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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

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 JANUARY 8TH 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

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 #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< Back We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility Living on Incline Nov 27, 2025 In Part 2 of our powerful visit to Sampson Correctional Institution, Living on Incline host John Eklund walks the halls with Warden Robert VanGorder, going beyond interviews into real, raw moments inside a correctional facility that’s redefining redemption. In Part 2 of our powerful visit to Sampson Correctional Institution, Living on Incline host John Eklund walks the halls with Warden Robert VanGorder, going beyond interviews into real, raw moments inside a correctional facility that’s redefining redemption. From classrooms and chapels to mentorship meetings and faith-based programs, this episode introduces us to the people and purpose shaping a radically different environment behind the fence. We meet residents pursuing college degrees, staff committed to leadership development, and program coordinators focused on real transformation—not just time served. This is not just a tour. It’s a firsthand look at how Sampson is building better men from the inside out. ⸻ 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 #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< Back #005 She Faced Prison, Addiction, and Homelessness… Now She Builds Recovery Homes Living on Incline Oct 2, 2025 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. 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 this isn’t a story about staying broken. It’s a story about transformation through faith , discipline , and a commitment to helping others climb out of the same pit she once lived in. If you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just need proof that redemption is possible—this is your episode. Chapters / Timestamps: Show More Previous Next comments debug Comments (1) Log In Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest Gracefillsmycup Oct 17, 2025 God is so good, Jessica is pushing the limits and inspiring others! I remember you through your sister, and God knows you are doing great things! So proud of you! 🩷 Like Reply Latest Podcast Episodes #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< 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 #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< Back #002 From Grammy Stage to Drug Addiction to Redemption Living on Incline Aug 21, 2025 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. 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. 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 #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< 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 #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< Back #001 Why Religion Nearly Broke This Pastor Living on Incline Aug 7, 2025 In the premiere episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down for a powerful and honest conversation with a pastor Rodney Pearce who nearly walked away from ministry after facing the weight of religion, performance, and legalism. In the premiere episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with a pastor who came close to walking away from ministry. Burned out by the pressure of performance and trapped in legalism, he shares the moment he realized his church wasn’t ready for broken people—and how stepping into recovery ministry didn’t just save his faith, but transformed his entire church. This raw and redemptive conversation dives into: 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 #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< Back #006 Outlaw Biker Saved by Grace with Jeff Stultz Living on Incline Oct 16, 2025 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. 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. 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 #010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery #009 One Man’s Story of War Trauma, Addiction, and God’s Rescue | John Williamson We Walked Through a Facility That’s Changing Lives Every Day | Sampson Correctional Facility

< Back It's Messy Daily Incline - It's Messy Aug 7, 2025 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 It's Messy Daily Incline - It's Messy 00:00 / 01:42 I was a middle schooler the very first time I tried to “clean” a fish. There was nothing clean about it. It was a mess. The fish had expired some time ago, but when I was done with it, I couldn’t help but feeling sorry for it (or what was left of it!). My dad, who was overseeing my first fumbling attempt, laughed good-naturedly at the gory havoc I had wreaked. I remember getting angry. I remember feeling ashamed. I tossed the knife on to the bloody carving board, and mumbled out a frustrated excuse, “I think the knife is dull.” He didn’t say a thing but simply grabbed the next plump trout on the stringer and, with staggering speed, economy and grace of movement I saw him carve out two perfect boneless filets. He smiled, looked at me and said, “There is nothing wrong with this knife son.” Show More Previous Next "You Were Made for the Mountain. No more flat living. No more mediocrity. It’s time to live on incline." - John Eklund 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