Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

Kevin Lanning
  • 4.8 (207)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. A Heroin Addict’s Brutal Double Life | 18 Arrests, Federal Prison & a Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Ring

    11H AGO

    A Heroin Addict’s Brutal Double Life | 18 Arrests, Federal Prison & a Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Ring

    Sponsored by Cozy Earth — elevate your everyday with premium bedding designed for deeper rest and calmer nights. Use code RISEABOVE for up to 20% off at cozyearth.com. Evan grew up in a good Italian family on Long Island. Loving parents. Sunday dinners. Sports. No trauma to blame. By 12, he was smoking weed. By high school, he was selling cocaine. By his early 20s, he was running mortgage fraud in Florida. After his father tragically took his own life, Evan spiraled deeper into addiction — first pills, then heroin, then meth. In California, he built a sophisticated mail theft and credit card fraud operation, stealing checks directly from post office boxes, washing them with chemicals, and cashing out thousands of dollars a day. He was arrested 18 times. When the feds finally caught him, he was facing serious prison time. Behind bars during COVID lockdown, locked in a cell for months, starving and isolated, Evan made a decision that would change his life forever. Today, he’s sober, rebuilding his relationship with his children, and running operations at one of the fastest-growing supplement companies in the country. This is a story about greed, addiction, federal prison, and what happens when you finally stop running. If you’re struggling — don’t give up. #FederalPrison #FraudStory #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddict #RedemptionStory #TrueCrimeStory #RiseAbove #SoberLife #PrisonStory #FromPrisonToPurpose #RecoveryJourney #ExConSuccess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 10m
  2. Addiction Sent Me to Federal Prison | Drug Trafficking, Sobriety & Managing Surf Legend Andy Irons

    2D AGO

    Addiction Sent Me to Federal Prison | Drug Trafficking, Sobriety & Managing Surf Legend Andy Irons

    Steven Clark was living two lives. From delivering cocaine between California and Hawaii and serving over five years in federal prison… to managing some of the biggest names in professional surfing — including world champions during the height of the Andy Irons and Kelly Slater era. On paper, he had it all. Global travel. Elite athletes. Money. Status. Behind the scenes? Alcohol. Drugs. Ego. Emptiness. At 50 years old, sitting at a high-profile event surrounded by celebrities and legends, Steven realized he had never felt more alone. That night he asked God for help. The next day, a childhood friend showed up and took him to his first AA meeting. He hasn’t had a drink since. In this episode of Rise Above, we talk about: • Federal prison and mandatory minimums • Surf industry fame and managing world champions • High-functioning addiction in elite environments • Andy Irons’ impact on him personally • The moment of clarity that changed everything • 90 meetings in 90 days • Making amends • Life on life’s terms • Finding real fulfillment in sobriety This is a story about ego, consequences, humility, and spiritual transformation. If you're struggling, know this: You don’t have to feel that way again. #AddictionRecovery #FederalPrison #SurfCulture #AARecovery #RiseAbovePodcast #SobrietyJourney #KellySlater #AndyIrons #CocaineTrafficking #HighFunctioningAddict Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  3. Kidney Failure at 21 from Alcohol & Drugs | I Was Hours From Death

    4D AGO

    Kidney Failure at 21 from Alcohol & Drugs | I Was Hours From Death

    Landon Finn had everything going for him. Good grades. Fraternity president. Bright future. But behind closed doors he was drinking at 7AM, tripping on LSD four times a week, blacking out in a Bugs Bunny costume, and hearing voices that weren’t there. He lied to his parents. He lied to his sponsor. He lied to himself. After passing out behind the wheel and landing in acute kidney failure at 21 years old, doctors told him if he showed up a few hours later… he wouldn’t be here. This is the raw story of alcoholism, psychosis, relapse, overdose loss, humility, and rebuilding a life from rock bottom. Three years sober. University of Colorado recovery center leader. Working to open treatment centers and change the system. This is what choosing life looks like. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode could save a life. #AddictionRecovery #Alcoholism #SobrietyJourney #RockBottom #MentalHealth #LSDTrip #Psychosis #YoungAndSober #RecoveryIsPossible #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 36m
  4. From A Bronx Tale to Prison & Redemption | Lillo Brancato on Heroin, Rikers Island & 20 Years Sober

    6D AGO

    From A Bronx Tale to Prison & Redemption | Lillo Brancato on Heroin, Rikers Island & 20 Years Sober

    From Hollywood stardom to rock bottom—and everything in between. In this raw and emotional conversation, Lillo Brancato opens up like never before about his rise to fame in A Bronx Tale, early success alongside legends like Robert De Niro, and how addiction quietly took over his life. Lillo shares the brutal reality of heroin addiction, overdosing while incarcerated at Rikers Island, surviving prison, and taking full accountability for his past. With nearly 20 years sober, he reflects on guilt, responsibility, faith, prison life, and what it truly means to make living amends. This is not a story of excuses—this is a story of ownership, consequences, and redemption. If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, this episode offers hope, honesty, and a reminder that change is possible—even after the darkest chapters. #LilloBrancato #ABronxTale #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #PrisonToPurpose #SobrietyJourney #LivingAmends #RikersIsland #RedemptionStory #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 28m
  5. I Married A Junkie | Trauma, Detox, Narcissism & Real Recovery

