Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero

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.

  1. “I Gambled Until I Lost My Mind” | The SHOCKING Truth About Gambling Addiction

    4h ago

    “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

    46 min
  2. “I Was The Bottom Of The Barrel Drunk.” | Addiction Nearly Took Everything

    5d ago

    “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

    57 min
  3. “I Lost Everything to Gambling at 15…” | Jimmy’s Gambling Recovery Story

    May 26

    “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

    59 min
  4. Porn, Toxic Love & Trauma | The Therapist Warning Everyone About Modern Relationships

    May 21

    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

    48 min
  5. “I Was Dying Inside” | How Addiction & Depression Nearly Destroyed Her Life

    May 19

    “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

    54 min
  6. “The Drugs Stopped Working… But He Couldn’t Stop.” | Addiction Nearly Killed Him

    May 14

    “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

    46 min
  7. “I Went on 3-Day Benders… Now I’m 21 Years Sober” | Addiction, Sobriety & Fatherhood

    May 7

    “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

    51 min
4.6
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

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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