Living on Incline

Living on Incline
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

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. Oct 13 ·  Video

    #031 Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? | Andrew Warrick’s Story of Faith, Loss & Recovery

    Andrew Warrick knows what it means to ask “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Not as a theological exercise—but because he has lived it. In this episode of Living on Incline, Andrew sits down with John Eklund to tell the story of the wounds that shaped his life, the moment he hit rock bottom, his journey into recovery, surrendering his life to Christ, and ultimately facing a loss he never could have prepared for: the death of his wife. After doctors discovered that his wife had suffered permanent brain damage and was not expected to recover, Andrew was forced into one of the most painful conversations imaginable—asking his wife whether she wanted to enter hospice. She later passed away on July 22, 2024. But Andrew’s story didn’t begin there. At 17 years old, he came home to discover his mother had moved out while his father was away. The moving truck was literally pulling away as Andrew arrived. That experience of rejection and abandonment would follow him into adulthood, relationships, marriage, and his understanding of himself. Years later, Andrew reached a point where he says: “I didn't want to go. I didn't want to live. I didn't want anything. I was just, I was at rock bottom.” That darkness eventually brought him into recovery—and face-to-face with the God he had resisted surrendering to for most of his life. But surrender didn't magically make everything better. As Andrew says in this conversation: “This isn't a movie. It's real life.” This is a conversation about grief, marriage, childhood wounds, generational patterns, recovery, fatherhood, death, unanswered prayers, surrender, and what it actually means to trust God when life doesn't turn out the way you prayed it would. Andrew’s story doesn't offer an easy answer to suffering. It offers something different: Hope in the middle of it. If you've ever been angry with God, wondered why He allowed something to happen, lost someone you love, or struggled to understand what purpose could possibly come from your pain—this conversation is for you. Subscribe to Living on Incline for more honest conversations about recovery, faith, mental health, suffering, purpose, and what we're capable of when we stop running from the things that need healing. Presented by Recovery Alive. #LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #Grief #Faith #Recovery #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealth #Loss #Healing #Jesus #Testimony 🔔 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

  2. Sep 29 ·  Video

    #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

  3. Sep 15 ·  Video

    #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

  4. Sep 1 ·  Video

    #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

  5. Aug 25

    #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

  6. Aug 11

    #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

  7. Jul 28

    #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

  8. Jul 14

    #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

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Trailer

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Living on Incline
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Living on Incline
  • Show Website
    Living on Incline

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