The Rise Begins Here
If life has ever knocked the wind out of you—left you breathless, broken, and wondering how to piece it all back together—welcome.
You’re not lost. You’re not alone. In fact, you’re exactly who we created Keep Rising Higher for.
We’re Donna and Wayne—two “crackpots” (that’s our nickname for each other—because let’s be real, we’re imperfect, a little quirky, and definitely don’t take life too seriously) who crossed paths not in a fairytale moment, but in real life—with all its twists, detours, and divine timing.
Yes, we’ve faced heartbreak, illness, and loss—but that’s only part of the story.
We’ve also found deep joy, unexpected laughter, and a love that’s weathered the storms and danced through the sunshine.
Falling isn’t the end of your story—it’s where the rise begins.
That truth became our heartbeat, our healing, and eventually… our mission.
From the Ashes, a Movement Was Born
Keep Rising Higher started as a quiet dream—something that lived in the back of our hearts.
At first, it was just two crackpots talking late into the night, wondering if the pain we’d walked through could somehow help someone else.
Maybe someone scrolling through their darkest night.
Maybe someone just needing a reminder that hope still exists.
We’ve both known heartbreak that brings you to your knees.
Wayne’s journey is one of grit, miracles, and rising again—over and over.
Born with deformed legs, he underwent major surgery as a child to learn to walk all over again. As he got older, the battles kept coming: kidney failure, years on dialysis, two kidney transplants, a mild stroke, and more surgeries than we can count. He’s also carried the weight of deep emotional loss, including the devastating suicide of his father. Then in 2022, his world was shaken again when his 20-year-old daughter became critically ill from COVID complications. She miraculously survived—but ultimately lost both of her legs.
Through it all, Wayne has not only survived—he’s inspired. He’s become a voice of hope in the transplant community and has been honored to speak at several National Kidney Walks.
Donna’s path has been marked by trauma, grief, and an unshakable will to rise.
At just 17, she and her brother discovered the tragic scene of her sister’s death—a devastating murder-suicide that would forever shape her life. A few years later, she lost her father to heart disease. Then at 28, while others were building families, she lost her first husband to an aggressive cancer.
Through PTSD, anxiety, and the ache of grief, Donna has fought to find purpose—and she’s found it in helping others navigate the darkness of loss. Her heart beats for reminding people that healing is possible, and that broken doesn’t mean beyond repair.
But here’s what we’ve also known:
We’ve laughed. We’ve healed. We’ve danced through detours, traveled whenever we could, and built a life anchored in faith, fire, and simple joys—like cooking together, spending time with family and friends, and surrounding ourselves with people who feel like home.
Through it all, we’ve held onto a love that doesn’t flinch when things get hard.
And now? We’re sharing all of it—with you.
This Is More Than a Podcast
Keep Rising Higher is a podcast—but it’s also a platform, a brand, and most importantly, a heart-led movement.
We’re here for the ones who’ve:
Lost someone they love, battled chronic illness, or carried invisible wounds like PTSD, anxiety, addiction, or grief.
Been caregivers, survivors, or quiet warriors holding it together in the background.
Ever whispered through tears, “I don’t know how to keep going.”
Here’s the truth:
You’re not broken.
You’re not lost.
And you are absolutely not alone.
What You Can Expect
In every episode, we’ll talk about the real stuff—grief, healing, mental health, resilience, relationships, and the gut-punch moments no one prepares you for.
But we’ll also bring the laughs, the hope, and those deep-breath reminders that brighter days are ahead.
Real stories from us and guests who’ve walked through fire.
Encouragement for the days you want to give up.
“Light or Laugh for the Road”—our signature closing segment that always ends on a high note.
Why the Phoenix in our logo?
There’s a reason we chose the Phoenix as the symbol for Keep Rising Higher.
Because it’s not just a mythical bird—it’s a reminder.
The Phoenix doesn’t rise in spite of the ashes. It rises because of them.
It reminds us that no matter how many times life burns us down, we are still capable of rising again—stronger, wiser, and more radiant than before.
You Belong Here
This space isn’t just ours—it’s yours too.
It’s a place to feel seen, heard, and held.
To laugh, cry, and breathe again.
To believe that even after everything, your story isn’t over—and your rise is just getting started.
So if you’re looking for hope, for healing, or just for people who get it—
You’ve found your crew.
Welcome to Keep Rising Higher.
We’re so glad you’re here. 💛🔥
Ready to Rise?
We’d love to hear from you:
What brought you here?
What does “rising higher” mean to you?
Drop us a comment, share this post, or subscribe to the podcast and let’s rise together.
Because falling isn’t the end of your story.
It’s where the comeback begins.