Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

Adam Larkin’s story is one of the most powerful comeback stories you’ll hear. In this episode of Rise Above, Adam opens up about his journey from a middle-class upbringing in New York to years of addiction, drug dealing, near-death trauma, and survivor’s guilt after a horrific car accident that took his best friend’s life. What followed was nearly two decades of opioid dependence — OxyContin, methadone, Suboxone, benzos — all prescribed, all destructive. Adam takes us deep into the realities of long-term addiction, pharmaceutical dependency, and how relapse can happen even after years of sobriety. But this is a story about coming back. Adam shares how he finally found freedom, rebuilt his life from the ground up at age 37, and turned his pain into purpose. Today, he’s sober, engaged, running a successful clothing brand (GET Apparel – “Get In The Trough”), hosting global recovery events across multiple continents, working in the recovery field, and helping others find a way out. This conversation dives into: Early addiction and the first drink Survivor’s guilt and trauma Prescription opioids and long-term Suboxone use Relapse after years of sobriety — and how he made it back Faith, structure, accountability, and purpose Building a business and a life in recovery Why it’s never too late to start over If you’re struggling, thinking about getting sober, or afraid you’ve gone too far — this episode is for you. Everyone loves a comeback story. This is a real one. GET Apparel: getapparel.com Podcast: Get Up Podcast with Adam Larkin Socials: @GI_Apparel | Adam Larkin 🔗 Follow Adam Larkin #RiseAbove #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RecoveryStory #RelapseAndRecovery #OpiateAddiction #SuboxoneRecovery #FormerAddict #ComebackStory #SecondChances #MentalHealth #RecoveryIsPossible #SoberLife #AddictionAwareness #FaithAndRecovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Garet McLendon spent years trapped in a cycle of addiction, violence, and incarceration — selling meth, surviving prison riots, and losing everything that mattered most, including his relationship with his daughter. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Garet opens up about: Growing up surrounded by abuse, instability, and addiction Dropping out of school and running the streets Selling meth and cycling in and out of jail and prison Witnessing extreme violence, riots, and survival inside the system The moment he finally surrendered and chose sobriety Rebuilding life from nothing at 33 years old Learning how to be a present, trustworthy father after years of absence Why discipline, structure, and inner work saved his life Now approaching 13 years clean and sober, Garet lives a life rooted in gratitude, discipline, and service — proving that no matter how far gone you think you are, it’s never too late to start over. This episode is for anyone struggling with addiction, incarceration, shame, or feeling “too far behind” to change. If this story helped you, consider sharing it with someone who needs hope. #AddictionRecovery #PrisonToPurpose #SoberLiving #RecoveryStory #LifeAfterPrison #FormerAddict #SobrietyJourney #MethAddiction #SecondChances #RedemptionStory #MentalHealthMatters #Fatherhood #TraumaRecovery #RiseAbove #Incarceration #RebuildingLife #HopeAfterAddiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lex Jacoby’s story is one of strength, resilience, and quiet courage. In this episode of Rise Above, Lex shares her journey from serving eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps to navigating divorce, single motherhood, and the isolating transition back into civilian life — all without a safety net. This conversation goes far beyond labels. Lex opens up about rebuilding her identity, learning how to stand on her own, and finding confidence and freedom by being unapologetically herself. Whether you’re a veteran, a single parent, or someone going through a major life transition, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to have a powerful Rise Above story. #RiseAbove #SingleMomLife #MarineVeteran #WomenWhoRise #LifeAfterTheMilitary #DivorceRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #StrongWomen #VeteranStories #RebuildingLife #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Avery Schlereth never planned on getting sober — until alcohol stopped numbing her anxiety and started running her life. In this New Year, New Me episode of Rise Above, Avery shares what sobriety really looks like beyond the first year. Not just quitting drinking, but learning how to live, heal, and evolve as a sober woman — one year at a time. Year one was about survival. Getting sober in 2024 meant sitting with anxiety she had spent years trying to silence, learning how to exist without alcohol, and discovering a completely new way to move through the world. Year two was where the real work began. Avery focused inward — getting comfortable with herself, addressing old wounds, rebuilding self-trust, and learning who she was without alcohol, chaos, or external validation. Now heading into year three, Avery is operating on all cylinders. She’s applying everything she’s learned, revamping her business, and fully stepping into a new version of herself — grounded, confident, and intentional. In this conversation, Avery opens up about drinking two bottles of wine a night, blacking out, hiding alcohol from loved ones, and why moderation never worked for her. She also shares the moment she realized she was living below her potential, how therapy and AA helped her rebuild from the inside out, and why sobriety didn’t take her life away — it gave her one back. Today marks Avery’s two-year sober anniversary, and her story is a reminder that New Year, New Me isn’t a slogan — it’s a process of growth, honesty, and commitment. If you’re entering a new year feeling anxious, stuck, or tired of telling yourself “I’ll start tomorrow,” this episode is for you. I host a free Rise Above recovery meeting every Monday night. Email: Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com 🎧 Subscribe for real stories about mental health, sobriety, growth, and resilience. #SobrietyJourney #AlcoholRecovery #AnxietyAndAlcohol #SoberLiving #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible #TwoYearsSober #WomenInRecovery #AlcoholFreeLife #SoberPodcast #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #HealingJourney #SelfWorth #LifeAfterAlcohol #SoberCommunity #AnxietyRecovery #HealthAndWellness #RealRecovery #SobrietyStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen had what looked like a perfect childhood — loving parents, athletics, stability. But at 16, alcohol flipped a switch she didn’t know existed. From blackouts every single time she drank, to toxic relationships, infidelity, sudden death, hospitalizations, and a terrifying medical wake-up call that nearly cost her life — Kristen’s alcoholism spiraled fast and quietly. She drank alone. She drank to numb. She drank to survive. Until alcohol turned on her body — landing her in the hospital with abnormal scans, organ damage warnings, and thoughts she never thought she’d have. This is a brutally honest conversation about: Blackout drinking from the very first drink Alcoholism hiding behind “normal life” Betrayal, trauma, and repeated loss Near liver failure and hospital intervention Being forced into treatment — and why it finally worked Finding purpose, accountability, and real recovery Today, Kristen is 4.5+ years sober, married, trusted again by her family, and living proof that even when recovery starts for someone else — it can still save your life. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode may be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. #AlcoholismRecovery #BlackoutDrinking #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #RiseAbovePodcast #RecoveryIsPossible #AlcoholFreeLife #WomenInRecovery #SoberLiving #TraumaAndHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryStories #RockBottom #SoberCommunity #OneDayAtATime #AddictionAwareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support recovery in style with SBR Cartel — 10% of every purchase helps struggling addicts and alcoholics find hope. Get 15% off with code RISEABOVE at sbrcartel.com Meet Jackie, a mother of four who survived childhood sexual abuse, chaotic parenting, violent relationships, addiction, and ultimately prison — where she endured an officer’s misconduct that later resulted in a $3.3 million settlement.But her story isn’t about money.It’s about resilience.In this episode, Jackie walks us through:• Growing up with abuse, neglect, and unsafe environments• Losing her son during active addiction• Developing a brutal opioid addiction• Snorting heroin instead of shooting it to “feel in control”• The hotel arrest that led to prison• The abuse she endured behind bars• Fighting a six-year legal battle• Getting clean, rebuilding her life, and becoming a mother again• Winning a $3.3M settlement — and not letting it destroy her• What relapse taught her after years sober• How she stays clean todayHer transformation is unbelievable — from losing her children, her freedom, and her identity… to creating a new life rooted in honesty, boundaries, faith, and recovery.If you’ve survived trauma, struggled with addiction, or felt like you couldn’t come back from a mistake — Jacqui’s story will move you deeply.🙏 Rise Above Recovery Meeting — Every MondayEmail Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com for the Zoom link.🔥 Join the Rise Above Sober CommunityConnect with people who truly get it inside the OpenRecovery app. #trauma #addictionrecovery #prisonstories #survivor #riseabove #opioidepidemic #addictionawareness #childhoodtrauma #recoveryjourney #healingjourney #overdoseawareness #soberlife #sobriety #abusesurvivor #mentalhealthmatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support recovery in style with SBR Cartel — 10% of every purchase helps struggling addicts and alcoholics find hope. Get 15% off with code RISEABOVE at sbrcartel.com Ronnie’s story is one of the most powerful recovery journeys you will ever hear. In this episode of Rise Above, Ronnie opens up about his unbelievable transformation — from being a professional soccer star drafted #1 in the country, battling alcohol addiction, Valium dependence, cocaine, compulsive gambling, and