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
#013 Preaching While in Pain: The Side of Ministry Nobody Talks About
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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.
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Key Topics Covered:
•The hidden mental health struggles of pastors and leaders
•Burnout, boundaries, and people-pleasing in ministry
•Codependency and childhood abandonment
•Therapy, emotional healing, and discipleship
•Recovery ministry and why the church must engage brokenness
•Leading from scars instead of wounds
•Finding identity, worth, and affirmation in God
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⏱️ Episode Chapters:
00:00 – The unseen pressure of ministry
01:00 – Pastor Brandon’s journey into leadership
03:00 – Church growth and leadership challenges
08:00 – People-pleasing, burnout, and expectations
14:00 – Viral sermon clip and pastors in crisis
19:00 – Preaching while hurting
24:00 – Therapy, emotional healing, and leadership
31:00 – Codependency and childhood wounds
38:00 – Boundaries, resentment, and burnout
46:00 – Recovery ministry and the role of the church
50:00 – Healing, worth, and God’s affirmation
55:00 – Final encouragement and hope
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About Our Guest:
Pastor Brandon Teachey is the lead pastor of Overflow Church in North Carolina. Known for his authenticity, leadership, and heart for recovery and emotional discipleship, Brandon has spent years helping people heal spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
https://www.overflownc.com/
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/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive