Rise Above With Kevin Lanning podcast

#Fitness #Mental Health #Society #Conversations #Kevin Lanning

27:58

Chris Nowinski is a former football player at Harvard University and professional wrestler with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. After enduring a career-ending head injury, Chris has dedicated his professional life to serving patients and families affected by brain trauma, particularly Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that develops after repeated head injuries. Jay and Chris discuss the state of head injuries in American athletics, the difference between advocating for head safety at youth and professional levels, Chris’ newest research, and much more. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) changes in the culture around concussions in the past two decades (02:39) padded helmet technology (03:55) concussion reporting in the NFL (10:35) Chris’ career path and concussion history (14:52) connecting with activists who haven’t themselves suffered a traumatic brain injury (17:42) SHAAKE - a new sign to identify concussions (20:53) Unions can help players advocate for safety policies (23:10) final thoughts and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/…

Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

Series en casa•Feed

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.

79 episodios

Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

updated hace un día

Series en casa•Feed

79 episodios

#Fitness #Mental Health #Society #Conversations #Kevin Lanning

Todos los episodios

1
The Hell of War | An Air Force Sergeant’s Devastating Deployment to Iraq 1:34:51

hace 1 day1:34:51

1:34:51

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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An IV Heroin User's DARK Reality in Kensington | Surviving a Self-Inflicted Headshot Su*cide Attempt 1:05:18

hace 5 días1:05:18

1:05:18

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside a Google Executive's SHOCKING Opioid Addiction 2:00:41

hace 6 días2:00:41

2:00:41

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside The Fatal Night at University of South Florida That Changed My Life Forever 1:20:28

hace 12 días1:20:28

1:20:28

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside Florida’s Most Notorious Pill Mill: Exposing the OxyContin Empire Backed by Big Pharma 1:41:33

hace 15 días1:41:33

1:41:33

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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ADDICTION, FRAUD & POWER | Inside a $140M Wall Street Empire 1:44:58

hace 19 días1:44:58

1:44:58

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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The Truth About Reality TV Fame: Big Brother Star Zach Rance’s Story of Struggle & Success 1:03:40

hace 20 días1:03:40

1:03:40

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside Dpeezy's Brutal Addiction to Xanax, Methadone and Lean | Daniel Phaithaisong 51:56

hace 26 días51:56

51:56

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside The SHOCKING Double Life of an Alcoholic 1:24:00

hace 27 días1:24:00

1:24:00

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside a Doctor’s $10M Insurance Fraud Scheme That Takes a Shocking Turn 1:34:03

hace 5 weeks1:34:03

1:34:03

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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An Alcoholic's Testimony | The Dark Side of Alcohol Addiction 1:17:42

hace 5 weeks1:17:42

1:17:42

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside the SHOCKING Life of a Fentanyl Addict | What Fentanyl Actually Does To The Brain 1:20:51

hace 6 weeks1:20:51

1:20:51

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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The Violent Night That Cost An NBA Prospect Everything 1:09:47

hace 6 weeks1:09:47

1:09:47

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Inside An IV Fentanyl Addict's BRUTAL Lifestyle 2:06:15

hace 6 weeks2:06:15

2:06:15

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Florida's Drug Kingpin | From Serving 23 Years in Prison to Becoming a Real Estate Mogul 1:04:35

hace 7 weeks1:04:35