lying, to becoming a man with 35 years sober and 31 years free from gambling. Ronnie shares: How a Valium prescription at 14 years old led to 20 years of addiction What it was like gambling while playing professional soccer Losing everything — including trust, money, family, and self-respect The $25,000 he stole from his own brother The brutal reality of detox, rehab, and psych wards How the 12 Steps, God, and service saved his life Making amends to the man who raised his children after addiction Building a successful business after recovery Teaching young people how to truly work the steps What it really takes to stay sober one day at a time This episode is for anyone struggling with addiction, gambling, anxiety, lies, ego, shame, or relapse — and for anyone who needs proof that it’s never too late to change your life. #35YearsSober #GamblingAddiction #RecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #RiseAbove #SobrietyJourney #FromAddictionToRecovery #12StepProgram #ValiumAddiction #CocaineAddiction #CompulsiveGambling #Alcoholism #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible #SoberLife #GamblersAnonymous #AARecovery #FaithInRecovery #OneDayAtATime #LifeAfterAddiction #RedemptionStory #KevinLanning #RiseAbovePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support recovery in style with SBR Cartel — 10% of every purchase helps struggling addicts and alcoholics find hope. Get 15% off with code RISEABOVE at sbrcartel.com Annie shares one of the most powerful family-side addiction stories ever told on Rise Above. From growing up in a home filled with alcoholism, violence, and silence… to becoming a young mother… to watching her son become addicted to opioids after a football injury — this is the side of addiction rarely spoken about. Annie opens up about: Growing up in a chaotic alcoholic household Her son being prescribed opioids at 17 after a broken jaw Years of chasing, enabling, fear, and emotional collapse Her son’s journey to treatment and now over 10 years sober Hitting her own emotional rock bottom Recovery for family members through meetings, boundaries, and self-work Learning how to stop living in fear and start living in peace Today, Annie works in peer support, helps families in crisis, and is the author of Unhooked and Unbroken, two powerful books about family recovery and surviving addiction. This episode is for: Parents of addicted children Spouses and family members in chaos Anyone affected by addiction who thinks the only problem is the addict Because recovery isn’t just for the person using — it’s for everyone. #AddictionRecovery #OpioidCrisis #ParentsOfAddicts #FamilyRecovery #Codependency #OxyContin #RecoveryIsPossible #RiseAbovePodcast #Alcoholism #DrugAddiction #SoberCommunity #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthPodcast #RecoverySupport #Intervention #Boundaries #12Steps #EmotionalRecovery #HopeAfterAddiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support recovery in style with SBR Cartel — 10% of every purchase helps struggling addicts and alcoholics find hope. Get 15% off with code RISEABOVE at sbrcartel.com In this powerful episode of Rise Above, Dr. Jason Rudolph — a psychologist with 28 years of sobriety — opens up about his daily cocaine addiction, massive consequences, failed attempts at school, gambling, lying, shame, and the moment he finally surrendered. Jason shares how he went from doing cocaine every day for two years, destroying relationships, losing opportunities, and spiraling into secrecy — to becoming a respected psychologist who has helped thousands of addicts recover. We walk through: ✔️ His childhood and early signs of addiction ✔️ Daily cocaine use, escalating to talk of smoking crack ✔️ Consequences he could no longer outrun ✔️ The God moment in a bar that changed everything ✔️ His surrender and journey through Hazelden, sober living, and rebuilding ✔️ Becoming Dr. Jason Rudolph — and helping others find the voice he once ignored ✔️ Mentorship, humility, boundaries, and why consequences save lives Whether you’re new to recovery, long-term sober, or trying to help a loved one, this conversation will hit home. Jason’s humility, clarity, and brutal honesty make this one of the most powerful episodes of Rise Above. Follow Dr. Jason Rudolph: IG: @drjasonrudolph Website: DrJasonRudolph.com If this episode helps you — please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today. You never have to recover alone. #addiction #recovery #sober #sobriety #cocaineaddiction #rehab #12step #mentalhealth #psychologist #inspiration #risenabove #kevinlanning #addictionrecovery #drugaddiction #soberlife #sobercommunity #overcomingaddiction #recoveryispossible #miracleofsobriety #intervention #hope Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Rise Above, Kevin sits down with Spencer Chamberlain, the legendary frontman of Underoath, for one of the rawest and most vulnerable interviews he’s ever done. Spencer opens up about: Joining Underoath at 23 The early days playing in front of 10 people Breaking away from the Christian-rock label His secret addiction to pills, cocaine, and the nightlife How fame, pressure, and identity spirals nearly destroyed