Podcast
Rise Above with Kevin Lanning
Hosted by Kevin Lanning · EN
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.
97episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
I Was an IV Fentanyl Addict | Heroin, Felonies & How I Finally Got Clean
May 600:52:15Tap to summarizeKyle Caughman grew up in a small town with a great family, played sports, and had no trauma… but one decision changed everything. What started with pain pills quickly spiraled into shooting heroin, driving hours to buy drugs, and selling it back in his hometown. As addiction took over, Kyle lost control of his life, faced multiple felonies, lost custody of his son, and found himself trapped in the cycle of fentanyl. “I did a lot of drugs by myself… I’d take a shot and just wake up hours later.” After years of addiction, jail time, and hitting rock bottom, Kyle finally reached a breaking point and chose a different path. Today, he’s over 2 years sober, rebuilding his life, his family, and his future. This is a raw, unfiltered story about heroin, fentanyl, crime, and what it really takes to get clean. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode could be the wake-up call. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=may #heroinaddiction #fentanyl #addictionrecovery #sobrietyjourney #drugs #recovery #dopestory #cleanandsober #addictionhelp #mentalhealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
I Was Binge Drinking & Doing Coke… But Was High Functioning | Getting Sober Without a Rock Bottom
May 501:16:42Tap to summarizeRachel Hechtman opens up about her journey from binge drinking, cocaine use, and crippling anxiety to nearly 5 years of sobriety. Unlike many addiction stories, Rachel never had a dramatic rock bottom—but what she did experience was just as powerful: years of guilt, shame, and mental health struggles that slowly became unbearable. From waking up on bathroom floors to battling paranoia and depression, Rachel shares how her breaking point wasn’t one moment—it was the accumulation of pain. In this episode, we dive into: • Why not everyone needs a “rock bottom” to get sober • How alcohol made her anxiety 10x worse • The turning point that changed everything in 2021 • Walking miles through Central Park to fight cravings • Building a sober community from scratch • How she turned her pain into purpose helping others If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or felt stuck in the cycle, this episode will hit home. 🎙️ Rachel is now the creator of “Sober in Central Park” and helps others find freedom from addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Alcoholism #MentalHealth #SoberLife #RecoveryJourney #Anxiety #CocaineAddiction #RelapsePrevention #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
Addiction Q&A: Rock Bottom, Relapse, Triggers & Sobriety Truths
May 301:31:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Karina Miesner for a raw Q&A covering the most asked questions around addiction, relapse, and sobriety. We break down real experiences from both sides of recovery including rock bottom moments, near relapses, triggers, relationships, trauma, and what actually works when it comes to staying sober. Karina opens up about hitting rock bottom in the ICU with liver disease, while we both share the truth about relapse, shame, and how recovery really happens. If you’re struggling, early in sobriety, or trying to understand addiction, this episode gives you honest, unfiltered answers from people who’ve lived it. Topics include: What rock bottom actually looks like Can you get sober without rehab? Triggers that almost caused relapse Is relapse part of recovery or failure Therapy, trauma, and EMDR Relationships in early sobriety Daily routines that keep us sober Letting go of your old identity This is the conversation people need but rarely hear. Follow Karina Miesner: Instagram: @karinamiesner (update if needed) TikTok: @karinamiesner Full episode based on real Q&A from the Rise Above community If this helped you, share it with someone who needs it. #addictionrecovery #sobrietyjourney #recoveryispossible #mentalhealthmatters #relapseprevention #soberlife #addictionhelp #12steprecovery #traumahealing #recoverycommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
Shooting Heroin in Kensington | I Took a Bus 5 Hours a Day to Get High… From a Normal Childhood
Apr 3001:07:08Tap to summarizeLauren Gaffney shares her raw, unfiltered story of addiction, trauma, and recovery. From a “normal” childhood in the suburbs to taking 5-hour bus rides into Kensington to score drugs, her life spiraled into heroin use, crack addiction, arrests, and years of chaos. After multiple run-ins with the law and waking up to sheriffs at her door, Lauren finally hit a breaking point. This is the story of how addiction took everything… and how she fought her way back to sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode could change everything. Lauren Gaffney shares her raw, unfiltered story of addiction, trauma, and recovery. From a “normal” childhood in the suburbs to taking 5-hour bus rides into Kensington to score drugs, her life spiraled into heroin use, crack addiction, arrests, and years of chaos.After multiple run-ins with the law and waking up to sheriffs at her door, Lauren finally hit a breaking point. This is the story of how addiction took everything… and how she fought her way back to sobriety.If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode could change everything. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #addiction #heroinaddiction #recovery #sobriety #mentalhealth #truecrime #kensingtontheory #drugaddiction #recoveryjourney #riseabove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
Addicted at 11: Crack Took Everything From Me | Robbing Dealers, Prison & Finding Sobriety
Apr 2901:06:11Tap to summarizeChris Stroud started using drugs at just 11 years old… and by 17, he was hooked on crack cocaine. What followed was decades of chaos — robbing drug dealers, running from gangs, getting arrested, and eventually facing federal prison. From living a double life to losing everything, Chris takes us inside the brutal reality of addiction and the moments that nearly cost him his life. After years of destruction, something finally changed… and today he’s over 4 years sober, working in recovery and helping others find a way out. If you’re struggling, this episode is proof that no matter how far gone you feel… there’s still a way back. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #addiction #recovery #sobriety #drugaddiction #prisonstory #mentalhealth #crackaddiction #federalprison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
A Hollywood Producer’s SHOCKING Addiction to Xanax & Oxycodone
Apr 2801:11:08Tap to summarizeTyler Ramsey had it all… working on Baywatch, MTV, Survivor, and building a career in Hollywood. But behind the scenes, he was spiraling. What started with alcohol turned into Adderall, Xanax, and opiates… leading to blackouts, chaos, and near-death situations. The moment everything changed? His young daughter found his drugs. That was the line. In this episode, Tyler breaks down: Growing up with trauma and loss Hollywood success while secretly addicted The moment addiction took full control The terrifying wake-up call involving his daughter The ultimatum that saved his life How he rebuilt everything and found real sobriety This is one of the most honest conversations about addiction, consequences, and what it really takes to change. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. Tyler Ramsey had it all… working on Baywatch, MTV, Survivor, and building a career in Hollywood.But behind the scenes, he was spiraling.What started with alcohol turned into Adderall, Xanax, and opiates… leading to blackouts, chaos, and near-death situations.The moment everything changed?His young daughter found his drugs.That was the line.In this episode, Tyler breaks down:Growing up with trauma and lossHollywood success while secretly addictedThe moment addiction took full controlThe terrifying wake-up call involving his daughterThe ultimatum that saved his lifeHow he rebuilt everything and found real sobrietyThis is one of the most honest conversations about addiction, consequences, and what it really takes to change.If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #addiction #sobriety #recovery #xanaxaddiction #opioidcrisis #mentalhealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
I Stole an Entire Pharmacy for Drugs | How Heroin Took Over My Life
Apr 2600:55:03Tap to summarizeRyan Moyer had a key to a pharmacy… and one night, he used it to steal the entire narcotics closet. What started with prescription pills turned into a full-blown heroin addiction, multiple arrests, federal charges, and living in trap houses just to survive. He was running scams, stealing cars, and doing whatever it took to get his next fix. But that wasn’t the end of his story. After hitting rock bottom, Ryan made a decision that changed everything. Today, he’s over 5 years sober and has built a successful business as “The Tesla Doctor,” working on high-end vehicles and rebuilding his life from the ground up. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction, crime, consequences, and what it really takes to turn your life around. If this story helps even one person, it was worth it. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #addiction #heroinrecovery #sobriety #recoveryjourney #drugaddiction #fentanylcrisis #cleanandsober #riseabove #truecrime #selfimprovement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
I Thought Prison Was My Only Way Out | How Addiction Led Me to 15 Years in Prison
Apr 2401:45:38Tap to summarizeJason Brewer’s story is one of the darkest we’ve ever shared. After experiencing severe trauma as a child, Jason spiraled into addiction, violence, and eventually a life of crime. What started as drinking and drugs quickly escalated into armed robberies, crack addiction, and a path that led him to serve over a decade in prison. In this interview, Jason opens up about: The childhood trauma that changed everything His descent into drugs, violence, and crime Robbing gas stations to fuel his addiction The moment he knew his life was over What prison was really like How he finally turned his life around This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction, consequences, and redemption. If you or someone you love is struggling, there is a way out. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #AddictionRecovery #PrisonStory #TrueCrime #Sobriety #RockBottom #Redemption #DrugAddiction #LifeStory #RecoveryJourney #CrimeStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
Navy SEAL to Fentanyl Addict | K9 Attack, Tased, Lost Everything… Then Got Sober
Apr 2201:34:44Tap to summarizeTaylor Cavanough was living the dream. A Navy SEAL. Deployed overseas. High performer. But behind the discipline… was chaos. After a violent arrest where he was tased and attacked by a police K9, everything collapsed. His career. His identity. His future. What started as alcohol and Adderall turned into Percocet… then fentanyl. He lost control of his life. In this episode, Taylor shares: The moment everything fell apart after his arrest Getting kicked out of the SEAL Teams How one decision led him down the path of addiction The reality of fentanyl dependency and withdrawal Hitting rock bottom alone in Hawaii And how he rebuilt his life for his daughter This is a story about self-sabotage, identity, and redemption. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #NavySEAL #FentanylAddiction #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RiseAbove #DrugAddiction #MentalHealth #RecoveryStory #Opiates #SelfSabotage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
I Couldn't Stop Using… Even When I Knew It Would Kill Me | Fentanyl Addiction
Apr 2101:37:28Tap to summarizeGraham Reid was living a double life. What started with pills and partying quickly turned into a full-blown opiate addiction — smoking 30s, chasing dealers, and doing whatever it took to not get sick. At his lowest point, he burned his dealer with fake money and lost everything. From fentanyl and heroin to brutal detox and multiple failed attempts at getting clean, Graham shares what addiction really looks like behind closed doors. In this episode, he opens up about: Getting hooked on opiates The moment everything spiraled Living as a “functional” addict The reality of withdrawal and detox What finally helped him get sober This is the side of addiction most people don’t see. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to my partners at Compassion Behavioral Health. They offer individualized care and a full continuum of treatment. Call or Text: 844-443-5669 Visit: https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/?utm_source=rise%20above%20with%20kevin%20lanning&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=april #Fentanyl #OpiateAddiction #AddictionRecovery #DopeSick #Sobriety #HeroinAddiction #RecoveryStory #MentalHealth #CleanAndSober #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →