Living on Incline

Living on Incline

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.

  1. 1D AGO

    #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 a text

    57 min
  2. JAN 22

    #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 a text

    1h 35m
  3. JAN 8

    #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 a text

    1h 3m
  4. 12/11/2025

    #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 a text

    1h 13m
  5. 12/04/2025

    #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/id1828304603Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214debYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQRSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rssWebsite: 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 a text

    57 min
  6. 11/13/2025

    #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 a text

    1h 1m
  7. 11/08/2025

    #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 a text

    38 min
  8. 11/08/2025

    #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 a text

    49 min

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About

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.