him Navigating the collapse of the band in 2013 His journey to self-worth, therapy, recovery, and rebuilding his life Finding real love, becoming a father, and finally learning to love himself The moment he knew he had to completely change his life This episode is filled with redemption, honesty, and powerful insight into the world behind the music industry’s curtain. Whether you're a fan of Underoath, rock music, or stories of recovery—this interview will hit you hard. If this conversation helps you, please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE. To join Kevin’s Monday night Rise Above Recovery Meeting, email: kevin@riseabovepod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply emotional episode, Heidi shares the story she’s never fully told—growing up in an ultra-strict宗 Lutheran community comparable to Amish rules, where makeup, music, and even friendships outside the church were forbidden. After being married at 18 and becoming a mother of six, her life spiraled into emotional abuse, fear, and eventually alcoholism. But nothing prepared her for the darkest chapter: watching her teenage daughter fall into heroin addiction, spiraling into the streets, jail, and repeated overdoses. At just 18 years old, Heidi’s daughter tragically passed away from fentanyl. Heidi opens up about: • Escaping a controlling church community • An abusive marriage and losing custody of her children • Her battle with alcohol and multiple rehab attempts • Becoming homeless before rebuilding her life • Her daughter’s addiction, juvenile incarceration, and fentanyl use • The devastating day she received the phone call no parent should ever get • How she found sobriety, purpose, and healing after unthinkable loss If you are a parent of a child struggling with addiction, or you’re battling addiction yourself, this episode is for you. Heidi’s story shows that even through the darkest pain, there is still hope. 🙏 If this episode impacts you, please subscribe and share to help someone who needs it. 📧 For my Monday night Rise Above Recovery Meeting link, email: Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com #AddictionStory #FentanylCrisis #Motherhood #RecoveryJourney #RiseAbovePodcast #Sobriety #OverdoseAwareness #TraumaHealing #AddictionRecovery #SurvivorStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russell’s story is one of the darkest descents ever shared on Rise Above — and one of the most inspiring comebacks.After years trapped in chronic pain, opiate prescriptions, crippling anxiety, and undiagnosed Bipolar II, Russell’s world fell apart:• his marriage crumbled• his career collapsed• his father was dying• he couldn’t sleep for months• he spiraled into heavy drinking + painkillers• and eventually… he planned his own suicideWhat followed is shocking:Russell was admitted twice to a psychiatric hospital, diagnosed bipolar, and eventually underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — the same “shock therapy” most people fear.But instead of ending his life…He rebuilt it from scratch.Today Russell is sober, mentally stable, and runs a successful pressure-washing business with his two sons — the very people he almost left behind.This interview is raw, emotional, and brutally honest. If you’re struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, or feel like you’re at the end… Russell’s story will show you that there is ALWAYS a way out.🙏 If you need recovery support:Email me to join our weekly Rise Above Recovery Meeting📧 Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com👇 Drop a comment if Russell’s honesty helped you today.#RiseAbove#AddictionRecovery#MentalHealthMatters#BipolarDisorder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Rise Above, Ryan shares one of the most shocking alcoholism survival stories we’ve ever heard on this show. From growing up depressed and anxious in Seattle… to binge drinking through college frat life… to running a business while hiding a cocaine addiction… Ryan’s battle with alcoholism escalated until he was drinking 12–20 drinks a day, suffering seizures, and hitting a 0.40 BAC during a police wellness check. But the moment that nearly killed him — and ultimately saved him — was when he collapsed down a flight of concrete stairs, woke up with his teeth knocked out, his face unrecognizable, and a corneal infection so severe doctors considered removing his eye. On top of this, Ryan opens up about the devastating loss of his sister to a fentanyl overdose, the trauma he carried since childhood, and the lies he told himself for years. Today, Ryan is over a year sober, rebuilding his life, helping others, and sharing the tools that finally kept him sober after countless attempts. This is one of the most raw, honest, and emotionally powerful episodes yet. If this story helps you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below. Your support pushes this message of hope further. #alcoholism #soberstory #addictionrecovery #riseabovepodcast #rockbottom #soberlife #fentanylepidemic #traumahealing #alcoholaddiction #sobrietyjourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allen Lund’s story is one of the wildest and most heartbreaking transformation journeys ever shared on Rise Above. Born into chaos in Broward County, Allen grew up around addiction, violence, poverty, and dysfunction. By middle school he was on Xanax, smoking weed just to face the day, and eventually spiraled into a full-blown opioid and crack addiction that led to living two years under a bridge, watching people die around him, and surviving multiple fentanyl overdoses — including one where he woke up 6 hours later and should’ve been dead. After jail time, relapses, homelessness, and countless failed attempts to detox, Allen clawed his way into recovery. Today he’s coming up on one year sober, a devoted father, a partner, and a man with purpose. This episode is raw, graphic, emotional, and brutally honest — but it proves one thing: No matter how far you fall… you can rise again. #AddictionRecovery #FentanylCrisis #RiseAbovePodcast #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryStory #DrugAddiction #HomelessToHope #OverdoseSurvivor #RehabStories #SoberLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allen’s story is one of the most shocking transformations ever shared on Rise Above. Born into chaos, raised in violence, and surviving a childhood surrounded by abuse, Allen was forced to grow up fast. He joined the Gangster Disciples, earned his stripes through a drive-by shooting, and later became a U.S. Army interrogator deployed across Afghanistan and Africa. After five combat deployments, PTSD, a failing marriage, and a life filled with secrets, everything spiraled. Cocaine. Fake Percs. Fentanyl. Losing jobs. Losing hope. Losing himself. And when CPS took his kids — everything changed. Today, Allen is 15 months sober and rebuilding his life with purpose, faith, and service. His journey shows that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise above.If you or someone you love is struggling… this episode could save a life. Join our Rise Above Recovery Meeting (Mondays at 8 PM EST):Email Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com for the link. Patreon members get early access + exclusive live interviews:Patreon.com/RiseAbovePod #riseabovepodcast #fentanyl #addictionrecovery #gangsterdisciples #armyinterrogator #ptsd #sobrietyjourney #drugaddiction #traumasurvivor #kevinalanning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Hoff’s story is one of the most powerful transformations ever shared on Rise Above. Growing up in a small Minnesota town with an alcoholic father, Jessica swore she’d never become him. But one blackout in college sent her spiraling into years of binge drinking, cocaine, Xanax, opiates, and a near-fatal battle with breast cancer. Her life completely unraveled—addiction, a failing marriage, losing custody, and waking up in rehab with no memory of getting there. But nothing compares to the day she flew home to make amends… and found her father dead on the floor. What happened next changed her life forever. In this raw, emotional, and deeply spiritual interview, Jessica reveals: Her first blackout that launched a decade of chaos How cancer, pain pills, Xanax, and coke took over her life The brutal detox she barely survived The divine intervention that got her into treatment Finding her dad dead—and the God moment that kept her sober Rebuilding her life, motherhood, spiritual connection & purpose Her work as a healer helping others through sound, energy, and meditation Jessica is now over 7 years sober, a mother, healer, and walking example of what recovery can look like when you surrender and do the work. 👉 If this episode moved you, please subscribe, comment, and share. Your support helps us change lives. 👉 Join our Monday Night Recovery Meeting: Email Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com for the link. 👉 Go deeper with Rise Above on Patreon — early access, live Q&A, behind-the-scenes, and more. #RiseAbove #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #TraumaHealing #Alcoholism #RecoveryCommunity #AddictionStories #SoberLife #MentalHealthAwareness #CocaineAddiction #OpiateAddiction #XanaxAddiction #AAProgram #SpiritualAwakening #HealingJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex’s story is the definition of Rise Above. Raised just outside of D.C., Alex had a solid upbringing—until a life-shattering trauma at age 9 changed everything. Losing his father to addiction left a hole he didn’t know how to fill… and by 11 years old, he found the first thing that made him feel “connected”: getting high. What started as weed quickly turned into a full-blown lifestyle—dropping out of school, running the streets, dealing drugs, chasing status, and doing whatever it took to feel okay. By his late teens, Alex was deep into cocaine, then crack. Florida became a new playground, but the addiction followed—fast. The party life turned into homelessness, violence, felony charges, and multiple prison stints. At one point he had five felonies, lost every opportunity in front of him, and spiraled into the darkest place imaginable. But in the middle of prison—while getting high on rat poison and living in survival mode—one brutal moment of truth from a cellmate cracked the armor. That day became the turning point that led Alex to complete surrender, recovery, and