Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

Welcome to Rise Above with Kevin Lanning. Join Kevin, a former Google executive in sobriety, as he shares inspiring stories of resilience. Each episode features individuals who have faced life’s toughest challenges—addiction, trauma, anxiety, and more—and emerged stronger. These conversations aren’t just about survival; they’re about thriving and finding practical solutions to rise above adversity. Kevin’s own journey through addiction and childhood trauma fuels his passion for sharing stories that uplift, educate, and inspire. Tune in and discover the strength within you.

Latest Episodes:

Overcoming a 300mg/Day Adderall Habit | 8 Years Sober Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

"Getting through the day without a substance was enough to make you feel decent, but it wasn't enough to live a life."

Today, Anthony Scamardella joins the show to share his incredible story of overcoming a massive Adderall addiction. From his roots as a perfectionist student in New Jersey to managing high-stakes healthcare audits while secretly maintaining multiple prescriptions, Anthony reveals the moment his "secret" began eating him alive. He discusses the reality of the 4-year "flat" period after quitting, how he re-sensitized his dopamine receptors, and why he’s more optimistic now than ever before.

Key Topics:

The 9/11 trauma that shifted his childhood.
Taking 200mg of Adderall daily and the physical toll.
The letter from the "Substance Abuse Division" that changed everything.
How skating and structure replaced the "jolt" of pills.

If you’re struggling with addiction or mental health, contact our sponsor Compassion Behavioral Health at 844-443-5669 or visit https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=march

#Recovery #Addiction #Adderall #SobrietyStory #Fitness #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHD #NewYorkCity #Skating

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The "Perfect" Mom's Secret: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Paula to discuss the hidden reality of "mummy wine culture" and the terrifying moment she realized her drinking was costing her a relationship with her children. From being a scholarship athlete and a successful professional in the liquor industry to finding her true purpose as a recovery coach, Paula shares the raw truth about emotional sobriety.

Connect with Paula:Instagram: @happiest_hour_af

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve partnered with Compassion Behavioral Health (CBH) because they offer a full continuum of care—from detox and residential treatment to neurofeedback and EMDR. They are in-network with major providers and available 24/7.

Call or text: 844-443-5669 or visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=march

#Sobriety #RecoveryStory #MotherhoodUnplugged #AlcoholFree #SoberCurious #EmotionalSobriety #RiseAbove #AddictionRecovery #WineMomCulture #SoberParenting

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Addicted to Heroin: Inside an Escort's Life of Chaos and Survival Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Rise Above, we sit down with Glynis Franz, whose story sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie—except she lived it. From growing up in a chaotic household in New England to becoming a high-end escort, smuggling people across the border in her trunk, and eventually landing in federal prison, Glynis’s life was defined by the "brutal lifestyle" of addiction and meth psychosis.

Now 6.5 years sober, Glynis has completely transformed her life. She is now a business owner, a podcast host, and the founder of Peak Path Health, helping others find the same freedom she discovered after hitting the ultimate rock bottom.

[Sponsor Message] If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve partnered with Compassion Behavioral Health (CBH) because they offer a full continuum of care—from detox and residential treatment to neurofeedback and EMDR. They are in-network with major providers and available 24/7. Call or text: 844-443-5669 or visit https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=march to start your journey today.

#AddictionRecovery #HumanSmuggling #RiseAbove #SobrietyStory #FentanylCrisis #FederalPrison #RecoveryIsPossible #GlynisFranz #CompassionBehavioralHealth

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Inside a Xanax & Alcohol Addict's Brutal Blackouts | I Was "The Devil" Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

In this raw and unfiltered interview, Rachel Sereni pulls back the curtain on a seven-year descent into Xanax and alcohol-fueled blackouts. Rachel doesn't hold back, taking full accountability for the "Ratchet Rachel" alter ego that emerged—a persona defined by physical and mental abuse toward her loved ones and the terrifying reality of drinking and driving with her young son in the car.

Rachel reveals the "brutal" lifestyle of mixing Xanax, Molly, and 99 Bananas, and the haunting trauma of finding her mother after a fatal overdose at just 16 years old. This is a story of total surrender—from collapsing in a Taco Bell field to losing 80 lbs and finding a new life in sobriety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, there is a structured, stigma-free place to start.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Compassion Behavioral Health. Recovery isn't just about removing a substance; it’s about addressing the anxiety, trauma, and depression underneath. Compassion Behavioral Health focuses on the mental health side of recovery with individualized care—from detox and outpatient support to innovative treatments like EMDR and neuro feedback.

Call or Text 24/7: 844-443-5669
Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=march
In-network with major insurance providers.

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I Overdosed 9 Times in One Month on Fentanyl | Oxy, Meth Psychosis, Jail & How I Finally Got Sober Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Rise Above, Ali Zansberg shares one of the most intense addiction stories we’ve ever featured on the podcast.

After surviving stage-four liver failure as a teenager, Ali was prescribed opioids — which quickly spiraled into doctor shopping, oxy addiction, meth use, psychosis, and repeated overdoses. At her lowest point, she overdosed nine times in a single month, experienced severe drug-induced psychosis, and found herself in and out of jail.

Her addiction escalated from prescription opioids to meth and eventually kratom, where she became trapped in brutal withdrawals and a cycle she couldn’t escape.

Ali opens up about surviving overdoses, being revived multiple times with Narcan, doctor shopping prescriptions, battling addiction across multiple states, and the moment she finally surrendered and asked for help.

Today Ali is over a year sober, sponsors other women in recovery, and is helping others find a way out of addiction.

If you’ve been listening to Rise Above for a while, you know I don’t believe in shame, stigma, or one-size-fits-all treatment. That’s why I partnered with Compassion Behavioral Health.

Compassion is intentionally boutique sized so clients receive real individualized care. Whether someone needs detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, IOP, or even virtual support, they offer a full continuum of care built around evidence-based therapy along with innovative options like TMS, neurofeedback, and EMDR when appropriate.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, mental health, or both and you don’t know where to start, this is a compassionate place to begin.

Call or text 844-443-5669 or visit https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=march

#addictionrecovery #opioidcrisis #sobrietyjourney #overdose #riseabovepodcast

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I Started Drugs at 6 & Became a Heroin Addict | Armed Robberies, Overdose & Recovery Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Ryan Yonkers grew up in a seemingly normal household outside Chicago. But behind the scenes, childhood trauma, addiction, and a chaotic home life pushed him down a dangerous path.

Ryan started experimenting with substances at just six years old, eventually falling deep into drug culture. By his late teens he was selling drugs, running with dangerous people, and chasing a rap career that briefly put him on stage with artists like Young Buck.

But addiction took over.

What started with pills turned into heroin, armed robberies, and a life completely controlled by drugs. Ryan lost friends to overdose, watched people he loved die, and spiraled into a lifestyle he thought he would never escape.

After hitting rock bottom, Ryan found recovery and a new purpose helping others battling addiction.

Today he shares his story in hopes of helping someone who is still suffering.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, help is available.

Compassion Behavioral Health offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment for addiction and mental health disorders.

📞 Call: 877-414-3007
🌐 https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=march

Recovery is possible.

#addictionrecovery #heroinaddiction #sobrietystory #recoverypodcast #riseabovepodcast #mentalhealthrecovery

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Inside a Ketamine Addict’s Brutal Lifestyle | The Crash That Left Me Blind in One Eye Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, mental health, or both, Compassion Behavioral Health offers individualized treatment designed to address the root causes — not just the symptoms.

Compassion Behavioral Health is intentionally boutique-sized, allowing clients to receive personalized care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. They provide a full continuum of care including detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and virtual support.

Alongside evidence-based therapies, they also offer innovative treatment options like TMS, neurofeedback, and EMDR when clinically appropriate.

They are in-network with most major insurance providers and are available 24/7.

Call or text 844-443-5669
Visit https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=march

Serena Lamotte joins Kevin Lanning to share her powerful story of addiction, trauma, and survival.

After growing up in a difficult environment and experiencing significant loss, Serena found herself pulled into a destructive lifestyle that eventually led to a three-year ketamine addiction. What began as partying quickly spiraled into toxic relationships, dangerous living situations, and a life she barely recognized.

