Living on Incline Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:20:02 -0400 http://www.livingonincline.com en-us © 2026 Living on Incline yes d7c8c441-c52b-50c8-bc78-ec3719602309 Living on Incline episodic false What are we truly capable of? That’s the question Living on Incline sets out to explore.


Hosted by John Eklund, this podcast brings you real conversations with people who have pushed through suffering, setbacks, and challenges — not just to survive, but to grow. From recovery to business, from faith to government, each guest is unlocking their full potential and inviting you to do the same.


The name comes from the Manitou Incline — a steep, grueling hike in Colorado that inspired John to lean into discomfort as a path to growth. This show is about that same mindset: choosing to live on incline, on purpose, every day.


If you’re curious about what you’re capable of — physically, spiritually, emotionally — you’re in the right place.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Living on Incline https://storage.buzzsprout.com/dqelkn15t48vc2ku3r2ld939wys2?.jpg Living on Incline http://www.livingonincline.com #30 Beyond Black Hawk Down: Flying Elite Missions in Somalia with Hal Harless #30 Beyond Black Hawk Down: Flying Elite Missions in Somalia with Hal Harless Hear a decorated Army pilot share his profound near-death experience and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service.

Hal Harless joins us to discuss his journey as an Army pilot and his career in law enforcement. Beyond his professional achievements, he reflects on a moment where he faced a near-death experience, describing a sense of silence and peace that has stayed with him ever since.

We also look back at the geopolitical climate of 1986, touching on his time serving in East and West Germany and his high-stakes Somalia missions. This conversation offers a unique look at how military service shaped his perspective on life, duty, and the quiet moments that define us.

Hal Harless Books:
BEHIND THE WIRE: The Untold Battle of Mogadishu: https://a.co/d/00PneFw9
The Medevac Pilot: A Lifetime of Service So Others May Live: https://a.co/d/0bqlL4NP
A Soldier's Story: https://a.co/d/05DBvKIO
From Shadows to Sky: The Rise of an Airborne Soldier: https://a.co/d/07Uvsy26


Subscribe for weekly stories of resilience, and let us know what part of this journey resonated with you most in the comments.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:
https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Hear a decorated Army pilot share his profound near-death experience and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service.

Hal Harless joins us to discuss his journey as an Army pilot and his career in law enforcement. Beyond his professional achievements, he reflects on a moment where he faced a near-death experience, describing a sense of silence and peace that has stayed with him ever since.

We also look back at the geopolitical climate of 1986, touching on his time serving in East and West Germany and his high-stakes Somalia missions. This conversation offers a unique look at how military service shaped his perspective on life, duty, and the quiet moments that define us.

Hal Harless Books:
BEHIND THE WIRE: The Untold Battle of Mogadishu: https://a.co/d/00PneFw9
The Medevac Pilot: A Lifetime of Service So Others May Live: https://a.co/d/0bqlL4NP
A Soldier's Story: https://a.co/d/05DBvKIO
From Shadows to Sky: The Rise of an Airborne Soldier: https://a.co/d/07Uvsy26


Subscribe for weekly stories of resilience, and let us know what part of this journey resonated with you most in the comments.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:
https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19864405 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0400 5735 1 30 full false #029 At 99 Years Old, He’s Still Changing Lives: The Story of Mr. Byrd #029 At 99 Years Old, He’s Still Changing Lives: The Story of Mr. Byrd At 99 years old, Mr. Byrd reflects on nearly a century of faith, service, and quiet generosity. From driving a school bus at 16 to serving in WWII-era Germany, building successful businesses, and serving on the Board of Trustees at Campbell University for over 40 years, his life has been defined by a deep commitment to lifting others up.  In this special interview, John Eklund from Recovery Alive sits down with Mr. Byrd to discuss his inspiring life journey and his instrumental support in opening Journey’s Door—a home providing hope, healing, and shelter for women in recovery. 

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:
https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> At 99 years old, Mr. Byrd reflects on nearly a century of faith, service, and quiet generosity. From driving a school bus at 16 to serving in WWII-era Germany, building successful businesses, and serving on the Board of Trustees at Campbell University for over 40 years, his life has been defined by a deep commitment to lifting others up.  In this special interview, John Eklund from Recovery Alive sits down with Mr. Byrd to discuss his inspiring life journey and his instrumental support in opening Journey’s Door—a home providing hope, healing, and shelter for women in recovery. 

🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:
https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19786521 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0400 1682 1 29 full false #028 11 Years Sober | The Beverly Vance Aikins Story #028 11 Years Sober | The Beverly Vance Aikins Story "The first pill lit my brain on fire."

Long before she became a central figure in Vice President JD Vance's bestselling memoir and Netflix film Hillbilly Elegy, Beverly Vance Aikins was a registered nurse trapped in a 15-year battle with prescription opioid addiction, heroin, and devastating rock bottoms.

In this unvarnished long-form interview, Beverly Vance confronts her darkest chapters—from stealing painkillers as a hospital healthcare worker to the harrowing night she prayed not to wake up—and reveals the turning point that ultimately saved her life.

Now 11 years sober, Beverly reflects on overcoming substance abuse, repairing broken family relationships with her children—including her son JD Vance—earning her college degree at age 65, and devoting her career to addiction recovery counseling and mental health advocacy.

Watch as Beverly Vance shares her complete, untold journey of opiate addiction recovery, family reconciliation, hope, and lasting faith.


🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:
https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#BeverlyVance
#AddictionRecovery
#HillbillyElegy
#Sobriety
#OpioidCrisis
#OvercomingAddiction

Send us Fan Mail

]]> "The first pill lit my brain on fire."

Long before she became a central figure in Vice President JD Vance's bestselling memoir and Netflix film Hillbilly Elegy, Beverly Vance Aikins was a registered nurse trapped in a 15-year battle with prescription opioid addiction, heroin, and devastating rock bottoms.

In this unvarnished long-form interview, Beverly Vance confronts her darkest chapters—from stealing painkillers as a hospital healthcare worker to the harrowing night she prayed not to wake up—and reveals the turning point that ultimately saved her life.

Now 11 years sober, Beverly reflects on overcoming substance abuse, repairing broken family relationships with her children—including her son JD Vance—earning her college degree at age 65, and devoting her career to addiction recovery counseling and mental health advocacy.

Watch as Beverly Vance shares her complete, untold journey of opiate addiction recovery, family reconciliation, hope, and lasting faith.


🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:
https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#BeverlyVance
#AddictionRecovery
#HillbillyElegy
#Sobriety
#OpioidCrisis
#OvercomingAddiction

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19706496 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0400 2801 1 28 full false #027 20 Years Behind the Anchor Desk: Trauma, Burnout, & Finding Faith | Greg Funderburg #027 20 Years Behind the Anchor Desk: Trauma, Burnout, & Finding Faith | Greg Funderburg The camera turns off. The real story begins.

Get a first look at our upcoming episode of Living on Incline featuring CBS 17 News Anchor & Journalist Greg Funderburg.

For 20 years, viewers have watched Greg report on top national news and interview U.S. presidents—but behind the scenes, he was carrying the invisible weight of newsroom trauma, severe burnout, and personal depression.

In this powerful, unfiltered interview with host John Eklund, Greg opens up about the toll of covering tragedy every day, processing grief away from the anchor desk, and how stepping out in faith led him to launch his own podcast, Rated G.


Follow Greg:
https://www.cbs17.com/author/greg-funderburg/
https://www.gregfunderburg.com/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Greg-Funderburg-100044388070959/
https://www.instagram.com/gfunderburgtv/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@UCNvnkvgW0-FEl5ulgx_rNQg 
https://www.youtube.com/user/gfunderburg84
linkedin.com/in/greg-funderburg-973878102
https://x.com/gfunderburgTV
https://www.cbs17.com/rated-g-with-greg-funderburg/



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> The camera turns off. The real story begins.

Get a first look at our upcoming episode of Living on Incline featuring CBS 17 News Anchor & Journalist Greg Funderburg.

For 20 years, viewers have watched Greg report on top national news and interview U.S. presidents—but behind the scenes, he was carrying the invisible weight of newsroom trauma, severe burnout, and personal depression.

In this powerful, unfiltered interview with host John Eklund, Greg opens up about the toll of covering tragedy every day, processing grief away from the anchor desk, and how stepping out in faith led him to launch his own podcast, Rated G.


Follow Greg:
https://www.cbs17.com/author/greg-funderburg/
https://www.gregfunderburg.com/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Greg-Funderburg-100044388070959/
https://www.instagram.com/gfunderburgtv/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@UCNvnkvgW0-FEl5ulgx_rNQg 
https://www.youtube.com/user/gfunderburg84
linkedin.com/in/greg-funderburg-973878102
https://x.com/gfunderburgTV
https://www.cbs17.com/rated-g-with-greg-funderburg/



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19676947 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0400 4255 1 27 full false #026 Rebuilding Life After Prison & Addiction | Recovery Alive Homes #026 Rebuilding Life After Prison & Addiction | Recovery Alive Homes How do you rebuild a broken life after decades of prison, addiction, and lost time? In this deeply moving episode of Living on Incline, Anthony McGee (21 years incarcerated), Ryan Ellis (30+ year struggle with addiction), Amy Lewis, and Morgan Barfield share their raw, unfiltered stories of overcoming trauma, finding faith, and stepping into true freedom through peer-governed recovery homes.

From the terrifying reality of re-entering society to the daily work of repairing relationships with their children, these four individuals reveal what actual, long-term restoration looks like beyond the initial detox.

If you or a loved one are navigating addiction, sober living, or life after incarceration, this episode is a powerful reminder that no one is ever too far gone to find hope, community, and purpose.


TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction & The Reality of Recovery Homes

02:15 - Anthony McGee: Transitioning Out After 21 Years Incarcerated

08:40 - Ryan Ellis: Overcoming 30+ Years of Addiction & Cutting Toxic Roots

15:30 - Amy Lewis: From Prison & Deep Loss to Helping Others

22:10 - Morgan Barfield: The Humility of Returning to Sober Living

28:45 - Peer Accountability vs. Traditional Rehab Facilities

35:20 - Rebuilding Trust & Relationships with Family

42:10 - Daily Surrender: The 12 Steps as a Lifestyle

48:30 - Final Words of Hope & Encouragement


SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:

https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1


JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

What part of today’s episode resonated with you the most? Drop your thoughts or prayer requests in the comments below!


LISTEN AND FOLLOW LIVING ON INCLINE:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

• RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

• Website: https://www.livingonincline.com 


SPONSORED BY RECOVERY ALIVE:

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.


• Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


NEED HELP OR SUPPORT?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, substance abuse, or mental health, help is available 24/7:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (Free, confidential, 24/7)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988


#LivingOnIncline #AddictionRecovery #LifeAfterPrison #SoberLiving #FaithAndRecovery #TransformationStories #OvercomingAddiction #Testimony #MentalHealthAwareness

Send us Fan Mail

]]> How do you rebuild a broken life after decades of prison, addiction, and lost time? In this deeply moving episode of Living on Incline, Anthony McGee (21 years incarcerated), Ryan Ellis (30+ year struggle with addiction), Amy Lewis, and Morgan Barfield share their raw, unfiltered stories of overcoming trauma, finding faith, and stepping into true freedom through peer-governed recovery homes.

From the terrifying reality of re-entering society to the daily work of repairing relationships with their children, these four individuals reveal what actual, long-term restoration looks like beyond the initial detox.

If you or a loved one are navigating addiction, sober living, or life after incarceration, this episode is a powerful reminder that no one is ever too far gone to find hope, community, and purpose.


TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction & The Reality of Recovery Homes

02:15 - Anthony McGee: Transitioning Out After 21 Years Incarcerated

08:40 - Ryan Ellis: Overcoming 30+ Years of Addiction & Cutting Toxic Roots

15:30 - Amy Lewis: From Prison & Deep Loss to Helping Others

22:10 - Morgan Barfield: The Humility of Returning to Sober Living

28:45 - Peer Accountability vs. Traditional Rehab Facilities

35:20 - Rebuilding Trust & Relationships with Family

42:10 - Daily Surrender: The 12 Steps as a Lifestyle

48:30 - Final Words of Hope & Encouragement


SUBSCRIBE TO LIVING ON INCLINE:

https://www.youtube.com/@LivingonInclinepod?sub_confirmation=1


JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

What part of today’s episode resonated with you the most? Drop your thoughts or prayer requests in the comments below!


LISTEN AND FOLLOW LIVING ON INCLINE:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

• RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

• Website: https://www.livingonincline.com 


SPONSORED BY RECOVERY ALIVE:

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.


• Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


NEED HELP OR SUPPORT?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, substance abuse, or mental health, help is available 24/7:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (Free, confidential, 24/7)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988


#LivingOnIncline #AddictionRecovery #LifeAfterPrison #SoberLiving #FaithAndRecovery #TransformationStories #OvercomingAddiction #Testimony #MentalHealthAwareness

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19628729 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0400 4557 1 26 full false #025 Ex-Crime Reporter Exposes Cartels, Big Pharma, and the Unexpected Antidote to Addiction #025 Ex-Crime Reporter Exposes Cartels, Big Pharma, and the Unexpected Antidote to Addiction In this episode of *Living on Incline*, host John Eklund sits down with award-winning investigative journalist and author **Sam Quinones** (*Dreamland*, *The Least of Us*, *The Perfect Tuba*) for an unfiltered look into America’s addiction crisis.

Sam spent decades covering over 200 murders as a crime reporter, tracking Mexican heroin cartels, and documenting the deadly rise of OxyContin, fentanyl, and synthetic methamphetamine.

GUEST RESOURCES

Sam Quinones 
https://samquinones.com/


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this episode of *Living on Incline*, host John Eklund sits down with award-winning investigative journalist and author **Sam Quinones** (*Dreamland*, *The Least of Us*, *The Perfect Tuba*) for an unfiltered look into America’s addiction crisis.

Sam spent decades covering over 200 murders as a crime reporter, tracking Mexican heroin cartels, and documenting the deadly rise of OxyContin, fentanyl, and synthetic methamphetamine.

GUEST RESOURCES

Sam Quinones 
https://samquinones.com/


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19558017 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 4155 full false #024 Why the Modern Shelter System is Built to Let Addicts Fail #024 Why the Modern Shelter System is Built to Let Addicts Fail What happens to the people who are too broken for a standard homeless shelter?

In this high-stakes interview, recovery expert Chris Budnick pulls back the curtain on a brutal systemic paradox: standard institutional shelters automatically disqualify the exact individuals trapped under the influence, forcing a volatile cycle between first responders and emergency rooms. From his raw personal battle with "baseline pain" as a teenager to managing one of the most successful peer-led recovery ecosystems in North Carolina, Chris exposes why society's approach to addiction fails—and reveals the radical blueprint required to help people truly flourish.

🔔 Subscribe for more high-end, cinematic interviews on exploring our full potential and overcoming the odds.

