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:

I Am An Alcoholic | How I Knew I Had a Problem & Got Treatment for Alcoholism Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, I sit down with Elizabeth Chance, who is approaching 19 years of sobriety. She opens up about the chaos of alcoholism, the breaking point that changed everything, and how she was able to find lasting sobriety.

Elizabeth shares the raw truth about addiction, the struggles of early recovery, and the tools she used to maintain a sober life. Whether you’re in recovery, struggling with addiction, or supporting a loved one, her journey is one of hope, resilience, and transformation.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories of overcoming adversity!

📩 Need support? Drop a comment below or reach out—you're not alone.

#RiseAbove #Sobriety #Recovery #Alcoholism #Addiction #SoberLife

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I Was Childhood Friends With the 20th 9/11 Hijacker – The FBI Came for Me, Then I Became a Spy Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the FBI believes you’re involved in one of the worst attacks in history? After 9/11, Khalid’s life took a shocking turn when he was interrogated and followed by federal agents—all because hijacker #20 was a member of his mosque and a childhood friend.

Brutal interrogations, relentless surveillance, and a world flipped upside down—Khalid’s story didn’t end there. Instead, he made an unbelievable pivot: from being accused to becoming a spy for the U.S. government.

In this episode of Rise Above, Khalid reveals the truth behind his terrifying FBI encounters, the shocking moment he realized his friend was a terrorist, and his transformation into a covert intelligence asset.

This is a story you won’t believe.

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Overcoming Alcoholism | Inside An Addicts Brutal Lifestyle Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Michael Chernow’s powerful story of overcoming alcoholism and transforming his life is nothing short of inspiring. From battling addiction to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Michael shares his raw and honest journey of hitting rock bottom, finding sobriety, and building Creatures of Habit, a brand dedicated to health, wellness, and personal growth.

In this conversation, Michael opens up about:

• The struggles of alcoholism and its impact on his life

• The turning point that led him to seek help

• The challenges and triumphs of sobriety

• How he channeled his energy into entrepreneurship

• Advice for anyone struggling with addiction

If you or someone you know is battling addiction, this episode is a must-watch. Let Michael’s story serve as proof that change is possible, and success is within reach.

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Former Rikers Island Chief Reveals the Mental Health Crisis Behind Bars & Its Deadly Consequences Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Norman Seabrook, the once-powerful president of the Corrections Officers’ Union at Rikers Island, built a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the prison system—until it all came crashing down. Arrested and convicted for corruption, Norman went from overseeing guards to serving time behind bars. In this explosive interview, he reveals the dark realities of Rikers Island, the power struggles within the system, and what led to his shocking downfall.

Was he a corrupt leader or a victim of the system he once controlled? Watch now to hear the untold story from the man who lived it.

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Inside A Kingpin's Multi-Million Dollar Health Clinic Scam | From Federal Prison to Media Mogul Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Nelson was once at the top of a multi-million dollar health insurance fraud scheme—until the feds came knocking. In this episode of Rise Above, he takes us inside the world of healthcare fraud, how he got caught, and what life was like in federal prison. But his story doesn’t end there. After serving his time, Nelson turned his life around, overcoming a heavy binge eating disorder and building a new career in podcasting. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about crime, redemption, and second chances.

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Surviving Iraq: The Psychological Impact of War on an Air Force Sergeant Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Nick, an Air Force Sergeant, shares his harrowing experiences from multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan—dodging bullets, surviving bombings, and losing friends to war and suicide. In this powerful episode of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, he opens up about the lasting mental health toll of combat and the tools he’s used to heal. Now a fitness trainer, Nick has transformed his trauma into strength, proving that resilience is possible after war.

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An IV Heroin User's DARK Reality in Kensington | Surviving a Self-Inflicted Headshot Su*cide Attempt Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Rise Above, Kevin Lanning sits down with John Valerio, a man whose journey from suburban normalcy to addiction, crime, and near-death survival is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

John opens up about how a tragic turn of events spiraled his life out of control—starting with his father’s sudden abandonment, a painkiller prescription after a quad accident, and how it all led to full-blown heroin addiction. As his need for the next fix grew, so did the chaos: robberies, gun violence, and prison time became his reality.

But John's story didn’t end there.

In one of the most shocking moments of his life, John survived a suicide attempt that should have killed him. Instead, it became his turning point. Now, he’s not only clean and sober but also a dedicated father, family man, and successful business owner.

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Inside a Google Executive's SHOCKING Opioid Addiction Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at: betterhelp.com/riseabove

In this special episode of Rise Above, the roles are reversed as Annabella Rockwell interviews the usual host, Kevin Lanning. Kevin opens up about his personal journey—starting from his days playing college sports, climbing the ranks in corporate America, and eventually facing addiction to OxyContin.

Now, with 7 years clean and sober, Kevin shares the powerful tools, mindset shifts, and support systems that keep him grounded and on track every day. This honest and vulnerable conversation dives deep into overcoming addiction, finding purpose after hitting rock bottom, and what it really takes to maintain sobriety long-term.

If you’re seeking inspiration or strategies to rise above your own challenges, this episode is for you.

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Inside The Fatal Night at University of South Florida That Changed My Life Forever Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

At just 16, Mo Nelson was involved in a robbery on the USF campus in Florida that turned tragic when his codefendant shot and killed a 57-year-old man. Charged with first-degree murder and attempted robbery, Mo was sentenced to 15 years in prison. But instead of letting prison define him, he took full accountability, surrounded himself with the right people, and committed to deep self-reflection and change. Today, Mo is a completely different person—helping others break cycles of crime and find a better path.

In this episode, Mo shares his journey of transformation, what prison taught him about life, and how he turned his darkest moment into a mission to inspire others.

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Inside Florida’s Most Notorious Pill Mill: Exposing the OxyContin Empire Backed by Big Pharma Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

Jason Votrobek, once at the center of one of the most notorious pill mill operations in the country, joins me for an exclusive interview to reveal the shocking truth behind the prescription drug epidemic. As the co-owner of Atlanta Medical Group, a Georgia-based pain clinic that became one of the top distributors of Oxycodone in the nation, Votrobek made millions before the law caught up with him. His network of pill mill pain clinics stretched from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta, flooding the streets with highly addictive opioids and fueling a crisis that devastated countless lives.In this deep-dive conversation, Jason opens up about:

🔹 How his clinics operated as a front for mass opioid distribution

🔹 The loopholes that allowed pill mills to thrive across state lines

🔹 The role of doctors, fake patients, and big pharma in fueling the crisis

🔹 His 15-year federal prison sentence and what he learned behind bars

🔹 The impact of the opioid epidemic and his message for those still struggling

This is a raw and unfiltered look at the rise and fall of a pill mill empire. Watch now to hear Jason’s side of the story and the lessons he learned from living on both sides of the law.

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