Living on Incline

Living on Incline
  • 5.0 (17)
  • 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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 2

    #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

  7. Jun 18

    #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

  8. Jun 4

    #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

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out of 5
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Living on Incline
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Living on Incline
  • Show Website
    Living on Incline

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