CHANNELS MENTIONED:
Learn more about Healing Transitions: [https://healingtransitions.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://healingtransitions.org/)
Support Recovery Alive: [https://recoveryalive.com/](https://recoveryalive.com/)

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - I Did Not Want to Live
1:06 - Automatically Disqualified From the Shelter
2:45 - Who Is More Deserving of a Bed?
3:55 - The Origin of Healing Transitions
4:49 - Scared Straight Confrontational Models
6:33 - The Fear of Being Left With the Pain
7:47 - The Relapse of a Role Model
8:56 - Finding My Recovery Ancestor in a Kitchen
10:57 - From Inpatient Case Management to Executive Director
12:53 - Reevaluating Without Severing the Relationship
14:12 - Breaking the Barrier of Learned Helplessness
16:03 - Reconciling and Sticking With the Lifelong Journey
17:50 - The Evolution of the Always Tagline
19:11 - What Do People Need to Flourish?
21:15 - Building Apartments for Women and Children
22:25 - Facing Crowding and Overdose Surges During COVID
23:48 - Developing Alumni Into Tomorrow's Leaders
25:58 - The Challenge of Cleaning Up Cities Through Trespassing
27:11 - Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, and Staff Sustainability
29:04 - How to Tour and Support the Mission

#HomelessnessSolutions #AddictionRecovery #SystemicFailure #MentalHealthMatters #LivingOnIncline


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> What happens to the people who are too broken for a standard homeless shelter?

In this high-stakes interview, recovery expert Chris Budnick pulls back the curtain on a brutal systemic paradox: standard institutional shelters automatically disqualify the exact individuals trapped under the influence, forcing a volatile cycle between first responders and emergency rooms. From his raw personal battle with "baseline pain" as a teenager to managing one of the most successful peer-led recovery ecosystems in North Carolina, Chris exposes why society's approach to addiction fails—and reveals the radical blueprint required to help people truly flourish.

🔔 Subscribe for more high-end, cinematic interviews on exploring our full potential and overcoming the odds.

CHANNELS MENTIONED:
Learn more about Healing Transitions: [https://healingtransitions.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://healingtransitions.org/)
Support Recovery Alive: [https://recoveryalive.com/](https://recoveryalive.com/)

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - I Did Not Want to Live
1:06 - Automatically Disqualified From the Shelter
2:45 - Who Is More Deserving of a Bed?
3:55 - The Origin of Healing Transitions
4:49 - Scared Straight Confrontational Models
6:33 - The Fear of Being Left With the Pain
7:47 - The Relapse of a Role Model
8:56 - Finding My Recovery Ancestor in a Kitchen
10:57 - From Inpatient Case Management to Executive Director
12:53 - Reevaluating Without Severing the Relationship
14:12 - Breaking the Barrier of Learned Helplessness
16:03 - Reconciling and Sticking With the Lifelong Journey
17:50 - The Evolution of the Always Tagline
19:11 - What Do People Need to Flourish?
21:15 - Building Apartments for Women and Children
22:25 - Facing Crowding and Overdose Surges During COVID
23:48 - Developing Alumni Into Tomorrow's Leaders
25:58 - The Challenge of Cleaning Up Cities Through Trespassing
27:11 - Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, and Staff Sustainability
29:04 - How to Tour and Support the Mission

#HomelessnessSolutions #AddictionRecovery #SystemicFailure #MentalHealthMatters #LivingOnIncline


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19471918 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 4029 1 24 full false #023 How to Fix a Broken Prison System | Kurtis Taylor & Lateisha Thrash #023 How to Fix a Broken Prison System | Kurtis Taylor & Lateisha Thrash Why is life after prison so incredibly difficult, and why do 83% of formerly incarcerated individuals end up back in the system? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the raw realities of prison reentry, recidivism statistics, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life from scratch.

We are joined by executive leaders Kurtis Taylor and Lateisha Thrash, who share their deeply personal stories of transformation, faith, and humility. From overcoming the stigma of incarceration to fighting for systemic criminal justice reform, this conversation exposes the flaws in the current system and highlights the "organic reentry" models that are dropping recidivism rates to 10% or less.

If you want to understand the true meaning of redemption, surrender, and what it takes to change prison culture, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.


TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction: The Reality of Reentry
02:15 - The Staggering Statistics on Recidivism
05:40 - Kurtis Taylor’s Story: From Incarceration to Executive Leadership
11:10 - Lateisha Thrash on "Organic Reentry" & Breaking the Stigma
17:45 - "When You Make It Hard to Do What’s Right"
24:30 - How the Bob Barker Foundation Grantees Achieved a 10% Recidivism Rate
31:15 - The Power of Faith, Humility, and Surrender in Recovery
38:00 - Changing Prison Culture from the Inside Out
44:25 - How You Can Support Reentry Programs & Justice Reform
52:10 - Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

---

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED

Learn More About the Bob Barker Foundation: Discover how Kurtis Taylor and his team work nationwide to reduce recidivism, eliminate reentry stigma, and support justice-impacted individuals.
👉 [https://www.bobbarkerfoundation.org](https://www.bobbarkerfoundation.org)

Explore NC Department of Adult Correction (DAC) Reentry Services: Learn about North Carolina's Reentry 2030 initiative, Local Reentry Councils (LRC), and community support partnerships led by Director Lateisha Thrash.
👉 [https://www.dac.nc.gov/divisions-and-sections/rehabilitation-and-reentry/transition-services](https://www.dac.nc.gov/divisions-and-sections/rehabilitation-and-reentry/transition-services)

Host or Join a Reentry Simulation: Walk in the shoes of someone returning home from incarceration to truly understand the systemic barriers they face. For information on NCDAC-sponsored simulations, contact Director Lateisha Thrash at Lateisha.Thrash@dac.nc.gov.
👉 [https://www.dac.nc.gov/divisions-and-sections/rehabilitation-and-reentry/upcoming-reentry-simulations](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dac.nc.gov%2Fdivisions-and-sections%2Frehabilitation-and-reentry%2Fupcoming-reentry-simulations)

Discover Recovery Alive: Find out more about the faith-based recovery program and campus partnerships mentioned by Lateisha Thrash that provide holistic care and long-term reentry housing.
👉 [https://www.recoveryalive.com](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recoveryalive.com)

Listen to More Episodes of Living on Incline: Check out the full catalog of powerful stories dedicated to personal growth, healing, and moving through life's toughest obstacles.
👉 [https://www.livingonincline.com](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingonincline.com)



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#PrisonReentry #Recidivism #CriminalJusticeReform #RedemptionStory #PrisonReform #InspirationalStories #FaithAndRecovery

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Why is life after prison so incredibly difficult, and why do 83% of formerly incarcerated individuals end up back in the system? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the raw realities of prison reentry, recidivism statistics, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life from scratch.

We are joined by executive leaders Kurtis Taylor and Lateisha Thrash, who share their deeply personal stories of transformation, faith, and humility. From overcoming the stigma of incarceration to fighting for systemic criminal justice reform, this conversation exposes the flaws in the current system and highlights the "organic reentry" models that are dropping recidivism rates to 10% or less.

If you want to understand the true meaning of redemption, surrender, and what it takes to change prison culture, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.


TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction: The Reality of Reentry
02:15 - The Staggering Statistics on Recidivism
05:40 - Kurtis Taylor’s Story: From Incarceration to Executive Leadership
11:10 - Lateisha Thrash on "Organic Reentry" & Breaking the Stigma
17:45 - "When You Make It Hard to Do What’s Right"
24:30 - How the Bob Barker Foundation Grantees Achieved a 10% Recidivism Rate
31:15 - The Power of Faith, Humility, and Surrender in Recovery
38:00 - Changing Prison Culture from the Inside Out
44:25 - How You Can Support Reentry Programs & Justice Reform
52:10 - Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

---

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED

Learn More About the Bob Barker Foundation: Discover how Kurtis Taylor and his team work nationwide to reduce recidivism, eliminate reentry stigma, and support justice-impacted individuals.
👉 [https://www.bobbarkerfoundation.org](https://www.bobbarkerfoundation.org)

Explore NC Department of Adult Correction (DAC) Reentry Services: Learn about North Carolina's Reentry 2030 initiative, Local Reentry Councils (LRC), and community support partnerships led by Director Lateisha Thrash.
👉 [https://www.dac.nc.gov/divisions-and-sections/rehabilitation-and-reentry/transition-services](https://www.dac.nc.gov/divisions-and-sections/rehabilitation-and-reentry/transition-services)

Host or Join a Reentry Simulation: Walk in the shoes of someone returning home from incarceration to truly understand the systemic barriers they face. For information on NCDAC-sponsored simulations, contact Director Lateisha Thrash at Lateisha.Thrash@dac.nc.gov.
👉 [https://www.dac.nc.gov/divisions-and-sections/rehabilitation-and-reentry/upcoming-reentry-simulations](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dac.nc.gov%2Fdivisions-and-sections%2Frehabilitation-and-reentry%2Fupcoming-reentry-simulations)

Discover Recovery Alive: Find out more about the faith-based recovery program and campus partnerships mentioned by Lateisha Thrash that provide holistic care and long-term reentry housing.
👉 [https://www.recoveryalive.com](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.recoveryalive.com)

Listen to More Episodes of Living on Incline: Check out the full catalog of powerful stories dedicated to personal growth, healing, and moving through life's toughest obstacles.
👉 [https://www.livingonincline.com](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingonincline.com)



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#PrisonReentry #Recidivism #CriminalJusticeReform #RedemptionStory #PrisonReform #InspirationalStories #FaithAndRecovery

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19385872 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 4902 full false #022 Betrayed at 14, Gangs, and Turning Total Devastation Into a Mission | Kelley Jean Blas #022 Betrayed at 14, Gangs, and Turning Total Devastation Into a Mission | Kelley Jean Blas At just 14 years old, Kelley Jean Blas faced ultimate betrayal, ran away to join a gang, and survived being left for dead. In this raw episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Kelley to discuss her powerful story of overcoming severe childhood trauma, fighting addiction, navigating profound grief, and turning total devastation into a front-line rescue mission.

If you are looking for an inspiring story of hope, resilience, and finding purpose in the pain, Kelley’s testimony of faith and survival is an absolute must-watch. 

Decades after overcoming a methamphetamine addiction and surviving the streets, Kelley experienced the unthinkable heartbreak of losing a child. Instead of letting the grief break her, she chose to push upward, choosing to live on an incline. Today, she is the founder of JoCo Angels—a powerful non-profit organization dedicated to fighting the front lines of the overdose crisis, supporting grieving families, and raising critical awareness about the modern drug epidemic. 

In this unfiltered conversation, John and Kelley also sound the alarm on the hidden threat of synthetic drugs, fentanyl poisoning, and the terrifying rise of highly addictive, over-the-counter opioid derivatives like kratom extracts being legally sold to minors in everyday vape shops and gas stations. 

This interview is a masterclass in mental health recovery, trauma healing, and finding a spiritual anchor after absolute devastation. 



#LivingOnIncline #KelleyJeanBlas #OvercomingTrauma #AddictionRecovery #GriefAndLoss #FentanylAwareness #KratomCrisis #FaithAndHealing #InspirationalStories #PodcastInterview

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> At just 14 years old, Kelley Jean Blas faced ultimate betrayal, ran away to join a gang, and survived being left for dead. In this raw episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Kelley to discuss her powerful story of overcoming severe childhood trauma, fighting addiction, navigating profound grief, and turning total devastation into a front-line rescue mission.

If you are looking for an inspiring story of hope, resilience, and finding purpose in the pain, Kelley’s testimony of faith and survival is an absolute must-watch. 

Decades after overcoming a methamphetamine addiction and surviving the streets, Kelley experienced the unthinkable heartbreak of losing a child. Instead of letting the grief break her, she chose to push upward, choosing to live on an incline. Today, she is the founder of JoCo Angels—a powerful non-profit organization dedicated to fighting the front lines of the overdose crisis, supporting grieving families, and raising critical awareness about the modern drug epidemic. 

In this unfiltered conversation, John and Kelley also sound the alarm on the hidden threat of synthetic drugs, fentanyl poisoning, and the terrifying rise of highly addictive, over-the-counter opioid derivatives like kratom extracts being legally sold to minors in everyday vape shops and gas stations. 

This interview is a masterclass in mental health recovery, trauma healing, and finding a spiritual anchor after absolute devastation. 



#LivingOnIncline #KelleyJeanBlas #OvercomingTrauma #AddictionRecovery #GriefAndLoss #FentanylAwareness #KratomCrisis #FaithAndHealing #InspirationalStories #PodcastInterview

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19338208 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400 5485 1 22 full false #021 Navigating Burnout, Social Media Diagnoses, and the Struggle to Ask for Help #021 Navigating Burnout, Social Media Diagnoses, and the Struggle to Ask for Help This  episode of Living On Incline featuring Dr. Mercy Conners, Senior Director at the American Association of Christian Counselors. In this raw, behind-the-scenes look at the mental health field, we strip away the clinical perfection to talk about the heavy psychological toll of therapy, the danger of TikTok diagnoses, and the painful reality of carrying client trauma home to your family. 


Watch the full conversation to hear Dr. Conners share her journey from high-stakes adolescent locked units to navigating a deeply personal, real-time family medical crisis that forced her to face her own greatest challenge: learning how to ask for help.



NOTABLE TRAILER QUOTES:

* "I take him into the room, I sit down in front of him and he's on a bean bag and I'm like kneeling in front of him like, 'Tell me what's going on.' And this kid is so mad and he just slaps me across the face." - Dr. Mercy Conners

* "I remember one therapy session where I actually had to cut it off and say, 'We need to stop right now.' I had to get out of the room." - John Eklund

* "I am learning that it's okay to ask for help, first of all. And second of all, that I am asking for help from the people that are trustworthy... I don't have to do everything." - Dr. Mercy Conners


LINKS & RESOURCES:

* Primary Website: [INSERT PRIMARY LINK HERE]

* American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC): Mentioned in transcript


CALL TO ACTION:

Don't miss the full, unfiltered drop of this episode. Hit that subscribe button, turn on notifications for Living On Incline, and drop a comment below letting us know your thoughts on the trailer. 



Listen and Follow Living on Incline


Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com




Sponsored by Recovery Alive


Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.


Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #TheMaskOfAHealer #DrMercyConners #ChristianCounseling #TherapistBurnout #MentalHealth #AACC #PodcastTrailer

Send us Fan Mail

]]> This  episode of Living On Incline featuring Dr. Mercy Conners, Senior Director at the American Association of Christian Counselors. In this raw, behind-the-scenes look at the mental health field, we strip away the clinical perfection to talk about the heavy psychological toll of therapy, the danger of TikTok diagnoses, and the painful reality of carrying client trauma home to your family. 


Watch the full conversation to hear Dr. Conners share her journey from high-stakes adolescent locked units to navigating a deeply personal, real-time family medical crisis that forced her to face her own greatest challenge: learning how to ask for help.



NOTABLE TRAILER QUOTES:

* "I take him into the room, I sit down in front of him and he's on a bean bag and I'm like kneeling in front of him like, 'Tell me what's going on.' And this kid is so mad and he just slaps me across the face." - Dr. Mercy Conners

* "I remember one therapy session where I actually had to cut it off and say, 'We need to stop right now.' I had to get out of the room." - John Eklund

* "I am learning that it's okay to ask for help, first of all. And second of all, that I am asking for help from the people that are trustworthy... I don't have to do everything." - Dr. Mercy Conners


LINKS & RESOURCES:

* Primary Website: [INSERT PRIMARY LINK HERE]

* American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC): Mentioned in transcript


CALL TO ACTION:

Don't miss the full, unfiltered drop of this episode. Hit that subscribe button, turn on notifications for Living On Incline, and drop a comment below letting us know your thoughts on the trailer. 



Listen and Follow Living on Incline


Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com




Sponsored by Recovery Alive


Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.


Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #TheMaskOfAHealer #DrMercyConners #ChristianCounseling #TherapistBurnout #MentalHealth #AACC #PodcastTrailer

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19290876 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400 5008 1 21 full false #020 Why I Couldn't Face This for 10 Years | Lauren Sisler | PART 2 #020 Why I Couldn't Face This for 10 Years | Lauren Sisler | PART 2 PART 2

Emmy winning sports reporter Lauren Sisler joins John Eklund on Living on Incline to share the story she hid for a decade. After losing both of her parents to addiction during her freshman year of college, Lauren lived a double life, balancing a high profile career at ESPN and the SEC Network while keeping her family tragedy a secret.

In this deep and moving conversation, Lauren discusses the "sugar coated story" she told herself to survive and why she eventually decided to look at the toxicology reports she feared for years. She explores the power of labels, the reality of addiction in "good families," and how she found freedom by falling in love with her broken story. Her new book, Shatterproof, serves as a guide for others to turn the page and write their own next chapter.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:00:00] Welcome to Living on Incline with host John Eklund
[01:00:40] The "Fancy Pants" podcast joke and redecorating the backdrop
[01:03:15] Lauren's career: Reporter, producer, and the best entrances in college football
[01:08:45] The Secret: "10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate"
[01:14:20] The police report and the "three typed up paragraphs" that changed everything
[01:21:10] Living in denial: "The sugar coated story" created for sanity
[01:30:45] Breaking the labels: Why society’s definition of an addict is wrong
[01:45:30] The fear of the truth vs. the freedom of acceptance
[02:05:00] Writing the book: Shatterproof
[02:25:15] "To be able to look at my story as something beautiful"
[02:46:13] Final words: "Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter"

NOTABLE QUOTES
"10 years. 10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate and the toxicology reports. I was fearful of what was going to be there."
"I was fearful that now I would have to accept it as truth instead of running with my own little sugar-coated story, which I did for many, many, many, many years."
"My parents were addicts and that they died of overdose because now suddenly they're wearing a label that society has created for them."
"I could not let my parents wear the label because society tells us what addicts are and who they are and who they define."
"As I fall in love with my story, there are things that I don't love about my story, things that I'd rather just light it on fire and throw it away."
"To be able to look at my story as something beautiful, even through all the broken pieces, I have found so much freedom."
"Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter, and that's what it's all about."


LINKS & RESOURCES
Shatterproof (Book by Lauren Sisler): https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Overcame-Shame-Losing-Parents/dp/1962802078
Official Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LaurenSisler
X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/LaurenSisler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenSisler
Shatterproof Bracelet Collection: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-bracelets
Living on Incline: https://livingonincline.com/

DONATION / SUPPORT
Not mentioned in transcript.

CALL TO ACTION
Please hit the subscribe button and like and all that good stuff, share it. Living on Incline is about stories that embody courage and grace. Help us grow the community by engaging with this episode.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#LivingOnIncline #LaurenSisler #Shatterproof #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #GriefHealing #Resilience #ESPN #SECNetwork #Podcast #HealingJourney #Truth #MentalHealth

Send us Fan Mail

]]> PART 2

Emmy winning sports reporter Lauren Sisler joins John Eklund on Living on Incline to share the story she hid for a decade. After losing both of her parents to addiction during her freshman year of college, Lauren lived a double life, balancing a high profile career at ESPN and the SEC Network while keeping her family tragedy a secret.

In this deep and moving conversation, Lauren discusses the "sugar coated story" she told herself to survive and why she eventually decided to look at the toxicology reports she feared for years. She explores the power of labels, the reality of addiction in "good families," and how she found freedom by falling in love with her broken story. Her new book, Shatterproof, serves as a guide for others to turn the page and write their own next chapter.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:00:00] Welcome to Living on Incline with host John Eklund
[01:00:40] The "Fancy Pants" podcast joke and redecorating the backdrop
[01:03:15] Lauren's career: Reporter, producer, and the best entrances in college football
[01:08:45] The Secret: "10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate"
[01:14:20] The police report and the "three typed up paragraphs" that changed everything
[01:21:10] Living in denial: "The sugar coated story" created for sanity
[01:30:45] Breaking the labels: Why society’s definition of an addict is wrong
[01:45:30] The fear of the truth vs. the freedom of acceptance
[02:05:00] Writing the book: Shatterproof
[02:25:15] "To be able to look at my story as something beautiful"
[02:46:13] Final words: "Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter"

NOTABLE QUOTES
"10 years. 10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate and the toxicology reports. I was fearful of what was going to be there."
"I was fearful that now I would have to accept it as truth instead of running with my own little sugar-coated story, which I did for many, many, many, many years."
"My parents were addicts and that they died of overdose because now suddenly they're wearing a label that society has created for them."
"I could not let my parents wear the label because society tells us what addicts are and who they are and who they define."
"As I fall in love with my story, there are things that I don't love about my story, things that I'd rather just light it on fire and throw it away."
"To be able to look at my story as something beautiful, even through all the broken pieces, I have found so much freedom."
"Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter, and that's what it's all about."


LINKS & RESOURCES
Shatterproof (Book by Lauren Sisler): https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Overcame-Shame-Losing-Parents/dp/1962802078
Official Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LaurenSisler
X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/LaurenSisler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenSisler
Shatterproof Bracelet Collection: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-bracelets
Living on Incline: https://livingonincline.com/

DONATION / SUPPORT
Not mentioned in transcript.

CALL TO ACTION
Please hit the subscribe button and like and all that good stuff, share it. Living on Incline is about stories that embody courage and grace. Help us grow the community by engaging with this episode.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#LivingOnIncline #LaurenSisler #Shatterproof #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #GriefHealing #Resilience #ESPN #SECNetwork #Podcast #HealingJourney #Truth #MentalHealth

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19203332 Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3335 20 full false #020 Why I Couldn't Face This for 10 Years | Lauren Sisler | PART 1 #020 Why I Couldn't Face This for 10 Years | Lauren Sisler | PART 1 Emmy winning sports reporter Lauren Sisler joins John Eklund on Living on Incline to share the story she hid for a decade. After losing both of her parents to addiction during her freshman year of college, Lauren lived a double life, balancing a high profile career at ESPN and the SEC Network while keeping her family tragedy a secret.

In this deep and moving conversation, Lauren discusses the "sugar coated story" she told herself to survive and why she eventually decided to look at the toxicology reports she feared for years. She explores the power of labels, the reality of addiction in "good families," and how she found freedom by falling in love with her broken story. Her new book, Shatterproof, serves as a guide for others to turn the page and write their own next chapter.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:00:00] Welcome to Living on Incline with host John Eklund
[01:00:40] The "Fancy Pants" podcast joke and redecorating the backdrop
[01:03:15] Lauren's career: Reporter, producer, and the best entrances in college football
[01:08:45] The Secret: "10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate"
[01:14:20] The police report and the "three typed up paragraphs" that changed everything
[01:21:10] Living in denial: "The sugar coated story" created for sanity
[01:30:45] Breaking the labels: Why society’s definition of an addict is wrong
[01:45:30] The fear of the truth vs. the freedom of acceptance
[02:05:00] Writing the book: Shatterproof
[02:25:15] "To be able to look at my story as something beautiful"
[02:46:13] Final words: "Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter"



LINKS & RESOURCES
Shatterproof (Book by Lauren Sisler): https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Overcame-Shame-Losing-Parents/dp/1962802078
Official Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LaurenSisler
X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/LaurenSisler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenSisler
Shatterproof Bracelet Collection: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-bracelets
Living on Incline: https://livingonincline.com/

DONATION / SUPPORT
Not mentioned in transcript.

CALL TO ACTION
Please hit the subscribe button and like and all that good stuff, share it. Living on Incline is about stories that embody courage and grace. Help us grow the community by engaging with this episode.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#LivingOnIncline #LaurenSisler #Shatterproof #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #GriefHealing #Resilience #ESPN #SECNetwork #Podcast #HealingJourney #Truth #MentalHealth

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Emmy winning sports reporter Lauren Sisler joins John Eklund on Living on Incline to share the story she hid for a decade. After losing both of her parents to addiction during her freshman year of college, Lauren lived a double life, balancing a high profile career at ESPN and the SEC Network while keeping her family tragedy a secret.

In this deep and moving conversation, Lauren discusses the "sugar coated story" she told herself to survive and why she eventually decided to look at the toxicology reports she feared for years. She explores the power of labels, the reality of addiction in "good families," and how she found freedom by falling in love with her broken story. Her new book, Shatterproof, serves as a guide for others to turn the page and write their own next chapter.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:00:00] Welcome to Living on Incline with host John Eklund
[01:00:40] The "Fancy Pants" podcast joke and redecorating the backdrop
[01:03:15] Lauren's career: Reporter, producer, and the best entrances in college football
[01:08:45] The Secret: "10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate"
[01:14:20] The police report and the "three typed up paragraphs" that changed everything
[01:21:10] Living in denial: "The sugar coated story" created for sanity
[01:30:45] Breaking the labels: Why society’s definition of an addict is wrong
[01:45:30] The fear of the truth vs. the freedom of acceptance
[02:05:00] Writing the book: Shatterproof
[02:25:15] "To be able to look at my story as something beautiful"
[02:46:13] Final words: "Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter"



LINKS & RESOURCES
Shatterproof (Book by Lauren Sisler): https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Overcame-Shame-Losing-Parents/dp/1962802078
Official Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LaurenSisler
X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/LaurenSisler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenSisler
Shatterproof Bracelet Collection: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-bracelets
Living on Incline: https://livingonincline.com/

DONATION / SUPPORT
Not mentioned in transcript.

CALL TO ACTION
Please hit the subscribe button and like and all that good stuff, share it. Living on Incline is about stories that embody courage and grace. Help us grow the community by engaging with this episode.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#LivingOnIncline #LaurenSisler #Shatterproof #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #GriefHealing #Resilience #ESPN #SECNetwork #Podcast #HealingJourney #Truth #MentalHealth

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19170910 Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3892 1 20 full false #019 32 Years of Marriage and Recovery: The Boozer Story #019 32 Years of Marriage and Recovery: The Boozer Story "We're constantly in process and you all have the courage to be able to share that with us."
"I just did one taste and it led to... I just felt like I was going to lose my mind."

In this episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Leslie and Tracy Boozer, leaders of the Recovery Alive ministry in Deatsville, Alabama. They share their powerful journey of 32 years of marriage, the challenges of military family life, and the raw reality of addiction and recovery.

The Boozers open up about a season of deep struggle where the pressures of work and ministry led to a relapse. They discuss the importance of honesty, the support of leadership, and why recovery is a constant process rather than a final destination.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:00:01] Welcome to Slap Out Alabama
[01:01:11] Starting Recovery Alive in Deatsville
[01:01:39] 32 Years of Marriage: "Marriage is hard"
[01:02:49] Military Life: Growing up in Germany
[01:06:13] Fixing clocks and repairing a relationship with Dad
[01:07:55] First taste of alcohol at 15
[01:09:54] Tracy's story: Growing up in Alabama
[01:11:00] Losing a father at age 4
[01:17:02] How Leslie and Tracy met
[01:18:13] Surviving an abusive first marriage
[01:28:43] Transitioning from partying to "Adulting"
[01:39:26] The ultimatum: "I'm gone"
[01:50:28] The Relapse: 12-hour night shifts and no sleep
[01:51:07] Crying out to God on the side of the road
[01:53:01] Facing the leadership: "He said, Okay, so you get back up"
[02:08:15] Living in the process: Beyond rainbows and unicorns

NOTABLE QUOTES
- "We're constantly in process and you all have the courage to be able to share that with us."
- "Marriage is hard, isn't it? Marriage is kind of tough."
- "I just did one taste and it led to... Actually I had to went to Shane after that and then shared with him that what had happened."
- "I thought, He's going to shut it down. He's going to shut down the recovery ministry."
- "I just pulled off side of the road and just was crying out to God. I said, I just can't do this."
- "I got sober and the world's been just, you know, rainbows and unicorns ever since then. And uh, and, and, and that's not how it works."


CALL TO ACTION
Subscribe to Living on Incline for more stories of radical recovery and transformation. Like this video if the Boozer's story inspired you and leave a comment below about your own recovery journey.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#RecoveryAlive #LivingOnIncline #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Marriage #Relapse #SlapOutAlabama #ChristianRecovery #Healing #Testimony #Deetsville #RecoveryJourney

Send us Fan Mail

]]> "We're constantly in process and you all have the courage to be able to share that with us."
"I just did one taste and it led to... I just felt like I was going to lose my mind."

In this episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Leslie and Tracy Boozer, leaders of the Recovery Alive ministry in Deatsville, Alabama. They share their powerful journey of 32 years of marriage, the challenges of military family life, and the raw reality of addiction and recovery.

The Boozers open up about a season of deep struggle where the pressures of work and ministry led to a relapse. They discuss the importance of honesty, the support of leadership, and why recovery is a constant process rather than a final destination.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:00:01] Welcome to Slap Out Alabama
[01:01:11] Starting Recovery Alive in Deatsville
[01:01:39] 32 Years of Marriage: "Marriage is hard"
[01:02:49] Military Life: Growing up in Germany
[01:06:13] Fixing clocks and repairing a relationship with Dad
[01:07:55] First taste of alcohol at 15
[01:09:54] Tracy's story: Growing up in Alabama
[01:11:00] Losing a father at age 4
[01:17:02] How Leslie and Tracy met
[01:18:13] Surviving an abusive first marriage
[01:28:43] Transitioning from partying to "Adulting"
[01:39:26] The ultimatum: "I'm gone"
[01:50:28] The Relapse: 12-hour night shifts and no sleep
[01:51:07] Crying out to God on the side of the road
[01:53:01] Facing the leadership: "He said, Okay, so you get back up"
[02:08:15] Living in the process: Beyond rainbows and unicorns

NOTABLE QUOTES
- "We're constantly in process and you all have the courage to be able to share that with us."
- "Marriage is hard, isn't it? Marriage is kind of tough."
- "I just did one taste and it led to... Actually I had to went to Shane after that and then shared with him that what had happened."
- "I thought, He's going to shut it down. He's going to shut down the recovery ministry."
- "I just pulled off side of the road and just was crying out to God. I said, I just can't do this."
- "I got sober and the world's been just, you know, rainbows and unicorns ever since then. And uh, and, and, and that's not how it works."


