Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

Alex’s story is the definition of Rise Above. Raised just outside of D.C., Alex had a solid upbringing—until a life-shattering trauma at age 9 changed everything. Losing his father to addiction left a hole he didn’t know how to fill… and by 11 years old, he found the first thing that made him feel “connected”: getting high. What started as weed quickly turned into a full-blown lifestyle—dropping out of school, running the streets, dealing drugs, chasing status, and doing whatever it took to feel okay. By his late teens, Alex was deep into cocaine, then crack. Florida became a new playground, but the addiction followed—fast. The party life turned into homelessness, violence, felony charges, and multiple prison stints. At one point he had five felonies, lost every opportunity in front of him, and spiraled into the darkest place imaginable. But in the middle of prison—while getting high on rat poison and living in survival mode—one brutal moment of truth from a cellmate cracked the armor. That day became the turning point that led Alex to complete surrender, recovery, and a new life built on faith, service, and accountability. Today, Alex is coming up on four years sober, living with peace he never thought was possible, and dedicating his life to helping others find a way out. If you’re struggling, feel stuck, or think you’re too far gone… this one’s for you. Rise Above Recovery Meetings: Every Monday night. Open meeting for anyone struggling with addiction, alcohol, gambling, food, etc. Email me at kevin@riseabovepod.com for the link + weekly updates. If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share—your support helps us spread hope to the next person. #RiseAbove #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RecoveryStory #CrackAddiction #CocaineAddiction #PrisonToPurpose #FelonToFreedom #FaithAndRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #SecondChances #RecoveryIsPossible #FloridaRecovery #DelrayBeach #12StepRecovery #HopeDealer #LifeAfterAddiction #TraumaRecovery #SoberLife #Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Rise Above, Dr. Monica Vermani — clinical psychologist, trauma expert, TED speaker, and author — breaks down the true roots of stress, anxiety, trauma, maladaptive coping, and why so many of us feel overwhelmed in today’s world. From the role of childhood wounds to the patterns we repeat in adulthood, Dr. Vermani explains why we get stuck, how to break cycles of pain, and why rituals and slowing down are essential to healing. She unpacks everything from self-medication, addictive behaviors, people-pleasing, anger, boundaries, relationships, and the myth of “reinventing yourself.” If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, mood swings, anxiety, addiction, overwhelm, or feeling “not enough,” this conversation will change your life. Dr. Vermani’s work has helped thousands—and today, she shares her tools with you. 📘 Her Book: A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety & Trauma Available on Amazon & at DrMonicaVermani.com 🧠 Follow Dr. Vermani: Instagram | Website | Psychology Today Column 🆘 Every Monday Night: Rise Above Recovery Meeting Open to anyone struggling with addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, food). To join: Email Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com for the meeting link & updates. 💙 If this interview helped you, please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to support the mission. #TraumaHealing #AnxietyRelief #MentalHealthMatters #StressManagement #PsychologyTalk #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #EmotionalHealing #TherapyTools #MindfulnessDaily #InnerPeaceJourney #DrMonicaVermani #ThoughtWork #HealingTrauma #CopingSkills #SobrietyTools #SelfImprovementDaily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Rise Above, Michael Chosewood shares one of the wildest fentanyl addiction stories ever told on this channel. From smoking weed as a freshman athlete… to crushing Xanax bars before school… to flipping houses, running a CBD company, and secretly trafficking fentanyl pills between the U.S. and Nicaragua—Michael was a high-functioning addict whose entire life unraveled behind the scenes. His addiction spiraled so far out of control that he overdosed in an airplane bathroom mid-flight, forcing an emergency medical response the moment the plane landed. Yet even that wasn’t enough to stop him—at least, not yet. Michael opens up about: Growing up as a star athlete in Georgia Getting hooked on Xanax at 14 The first overdose that should’ve killed him Running from warrants, debt, and guilt Living in Nicaragua while importing fentanyl pills The overdose on the airplane that changed everything Detoxing from fentanyl and Xanax for 31 brutal days The spiritual experience that finally broke the cycle Finding real sobriety in Charleston Making amends, rebuilding his life, and choosing God His journey is a powerful reminder that it truly gets worse—until you decide