In this powerful episode of Rise Above, attorney Mark Astor joins host Kevin Lanning to discuss how families can legally intervene to save loved ones battling addiction and mental health struggles. Mark founded The Mental Health & Addiction Law Firm of Florida, a groundbreaking practice that combines legal authority, clinical support, and investigative resources to help families take action when everything else has failed. Together, Kevin and Mark dive into: How families can legally get loved ones into treatment The Marchman Act, Guardianship, and Baker Act explained The emotional and legal battle parents face when trying to save an addict Kevin’s own story of being “dragged to rehab” and finding lasting sobriety Why recovery is a lifelong process — and what real hope looks like Mark’s mission is simple: to save families whose loved ones are suffering from addiction and failed attempts at recovery. 👉 Learn more about Mark Astor’s work:https://www.mentalhealthaddictionlawfirm.com If you or someone you love is struggling, there is help and hope. 💌 Join our Monday night Rise Above Recovery Meeting: Email kevin@riseabovepod.com for the link. #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #FamilyAddictionHelp #SobrietyJourney #MarkAstor #KevinLanning #AddictionSupport #MarchmanAct #Guardianship #BakerAct #LegalIntervention #RecoveryCommunity #HopeAndHealing #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Baird’s story is one of survival, truth, and transformation. Put on Adderall at age 5, Jeff spent his entire youth medicated — never learning who he truly was. By 19, he was deep in the South Florida party scene: weed, coke, Xanax, lean, and eventually fentanyl. He was robbed at gunpoint, arrested multiple times, and even flatlined from an overdose. But in October 2021, Jeff finally made the call that saved his life. Now, nearly 4 years sober, he’s helping others in recovery and proving that no matter how far you fall, you can rise above it all. 👉 Watch this full interview to hear how Jeff went from being a “wannabe gangster” trapped in addiction — to a man of purpose, faith, and service. 🎧 Subscribe for more real stories of transformation. 📩 Join our community meetings at: Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com #addictionrecovery #riseabovepodcast #soberstories #recoveryjourney #overcomingaddiction #mentalhealth #sobriety #fentanylcrisis #addictionawareness #faith #redemption #southflorida #oxycodone #adhd #adderall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian grew up in a strict Brooklyn home, surrounded by addiction, secrets, and death — living next door to a funeral home and watching grief daily. What started as a college experiment with ecstasy in Florence spiraled into a decade of cocaine dealing across New York City, gambling thousands he didn’t have, and a public arrest at the World Trade Center construction site. After narrowly avoiding prison, he rebuilt his life — until opioids nearly killed him. In this raw interview, Brian opens up about the double life he lived, his $12,000-a-month Oxy habit, and the psychedelic Ibogaine treatment in Mexico that saved him. Watch as he shares how trauma, ego, and grief fueled his addiction — and what recovery really looks like when the spotlight fades. 0:00 Growing up next to death 13:00 Studying abroad & discovering ecstasy 15:00 Selling coke for 10 years 34:00 Arrested at the World Trade Center 48:00 Falling into opioids 1:00:00 Ibogaine in Mexico 1:15:00 Finding peace, love, and redemption 📩 Join the Rise Above Community: kevin@riseabovepod.com 🎧 Listen Everywhere: Rise Above Podcast #AddictionRecovery #Ibogaine #RiseAbovePodcast #Sobriety #DrugAddiction #WallStreet #CocaineAddiction #OpioidCrisis #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #BrooklynStories #KevinLanning #IbogaineTreatment #RedemptionStory #OvercomingAddiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Mac up in chaos — born to two addicted parents, moving from town to town, finding identity through graffiti, and battling fear and dysfunction from an early age. By high school, he was using cocaine and opiates, and soon after, heroin became his escape.After years lost to addiction, theft, and survival on the streets, Jay rebuilt his life from the ground up. He found sobriety, purpose, and a voice through art, barbering, and recovery work. Now with nine years clean, Jay shares how he went from a broken kid on Section 8 housing to a man leading others through recovery and using creativity as medicine.This conversation goes deep — relapse, redemption, fear, faith, and the discipline it takes to stay free. 👉 Follow Jay Mac: Instagram @the_backstah If this story moves you, please like, subscribe, and comment — it helps us keep sharing real stories that save lives. #RiseAbovePodcast #JayMac #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #SobrietyJourney #GraffitiArtist #RecoveryStory #OvercomingAddiction #SoberLife #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #CleanAndSober #DrugAddiction #StreetSmart #RiseAbove #SoberMotivation #AddictToAdvocate #BostonStrong #RedemptionStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and honest interview, Riley Whelan opens up about her battle with addiction, multiple relapses, and how she’s found a new life in sobriety.Riley shares about her upbringing, her early exposure to prescription drugs, the spiraling path through college and substance abuse, hitting rock bottom, and the pivotal moments that pushed her toward recovery. She also discusses how she handles ego, vulnerability, and purpose now — especially as a voice helping others. 