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< Back #018 The 70% Success Rate: A New Blueprint for Teen Sobriety | Leah Wright Living on Incline Apr 16, 2026 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 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. Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #018 The 70% Success Rate: A New Blueprint for Teen Sobriety | Leah Wright #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting

Discover real, redemptive conversations on the Living on Incline podcast. Join host John Eklund each week as he sits down with guests who share powerful stories of recovery, faith, and personal transformation. Keep climbing. #1 FAITH-DRIVEN PLATFORM FOR PERSONAL GROWTH & PURPOSE Not Just a Podcast. A Path Forward. Living on Incline Helps You Move Through What You’re Stuck In One Honest Episode at a Time. Discover real stories of healing, growth, and faith Access tools to help you break cycles and move forward Be the first to know about podcasts, events, and new resources Join a growing movement of people who refuse to settle SUBSCRIBE Sponsored by Recovery Alive Living on Incline means pushing into your full God-given potential! Recovery Alive provides a pathway to healing from the struggles and soul-wounds holding you back from living your life to the fullest. Start your recovery journey today! visit recoveryalive.com Listen on: Start Listening Today Latest Podcast Episodes This Is More Than a Podcast. It’s a Movement. What We’re About You Weren’t Made to Stay Stuck. Living on Incline was built for people who know there’s more — more to heal, more to discover, more to become. This is a space for real growth, honest stories, and faith that moves you forward. Whether you’re navigating recovery, stepping into your purpose, or just learning how to keep going — you’re not alone. What Living on Incline Offers Podcast Conversations For Inspiration and Overcoming Limitations. Daily Incline For Motivation and Exponential Growth. Recovery Alive For Healing What's Broken. Retreats & Events (coming soon) For Connection and Next-Level Transformation. Why “Incline”? The name “Living on Incline” was inspired by a moment that changed everything for our founder, John Eklund. Years ago, he came across an article about the Manitou Incline — a steep, relentless trail in Colorado that climbs 2,000 vertical feet in under a mile. Something about it stuck. Not just the trail itself, but what it symbolized: the kind of path that’s hard, uncomfortable, and intentional — but ultimately transformative. John saw it as a metaphor for life and faith. Real growth doesn’t happen when we avoid struggle. It happens when we walk through it — with honesty, with purpose, and with God. That’s what Living on Incline is all about. LEARN MORE "You Were Made for the Mountain. No more flat living. No more mediocrity. It’s time to live on incline." - John Eklund PLAY TEASER Join the Newsletter Ready to Start Living on Incline? Take your first step. Whether it’s listening, sharing your story, or simply signing up — you don’t have to do it all today. Just move. SUBSCRIBE

Daily Incline Aug 7, 2025 It's Messy A middle schooler’s messy first attempt at cleaning a fish turns into a powerful life lesson in humility, failure, and growth. What his dad said next stuck for life—and might just challenge how you see your own setbacks Read More

< Back #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story) Living on Incline Mar 5, 2026 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. 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” Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story)

Share your story with the Living on Incline team. Whether it’s a journey of recovery, faith, or personal growth, your experience could inspire others. Reach out and be part of the movement. Submit a Story. Have a question, story to share , or want to bring John to your next event? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re reaching out about a collaboration, a speaking engagement, or something you heard that moved you — this space is open. We’re also happy to answer questions about upcoming retreats, tools, or community updates. Want to share your incline story? Hit that inbox — we read everything. First Name Last Name Email Story How did you hear about us? I want to subscribe to the newsletter. Send Thanks for submitting!

Discover the powerful story of John Eklund—founder of Recovery Alive and host of the Living on Incline podcast. From addiction and depression to faith, healing, and purpose, John’s journey inspires hope and transformation for anyone seeking recovery. Hello As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and ordained minister, John has been serving individuals and families as a social worker, counselor and pastor for nearly two decades. Having worked as a national director for one of the largest faith-based recovery programs in the world, John has helped hundreds of churches throughout the country start and grow recovery ministries. John currently works as a therapist, and serves as the director for Recovery ALIVE!, a Christ-centered 12 step program he founded in 2020. John lives in North Carolina with his wife of 23 years and his four beautiful daughters. My Story From brokenness to bold purpose, John Eklund’s story is living proof that no life is beyond restoration. John grew up in a world marked by instability, rejection, and pain. After his parents’ divorce, he moved from place to place, never staying long enough to feel safe. Abandonment became a familiar theme—at home, in school, and in his heart. As a young boy, he learned to disappear, to shape-shift, to survive. But deep inside, he was losing himself. The pain of his past eventually pulled him into a dark season of depression and alcoholism. Feeling completely alone and convinced his life had no value, John came to the edge—both literally and spiritually. In one final act of desperation, he cried out to God. And God answered. What happened next wasn’t just a moment—it was the beginning of a miracle. That cry for help turned into a journey of recovery, healing, and calling. John began rebuilding his life—one decision, one step, one act of surrender at a time. He became a husband. A father. A pastor. A leader. But more than anything, he became a man on a mission: to create a safe place for others to heal, just like he did. That mission became Recovery Alive—a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery movement that now reaches across the country. Through it, John helps people discover the power of vulnerability, the beauty of community, and the freedom that comes from real, lasting transformation. Today, John continues to walk the recovery journey himself. He’s honest about the struggles, passionate about the process, and full of hope for those still in the fight. He’s not just teaching recovery—he’s living it. Through his work with Recovery Alive and the Living on Incline podcast, John is helping people everywhere know the truth: your pain doesn’t disqualify you. It prepares you. And healing is possible—one step at a time. Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. john@recoveryalive.com

< Back #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery Living on Incline Dec 11, 2025 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. 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: Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story)

< Back #013 Preaching While in Pain: The Side of Ministry Nobody Talks About Living on Incline Feb 5, 2026 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. 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. Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story)

< Back #004 They Lost Everything… Then Built a Recovery Movement Living on Incline Sep 11, 2025 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 radical transformation from addiction, homelessness, suicide attempts, and incarceration—to purpose-driven lives helping others heal. 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: Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story)

< Back #003 I Lost My Sister to Addiction and Chose to Fight Back Living on Incline Sep 4, 2025 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. 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. Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story)

< Back #007 From 911 Calls to Saving Lives: This Paramedic Is Rebuilding Communities Living on Incline Oct 30, 2025 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. 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. Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story)

< Back #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson Living on Incline Dec 4, 2025 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. 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. ⸻ Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments Log In Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Latest Podcast Episodes #017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder #016 Why Pastors Are Exhausted and Afraid to Admit It + It’s exhausting #015 A “Bug Bite” Turned Into Stage 4 Osteosarcoma | Noel Strong (Noelle Franklin’s Story)