    FEB 8

    I Married A Junkie | Trauma, Detox, Narcissism & Real Recovery

    Dr. Cali Estes returns for a raw continuation of her first appearance on Rise Above — this time diving even deeper into the realities of addiction, trauma, detox, and what’s broken in the recovery system. In this episode, we unpack why addiction is often mislabeled as the problem, how trauma and body chemistry drive destructive behavior, and why many traditional treatment models fail to address the root causes of addiction. Dr. Estes draws from decades on the front lines — working with addicts, families, executives, and high-profile clients — to expose the uncomfortable truths about detox, misdiagnosis, narcissism, medication, relapse, and healing from the inside out. This is not a motivational talk. It’s an honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and the systems meant to help — but often don’t. 📺 Watch her first interview here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFxArXAs0aM #AddictionRecovery #DrCaliEstes #MentalHealth #RecoveryJourney #AddictionTruth #SobrietyTalk #HealingTrauma #TherapyThatWorks #RehabTruth #MindBodyHealing #AddictionPodcast #RecoveryPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m
  6. “I Lost My Business, My Identity, and Myself to Addiction” | An Executive’s Fall & Recovery

    FEB 7

    “I Lost My Business, My Identity, and Myself to Addiction” | An Executive’s Fall & Recovery

    She was a high-powered executive, running multimillion-dollar businesses, praised for her hustle and feared in boardrooms — until addiction took over. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Margo Siewert opens up about a life fueled by alcohol, cocaine, ego, and control… and the devastating collapse that followed. From growing up as the daughter of a high-functioning alcoholic, to surviving divorce while pregnant, to nearly dying during childbirth, to building a booming company while quietly spiraling into addiction — everything eventually caught up. When her husband battled terminal cancer, her son was diagnosed with cancer, and her addiction finally came into the light, Margo lost everything she thought defined her. What followed was surrender, rehab, grief, and an unexpected reconnection with faith that changed the trajectory of her life forever. This episode dives deep into: • Cocaine addiction in high-level corporate life • Ego, power, and the illusion of control • Trauma, grief, and survival • Losing your identity — and rebuilding it • Faith, surrender, and recovery • Life after rock bottom This is not a highlight reel. It’s a redemption story — told honestly, painfully, and without filters. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. #AddictionRecovery #CocaineAddiction #FaithOverFear #RockBottom #SobrietyJourney #TraumaHealing #WomenInRecovery #GriefAndRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #LifeAfterAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #AlcoholAndCocaine #FromAddictionToPurpose #RawAndReal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 23m
  7. Abandoned as a Child, Foster Care, Strip Clubs & Addiction Nearly Killed Me

    FEB 4

    Abandoned as a Child, Foster Care, Strip Clubs & Addiction Nearly Killed Me

    In this raw and powerful episode, Lindsey Schaefer shares her story of growing up in a broken home, being abandoned by her mother, and entering foster care at a young age. From childhood trauma and instability to addiction, strip club life, and nearly losing everything, Lindsey walks us through the moments that shaped her—and the turning point that led her to sobriety. Lindsey opens up about being removed from her home, bouncing between foster placements, early exposure to alcohol, surviving overdose, and finding her identity in environments fueled by drugs and nightlife. She also shares how the gym, self-discipline, therapy, and purpose helped her rebuild her life and stay sober for over four years. This is a story about resilience, accountability, and learning how to live life on life’s terms—without numbing the pain. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, trauma, or recovery, this episode is for you. #addictionrecovery #sobrietystory #fostercare #childhoodtrauma #traumarecovery #stripclublife #mentalhealthawareness #recoveryjourney #lifesobriety #healingjourney #riseabovepodcast #recoveryispossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  8. Fentanyl Addiction Nearly Killed Me | Overdose, Relapse & How I Got Sober

    FEB 2

    Fentanyl Addiction Nearly Killed Me | Overdose, Relapse & How I Got Sober

    In this deeply honest episode of Rise Above, Brianna Sirlin shares her unfiltered journey through addiction, relapse, and recovery during the height of the opioid epidemic. Growing up on Long Island, Brianna’s story didn’t start with trauma on the surface — it started with insecurity, anxiety, and the need to feel “enough.” What began with alcohol, weed, Xanax, and Adderall quickly escalated into painkillers, oxy, fentanyl, and years of chaos that included drug dealing, being robbed, multiple rehabs, overdoses, and near-death experiences. In this episode, Brianna opens up about: Her first exposure to substances in middle school Boarding schools, wilderness programs, and resentment Discovering opiates and the moment everything changed Suboxone withdrawal and repeated relapse cycles Overdosing, fentanyl use, and isolation in Los Angeles Finding recovery through AA, faith, and taking suggestions How sobriety reshaped her identity, career, and purpose Working in recovery and helping others today This conversation is raw, emotional, and hopeful — a reminder that no matter how deep addiction goes, recovery is possible. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode may help you feel less alone. #BriannaSirlin #AddictionRecovery #FentanylCrisis #OpiateAddiction #OpioidEpidemic #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryPodcast #RelapseAndRecovery #AARecovery #FaithInRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RiseAbovePodcast #LongIsland #WomensRecovery #AddictionAwareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m
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Trailer

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
207 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Lanning
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

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