it doesn’t have to. If Michael’s story inspired you, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to help us spread hope. #Fentanyl #AddictionRecovery #SoberLiving #RiseAbove #DrugAddiction #FentanylCrisis #RecoveryJourney #Sobriety #AddictToAthlete #OverdoseSurvivor #XanaxAddiction #DrugRehab #RecoveryCommunity #FaithAndRecovery #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp #YouAreNotAlone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gia seemed to have it all together—13 years clean, a child, a spiritual awakening. But one drink changed everything. In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Rise Above, Gia shares her journey from childhood in New Jersey to addiction in Florida, her battle with mental health, and the crushing weight of postpartum depression. She opens up about her two marriages, spiritual growth, and how community and self-honesty brought her back from the brink. Her story is a beacon for anyone struggling with relapse, loneliness, or the pressure to be “okay.” #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney #PostpartumDepression #RiseAbovePodcast #GiaStory #AARecovery #WomenInRecovery #RelapseToRecovery #SpiritualAwakening #TraumaHealing #MotherhoodUnfiltered #RecoveryPodcast #AlcoholismAwareness #AddictionSupport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olympic figure skater Nicole Bobek was once America’s golden girl — a national champion with worldwide fame, endorsement deals, red-carpet tours, and the spotlight of the 1998 Winter Olympics. But behind the sequins and standing ovations, Nicole was spiraling into addiction, identity struggles, trauma, and eventually a meth addiction that led to a high-profile arrest splashed across national headlines. Nicole’s story is a journey through fame, pain, accountability, and ultimate redemption — proof that no matter how far someone falls, they can rise again. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.Rise Above. #NicoleBobek #RiseAbovePodcast #Olympics #FigureSkating #AddictionRecovery #MethAddiction #RedemptionStory #TraumaSurvivor #RiseAbove #KevinLanning #SoberLiving #RecoveryCommunity #InspiringStories #SobrietyJourney #ComebackStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He swore he’d never touch a needle. But inside a California prison, surrounded by chaos, violence, and addiction—he did. This raw, unfiltered story follows one man’s journey from trying meth at 9 years old to shooting heroin behind bars, losing everything, and ultimately finding redemption. He survived prison riots, overdoses, and years of chaos before rebuilding his life through sobriety, faith, and service. Today, he helps others break free from the same darkness that once consumed him. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic stories of addiction and incarceration. 💬 If this story moved you, please like, comment, and share — it helps us reach more people who need to know recovery is possible. 📩 Join the weekly Rise Above Recovery meeting — email kevin@riseabovepod.com 🌐 Learn more: https://riseabovepod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amber grew up in a world surrounded by addiction. Her mom used meth. Her grandparents were addicts. Her father dated women who battled addiction. Chaos was normal. But somehow… she never fell into it. Instead, Amber became the one who breaks the cycle. Today she’s a counselor who has spent over 20 years helping families navigate addiction, denial, enabling, and communication breakdowns. She teaches families how to get through to an addict—without losing themselves. This conversation is going to help millions of people who are trying to save someone they love. Join us as we dive into generational addiction, family systems, resilience, boundaries, and the psychology behind denial and early stage addiction. #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #BreakTheCycle #AddictionEducation #GenerationalTrauma #FamilyRecovery #OvercomingAddiction #SobrietyJourney #HopeDealer #RecoveryCommunity #AddictionAwareness #MentalHealthMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooke Goff started her law firm from a kitchen table with $25,000 — and turned it into a legal empire in Connecticut. In this episode, Brooke shares how she beat the odds, bet on herself, built a dominant personal injury brand, navigated massive adversity, and became a force in a male-dominated industry. Her journey is proof: with accountability, courage and relentless belief… you can build the life you want. If you’re navigating fear, self-doubt, recovery, entrepreneurship, building something from nothing — this episode will light a fire inside you. Brooke Goff — a mother, an entrepreneur, a fighter… and a woman who built her own empire. #RiseAbovePodcast #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneur #EntrepreneurMindset #OvercomingAdversity #BuildYourEmpire #Motivation #SuccessMindset #RiseAbove #WomenInLaw #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #BusinessJourney #SelfBelief #NeverGiveUp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cassidy’s story is one of the darkest I’ve ever heard. She grew up in a good home, loving parents, big family… and still addiction found a way in. One pill turned into daily use… then heroin… then fentanyl… then she ended up in the most dangerous open-air drug market in America — Kensington. What she experienced there is not normal addiction. It’s human trafficking. Violence. Rape. Murder. Bodies in the street. Burning victims alive. Trap houses. Dealers beating people for losing product. Young girls disappearing. This is a level of hell that most people in this country will NEVER see. And she survived it. Cassidy opens up about overdoses, abusive relationships, jail, street life, losing friends, and the spiritual war that fentanyl brings with it. She rebuilt her life — and is now sober — and her story will change perspectives for families everywhere struggling to understand addiction. Watch this entire interview start to finish — share with a parent, sister, brother, someone who needs to know the reality of fentanyl before it’s too late. Rise Above. Always. #kensington #fentanyl #fentanylepidemic #opioidcrisis #philadelphia #addiction #recovery #sobriety #drugabuse #narcansaveslives #harmreduction #addictionawareness #recoveryispossible #riseabovepodcast #drugcrisis #openairdrugmarket #truecrime #streetsurvival #kensingtonphilly #fentanlyawareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan’s story is one of the most emotional, raw, and impactful episodes we’ve ever filmed on Rise Above. After years of opioid addiction, relapse cycles, losing her teeth, stealing to survive, and eventually living in a tent community—Meghan was ready to end her life. Instead, she made one call that saved everything. Inside this episode we talk about: Her descent from partying → pills → sniffing heroin → injecting What actually triggered her relapse AFTER years sober How dishonesty and “grey area using” almost took her out The moment she raised her hand in AA and had to reset her sober date Why secrets = the real relapse How emotional sobriety, service, God & community changed her entire life Today, Meghan is nearly 6 years sober, a professional speaker, a coach, and she helps others reclaim their power, heal trauma, and build real inner peace. There are thousands of people right now who feel like THEY are beyond repair. Her story proves the opposite. If you’re struggling—don’t give up before the miracle happens. Rise Above Recovery Meetings Every Monday night I host an open Rise Above recovery meeting for addiction, alcoholism, gambling, food addiction, etc. To get the Zoom link, email: Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com Patreon Join Rise Above Patreon for LIVE interviews + talk with guests after episodes #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #OpiateEpidemic #RelapseRecovery #SobrietyJourney #EmotionalSobriety #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #RecoveredNotCured #HopeAfterAddiction #TraumaHealing #SpiritualAwakening #12StepRecovery #NeverRecoverAlone #SoberLife #RecoveryStory #OpioidCrisis #SoberCommunity #FaithInRecovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boxing legend Vinny Paz sits down in the flesh on RISE ABOVE. The Tasmanian Devil himself. One of the wildest true comeback stories in all of sports. Vinny broke his neck in a horrific car accident — doctors told him he’d never walk again… and he came back and won 5 world titles. In this raw, unfiltered interview… Vinny opens up about chasing Muhammad Ali, fame, insane nightlife stories, partying with major celebrities, gambling a million dollars in one night, the movie made about his life, and what kept him alive when most would’ve quit. If you’ve ever needed proof that the human spirit can overcome ANYTHING — this is it. RISE ABOVE is about hope, adversity, and transformation. And Vinny Paz is living proof. Subscribe for more real stories that give people strength to keep going. #VinnyPaz #RiseAbovePodcast #BoxingLegends #ComebackStory #SportsDocumentary #CrazyLifeStories #OvercomingAdversity #NeverGiveUp #RedemptionStory #BoxingHistory #Motivation #AddictionRecovery #TriumphOverTragedy #UnderdogSpirit #MuhammadAliInspired Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 17, Jerry thought he’d found a party drug that made him feel unstoppable. OxyContin. The blue 160s. The Florida pill mill days. He had no idea what was coming next. Within years, addiction took over his life — and just when he thought he’d escaped it, a motorcycle crash left him literally cut in half. Doctors said he wouldn’t survive. He flatlined three times. Sixty-eight surgeries later, Jerry is still here to tell the story. In this shocking interview, Jerry reveals: What life was really like inside Florida’s pill-mill scene How OxyContin destroyed an entire generation The crash that tore his body apart — and how he forgave the woman who caused it What he saw when he died — and the spiritual moment that brought him back This is one of the wildest, most powerful stories ever told on Rise Above. #OxyContin #OxyAddiction #FloridaPillMill #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #OpiateAddiction #NearDeathExperience #SurvivorStory #Sobriety #AddictionStory #DrugEpidemic #PainkillerAddiction #Resilience #ComaSurvivor #MiracleSurvivor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Rosburg spent his 20s chasing ego, fame, and the next high — from starring in a Budweiser commercial to being cast in a reality TV show. But beneath the spotlight was an addiction that nearly killed him. In this episode, Chris opens up about the fear of losing his identity when getting sober, his journey through rehab, finding fellowship and faith, and how his 15-year sobriety led him to create Sober City, a free app helping others find daily reflection and spiritual grounding. We talk about accountability, ego, family, relapse prevention, and what true happiness in recovery really looks like. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this story is proof that it’s never too late to change. 📱 Download Chris’s app: Sober City (available on iOS & Android) 💬 Join the Rise Above Recovery Meeting: Mondays 8:30 PM EST — email Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com for the link. 🎙️ Subscribe for more real stories of recovery and redemption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arayelle’s story is one of the most raw and inspiring transformations ever shared on Rise Above. A Boston native, she opens up about growing up in chaos, battling addiction, stripping to survive, and finding herself trapped in toxic relationships. After years of substance abuse, self-harm, and pain, she found healing through faith, therapy, and fitness — and is now nearly five years sober. In this episode, Arayelle and host Kevin Lanning have a deeply honest conversation about recovery, mental health, and learning to fill your own cup again.She now helps women in sobriety through fitness, mentorship, and her “Fellowship & Fitness” program — proving that no matter how far you fall, you can rise again. Connect with Kevin: 📩 Email: kevin@riseabovepod.com 🌐 RiseAbovePod.com 💬 Join our weekly Rise Above Recovery Meeting every Monday night — all are welcome. #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryStory #MentalHealthAwareness #WomenInRecovery #HealingTrauma #AddictionToRecovery #FitnessForRecovery #SoberLife #FaithAndHealing #RiseAbove #WorkoutWarrior #FromStruggleToStrength #BostonRecovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Rise Above, attorney Mark Astor joins host Kevin Lanning to discuss how families can legally intervene to save loved ones battling addiction and mental health struggles. Mark founded The Mental Health & Addiction Law Firm of Florida, a groundbreaking practice that combines legal authority, clinical support, and investigative resources to help families take action when everything else has failed. Together, Kevin and Mark dive into: How families can legally get loved ones into treatment The Marchman Act, Guardianship, and Baker Act explained The emotional and legal battle parents face when trying to save an addict Kevin’s own story of being “dragged to rehab” and finding lasting sobriety Why recovery is a lifelong process — and what real hope looks like Mark’s mission is simple: to save families whose loved ones are suffering from addiction and failed attempts at recovery. 👉 Learn more about Mark Astor’s work:https://www.mentalhealthaddictionlawfirm.com If you or someone you love is struggling, there is help and hope. 💌 Join our Monday night Rise Above Recovery Meeting: Email kevin@riseabovepod.com for the link. #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #FamilyAddictionHelp #SobrietyJourney #MarkAstor #KevinLanning #AddictionSupport #MarchmanAct #Guardianship #BakerAct #LegalIntervention #RecoveryCommunity #HopeAndHealing #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Baird’s story is one of survival, truth, and transformation. Put on Adderall at age 5, Jeff spent his entire youth medicated — never learning who he truly was. By 19, he was deep in the South Florida party scene: weed, coke, Xanax, lean, and eventually fentanyl. He was robbed at gunpoint, arrested multiple times, and even flatlined from an overdose. But in October 2021, Jeff finally made the call that saved his life. Now, nearly 4 years sober, he’s helping others in recovery and proving that no matter how far you fall, you can rise above it all. 👉 Watch this full interview to hear how Jeff went from being a “wannabe gangster” trapped in addiction — to a man of purpose, faith, and service. 🎧 Subscribe for more real stories of transformation. 📩 Join our community meetings at: Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com #addictionrecovery #riseabovepodcast #soberstories #recoveryjourney #overcomingaddiction #mentalhealth #sobriety #fentanylcrisis #addictionawareness #faith #redemption #southflorida #oxycodone #adhd #adderall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian grew up in a strict Brooklyn home, surrounded by addiction, secrets, and death — living next door to a funeral home and watching grief daily. What started as a college experiment with ecstasy in Florence spiraled into a decade of cocaine dealing across New York City, gambling thousands he didn’t have, and a public arrest at the World Trade Center construction site. After narrowly avoiding prison, he rebuilt his life — until opioids nearly killed him. In this raw interview, Brian opens up about the double life he lived, his $12,000-a-month Oxy habit, and the psychedelic Ibogaine treatment in Mexico that saved him. Watch as he shares how trauma, ego, and grief fueled his addiction — and what recovery really looks like when the spotlight fades. 0:00 Growing up next to death 13:00 Studying abroad & discovering ecstasy 15:00 Selling coke for 10 years 34:00 Arrested at the World Trade Center 48:00 Falling into opioids 1:00:00 Ibogaine in Mexico 1:15:00 Finding peace, love, and redemption 📩 Join the Rise Above Community: kevin@riseabovepod.com 🎧 Listen Everywhere: Rise Above Podcast #AddictionRecovery #Ibogaine #RiseAbovePodcast #Sobriety #DrugAddiction #WallStreet #CocaineAddiction #OpioidCrisis #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #BrooklynStories #KevinLanning #IbogaineTreatment #RedemptionStory #OvercomingAddiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Mac up in chaos — born to two addicted parents, moving from town to town, finding identity through graffiti, and battling fear and dysfunction from an early age. By high school, he was using cocaine and opiates, and soon after, heroin became his escape.After years lost to addiction, theft, and survival on the streets, Jay rebuilt his life from the ground up. He found sobriety, purpose, and a voice through art, barbering, and recovery work. Now with nine years clean, Jay shares how he went from a broken kid on Section 8 housing to a man leading others through recovery and using creativity as medicine.This conversation goes deep — relapse, redemption, fear, faith, and the discipline it takes to stay free. 👉 Follow Jay Mac: Instagram @the_backstah If this story moves you, please like, subscribe, and comment — it helps us keep sharing real stories that save lives. #RiseAbovePodcast #JayMac #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #SobrietyJourney #GraffitiArtist #RecoveryStory #OvercomingAddiction #SoberLife #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #CleanAndSober #DrugAddiction #StreetSmart #RiseAbove #SoberMotivation #AddictToAdvocate #BostonStrong #RedemptionStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and honest interview, Riley Whelan opens up about her battle with addiction, multiple relapses, and how she’s found a new life in sobriety.Riley shares about her upbringing, her early exposure to prescription drugs, the spiraling path through college and substance abuse, hitting rock bottom, and the pivotal moments that pushed her toward recovery. She also discusses how she handles ego, vulnerability, and purpose now — especially as a voice helping others. 💬 What you’ll hear: • Riley’s first memory of addiction and the role of ADHD in her life• How her substance use progressed from prescription misuse to harder drugs • Her experience with arrests, hiding it from her family, and running away • The turning point: entering rehab, embracing the recovery community, and doing real work • What she’s doing differently this time (amends, service, humility) • How she stays grounded while speaking publicly and helping othersIf you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. There is hope, and listeners like you have the power to heal and rebuild. Follow Riley on TikTok: @riwhey_orthehighway #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryStory #RileyWhelan #RiseAbovePodcast #Sobriety #Healing #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionAwareness #AlcoholismRecovery #DrugAddiction #RelapseAndRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #CleanAndSober #SoberLife #SoberLiving #YouAreNotAlone #Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandi Mac is a nurse practitioner, a mother, and a survivor of trauma. Her daughter battled addiction for years—cycling in and out of treatment, relapsing nine times, and nearly losing her life. But what finally saved her wasn’t another rehab. In this powerful interview, Brandi shares the truth about parenting through addiction, breaking toxic family cycles, and finding healing through love, boundaries, and vulnerability. From surviving domestic violence to writing her book Do What You Can Live With, Brandi reveals how she turned her pain into purpose—and how her daughter is now over a year sober. #AddictionRecovery #RiseAbovePodcast #MotherAndDaughter #TraumaHealing #FamilyAddiction #SobrietyJourney #BrandiMac #RecoveryStories #AddictionAwareness #ParentingThroughAddiction #HealingTrauma #RiseAboveWithKevinLanning #AddictionSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices