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:

Addicted to Heroin at 17 | Trap Houses, Overdose, Jail & How She Got Clean and Sober Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Jaclyn Buntic opens up about her harrowing journey through addiction, starting with pain pills and Xanax at 16, leading to heroin and meth by 18. She shares how growing up in a dysfunctional household, bouncing between homes, and dating someone in a trap house sent her spiraling into drug use. Her first IV heroin injection was administered by her girlfriend — a moment that led to full-blown addiction.From overdoses and jail time to the shocking murder of her best friend’s parents, Jaclyn’s story is one of heartbreak, survival, and ultimately, redemption. Now nearly 5 years clean, she’s a Pokémon YouTuber, musician, and beacon of hope for others in recovery. This is one of the rawest, most emotional stories ever told on Rise Above. Watch until the end to hear Jaclyn’s powerful message for anyone struggling right now.

#AddictionRecovery #HeroinSurvivor #OverdoseAwareness #AddictToAdvocate #SobrietyJourney #TrapHouseSurvivor #NarcanSavedMyLife #DrugAddictionHelp #RecoveryCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #RiseAbovePodcast #XanaxAddiction #IVHeroinRecovery #SurvivorStories

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Inside the BRUTAL Psychosis of a Bipolar Drug Addict Aug 23, 2025

Show notes

David Funes’ life spiraled from a strict Christian upbringing into a world of manic highs, drug-fueled nights, white-collar crime, and a $3.7 million FBI investigation. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a suicide attempt and mental hospital stay, David’s story is one of chaos, shame, addiction, and ultimately — redemption.

#RiseAbovePodcast #BipolarDisorder #AddictionRecovery #TrueCrimeStories #MentalHealthAwareness #DrugAddiction #FBIInvestigation #CocaineAddiction #WhiteCollarCrime #FromAddictionToRecovery #BipolarAwareness #ManicDepression #SurvivorStories #TraumaHealing #RedemptionStory

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My Addiction Wasn’t Just Heroin, It Was the Needle | Jail, Heroin & My Fight for Survival Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Destiny's story is one of unimaginable pain and powerful transformation. Molested as a child, abandoned by her mother, and raised in dysfunction, she battled self-worth issues from an early age. After a blackout car accident nearly claimed her life, she spiraled deeper—eventually overdosing multiple times, spending 10 months in jail, and shooting up for the last time on her grandmother’s floor.

Today, Destiny is 8 years clean and sober. She works in treatment, is studying to become a nurse, and is proof that no matter how dark it gets, recovery is possible. In this episode of Rise Above, she opens up about trauma, addiction, identity loss, and the spiritual awakening that changed everything.

If you’re struggling with addiction, this episode is for you.

#AddictionRecovery #ChildhoodTrauma #OverdoseSurvivor #RiseAbovePodcast #8YearsSober #FromAddictionToRecovery #RecoveryStory #NarcoticsAnonymous #TraumaHealing #DrugAddiction #MentalHealthAwareness #SurvivorStory #SoberLife #AbuseSurvivor #ACARecovery #CleanAndSober

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Valedictorian Turned Addict: Inside His Secret Life of Drugs & Overdoses Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Chandler was a bright kid — valedictorian, pre-med student, academic scholarships. But beneath the surface, addiction was brewing. From his early battles with leukemia to his first drink at 11, the seeds were planted early. College became a war zone: psychedelics, alcohol, Xanax, and eventually cocaine took over his life. He overdosed multiple times, dropped out of school, and spiraled into daily DoorDash hustles just to get high.🙏 Drop a comment if this story resonates, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to spread the message of hope.

#AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #CocaineAddict #XanaxWithdrawal #FromAddictionToRecovery #RiseAbovePodcast #DrugAddictionStory #ValedictorianGoneWrong #ColdTurkeyDetox #SpiritualAwakening #OverdoseSurvivor #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryIsPossible #AA #YoungPeopleInRecovery #RiseAboveWithKevinLanning

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The Dark Side of Alcoholism | Half a Gallon of Fireball a Day Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

He grew up in a small Mississippi town, hiding trauma, abuse, and addiction behind sports, work, and alcohol. By his 40s, he was drinking half a gallon of Fireball a day, facing divorce, and trapped in generational dysfunction.In this raw conversation, he opens up about:Surviving childhood abuse and fearHis first drink at 9 years oldThe downward spiral into alcoholism and opiate useHitting bottom and finally surrendering to sobriety in NashvilleBreaking family cycles of trauma and building a new legacy for his daughtersWriting his book “Jesus Is Cool, But Christians Creep Me Out”This is a story about pain, faith, and the power of recovery. If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, generational trauma, or finding your way back to hope—this episode will resonate.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more stories of resilience.

#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #Alcoholism #TraumaHealing #RecoveryJourney #GenerationalCurses #SobrietyStories #RiseAbovePodcast #AlcoholRecovery #FaithAndSobriety

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Incest Survivor | Raised in a House of Horrors Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

Tina survived the unthinkable. Molested by the man she thought was her father. Raised in a home of violence, secrecy, and fear. Then, decades later, she uncovered a chilling family secret — her real father was her grandfather.

In this raw, emotional episode of Rise Above, Tin shares her journey through childhood trauma, the military, motherhood, and recovery. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and breaking generational cycles. From surviving incest and abuse to reclaiming her identity and healing through EMDR therapy, Tin’s story will stay with you long after you finish watching.

#RiseAbovePodcast #TraumaSurvivor #IncestSurvivor #ChildhoodAbuse #FamilySecrets #EMDRTherapy #MilitaryWomen #BreakingTheCycle #SurvivorStory #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness

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I Was a Teacher—and a Raging Alcoholic | How I Lost Everything Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Matt grew up in a loving home in Westchester, NY—but alcohol and cocaine nearly destroyed everything he built. From blackouts and bartending in Florida to getting strip-searched at Gun Club Jail, Matt reached his breaking point. What followed was a powerful journey through recovery, multiple relapses, deep therapy, and ultimately transformation.In this raw interview, Matt opens up about:His battle with addiction while teaching kids and coaching baseballThe death of his father and how unprocessed grief fueled his drinkingSleeping in restaurant booths and narrowly escaping DUI arrestsStarting over from zero and founding a protein snack company now in over 2,000 storesThe power of the 12-step program, journaling, and unwavering honestyThis is the story of how one man went from jail to Whole Foods—and built a purpose-driven life out of the wreckage of addiction.Check out Matt’s snack company:IG: @froprosnacks🎧 Like, subscribe, and leave a review to help spread stories of hope. #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #Entrepreneurship #ProgressSnacks #FromJailToSuccess #AA #Alcoholism #Inspiration #WellnessJourney #RiseAbovePodcast

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Alcohol Was My Freedom Until It Destroyed Everything – The Dark Side of Addiction Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Keesha’s journey is one of resilience, heartbreak, and purpose. After battling alcoholism, losing her husband to a drug overdose, and raising twins alone, she turned her pain into a mission — helping teens and families struggling with addiction and mental health. In this powerful interview, Keesha shares: How she got sober after years of destructive drinking The devastating day her husband relapsed and passed away Parenting twins alone while grieving Opening Guardian Recovery and dedicating her life to adolescent care Practical strategies for parents to prevent teen substance abuse The power of honesty, accountability, and community in recovery If you’re a parent, in recovery, or facing adversity, this story will inspire you to rise above and keep going — no matter what life throws your way. 📖 Keesha’s Book: On Perfect – Coming Soon! 📧 Join Kevin’s open recovery meetings: Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RiseAbovePodcast #TeenAddiction #ParentingTeens #Sobriety #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #SingleMomLife

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Addicted to Fentanyl: Inside a Stripper’s Life of Chaos and Survival Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

Brittany’s life spiraled from anxiety-filled childhood to a devastating descent into addiction. After surviving sexual coercion in high school, she turned to stripping, entered an abusive relationship, and was introduced to fentanyl. Soon, she was homeless, living in a van with her dealer, surrounded by children watching their parents shoot up, and caught in the middle of a motel shootout.This is her raw, unfiltered story — from donating plasma to get high, to surviving brutal withdrawals, to finally getting clean and sober. Now, Brittany is one year sober and working in treatment, determined to break the cycle and inspire others to seek help.If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is hope. You can change your life.📌 Subscribe for more real stories of survival and redemption.📌 Share this video to help someone in need.

#Fentanyl #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #DrugAddiction #HomelessToHope #OverdoseAwareness #AddictsInRecovery #AbuseSurvivor #FromAddictionToRecovery #RiseAbovePodcast

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Fentanyl Nearly Killed Me: The Darkest Days of Addiction and the Fight for Survival Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

In this raw and unfiltered interview, Matt Stoddard opens up about his journey through addiction, from his traumatic childhood to a life spiraling out of control with pain pills, OxyContin, and Fentanyl. He shares his darkest moments, including playing "Russian roulette" with his life, hitting rock bottom, and finding his way to recovery. With brutal honesty, Matt reveals the mental and physical toll of addiction, his struggles with rehab, and how he turned pain into purpose through music. This episode is a must-watch for anyone struggling or supporting someone battling addiction. Don't miss Matt's powerful story of survival and transformation.

#AddictionRecovery #FentanylAwareness #RockBottomToRedemption #OpioidCrisis #RecoveryJourney #SobrietyStory #FromAddictionToMusic #MentalHealthMatters #RecoveryWarrior #BreakingTheCycle

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