CALL TO ACTION
Subscribe to Living on Incline for more stories of radical recovery and transformation. Like this video if the Boozer's story inspired you and leave a comment below about your own recovery journey.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#RecoveryAlive #LivingOnIncline #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Marriage #Relapse #SlapOutAlabama #ChristianRecovery #Healing #Testimony #Deetsville #RecoveryJourney

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19084402 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400 4540 1 19 full false #018 The 70% Success Rate: A New Blueprint for Teen Sobriety | Leah Wright #018 The 70% Success Rate: A New Blueprint for Teen Sobriety | Leah Wright In this powerful episode of Living On Incline, Leah Wright, founder of Wake Monarch Academy, shares her harrowing journey through her son’s addiction to heroin. From the devastating moment of seeing her child in handcuffs to the infuriating battle with insurance companies that claimed his addiction was not bad enough, Leah’s story is a testament to a mother’s relentless love and the power of surrender.

Leah explains the staggering statistics of teen relapse and why traditional high schools often set students up for failure. Now, as the founder of the first recovery high school in the Triangle, she is providing a lifeline for families trapped in the cycle of substance abuse.

In this episode, we discuss:
- The Golden Hour of recovery and why it matters.
- The shocking 70% relapse rate for teens returning to traditional schools.
- Leah’s Surrender moment that changed everything.
- How Wake Monarch Academy is creating a 70% success rate for students in recovery.

Support Wake Monarch Academy:
Visit wakemonarchacademy.org to donate or learn more about their mission.

Subscribe for more stories of resilience and recovery.

Timestamps

0:00 – The Hook: My child in handcuffs
2:15 – Meet Leah Wright: From 30 years in the classroom to recovery advocate
12:40 – The Insurance Battle: His addiction is not bad enough
24:15 – The Master of Manipulation: Understanding the addict's mind
38:50 – The 70% Relapse Statistic: Why traditional schools are failing teens
52:10 – The Vision: Starting the first recovery high school in the Triangle
1:10:35 – The Surrender: A life-changing moment in a Food Lion parking lot
1:35:20 – How Wake Monarch Academy saves lives
1:58:00 – Final Words: Turning passion into service


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#AddictionRecovery #TeenSobriety #RecoveryHighSchool #OpioidAwareness #WakeMonarchAcademy #LivingOnIncline #Parenting #MentalHealthMatters #SobrietySuccess

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this powerful episode of Living On Incline, Leah Wright, founder of Wake Monarch Academy, shares her harrowing journey through her son’s addiction to heroin. From the devastating moment of seeing her child in handcuffs to the infuriating battle with insurance companies that claimed his addiction was not bad enough, Leah’s story is a testament to a mother’s relentless love and the power of surrender.

Leah explains the staggering statistics of teen relapse and why traditional high schools often set students up for failure. Now, as the founder of the first recovery high school in the Triangle, she is providing a lifeline for families trapped in the cycle of substance abuse.

In this episode, we discuss:
- The Golden Hour of recovery and why it matters.
- The shocking 70% relapse rate for teens returning to traditional schools.
- Leah’s Surrender moment that changed everything.
- How Wake Monarch Academy is creating a 70% success rate for students in recovery.

Support Wake Monarch Academy:
Visit wakemonarchacademy.org to donate or learn more about their mission.

Subscribe for more stories of resilience and recovery.

Timestamps

0:00 – The Hook: My child in handcuffs
2:15 – Meet Leah Wright: From 30 years in the classroom to recovery advocate
12:40 – The Insurance Battle: His addiction is not bad enough
24:15 – The Master of Manipulation: Understanding the addict's mind
38:50 – The 70% Relapse Statistic: Why traditional schools are failing teens
52:10 – The Vision: Starting the first recovery high school in the Triangle
1:10:35 – The Surrender: A life-changing moment in a Food Lion parking lot
1:35:20 – How Wake Monarch Academy saves lives
1:58:00 – Final Words: Turning passion into service


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#AddictionRecovery #TeenSobriety #RecoveryHighSchool #OpioidAwareness #WakeMonarchAcademy #LivingOnIncline #Parenting #MentalHealthMatters #SobrietySuccess

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-19009641 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3808 1 18 full false #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder In this powerful and raw episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Freida MacDonald for an unfiltered look at the devastating reality of the American opioid crisis.

Freida MacDonald spent 30 years as a high-level banking executive while raising her two sons as a single mother. They were the "Three Musketeers" - until a prescription for ADHD medication in kindergarten opened a door that could never be closed.

Freida tracks the "perfect storm" that led her son from prescription stimulants to the street, eventually resulting in his homicide. But the tragedy didn't stop there. She details the harrowing fallout of the Sackler family’s legacy and the subsequent loss of her second son, Michael, to the crushing weight of grief and the fentanyl epidemic.

This is a masterclass in resilience and a stark warning to every parent about the ADHD-to-Opioid pipeline and the predatory nature of Big Pharma.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro: Meet Freida MacDonald
00:41 - Why I Wear Purple: Overdose Awareness
01:22 - The "K-N-O-W Hope" Mission
04:13 - Meeting the Three Musketeers: Steven & Michael
06:38 - Life as a Single Mom & A Career in Banking
09:36 - The ADHD Diagnosis: A Turning Point
12:02 - The Stimulant Trap: "He Wasn’t Himself"
14:26 - The Sackler Family & The Opioid Explosion
19:19 - Early Warning Signs of the Crisis
26:25 - The Struggle with Prescription Medications
33:47 - Reaching the Breaking Point
40:11 - The Homicide Detective in My Living Room 
44:10 - The Unfiltered Truth About Steven’s Death
50:04 - Launching the First Homicide Support Group
53:39 - Losing Michael: The Unbearable Weight of Grief
55:33 - One Pill Can Kill: The Fentanyl Danger
01:02:01 - Roxy, Pain, and the Descent into Addiction
01:12:29 - The Final Tragedy & The Need for Change
01:16:47 - Turning Pain into Purpose: The Path to Recovery
01:19:49 - Living on Incline: Moving Upward
01:25:17 - A Final Message of Hope & How to Support the Mission

SUPPORT FREIDA MACDONALD’S MISSION

Visit: https://knowhopenc.com/
K-N-O-W Hope.

ABOUT LIVING ON INCLINE

Hosted by John Eklund, we bring you the most powerful, unfiltered stories of individuals who have climbed life's steepest hills and refused to stop. This is a journey through recovery, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.

Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell icon to be notified of every new episode.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #JohnEklund #OpioidEpidemic #ADHD #BigPharma #TrueCrime #AddictionRecovery #Grief #OverdoseAwareness #FentanylCrisis #Resilience #SacklerFamily #Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this powerful and raw episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Freida MacDonald for an unfiltered look at the devastating reality of the American opioid crisis.

Freida MacDonald spent 30 years as a high-level banking executive while raising her two sons as a single mother. They were the "Three Musketeers" - until a prescription for ADHD medication in kindergarten opened a door that could never be closed.

Freida tracks the "perfect storm" that led her son from prescription stimulants to the street, eventually resulting in his homicide. But the tragedy didn't stop there. She details the harrowing fallout of the Sackler family’s legacy and the subsequent loss of her second son, Michael, to the crushing weight of grief and the fentanyl epidemic.

This is a masterclass in resilience and a stark warning to every parent about the ADHD-to-Opioid pipeline and the predatory nature of Big Pharma.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro: Meet Freida MacDonald
00:41 - Why I Wear Purple: Overdose Awareness
01:22 - The "K-N-O-W Hope" Mission
04:13 - Meeting the Three Musketeers: Steven & Michael
06:38 - Life as a Single Mom & A Career in Banking
09:36 - The ADHD Diagnosis: A Turning Point
12:02 - The Stimulant Trap: "He Wasn’t Himself"
14:26 - The Sackler Family & The Opioid Explosion
19:19 - Early Warning Signs of the Crisis
26:25 - The Struggle with Prescription Medications
33:47 - Reaching the Breaking Point
40:11 - The Homicide Detective in My Living Room 
44:10 - The Unfiltered Truth About Steven’s Death
50:04 - Launching the First Homicide Support Group
53:39 - Losing Michael: The Unbearable Weight of Grief
55:33 - One Pill Can Kill: The Fentanyl Danger
01:02:01 - Roxy, Pain, and the Descent into Addiction
01:12:29 - The Final Tragedy & The Need for Change
01:16:47 - Turning Pain into Purpose: The Path to Recovery
01:19:49 - Living on Incline: Moving Upward
01:25:17 - A Final Message of Hope & How to Support the Mission

SUPPORT FREIDA MACDONALD’S MISSION

Visit: https://knowhopenc.com/
K-N-O-W Hope.

ABOUT LIVING ON INCLINE

Hosted by John Eklund, we bring you the most powerful, unfiltered stories of individuals who have climbed life's steepest hills and refused to stop. This is a journey through recovery, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.

Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell icon to be notified of every new episode.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #JohnEklund #OpioidEpidemic #ADHD #BigPharma #TrueCrime #AddictionRecovery #Grief #OverdoseAwareness #FentanylCrisis #Resilience #SacklerFamily #Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18945622 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400 5385 1 17 full false #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting In this episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Pastor Daryl Clark for a raw conversation about church leadership, burnout, recovery, mental health, race, culture, and what it really means for the church to be the church. Daryl opens up about 25 years of ministry, the pressure pastors carry, why preaching is only a small part of the job, and how loving people has to matter more than image, ego, or performance.


TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Intro and Daryl Clark’s 25 years of pastoral ministry
[00:01:10] Leadership development, discipleship, and Dallas Theological Seminary
[00:02:36] Why seminary often misses counseling and mental health
[00:04:10] "Preaching is the smallest part of what I do"
[00:04:35] Building teams, delegation, and not being intimidated by gifted people
[00:06:42] Pressure, insecurity, and the mental health side of pastoral leadership
[00:07:04] Why pastors need Sabbath and sabbaticals
[00:08:26] Daryl’s mission trip to India and being detained
[00:10:59] The state of the church in America right now
[00:11:57] Why politics and nationalism are "killing our witness"
[00:14:17] Eric Mason clip and the conversation around the black church
[00:16:09] "I think he's speaking a language that I'm not allowed to express"
[00:17:14] Gentrification, church culture, and reaching the actual community
[00:19:06] Lead pastor vs senior pastor and changing authoritarian church culture
[00:21:23] "Just preach the gospel" and the conversation around social justice
[00:24:19] George Floyd, silence from the church, and what the gospel should produce
[00:26:36] Why the church expects government to do what the church should be doing
[00:28:14] Mental health, addiction, and the church’s lack of preparation
[00:28:45] "Our inaction weakens our witness"
[00:29:15] Acts, language, and why the Holy Spirit should make the church attractive
[00:30:45] Daryl’s healing journey, anxiety, vulnerability, and depression
[00:31:39] Letting go of performance mode
[00:33:25] Toxic church environments and unresolved trauma
[00:35:34] "You need some therapy to get over this"
[00:36:14] Why therapy is still stigmatized in black church culture
[00:37:50] "You can't do this by yourself"
[00:38:17] Why recovery programs fail if pastors have not done recovery work
[00:39:11] Recovery Alive, church resistance, and leading two churches at once
[00:40:46] The 12 steps sermon series and backlash from church members
[00:42:11] Reaching the unwed mother, the ex-con, and the overlooked
[00:43:07] "All are welcome at the table"
[00:44:03] 1 Corinthians, the Lord’s body, and who belongs at the table
[00:45:12] Why pastors must become vulnerable so others can heal
[00:46:06] Forgiveness, grace, and Daryl’s personal inventory
[00:47:22] Fatherhood, sons, and breaking unhealthy cycles
[00:50:56] The impact of Daryl’s father and how culture changes over time
[00:52:20] "I don't wanna do this anymore" and the truth about pastoral burnout
[00:53:40] Sabbatical, growth, and why Daryl is still pushing forward
[00:54:46] Doctoral work at Gordon Conwell and final encouragement
[00:55:28] Outro


Listen and Follow Living on Incline
Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com


Sponsored by Recovery Alive
Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Pastor Daryl Clark for a raw conversation about church leadership, burnout, recovery, mental health, race, culture, and what it really means for the church to be the church. Daryl opens up about 25 years of ministry, the pressure pastors carry, why preaching is only a small part of the job, and how loving people has to matter more than image, ego, or performance.


TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Intro and Daryl Clark’s 25 years of pastoral ministry
[00:01:10] Leadership development, discipleship, and Dallas Theological Seminary
[00:02:36] Why seminary often misses counseling and mental health
[00:04:10] "Preaching is the smallest part of what I do"
[00:04:35] Building teams, delegation, and not being intimidated by gifted people
[00:06:42] Pressure, insecurity, and the mental health side of pastoral leadership
[00:07:04] Why pastors need Sabbath and sabbaticals
[00:08:26] Daryl’s mission trip to India and being detained
[00:10:59] The state of the church in America right now
[00:11:57] Why politics and nationalism are "killing our witness"
[00:14:17] Eric Mason clip and the conversation around the black church
[00:16:09] "I think he's speaking a language that I'm not allowed to express"
[00:17:14] Gentrification, church culture, and reaching the actual community
[00:19:06] Lead pastor vs senior pastor and changing authoritarian church culture
[00:21:23] "Just preach the gospel" and the conversation around social justice
[00:24:19] George Floyd, silence from the church, and what the gospel should produce
[00:26:36] Why the church expects government to do what the church should be doing
[00:28:14] Mental health, addiction, and the church’s lack of preparation
[00:28:45] "Our inaction weakens our witness"
[00:29:15] Acts, language, and why the Holy Spirit should make the church attractive
[00:30:45] Daryl’s healing journey, anxiety, vulnerability, and depression
[00:31:39] Letting go of performance mode
[00:33:25] Toxic church environments and unresolved trauma
[00:35:34] "You need some therapy to get over this"
[00:36:14] Why therapy is still stigmatized in black church culture
[00:37:50] "You can't do this by yourself"
[00:38:17] Why recovery programs fail if pastors have not done recovery work
[00:39:11] Recovery Alive, church resistance, and leading two churches at once
[00:40:46] The 12 steps sermon series and backlash from church members
[00:42:11] Reaching the unwed mother, the ex-con, and the overlooked
[00:43:07] "All are welcome at the table"
[00:44:03] 1 Corinthians, the Lord’s body, and who belongs at the table
[00:45:12] Why pastors must become vulnerable so others can heal
[00:46:06] Forgiveness, grace, and Daryl’s personal inventory
[00:47:22] Fatherhood, sons, and breaking unhealthy cycles
[00:50:56] The impact of Daryl’s father and how culture changes over time
[00:52:20] "I don't wanna do this anymore" and the truth about pastoral burnout
[00:53:40] Sabbatical, growth, and why Daryl is still pushing forward
[00:54:46] Doctoral work at Gordon Conwell and final encouragement
[00:55:28] Outro


Listen and Follow Living on Incline
Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com


Sponsored by Recovery Alive
Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18863130 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400 3539 1 16 full false #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noelle Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story) #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noelle Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story) In this episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Noelle Franklin’s parents (Dylan and Toni Franklin) to share the real timeline from a “bug bite” to a childhood cancer diagnosis, and the gut-punch updates that followed, including “stage four” and confirmation it was “in both lungs.”

This conversation is for parents, families, and anyone walking through pediatric cancer, osteosarcoma, sarcoma related cancers, grief, hospice, and the reality of holding your family together when “your whole world shattered.” You will also hear why they built Noel Strong to help other families in the fight right now, and how you can support the mission.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:20:48] “he threw out the C word”
[01:21:56] “We were at Urgent Care for a bug bite.”
[01:32:20] “It can’t be in her lungs.”
[01:32:29] “it was confirmed that day that it was in both lungs.”
[01:33:21] “know it was stage four.”
[02:10:20] “She would come home on hospice”
[02:11:45] “up until she passed away… I felt like there was no hope”
[02:26:39] “turning it into a purpose with Noel Strong”
[02:27:51] “Click, click away. Click that donate button,”
[02:28:20] “We adopted eight families this Christmas”

NOTABLE QUOTES
“We were at Urgent Care for a bug bite.”
“But he threw out the C word. Right there in that office.”
“It can’t be in her lungs.”
“you’ve already been hit by a train and ran over by a train and then here comes another train.”
“Click, click away. Click that donate button,”

LINKS & RESOURCES
Noel Strong: https://noellestrong.org/
Recovery Alive: https://www.recoveryalive.com/
Living on Incline: https://www.livingonincline.com/
Instagram (Noelle Strong Foundation): https://www.instagram.com/noellestrongfoundation/

SUPPORT NOEL STRONG
https://www.facebook.com/p/Noelle-Strong-Foundation-61580095610975/
https://givebutter.com/noellestrong


SUBSCRIBE + SUPPORT
Subscribe to Living on Incline, like this episode, and share it with someone who needs hope today.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#NoelStrong #NoelleFranklin #ChildhoodCancer #PediatricCancer #Osteosarcoma #Sarcoma #Stage4Cancer #CancerSupport #GriefSupport #nonprofit

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Noelle Franklin’s parents (Dylan and Toni Franklin) to share the real timeline from a “bug bite” to a childhood cancer diagnosis, and the gut-punch updates that followed, including “stage four” and confirmation it was “in both lungs.”

This conversation is for parents, families, and anyone walking through pediatric cancer, osteosarcoma, sarcoma related cancers, grief, hospice, and the reality of holding your family together when “your whole world shattered.” You will also hear why they built Noel Strong to help other families in the fight right now, and how you can support the mission.

TIMESTAMPS
[01:20:48] “he threw out the C word”
[01:21:56] “We were at Urgent Care for a bug bite.”
[01:32:20] “It can’t be in her lungs.”
[01:32:29] “it was confirmed that day that it was in both lungs.”
[01:33:21] “know it was stage four.”
[02:10:20] “She would come home on hospice”
[02:11:45] “up until she passed away… I felt like there was no hope”
[02:26:39] “turning it into a purpose with Noel Strong”
[02:27:51] “Click, click away. Click that donate button,”
[02:28:20] “We adopted eight families this Christmas”

NOTABLE QUOTES
“We were at Urgent Care for a bug bite.”
“But he threw out the C word. Right there in that office.”
“It can’t be in her lungs.”
“you’ve already been hit by a train and ran over by a train and then here comes another train.”
“Click, click away. Click that donate button,”

LINKS & RESOURCES
Noel Strong: https://noellestrong.org/
Recovery Alive: https://www.recoveryalive.com/
Living on Incline: https://www.livingonincline.com/
Instagram (Noelle Strong Foundation): https://www.instagram.com/noellestrongfoundation/

SUPPORT NOEL STRONG
https://www.facebook.com/p/Noelle-Strong-Foundation-61580095610975/
https://givebutter.com/noellestrong


SUBSCRIBE + SUPPORT
Subscribe to Living on Incline, like this episode, and share it with someone who needs hope today.



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#NoelStrong #NoelleFranklin #ChildhoodCancer #PediatricCancer #Osteosarcoma #Sarcoma #Stage4Cancer #CancerSupport #GriefSupport #nonprofit

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18776508 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500 5817 1 15 full false #014 From Mr. North Carolina to Losing His Son | Mike Wolbert #014 From Mr. North Carolina to Losing His Son | Mike Wolbert Mike Wolbert is a law enforcement leader, former competitive bodybuilder, and devoted father whose life has been shaped by discipline, service, and deep personal loss. From winning Mr. North Carolina to mentoring troubled students and serving his community, Mike’s story is one of strength forged through suffering.

But his greatest battle was not on a stage or in uniform.
After years of addiction and recovery struggles, Mike’s son became critically ill, suffered a massive stroke, and passed away—changing Mike’s life forever. What followed is a raw, honest conversation about grief, guilt, faith, and the hope that remains even in the darkest moments.

This episode is for anyone walking through:
 • Addiction in the family
 • The loss of a child or loved one
 • Questions about faith during suffering
 • The search for purpose after tragedy

If you need hope, this story is for you.


Timestamps

[00:00] Cinematic Trailer
[01:34] Episode Introduction
[03:00] Discipline, bodybuilding, and suffering
[12:00] Military service and law enforcement calling
[25:00] Mentoring students and school violence reality
[44:00] A father’s struggle with addiction in the home
[01:10:00] Recovery attempts and difficult choices
[01:30:00] Critical illness, stroke, and loss
[01:45:00] Faith, grief, and learning to keep going
[01:59:00] Purpose after tragedy and final encouragement

⸻

Notable Quotes

“Without some suffering and discipline, you don’t get anything worthwhile.”
“I just looked him in the eye and said I won’t let you down.”
“I love these kids.”
“He did end up passing away on November 22nd last year.”
“Being Christians… that’s really what’s helped us be able to cope with the whole thing.”

⸻

About Living on Incline

Living on Incline shares real stories of recovery, faith, leadership, and transformation through honest conversations that bring hope to people in hard places.

Subscribe for new episodes featuring powerful testimonies and life-changing perspectives.

⸻

Call to Action

If this story impacted you:
 • Subscribe to the channel
 • Like this video to help others find hope
 • Share it with someone who needs encouragement today

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#addictionrecovery
#grief
#lossofachild
#faith
#christianpodcast
#recoverystory
#mentalhealth
#hope
#testimony
#livingonincline

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Mike Wolbert is a law enforcement leader, former competitive bodybuilder, and devoted father whose life has been shaped by discipline, service, and deep personal loss. From winning Mr. North Carolina to mentoring troubled students and serving his community, Mike’s story is one of strength forged through suffering.

But his greatest battle was not on a stage or in uniform.
After years of addiction and recovery struggles, Mike’s son became critically ill, suffered a massive stroke, and passed away—changing Mike’s life forever. What followed is a raw, honest conversation about grief, guilt, faith, and the hope that remains even in the darkest moments.

This episode is for anyone walking through:
 • Addiction in the family
 • The loss of a child or loved one
 • Questions about faith during suffering
 • The search for purpose after tragedy

If you need hope, this story is for you.


Timestamps

[00:00] Cinematic Trailer
[01:34] Episode Introduction
[03:00] Discipline, bodybuilding, and suffering
[12:00] Military service and law enforcement calling
[25:00] Mentoring students and school violence reality
[44:00] A father’s struggle with addiction in the home
[01:10:00] Recovery attempts and difficult choices
[01:30:00] Critical illness, stroke, and loss
[01:45:00] Faith, grief, and learning to keep going
[01:59:00] Purpose after tragedy and final encouragement

⸻

Notable Quotes

“Without some suffering and discipline, you don’t get anything worthwhile.”
“I just looked him in the eye and said I won’t let you down.”
“I love these kids.”
“He did end up passing away on November 22nd last year.”
“Being Christians… that’s really what’s helped us be able to cope with the whole thing.”

⸻

About Living on Incline

Living on Incline shares real stories of recovery, faith, leadership, and transformation through honest conversations that bring hope to people in hard places.

Subscribe for new episodes featuring powerful testimonies and life-changing perspectives.

⸻

Call to Action

If this story impacted you:
 • Subscribe to the channel
 • Like this video to help others find hope
 • Share it with someone who needs encouragement today

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

#addictionrecovery
#grief
#lossofachild
#faith
#christianpodcast
#recoverystory
#mentalhealth
#hope
#testimony
#livingonincline

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18665624 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 3800 1 14 full false #013 Preaching While in Pain: The Side of Ministry Nobody Talks About #013 Preaching While in Pain: The Side of Ministry Nobody Talks About In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Pastor Brandon Teachey, lead pastor of Overflow Church, for a raw conversation about leadership, mental health, burnout, therapy, and healing childhood wounds while serving in ministry.

Pastor Brandon opens up about the unseen pressures pastors face, the emotional toll of leadership, and why vulnerability, boundaries, and emotional discipleship are essential for long-term health. From people-pleasing and codependency to therapy, recovery, and finding self-worth rooted in God’s affirmation, this episode speaks to anyone navigating faith, leadership, or personal healing.

This is an honest conversation about preaching through pain, leading while healing, and learning the difference between ministering from a wound versus a scar.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, anxiety, codependency, church hurt, or feeling unseen, this episode is for you.

⸻

Key Topics Covered:
•The hidden mental health struggles of pastors and leaders
•Burnout, boundaries, and people-pleasing in ministry
•Codependency and childhood abandonment
•Therapy, emotional healing, and discipleship
•Recovery ministry and why the church must engage brokenness
•Leading from scars instead of wounds
•Finding identity, worth, and affirmation in God

⸻

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – The unseen pressure of ministry
01:00 – Pastor Brandon’s journey into leadership
03:00 – Church growth and leadership challenges
08:00 – People-pleasing, burnout, and expectations
14:00 – Viral sermon clip and pastors in crisis
19:00 – Preaching while hurting
24:00 – Therapy, emotional healing, and leadership
31:00 – Codependency and childhood wounds
38:00 – Boundaries, resentment, and burnout
46:00 – Recovery ministry and the role of the church
50:00 – Healing, worth, and God’s affirmation
55:00 – Final encouragement and hope

⸻

About Our Guest:

Pastor Brandon Teachey is the lead pastor of Overflow Church in North Carolina. Known for his authenticity, leadership, and heart for recovery and emotional discipleship, Brandon has spent years helping people heal spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

https://www.overflownc.com/

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Pastor Brandon Teachey, lead pastor of Overflow Church, for a raw conversation about leadership, mental health, burnout, therapy, and healing childhood wounds while serving in ministry.

Pastor Brandon opens up about the unseen pressures pastors face, the emotional toll of leadership, and why vulnerability, boundaries, and emotional discipleship are essential for long-term health. From people-pleasing and codependency to therapy, recovery, and finding self-worth rooted in God’s affirmation, this episode speaks to anyone navigating faith, leadership, or personal healing.

This is an honest conversation about preaching through pain, leading while healing, and learning the difference between ministering from a wound versus a scar.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, anxiety, codependency, church hurt, or feeling unseen, this episode is for you.

⸻

Key Topics Covered:
•The hidden mental health struggles of pastors and leaders
•Burnout, boundaries, and people-pleasing in ministry
•Codependency and childhood abandonment
•Therapy, emotional healing, and discipleship
•Recovery ministry and why the church must engage brokenness
•Leading from scars instead of wounds
•Finding identity, worth, and affirmation in God

⸻

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – The unseen pressure of ministry
01:00 – Pastor Brandon’s journey into leadership
03:00 – Church growth and leadership challenges
08:00 – People-pleasing, burnout, and expectations
14:00 – Viral sermon clip and pastors in crisis
19:00 – Preaching while hurting
24:00 – Therapy, emotional healing, and leadership
31:00 – Codependency and childhood wounds
38:00 – Boundaries, resentment, and burnout
46:00 – Recovery ministry and the role of the church
50:00 – Healing, worth, and God’s affirmation
55:00 – Final encouragement and hope

⸻

About Our Guest:

Pastor Brandon Teachey is the lead pastor of Overflow Church in North Carolina. Known for his authenticity, leadership, and heart for recovery and emotional discipleship, Brandon has spent years helping people heal spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

https://www.overflownc.com/

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18611627 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 3423 1 13 full false #012 An Extraordinary Journey: From Egyptian Orphan to Compassionate Pastor | Living on Incline #012 An Extraordinary Journey: From Egyptian Orphan to Compassionate Pastor | Living on Incline An Extraordinary Journey: From Egyptian Orphan to Compassionate Pastor | Living on Incline

In this inspiring episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund welcomes Pastor Abraham Michael. Abraham shares his remarkable life story, growing up in poverty in Egypt, facing traumatic experiences, and finding solace in faith. From being placed in an orphanage at a young age to encountering various life-threatening situations, Abraham's journey demonstrates the power of faith and resilience. John and Abraham discuss his current ministry work, including his role as a pastor, hospital chaplain, and mental health coach. Abraham’s mission, Missions of Compassion, aims to help those in need, providing both spiritual and mental health support. Tune in to hear how his incredible experiences have led him to live a life dedicated to service and compassion.

00:00 Introduction: Growing Up in Egypt
01:07 A Journey of Faith and Mentorship
02:10 Living on Incline: Welcoming Abraham
03:48 Challenges and Ministry in the Bay Area
22:23 The Power of Prayer and Early Life Struggles
39:07 A Turning Point: Embracing Faith
49:52 A Miraculous Opportunity: Coming to America
52:21 A Miraculous Sponsorship
53:12 Visa Challenges and Divine Intervention
57:49 A Chance Encounter with a Retired General
01:09:22 Journey to the United States
01:11:30 Serving in the Youth Department
01:20:05 Founding Missions of Compassion
01:29:12 Encouragement for the Brokenhearted
01:31:39 Final Words and Gratitude

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> An Extraordinary Journey: From Egyptian Orphan to Compassionate Pastor | Living on Incline

In this inspiring episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund welcomes Pastor Abraham Michael. Abraham shares his remarkable life story, growing up in poverty in Egypt, facing traumatic experiences, and finding solace in faith. From being placed in an orphanage at a young age to encountering various life-threatening situations, Abraham's journey demonstrates the power of faith and resilience. John and Abraham discuss his current ministry work, including his role as a pastor, hospital chaplain, and mental health coach. Abraham’s mission, Missions of Compassion, aims to help those in need, providing both spiritual and mental health support. Tune in to hear how his incredible experiences have led him to live a life dedicated to service and compassion.

00:00 Introduction: Growing Up in Egypt
01:07 A Journey of Faith and Mentorship
02:10 Living on Incline: Welcoming Abraham
03:48 Challenges and Ministry in the Bay Area
22:23 The Power of Prayer and Early Life Struggles
39:07 A Turning Point: Embracing Faith
49:52 A Miraculous Opportunity: Coming to America
52:21 A Miraculous Sponsorship
53:12 Visa Challenges and Divine Intervention
57:49 A Chance Encounter with a Retired General
01:09:22 Journey to the United States
01:11:30 Serving in the Youth Department
01:20:05 Founding Missions of Compassion
01:29:12 Encouragement for the Brokenhearted
01:31:39 Final Words and Gratitude

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18481765 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500 5716 1 12 full false #011 The Entrepreneurial Itch: Building a Multi-Location Therapy Empire | Sarah Coates #011 The Entrepreneurial Itch: Building a Multi-Location Therapy Empire | Sarah Coates In this episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Sarah Coates, the visionary founder of **One-Eighty Counseling**. While many see her as a gifted clinician, this conversation peels back the curtain on the "entrepreneurial itch" that drove her to leave the security of a school counseling career to build a mental health empire.

Sarah shares the raw reality of "going rogue," the dopamine rush of taking risks, and her unique "Pinball Machine" theory on how God steers us back on track even when we feel lost. We also dive into her powerful concept of the **"Reputation Rescue"**—the belief that while society may label you, God is the one who truly knows and protects your name.

Connect with Sarah Coates:

One-Eighty Counseling: https://one-eightycounseling.com/
The Turn Your Life Around Podcast: https://www.theturnyourlifearoundpodcast.com/


**00:00** – The Entrepreneurial Itch: Why therapists "go rogue."
**03:20** – The "Pinball Machine" Theory: How God corrals us toward our purpose.
**07:45** – Leaving the school system: Starting a private practice with no Plan B.
**14:10** – High School & Identity: Choosing a path when you don’t have it all figured out.
**21:30** – The Advertising Pivot: How a communications background shaped a CEO.
**30:55** – Handling the Risk: Why entrepreneurs crave the "Dopamine Rush."
**41:40** – The Reputation Rescue: Why God knows the "real you" despite the labels.
**47:15** – Lessons from the Atlanta Braves: Looking at professional release through a "trauma lens."
**53:50** – Recovering People Pleasers: The connection between counseling and codependency.
**58:05** – Building the Empire: Scaling One-Eighty Counseling and adding IOP services.
**01:00:50** – Final Thoughts: How to reach out and start your own 180-degree turn.


#LivingOnIncline #JohnEklund #SarahCoates #OneEightyCounseling #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthBusiness #FaithAndWork #ReputationRescue #Therapy #SmallBusinessGrowth #NorthCarolina #TurnYourLifeAround

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Sarah Coates, the visionary founder of **One-Eighty Counseling**. While many see her as a gifted clinician, this conversation peels back the curtain on the "entrepreneurial itch" that drove her to leave the security of a school counseling career to build a mental health empire.

Sarah shares the raw reality of "going rogue," the dopamine rush of taking risks, and her unique "Pinball Machine" theory on how God steers us back on track even when we feel lost. We also dive into her powerful concept of the **"Reputation Rescue"**—the belief that while society may label you, God is the one who truly knows and protects your name.

Connect with Sarah Coates:

One-Eighty Counseling: https://one-eightycounseling.com/
The Turn Your Life Around Podcast: https://www.theturnyourlifearoundpodcast.com/


**00:00** – The Entrepreneurial Itch: Why therapists "go rogue."
**03:20** – The "Pinball Machine" Theory: How God corrals us toward our purpose.
**07:45** – Leaving the school system: Starting a private practice with no Plan B.
**14:10** – High School & Identity: Choosing a path when you don’t have it all figured out.
**21:30** – The Advertising Pivot: How a communications background shaped a CEO.
**30:55** – Handling the Risk: Why entrepreneurs crave the "Dopamine Rush."
**41:40** – The Reputation Rescue: Why God knows the "real you" despite the labels.
**47:15** – Lessons from the Atlanta Braves: Looking at professional release through a "trauma lens."
**53:50** – Recovering People Pleasers: The connection between counseling and codependency.
**58:05** – Building the Empire: Scaling One-Eighty Counseling and adding IOP services.
**01:00:50** – Final Thoughts: How to reach out and start your own 180-degree turn.


#LivingOnIncline #JohnEklund #SarahCoates #OneEightyCounseling #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthBusiness #FaithAndWork #ReputationRescue #Therapy #SmallBusinessGrowth #NorthCarolina #TurnYourLifeAround

Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18458645 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500 3751 1 11 full false #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery Join us for an inspiring and raw conversation with Jonathan Harless, Army Reserve pilot and veteran, as he shares his incredible journey from military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling anxiety and finding hope through recovery. Jonathan opens up about the realities of combat, the toll of high-stress missions, the challenges of returning home, and the power of community, faith, and therapy in healing.

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or someone seeking hope in tough times, Jonathan’s story is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of reaching out for help.


👇 Check out the chapters below for easy navigation!

Timestamps/Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Jonathan’s Military Background
02:00 – First Deployment: Iraq & Responsibilities
04:00 – Returning Home & Transition to EMS
06:00 – Family Influence & Early Life
09:00 – College Years, Trouble, and Turning Points
12:00 – Flight School: Challenges & Natural Talent
15:00 – Becoming an Apache Pilot
18:00 – Deployment to Iraq: Missions & Dangers
22:00 – Coping with Combat Stress & Adrenaline
25:00 – Coming Home: The Emotional Toll
28:00 – Transition to Civilian Flying & EMS
31:00 – The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia
34:00 – DEA Contract Work & Counter-Narcotics Missions
38:00 – Flying in Afghanistan: Risks & Realities
41:00 – High Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Coping Mechanisms
45:00 – The Breaking Point: Admitting the Need for Help
48:00 – Seeking Treatment: Therapy, IOP, and Recovery
52:00 – The Role of Faith & Community in Healing
55:00 – Advice for Others Facing Anxiety or PTSD
58:00 – Giving Back: Supporting Veterans & Recovery
1:01:00 – Reflections, Marriage, and Moving Forward
1:04:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Help


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

VeteranStories #MentalHealth #PTSD #Recovery #MilitaryLife #Anxiety #Inspiration #Healing #ArmyPilot #CombatToRecovery #AddictionRecovery #Faith #Resilience #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Join us for an inspiring and raw conversation with Jonathan Harless, Army Reserve pilot and veteran, as he shares his incredible journey from military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling anxiety and finding hope through recovery. Jonathan opens up about the realities of combat, the toll of high-stress missions, the challenges of returning home, and the power of community, faith, and therapy in healing.

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or someone seeking hope in tough times, Jonathan’s story is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of reaching out for help.


👇 Check out the chapters below for easy navigation!

Timestamps/Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Jonathan’s Military Background
02:00 – First Deployment: Iraq & Responsibilities
04:00 – Returning Home & Transition to EMS
06:00 – Family Influence & Early Life
09:00 – College Years, Trouble, and Turning Points
12:00 – Flight School: Challenges & Natural Talent
15:00 – Becoming an Apache Pilot
18:00 – Deployment to Iraq: Missions & Dangers
22:00 – Coping with Combat Stress & Adrenaline
25:00 – Coming Home: The Emotional Toll
28:00 – Transition to Civilian Flying & EMS
31:00 – The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia
34:00 – DEA Contract Work & Counter-Narcotics Missions
38:00 – Flying in Afghanistan: Risks & Realities
41:00 – High Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Coping Mechanisms
45:00 – The Breaking Point: Admitting the Need for Help
48:00 – Seeking Treatment: Therapy, IOP, and Recovery
52:00 – The Role of Faith & Community in Healing
55:00 – Advice for Others Facing Anxiety or PTSD
58:00 – Giving Back: Supporting Veterans & Recovery
1:01:00 – Reflections, Marriage, and Moving Forward
1:04:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Help


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

VeteranStories #MentalHealth #PTSD #Recovery #MilitaryLife #Anxiety #Inspiration #Healing #ArmyPilot #CombatToRecovery #AddictionRecovery #Faith #Resilience #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18329019 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 4366 1 10 full false #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson He flatlined in combat. Battled addiction. Survived a stroke. And planned his suicide—until God intervened.


In this jaw-dropping episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Army veteran John Williamson, whose story of resilience, trauma, and redemption will leave you speechless. From surviving a devastating tank accident in Iraq to wrestling with addiction and mental health back home, John’s journey proves that even when life breaks your body—your soul can still rise.


You’ll hear about his near-death experience, years of opioid dependency, the tragic loss of his fiancée, and the powerful moment in a church lobby when a simple trash can became a turning point for his life.


Now paralyzed on his left side but fully alive in purpose, John is helping others through Recovery Alive—and his story is a testament that God’s not done with you, even when you’ve given up on yourself.



⏱️ 

Chapters / Timestamps:


0:00 – John’s near-death story in Iraq

2:00 – From overdose survivor to suicide plan

4:30 – The moment in church that saved his life

8:00 – Bullying, trauma, and growing up with insecurity

10:00 – Why he joined the military

14:00 – Sent to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom

17:30 – The tank accident that paralyzed him

23:00 – Flatlining for 3-5 minutes and coming back

26:00 – Legal addiction to opioids and pain pills

29:00 – Losing his fiancée to Ambien-related crash

32:00 – Alcohol, darkness, and hitting bottom

36:00 – Surviving a stroke in 2022

40:00 – His mother’s love and constant support

44:00 – The church that welcomed him back

46:00 – How Recovery Alive gave him strength and purpose

48:00 – Helping others quit drugs and alcohol

51:00 – One final message to those struggling with suicidal thoughts


 

Listen & Subscribe:

  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
  • RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
  • Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Recovery Alive is a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.


  • 🌐 Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com
  • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
  • 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
  • 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #VeteranTestimony #SuicideSurvivor #CombatSurvivor #AddictionRecovery #JohnWilliamson #VeteranMentalHealth #OvercomingTrauma #ChristianPodcast #HopeAfterWar #FaithAndRecovery #PTSDRecovery #FromBrokenToHealing

Send us Fan Mail

]]> He flatlined in combat. Battled addiction. Survived a stroke. And planned his suicide—until God intervened.


In this jaw-dropping episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Army veteran John Williamson, whose story of resilience, trauma, and redemption will leave you speechless. From surviving a devastating tank accident in Iraq to wrestling with addiction and mental health back home, John’s journey proves that even when life breaks your body—your soul can still rise.


You’ll hear about his near-death experience, years of opioid dependency, the tragic loss of his fiancée, and the powerful moment in a church lobby when a simple trash can became a turning point for his life.


Now paralyzed on his left side but fully alive in purpose, John is helping others through Recovery Alive—and his story is a testament that God’s not done with you, even when you’ve given up on yourself.



⏱️ 

Chapters / Timestamps:


0:00 – John’s near-death story in Iraq

2:00 – From overdose survivor to suicide plan

4:30 – The moment in church that saved his life

8:00 – Bullying, trauma, and growing up with insecurity

10:00 – Why he joined the military

14:00 – Sent to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom

17:30 – The tank accident that paralyzed him

23:00 – Flatlining for 3-5 minutes and coming back

26:00 – Legal addiction to opioids and pain pills

29:00 – Losing his fiancée to Ambien-related crash

32:00 – Alcohol, darkness, and hitting bottom

36:00 – Surviving a stroke in 2022

40:00 – His mother’s love and constant support

44:00 – The church that welcomed him back

46:00 – How Recovery Alive gave him strength and purpose

48:00 – Helping others quit drugs and alcohol

51:00 – One final message to those struggling with suicidal thoughts


 

Listen & Subscribe:

  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
  • RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
  • Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Recovery Alive is a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.


  • 🌐 Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com
  • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
  • 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
  • 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #VeteranTestimony #SuicideSurvivor #CombatSurvivor #AddictionRecovery #JohnWilliamson #VeteranMentalHealth #OvercomingTrauma #ChristianPodcast #HopeAfterWar #FaithAndRecovery #PTSDRecovery #FromBrokenToHealing

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18280155 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 3418 1 9 full false #008 This Correctional Facility Is Creating Leaders, Not Just Inmates #008 This Correctional Facility Is Creating Leaders, Not Just Inmates In this extraordinary episode of Living on Incline, we go behind bars at Sampson Correctional Institution, a prison that’s turning incarceration into transformation. From college degrees and reentry coaching to emotional healing and leadership development, this facility is doing something few others are: believing in the people inside.

Join host John Eklund as he sits down with three key leaders who are changing the future of incarceration:

 • Robert Van Gorder – Facility Warden II

 • Charles Wooten – Facility Case Manager & Reentry Coordinator

 • Anthony Faison – Campbell University Site Coordinator & Advisor

Together, they unpack what makes Sampson different—from trauma-informed recovery and Christian programming to real education and community reintegration.


Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Reflections from inside Sampson Correctional

01:10 – Campbell University and the Second Chance college program

02:15 – One man writing his memoir from prison

03:00 – Finding purpose inside the fence

03:50 – Mr. Wooten’s vision for reentry and dignity

05:45 – A cultural shift: less violence, more respect

07:25 – Mr. Faison’s story: from incarcerated to site coordinator

09:50 – “15 In, 15 Out” – the Campbell graduation goal

12:40 – How Recovery Alive is changing lives on the inside

14:00 – Vulnerability, honesty, and emotional transformation

15:20 – Complaint stats drop dramatically

17:10 – The difficulty of reentry, even after release

18:35 – Why second chances matter—even for lifers

20:15 – Recovery Alive’s impact behind bars

21:30 – Domestic violence awareness & Reaching Out From Within

23:00 – Walking the yard: generational impact of mentorship

25:00 – Warden Van Gorder: leading with heart and hope

26:10 – Society benefits when prisons invest in people

27:40 – Combating shame and stigma

28:30 – “This man is more free than most on the outside”

30:00 – Final thoughts: “You’re not what you’ve done.”


Guest Info:

 • Robert Van Gorder – Warden, Sampson Correctional Institution

 • Charles Wooten – Facility Case Manager / Reentry Coordinator

 • Anthony Faison – Campbell University Site Coordinator for Sampson Correctional Institution


Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.

Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this extraordinary episode of Living on Incline, we go behind bars at Sampson Correctional Institution, a prison that’s turning incarceration into transformation. From college degrees and reentry coaching to emotional healing and leadership development, this facility is doing something few others are: believing in the people inside.

Join host John Eklund as he sits down with three key leaders who are changing the future of incarceration:

 • Robert Van Gorder – Facility Warden II

 • Charles Wooten – Facility Case Manager & Reentry Coordinator

 • Anthony Faison – Campbell University Site Coordinator & Advisor

Together, they unpack what makes Sampson different—from trauma-informed recovery and Christian programming to real education and community reintegration.


Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Reflections from inside Sampson Correctional

01:10 – Campbell University and the Second Chance college program

02:15 – One man writing his memoir from prison

03:00 – Finding purpose inside the fence

03:50 – Mr. Wooten’s vision for reentry and dignity

05:45 – A cultural shift: less violence, more respect

07:25 – Mr. Faison’s story: from incarcerated to site coordinator

09:50 – “15 In, 15 Out” – the Campbell graduation goal

12:40 – How Recovery Alive is changing lives on the inside

14:00 – Vulnerability, honesty, and emotional transformation

15:20 – Complaint stats drop dramatically

17:10 – The difficulty of reentry, even after release

18:35 – Why second chances matter—even for lifers

20:15 – Recovery Alive’s impact behind bars

21:30 – Domestic violence awareness & Reaching Out From Within

23:00 – Walking the yard: generational impact of mentorship

25:00 – Warden Van Gorder: leading with heart and hope

26:10 – Society benefits when prisons invest in people

27:40 – Combating shame and stigma

28:30 – “This man is more free than most on the outside”

30:00 – Final thoughts: “You’re not what you’ve done.”


Guest Info:

 • Robert Van Gorder – Warden, Sampson Correctional Institution

 • Charles Wooten – Facility Case Manager / Reentry Coordinator

 • Anthony Faison – Campbell University Site Coordinator for Sampson Correctional Institution


Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.

Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18159100 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500 3659 full false #007 From 911 Calls to Saving Lives: This Paramedic Is Rebuilding Communities #007 From 911 Calls to Saving Lives: This Paramedic Is Rebuilding Communities Tara Tucker is not your average paramedic. She’s on a mission to revolutionize how first responders handle mental health, addiction, and crisis care—because for her, it’s personal.

In this powerful episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Tara, a behavioral health community paramedic, to talk about her boots-on-the-ground work bridging emergency response and long-term recovery. From opioid overdose calls to faith-based outreach events, Tara is meeting people where they are—and helping entire communities heal.

What started as a career in EMS turned into a life calling after losing someone close to her to overdose—and nearly losing her own son to addiction. Tara’s story is raw, inspiring, and a masterclass in what it means to live on mission.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when faith, community, and action collide—this is it.

⸻

Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Meet Tara Tucker: Behavioral Health Community Paramedic
1:30 – What is a behavioral paramedic?
3:00 – Why traditional EMS training fails mental health cases
5:00 – The trauma and burnout of first responders
7:00 – Her first personal loss to overdose
9:00 – When she discovered her own son was struggling
11:00 – How family unity helped save her son
13:00 – From EMS worker to mom on a mission
15:00 – Breaking the generational silence on addiction
17:00 – The emotional toll of paramedic life
19:00 – The suicide crisis among first responders
21:00 – Holistic healing circles and buddy check programs
24:00 – Monthly outreach events: Mental health, food, prayer & more
26:00 – Sending kids to camp with first responders and churches
28:00 – How a 911 call turned into a two-year sobriety story
32:00 – Helping someone in crisis connect with a church
35:00 – Why churches need to rethink “outreach”
36:00 – Final message: Build the bridge—someone’s life depends on it

⸻

Guest Info (Tara Tucker):

Tara is a Behavioral Health Community Paramedic serving in North Carolina. She collaborates with Recovery Alive, Broken Chains JC, and various community partners to connect 911 calls to long-term recovery solutions through faith-based outreach, peer support, and holistic care.

For speaking, training, or partnerships: RecoveryAlive.com

⸻

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com

⸻

Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.

Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#TaraTucker #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #911ToRecovery #BehavioralParamedic #FirstResponderWellness #FaithAndRecovery #AddictionSupport #MentalHealthCrisis #EMSMinistry #OpioidCrisis #ChurchOutreach #HopeIsReal #JesusSaves #RecoveryIsPossible

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Tara Tucker is not your average paramedic. She’s on a mission to revolutionize how first responders handle mental health, addiction, and crisis care—because for her, it’s personal.

In this powerful episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Tara, a behavioral health community paramedic, to talk about her boots-on-the-ground work bridging emergency response and long-term recovery. From opioid overdose calls to faith-based outreach events, Tara is meeting people where they are—and helping entire communities heal.

What started as a career in EMS turned into a life calling after losing someone close to her to overdose—and nearly losing her own son to addiction. Tara’s story is raw, inspiring, and a masterclass in what it means to live on mission.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when faith, community, and action collide—this is it.

⸻

Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Meet Tara Tucker: Behavioral Health Community Paramedic
1:30 – What is a behavioral paramedic?
3:00 – Why traditional EMS training fails mental health cases
5:00 – The trauma and burnout of first responders
7:00 – Her first personal loss to overdose
9:00 – When she discovered her own son was struggling
11:00 – How family unity helped save her son
13:00 – From EMS worker to mom on a mission
15:00 – Breaking the generational silence on addiction
17:00 – The emotional toll of paramedic life
19:00 – The suicide crisis among first responders
21:00 – Holistic healing circles and buddy check programs
24:00 – Monthly outreach events: Mental health, food, prayer & more
26:00 – Sending kids to camp with first responders and churches
28:00 – How a 911 call turned into a two-year sobriety story
32:00 – Helping someone in crisis connect with a church
35:00 – Why churches need to rethink “outreach”
36:00 – Final message: Build the bridge—someone’s life depends on it

⸻

Guest Info (Tara Tucker):

Tara is a Behavioral Health Community Paramedic serving in North Carolina. She collaborates with Recovery Alive, Broken Chains JC, and various community partners to connect 911 calls to long-term recovery solutions through faith-based outreach, peer support, and holistic care.

For speaking, training, or partnerships: RecoveryAlive.com

⸻

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com

⸻

Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.

Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#TaraTucker #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #911ToRecovery #BehavioralParamedic #FirstResponderWellness #FaithAndRecovery #AddictionSupport #MentalHealthCrisis #EMSMinistry #OpioidCrisis #ChurchOutreach #HopeIsReal #JesusSaves #RecoveryIsPossible

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18155521 Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2295 1 7 full false #006 Outlaw Biker Saved by Grace #006 Outlaw Biker Saved by Grace Jeff Stultz should be dead. Shot, stabbed, addicted, and homeless—his story reads like a movie. But this isn’t fiction. It’s a raw, redemptive journey from the violent world of outlaw biker gangs to leading a global Christian recovery movement.

In this gripping episode of Living on Incline, Jeff sits down with John Eklund to reveal the truth about his former life in biker clubs, his descent into crack addiction, and how Jesus met him in the middle of absolute ruin.

Now the founder of Broken Chains, a motorcycle-based recovery ministry in 15+ countries, and a national ambassador for Recovery Alive, Jeff shares how the darkest parts of his past have become the fuel for his mission.

This is more than a testimony—it’s a battle cry for anyone who’s ever felt too far gone. Jeff proves that hope is real and change is possible.

⸻

Guest Links (Jeff Stultz):
 • Broken Chains JC: https://brokenchainsjc.com
 • Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffstultz_recovery
 • Jeff on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffstultzspeaker


Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Jeff’s introduction and wild past
2:00 – What is Broken Chains?
4:30 – Motorcycle clubs vs. Jesus communities
6:00 – Life in a 1% outlaw biker gang
9:30 – From abuse to addiction to power
13:00 – Crack addiction and homelessness
16:00 – Losing everything: houses, boats, identity
20:00 – How codependency nearly ruined his parents
23:00 – What life is really like as a homeless addict
26:00 – How to help the homeless the right way
29:00 – Why recovery is really discipleship
32:00 – 18 years sober—how he still stays accountable
35:00 – Cancer, pain, and trusting God
38:00 – Facing a life-altering surgery
40:00 – Why Jeff won’t stop preaching the gospel
43:00 – Launching The Hope Spot church
45:00 – How YOU can support his mission
47:00 – Final message: Slide in sideways, used up for Jesus



Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.

Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#JeffStultz #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #BrokenChains #ChristianTestimony #BikerToBeliever #AddictionRecovery #HomelessToHope #MotorcycleMinistry #RecoveryMinistry #FaithOverFear #ExBiker #HopeIsReal #JesusSaves #ChurchForTheBroken

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Jeff Stultz should be dead. Shot, stabbed, addicted, and homeless—his story reads like a movie. But this isn’t fiction. It’s a raw, redemptive journey from the violent world of outlaw biker gangs to leading a global Christian recovery movement.

In this gripping episode of Living on Incline, Jeff sits down with John Eklund to reveal the truth about his former life in biker clubs, his descent into crack addiction, and how Jesus met him in the middle of absolute ruin.

Now the founder of Broken Chains, a motorcycle-based recovery ministry in 15+ countries, and a national ambassador for Recovery Alive, Jeff shares how the darkest parts of his past have become the fuel for his mission.

This is more than a testimony—it’s a battle cry for anyone who’s ever felt too far gone. Jeff proves that hope is real and change is possible.

⸻

Guest Links (Jeff Stultz):
 • Broken Chains JC: https://brokenchainsjc.com
 • Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffstultz_recovery
 • Jeff on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffstultzspeaker


Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Jeff’s introduction and wild past
2:00 – What is Broken Chains?
4:30 – Motorcycle clubs vs. Jesus communities
6:00 – Life in a 1% outlaw biker gang
9:30 – From abuse to addiction to power
13:00 – Crack addiction and homelessness
16:00 – Losing everything: houses, boats, identity
20:00 – How codependency nearly ruined his parents
23:00 – What life is really like as a homeless addict
26:00 – How to help the homeless the right way
29:00 – Why recovery is really discipleship
32:00 – 18 years sober—how he still stays accountable
35:00 – Cancer, pain, and trusting God
38:00 – Facing a life-altering surgery
40:00 – Why Jeff won’t stop preaching the gospel
43:00 – Launching The Hope Spot church
45:00 – How YOU can support his mission
47:00 – Final message: Slide in sideways, used up for Jesus



Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.

Website: https://www.recoveryalive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#JeffStultz #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #BrokenChains #ChristianTestimony #BikerToBeliever #AddictionRecovery #HomelessToHope #MotorcycleMinistry #RecoveryMinistry #FaithOverFear #ExBiker #HopeIsReal #JesusSaves #ChurchForTheBroken

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-18155520 Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2924 1 6 full false #005 She Faced Prison, Addiction, and Homelessness… Now She Builds Recovery Homes #005 She Faced Prison, Addiction, and Homelessness… Now She Builds Recovery Homes In this powerful episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Jessica Hicks—a woman who once lived in a homeless shelter, faced prison time, and battled addiction, but is now a successful real estate developer building recovery homes that change lives.

Jessica’s story begins with trauma, fear, and chaos—witnessing violence as a child, slipping into addiction as a teen, and enduring multiple arrests and overdoses. But it’s not a story about staying broken. It’s about finding a way forward through faith, hard work, and radical grace.

Today, Jessica is on a mission to help others climb out of the pit she once lived in. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just need a reminder of what’s possible—this episode will stay with you.

Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Meet Jessica Hicks

1:30 – Struggles from childhood

3:00 – Life in constant fear as a kid

5:00 – Living a double life

7:00 – Early use of drugs and downward spiral

10:00 – Arrests, rehabs, and hitting bottom

13:00 – Detoxing from benzos and hospitalization

16:00 – A miracle moment in court

20:00 – Starting over with Healing Transitions

24:00 – Living amends and building confidence

28:00 – Mentorship, real estate, and recovery

32:00 – First big land deal and building homes

38:00 – Meeting Tisha Temple and a shared vision

42:00 – Taking bold steps in faith

46:00 – Parenting, spiritual growth, and giving back

51:00 – Why she wouldn’t change a thing



Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.


Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#JessicaHicks #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #AddictionRecovery #FromAddictionToEntrepreneur #ChristianTestimony #RealEstateRecovery #FaithAndHealing #WomenInRecovery #HealingTransitions #OvercomingAddiction

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this powerful episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Jessica Hicks—a woman who once lived in a homeless shelter, faced prison time, and battled addiction, but is now a successful real estate developer building recovery homes that change lives.

Jessica’s story begins with trauma, fear, and chaos—witnessing violence as a child, slipping into addiction as a teen, and enduring multiple arrests and overdoses. But it’s not a story about staying broken. It’s about finding a way forward through faith, hard work, and radical grace.

Today, Jessica is on a mission to help others climb out of the pit she once lived in. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just need a reminder of what’s possible—this episode will stay with you.

Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Meet Jessica Hicks

1:30 – Struggles from childhood

3:00 – Life in constant fear as a kid

5:00 – Living a double life

7:00 – Early use of drugs and downward spiral

10:00 – Arrests, rehabs, and hitting bottom

13:00 – Detoxing from benzos and hospitalization

16:00 – A miracle moment in court

20:00 – Starting over with Healing Transitions

24:00 – Living amends and building confidence

28:00 – Mentorship, real estate, and recovery

32:00 – First big land deal and building homes

38:00 – Meeting Tisha Temple and a shared vision

42:00 – Taking bold steps in faith

46:00 – Parenting, spiritual growth, and giving back

51:00 – Why she wouldn’t change a thing



Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.


Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#JessicaHicks #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #AddictionRecovery #FromAddictionToEntrepreneur #ChristianTestimony #RealEstateRecovery #FaithAndHealing #WomenInRecovery #HealingTransitions #OvercomingAddiction

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-17834722 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 3287 full false #004 They Lost Everything… Then Built a Recovery Movement #004 They Lost Everything… Then Built a Recovery Movement In this gripping and deeply personal episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Casey and Tisha Temple, a married couple and the CEO/COO of Recovery Alive, to explore their transformation from addiction, homelessness, suicide attempts, and incarceration—to purpose-driven lives helping others heal.

Casey opens up about surviving a suicide attempt and learning to live with depression instead of running from it. Tisha shares her raw story of heroin addiction, sex work, and the spiral of destruction that followed—until she found faith, community, and a second chance.


Their honesty will stop you in your tracks. Their mission will inspire you to keep going. Their story proves that no matter how far you fall, you’re never too far gone to rise again.

Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: How do people actually change?

2:00 – Casey’s suicide attempt and battle with depression

4:30 – Tisha’s heroin addiction and survival on the streets

6:00 – Withdrawals, jail, and the turning point

8:00 – Finding faith and safe community through Recovery Alive

10:00 – The pain behind addiction and numbing

13:00 – “You don’t want to die. You want the pain to stop.”

15:00 – Learning how to suffer well and not escape

17:00 – The tools that make long-term recovery possible

19:00 – How much sobriety they’ve each maintained

21:00 – Why Casey still lives with depression—and is grateful for it

24:00 – Embracing the pain instead of running from it

26:00 – Would they go through it all again?

29:00 – From brokenness to building recovery homes

33:00 – What it really takes to turn a dream into reality

36:00 – The power of support, structure, and purpose

40:00 – How they help each other through discouragement

43:00 – Giving grace when others relapse

45:00 – Living on Incline: Growth is the goal

47:00 – Final encouragement: Do the next right thing


Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.


Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #CaseyTemple #TishaTemple #FromAddictionToRecovery #ChristianTestimony #MentalHealthMatters #SuicideSurvivor #HeroinRecovery #FaithAndHealing #RecoveryPodcast #ChristCenteredRecovery #CouplesInRecovery #AddictionAwareness #DepressionRecovery

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this gripping and deeply personal episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Casey and Tisha Temple, a married couple and the CEO/COO of Recovery Alive, to explore their transformation from addiction, homelessness, suicide attempts, and incarceration—to purpose-driven lives helping others heal.

Casey opens up about surviving a suicide attempt and learning to live with depression instead of running from it. Tisha shares her raw story of heroin addiction, sex work, and the spiral of destruction that followed—until she found faith, community, and a second chance.


Their honesty will stop you in your tracks. Their mission will inspire you to keep going. Their story proves that no matter how far you fall, you’re never too far gone to rise again.

Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: How do people actually change?

2:00 – Casey’s suicide attempt and battle with depression

4:30 – Tisha’s heroin addiction and survival on the streets

6:00 – Withdrawals, jail, and the turning point

8:00 – Finding faith and safe community through Recovery Alive

10:00 – The pain behind addiction and numbing

13:00 – “You don’t want to die. You want the pain to stop.”

15:00 – Learning how to suffer well and not escape

17:00 – The tools that make long-term recovery possible

19:00 – How much sobriety they’ve each maintained

21:00 – Why Casey still lives with depression—and is grateful for it

24:00 – Embracing the pain instead of running from it

26:00 – Would they go through it all again?

29:00 – From brokenness to building recovery homes

33:00 – What it really takes to turn a dream into reality

36:00 – The power of support, structure, and purpose

40:00 – How they help each other through discouragement

43:00 – Giving grace when others relapse

45:00 – Living on Incline: Growth is the goal

47:00 – Final encouragement: Do the next right thing


Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.


Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive



#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #CaseyTemple #TishaTemple #FromAddictionToRecovery #ChristianTestimony #MentalHealthMatters #SuicideSurvivor #HeroinRecovery #FaithAndHealing #RecoveryPodcast #ChristCenteredRecovery #CouplesInRecovery #AddictionAwareness #DepressionRecovery

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-17834714 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 2927 full false #003 I Lost My Sister to Addiction and Chose to Fight Back #003 I Lost My Sister to Addiction and Chose to Fight Back In this powerful episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Grayson Johnson, Miss Johnston County and founder of The Hope Project, to talk about the heartbreaking loss of her sister to opioid addiction—and the healing mission she’s carried ever since.

From competing in pageants as a teenager to launching a statewide initiative focused on ending stigma, Grayson shares the raw story behind her smile. She opens up about childhood trauma, family struggles, and the burden of silence in small-town culture—and how she’s now using her voice to advocate for change, recovery, and reform.

Whether you’ve been touched by addiction or just need a reminder that pain can lead to purpose, this one will stick with you.


Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Grayson’s opening message about The Hope Project

1:00 – Her sister Kinsley’s battle with addiction

3:00 – The moment that changed everything

5:00 – Creating The Hope Project at age 14

7:00 – Growing up in silence and shame

9:00 – The stigma surrounding addiction

12:00 – The family trauma no one talked about

15:00 – What pageants taught her about advocacy

18:00 – Losing her father to incarceration

22:00 – The moment she almost gave up

25:00 – Kinsley’s miraculous recovery—and relapse

30:00 – What grief taught her about herself

33:00 – Why structure and service saved her

37:00 – The power of showing up vulnerable

41:00 – Living on a mission, not for applause

45:00 – What’s next: Law school and legislative change

49:00 – How sharing her story helps others heal

52:00 – Final encouragement to anyone grieving addiction


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com


Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #GraysonJohnson #TheHopeProject #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #EndTheStigma #MissJohnstonCounty #FromGriefToPurpose #OpioidCrisis #FaithAndHealing #ChristianPodcast #VulnerabilityIsPower #FightForHope


Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this powerful episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Grayson Johnson, Miss Johnston County and founder of The Hope Project, to talk about the heartbreaking loss of her sister to opioid addiction—and the healing mission she’s carried ever since.

From competing in pageants as a teenager to launching a statewide initiative focused on ending stigma, Grayson shares the raw story behind her smile. She opens up about childhood trauma, family struggles, and the burden of silence in small-town culture—and how she’s now using her voice to advocate for change, recovery, and reform.

Whether you’ve been touched by addiction or just need a reminder that pain can lead to purpose, this one will stick with you.


Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Grayson’s opening message about The Hope Project

1:00 – Her sister Kinsley’s battle with addiction

3:00 – The moment that changed everything

5:00 – Creating The Hope Project at age 14

7:00 – Growing up in silence and shame

9:00 – The stigma surrounding addiction

12:00 – The family trauma no one talked about

15:00 – What pageants taught her about advocacy

18:00 – Losing her father to incarceration

22:00 – The moment she almost gave up

25:00 – Kinsley’s miraculous recovery—and relapse

30:00 – What grief taught her about herself

33:00 – Why structure and service saved her

37:00 – The power of showing up vulnerable

41:00 – Living on a mission, not for applause

45:00 – What’s next: Law school and legislative change

49:00 – How sharing her story helps others heal

52:00 – Final encouragement to anyone grieving addiction


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

Website: https://www.livingonincline.com


Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #GraysonJohnson #TheHopeProject #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #EndTheStigma #MissJohnstonCounty #FromGriefToPurpose #OpioidCrisis #FaithAndHealing #ChristianPodcast #VulnerabilityIsPower #FightForHope


Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-17622796 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400 4003 1 3 full false #002 From Grammy Stage to Drug Addiction to Redemption #002 From Grammy Stage to Drug Addiction to Redemption In this jaw-dropping episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with former country music star Chris McDaniel, who opens up about his wild journey from fame to addiction—and the grace that saved him.


Chris was a rising star with Grammy nominations, hit records, and crowds screaming his name. But behind the scenes, he was spiraling into a dangerous world of drugs, broken relationships, and emotional torment. From cocaine runs in the music industry to near-death experiences, Chris lays it all out. What pulled him back? A church that wouldn’t stop knocking, and a moment of surrender in front of a mirror that changed everything.


🎧 This is the kind of redemption story you don’t want to miss.

Chapters / Timestamps:


0:00 – Intro to Chris McDaniel and his story

1:30 – Life before the fall: Fame, bands, and the road

4:00 – The first encounter with drugs

6:30 – Pressure, peer influence, and wanting to fit in

9:00 – From innocent to addict: The rapid decline

12:00 – Trauma, father wounds, and chasing affirmation

14:30 – Using music to prove his worth

17:00 – Drug dealing and running with outlaws

20:00 – Losing everything—money, relationships, identity

24:00 – Near death, isolation, and total breakdown

27:00 – The moment on the floor that changed everything

29:30 – Walking into church for the first time in years

31:00 – Worship, conviction, and the prodigal son moment

36:00 – Getting real with God after years of shame

39:00 – The little old lady who helped him find Jesus

43:00 – Living with purpose after addiction

46:00 – From shame to speaking life in prisons and schools

50:00 – The power of sharing your testimony

54:00 – Holding fast through the storms of life

57:00 – Encouragement for those struggling post-salvation

1:00:00 – Final message: Stay connected to the Vine


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #ChrisMcDaniel #ChristianTestimony #FromAddictionToRedemption #GrammyToGrace #FaithOverFame #ProdigalSon #ChristianPodcast #OvercomingAddiction #JesusSaves #ChurchRecovery #MusicMinistry #WorshipThroughPain


Listen and Follow Living on Incline


🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

🌐 Website: https://www.livingonincline.com


Sponsored by Recovery Alive


Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.


🌐 Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> In this jaw-dropping episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with former country music star Chris McDaniel, who opens up about his wild journey from fame to addiction—and the grace that saved him.


Chris was a rising star with Grammy nominations, hit records, and crowds screaming his name. But behind the scenes, he was spiraling into a dangerous world of drugs, broken relationships, and emotional torment. From cocaine runs in the music industry to near-death experiences, Chris lays it all out. What pulled him back? A church that wouldn’t stop knocking, and a moment of surrender in front of a mirror that changed everything.


🎧 This is the kind of redemption story you don’t want to miss.

Chapters / Timestamps:


0:00 – Intro to Chris McDaniel and his story

1:30 – Life before the fall: Fame, bands, and the road

4:00 – The first encounter with drugs

6:30 – Pressure, peer influence, and wanting to fit in

9:00 – From innocent to addict: The rapid decline

12:00 – Trauma, father wounds, and chasing affirmation

14:30 – Using music to prove his worth

17:00 – Drug dealing and running with outlaws

20:00 – Losing everything—money, relationships, identity

24:00 – Near death, isolation, and total breakdown

27:00 – The moment on the floor that changed everything

29:30 – Walking into church for the first time in years

31:00 – Worship, conviction, and the prodigal son moment

36:00 – Getting real with God after years of shame

39:00 – The little old lady who helped him find Jesus

43:00 – Living with purpose after addiction

46:00 – From shame to speaking life in prisons and schools

50:00 – The power of sharing your testimony

54:00 – Holding fast through the storms of life

57:00 – Encouragement for those struggling post-salvation

1:00:00 – Final message: Stay connected to the Vine


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #ChrisMcDaniel #ChristianTestimony #FromAddictionToRedemption #GrammyToGrace #FaithOverFame #ProdigalSon #ChristianPodcast #OvercomingAddiction #JesusSaves #ChurchRecovery #MusicMinistry #WorshipThroughPain


Listen and Follow Living on Incline


🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

🌐 Website: https://www.livingonincline.com


Sponsored by Recovery Alive


Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.


🌐 Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-17616051 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 3898 1 2 full false #001 Why Religion Nearly Broke This Pastor #001 Why Religion Nearly Broke This Pastor Episode 001 – Why Religion Nearly Broke This Pastor

In the premiere episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down for a powerful and honest conversation with a pastor who nearly walked away from ministry after facing the weight of religion, performance, and legalism.

He opens up about his early struggles with leading through legalistic traditions, the moment he realized his church wasn’t ready for broken people, and how stepping into recovery ministry changed his life and the life of his church forever.

If you’ve ever felt burned out, disillusioned, or like the church was more about image than impact, this episode is for you. It’s raw, redemptive, and a clear call to lead with love.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:24 (Skip intro)Welcome to Living on Incline
03:10 First Episode Kickoff
03:24 Interview with Pastor Rodney Pierce
06:15 Rodney's P ath to Ministry
10:44 Challenges and Growth in Ministry
12:42 Breaking Away from Legalism
19:40 The Start of Recovery Ministry
23:16 Defining Moments and Outreach
30:58 Recovery Ministry and the Journey Begins
31:51 Facing Adversity and Pushback
33:01 Challenges of Creating a New Culture
37:34 The Importance of Perseverance
39:47 Navigating Through Personal and Church Struggles
41:19 The Role of Suffering in Growth
54:49 Support Systems and Vulnerability
57:59 Motivation and Love for People
01:02:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Follow Rodney and Temple City Church

Temple City Church Website: https://www.templecity.church/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfGMfEuFi9QOVwkCBOT7Kw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templecitychurch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TempleCityChurch



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

🌐 Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndRecovery #LegalismToLove #ChurchHurt #SpiritualHealing #RecoveryMinistry #AuthenticChurch #ChristianPodcast #GraceNotPerformance #MinistryBurnout #ChurchGrowth #HonestFaith

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Episode 001 – Why Religion Nearly Broke This Pastor

In the premiere episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down for a powerful and honest conversation with a pastor who nearly walked away from ministry after facing the weight of religion, performance, and legalism.

He opens up about his early struggles with leading through legalistic traditions, the moment he realized his church wasn’t ready for broken people, and how stepping into recovery ministry changed his life and the life of his church forever.

If you’ve ever felt burned out, disillusioned, or like the church was more about image than impact, this episode is for you. It’s raw, redemptive, and a clear call to lead with love.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:24 (Skip intro)Welcome to Living on Incline
03:10 First Episode Kickoff
03:24 Interview with Pastor Rodney Pierce
06:15 Rodney's P ath to Ministry
10:44 Challenges and Growth in Ministry
12:42 Breaking Away from Legalism
19:40 The Start of Recovery Ministry
23:16 Defining Moments and Outreach
30:58 Recovery Ministry and the Journey Begins
31:51 Facing Adversity and Pushback
33:01 Challenges of Creating a New Culture
37:34 The Importance of Perseverance
39:47 Navigating Through Personal and Church Struggles
41:19 The Role of Suffering in Growth
54:49 Support Systems and Vulnerability
57:59 Motivation and Love for People
01:02:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Follow Rodney and Temple City Church

Temple City Church Website: https://www.templecity.church/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfGMfEuFi9QOVwkCBOT7Kw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templecitychurch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TempleCityChurch



Listen and Follow Living on Incline

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss

🌐 Website: https://www.livingonincline.com



Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive


#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndRecovery #LegalismToLove #ChurchHurt #SpiritualHealing #RecoveryMinistry #AuthenticChurch #ChristianPodcast #GraceNotPerformance #MinistryBurnout #ChurchGrowth #HonestFaith

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-17614023 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 3848 1 1 full false Trailer: Welcome to Living on Incline Podcast Trailer: Welcome to Living on Incline Podcast What are we truly capable of? That’s the question Living on Incline sets out to explore.


Hosted by John Eklund, this podcast brings you real conversations with people who have pushed through suffering, setbacks, and challenges — not just to survive, but to grow. From recovery to business, from faith to government, each guest is unlocking their full potential and inviting you to do the same.


The name comes from the Manitou Incline — a steep, grueling hike in Colorado that inspired John to lean into discomfort as a path to growth. This show is about that same mindset: choosing to live on incline, on purpose, every day.


If you’re curious about what you’re capable of — physically, spiritually, emotionally — you’re in the right place.


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss




Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> What are we truly capable of? That’s the question Living on Incline sets out to explore.


Hosted by John Eklund, this podcast brings you real conversations with people who have pushed through suffering, setbacks, and challenges — not just to survive, but to grow. From recovery to business, from faith to government, each guest is unlocking their full potential and inviting you to do the same.


The name comes from the Manitou Incline — a steep, grueling hike in Colorado that inspired John to lean into discomfort as a path to growth. This show is about that same mindset: choosing to live on incline, on purpose, every day.


If you’re curious about what you’re capable of — physically, spiritually, emotionally — you’re in the right place.


Listen and Follow Living on Incline

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss




Sponsored by Recovery Alive

Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Living on Incline Buzzsprout-17548611 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0400 219 1 trailer false