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.
Living on Incline
#002 From Grammy Stage to Drug Addiction to Redemption
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.
Chapters / Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro to Chris McDaniel and his story
1:30 – Life before the fall: Fame, bands, and the road
4:00 – The first encounter with drugs
6:30 – Pressure, peer influence, and wanting to fit in
9:00 – From innocent to addict: The rapid decline
12:00 – Trauma, father wounds, and chasing affirmation
14:30 – Using music to prove his worth
17:00 – Drug dealing and running with outlaws
20:00 – Losing everything—money, relationships, identity
24:00 – Near death, isolation, and total breakdown
27:00 – The moment on the floor that changed everything
29:30 – Walking into church for the first time in years
31:00 – Worship, conviction, and the prodigal son moment
36:00 – Getting real with God after years of shame
39:00 – The little old lady who helped him find Jesus
43:00 – Living with purpose after addiction
46:00 – From shame to speaking life in prisons and schools
50:00 – The power of sharing your testimony
54:00 – Holding fast through the storms of life
57:00 – Encouragement for those struggling post-salvation
1:00:00 – Final message: Stay connected to the Vine
#LivingOnIncline #RecoveryAlive #ChrisMcDaniel #ChristianTestimony #FromAddictionToRedemption #GrammyToGrace #FaithOverFame #ProdigalSon #ChristianPodcast #OvercomingAddiction #JesusSaves #ChurchRecovery #MusicMinistry #WorshipThroughPain
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