"I Didn't Leave My House For a Year" | John Scafiddi Jr on Depression, Weed & Getting Your Life Back

He didn't leave his house for a year. Smoked weed, watched shows, and told himself he was fine — while his whole life sat on pause.

In this episode, I sit down with John Scafiddi Jr — co-host of The Journey podcast and founder of the clothing brand At War, built on one idea: we're all at war with something.

This isn't my typical recovery episode. John's story isn't about a substance taking everything — it's about the quieter battle so many men are fighting right now: depression, isolation, comparison, and a phone that makes everyone else's life look perfect while yours falls apart behind closed doors.

We get into: * The two-year party run and the comedown that almost broke him * Spending a full year inside — and what finally got him out * Why "everything looked good on Instagram" while he hoped he wouldn't wake up * Growing up Italian in Brooklyn where crying wasn't allowed — and what bottling it up cost him * Being judged his whole life for how he looks vs. who he actually is * Why he bullshitted his way through therapy — and why he's ready to do it right this time * My own story: the bookies, Vegas, the $800K hole, and what gambling recovery actually looks like * What legalized sports betting is doing to young men — the ads, the VIP hosts, the free play * His mother's advice that stuck: "Move a muscle, change a thought"

If you're sitting on the couch in the dark right now telling yourself nobody would understand — this episode is for you. Get up. Go outside. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

🔔 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/johnscafiddijr) 👉 Website: (https://atwarworldwide.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.

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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.

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