September 17th, the unthinkable happened: her daughter Brad Asia, just 16 years old, was stabbed and killed. Standing in that hospital, Anika's first thought was: "I'm a crackhead. I can't fix this. She's gone." One month later, she walked into treatment — for the very last time. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Nothing's Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero, Anika opens up about: -15 years of crack cocaine addiction — and what kept her trapped -The night she lost her daughter and what God whispered to her at the hospital -How she stood at the podium at her daughter's funeral with her head held high -Why she believes her sobriety is her living amends to the child she lost -Earning her Associate's degree and Peer Recovery Specialist certification in recovery -Her message to anyone still suffering: "You count. You matter. The world is waiting for you." This isn't just an addiction recovery story. It's proof that even in your deepest grief, transformation is possible — and that the worst moment of your life can become the very thing that saves it. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 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
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48
“I Was a Homeless Meth Addict & Prostitute… Now I Help Others Heal” | Betty’s Redemption Story
“I Was a Homeless Meth Addict & Prostitute… Now I Help Others Heal” | Betty’s Redemption Story This might be one of the most raw and powerful recovery stories we’ve ever shared. Betty went from psych wards, homelessness, prostitution, and severe drug addiction (meth, heroin, crack)… to becoming a transformational coach helping others rebuild their lives. In this episode, we dive into: * Her rock bottom moment (no money, no identity, no hope) * The psychosis and chaos of meth addiction * How she lost everything—and why that saved her * The spiritual awakening that changed her life * What 7 years of sobriety actually looks like * The truth about addiction, shame, and rebuilding from nothing If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode proves one thing. Recovery is possible. No matter how far gone you feel. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/buddha.betty) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@bettyguadagno) 👉 Website: (https://buddhabetty.com) 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
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47
You Lost Everything But Still Think You'll Win It Back | Here's Why From A Gambling Therapist
In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, I sit down with a gambling therapist who has never gambled… but understands addiction better than most people living it. We break down: * Why gambling addiction is different from drugs and alcohol * How the brain gets hooked on “fake wins” * Why you can lose everything… and still believe you’re about to win it back * The hidden psychological traps casinos and apps use against you * What actually helps people stop gambling (and why most solutions fail) This conversation is different. Most of my guests are in recovery — but this time, we go inside the science, psychology, and real-world treatment of gambling addiction from someone who sees it every single day. If you’ve ever: * Chased losses * Felt like the next bet would fix everything * Or struggled in silence… This episode might change how you see gambling forever. Recovery is possible. Change is possible. And you don’t have to do it alone. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/incumental) 👉 Website: (https://incumental.com) 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
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46
“I Was in Psychosis for 14 Days… Alone” | From Cocaine Addiction to Recovery
“I was talking to a plant… I lost my mind.” This is one of the craziest addiction stories we’ve ever told. In this episode, Louis sits down with his cousin Mike Mudd — a man who went from making serious money and living large… to complete isolation, cocaine psychosis, and nearly losing everything. Mike opens up about: * Spending $1,500 a day on cocaine * His nose collapsing from drug use * 14 days of full-blown psychosis, alone in his house * Shooting up his own home while hallucinating * Nearly hurting the people he loves * Losing everything… and finally surrendering At his lowest point, it was just him… and what he calls “the devil” — locked inside his own mind. But this isn’t just about destruction. It’s about what happens when you finally pull the plug, go to treatment, and do whatever it takes to change your life. If you’re struggling — or think you’re “not that bad yet” — this episode will wake you up. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/mikemuddmanagement) 👉 Website: [https://www.mikemuddm.com) 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
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45
“I Was 9 Years Sober… Then I Lost Everything” | From Trap House to Recovery
Nikki Bell had 9 years of sobriety. She was a mother. A wife. A leader helping other women escape addiction and exploitation. Then… she relapsed. What followed was a rapid descent into homelessness, prostitution, and living in trap houses — surrounded by the same life she once helped others escape. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Nikki shares: * The exact moment everything fell apart * What relapse REALLY looks like (that no one talks about) * Her experience with trafficking and exploitation * The truth about recovery, stigma, and second chances * How she rebuilt her life and now helps women escape the streets This is not just a story about addiction. It’s a story about losing everything… and still finding a way back. If you or someone you love is struggling — this episode could change everything. 🔔 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) 🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com) 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/herwayhomeworcester) 👉Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586873511964&rdid=ll9Q5bSinK26Hkv9&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18RYknJAtf%2F#) 👉 Website: (https://herwayhomeworcester.org) 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
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44
"I Was Ready To Blow My Brains Out" | The Dark Reality of Gambling Addiction with Brian Dolan
"If someone else made it out, so can you." In this episode of Nothing's Off The Table, I sit down with my friend Brian De, a masters-level clinician and sober coach who has been in recovery for nine years from drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Brian shares his raw, honest journey—from the "moment of arrival" with his first drink in 9th grade to the high-stakes world of underground bookies at Sacred Heart. We dive deep into the "progression" of addiction, discussing how $50 bets eventually turned into $3,000 wagers and maxed-out credit cards. Brian opens up about his darkest moments, including the terrifying reality of suicidal ideation and the "defeated" feeling that finally led him to surrender and seek treatment. Whether you are struggling with addiction or are already in recovery looking to grow, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. Topics Covered: * The loss of identity as an athlete and the start of substance use. * The rising danger of gambling accessibility through modern technology. * Why "consequences" were actually the best thing to happen to him. * The importance of uncovering secrets to begin the healing process. * Navigating the "pendulum" of dopamine and finding stability in recovery. If you or a loved one is suffering and you need professional advice, Brian is your guy. 🔔 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: [@GuestHandle](https://www.instagram.com/GuestHandle) 👉 TikTok: [@GuestHandle](https://www.tiktok.com/@GuestHandle) 👉 Website: [GuestWebsite.com](https://GuestWebsite.com) 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
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43
“If I Drink Again, I’m Choosing Suicide” | 4 DUIs, Illegal Alligators & 8 Years Sober
“I had this vivid image… a beautiful blonde woman with two kids, and I killed them. Something hit me and said: if you continue to live like this, you are going to kill yourself, kill somebody else, or wind up in jail for the rest of your life.” In this episode of Nothing’s Off The Table, I sit down with Steven McCall, a man whose life was a series of bizarre headlines and near-death misses before he finally found the floor. From growing up in New Orleans to the high-stakes "Van Wilder" party scene of college, Steven lived a double life that involved illegal alligators, Bourbon Street benders, and a escalating addiction to alcohol, weed, and cocaine. Steven opens up about: * The Alligator Arrests: Keeping a 150-gallon ecosystem—including 7-foot alligators—in a college apartment and being caught by Wildlife & Fisheries twice. * 8 Years of College, 0 Classes: The "creature of habit" lifestyle of Jameson shots and Miller Lites that kept him escaping reality. * The Final DUI: Waking up asleep behind the wheel on I-10 in a bathing suit, slurring to cops that he was "coming home from work." * The Hospital Epiphany: Realizing at 30 years old, living at his mom's house with 4 DUIs, that his next drink would be a suicide mission. * Healing the Trauma: Facing the 14-year-old grief of losing his father through a powerful, snot-and-tears therapeutic breakthrough at Banyan. Today, Steven is 8 years sober and works for Banyan Treatment Centers—the very place that gave him a scholarship when he had no insurance and no hope. His story is a raw reminder that no matter how many "isms" you're battling or how many times you've relapsed, you aren't unique in your pain—and you aren't alone in your recovery. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@Banyantreatmentcenters](https://www.instagram.com/Banyantreatmentcenters) 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
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42
“I Knew I Was Going to Die If I Didn’t Stop” | “I Knew I Was Going to Die If I Didn’t Stop” | Gambling Destroyed My Life Until This Happened
In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Malik Keane shares his raw, unfiltered journey through addiction, gambling, drugs, alcohol, and ultimate redemption. From turning his college dorm into a full-blown casino to living days inside casinos with lines of credit, free rooms, and total delusion, Malik believed he had it all under control… until everything started to collapse. Multiple DUIsDays without sleep, gambling & usingSuicidal thoughts and complete loss of control Then came the moment that changed everything… “You need rehab.” That sentence hit him in a way nothing else ever had. This episode dives deep into: * The dark psychology of gambling addiction * Why winning early is the most dangerous thing * The moment Malik realized he wasn’t going to make it * His journey through rehab, faith, and recovery * How he now helps others as a sober coach * Why recovery is possible for anyone If you’ve ever struggled… or know someone who has… this episode could change your life. 🔔 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: (https://www.instagram.com/arcoachmalik) 👉 Website: (https://www.malikkeene.com) 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
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41
“I Lost Everything to Gambling… Then God Changed My Life” | Anthony’s Faith & Recovery Story
What happens when you have money, power, and success… but still lose everything? In this episode of Nothing’s Off The Table, I sit down with Anthony Acampora, chaplain at Banyan Treatment Centers, who shares one of the most powerful stories of addiction, betrayal, gambling, and redemption you’ll ever hear. After rising to the top of his career, everything fell apart—resentment, anger, alcohol, and gambling took over his life. He lost relationships, money, and eventually… hope. Until one moment changed everything. “I was completely broken… and that’s when God stepped in.” From being kicked out, sleeping with nothing, and planning to end it all… to finding faith, forgiveness, and purpose—this is a story about what happens when you hit rock bottom and realize you’re not alone. We talk about: * The dangerous mindset behind gambling addiction * How resentment and betrayal fuel addiction * Why faith is a powerful tool in recovery * What actually helps people change long-term * How Banyan’s Faith & Recovery Program has helped 14,000+ people If you’re struggling—or know someone who is—this episode could change everything. Need help? Call the number in the description or message me directly. I’ll personally connect you with the right people. You are NOT alone. 🔔 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: (https://www.instagram.com/godtalkweekly) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@godtalkweekly) 👉 Website: (https://godtalkweekly.com) 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
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40
“I Had Everything… But I Was Miserable.” | Millionaire Family, Cocaine Addiction & Getting Sober
In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off The Table, John Luedke shares the raw truth behind growing up in a wealthy family while secretly battling anxiety, addiction, and self-destructive behavior. From childhood food addiction to heavy drug use, cocaine binges, and chaotic partying at college, John’s life spiraled despite appearing perfect from the outside. What looked like the dream life — money, opportunities, and status — masked deep internal pain. Eventually, the cycle of alcohol, drugs, and self-destruction pushed him to a breaking point. Then everything changed. John reveals how sobriety, journaling, and brutal self-honesty helped him reclaim control of his life and transform his mindset. This episode is a brutally honest conversation about: • Growing up wealthy but emotionally struggling • Food addiction and early addictive behaviors • Cocaine, alcohol, and college party culture • Hitting rock bottom with addiction • The moment sobriety finally clicked • Rebuilding identity and purpose in recovery If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this conversation proves one thing: Recovery is possible. 🔔 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: [@GuestHandle](https://www.instagram.com/johnny.luedke) 👉 Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBT5SRSK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_N13AAYYNT3QTCXWDVW1Q&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_N13AAYYNT3QTCXWDVW1Q&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_N13AAYYNT3QTCXWDVW1Q&bestFormat=true) 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
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39
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
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38
“I Won $10,000 on a Slot Machine… and It Ruined My Life” | Gambling Addiction to Building Evive
In this episode, I sit down with Sam — a former compulsive gambler who started gambling at just 12 years old, won $10,000 on a slot machine in his 20s… and then spiraled into a decade of addiction. Publicly, he looked successful.Privately, he was betting on everything — slots, offshore crypto casinos, blackjack, anything that gave him a dopamine hit. He talks about: * Starting gambling at 12 years old * Winning big early and getting hooked * Offshore betting sites that never stop emailing * The dark psychology behind slot machines * Why sports betting apps are engineered to addict * The lack of real funding for gambling recovery * Why 98% of insurance doesn’t cover gambling treatment * Handing over finances to his wife to survive recovery * Building the Evolve app to help problem gamblers find real resources If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling addiction, sports betting addiction, or compulsive gambling — this conversation could change your life. Recovery is possible. Change is possible. And you are not alone. 🔔 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: (https://www.instagram.com/evivesupport) 👉 Website: (https://www.getevive.com) 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
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37
“God’s Gonna Fix You… Or You’re Gonna Be Dead.” | 5 Overdoses, Cocaine, AA & 5 Years Sober
In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, I sit down with Shane — a Long Island native who survived multiple overdoses, a cocaine addiction, alcoholism, gambling insanity, and a life spiraling out of control… before finally surrendering in Alcoholics Anonymous. His father once told him: “God’s gonna put His hand on you and you’re gonna be the man He called you to be… or you’re gonna be dead.” That sentence became prophecy. From Division 1 lacrosse at Hofstra to cocaine-fueled blackouts, Percocet overdoses, bartending chaos, fistfights, gambling binges, and waking up to watch his landlord die the morning he decided to get sober — this story is raw, graphic, and real. We talk about: * Cocaine addiction & overdose stories * Alcoholism in young professionals * Gambling addiction & online blackjack insanity * Growing up with an alcoholic father * Division 1 athlete pressure & drug culture * Hitting rock bottom * The power of AA & 12 Step recovery * Ego, anger, lust & staying sober in marriage * Building a foundation in early sobriety * How to stay sober long term Shane is now over 5 years sober, married, successful, and living proof that recovery is possible. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, cocaine, gambling, pills, or just feel trapped in destructive behavior — this conversation could change your life. Recovery is possible. Change is possible. And if someone else made it out, so can you. If you need help, reach out. You’re not alone. 🔔 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: (https://www.instagram.com/shane_sweeney40) 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
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36
“I Offered Addicts Rehab… Most Chose Prison” | A Judge’s Brutal Truth About Addiction
In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, I sit down with former Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Anthony Peters — a man who spent over 20 years on the bench and saw firsthand that nearly 80% of criminal cases were rooted in addiction. He grew up in a home torn apart by alcoholism. He defended addicts as a public defender. Then he became a judge — and realized the system was failing them. So he founded one of the first Drug Courts in East Los Angeles — offering hardcore repeat offenders a choice: Rehab… or prison. And here’s the shocking truth: Most of them chose prison. We talk about: * Why jail sometimes works as a wake-up call * Why compassion without accountability fails * Why the system is broken * What really changes an addict * Whether society is moving forward — or backwards This episode is different. It’s not just a story of addiction. It’s the courtroom view of addiction. If you care about recovery, criminal justice reform, homelessness, or real solutions — this is a conversation you need to hear. 🔔 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: [@ampetersbooks](https://www.instagram.com/ampetersbooks/) 👉 Website (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW85MZDJ/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_D7J4N5HVPFJ50150QEES?linkCode=ml1&tag=biancapeters-20&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnjyI_qEpFQ-XHzg8j_PpjiGrtbnGgE1Uarau2oPSRmzj9obaZyTJTzcYEMW0_aem_K3TOxEoe5ImIxTu5OkF-Mg) 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
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35
“I Sh0t Up With an Open Wound… It STILL Wasn’t Enough” | From Florida Pill Mills to 11 Years Sober
Chris Kay was deep in the Florida pill mill era — Oxy, heroin, shooting cocaine, methadone clinics, jail, and over 15 treatment centers. He shot up in a clinic bathroom the day after having his arm cut open from infection. His brother died from an overdose on his mother’s couch. Nothing stopped him. Not jail.Not losing jobs.Not nearly losing his arm. The only thing that finally broke him… was when the drugs stopped working. In this episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Chris shares: • Growing up in South Florida during the pill mill epidemic• Selling drugs in college• Shooting heroin & cocaine• Detoxing 10+ times• Losing his brother to overdose• The moment drugs stopped giving him relief• How he finally surrendered• What 11 years of sobriety looks like today Today, Chris works in the recovery field helping others find the same freedom he fought so hard for. If you’re struggling right now — this episode could change your life. Recovery is possible. But you have to surrender. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/banyantreatmentcenters) 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
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34
David Manheim (Dopey Podcast) on 10 Years Sober, NYC Addiction & Making Recovery Funny
David Manheim — founder of the legendary Dopey Podcast — joins me for a different kind of episode. This one’s lighter. Fun. Real. Two New York kids who got sober… talking about benzos, 900mg oxy habits, DopeyCon, family trauma, and how the hell recovery can actually be funny. David shares: * 10 years sober * Growing up in Chelsea * The early NYC addiction scene * Why Dopey became the first truly funny recovery podcast * And why helping the next person is everything If you love recovery podcasts, sober humor, and real conversations without the preachy stuff… this one’s for you. Recovery is serious. But it doesn’t have to be miserable. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/dopeypodcast) 👉 Website:(https://dopeypodcast.com) 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
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"My Last Drink Was the Saddest Drink” | From Heroin at 17 to 18 Years Sober
At 12 years old, she blacked out on gin. At 17, she was introduced to heroin. By 18, she had abandoned film school in Manhattan and was fully consumed by addiction. And then one day, she says: “I finally connected the drink with the feeling.” In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, I sit down with Maggie F., National Director of Strategic Development at Banyan Treatment Centers and a woman with 18 years of sobriety. We talk about: * Growing up in rural Vermont with early exposure to alcohol * Blacking out the very first time she drank * Being introduced to heroin before graduating high school * The obsession of addiction and waking up every day just to figure out how to get high * Why your “bottom” doesn’t have to be catastrophic to get sober * The truth about the treatment industry — the good, the bad, and the misunderstood * What it’s like to grow up in sobriety * Being a parent in recovery * And what to say to someone who’s afraid to go to treatment This episode is about more than drugs and alcohol. It’s about the emptiness so many of us try to fill. It’s about connection. It’s about evolution. It’s about hope. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, alcoholism, or substance abuse — this conversation could change everything. Because recovery isn’t about how far you fell. It’s about the moment you finally connect the drink with the feeling… and decide you’re done. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/banyantreatmentcenters) 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
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32
"I Was a D1 Recruit... Opiates & Crack Ruined It All" | Alton's Story of Recovery and Redemption
At one point, he was one of the top high school football recruits in the country, ranked alongside future NFL stars, with Division 1 offers and a clear path to greatness. From the outside, his life looked unstoppable. Behind the scenes, addiction was quietly taking hold. What started as experimentation turned into a full-blown descent into opioid addiction, crack cocaine, drug-induced psychosis, jail time, and moments where death felt inevitable. His identity, his dreams, and his future were stripped away — leaving him isolated, broken, and convinced there was no way out. In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, we sit down for an unfiltered, deeply emotional conversation about what addiction really looks like when no one is watching. This episode dives into: * The pressure of being a highly recruited athlete * How addiction slowly hijacks the mind before destroying the life * Losing football, purpose, and self-worth * Experiencing psychosis, incarceration, and total hopelessness * A moment of surrender and faith that changed everything * What real, long-term recovery actually requires This is not a highlight reel. This is the truth about addiction — the chaos, the fear, the shame — and the hope that still exists even at rock bottom. Today, he is living proof that recovery is possible, that your past does not define you, and that no matter how far gone you feel, your story is not over. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, mental health, or feels completely hopeless right now, this episode could be the wake-up call that changes everything. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@Banyantreatmentcenters](https://www.instagram.com/Banyantreatmentcenters) 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
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31
“I Was Headed for Prison or Death” | Wade Houston on Addiction, Surrender & Recovery
Wade Houston’s story is one of the wildest transformations you’ll ever hear. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Wade takes us from selling drugs, multiple DUIs, jail time, overdoses, and total self-destruction… to sobriety, discipline, faith, and becoming President of 10X Health alongside Grant Cardone and Gary Brecka. This is not a highlight reel. This is the truth about addiction — the chaos, the ego, the relapse, the desperation — and the exact moment Wade finally surrendered and rebuilt his life from the ground up. Wade breaks down: * Growing up as an elite athlete and falling into addiction * Selling drugs, violence, arrests, and losing everything * Why willpower never worked * The moment he hit real rock bottom * How AA and daily spiritual discipline rewired his mind * Turning recovery into the ultimate competitive advantage * Building relentless habits that led to massive business success * Becoming President of 10X Health and scaling a company to millions * Why sobriety isn’t weakness — it’s a superpower This episode is for: * Anyone struggling with drugs, alcohol, gambling, or chaos * Anyone stuck in relapse or ego * Anyone searching for purpose, structure, and meaning * Anyone who believes it’s “too late” to change Recovery is possible. Discipline is learned. And your past does not disqualify you from a massive future. If you’re sick and suffering — or love someone who is — this episode could save a life. 🔔 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: [@wadehouston](https://www.instagram.com/wadehouston) 👉 Website: (https://wade.coach/?el=ig&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGngt5c3ahmKbn_0ynR1w_fUE8TGnFrgJNiVDPw4rXK1xZEWexrokF_MEWTXUk_aem_ogBQcOO3O9cm5nOxgWHL3w) 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
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“I Was Suic!dal Every Sunday” | Neva on Alcoholism, Blackouts & Choosing Sobriety
“I wasn’t drinking for fun anymore — I was drinking to escape myself.” In this raw and brutally honest episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Neva Coleman shares her unfiltered journey through alcoholism, blackout drinking, suicidal ideation, and the moment she realized alcohol was no longer optional — it was killing her. From growing up in a loving home in New Jersey, to losing her father on 9/11, to spiraling through college drinking culture, Neva opens up about the mental obsession that controlled her life, the Sundays filled with panic and despair, and the night she called the suicide hotline after a three-day bender. She talks about: * Blacking out before even getting to the bar * Being found unconscious while her roommates thought she was dead * Why near-death experiences didn’t stop her from drinking * The lie of “I’m not that bad” * Why alcoholism is not a character defect * What finally changed when she committed to sobriety and AA * How recovery gave her a life she never thought was possible This episode is for anyone who feels trapped in their own mind, secretly struggling, or wondering if sobriety is worth it. Recovery is possible. Change is possible. And if someone else made it out — so can you. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@neva_coleman] 👉 TikTok: [@soberpartygirlll] 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
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29
“Gambling Didn’t Ruin My Money — It Ruined My Soul” | Adam's Gambling Recovery Story
Gambling didn’t just cost Adam Lyons money — it nearly cost him his life. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Adam Lyons opens up about compulsive gambling, crushing debt, lying to everyone he loved, declaring bankruptcy in his 20s, and reaching a point where he simply didn’t want to live this life anymore. Adam worked inside casinos. He drove hours just to gamble. He maxed out credit cards, borrowed from strangers, and lived in a nonstop mental prison where every thought revolved around the next bet. “Nothing took my soul like gambling debt.” Then came the moment that changed everything. On February 8th, Adam walked into his first Gamblers Anonymous meeting — and by 7:15 PM, he had fully surrendered. This conversation dives deep into: * Compulsive gambling and why it’s different than any other addiction * The lies, shame, and isolation no one talks about * Bankruptcy, debt, and the illusion of “starting fresh” * Why legalized sports betting is exploding — and who it’s hurting * The moment Adam knew he was finally ready to stop * How recovery, community, and surrender gave him his life back This is the side of gambling you will never see in a sportsbook commercial. If you’re struggling — or love someone who is — this episode could be the one that makes you realize you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and recovery is possible. If this story hits home, share it. You never know who needs to hear it today. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@modernmeeting] 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
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28
“I Was Ready to Die Before I Quit Drinking” | Elizabeth’s Recovery Story
Elizabeth never drank in the morning. She never drank at work. And for years, she convinced herself she didn’t have a problem. Until the truth became impossible to ignore. “I was ready to take my own life because quitting drinking felt worse.” In this raw and deeply honest episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Elizabeth opens up about her eight-year battle with alcohol addiction—how perfectionism, anxiety, and untreated OCD fueled her drinking, and how she quietly unraveled while appearing “high-functioning” on the outside. Elizabeth shares: How alcohol instantly became her solution in college The exhaustion, emptiness, and isolation at the end of her drinking Why being “dry” without recovery was worse than drinking Walking into her first AA meeting and realizing she wasn’t alone Her struggles with God, control, and surrender Rebuilding relationships, identity, and purpose in sobriety Why fear kept her sick—and courage saved her life This episode is for: Anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol Anyone afraid to ask for help Anyone who feels “too far gone” to recover Anyone who needs proof that recovery is possible Elizabeth’s story is living proof that addiction doesn’t discriminate—and neither does healing. If you’re struggling, you are not weak. You are not broken. And you are not alone. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@eatlizabeth] 👉 TikTok: [@eatlizabeth] 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
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27
From Her0in at 17 to 15 Years Sober | Johnny’s Redemption Story
Johnny didn’t just party — he was headed straight for the grave. By his late teens, Johnny was deep into Xanax, OxyContin, heroin, alcohol, arrests, and jail — surrounded by addiction on all sides and watching friends overdose and die. At just 20 years old, he made a decision that saved his life. In this raw episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Johnny shares: Growing up around addiction Selling drugs as a teenager Using Xanax and Oxy daily Nearly injecting heroin Watching friends overdose Going to jail before 21 Six months of inpatient rehab Staying sober for 15 YEARS Building a company, a family, and a life worth protecting This episode isn’t motivational fluff. It’s the reality of addiction — and the discipline required to stay sober when life gets harder, not easier. If you’re struggling, or love someone who is, this episode could save a life. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@jrp.co](https://www.instagram.com/jrp.co) 👉 Website: [aug11.co](https://aug11.co) 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
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26
He Overdosed in His Childhood Bedroom | Dan Brody on Addiction, Recovery & Sobriety
At 32 years old, Dan Brody was doing 10–15 oxy pills a day, hiding a full-blown addiction behind a successful career, relationships, and the illusion of having it all together. Then everything collapsed. Dan overdosed in his childhood bedroom. His mother found him barely breathing. Narcan saved his life. That moment became the line in the sand. In this raw, emotional, and brutally honest episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Dan walks through: • Growing up with a “good” life — and still becoming addicted • Losing his identity after sports ended • Party culture, opioids, Xanax, isolation, and denial • A broken engagement and walking out of rehab too early • The overdose that nearly killed him • The moment he realized it was either rehab… or death • What finally made sobriety stick • Building a life he’s proud of — one day at a time Today, Dan is over 4.5 years sober and serves as SVP of Membership at The Maze, an alcohol-free private members club in NYC backed by world-class hospitality talent — proving that sobriety isn’t small, boring, or limiting… it’s expansive. This episode isn’t just about addiction. It’s about identity, fear, ego, redemption, and what happens when you stop running. If you’re struggling — or love someone who is — this conversation could save a life. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@djbrody] 👉 Website: (https://www.themazenyc.com/) 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
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25
"I Spent Our Wedding Money Gambling" | Mordi’s Gambling Recovery Journey
Mordi didn’t just gamble — he destroyed his life in silence. In this raw episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Mordi shares how a single scratch-off turned into a full-blown obsession: sports betting, secret bookies, and a constant need for “one more” — until he drained $150,000 of wedding money meant to build a future with his new wife. What makes this conversation hit so hard isn’t just the money. It’s the mental prison gambling creates — the way it hijacks your thoughts, rewires your priorities, and convinces you you’re “in control” while everything around you quietly collapses. Mordi opens up about how addiction didn’t just take his bankroll… it took his presence, his relationships, his peace, and his ability to live in the moment. Inside this episode, Mordi and I talk about: * How gambling starts “small” — and why it escalates faster than most people realize * The hidden stigma around compulsive gambling that keeps people suffering in silence * The lies, manipulation, and isolation that come with protecting the addiction * The obsession: waking up thinking about bets, chasing losses, and never feeling settled * How gambling damages marriage and family — even when nobody “knows” what’s happening * The moment the weight became unbearable, including thoughts of suicide * What finally broke the cycle, and why asking for help is not weakness — it’s strength Mordi shares the turning point that changed everything: walking into Gamblers Anonymous on October 1, 2014, realizing he wasn’t alone, and meeting people who spoke the exact thoughts he had been terrified to admit out loud. From there, he began rebuilding a life he truly believed was out of reach — one day at a time. This is the side of gambling you will never see in a sportsbook ad. No bonus bet. No “odds boost.” No smiling influencer. Just the truth: the anxiety, the obsession, the shame, the damage… and the hope that recovery is possible. If you’re struggling — or if someone you love is — please hear this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. This episode could be the moment things start to change. If you need help: reach out to me directly. And if you’re ready to take a first step, consider finding a local or online Gamblers Anonymous meeting and simply showing up. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable #AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsofftheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #BanyanTreatmentCenters #BanyanxLouis #BanyanRecovery #BanyanPodcastPartner #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #gamblingdisorder #gambling #gamblingaddiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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24
She Lost Everything to Addiction | Until ONE Moment Changed Riley Forever
In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, LJ sits down with Riley, one of the fastest-growing sober creators on TikTok and Instagram- a young woman who went from blackouts, arrests, interventions, and losing everything… to building a new life through recovery. Riley opens up about: Growing up in Louisville feeling “different” Blackouts starting at age 14 Getting suspended, arrested, kicked out of college, and losing control The moment her parents found her missing How treatment, sponsorship, and the 12 steps finally changed her life Getting sober young — and why it’s NOT something to fear The spiritual shift that saved her The ripple effect recovery had on her entire family This episode is raw, emotional, unfiltered, and full of hope for anyone battling addiction or wondering where to start. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Riley and LJ break down exactly what it feels like to hit bottom… and how to rebuild from absolutely nothing. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/riwhey_orthehighway?igsh=MWs5Mzd0bmhlYWNiMw==) 👉 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@riwhey_orthehighway?_r=1&_t=ZT-928nkqmCrbZ) 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
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23
He Survived Her0in, Meth Psychosis & Homeland Security | Mike Zallie’s Redemption Story
This is one of the most intense, emotional, and unbelievable interviews ever on Nothing’s Off the Table. Mike Zallie grew up in a loving Philly family… until the day his world shattered. At just 24 years old, he discovered his sister after she died by suicide — a moment that broke him and sent him into a 20-year spiral of addiction, crime, psychosis, and near death. In this raw conversation, Mike goes deep into: 13 years addicted to opiates and alcohol Shooting heroin, overdosing, and losing everything A 7-year meth run that led to full psychosis Being hunted by Homeland Security after being misidentified as Antifa Breaking into skyscrapers, hallucinating aliens, living on rooftops Daily suicidal thoughts and the moment he finally broke down How recovery, love, community, and art brought him back to life His mission today helping addicts in Kensington and beyond Today, Mike Zallie is 13 months sober, creating powerful art, rebuilding his family, speaking truth, and helping people who feel like there’s no way out. This episode will shock you, break your heart, and inspire the hell out of you. If you know someone struggling — send this to them. 🔔 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: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@recklessoptimismz](https://www.instagram.com/recklessoptimismz?igsh=amYwdmJqOXFxeHp6) 👉 Instagram: [@vizion_gallery] (https://www.instagram.com/vizion_gallery?igsh=MWhheDl4aWoweG8wMA%3D%3D) 👉 Website: (https://recklessoptimismz.com) 👉Website: (https://www.recoverydonesimple.com) 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
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
On Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero, no topic is too heavy, no story too raw. Through powerful conversations about resilience, perseverance, and beating the odds, Louis and his guests confront life’s toughest challenges head-on. This is a space for unfiltered honesty, real growth, and relentless inspiration—because when it comes to overcoming adversity, nothing is off the table.
HOSTED BY
Louis Ruggiero
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