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.
All content for Rise Above with Kevin Lanning is the property of Kevin Lanning and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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.
I Lost Everything to Crack | My Descent Into Hell and the Fight Back
Rise Above with Kevin Lanning
1 hour 20 minutes
1 week ago
I Lost Everything to Crack | My Descent Into Hell and the Fight Back
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
Rise Above with Kevin Lanning
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.
