I Pulled the Trigger Just to Pay Rent | Crack Addiction, Kidnapping & a Life Sentence to Redemption

Rodney grew up surrounded by addiction, violence, and heartbreak. By 12, he was stealing food to survive. By 14, he was being paid to carry out violent crimes. He faced multiple life sentences—including for a kidnapping—and spiraled into a world of crack cocaine, street justice, and desperation while trying to save his mother from her own addiction. But this is not where his story ends. Rodney opens up about the drive-by shooting that nearly destroyed his life, the death of his mother from an overdose, and the moment he chose faith, fatherhood, and forgiveness over the streets. Now a mentor and author of The Illness, Rodney is on a mission to save the next generation from the same cycle. #PrisonReform #AddictionRecovery #MotherhoodAndAddiction #FromPainToPurpose #FaithOverFear #RedemptionStory #DrugAddictionAwareness #CriminalJustice #OvercomingAdversity #LifeAfterPrison #RodneyStory #RiseAbovePodcast #SurvivorTestimony #MentorshipMatters #BreakTheCycle #ForgivenessJourney #InnerCityStruggles #ResilienceAndHope #CocaineAddiction #GenerationalTrauma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

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.