Podcast Title: Stavvy's World
Episode: #136 - Ricky Velez and Giulio Gallarotti
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Stavros Halkias

Introduction and Show Announcements

In Episode #136 of Stavvy's World, host Stavros Halkias welcomes longtime friends and guests Ricky Velez and Julio Gallarotti. The episode kicks off with Stavros sharing exciting news about upcoming live shows across the UK, Ireland, and various cities in the United States, including a special appearance at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on September 7th and additional dates in cities like Manchester, Glasgow, Memphis, and Austin. Stavros enthusiastically invites listeners to join these events, emphasizing the camaraderie and fun awaiting attendees.

Revisiting Past Podcast Experiences

The conversation quickly delves into Ricky's memorable—and somewhat chaotic—experience during a previous podcast session. Ricky recounts, "The last time I did this was like, probably one of the worst days of my life." At 03:02, Julio probes into the details, leading Ricky to reveal that he got "unbelievably high" during the show. The trio humorously discusses the repercussions of being too elevated on cannabis, with Julio reminiscing about their "Kush Brothers" days and the challenges of maintaining sobriety after such experiences.

Navigating Substance Use and Sobriety

The friends explore the fine line between recreational use and addiction. Ricky shares his struggle: "I got really, really, really deeply high and thought terrible things and then took them with me into sobriety." Julio empathizes, highlighting the dangerous allure of potent strains: "There's evil weed out there, man. There's evil weed that's ready to just completely destroy you." Their candid discussion sheds light on the personal battles many face with substance use, blending humor with serious reflections on mental health and dependency.

Life in New York: Changes and Challenges

Transitioning to life in New York, Stavros expresses his mixed feelings about the city's transformation: "I worked so hard to move into the city and then the city turned into the hood." The conversation touches on the loss of New York's romantic allure, now overshadowed by rising living costs and changing neighborhoods. Julio and Ricky reminisce about their early days in Queens Village, the evolution of their surroundings, and the impact of events like the COVID-19 pandemic on their personal lives. They discuss the challenges of maintaining a stable life amidst a city of constant change, humorously debating the merits of moving to different boroughs like Bayside or Whitestone.

Confrontations and Personal Encounters

A particularly intense story unfolds around a trip to Rochester, where Stavros and Ricky had a run-in with local authorities. Ricky details a surreal experience: "He tries to plant coke on me and... we were wearing jackets with no shirts underneath." The friends recount the absurdity of being accused falsely, leading to a humorous yet tense encounter with the police. Julio adds to the tale, emphasizing the lengths they went to defuse the situation: "I just started screaming. And I actually had called my agent, and to this day, I still don't know what he said." This segment highlights the unpredictable nature of life on the road and the camaraderie that helps navigate such challenges.

Travel Tales and the Impact of Substance Use

The episode continues with lively discussions about international travels, including Ricky's ventures to Africa and the misadventures that ensue when substance use intersects with travel. They share anecdotes about dealing with jet lag, dietary mishaps, and cultural encounters, all while balancing their comedic personas. Notably, Ricky jokes about his frequent bouts of diarrhea from poor eating choices abroad, describing them as a "lifetime of diarrhea" that complicates his travel experiences.

Listener Call-In: Relationship and Social Media Issues

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to listener interactions. One caller seeks advice on navigating insecurities in a long-term relationship exacerbated by social media content. Ricky and Julio engage deeply with the caller's concerns, discussing the impact of digital algorithms on personal relationships. Julio offers practical advice:

"Set your boundaries, stick to it. And if he doesn't want to meet you there, you don't owe him anything."

They emphasize the importance of honest communication and self-reflection in addressing relationship challenges, blending empathy with straightforward counsel.

Listener Call-In: Relationship Timelines and Moving In Together

Another caller tackles the dilemma of when to move in with a significant other. The couple has been dating for a little over a year, and the caller feels confident but uncertain about the appropriate timeline. Ricky advises:

"If you think it's the right time, it's the right time. I don't think that there's any sort of arbitrary guidelines you need to adhere to."

Julio suggests a cautious approach, recommending open conversations about mutual expectations and ensuring both partners are aligned on their long-term goals before making such a significant commitment.

Humorous Interludes and Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Ricky and Julio infuse humor into their discussions, poking fun at each other's quirks and sharing lighthearted banter. They reflect on their personal growth, the importance of self-awareness, and the value of maintaining genuine relationships amidst the chaos of their professional and personal lives.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode winds down, Stavros reiterates the importance of upcoming live shows and encourages listeners to participate. The friends bid farewell with promises of more engaging content and continued support for each other's endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

• Ricky Velez at 03:02: "The last time I did this was like, probably one of the worst days of my life."
• Ricky Velez at 04:08: "I got really, really, really deeply high and thought terrible things and then took them with me into sobriety."
• Julio Gallarotti at 51:15: "The only way that you would be able to do this is if you were like, hey, I really would appreciate an apology for how you behaved."
• Ricky Velez at 73:47: "I just make it work, you know?"
• Julio Gallarotti at 115:00: "Take a break from getting this high. Try and, like, only do it when you really feel like it."

Conclusion

Episode #136 of Stavvy's World offers a blend of comedic anecdotes, personal stories, and heartfelt advice on relationships and personal struggles. Ricky Velez and Julio Gallarotti provide candid insights into their lives, engaging listeners with their genuine camaraderie and relatable discussions. Whether navigating the highs and lows of substance use, the complexities of modern relationships, or the ever-changing landscape of New York City, this episode delivers both laughter and meaningful takeaways for its audience.