Everything changed after a devastating drunk driving crash that left Serena with severe injuries and permanently blind in one eye.

In this episode of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, Serena opens up about grief, addiction, abusive relationships, surviving violence, the crash that nearly took her life, and how she ultimately found the strength to rebuild.

Her story is a raw reminder that even after the darkest chapters, it’s still possible to rise above.

#RiseAbovePodcast #KevinLanning #KetamineAddiction #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryStory #DrunkDrivingCrash #DomesticAbuseSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #Sobriety #PodcastInterview

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Inside A Heroin Addicts Brutal Lifestyle | Shooting During Pregnancy, Human Trafficked & Sobriety Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, Compassion Behavioral Health offers personalized treatment and a full continuum of care, including detox, residential, and outpatient services. Their team is available 24/7 and works with most major insurance providers. Call or text 844-443-5566 or visit https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=march

Kristine Bowers lived through things most people could never imagine.

As a teenager, she was pulled into escorting through her mother’s boyfriend, entering a dark world of exploitation, drugs, and survival. What started with partying and pills eventually spiraled into heroin addiction.

At one point, Kristine was using heroin while pregnant.

Her life became a cycle of trafficking, abusive relationships, overdoses, and near-death experiences. She even survived a terrifying medical crisis where her organs began shutting down.

But Kristine’s story didn’t end there.

After hitting rock bottom and nearly losing everything, she entered treatment and began rebuilding her life through sobriety, faith, and helping others struggling with addiction.

Today she works in recovery and speaks openly about trauma, addiction, shame, and redemption.

This is a powerful story of survival, accountability, and transformation.

#AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #HumanTrafficking #SobrietyJourney #RiseAbove

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I Couldn’t Stop Drinking Once I Started… I Blacked Out Every Time Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Compassion Behavioral Health.

Compassion Behavioral Health is a boutique mental health treatment center that focuses on the deeper issues driving addiction, anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma. Their intentionally small program allows for highly individualized care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

They offer a full continuum of care including detox, residential treatment, outpatient programs, and virtual support. Alongside evidence-based therapy, they also provide innovative treatments like TMS, EMDR, and neurofeedback when clinically appropriate.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or addiction, Compassion Behavioral Health is available 24/7.

Call or text 844-443-2274
Visit https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=march

Jessica Tanir shares her journey from the nightlife and bartending culture of New York City to finding sobriety and clarity in Florida. What started as casual drinking slowly turned into blackouts, toxic relationships, and nights she couldn’t remember—including the moment she woke up covered in sand after passing out on the beach.

In this episode of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, Jessica opens up about the hidden side of alcohol misuse, the hospitality industry’s drinking culture, and how spiritual healing, retreats, and deep self-reflection helped her walk away from alcohol for good.

Now over two years sober, Jessica helps others explore sobriety through mocktails, wellness practices, and mindful living.

Her story is a powerful reminder that alcoholism doesn’t always look the way people expect—and that real transformation is possible.

#sobriety #addictionrecovery #riseabovepodcast #alcoholism #recoveryjourney #mentalhealth #soberlife #selfhealing #mocktails #podcast

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I Was Drinking at 12 and Doing LSD by 15 | Drugs, Modeling Party Culture & 11 Years Sober Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

Ava Fox opens up about the dark reality behind the modeling industry and the pressure to drink, party, and use drugs just to survive in the entertainment world.

In this episode of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, Ava shares how she grew up largely on her own, started drinking at just 12 years old, and fell into a lifestyle surrounded by drugs, older crowds, and a reckless party culture. As she entered the modeling industry, she saw firsthand how alcohol, cocaine, and networking culture were deeply embedded in the business.

After years of chaos, health scares, and watching others lose themselves to addiction, Ava made a life-changing decision to walk away from it all. She quit drinking, changed her entire lifestyle, strengthened her faith, and has now been sober for 11 years.

This is a powerful conversation about independence, addiction, boundaries, healing, and what it takes to choose a different path when the entire industry pushes you in the opposite direction.

#sobriety #addictionrecovery #modelingindustry #recoveryjourney #riseabovepodcast

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