💬 What you’ll hear: • Riley’s first memory of addiction and the role of ADHD in her life• How her substance use progressed from prescription misuse to harder drugs • Her experience with arrests, hiding it from her family, and running away • The turning point: entering rehab, embracing the recovery community, and doing real work • What she’s doing differently this time (amends, service, humility) • How she stays grounded while speaking publicly and helping othersIf you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. There is hope, and listeners like you have the power to heal and rebuild. Follow Riley on TikTok: @riwhey_orthehighway #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryStory #RileyWhelan #RiseAbovePodcast #Sobriety #Healing #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionAwareness #AlcoholismRecovery #DrugAddiction #RelapseAndRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #CleanAndSober #SoberLife #SoberLiving #YouAreNotAlone #Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandi Mac is a nurse practitioner, a mother, and a survivor of trauma. Her daughter battled addiction for years—cycling in and out of treatment, relapsing nine times, and nearly losing her life. But what finally saved her wasn’t another rehab. In this powerful interview, Brandi shares the truth about parenting through addiction, breaking toxic family cycles, and finding healing through love, boundaries, and vulnerability. From surviving domestic violence to writing her book Do What You Can Live With, Brandi reveals how she turned her pain into purpose—and how her daughter is now over a year sober. #AddictionRecovery #RiseAbovePodcast #MotherAndDaughter #TraumaHealing #FamilyAddiction #SobrietyJourney #BrandiMac #RecoveryStories #AddictionAwareness #ParentingThroughAddiction #HealingTrauma #RiseAboveWithKevinLanning #AddictionSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Soave joins me on Rise Above to share his powerful story of 17 years in sobriety and the lessons he’s learned as a therapist helping others heal from addiction, trauma, and the human condition. We dive into: The fear and courage of sharing your story publicly Why mental health and addiction exist on a spectrum The importance of learning to sit with uncomfortable feelings How childhood experiences shape adult behaviors Strategies to break patterns, slow down, and live with purpose Ryan also opens up about his own journey—how sobriety transformed his life, the challenges he still faces, and the tools he uses daily to grow as a father, husband, and leader. If you or someone you love is struggling, Ryan’s insights will remind you that healing is possible and that every emotion—even pain—can be a gateway to growth. 👉 Subscribe to Rise Above for more stories of resilience and recovery. 👉 Learn more about Ryan and his free course: RyanSoave.com #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealthAwareness #RiseAbovePodcast #TraumaHealing #SoberLife #RecoveryCommunity #TherapyTools #SitWithFeelings #InspirationDaily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Zallie’s story is one of unimaginable pain, loss, and redemption. Growing up in Philadelphia, Michael faced tragedy when his sister took her own life—an event that haunted him for decades. That trauma, combined with addiction to alcohol, pills, heroin, and meth, spiraled him into years of chaos: 13 rehabs, jail time, robbing his own family, and suicidal thoughts while climbing skyscrapers in a meth-fueled haze. But today, Michael is turning his pain into purpose. With nearly a year fully clean and sober, he’s rebuilding his life through recovery, faith, and art. His journey takes us deep into Kensington, Philadelphia’s epicenter of the heroin epidemic, and shows how even in the darkest places, hope can be found. If you or someone you love is struggling, this story is proof that it’s never too late to rise above. #HeroinAddiction #MethRecovery #KensingtonPhiladelphia #AddictionRecovery #RiseAbovePodcast #DrugAddictionStories #SobrietyJourney #OvercomingAddiction #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Wilson’s story is one of extreme highs and devastating lows. A Cocoa Beach surfing prodigy competing alongside legends like Kelly Slater, Josh’s life spiraled into addiction, arrests, and prison sentences. Despite more than 80 failed attempts at sobriety, today he celebrates one full year clean and sober. In this raw conversation, Josh opens up about: Growing up surfing at a national level and being sponsored at just 5 years old The devastating grip of alcohol, cocaine, and opiates that derailed his career Chaotic years spent in county jails, rehabs, and prison—including violent encounters Smuggling thousands of pills from Guatemala and running a weed business The moment of clarity that finally set him on the path to recovery Rebuilding relationships, spirituality, and finding peace after decades of chaos Josh’s journey is proof that no matter how many times you fall, it’s never too late to rise again. 👉 If this episode inspires you, please like, comment, and subscribe. Your support helps spread hope to those still struggling. #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #PrisonStories #RiseAbovePodcast #DrugAddiction #Sobriety #RecoveryCommunity #Alcoholism #OpiateAddiction #Inspiration #SecondChances Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick’s story is one of the most raw and inspiring transformations you’ll ever hear. Once homeless on the streets of Detroit, sleeping in dumpsters and abandoned boats, Nick’s addiction to cocaine, pills, and heroin led him to DUIs, high-speed police chases, jail time, and near-death experiences.But after hitting rock bottom, he found recovery, rebuilt his life, and is now 10 years sober. In this interview, Nick shares: What it was like growing up with an alcoholic father His descent into heroin and the chaos of street lifeJail time, overdose scares, and losing his brother How long-term treatment finally gave him a chance at freedom The spiritual awakening that changed everything How he built a new life, got married, went back to school, and found purpose in helping others This is proof that recovery is possible and that no matter how far gone you feel, you can rise above. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to help us spread the message of hope. #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RiseAbovePodcast #HeroinAddiction #DrugRecovery #RedemptionStory #Alcoholism #AddictionAwareness #MentalHealth #SoberLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joey Gandee’s story is one of the rawest journeys you’ll ever hear. Growing up in small-town Ohio, Joey had what looked like a “normal” childhood—but addiction does not discriminate. He went from playing varsity sports to selling weed in 9th grade, living in his car while raising his younger brother, and eventually using heroin with his own mother while homeless in a tent by the river. This episode dives deep into: His first felony at 18 and years of hustling The shocking day his mom introduced him to heroin Walking 14 miles a day just to scoreHitting rock bottom, jail time, and brutal withdrawals How he finally turned it all around and built a life of recovery Today, Joey is over 2 years sober, mentoring others, and running My Recovery Journal to help people fight back against addiction. His story proves that no matter how dark it gets, there is always a way out. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep spreading the message of hope. #RiseAbove #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #FromAddictToAdvocate #SoberLife #AddictionDoesNotDiscriminate #OverdoseAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #HopeAfterAddiction #RiseAbovePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bubba Sparxxx (Warren Mathis) opens up like never before about his rise to fame, the dark years of addiction, and his path to recovery.From topping the charts with Ugly and Ms. New Booty to battling alcoholism, opiates, meth, and even suffering a mini-stroke, Bubba’s story is raw, real, and inspiring. In this interview, he shares: How addiction nearly destroyed his career, health, and relationships What it was like going from platinum records to rehab and jail The role sponsors, honesty, and spiritual surrender play in his recovery Why this time is different — and why his quality of sobriety is stronger than ever This is a powerful conversation about music, addiction, resilience, and hope. 👉 Join our weekly Rise Above Recovery Meeting: Email me at Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com #BubbaSparxxx #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RiseAbovePodcast #Alcoholism #DrugAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #HipHopCulture #MethAddiction #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Kazilionis sits down with me to share her raw and unfiltered story of addiction, chaos, and ultimately, recovery.From growing up in Portland, Maine, to an abusive relationship, cocaine use, and two DUIs that landed her in jail, Jennifer’s path was filled with self-destruction and pain. With the help of treatment, sober living in Florida, and the guidance of a sponsor, she rebuilt her life and is now celebrating 13 years of sobriety.In this episode of Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, Jennifer opens up about: Surviving abusive relationships and toxic cycles How cocaine and alcohol took over her life The turning point that finally led her into treatmentHer experience in jail and what it taught herThe tools and mindset that have kept her sober for over a decade This is an honest, eye-opening conversation about addiction, resilience, and the power of recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling, Jennifer’s story proves that it’s never too late to change. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to help us spread stories of hope and transformation. #RiseAbovePodcast #JenniferKazilionis #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #FromAddictionToRecovery #CocaineAddiction #AlcoholismRecovery #OvercomingAddiction #RiseAbove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karina’s story is raw, unfiltered, and powerful. From growing up as a cheerleader with early signs of heavy drinking, to panic attacks and daily withdrawals, she spiraled into isolation, suicide attempts, and repeated hospital visits.Her first rehab didn’t stick—she left planning to “drink normally” again. But after seizures, ICU stays, and liver failure, Karina nearly lost her life.What changed? During her second treatment, she finally surrendered—acceptance, honesty, and community transformed her path. Now she’s thriving in sobriety, finding gratitude in the little things, and helping others walk the same road.If you’re struggling with addiction or know someone who is, Karina’s journey will inspire you to believe recovery is possible. #Sobriety #AlcoholismRecovery #AddictionStory #MentalHealthAwareness #RiseAbovePodcast #KarinasStory #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryCommunity 00:00 – Intro / Childhood & Cheerleading 04:12 – First signs of drinking in high school & college 12:45 – Hoboken move, parents’ divorce & toxic relationship 19:20 – Panic attacks, daily drinking & first psych ward stay 27:15 – First rehab attempt & denial of alcoholism 33:40 – Relapse at the airport & rapid decline 41:55 – ICU visits, cirrhosis & alcoholic hepatitis 48:15 – Rock bottom: isolation, blood vomiting, near death 55:32 – The call that saved her life & second rehab 1:03:00 – Seizure in detox & brutal withdrawal 1:15:00 – Spiritual turning point & real acceptance 1:25:00 – Falling in love with recovery & helping others 1:40:00 – Gratitude, community & rebuilding her life 1:55:00 – Closing reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaja’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and hope.At just 14 years old, she was thrust into the world of international modeling, traveling across Europe and facing impossible standards. By 16, she encountered Harvey Weinstein for the first time—an experience that left deep scars and would be repeated again at 19.In this raw and powerful interview, Kaja opens up about:Growing up with anxiety and never feeling like she fit in.The pressures and exploitation she faced as a teenage model.Her encounters with Harvey Weinstein and how they impacted her mental health.Turning to alcohol to cope and her eventual path to sobriety.How she rebuilt her life, became a therapist, and is now helping others heal from trauma.This conversation is about more than survival—it’s about courage, faith, and the power of never giving up 👉 If this story resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to help us spread the message of hope. 👉 Join our Rise Above Recovery Meetings every Monday night by emailing: kevin@riseabovepod.com #RiseAbovePodcast #HarveyWeinstein #SurvivorStory #TraumaRecovery #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #HealingFromTrauma #SurvivorsSpeak #RiseAbove #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyLife #WomensVoices #MeToo #SurvivorStrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer grew up in a chaotic household with an alcoholic parent and perfectionist pressure driving her from a young age. Her journey took her from being a nationally ranked bowler on scholarship to the wild world of college sororities, drinking, and cocaine-fueled chaos. What began as casual partying quickly spiraled into blackouts, toxic relationships, and moments of incomprehensible demoralization—including a traumatic assault that left lasting scars. But Jennifer’s story doesn’t end there. At just 26 years old, she hit rock bottom and made the courageous decision to change her life. Now approaching two years of sobriety, Jennifer shares the raw truth of addiction, the shame she carried, the grace she found in recovery, and how God and accountability helped her rebuild her life. Her story is one of chaos, pain, self-awareness, and ultimately hope. If you or someone you know is struggling, this interview is proof that it’s never too late to rise above. #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RiseAbovePodcast #TraumaHealing #AlcoholismRecovery #CocaineAddiction #SurvivorStory #MentalHealthAwareness #SoberLiving #FaithAndRecovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard's story is one of the most gripping tales of addiction, crime, and redemption ever told on this channel. By the age of 18, he had already served prison time for burglary. Over the next two decades, he racked up 33 felony convictions, became known as one half of the “Dynamic Duo” of cr@ck-addicted brothers in Palm Beach County, and lived in trap houses, behind shopping centers, and eventually a foreclosed home taken over by drug dealers and pr0stitutes.His downward spiral included multiple prison bids, including time in one of Florida’s most violent correctional facilities, a 40-year sentence served in pieces, and heartbreaking moments like watching his mother and siblings cycle through incarceration and addiction as well.But in 2016—after a final psychosis-fueled standoff in a motel—Richard made a decision to change his life. Almost ten years later, he’s clean, sober, employed, helping others, and back in touch with every family member who once cut him off. His story proves that even after decades of darkness, it’s never too late to rise above. 🔗 Join our Monday night Rise Above Recovery MeetingsEmail: kevin@riseabovepod.com 🎙️ Support the podcast and go deeperJoin our Patreon for exclusive content & live guest chats. #AddictionRecovery #PrisonToPurpose #CrackAddiction #FelonToFreedom #SobrietyJourney #DrugAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #RedemptionStory #FloridaPrison #RiseAbovePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Izzy opens up about her 15-year battle with Adderall and how quitting cold turkey changed her life forever. From being put on ADHD medication at just 12 years old to building a fast-paced career as a hairstylist powered by stimulants, she shares how the drug shaped her identity, destroyed relationships, and disconnected her from her true self.After a divorce, years of emotional chaos, and a nationwide Adderall shortage, Izzy made the life-altering decision to walk away from the pills—and every crutch that came with them. In this raw and honest interview, she describes the silent hell of detox, how she found peace through meditation, why she got rid of her TV, and what it really means to reclaim your power.Whether you're struggling with Adderall, ADHD, burnout, or just looking for hope—you need to hear this. 🎧 Subscribe for more raw and real stories of resilience every week. 🔗 Follow Izzy on TikTok: @izzzywho 🧠 Hosted by Kevin Lanning | Rise Above Podcast #AdderallRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #QuittingAdderall #SobrietyJourney #ADHDAwareness #HealingJourney #Meditation #ColdTurkey #MentalHealthMatters #WomenInRecovery #SelfGrowth #StimulantAddiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carl Stone spent over 30 years in law enforcement—respected, decorated, and seen as a protector. But behind closed doors, he was quietly unraveling. Haunted by childhood trauma, daily exposure to horrific crimes, and suppressed mental health struggles, Carl turned to alcohol to cope. Then one day, everything came crashing down.In this raw and unfiltered interview, Carl shares his story for the first time: witnessing brutal domestic abuse as a child, becoming a police officer to escape that cycle, and ultimately repeating it himself. After a violent domestic incident with his wife, Carl was arrested, charged, and sentenced to prison.Now sober and free, Carl is using his story to spark real change. He opens up about PTSD, toxic masculinity, the stigma around men’s mental health, and the lifelong shame he carries. This isn’t just a redemption story—it’s a wake-up call.⚠️ Trigger warning: this episode discusses domestic violence, addiction, suicide ideation, and childhood trauma.📧 To join our weekly Rise Above Recovery Meeting or connect with Kevin: kevin@riseabovepod.com💬 For exclusive behind-the-scenes content and live guest chats, join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/RiseAbovewithKevinLanning?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink #PolicePTSD #RedemptionStory #MentalHealthAwareness #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #AddictionRecovery #MensMentalHealth #RiseAbovePodcast #CarlStoneInterview #FromCopToConvict #PrisonReform #TraumaHealing #RealStoriesRealPeople #RiseAboveWithKevinLanning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hal Hughes had the perfect life: a loving wife, four kids, a successful career in law enforcement, and a reputation as a local hero. But everything changed the day he was violently attacked on the job—an incident that left him with a traumatic brain injury and a slow-burning descent into darkness.In this powerful episode of Rise Above, Hal opens up about the devastating impact of PTSD, chronic pain, and addiction. He shares how opiates hijacked his life, how he almost lost everything, and what finally pulled him back from the edge. Now 9 years sober, Hal has transformed from a wounded officer into a licensed psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and mental health advocate—teaching others how to turn pain into purpose.This episode is a must-watch for anyone struggling with trauma, addiction, or identity after a life-altering event. 👥 If this conversation helps you—share it. You could save someone’s life. 📩 Join our Monday Night Rise Above Recovery Meetings:Email kevin@riseabovepod.com for the Zoom link. #AddictionRecovery #PoliceStory #OpiateAddiction #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #TraumaSurvivor #RiseAbovePodcast #SobrietyJourney #FirstResponderStories #BrainInjuryRecovery #CopsAndAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #InspirationalPodcast #RedemptionStory #RealLifeStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices