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:

How Sobriety Transformed My Life After Addiction | Therapist Shares Recovery & Trauma Healing Tools Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Ryan Soave joins me on Rise Above to share his powerful story of 17 years in sobriety and the lessons he’s learned as a therapist helping others heal from addiction, trauma, and the human condition.

We dive into:

The fear and courage of sharing your story publicly

Why mental health and addiction exist on a spectrum

The importance of learning to sit with uncomfortable feelings

How childhood experiences shape adult behaviors

Strategies to break patterns, slow down, and live with purpose

Ryan also opens up about his own journey—how sobriety transformed his life, the challenges he still faces, and the tools he uses daily to grow as a father, husband, and leader.

If you or someone you love is struggling, Ryan’s insights will remind you that healing is possible and that every emotion—even pain—can be a gateway to growth.

👉 Subscribe to Rise Above for more stories of resilience and recovery.

👉 Learn more about Ryan and his free course: RyanSoave.com

#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealthAwareness #RiseAbovePodcast #TraumaHealing #SoberLife #RecoveryCommunity #TherapyTools #SitWithFeelings #InspirationDaily

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Inside a Heroin Addict’s Dark Journey in Kensington | Robbing Family, Jail & Getting Sober Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Michael Zallie’s story is one of unimaginable pain, loss, and redemption. Growing up in Philadelphia, Michael faced tragedy when his sister took her own life—an event that haunted him for decades. That trauma, combined with addiction to alcohol, pills, heroin, and meth, spiraled him into years of chaos: 13 rehabs, jail time, robbing his own family, and suicidal thoughts while climbing skyscrapers in a meth-fueled haze.

But today, Michael is turning his pain into purpose. With nearly a year fully clean and sober, he’s rebuilding his life through recovery, faith, and art. His journey takes us deep into Kensington, Philadelphia’s epicenter of the heroin epidemic, and shows how even in the darkest places, hope can be found.

If you or someone you love is struggling, this story is proof that it’s never too late to rise above.

#HeroinAddiction #MethRecovery #KensingtonPhiladelphia #AddictionRecovery #RiseAbovePodcast #DrugAddictionStories #SobrietyJourney #OvercomingAddiction #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity

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From Surf Prodigy to Crack Houses & Prison | Insane Addiction Story Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Josh Wilson’s story is one of extreme highs and devastating lows. A Cocoa Beach surfing prodigy competing alongside legends like Kelly Slater, Josh’s life spiraled into addiction, arrests, and prison sentences. Despite more than 80 failed attempts at sobriety, today he celebrates one full year clean and sober.

In this raw conversation, Josh opens up about:

Growing up surfing at a national level and being sponsored at just 5 years old

The devastating grip of alcohol, cocaine, and opiates that derailed his career

Chaotic years spent in county jails, rehabs, and prison—including violent encounters

Smuggling thousands of pills from Guatemala and running a weed business

The moment of clarity that finally set him on the path to recovery

Rebuilding relationships, spirituality, and finding peace after decades of chaos

Josh’s journey is proof that no matter how many times you fall, it’s never too late to rise again.

👉 If this episode inspires you, please like, comment, and subscribe. Your support helps spread hope to those still struggling.

#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #PrisonStories #RiseAbovePodcast #DrugAddiction #Sobriety #RecoveryCommunity #Alcoholism #OpiateAddiction #Inspiration #SecondChances

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Hooked on Heroin & Homeless in Detroit | From Opioid Addiction & Jail to 10 Years Sober Oct 04, 2025

Show notes

Nick’s story is one of the most raw and inspiring transformations you’ll ever hear. Once homeless on the streets of Detroit, sleeping in dumpsters and abandoned boats, Nick’s addiction to cocaine, pills, and heroin led him to DUIs, high-speed police chases, jail time, and near-death experiences.But after hitting rock bottom, he found recovery, rebuilt his life, and is now 10 years sober. In this interview, Nick shares:

What it was like growing up with an alcoholic father

His descent into heroin and the chaos of street lifeJail time, overdose scares, and losing his brother

How long-term treatment finally gave him a chance at freedom

The spiritual awakening that changed everything

How he built a new life, got married, went back to school, and found purpose in helping others

This is proof that recovery is possible and that no matter how far gone you feel, you can rise above.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to help us spread the message of hope.

#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RiseAbovePodcast #HeroinAddiction #DrugRecovery #RedemptionStory #Alcoholism #AddictionAwareness #MentalHealth #SoberLife

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I Was Shooting Heroin With My Mom Living in a Tent | Jail, Homelessness & How I Got Clean & Sober Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Joey Gandee’s story is one of the rawest journeys you’ll ever hear. Growing up in small-town Ohio, Joey had what looked like a “normal” childhood—but addiction does not discriminate. He went from playing varsity sports to selling weed in 9th grade, living in his car while raising his younger brother, and eventually using heroin with his own mother while homeless in a tent by the river.

This episode dives deep into:

His first felony at 18 and years of hustling

The shocking day his mom introduced him to heroin

Walking 14 miles a day just to scoreHitting rock bottom, jail time, and brutal withdrawals

How he finally turned it all around and built a life of recovery

Today, Joey is over 2 years sober, mentoring others, and running

My Recovery Journal to help people fight back against addiction. His story proves that no matter how dark it gets, there is always a way out.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep spreading the message of hope.

#RiseAbove #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #FromAddictToAdvocate #SoberLife #AddictionDoesNotDiscriminate #OverdoseAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #HopeAfterAddiction #RiseAbovePodcast

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I Was Living in Hotels Snorting Meth & Drinking Vodka All Day | Bubba Sparxxx Opens Up on Addiction & Recovery Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Bubba Sparxxx (Warren Mathis) opens up like never before about his rise to fame, the dark years of addiction, and his path to recovery.From topping the charts with Ugly and Ms. New Booty to battling alcoholism, opiates, meth, and even suffering a mini-stroke, Bubba’s story is raw, real, and inspiring. In this interview, he shares:

How addiction nearly destroyed his career, health, and relationships

What it was like going from platinum records to rehab and jail

The role sponsors, honesty, and spiritual surrender play in his recovery

Why this time is different — and why his quality of sobriety is stronger than ever

This is a powerful conversation about music, addiction, resilience, and hope.

👉 Join our weekly Rise Above Recovery Meeting: Email me at Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com

#BubbaSparxxx #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RiseAbovePodcast #Alcoholism #DrugAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #HipHopCulture #MethAddiction #RiseAbove

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Inside a Binge Drinker’s Double Life on Cocaine & Alcohol | Rock Bottom, Jail & 13 Years of Sobriety Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

Jennifer Kazilionis sits down with me to share her raw and unfiltered story of addiction, chaos, and ultimately, recovery.From growing up in Portland, Maine, to an abusive relationship, cocaine use, and two DUIs that landed her in jail, Jennifer’s path was filled with self-destruction and pain. With the help of treatment, sober living in Florida, and the guidance of a sponsor, she rebuilt her life and is now celebrating 13 years of sobriety.In this episode of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, Jennifer opens up about:

Surviving abusive relationships and toxic cycles

How cocaine and alcohol took over her life

The turning point that finally led her into treatmentHer experience in jail and what it taught herThe tools and mindset that have kept her sober for over a decade

This is an honest, eye-opening conversation about addiction, resilience, and the power of recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling, Jennifer’s story proves that it’s never too late to change.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to help us spread stories of hope and transformation.

#RiseAbovePodcast #JenniferKazilionis #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #FromAddictionToRecovery #CocaineAddiction #AlcoholismRecovery #OvercomingAddiction #RiseAbove

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"I Was Throwing Up Blood and Still Drinking" | Alcoholic Seizures, Hopelessness & How I Got Sober Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Karina’s story is raw, unfiltered, and powerful. From growing up as a cheerleader with early signs of heavy drinking, to panic attacks and daily withdrawals, she spiraled into isolation, suicide attempts, and repeated hospital visits.Her first rehab didn’t stick—she left planning to “drink normally” again. But after seizures, ICU stays, and liver failure, Karina nearly lost her life.What changed? During her second treatment, she finally surrendered—acceptance, honesty, and community transformed her path. Now she’s thriving in sobriety, finding gratitude in the little things, and helping others walk the same road.If you’re struggling with addiction or know someone who is, Karina’s journey will inspire you to believe recovery is possible.

#Sobriety #AlcoholismRecovery #AddictionStory #MentalHealthAwareness #RiseAbovePodcast #KarinasStory #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryCommunity

00:00 – Intro / Childhood & Cheerleading

04:12 – First signs of drinking in high school & college

12:45 – Hoboken move, parents’ divorce & toxic relationship

19:20 – Panic attacks, daily drinking & first psych ward stay

27:15 – First rehab attempt & denial of alcoholism

33:40 – Relapse at the airport & rapid decline

41:55 – ICU visits, cirrhosis & alcoholic hepatitis

48:15 – Rock bottom: isolation, blood vomiting, near death

55:32 – The call that saved her life & second rehab

1:03:00 – Seizure in detox & brutal withdrawal

1:15:00 – Spiritual turning point & real acceptance

1:25:00 – Falling in love with recovery & helping others

1:40:00 – Gratitude, community & rebuilding her life

1:55:00 – Closing reflections

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Harvey Weinstein Assaulted Me at 16 | Alcohol Abuse, Xanax Addiction, Weinstein Trial and Getting Sober Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Kaja’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and hope.At just 14 years old, she was thrust into the world of international modeling, traveling across Europe and facing impossible standards. By 16, she encountered Harvey Weinstein for the first time—an experience that left deep scars and would be repeated again at 19.In this raw and powerful interview, Kaja opens up about:Growing up with anxiety and never feeling like she fit in.The pressures and exploitation she faced as a teenage model.Her encounters with Harvey Weinstein and how they impacted her mental health.Turning to alcohol to cope and her eventual path to sobriety.How she rebuilt her life, became a therapist, and is now helping others heal from trauma.This conversation is about more than survival—it’s about courage, faith, and the power of never giving up

👉 If this story resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to help us spread the message of hope.

👉 Join our Rise Above Recovery Meetings every Monday night by emailing: kevin@riseabovepod.com

#RiseAbovePodcast #HarveyWeinstein #SurvivorStory #TraumaRecovery #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #HealingFromTrauma #SurvivorsSpeak #RiseAbove #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyLife #WomensVoices #MeToo #SurvivorStrong

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Blackouts, Shame & the Illusion of Control | The Brutal Reality of Alcoholism Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

Jennifer grew up in a chaotic household with an alcoholic parent and perfectionist pressure driving her from a young age. Her journey took her from being a nationally ranked bowler on scholarship to the wild world of college sororities, drinking, and cocaine-fueled chaos. What began as casual partying quickly spiraled into blackouts, toxic relationships, and moments of incomprehensible demoralization—including a traumatic assault that left lasting scars. But Jennifer’s story doesn’t end there. At just 26 years old, she hit rock bottom and made the courageous decision to change her life. Now approaching two years of sobriety, Jennifer shares the raw truth of addiction, the shame she carried, the grace she found in recovery, and how God and accountability helped her rebuild her life. Her story is one of chaos, pain, self-awareness, and ultimately hope. If you or someone you know is struggling, this interview is proof that it’s never too late to rise above. #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RiseAbovePodcast #TraumaHealing #AlcoholismRecovery #CocaineAddiction #SurvivorStory #MentalHealthAwareness #SoberLiving #FaithAndRecovery

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