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
#011 The Entrepreneurial Itch: Building a Multi-Location Therapy Empire | Sarah Coates
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In this episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Sarah Coates, the visionary founder of **One-Eighty Counseling**. While many see her as a gifted clinician, this conversation peels back the curtain on the "entrepreneurial itch" that drove her to leave the security of a school counseling career to build a mental health empire.
Sarah shares the raw reality of "going rogue," the dopamine rush of taking risks, and her unique "Pinball Machine" theory on how God steers us back on track even when we feel lost. We also dive into her powerful concept of the **"Reputation Rescue"**—the belief that while society may label you, God is the one who truly knows and protects your name.
Connect with Sarah Coates:
One-Eighty Counseling: https://one-eightycounseling.com/
The Turn Your Life Around Podcast: https://www.theturnyourlifearoundpodcast.com/
**00:00** – The Entrepreneurial Itch: Why therapists "go rogue."
**03:20** – The "Pinball Machine" Theory: How God corrals us toward our purpose.
**07:45** – Leaving the school system: Starting a private practice with no Plan B.
**14:10** – High School & Identity: Choosing a path when you don’t have it all figured out.
**21:30** – The Advertising Pivot: How a communications background shaped a CEO.
**30:55** – Handling the Risk: Why entrepreneurs crave the "Dopamine Rush."
**41:40** – The Reputation Rescue: Why God knows the "real you" despite the labels.
**47:15** – Lessons from the Atlanta Braves: Looking at professional release through a "trauma lens."
**53:50** – Recovering People Pleasers: The connection between counseling and codependency.
**58:05** – Building the Empire: Scaling One-Eighty Counseling and adding IOP services.
**01:00:50** – Final Thoughts: How to reach out and start your own 180-degree turn.
#LivingOnIncline #JohnEklund #SarahCoates #OneEightyCounseling #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthBusiness #FaithAndWork #ReputationRescue #Therapy #SmallBusinessGrowth #NorthCarolina #TurnYourLifeAround
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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
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