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
#010 From War Zones to Healing: A Pilot’s Battle with Anxiety & Recovery
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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:
00:00 – Introduction & Jonathan’s Military Background
02:00 – First Deployment: Iraq & Responsibilities
04:00 – Returning Home & Transition to EMS
06:00 – Family Influence & Early Life
09:00 – College Years, Trouble, and Turning Points
12:00 – Flight School: Challenges & Natural Talent
15:00 – Becoming an Apache Pilot
18:00 – Deployment to Iraq: Missions & Dangers
22:00 – Coping with Combat Stress & Adrenaline
25:00 – Coming Home: The Emotional Toll
28:00 – Transition to Civilian Flying & EMS
31:00 – The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia
34:00 – DEA Contract Work & Counter-Narcotics Missions
38:00 – Flying in Afghanistan: Risks & Realities
41:00 – High Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Coping Mechanisms
45:00 – The Breaking Point: Admitting the Need for Help
48:00 – Seeking Treatment: Therapy, IOP, and Recovery
52:00 – The Role of Faith & Community in Healing
55:00 – Advice for Others Facing Anxiety or PTSD
58:00 – Giving Back: Supporting Veterans & Recovery
1:01:00 – Reflections, Marriage, and Moving Forward
1:04:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Help
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
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