Living on Incline

#020 Why I Couldn't Face This for 10 Years | Lauren Sisler | PART 2

PART 2 Emmy winning sports reporter Lauren Sisler joins John Eklund on Living on Incline to share the story she hid for a decade. After losing both of her parents to addiction during her freshman year of college, Lauren lived a double life, balancing a high profile career at ESPN and the SEC Network while keeping her family tragedy a secret. In this deep and moving conversation, Lauren discusses the "sugar coated story" she told herself to survive and why she eventually decided to look at the toxicology reports she feared for years. She explores the power of labels, the reality of addiction in "good families," and how she found freedom by falling in love with her broken story. Her new book, Shatterproof, serves as a guide for others to turn the page and write their own next chapter. TIMESTAMPS [01:00:00] Welcome to Living on Incline with host John Eklund [01:00:40] The "Fancy Pants" podcast joke and redecorating the backdrop [01:03:15] Lauren's career: Reporter, producer, and the best entrances in college football [01:08:45] The Secret: "10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate" [01:14:20] The police report and the "three typed up paragraphs" that changed everything [01:21:10] Living in denial: "The sugar coated story" created for sanity [01:30:45] Breaking the labels: Why society’s definition of an addict is wrong [01:45:30] The fear of the truth vs. the freedom of acceptance [02:05:00] Writing the book: Shatterproof [02:25:15] "To be able to look at my story as something beautiful" [02:46:13] Final words: "Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter" NOTABLE QUOTES "10 years. 10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate and the toxicology reports. I was fearful of what was going to be there." "I was fearful that now I would have to accept it as truth instead of running with my own little sugar-coated story, which I did for many, many, many, many years." "My parents were addicts and that they died of overdose because now suddenly they're wearing a label that society has created for them." "I could not let my parents wear the label because society tells us what addicts are and who they are and who they define." "As I fall in love with my story, there are things that I don't love about my story, things that I'd rather just light it on fire and throw it away." "To be able to look at my story as something beautiful, even through all the broken pieces, I have found so much freedom." "Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter, and that's what it's all about." LINKS & RESOURCES Shatterproof (Book by Lauren Sisler): https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Overcame-Shame-Losing-Parents/dp/1962802078 Official Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LaurenSisler X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/LaurenSisler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenSisler Shatterproof Bracelet Collection: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-bracelets Living on Incline: https://livingonincline.com/ DONATION / SUPPORT Not mentioned in transcript. CALL TO ACTION Please hit the subscribe button and like and all that good stuff, share it. Living on Incline is about stories that embody courage and grace. Help us grow the community by engaging with this episode. 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 #LivingOnIncline #LaurenSisler #Shatterproof #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #GriefHealing #Resilience #ESPN #SECNetwork #Podcast #HealingJourney #Truth #MentalHealth Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521959/fan_mail/new]

#020 Why I Couldn't Face This for 10 Years | Lauren Sisler | PART 1

Emmy winning sports reporter Lauren Sisler joins John Eklund on Living on Incline to share the story she hid for a decade. After losing both of her parents to addiction during her freshman year of college, Lauren lived a double life, balancing a high profile career at ESPN and the SEC Network while keeping her family tragedy a secret. In this deep and moving conversation, Lauren discusses the "sugar coated story" she told herself to survive and why she eventually decided to look at the toxicology reports she feared for years. She explores the power of labels, the reality of addiction in "good families," and how she found freedom by falling in love with her broken story. Her new book, Shatterproof, serves as a guide for others to turn the page and write their own next chapter. TIMESTAMPS [01:00:00] Welcome to Living on Incline with host John Eklund [01:00:40] The "Fancy Pants" podcast joke and redecorating the backdrop [01:03:15] Lauren's career: Reporter, producer, and the best entrances in college football [01:08:45] The Secret: "10 years that I refuse to look at the death certificate" [01:14:20] The police report and the "three typed up paragraphs" that changed everything [01:21:10] Living in denial: "The sugar coated story" created for sanity [01:30:45] Breaking the labels: Why society’s definition of an addict is wrong [01:45:30] The fear of the truth vs. the freedom of acceptance [02:05:00] Writing the book: Shatterproof [02:25:15] "To be able to look at my story as something beautiful" [02:46:13] Final words: "Keep turning the page and keep writing the next chapter" LINKS & RESOURCES Shatterproof (Book by Lauren Sisler): https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Overcame-Shame-Losing-Parents/dp/1962802078 Official Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LaurenSisler X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/LaurenSisler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenSisler Shatterproof Bracelet Collection: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-bracelets Living on Incline: https://livingonincline.com/ DONATION / SUPPORT Not mentioned in transcript. CALL TO ACTION Please hit the subscribe button and like and all that good stuff, share it. Living on Incline is about stories that embody courage and grace. Help us grow the community by engaging with this episode. 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 #LivingOnIncline #LaurenSisler #Shatterproof #AddictionRecovery #OverdoseAwareness #GriefHealing #Resilience #ESPN #SECNetwork #Podcast #HealingJourney #Truth #MentalHealth Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521959/fan_mail/new]

#019 32 Years of Marriage and Recovery: The Boozer Story

"We're constantly in process and you all have the courage to be able to share that with us." "I just did one taste and it led to... I just felt like I was going to lose my mind." In this episode of Living on Incline, John Eklund sits down with Leslie and Tracy Boozer, leaders of the Recovery Alive ministry in Deatsville, Alabama. They share their powerful journey of 32 years of marriage, the challenges of military family life, and the raw reality of addiction and recovery. The Boozers open up about a season of deep struggle where the pressures of work and ministry led to a relapse. They discuss the importance of honesty, the support of leadership, and why recovery is a constant process rather than a final destination. TIMESTAMPS [01:00:01] Welcome to Slap Out Alabama [01:01:11] Starting Recovery Alive in Deatsville [01:01:39] 32 Years of Marriage: "Marriage is hard" [01:02:49] Military Life: Growing up in Germany [01:06:13] Fixing clocks and repairing a relationship with Dad [01:07:55] First taste of alcohol at 15 [01:09:54] Tracy's story: Growing up in Alabama [01:11:00] Losing a father at age 4 [01:17:02] How Leslie and Tracy met [01:18:13] Surviving an abusive first marriage [01:28:43] Transitioning from partying to "Adulting" [01:39:26] The ultimatum: "I'm gone" [01:50:28] The Relapse: 12-hour night shifts and no sleep [01:51:07] Crying out to God on the side of the road [01:53:01] Facing the leadership: "He said, Okay, so you get back up" [02:08:15] Living in the process: Beyond rainbows and unicorns NOTABLE QUOTES - "We're constantly in process and you all have the courage to be able to share that with us." - "Marriage is hard, isn't it? Marriage is kind of tough." - "I just did one taste and it led to... Actually I had to went to Shane after that and then shared with him that what had happened." - "I thought, He's going to shut it down. He's going to shut down the recovery ministry." - "I just pulled off side of the road and just was crying out to God. I said, I just can't do this." - "I got sober and the world's been just, you know, rainbows and unicorns ever since then. And uh, and, and, and that's not how it works." CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Living on Incline for more stories of radical recovery and transformation. Like this video if the Boozer's story inspired you and leave a comment below about your own recovery journey. 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 #RecoveryAlive #LivingOnIncline #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Marriage #Relapse #SlapOutAlabama #ChristianRecovery #Healing #Testimony #Deetsville #RecoveryJourney Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521959/fan_mail/new]

#018 The 70% Success Rate: A New Blueprint for Teen Sobriety | Leah Wright

In this powerful episode of Living On Incline, Leah Wright, founder of Wake Monarch Academy, shares her harrowing journey through her son’s addiction to heroin. From the devastating moment of seeing her child in handcuffs to the infuriating battle with insurance companies that claimed his addiction was not bad enough, Leah’s story is a testament to a mother’s relentless love and the power of surrender. Leah explains the staggering statistics of teen relapse and why traditional high schools often set students up for failure. Now, as the founder of the first recovery high school in the Triangle, she is providing a lifeline for families trapped in the cycle of substance abuse. In this episode, we discuss: - The Golden Hour of recovery and why it matters. - The shocking 70% relapse rate for teens returning to traditional schools. - Leah’s Surrender moment that changed everything. - How Wake Monarch Academy is creating a 70% success rate for students in recovery. Support Wake Monarch Academy: Visit wakemonarchacademy.org to donate or learn more about their mission. Subscribe for more stories of resilience and recovery. Timestamps 0:00 – The Hook: My child in handcuffs 2:15 – Meet Leah Wright: From 30 years in the classroom to recovery advocate 12:40 – The Insurance Battle: His addiction is not bad enough 24:15 – The Master of Manipulation: Understanding the addict's mind 38:50 – The 70% Relapse Statistic: Why traditional schools are failing teens 52:10 – The Vision: Starting the first recovery high school in the Triangle 1:10:35 – The Surrender: A life-changing moment in a Food Lion parking lot 1:35:20 – How Wake Monarch Academy saves lives 1:58:00 – Final Words: Turning passion into service 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 #AddictionRecovery #TeenSobriety #RecoveryHighSchool #OpioidAwareness #WakeMonarchAcademy #LivingOnIncline #Parenting #MentalHealthMatters #SobrietySuccess Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521959/fan_mail/new]

#017 A Mother's Heartbreak: Losing Sons to Addiction and Murder

In this powerful and raw episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down with Freida MacDonald for an unfiltered look at the devastating reality of the American opioid crisis. Freida MacDonald spent 30 years as a high-level banking executive while raising her two sons as a single mother. They were the "Three Musketeers" - until a prescription for ADHD medication in kindergarten opened a door that could never be closed. Freida tracks the "perfect storm" that led her son from prescription stimulants to the street, eventually resulting in his homicide. But the tragedy didn't stop there. She details the harrowing fallout of the Sackler family’s legacy and the subsequent loss of her second son, Michael, to the crushing weight of grief and the fentanyl epidemic. This is a masterclass in resilience and a stark warning to every parent about the ADHD-to-Opioid pipeline and the predatory nature of Big Pharma. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro: Meet Freida MacDonald 00:41 - Why I Wear Purple: Overdose Awareness 01:22 - The "K-N-O-W Hope" Mission 04:13 - Meeting the Three Musketeers: Steven & Michael 06:38 - Life as a Single Mom & A Career in Banking 09:36 - The ADHD Diagnosis: A Turning Point 12:02 - The Stimulant Trap: "He Wasn’t Himself" 14:26 - The Sackler Family & The Opioid Explosion 19:19 - Early Warning Signs of the Crisis 26:25 - The Struggle with Prescription Medications 33:47 - Reaching the Breaking Point 40:11 - The Homicide Detective in My Living Room  44:10 - The Unfiltered Truth About Steven’s Death 50:04 - Launching the First Homicide Support Group 53:39 - Losing Michael: The Unbearable Weight of Grief 55:33 - One Pill Can Kill: The Fentanyl Danger 01:02:01 - Roxy, Pain, and the Descent into Addiction 01:12:29 - The Final Tragedy & The Need for Change 01:16:47 - Turning Pain into Purpose: The Path to Recovery 01:19:49 - Living on Incline: Moving Upward 01:25:17 - A Final Message of Hope & How to Support the Mission SUPPORT FREIDA MACDONALD’S MISSION Visit: https://knowhopenc.com/ K-N-O-W Hope. ABOUT LIVING ON INCLINE Hosted by John Eklund, we bring you the most powerful, unfiltered stories of individuals who have climbed life's steepest hills and refused to stop. This is a journey through recovery, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell icon to be notified of every new episode. 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 #LivingOnIncline #JohnEklund #OpioidEpidemic #ADHD #BigPharma #TrueCrime #AddictionRecovery #Grief #OverdoseAwareness #FentanylCrisis #Resilience #SacklerFamily #Podcast Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521959/fan_mail/new]