How Comedy Saved My Life

My Wild Journey of Addiction, Recovery & Making the Ultimate Comeback - Tales of a Navy Sailor, Prison Guard, Stand-Up Comic & Father

By: John Perrotta

Narrated by: John Perrotta

How Comedy Saved My Life is the brutally honest, darkly funny, and ultimately redemptive story of John Perrotta—a Rhode Island prison guard by day, stand-up comic by night.

For decades, John lived two lives. On stage, he was a relentless crowd-work master, booking gigs with rising legends like Bill Burr, Lenny Clarke, Tammy Pescatelli, and Tom Cotter. Off stage, he was drowning in booze, gambling, and drugs, hitting rock bottom more times than he can count—until a near-death experience forced him to make the biggest comeback of his life.

This memoir pulls no punches, from high-speed chases through Providence to performing at bachelor parties and sold-out comedy clubs, all while battling addiction, bankruptcy, and his own worst impulses. But it’s also about second chances. About clawing back from the edge. About how comedy, family, and sheer stubbornness kept him alive when the odds said he shouldn’t be here.

Told with raw honesty and razor-sharp wit, How Comedy Saved My Life is proof that sometimes the funniest stories come from the darkest places—and that laughter truly can be the cure-all.

©2025 John Perrotta (P)2025 John Perrotta

Raw, gritty, and surprisingly uplifting

John's story is bruttally honest but told with such sharp humor that you can't help but laugh even in the darkest moments. You really feel like you're sitting across from him, hearing war stories from both prison life and the comedy scene. What stood out most is how real he is. It's not just about addiction or comedy. It's about resilience, second chances, and finding something worth fighting for. Loved it and highly recommend it!

Laughter on the Edge

How Comedy Saved My Life is a brutally honest, darkly funny, and ultimately uplifting memoir by John Perrotta—who balances life as a Rhode Island prison guard by day and a stand-up comic by night. With raw wit and unflinching candor, Perrotta recounts his battles with addiction, gambling, and bankruptcy, taking listeners from high-speed chases across Providence to sold-out comedy clubs. His near-death experience marks the turning point in this gritty yet redemptive story of second chances, resilience, and how laughter—and stubborn determination—can truly pull someone back from the edge.

Talk About and Amazing Comeback!

I found this book really heartfelt, this man has been through a LOT! And he has landed on his feet time and again. More than once I said to myself, He did WHAT?! It's a true story of some very hard times, and an amazing recovery. Kudos for sharing it all for us, John.

Not Scared Anymore

After listening to this story, I wanted to give John a hand shake and a big hug. Here is a man who had a pretty rugged up bringing, with an alcoholic father helping his son go down the same road. But the one thing that has stood out to me was the resiiience that John had as he went through one addiction after another. It was the addiction of comedy that saved him. He always had a dream and no matter how messed up his life became, he came back to it. A story I recommend to anyone who thinks they are not good enough to get through their troubles. It was a wild journey, so funny in spots my side hurt, and so heart rendering in others, I had tears in my eyes. You will not be disappointed when you take the time to listen.

Life Saved

This book was something else, this is not the type of book that I typically choose to read but I was intrigued by the topic. The author had a tuff life, I bet most people don't come out from that but he did.
The stories shares are unbelievable sand scary, they almost sound like fiction but I know that they are not. I always stayed clear of drugs and after reading this bool I am glad I did. A family member is experiencing something similar to what the author share in this book. Wow, I glad he is OK and thank God he had someone that cared for him because that is a lonely road to travel. If you are think you are having it tough, the author has it tougher, and he can come out of a whole so can you; it hat sense this book provides some inspiration.