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:

ADDICTION, FRAUD & POWER | Inside a $140M Wall Street Empire Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Ross Mandell, a former Wall Street broker and the founder of Sky Capital, once dominated the financial markets before being convicted of a $140 million fraud scheme and serving over nine years in prison. Accused of manipulating the London Stock Exchange, Mandell faced intense legal battles, extradition challenges, and the harsh realities of the federal justice system.

Now free and determined to make a difference, Mandell has reinvented himself as an educator and online course creator. He shares hard-earned lessons through The Wealth Formula, teaching others how to turn ideas into businesses. Beyond finance, he has dedicated himself to helping families navigate college recruitment and coaching young athletes.

In this interview, Mandell breaks down his rise in the financial world, the scandals that led to his downfall, his struggles with addiction, and his inspiring journey to redemption. From speaking in the House of Parliament to the inside story of the Madoff scandal—this is a must-watch deep dive into the mind of a man who lost everything and fought to build a new legacy.

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The Truth About Reality TV Fame: Big Brother Star Zach Rance’s Story of Struggle & Success Feb 11, 2025

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Zach Rance, known from Big Brother, reveals the harsh reality of life after the show, describing how his world came crashing down. In this powerful conversation, he shares how he hit rock bottom and rebuilt his life through structure, discipline, consistency, and fitness. Now a thriving entrepreneur, Zach opens up about the mindset and habits that helped him turn it all around.

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Inside Dpeezy's Brutal Addiction to Xanax, Methadone and Lean | Daniel Phaithaisong Feb 05, 2025

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Daniel Phaithaisong, better known as internet personality Dpeezy2099, opens up about his addiction to Xanax, lean, and methadone, as well as his struggles with the law that led to multiple stints in prison. In 2021, while living in a sober house, he discovered content creation—a passion that not only changed his life but also helped him stay clean.

Daniel shares the highs and lows of his journey, from the depths of addiction and incarceration to finding purpose through social media. His story is a testament to resilience, proving that no matter how far someone falls, there is always a way back.

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Inside The SHOCKING Double Life of an Alcoholic Feb 04, 2025

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Adam Jablin lived a double life—on the surface, he was a devoted husband and father, but behind closed doors, he was battling a relentless addiction to alcohol. Now sober since 2006, he shares the brutal consequences of his alcoholism, how it tore apart his family, and the turning point that led him to recovery. In this powerful episode, Adam discusses where and how to get help, his experience bridging back to life, and the challenges of navigating divorce with kids while rebuilding trust and purpose. His story is a raw and inspiring testament to the power of redemption and second chances.

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Inside a Doctor’s $10M Insurance Fraud Scheme That Takes a Shocking Turn Jan 29, 2025

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Dr. Linda Varisco was indicted in a massive FBI healthcare fraud case—but that’s not where her story ends. In this episode of Rise Above, she shares her side of the scandal, the lessons she learned, and how she rebuilt her life after facing federal charges. From being named in a high-profile indictment to finding redemption, Dr. Varisco’s journey is one of resilience, accountability, and transformation.

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An Alcoholic's Testimony | The Dark Side of Alcohol Addiction Jan 28, 2025

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Debi Borger, founder of DB Wellbeing and creator of the transformative E3 Method, shares her powerful story of recovery and reinvention. After a devastating car wreck and hitting rock bottom, Debi got sober, but for her first nine years, she avoided working a recovery program, which led to heartbreak, ending an engagement, and moving back home. Now, with over a decade of sobriety and actively working a program, Debi has rebuilt her life as a life coach and nutritionist, helping others overcome similar struggles. In this interview, she opens up about the difference between going it alone and embracing a program, navigating social settings sober, overcoming trauma, and empowering women to elevate their lives through mindset, fitness, and holistic wellness.

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Inside the SHOCKING Life of a Fentanyl Addict | What Fentanyl Actually Does To The Brain Jan 24, 2025

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In this episode of Rise Above, Parker, a recovering fentanyl and heroin addict, shares her powerful journey of relapse and redemption. She opens up about how not working a strong recovery program led her back to a brutal lifestyle of addiction, but also how she found the strength to rebound and rebuild. Parker dives deep into the lessons learned from her relapse, the harsh realities of addiction, and the mindset shifts that saved her life, offering inspiration for anyone battling addiction or supporting someone in recovery.

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The Violent Night That Cost An NBA Prospect Everything Jan 21, 2025

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Brett Hollins Jr. was on top of the world as the #1 high school recruit in the country, destined for greatness—until one fateful night changed everything. Sentenced to four years in prison for stabbing two men at a college party, Brett faced the devastating consequences of his actions. But his story doesn’t end there. After serving his time, Brett rebuilt his life, becoming a symbol of resilience and redemption. Today, he dedicates himself to helping others rise above their own hardships and find a path to recovery and purpose.

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Inside An IV Fentanyl Addict's BRUTAL Lifestyle Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

Dan, 13 years sober from fentanyl and heroin, shares his raw and unfiltered journey of addiction and redemption. From running the dangerous streets of Kensington, robbing dealers, and spending time in jail to going through 20+ inpatient facilities, Dan’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and hope. Tune in to hear how he turned his life around and found purpose in sobriety. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this conversation could be the inspiration they need.

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Florida's Drug Kingpin | From Serving 23 Years in Prison to Becoming a Real Estate Mogul Jan 15, 2025

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Robert shares his powerful story of transformation after being sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for cocaine conspiracy and a firearm charge. A major drug dealer in Tampa, he served nearly 18 years, starting in high-security and working his way down to a camp. Released early during Covid under the CARES Act, Robert has since rebuilt his life. Now married and thriving in real estate, he opens up about life behind bars, the resilience it took to start over, and his path to success.

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