a new life built on faith, service, and accountability. Today, Alex is coming up on four years sober, living with peace he never thought was possible, and dedicating his life to helping others find a way out. If you’re struggling, feel stuck, or think you’re too far gone… this one’s for you. Rise Above Recovery Meetings: Every Monday night. Open meeting for anyone struggling with addiction, alcohol, gambling, food, etc. Email me at kevin@riseabovepod.com for the link + weekly updates. If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share—your support helps us spread hope to the next person. #RiseAbove #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RecoveryStory #CrackAddiction #CocaineAddiction #PrisonToPurpose #FelonToFreedom #FaithAndRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #SecondChances #RecoveryIsPossible #FloridaRecovery #DelrayBeach #12StepRecovery #HopeDealer #LifeAfterAddiction #TraumaRecovery #SoberLife #Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Rise Above, Dr. Monica Vermani — clinical psychologist, trauma expert, TED speaker, and author — breaks down the true roots of stress, anxiety, trauma, maladaptive coping, and why so many of us feel overwhelmed in today’s world. From the role of childhood wounds to the patterns we repeat in adulthood, Dr. Vermani explains why we get stuck, how to break cycles of pain, and why rituals and slowing down are essential to healing. She unpacks everything from self-medication, addictive behaviors, people-pleasing, anger, boundaries, relationships, and the myth of “reinventing yourself.” If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, mood swings, anxiety, addiction, overwhelm, or feeling “not enough,” this conversation will change your life. Dr. Vermani’s work has helped thousands—and today, she shares her tools with you. 📘 Her Book: A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety & Trauma Available on Amazon & at DrMonicaVermani.com 🧠 Follow Dr. Vermani: Instagram | Website | Psychology Today Column 🆘 Every Monday Night: Rise Above Recovery Meeting Open to anyone struggling with addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, food). To join: Email Kevin@RiseAbovePod.com for the meeting link & updates. 💙 If this interview helped you, please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to support the mission. #TraumaHealing #AnxietyRelief #MentalHealthMatters #StressManagement #PsychologyTalk #RiseAbovePodcast #AddictionRecovery #EmotionalHealing #TherapyTools #MindfulnessDaily #InnerPeaceJourney #DrMonicaVermani #ThoughtWork #HealingTrauma #CopingSkills #SobrietyTools #SelfImprovementDaily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Rise Above, Michael Chosewood shares one of the wildest fentanyl addiction stories ever told on this channel. From smoking weed as a freshman athlete… to crushing Xanax bars before school… to flipping houses, running a CBD company, and secretly trafficking fentanyl pills between the U.S. and Nicaragua—Michael was a high-functioning addict whose entire life unraveled behind the scenes. His addiction spiraled so far out of control that he overdosed in an airplane bathroom mid-flight, forcing an emergency medical response the moment the plane landed. Yet even that wasn’t enough to stop him—at least, not yet. Michael opens up about: Growing up as a star athlete in Georgia Getting hooked on Xanax at 14 The first overdose that should’ve killed him Running from warrants, debt, and guilt Living in Nicaragua while importing fentanyl pills The overdose on the airplane that changed everything Detoxing from fentanyl and Xanax for 31 brutal days The spiritual experience that finally broke the cycle Finding real sobriety in Charleston Making amends, rebuilding his life, and choosing God His journey is a powerful reminder that it truly gets worse—until you decide it doesn’t have to. If Michael’s story inspired you, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to help us spread hope. #Fentanyl #AddictionRecovery #SoberLiving #RiseAbove #DrugAddiction #FentanylCrisis #RecoveryJourney #Sobriety #AddictToAthlete #OverdoseSurvivor #XanaxAddiction #DrugRehab #RecoveryCommunity #FaithAndRecovery #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp #YouAreNotAlone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gia seemed to have it all together—13 years clean, a child, a spiritual awakening. But one drink changed everything. In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Rise Above, Gia shares her journey from childhood in New Jersey to addiction in Florida, her battle with mental health, and the crushing weight of postpartum depression. She opens up about her two marriages, spiritual growth, and how community and self-honesty brought her back from the brink. Her story is a beacon for anyone struggling with relapse, loneliness, or the pressure to be “okay.” #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney #PostpartumDepression #RiseAbovePodcast #GiaStory #AARecovery #WomenInRecovery #RelapseToRecovery #SpiritualAwakening #TraumaHealing #MotherhoodUnfiltered #RecoveryPodcast #AlcoholismAwareness #AddictionSupport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices