Why do some families feel emotionally suffocating… while others feel emotionally cold and disconnected?

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, licensed marriage and family therapist Mark Odland and counselor/coach Zack Carter break down three powerful family system dynamics that quietly shape marriages, parenting, attraction, boundaries, and emotional health:

Enmeshment
Disengagement
Interdependence

Using real counseling examples, attachment theory, trauma psychology, and even films like Finding Nemo and The Incredibles, Mark and Zack explain why some people feel guilty setting boundaries, why others emotionally shut down, and how healthy families balance both connection and individuality.

They also tackle difficult relationship questions like:
“What do you do when your spouse wants you to want something you don’t actually want?”
And how do you lovingly tell the truth without becoming emotionally fused—or emotionally detached?

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What enmeshment actually is and how it forms
✅ Why some men emotionally disengage from their families
✅ How childhood dynamics like parentification affect adult relationships
✅ The connection between attachment styles and family systems
✅ Why guilt becomes a weapon in unhealthy relationships
✅ How to set boundaries without emotionally abandoning people
✅ The difference between healthy sacrifice and resentment-driven compliance
✅ Why honesty is essential for emotional intimacy
✅ How to create an interdependent family culture built on truth, love, and responsibility

Get Mark’s FREE book Escape the Cage here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📞 Book a Clarity Call with Mark:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

📚 Explore Mark’s other books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

💬 Comment below:
Did you grow up in a family that was more enmeshed or more disengaged? What helped you begin building healthier boundaries and deeper connection?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break free from anxiety, trauma, burnout, addiction, anger, and unhealthy relationship patterns through practical conversations grounded in psychology, EMDR therapy, leadership, and Christian wisdom. Hosted by LMFT and certified EMDR therapist Mark Odland alongside counselor and coach Zack Carter, each episode is designed to help men heal deeply, lead courageously, and become the men God created them to be.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

But what happens when discipline suddenly stops working under pressure?

In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark Odland breaks down why high-performing men can dominate in one area of life—but still react, avoid, procrastinate, or shut down in another.
This usually isn’t a discipline problem.
It’s a conditioning problem.

Mark explores:
✅ Why discipline works… until it doesn’t
✅ How pressure activates old conditioning and nervous system patterns
✅ Why successful men often feel confused by their own reactions
✅ The difference between discipline and conditioning
✅ Why high performers can still struggle with avoidance, anger, shutdown, or over-control
✅ How trauma-informed work and EMDR can help remove “internal interference” under pressure

This is not typical therapy.

This is a deeper conversation about leadership, pressure, performance, emotional conditioning, and what actually happens when stress hits in real life.

If you’re a disciplined, driven, high-performing man—but something still breaks down under pressure—this episode is for you.

Book a Clarity Call with Mark:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

📘 Get Mark’s FREE book + join the newsletter:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About Leadership Under Pressure:
Leadership Under Pressure is a series from Lion Counseling exploring the hidden psychological layer of leadership, discipline, relationships, and performance. Mark Odland combines trauma-informed therapy, EMDR expertise, leadership principles, faith, and real-world experience to help high-performing men operate with greater clarity, steadiness, and freedom under pressure.

UFC Hall of Famer and MMA pioneer Mark Coleman joins the Lion Counseling Podcast for one of the most raw, emotional, and inspiring conversations we’ve ever had.

Known as the “Godfather of Ground and Pound,” Mark Coleman helped shape modern MMA and became the first-ever UFC Heavyweight Champion. But behind the championships, Olympic wrestling career, and legendary fights was a much deeper battle involving addiction, trauma, shame, broken relationships, recovery, and ultimately faith in God.

In this powerful Lion Legacy Conversation, Mark opens up about nearly losing everything to alcoholism and benzodiazepine addiction, hitting rock bottom in isolation, entering rehab, rebuilding his life through sobriety, and the life-changing role faith played in his recovery.

This episode goes far beyond fighting.
It’s about suffering, masculinity, redemption, forgiveness, resilience, and learning how to truly live again.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:
☑️ The untold story behind Mark Coleman’s addiction and recovery journey
☑️ What rehab taught him about resentment, shame, and forgiveness
☑️ How faith and surrender transformed his life
☑️ Why many successful men secretly struggle with addiction and emotional pain
☑️ The psychology of rock bottom and why some men never escape it
☑️ How trauma, pride, and isolation fuel destructive behavior
☑️ Why sobriety is “the toughest fight” Mark has ever faced
☑️ The emotional story behind rescuing his parents from a house fire
☑️ What Mark would say to his younger self today
☑️ The mindset that helped him survive, rebuild, and find peace

This may be the deepest interview Mark Coleman has ever done publicly.
Whether you’re a UFC fan, someone battling addiction, or simply a man trying to become stronger spiritually and emotionally, this conversation will stay with you.

📘 Get Mark’s FREE book:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Explore Mark Odland’s books and resources:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📅 Book a Clarity Call with Lion Counseling:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

💬 Comment below:
What part of Mark Coleman’s story impacted you the most?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast exists to help high-achieving men break free from anxiety, trauma, addiction, burnout, resentment, and emotional isolation. Hosted by licensed therapist and EMDR clinician Mark Odland, the show combines psychology, faith, leadership, and practical wisdom to help men become the lions God created them to be.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Most high-performing men already know what to do.

They’ve read the books.
Built the habits.
Practiced discipline.
Pushed themselves harder.
And for many men, that works.
But for some men…
something still breaks under pressure.

In this flagship episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark Odland explores the critical distinction between true detachment and unresolved trauma responses—and why discipline alone sometimes stops working.

After attending Muster with Jocko Willink and Echelon Front, Mark reflects on one principle that repeatedly surfaced:

Detachment.

The ability to stay calm, clear, and emotionally steady under pressure.
It’s a powerful skill. But in his work as a licensed therapist specializing in high-performing men, Mark has seen something important: Sometimes what looks like a “discipline problem” is actually an unresolved nervous system problem.

Mark breaks down:
✅ The difference between healthy detachment and emotional shutdown
✅ Why some men freeze, numb out, disconnect, or spiral under pressure
✅ How unresolved trauma affects leadership, marriage, business, and performance
✅ Why survival responses often override discipline when stress gets high
✅ The hidden relationship between dissociation and emotional overwhelm
✅ How EMDR therapy helps resolve traumatic memories at the nervous system level
✅ Why healing often unlocks the discipline men were trying to build all along

This episode is not anti-discipline.
It’s about understanding why discipline works powerfully for many men…
until something deeper gets in the way.

At Lion Counseling, Mark works with high-performing men who are successful externally but still experience emotional shutdown, reactivity, numbness, or disconnection under pressure.
Because sometimes the issue is not motivation.
Sometimes the brain is still trying to survive something it never fully processed.
And when healing happens…
everything changes.

🎙️ Book a Clarity Call with Mark:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

📘 Get Mark’s FREE book + join the newsletter:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About Leadership Under Pressure:
Leadership Under Pressure is a series from Lion Counseling exploring the hidden psychological layer of leadership, discipline, relationships, and performance. Mark Odland combines trauma-informed therapy, EMDR expertise, leadership principles, faith, and real-world experience to help high-performing men operate with greater clarity, steadiness, and freedom under pressure.

In this powerful conversation with Larry Hagner—founder of the Dad Edge movement and author of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood—we break down the silent patterns that cause high-performing men to slowly lose their edge, their purpose, and their connection to what matters most.

From burnout and emotional disconnection…
to pornography, busyness, and quiet dissatisfaction…
this episode exposes what’s really going on beneath the surface.
If you’re a driven man who feels like something is “off”… this one will hit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why most men feel stuck—even when life looks successful
✅ The concept of “The Drift” and how it slowly destroys purpose and connection
✅ How trauma, stress, and unmet needs drive addiction and escape behaviors
✅ Why porn, alcohol, and busyness are often symptoms—not the real problem
✅ The shocking truth about marriage satisfaction (and why most couples struggle)
✅ How to rebuild attraction, connection, and intimacy in your relationship
✅ The BRAVE Man System for restoring structure, purpose, and momentum
✅ Why “balance” is a myth—and what to pursue instead
vPractical steps to take control of your life, marriage, and mindset this week

📖 Get Larry’s Book + Bonuses
Check out The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood and his programs here:
👉 https://thedadedge.com

📘 Get Mark's Free Book
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📞 Book a Clarity Call with Mark or Zack
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

📚 Books & Resources
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

💬 Comment below:
Where do you feel the “drift” showing up most in your life right now?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free from anxiety, burnout, trauma, and destructive patterns—so they can heal deeply, lead powerfully, and become the men they were created to be.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.

What if your success is being fueled by anxiety… and it’s costing you peace?
In this powerful Lion Legacy Conversation, Mark Odland and Zack Carter sit down with speaker, author, and coach Jerrid Sebesta to unpack a radically different way of living—one that moves beyond grinding, pressure, and fear… into alignment, faith, and receiving.
Jerrid shares his deeply personal story—from growing up in chaos and becoming a high achiever driven by anxiety… to a complete internal shift that changed how he approaches success, faith, and life itself. His journey includes devastating loss, identity theft, burnout, and breakthrough moments that reveal a powerful truth:

Your life may be more “choreographed” than you think.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why anxiety can drive success—but quietly destroy your peace
✅ The hidden cost of “grinding” your way to achievement
✅ What it means to live in alignment instead of fear, lack, and scarcity
✅ How to shift from control → surrender → receiving
✅ The difference between reacting to life vs. being positioned for it
✅ Why your hardest moments may actually be your greatest opportunities
✅ A powerful perspective on trauma, loss, and God’s purpose in suffering
✅ How to develop a mindset of wholeness, gratitude, and trust
✅ What high performers are doing differently at the internal level

📘 Get Mark's Free Book
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Explore Books & Resources
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Clarity Call
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment below:
What’s one area of your life where you’ve been operating from fear or pressure—and what would it look like to shift into trust and alignment?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast is designed for high-achieving men who want to break free from destructive patterns, strengthen their mindset, and live with clarity, purpose, and conviction. Blending psychology, faith, and real-world application, each episode equips you with tools to lead yourself, your family, and your life with strength.

What if your anxiety isn’t improving because you’re trying too hard to fix it?
In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter introduce a powerful shift in how to approach anxiety—drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of battling your thoughts and emotions, they walk through a practical framework for stepping back, gaining clarity, and taking action rooted in your values—not your feelings.

Through a live coaching moment, Mark opens up about anxiety surrounding his son’s injury and future in sports, offering a real-time demonstration of how these tools actually work in real life.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How trying to “fix” anxiety can actually make it worse
✅ The difference between acceptance vs. giving up
✅ A simple 3-step process to create distance from anxious thoughts
✅ How to stop being controlled by your emotions and start living by your values
✅ Why anxiety, urges, and negative thoughts come in “waves”—and how to ride them
✅ A practical method to decide who you want to be in the moment
✅ How faith, courage, and identity can guide your actions—even in uncertainty

📘 Get Mark's Free Book
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Explore Books & Resources
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Clarity Call
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment below:
What’s one situation where you’ve been trying to control your anxiety—and what would it look like to act on your values instead?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast is designed for high-achieving men who want to break free from destructive patterns, strengthen their mindset, and live with clarity, purpose, and conviction. Blending psychology, faith, and real-world application, each episode equips you with tools to lead yourself, your family, and your life with strength.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.

What if the way you see yourself is the very thing shaping your suffering… and your healing?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down once again with Jonathan Pageau to explore the role of images—not just in art or theology, but in the human soul. We dive into how distorted self-perception, pride, trauma, and identity all intersect… and what it actually takes to see yourself clearly.

Jonathan brings a symbolic and theological lens, challenging modern assumptions about self-esteem and emotional suffering. I bring a trauma-informed clinical perspective, grounded in my work as an EMDR therapist. Together, we wrestle with where those views align… and where they diverge.

This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s an honest exploration of truth, identity, and healing.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the “images” you carry about yourself shape your emotions and decisions
• Why distorted self-perception can lead to anxiety, burnout, and addiction
• Jonathan Pageau’s critique of the self-esteem movement
• The difference between pride-based suffering and trauma-based suffering
• How childhood experiences can “freeze” negative beliefs and identity
• Why truth alone isn’t always enough to heal trauma
• How faith, repentance, and psychological healing can work together
• A powerful metaphor from Jesus healing the paralytic—and what it reveals about healing

📘 Get My Free Book (Limited Time):
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Books & Resources:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Clarity Call:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment Below:
Do you think most suffering comes from distorted thinking… or from unhealed wounds? Or both?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

About the Lion Counseling Podcast:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free from destructive patterns, heal from the past, and become the men they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified EMDR Therapist, this podcast blends faith, psychology, and practical tools for real transformation.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

He built one of the most influential platforms on Christian masculinity.
But behind the message… was a deeper realization:
Knowing what it means to be a man isn’t the same as becoming one.

In this episode, Mark Odland and Zack Carter sit down with Sam Guzman—Licensed Clinical Counselor-—and author of The Catholic Gentleman—to explore the gap between external strength and internal integration.

This conversation is relevant to men of various faiths, and goes beyond surface-level masculinity and into the real work most men avoid:
trauma, emotional shutdown, marriage struggles, and the parts of yourself that don’t agree with each other.

If you’ve ever felt like:
You’re winning at work but failing at home
You “know the right things” but still feel stuck
You’re trying to be strong… but something feels off
This episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why many high-performing men feel competent at work—but lost in relationships
✅ The difference between passive men, aggressive men… and integrated men
✅ The 3 most common ways men check out of their families
✅ How childhood wounds (like divorce) quietly shape your adult life
✅ Why men avoid therapy—and what finally breaks that resistance
✅ The truth about vulnerability (and when it actually creates strength)
✅ How trauma impacts your view of God, trust, and identity
✅ Why you can have multiple “versions” of yourself competing internally
✅ The real path to integration—and why it’s harder than most men expect
✅ How to lead your family without losing your emotional and spiritual core

📘 Get Mark’s Free Book:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Explore Mark’s books & resources:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Clarity Call (Free Consultation):
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
SAM GUZMAN LINKS:
https://www.samguzman.com
https://innerspacecounseling.care

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break destructive patterns, build emotional strength, and become the men God designed them to be—steady, disciplined, and free.
We integrate faith, psychology, EMDR, and real-world experience to give you practical tools for healing, leadership, and purpose.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.

What happens when a professional fighter questions whether his career aligns with his faith—and then finds clarity?

In this powerful conversation, Mark sits down with Ben “The Baker” Neumann—former MMA fighter, black belt in a Rickson Gracie lineage gym, and entrepreneur—to explore the deeper story behind his journey.

From growing up on a Midwest farm… to serving in Iraq… to stepping into the cage and building a professional MMA career with 15 wins, a title shot, and being just one fight away from the UFC—Ben’s path has been anything but ordinary.

Along the way, he wrestled with a critical question: Can I pursue this level of violence and still honor my Christian faith? What he discovered changed everything—and allowed him to compete with conviction, clarity, and purpose.

And then, something unexpected happened.

The nickname “The Baker”—which started as a fight gimmick—became his next calling. Today, he runs a high-quality bakery, channeling the same discipline, craftsmanship, and intensity he once brought to fighting into providing for his family and building something meaningful.
This episode is about more than fighting—it’s about identity, evolution, and becoming the man you’re called to be in every season of life.

✅ Lessons from farm life, discipline, and growing up in the Midwest
✅ How military service in Iraq shaped his mindset and resilience
✅ The journey to becoming a black belt in a Rickson Gracie lineage gym
✅ How Ben resolved the tension between Christian faith and professional fighting
✅ What it’s like to be one fight away from the UFC—and what it costs
✅ How a fight nickname turned into a full-time business and calling
✅ Why fatherhood reshaped his priorities and identity
✅ The tension between business, family, and faith for high-achieving men

📘 Get Mark’s Free Book:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer audio-only?
https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm

📚 Books & Resources:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Clarity Call:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment below:
Which season of your life shaped you the most—your upbringing, your career, or becoming a father?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break destructive patterns, build emotional strength, and become the men God created them to be. Hosted by EMDR therapist Mark Odland and counselor Zack Carter, this show blends psychology, faith, and real-world experience to help men lead with clarity, discipline, and purpose.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.

If your sex life feels stuck, it’s probably not because there’s no attraction—it’s because something is getting in the way.

In this episode, Mark Odland and Zack Carter break down one of the most misunderstood dynamics in marriage—through both psychological insight and a biblical framework for love, trust, and leadership as a husband.

Using a powerful framework called the “Gas vs. Brake” model, they explain why many men feel rejected—even when they’re trying their hardest—and what actually creates desire, connection, and intimacy in a healthy, God-designed marriage.

This is a direct, honest, and deeply practical conversation for high-achieving Christian men who want to lead well in their marriage—not just perform better.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why low sex drive is often not the real issue
✅ The “Gas vs. Brake” model (and why most men focus on the wrong thing)
✅ The 3 hidden factors that shut down intimacy:
✅ Trust
✅ Emotional connection
✅ “Chore play” (mental load & stress)
✅ How biblical leadership and sacrificial love impact attraction
✅ How small daily behaviors quietly destroy connection and desire
✅ Why trying harder can actually backfire and increase rejection
✅ The difference between fixing problems vs. building connection
✅ A simple conversation you can have with your wife that can change everything
✅ How to play the long game in marriage and rebuild desire the right way

📘 Get Mark’s Free Book:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

👉 Books & Resources: https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📚 Work With Mark or Zack / Learn More:
👉 Book a Clarity Call: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
💬 Comment below:
Which one do you think is the biggest “brake” in your marriage right now—trust, connection, or stress/overload?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free from anxiety, burnout, anger, and destructive patterns so they can lead with strength, clarity, and purpose.
Hosted by licensed therapist Mark Odland and counselor Zack Carter, this show blends psychology, faith, and practical tools to help men heal deeply and live intentionally.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Most people know Dan Severn as one of the original pioneers of the UFC. But very few understand the kind of man you have to become to live the way he has. In this Lion Legacy Conversation, Mark Odland sits down with UFC Hall of Famer Dan “The Beast” Severn for a rare, long-form discussion that goes far beyond fighting.

This conversation explores something deeper—what it takes psychologically to step into pressure, carry responsibility, and build a life without regret.

Dan shares how growing up on a farm shaped his work ethic, why self-reliance was never optional, and how he balanced being a dominant competitor with being a husband, father, and now grandfather.

You’ll hear how he thinks about discipline, family, competition, and why many modern men struggle—not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack structure.

This isn’t about highlight reels.

It’s about the internal framework that built a man.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The mindset that separated Dan from other fighters
✅ How responsibility builds real confidence and identity
✅ Why discipline matters more than motivation
✅ The psychological edge behind elite competition
✅ How to balance ambition with family and leadership
✅ Why many men today feel stuck despite “knowing what to do”
✅ How to build a life you don’t regret

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction to Dan “The Beast” Severn
3:36 How Dan Severn got his Work Ethic and his Nickname
10:17 Dan Severn’s Thoughts on Modern Wrestling (Pins over Points)
12:20 Why Dan has no Regrets
13:58 The Benefits of Being Part of a Large Family
17:00 How “Grandpa Dan” is Building Alpha Grandchildren
18:30 The Power of “Sweat Equity”
22:33 The Importance of Mindset for Achieving Greatness
26:00 A Motivation worth Fighting For
31:06 Balancing Family Life with Competition
40:34 Dan Severn Calls out Royce Gracie to Fight at the White House (one one condition)
42:55 Dan Severn Showing Mercy in the Cage (Except for Tank Abbott)
45:42 Ways to Connect with Dan Severn

📌 One moment from the conversation:
When asked if he would come out of retirement at 67 to fight again… his answer was immediate:
“Without hesitation.”

📘 Get Mark’s Free Book:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Explore Mark’s books & resources:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Clarity Call:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment below:
What do you think actually builds a disciplined man—motivation, pressure, or responsibility?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break destructive patterns, build emotional strength, and become the men God designed them to be—steady, disciplined, and free.
We integrate psychology, faith, EMDR, and real-world experience to give you practical tools for healing, leadership, and purpose.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

Some of the most disciplined, high-performing men I work with are winning in business… but quietly wondering if they’re losing at home.

In this episode, I unpack a humorous but revealing set of lyrics from country artist Walker Hayes — and what they expose about the modern bar for fatherhood.

“Just trying to keep my daughters off the pole and my sons out of jail…” Is avoiding catastrophe really the definition of success? Or are we aiming far too low? This episode is for the father who knows he’s a good man — but refuses to settle for mediocrity in his home.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why defensive parenting creates distance instead of strength
✅ The hidden trap successful men fall into at home
✅ The paradox of protection vs. intentional leadership
✅ Why “I love you” and “I’m proud of you” are not optional
✅ How small daily shifts prevent future disaster
✅ A 3-step action plan you can implement tonight

📘 Get Mark’s Free Book

Download your free copy here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Mark’s Books

Explore books & resources:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Ready for a Clarity Call?

If you want to parent strategically instead of defensively, book here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment Below:

What’s one thing your dad said — or didn’t say — that shaped you?
And what will you choose to say differently?

Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free from anxiety, resentment, burnout, addiction, and unresolved trauma — so they can heal deeply, lead strongly, and build families that last.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Break free.
Heal deep.
Become the lion God created you to be.

More and more men are walking into counseling asking the same question:
“What if I’m the problem?”
Their wife or girlfriend says they’re narcissistic.
Emotionally abusive.
Controlling.
And because they’re conscientious, self-reflective men… they start to believe it.

But what if the truth is more complicated?

In this episode, Mark and Zack break down what emotional abuse actually is — and how to tell the difference between:
• Normal conflict
• Mutual dysfunction
• And real patterns of power, fear, and control

This is not about blaming women. It’s about clarity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The 5 clinical markers of emotional abuse
✅ The difference between normal conflict and abusive patterns
✅ What “power and control” actually means in a relationship
✅ How gaslighting and identity erosion show up
✅ How trauma can fuel abusive dynamics (in either direction)
✅ What to do if you recognize these patterns in yourself or your spouse

📘 Get Mark’s Free Book
Download your free copy here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Mark’s Books
Explore books & resources:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Ready for a Clarity Call?
If you need objective clarity about what’s happening in your relationship, apply here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment Below:
Have you ever quietly wondered if you were the villain in your own relationship?
What helped you gain clarity?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break destructive patterns, heal from trauma, strengthen their marriages, and lead their families with courage and wisdom.
We combine clinical psychology, EMDR-informed insight, and faith-based principles to help men build strength without losing tenderness.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Break free.
Heal deep.
Become the lion God created you to be.

In this second Lion Legacy Highlight with Orthodox icon carver and symbolic thinker Jonathan Pageau, we dive even deeper into the intersection of faith, art, EMDR therapy, and how storytelling reveals hidden meaning in our lives.

Jonathan reflects on the cultural moment we're in—where meaning is collapsing for many, and how recovering symbolic thinking may be the key to healing our fractured world.

🔍 We explore:

• Why modern culture feels fragmented, anxious, and void of meaning
• The collapse of religious authority and narrative coherence
• How symbolism isn’t abstraction—it’s structure for the soul
• Why humans are wired for meaning, not just information
• The surprising overlap between trauma therapy and symbolic thinking

If you've ever felt disconnected from the deeper meaning of your life—or if you're looking for a way to integrate faith, art, healing, and masculine identity—this short-form conversation is rich with insight.

👇 COMMENT BELOW:
What’s a story or symbol that shaped how you see the world?

—

📘 Free Devotional + Weekly Tools:
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https://escapethecagenow.com/shop/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

🦁 About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast exists to help high-achieving Christian men overcome trauma, anxiety, and burnout through faith-integrated therapy and coaching. New episodes every Tuesday.

What if the most loving thing you could do in your marriage… is stop tolerating disrespect?

In this episode, Mark and Zack tackle a pattern we see constantly in our counseling offices: good men who love their wives, own their mistakes, work hard for their families—and still feel like the emotional punching bag years later.

Criticism doesn’t expire.
Disrespect becomes normal.
And eventually the question surfaces:

“If I want to stay… what am I supposed to do?”

This episode is not about blame.
It’s not about dominance.
It’s not about threatening divorce.

It’s about boundaries—and why they aren’t punishment.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “toxic,” “unsafe,” or “a narcissist” for simply wanting respect, this conversation will help you think clearly, respond wisely, and lead with strength without becoming cold or controlling.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why many good men feel like the emotional punching bag in their relationships
✅ How cultural messaging has confused strength with toxicity
✅ The difference between manipulation and a healthy boundary
✅ What you are (and are NOT) responsible for in marriage
✅ How to communicate boundaries without attacking or diagnosing your spouse
✅ Why boundaries often make things worse before they get better
✅ A simple script you can begin using immediately

🎁 Get Mark’s Free Book
Start your deeper healing journey here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Mark’s Books

https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Ready to work with our team?

Book a free consultation call:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

💬 Comment Below:

Have you ever tried to set a boundary and been accused of being selfish or unloving?
What happened?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast

The Lion Counseling Podcast exists to help high-achieving men break free from anxiety, anger, burnout, trauma, and relational confusion—so they can heal deeply, lead strongly, and build a legacy that lasts.

We blend EMDR therapy, CBT psychology, marriage research, and Christian faith to give men practical tools—not vague inspiration.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Subscribe if you’re ready to stop surviving and start leading.

What if your drive to succeed isn’t actually about winning—but about belonging?

In this powerful Lion Legacy Conversation, Mark Odland sits down with strategist, coach, and author Matt Andersonto explore the hidden emotional cost of high achievement. Together, they unpack how work ethic, discipline, and success—while valuable—can quietly become substitutes for connection, love, and acceptance.

At the center of the conversation is a haunting moment from Matt’s past, when a mentor listened to his long list of accomplishments and simply replied: “That sounds lonely.” That single sentence cracked something open—and set Matt on a different path.

This episode is for men who carry responsibility well, perform under pressure, and still feel an ache they can’t quite name.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why many high-achieving men are driven by an unrelenting inner critic
• The difference between an “achievement story” and a real life story
• How comparison and performance can quietly lead to isolation
• Why acceptance doesn’t kill ambition—but actually purifies it
• How healing happens in relationship, not in isolation
• What it means to stop competing and start contributing

This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and deeply human—an invitation to rethink strength, success, and what it really means to leave a legacy.

Matthew M. Anderson is the author of Being Super Human (2025) and Running Mate (2013). He is a Black Belt in Karate, an ordained pastor, and an international speaker and leadership coach who has spent over two decades developing leaders in the non-profit, government, and public sectors. The founder of The Kindness Initiative and Surprise Church Bismarck, Matt has coached hundreds of leaders and spoken to thousands around the world out of his passion to help individuals and teams live up to their immense potential. Matt lives in Bismarck with his wife Lacee and their three kids. 

Matt Anderson’s Contact Information:
Website: matthewmanderson.com
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Super-Human-Critic-Heroic-ebook/dp/B0FSYBGP64
Ted Talk: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/FMfcgzQfBZdVqClfZkCrXmplcJllcxvV?projector=1

📘 Free e-Book and Weekly Tools for Men
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Books by Mark Odland
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Free Consult with Lion Counseling
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast is for men who want to break free from anxiety, burnout, anger, and the quiet weight of unmet expectations. Hosted by Mark Odland—licensed marriage and family therapist and EMDR-certified clinician—the show integrates psychology, masculinity, and Christian faith to help men heal deeply, lead courageously, and build lives of meaning and legacy.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

What happens when one of TV’s most optimistic characters finally sits down in the therapist’s chair?

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter react to a powerful therapy scene from Ted Lasso—and break it down through the lens of real-world counseling, EMDR, and how men actually experience therapy. There’s no cheap takedown here. Just an honest, thoughtful analysis of what the show gets right, where it oversimplifies things, and what this scene reveals about fear, defensiveness, truth, and healing in men.

We explore Ted’s resistance, the therapist’s responses, and why so many successful men secretly fear therapy—even when they desperately need it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why men often come into therapy guarded, sarcastic, or defensive
• What Ted Lasso gets surprisingly right about the therapeutic process
• How a skilled therapist builds trust without becoming a doormat
• Why confronting the truth often hurts before it heals
• How relationships with our fathers quietly shape adult identity
• Why therapy can be a “release valve” for men under pressure
• Where Hollywood therapy crosses ethical or clinical lines

🎁 Free Book + Weekly Tools for Men
Get Mark’s free book and weekly resources to help you heal, grow, and lead with strength:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📘 Explore Mark’s Books
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Book a Free Consult
Curious if counseling or coaching is right for you?
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment Prompt:
What did Ted Lasso get right—or wrong—about therapy for men?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break free from hidden struggles, heal past wounds, and become the men God created them to be. Hosted by licensed therapist Mark Odland and counselor-coach Zack Carter, each episode blends psychology, faith, and real talk—without the fluff.

New episodes drop every week. Subscribe and join the conversation.

What if suffering wasn’t just something to escape—but an invitation to transform?

In this short but profound highlight from our full-length interview, symbolic thinker and artist Jonathan Pageau reflects on how symbolic stories, biblical patterns, and personal failures reveal deeper meaning—even in the darkest seasons.

We discuss:

• How symbolic thinking helps us cope with trauma
• Why every loss contains the seed of new creation
• The difference between humility and wallowing in shame
• How suffering can become a spiritual opportunity
• The power of attentiveness during breakdown and chaos

🔥 Whether you’re in a season of success or suffering, this is a powerful reminder that your story is not over—and that meaning is always possible.

👇 COMMENT BELOW:
Have you ever looked back at a painful season and realized God was at work?

—

🎧 Prefer audio?
Listen here: https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast

📘 Free Devotional + Weekly Tools:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📞 Book a free consult:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

👕 Merch, mugs, and more:
https://escapethecagenow.com/shop/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

🦁 About the Lion Counseling Podcast
We help high-achieving Christian men overcome trauma, anxiety, and burnout through faith-integrated therapy and coaching. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe and join the movement.

—

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend who needs encouragement!

Why do traumatic experiences keep showing up years later—through anxiety, anger, addiction, or relationship conflict—even when you know you’re safe now?

In this episode, Mark Odland breaks down why EMDR therapy works by walking through two powerful, fictionalized case examples that reflect what many people experience in real life:
• A combat veteran struggling with rage, numbness, and addiction
• A married couple caught in painful, repetitive arguments that are never really about the dishes
Using clear language, vivid metaphors, and neuroscience-informed explanations, Mark explains how trauma becomes “frozen” in the brain—and why insight, logic, or willpower alone often aren’t enough to heal it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why traumatic memories feel like they’re happening again instead of staying in the past
How anger, numbness, and addiction function as survival strategies
What the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model says about trauma
Why the truth often gets stuck in the head but never reaches the heart
How EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess trauma at its root
Why many couples fight about surface issues while deeper wounds drive the conflict
The difference between managing symptoms and actually healing old emotional injuries

📘 Get a FREE copy of Mark’s book, "Escape the Cage"
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📚 Explore Mark’s books & resources
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

📞 Interested in EMDR therapy or coaching?
Book a free consultation with Mark or his team:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
💬 Join the conversation
Which example resonated more with you—the veteran, the couple, or both? Comment below.
About the Lion Counseling Podcast

The Lion Counseling Podcast is for men who want clarity, strength, and freedom—from anxiety, trauma, burnout, anger, and the invisible pressures of life. Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT and EMDR therapist, the show blends psychology, neuroscience, faith, and real-world wisdom to help men heal deeply and live fully.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Most men think they fail at their goals because they’re lazy or undisciplined.

That’s wrong.

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter break down the three real reasons men struggle with motivation—and why forcing discipline usually backfires. Drawing from real client stories, CBT principles, and practical coaching tools, this conversation moves beyond hype and into strategies that actually create momentum and staying power.

Instead of burning out on New Year’s resolutions, this episode will help you understand why motivation fails and how to rebuild it from the inside out.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The 3 core reasons men don’t follow through on goals
Why starting “too big” kills motivation before it starts
The 25% Rule for building momentum (even when you feel stuck)
How forgetting—not laziness—derails most goals
Why “shoulds” drain motivation and what to replace them with
A powerful values-based framework for sustainable motivation
How successful men plateau—and how to restart growth without burnout

🎁 Get a free copy of Mark’s book
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer audio-only?
Listen to the podcast here:
👉 https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm

📞 Want help applying this to your own life?
Book a free consult with Mark or Zack:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

📚 Mark’s Books
Escape the Cage
Taming the Tiger
Available here: https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

👕 Lion Counseling Merch
👉 https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

💬 Comment Question:
Which of the three hits closest for you right now—too hard, forgetting, or not actually wanting it?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free from anxiety, burnout, trauma, and self-doubt so they can become the men God created them to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT and Certified EMDR Therapist, alongside counselor and coach Zack Carter, the show blends psychology, faith, and practical tools for real-life change.

We live in a world shaped by loss, stress, and unresolved pain. From global crises to family hardship, illness, broken relationships, and personal regret, emotional wounds are everywhere — even when we try to ignore them.

In this episode, Mark Odland, licensed therapist and EMDR consultant, explains how past experiences quietly shape the brain, influence our reactions, and impact our health, relationships, and sense of purpose. Drawing from decades of research — including the landmark ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study — Mark shows why unprocessed emotional pain doesn’t simply fade with time, and how it can surface later in life in unexpected ways.

More importantly, this episode introduces EMDR therapy and the brain’s natural capacity to heal through the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) system. You’ll learn why emotional wounds can become “stuck,” how they get triggered in the present, and how healing is possible — not by force of will, but by working with how the brain is designed to recover.

This episode is an educational introduction, not therapy — but it may change how you understand yourself, your reactions, and your path forward.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How early life stress and unresolved experiences shape the brain over time
• Key findings from the ACE Study and why they still matter today
• Why emotional pain can show up later as health, relationship, or life difficulties
• How the brain’s natural healing system works — and what happens when it’s overwhelmed
• What EMDR therapy is, where it came from, and why it’s so widely researched
• How “triggered” reactions are often linked to stored memories, not present danger
• Why time alone doesn’t always resolve emotional wounds
• A hopeful framework for understanding healing without shame or blame

📘 Free Book for Men Who Want to Grow

Get Mark’s free book “Escape the Cage”
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:

https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast

📚 Mark’s Books

Escape the Cage and Lion Devotions
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books

📞 Want support from a licensed professional?

Book a free consultation with our team:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment prompt:

What part of this episode helped you understand emotional healing in a new way?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men understand emotional health, trauma, anxiety, anger, and purpose using evidence-based psychology, EMDR-informed education, and biblical wisdom. Episodes are designed to be practical, grounded, and hopeful — offering clarity without shame. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

In this Legacy Highlight, Jonathan Pageau and Mark Odland explore one of the most profound ideas to ever come out of trauma work: the memories that give life are more real than the ones that destroy it. Mark describes how EMDR helps men see old wounds with new clarity -calmer, farther away, and no longer the center of their identity. Jonathan expands this into a powerful spiritual truth: trauma is a negation of being, but love - especially the love you’ve received from someone who showed you your worth - is an orientation toward life itself. Together, they unpack how men can re-anchor their identity in what is true, and how masculinity only becomes whole when strength is offered as service.

In this legacy highlight you’ll learn:

• Why traumatic memories lose their emotional “charge” after EMDR
• How life-giving memories rise to the surface once the nervous system calms
• Why replacing a traumatic memory with a loving one isn’t “faking it”—it’s aligning with what’s objectively more real
• Jonathan Pageau’s perspective on the purpose of masculine strength
• Why mastery, ambition, and drive only become healthy when framed as an offering
• The true role of a man as builder, protector, and servant to God, family, and community

📘 Free Book for Men

Get Escape the Cage: Break Free. Heal Deep. Become the Lion You Were Born to Be.
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer audio-only?

Listen to the Lion Counseling Podcast here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast

📚 Mark’s Books & Resources

Taming the Tiger (EMDR for everyone)
Escape the Cage (for high-achieving Christian men)
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

Lion Counseling Merch
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/merch/

📞 Want to work with Mark or his team?

Book a free consult:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men overcome anxiety, trauma, addiction, burnout, and relationship struggles using a blend of EMDR therapy, Christian wisdom, and practical psychology. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

AI is advancing fast—and for many men, it’s triggering anxiety about jobs, purpose, meaning, and the future of humanity itself. Are we headed for paradise… or a Terminator-style nightmare?

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter tackle the fear-driven thinkingsurrounding AI, using a viral Joe Rogan & Elon Musk clip as a springboard. From a Christian counseling perspective, they unpack why our brains catastrophize, how to think more clearly about worst-case scenarios, and where real hope and meaning come from—especially during the Christmas season.

This is an honest, thoughtful, and occasionally humorous conversation about fear, faith, and how to stay grounded in an uncertain world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why AI triggers catastrophic thinking in otherwise rational men
• How to use CBT to walk yourself through worst-case, best-case, and most-likely scenarios
• What “catastrophizing” actually is—and why your brain does it
• How faith provides grounding when technology creates uncertainty
• A surprisingly effective strategy called “Thank Your Brain” (ACT-based)
• Why your brain is not the enemy—even when it feels like it is
• How Christmas reframes fear, control, and the future

📘 Get Mark’s free book: Escape the Cage – A Path of Deep Healing for Men
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📞 Thinking about counseling or coaching?
Book a free consult with Mark or Zack:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

🦁 Lion Counseling Merch
Wear the message. Support the mission.
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/store/

Click here to view the episode transcript.’

💬 Question for you:
What worries you most about AI—and which fear do you think your brain might be exaggerating?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the men they were created to be. Hosted by licensed Christian counselors, each episode blends psychology, faith, and real-world insight to help men lead with clarity, courage, and emotional maturity.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

The “Let Them” theory—popularized by Mel Robbins—sounds freeing: stop trying to control people and just let them be who they are. But is it wisdom… or a subtle way to avoid conflict, accountability, and emotional repair?

In this episode, Christian counselors Mark Odland (EMDR therapist) and Zack Carter analyze the Let Them theory using real video clips, clinical experience, and a faith-informed psychological lens. We break down when this idea truly brings peace—and when it quietly sabotages intimacy, healing, and leadership in men’s lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• When the Let Them theory is emotionally freeing—and when it backfires
• Why acceptance without agency can create resentment instead of peace
• How trauma, attachment style, and personality affect whether this advice works
• The difference between letting go and giving up
• How the Serenity Prayer offers a wiser framework than “Let Them” alone
• Why some high‑achieving men already "let things go"—and pay a hidden cost

This conversation is especially relevant for men navigating marriage tension, people‑pleasing, burnout, avoidance of conflict, or faith‑based questions about boundaries and responsibility.

📘 Get Mark’s free book: Escape the Cage – A Path of Deep Healing for Men
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

📞 Thinking about counseling or coaching?
Book a free consult with Mark or Zack:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

🦁 Lion Counseling Merch
Wear the message. Support the mission.
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/store/

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the men they were created to be. Hosted by licensed Christian counselors, each episode blends psychology, faith, and real‑world insight to help men lead with clarity, strength, and emotional maturity.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Most men think relapse is random — or worse, that it means they’re “broken,” “bad,” or “addicted forever.” In this short, power-packed teaching, counselor and coach Zack Carter breaks down the real reasons high-achieving Christian men keep turning back to pornography, even when life is going well.

Zack explains the three forces that drive relapse — Relief, Reward, and Response — and shows how emotional triggers, environmental cues, and even positive events can quietly pull you back into old patterns. More importantly, he gives you a clear, actionable plan to replace porn with meaningful habits that build strength, purpose, and momentum.

If you’ve been stuck in shame or confusion around relapse, this is five minutes that will finally give you clarity.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why most relapses aren’t caused by weakness — but by predictable patterns
How negative emotions like stress, loneliness, and boredom trigger urges
How positive emotions like excitement, success, and celebration can also lead to relapse
Why your environment (rooms, sounds, routines) trains your brain to expect porn
How Pavlov’s experiment explains your own automatic urges
A simple exercise to build a weekly “replacement plan” that actually works
The exact strategy Zack uses with clients to break Saturday-night patterns
How to shift from coping with life to living the life you actually want

📘 Free Book for Men Who Want to Grow
Get Mark’s free book “7 Traps That Keep Christian Men Stuck”
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast

📚 Mark’s Books
Escape the Cage and Lion Devotions
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books

Lion Counseling Merch
Faith-forward, strength-focused apparel for men
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/merch

📞 Want help breaking free for good?
Book a free 20-minute consult with our team:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

💬 Comment below:
Which healthy activities help you replace urges with real purpose?
Share one thing you’ll add to your schedule this week.

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men overcome anxiety, anger, trauma, porn use, burnout, and relationship struggles using EMDR-informed counseling, practical psychology, and biblical wisdom. Each episode blends honest conversations, evidence-based strategies, and Christ-centered insight to help you rise, heal, and lead with strength. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

In this rare and powerful short-form conversation, Orthodox icon carver and symbolic thinker Jonathan Pageau unpacks the hidden pride inside our guilt, the spiritual dangers of wallowing, and how biblical memory is the path to true humility and healing.

Therapist Mark Odland (EMDR specialist and host of the Lion Counseling Podcast) shares symbolic stories—from drowning lifeguards to the thief on the cross—to reveal how men get stuck in shame and what it actually means to be remembered by God.

What you’ll learn in this short episode:
• Why wallowing in shame is actually pride in disguise
• How Satan operates as “the accuser” in our inner dialogue
• The symbolic meaning of Jonah in the belly of the whale
• Why confession is humiliating—but necessary
• The spiritual power of memory vs. dismemberment
• What EMDR therapy has in common with ancient Christian practice
• How healing changes the symbolic image at the root of trauma

If you’re a fan of Pageau’s Symbolic World, interested in the intersection of psychology and faith, or just want to stop spiraling in shame—this is a must-watch.

📘 FREE BOOK: Escape the Cage – A Path of Deep Healing for Men
Get the first 3 chapters of Mark’s book for free at:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast

🧠 Learn more about EMDR therapy:
https://escapethecagenow.com/emdr-therapy-for-men/

📞 Book a free consult with Mark:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by certified EMDR therapist Mark Odland, each episode blends faith, psychology, symbolism, and grit to help men face the hard truths, heal past wounds, and live a legacy. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Have you ever prayed and felt absolutely nothing? Have you been hit with doubts, spiritual confusion, or the terrifying sense that God has gone silent? In this raw and honest episode, Mark Odland shares his personal story of walking through the “dark night of the soul”—a season where faith felt distant, prayer felt empty, and life’s pain stripped away every illusion of certainty.

Whether you’re a Christian man battling burnout, grief, doubt, or emotional numbness, this episode will help you understand what the dark night truly is, why it happens, and how God uses it to refine you into a stronger, more grounded man.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the “dark night of the soul” actually is—and what it isn’t
• Why even faithful Christian men can feel spiritual numbness or silence
• How grief, trauma, burnout, and father wounds can distort your view of God
• Why wrestling with God is biblical, masculine, and necessary
• How lament, honesty, and intellectual humility can strengthen your faith
• Tools for reconnecting with God when prayer feels empty
• Why doubt does not mean you’re losing your faith—and may mean you’re growing
• How God can use your darkest season to reveal purpose, calling, and strength

📘 FREE BOOK for Christian Men

Get my book “Escape the Cage: A Path of Deep Healing for Men” FREE →
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer Audio-Only? Listen Here:

https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast

📚 Mark’s Books

Explore Mark’s trauma-focused and faith-integrated books →
https://escapethecagenow.com/books

🛒 Lion Counseling Merch

Get Lion Counseling shirts, hoodies, and more →
https://escapethecagenow.com/merch

📞 Book a Free Consult

If you’re a high-achieving Christian man ready to break cycles of anxiety, doubt, trauma, or burnout, book a free consult:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast

The Lion Counseling Podcast is dedicated to helping Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions God created them to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT and certified EMDR therapist, each episode blends biblical wisdom, psychological insight, and real-life tools to build stronger men, stronger families, and stronger faith. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

In this short but powerful episode, Mark and Zack break down a timeless framework for understanding masculinity — and challenge you to examine what kind of man you really are.

Are you a sheep who avoids conflict and responsibility? A wolf who uses strength for selfish gain? Or a sheepdog, dangerous but disciplined — a protector, provider, and man of virtue?

Drawing from movies, stories, and real client experiences, we explore how men move through these three stages and what it takes to step into your calling as a virtuous man.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
• The 3 levels of masculinity and what defines each one
• How culture confuses strength with virtue
• Why being “nice” isn’t the same as being good
• What every man must face to become who he’s meant to be
• How to take the first step on your own hero’s journey

FREE BOOK
If today’s episode hit home, I want to give you something special.
My new book "Escape the Cage” is now live, and I’m giving away a free digital copy of the first 3 chapters.
👉 Get your free copy here: https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/

🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast

📘 Mark’s Books
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

👕 Lion Counseling Merch
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

📞 Book a Free Consult
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (certified EMDR therapist) and Zack Carter (counselor + coach), this show blends faith, psychology, grit, and humor to help men win the battle within. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

What if you could complete 3 months of deep trauma therapy in just 3 days? This short episode is different. It’s not just another interview or conversation—it's a direct invitation... an invitation from the world-leader in helping high-achieving Christian men heal from trauma.

In this rare, 5-minute solo episode, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist and founder of Lion Counseling) introduces a powerful new service

The EMDR Gauntlet, a life-altering 3-day intensive for high-performing men who are ready to finally deal with what’s holding them back.

If you're a successful man—an executive, athlete, entrepreneur, or elite professional—who’s done everything right but still feels the burnout, anxiety, or disconnection creeping in, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn:

• What the EMDR Gauntlet is (and isn’t)
• Why typical therapy doesn’t cut it for high performers
• How trauma, stress, and emotional blocks sabotage your work and relationships
• Why this in-person intensive in Duluth, MN could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for

This is not executive coaching. This is not talk therapy. This is emotional surgery. And it might be exactly what you need.

🎧 Prefer audio only? Listen to the podcast here:
[Insert link to Spotify/Apple/etc.]

🧠 Book a free consult or apply for the EMDR Gauntlet:
https://escapethecagenow.com

📘 Read Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

🦁 Explore Lion Counseling merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast:
The Lion Counseling Podcast is for high-achieving Christian men ready to break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT and Certified EMDR Therapist, each episode blends psychology, faith, and bold truth to help men lead with clarity, courage, and connection. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
• The biggest lie about “balance”
• How death contemplation can bring clarity
• Why your work ethic might be hiding fear
• What successful men regret the most
• 3 frameworks for living a life you won’t regret

📘 Mark’s Books
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

👕 Lion Counseling Merch
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

📞 Book a free consult
https://escapethecagenow.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (certified EMDR therapist) and Zach Carter (counselor + coach), this show blends faith, psychology, grit, and humor to help men win the battle within. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Why do your relationships always seem to blow up or fizzle out? Why does closeness feel so hard—or even scary?

In this powerful episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter unpack how your attachment style shapes the way you love, fight, and even parent. Whether you're the one who always pulls away or the one who clings too tightly, there’s a reason—and there’s a path forward.

👉 Ready for the next step?
SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Space is limited, so don’t wait.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What your attachment style actually is (and how it was formed)
• Why avoidant men often feel emotionally shut down—and what to do about it
• How anxious attachment shows up in dating, marriage, parenting, and even sex
• The surprisingly boring truth about secure attachment—and why it works
• Real-life examples from pop culture and media (Batman, Donkey, John Wick, Superman!)
• How childhood wounds show up in adult relationships—and how to heal them
• 5 practical steps to move from avoidant or anxious to secure
• How to stop sabotaging connection and start building trust
• What therapy and coaching can do to rewire your pattern

📚 Read Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

🦁 Lion Gear Merch Store:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, the Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. We talk masculinity, trauma, identity, faith, relationships, and purpose—with humor, truth, and grit.

🆕 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for more

This is a Lion Legacy Conversation — a long-form interview highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and faith of remarkable men.

In this powerful episode, Mark Odland sits down with Stephen Mansfield, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and founder of the Great Man movement. Together, they explore fatherhood, masculine identity, suffering, trauma, heritage, and the responsibility every man has to shape his own story — not through victimhood, but through agency, gratitude, and legacy.
Whether you were raised by mighty warriors or grew up without a father figure, this episode will challenge you to mine your valleys, reframe your memories, and rise up as the man you were created to be.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Why "we choose how we remember our lives" might be the most powerful mental shift a man can make
How Stephen’s moment of being honored as a father in the Middle East changed his life
What it means to build a “Band of Brothers” in a culture of isolation
The danger of soft masculinity in an age of comfort and ease
How heritage, ancestry, and masculinity are deeply connected — and why you need to know your story
The rise of faith-driven manhood in the next generation — and why there’s hope
Why modern men are often deformed, not by trauma, but by comfort and passivity
How to lead your family, friends, and community with courage and character
What to do with the wounds of the past — and how to reclaim your strength from them
A hilarious challenge: What’s the manliest way to eat an Oreo?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Ready for the Next Step?
Schedule a FREE 30-minute consult with Mark or Zack to see if counseling or coaching is the right next move:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

📚 Explore Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

🦁 Shop Lion Counseling Merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

💬 Drop a Comment Below:
What part of Stephen’s story inspired you most? How do you want to reshape your own?

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

🎙️ New episodes drop every Tuesday.

What if the true path to healing isn’t found in comfort—but in courage?

In this powerful episode, Mark Odland and Zack Carter unpack what therapy is really about—and why the popularized version of “feel-good therapy” often misses the mark for men. Using imagery from samurai sword-forging and field-tested coaching insights, they challenge men to face emotional pain head-on—not to suffer, but to transform.

Whether you’re skeptical of therapy or already in it, this episode will reframe how you think about emotional growth, masculine strength, and healing that actually sticks.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why real therapy isn’t about comfort—it’s about change
• How emotional pain can be a forge, not a flaw
• The dangers of “therapeutic comfort culture” for men
• How to name your pain so you can face it
• Why pacing matters: avoiding overwhelm in healing
• The difference between sympathy, empathy, and accountability
• Why healing without challenge never lasts
• Biblical and symbolic metaphors for forging strength through pain
• How to find a therapist or coach who respects your values

🎧 Prefer to listen to the audio?
Check out the podcast here: https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm

👉 Ready for the next step?
SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.

📚 Explore Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

🛍️ Shop Lion Counseling Merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
Hosted by Certified EMDR Therapist Mark Odland and Counselor/Coach Zack Carter, The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. We tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, leadership, identity, marriage, and faith—with courage, clarity, and just enough humor to keep it honest. New episodes every Tuesday.

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Certified EMDR Therapist Mark Odland takes a bold and honest look at a topic many men are quietly thinking about but rarely say out loud: Should men be skeptical of therapy?

The answer? Yes—and no.

Mark explores why discernment is essential when choosing a counselor or therapist—especially for men with traditional values, Christian faith, or a strong desire for personal responsibility and accountability.

🧠 Topics Covered:
Why many therapists are unknowingly biased against men
The problem with compassion without challenge
How systems theory can minimize personal agency
When secular counseling contradicts your faith
The difference between feminizing therapy and honoring male strengths
What good therapy looks like for high-achieving men
How to find a therapist who actually gets you
If you've ever felt frustrated by therapy, this episode will help you reframe the experience—and equip you to find the right guide for your journey.

👉 SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION with Mark or a Lion Counseling team member:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

📚 Check out Mark’s books for deeper healing and growth:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

🛡️ Shop Lion-themed merch designed to inspire and represent the values of strength, courage, and healing:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, a Certified EMDR Therapist and Christian counselor, this podcast blends psychology, faith, trauma healing, and practical tools for men who want more out of life.

Forget “finding your dream job.” What if your dream career doesn't exist yet… because you're meant to build it?

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark and Zack explore what it means to create meaningful work in a world that often pressures men to “figure it all out” by 25. They break down the difference between a job and a career, how to reframe all-or-nothing thinking, and why your past experiences (even the weird ones) might be more connected than you think.

Whether you're 22 or 42, stuck or starting over, this conversation will help you think differently about your future. You’ll learn:

✅ How to map out a career from scratch
✅ Why your skills and passions matter (even if they seem unrelated)
✅ Why you should stop waiting and start experimenting
✅ What to do when your plan doesn’t go according to plan
✅ The 3-step method to clarify your next move
✅ How to align your work with your values, family, and faith

This is practical, encouraging guidance for men who want to lead their lives with purpose — not just chase the next paycheck.

🔗 Need help mapping your next step?
Book a free consult with us: https://escapethecagenow.com

📚 Check out Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

👕 Shop Lion Counseling Merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

🎧 About the Lion Counseling Podcast
Hosted by therapist Mark Odland and counselor-coach Zack Carter, the Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. We combine evidence-based strategies from EMDR, CBT, and neuroscience with timeless wisdom from faith, family, and masculine leadership. Each week we tackle the topics men care about most — from anxiety and purpose to marriage, legacy, and resilience — all with clarity, compassion, and zero fluff.

New episodes every Tuesday.

👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

In this solo episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland shares the unexpected story of meeting Dr. John Deloney at a Texas cattle ranch during the EntreLeadership Summit—and how that brief but powerful encounter inspired a deeper reflection on anxiety, integrity, and the daily choices that shape our emotional resilience.

But this isn’t just a story—it’s a practical guide for any man who feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. Using Deloney’s “6 Daily Choices” framework, Mark breaks down how to move from anxiety to action, from fear to freedom—layering his own experience as a certified EMDR therapist and coach for high-performing Christian men.

🔥 Whether you’re a fan of Deloney, battling burnout, or just trying to find your footing again—this episode will challenge and equip you to build a life of peace, purpose, and presence.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why anxiety isn’t the fire—it’s the alarm
The 6 Daily Choices that shape a non-anxious life
How to make these choices tactical and actionable
Why vulnerability (done wisely) builds trust, not weakness
How Christian faith, CBT, EMDR, and nervous system science all align
Why mindfulness isn’t “soft”—it’s strategic
How to get to the root of anxiety instead of just managing symptoms

✍️ “You don’t have to feel fearless to act like a lion. Just choose one small, courageous step today.”

📖 Resources Mentioned:
Building a Non-Anxious Life by Dr. John Deloney
Mark’s coaching and counseling: https://escapethecagenow.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, anxiety, identity, legacy, and faith—with clarity, grit, and grace.

Forgiveness sounds good in theory—until you’re the one who’s been hurt.

In this powerful episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor and Coach) unpack the emotional, relational, and spiritual dynamics that make forgiveness so difficult—and show you how to actually walk it out without pretending the pain didn’t matter. Whether you’ve been betrayed by a friend, deeply hurt by a family member, or struggling to forgive yourself, this episode offers both clarity and hope.

👉 Want help healing the pain behind the anger?
Schedule a free 1-on-1 consult at:
📲 https://escapethecagenow.com/call

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation
• The biblical and psychological purpose of forgiveness
• Why we hold grudges even when we want to let go
• How trauma (like infidelity or abuse) makes forgiveness harder
• What it means to “forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it”
• EMDR and genogram tools for healing deep wounds
• A powerful reflection on Jesus’ words: “They know not what they do”
• How to free yourself without minimizing the pain
• How to model forgiveness as a strong Christian man

📩 Want more free tools for Christian men?
Join our email list at escapethecagenow.com

Get practical, faith-filled content every week.

📲 Like, Comment, and Subscribe
We read every comment. Tell us:
➡️ What’s helped you forgive someone who hurt you?
➡️ Do you agree forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

About the Show:

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach), we explore trauma, relationships, masculinity, faith, and personal transformation.

In this special episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter respond to the tragic and violent death of Charlie Kirk from a Christian counseling perspective. As husbands, fathers, and mental health professionals, they unpack the emotional weight of this national trauma and guide listeners through the 4 Tasks of Mourning by J. William Worden.

Whether you were a follower of Charlie’s work or are simply shaken by the wave of violence and grief in our world, this episode will help you process the pain with honesty, faith, and emotional clarity. Mark and Zack draw from both EMDR and CBT approaches—blended with Christian values—to offer a grounded path toward healing.

🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Why grief can hit us even if we didn’t know someone personally
How to accept the reality of loss when it feels surreal
Why processing emotions like anger, sadness, and fear is essential—and biblical
How to adjust to a world without a voice we once relied on
What it means to honor someone’s legacy without being consumed by pain
How Christian men can respond with strength and grace, not vengeance

🙏 This conversation is filled with empathy, truth, and practical strategies to help men navigate both personal and cultural grief in a spiritually grounded way.

👉 Need support or someone to talk to?
Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Mark or Zack at:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free from what’s holding them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, this show tackles real issues—trauma, faith, masculinity, marriage, grief, addiction, and legacy—with clarity, honesty, and courage.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I keep putting this off?”—this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) break down the 3 types of procrastination—and explain why your brain might actually be working for you, not against you.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why procrastination is often biologically wired
✅ The difference between idealistic, avoidance, and operational procrastination
✅ How perfectionism, fear, and vague goals are sabotaging your momentum
✅ Practical strategies to make progress (even if you feel stuck)

From elite performers and entrepreneurs to men trying to stay ahead of anxiety and burnout, this episode gives you the tactical mindset shift you need to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward—on your own terms.

👉 Feeling stuck? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack to explore if counseling or coaching is a good fit:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why procrastination is biologically smart (sometimes)
• How to turn your "last-minute energy" into a strength
• What’s really behind perfectionism and idealistic delay
• Why fear-based avoidance keeps you stuck (and how to break through it)
• How to make vague goals specific and achievable
• A mindset and action plan to rewire your brain for consistency
• When to ask for help (and how we can support you)

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we talk about real issues—anxiety, procrastination, trauma, marriage, addiction, legacy—with practical tools, Christian faith, and real-world humor.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
💪 Need help? Visit https://escapethecagenow.com

📲 Like, comment, and subscribe to help more men find freedom.

If you’re stuck in a cycle of secrecy and guilt—and wondering whether to open up to your wife—this episode is for you.

Zach Carter and Mark Odland explore the deeper emotional and relational impact of hidden struggles, especially screen-based habits that damage trust and intimacy. They unpack when (and how) to have the hard conversation—and how truth, grace, and strategy can lead to real healing.

👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zach at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The hidden costs of private digital behaviors
• Whether (and how) to open up to your spouse
• What honesty looks like without shame-dumping or retraumatizing
• Why your wife should NOT be your accountability partner
• When to seek outside support—and how we can help

📢 Whether you're married, dating, or single—this episode speaks directly to men who want to break free, rebuild trust, and walk in integrity.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Show:

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zach Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, identity, relationships, purpose, and faith—with honesty and courage.

Are you a dad trying to raise strong, resilient kids—but sometimes feel lost when it comes to handling your child’s emotions, meltdowns, or mood swings?

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, break down the practical, brain-based parenting tools that every dad needs to know.

Inspired by the work of Dr. Daniel Siegel, this conversation explores how to engage your child's full brain—left and right, upstairs and downstairs—to foster emotional regulation, resilience, and strong father-child connection. Whether you’re dealing with tantrums, sibling fights, or just want to be more intentional as a parent, this episode will equip you with a step-by-step framework to help your kids thrive.

👉 Want to take it further? SCHEDULE A FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
to explore counseling or coaching.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The Whole-Brain Parenting model: left vs. right brain, upstairs vs. downstairs brain
• Why dads default to logic—and why that often backfires
• The simple phrase that changes everything: “Connect, then redirect”
• How to use storytelling to help kids process emotions and build resilience
• Why ignoring emotions can lead to addiction and trauma later in life
• Tools to raise kids who are emotionally strong, not emotionally shut down
• How YOU can model emotional intelligence and executive functioning as a father

Whether you're raising toddlers or teens, this episode will help you become the kind of dad your kids need: emotionally present, logically wise, and spiritually grounded.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, faith, leadership, marriage, addiction, and parenting—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

👉 Learn more or get help: https://escapethecagenow.com

👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) explore how to take back your time and attention from endless scrolling, dopamine overload, and screen addiction. Using humor, real talk, and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, they break down how to replace screen time with purpose-driven habits that actually make your life better.

This isn’t about guilt-tripping you for binging YouTube. It’s about giving you a simple, realistic path out of mental fog and into a life that feels energized, focused, and meaningful.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why just saying “I need to use my phone less” never works
• How billion-dollar algorithms are hacking your mind—and what to do about it
• What the Wellness Wheel is (and how to use it like a man)
• Why your life feels stuck—and how 15 minutes outside might fix it
• How David Goggins would probably redesign the Wellness Wheel (blood, cussing, and all)
• How to identify the area of your life most out of balance—and where to start rebuilding
• Why tiny wins matter more than big plans
• A ridiculously simple strategy to reset your habits (even if you're exhausted)

Whether you’re crushing it at work but feel off at home, or you’re tired of living behind a screen and want to get your edge back, this episode will give you the tools and motivation to move forward—without shame, without fluff, and without wasting your time.

💥 Your first step? Identify the easiest wellness domain to improve (physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, etc.), and start with the smallest win you can commit to this week.

🎯 Small wins. Daily reps. Long-term growth. That’s how lions are built.

About the Show:

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, anxiety, relationships, purpose, faith, and personal development—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.

➡️ Which area of the wellness wheel are YOU working on first?

If you've ever told yourself, "I know what to do... I just don’t do it", this episode is for you.

In this brutally honest and practical episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) go beyond nutrition advice and fitness hacks. They explore the emotional and psychological barriers that sabotage your efforts to eat better, work out consistently, and stay disciplined.

Whether your weakness is midnight cheese and crackers, weekend binges, or post-stress drive-thru rituals—there’s likely something deeper going on. And it's not just about willpower.

You’ll discover:

Why food is emotionally fused with comfort, control, and celebration
The real reason David Goggins-style motivation often backfires
How your early life experiences secretly shape your eating habits today
The role of thoughts like “I deserve this” and “I need this” in keeping you stuck
How CBT and EMDR-informed strategies can break the shame-spiral
The difference between healthy goals and toxic perfectionism
Why stewardship of your body can be a powerful act of faith

💡 Stick around to the end for a practical mindset shift and journaling exercise to finally escape the all-or-nothing trap and build real, lasting change.

👉 Ready to stop self-sabotaging and start showing up for your body, mind, and faith? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. We tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, marriage, purpose, and faith—with clarity, courage, and zero fluff.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) break down the 3 destructive thought patterns that fuel depression in men — and how to overcome them.

Whether you're feeling stuck, emotionally numb, or you're watching someone you care about spiral, this episode offers real hope and a path forward. They explain how depression distorts how we see ourselves, our lives, and the world around us—and how small mindset shifts can lead to big breakthroughs.

🧠 You’ll Learn:

• Why people with depression have a “selection bias” toward negative thinking
• How overgeneralization keeps you stuck in self-defeating narratives like “I always fail”
• How to stop interpreting neutral events (like a coworker ignoring you) as proof that something’s wrong with you
• Why traditional advice like “just snap out of it” fails—and what actually works
• A powerful visual tool to reframe your thinking and move from stuck to strong
• How small, consistent mindset shifts can transform your mental health

💡 If you’ve ever felt hopeless, numb, or like you’ve lost your fire — you're not broken. Depression is real, but it is also treatable. And at Lion Counseling, we don’t pathologize you. We listen, equip you, and help you move from where you are to where you want to be—without needing to slap a diagnosis on it.

👊 You don’t need to stay stuck. Start today with a single small step.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach), we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

This is a Lion Reflection – a personal monologue where I share the hard-earned lessons, challenges, and insights that have shaped my journey as a therapist, leader, and man of faith.

👉 Want support from a therapist who gets it? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

In this episode, I share the powerful story of meeting Dr. Jordan Peterson—a man whose work has impacted millions, including many of you. I’ll walk you through what I learned in our private conversation about burnout, resentment, pride, and how radical personal responsibility might be the key to becoming the man God created you to be.

Whether you're a therapist, entrepreneur, leader, or just trying to hold everything together as a husband and father, the lessons in this episode will challenge and equip you to take ownership of your life, set healthy boundaries, and protect your integrity.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• How my face-to-face conversation with Dr. Peterson challenged my thinking
• The trap of taking too much credit—or too much blame—for others' outcomes
• How resentment is a signal that your boundaries are being violated
• Why radical ownership isn’t just wise—it’s spiritually essential
• How Jesus modeled true responsibility—and what that means for us as men
• A 4-step challenge you can use this week to detox your heart from bitterness

📖 Plus: I close the episode by reading my original poem, “Crossing the Jordan,” written in honor of Dr. Peterson’s work.

🔥 This reflection isn’t about fandom. It’s about formation. Take what’s useful and put it into practice.

—

👉 Ready to make a change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule your free consultation for coaching or counseling.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.

In this gripping episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland sits down with Air Force veteran, adventurer, and mental health advocate Nick Rahn, founder of Warrior’s Next Adventure. From a near-death moment in the Boundary Waters to being shipwrecked in the Atlantic Ocean, Nick's journey is one of raw pain, gritty survival, and unexpected redemption.

Nick shares how a misfire changed the direction of his life, opening the door to purpose, brotherhood, and global adventure. He opens up about childhood trauma, military stress, relational breakdowns, and what it really takes to rebuild from the bottom.

Through MMA, mountain climbing, helping fellow veterans, and a high-seas rescue that can only be described as miraculous, Nick shows us that it’s possible to rewrite the ending—even after everything seems lost.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• What happened the moment Nick hit his breaking point—and the shocking twist that changed everything
• Why childhood wounds echo into adulthood, and how to start healing them
• How Nick survived alone in the wilderness—and later, in a life raft in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
• What men can learn from radical honesty and emotional ownership
• The healing power of adrenaline, brotherhood, and storytelling
• Nick’s six principles for turning rock bottom into transformation

💥 If you’ve ever felt broken, stuck, or like the world would be better without you—this episode is your reminder that your story isn’t over.

Learn more about Nick’s nonprofit: https://warriorsnextadventure.com
Watch the PBS documentary: Defying Death on the Atlantic

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.

What if your anxiety was actually trying to help you—but your brain just got stuck in the wrong loop?

In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark and Zack break down the ABCs of anxiety—Alarm, Belief, and Coping—and share how you can take back control from the chaos in your head. You’ll learn the real neuroscience behind stress, why your coping strategies might not be working, and what to do instead.

Oh, and yes—Zack tells a hilarious story about being so scared by a ghost movie that he threw his covers in the closet. 😂

Whether you’re stressed at work, overwhelmed at home, or stuck in your own head, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to face fear with courage and strategy.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What the “Alarm” in your brain is and why it’s trying to protect you
• How your beliefs (even irrational ones) can amplify anxiety
• The difference between healthy and unhealthy coping
• Why your brain loves to “catastrophize”—and how to fight back
• How to create a simple plan to feel more in control
• Stories about horror movies, skydiving, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (yes, really)
• A faith-based reminder that fear doesn’t have to have the final word

👉 Ready for the next step?
Schedule a FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack to see if you’re a good fit to work together:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

Are your money habits sabotaging your future? This episode is for high-performing men who are crushing it at work and at home—but quietly struggling with finances behind the scenes.

In this practical and honest conversation, Mark and Zack explore five toxic thought patterns that hold men back from building wealth—and what you can do to break free.

👉 Ready for the next step?
SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why “it’s the economy’s fault” is a mindset trap—and what to do instead
• The hidden cost of saying “I’m just not good with money”
• How all-or-nothing thinking paralyzes your financial progress
• Why waiting to “make more money” before saving is a losing game
• How budgeting doesn’t have to kill your joy—and might even increase it
• The psychology behind self-sabotage, procrastination, and financial guilt
• How to take your first small, realistic step toward financial peace today

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

💡 Your Challenge This Week:
Identify the negative money belief holding you back—and write out the advice you’d give a close friend if he believed the same thing.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, finances, marriage, purpose, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

This is a Lion Legacy Conversation — a long-form interview highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and faith of remarkable men.

👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.

In this compelling episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland sits down with Michael Swalley — breakdancer, missionary, husband, father of four, and founder of Break Free Ministries. From small-town Minnesota to underground hip-hop communities across the globe, Michael’s journey is one of pain, purpose, and pursuit. With vulnerability and strength, he shares how fatherlessness, faith, and movement collided to spark a global ministry reaching men through creativity and community.

Whether you're a man haunted by the past or searching for deeper purpose, this episode will challenge how you see manhood — and sonship.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

Michael’s story of losing his father to suicide and finding his identity as a beloved son of God
Why men today are hungry to be seen, known, and mentored — even in unlikely places
How a Japanese exchange student named Ace was the first convert in a movement now spanning four continents
Why emotional honesty with your wife may be one of the most courageous steps a man can take
How movement, creativity, and brotherhood unlock healing in ways words can’t always reach
What breakdancing under a bridge in Hungary taught him about community and calling
A redefinition of masculinity that blends responsibility with tenderness, and sonship with strength
How the “check engine light” of your soul can become a roadmap to deep healing and purpose
Why legacy isn’t just about what you do — but about how deeply you receive the love of your Father in heaven
💥 If you’ve ever felt like you had to perform to be loved — or wondered if your story could really be redeemed — this episode will speak to your soul.

Learn more about Michael’s work at https://breakfree2024.com or follow @breakfreeministries on Instagram.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.

➡️ What part of Michael’s story resonated most with you?

Using a simple yet powerful visual framework known as "The Circle Sheet"—borrowed from 12-step traditions and infused with a healthy dose of Star Trek wisdom—Zack walks you through how to create your own personal sobriety plan. Whether you’re battling porn addiction, over-drinking, procrastination, emotional reactivity, or something else, this episode gives you tools that are simple, actionable, and grounded in both science and experience.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

• What the Outer, Middle, and Inner Circles mean and how they relate to relapse cycles
• The psychology of triggers (a.k.a. “Yellow Alert”) and how to interrupt them
• How to replace destructive habits with purposeful actions
• Why identifying your personal heroes and values changes your recovery trajectory
• The surprising link between addiction and isolation—and how connection heals

Zack also shares his own method for integrating the "Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)" into your recovery game plan—helping you identify the 2 most effective actions that keep you mentally and emotionally strong.

Oh, and yes… there’s plenty of nerdy Star Trek humor, Photon Torpedoes, and a spontaneous side mission to Comic Con.

🧠 Who This Is For:

• Men struggling with addiction, compulsive behavior, or bad habits
• Husbands, fathers, leaders, and entrepreneurs seeking freedom and clarity
• Fans of Jordan Peterson, Jocko Willink, or Dave Ramsey seeking faith-informed tools for healing
• Anyone curious about how EMDR and 12-step principles can work together for lasting growth

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

🔗 Ready to Escape the Cage?
Book a free 30-minute consultation or learn more about therapy and coaching for men at:
👉 https://www.escapethecagenow.com

In this practical and insightful episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) dive deep into what it really takes to find a lasting romantic relationship. Whether you're looking for a wife, evaluating someone you’re dating, or just feeling frustrated by the modern dating world, this episode is for you.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

What traits people think matter—but actually don’t (hint: looks and income aren’t everything)
Why your top three non-negotiables matter more than a long wishlist
The surprising science behind long-term relationship success
Red flags to avoid: narcissism, manipulation, lack of empathy, and emotional instability
How to recognize attachment styles and what they mean for your relationship
Why being with someone who’s willing to grow matters more than finding someone “perfect”
How your own unresolved issues may be affecting who you’re attracted to
A practical exercise to clarify what you really want in a spouse—and what to ignore
Why chemistry is not the same as compatibility
The mindset shift that helps men move from anxious or avoidant dating habits to confident connection
💥 This isn’t about playing games or chasing status—it’s about building a real foundation for a lifelong, meaningful relationship.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we explore meaningful topics like masculinity, marriage, mental health, legacy, faith, trauma, and emotional resilience—with clarity, honesty, and a touch of humor.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Ready to level up your love life or heal from past relationships? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to book a free consultation.

➡️ What are YOUR top 3 must-haves in a future spouse?

In this profound conversation, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist & founder of Lion Counseling) is joined by renowned Orthodox Christian artist and cultural commentator Jonathan Pageau (The Symbolic World) to explore a topic rarely covered in Pageau’s public work: trauma, memory, and personal transformation.

With approximately 250,000 subscribers, Jonathan is known globally for helping people rediscover the symbolic patterns that shape reality—in scripture, culture, art, and personal life. In this episode, he and Mark dive into how trauma and memory shape identity, and how both psychological healing and spiritual hierarchy can help men reorder their lives.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Why trauma is like a symbolic vortex that tries to consume identity
How EMDR therapy helps reorient painful memories and restore wholeness
Jonathan’s reflections on symbolism, ritual, and the modern man’s identity crisis
The hidden symbolic structure of trauma and healing
What happens when your trauma becomes the “sacred center” of your story—and how to replace it
Why men need hierarchy, tradition, and myth to make sense of suffering
How ritual, memory, and imagination were meant to ground and heal us
The relationship between Protestantism, secularism, and the loss of meaning
What Jonathan learned about story, masculinity, and spiritual resilience from his own journey
A surprising dialogue between symbolic theology and modern trauma therapy
How to leave a legacy that restores rather than fragments

💥 Whether you found Jonathan through Jordan Peterson, are drawn to deep theology, or you're simply a man trying to make sense of pain, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Jonathan Pageau at thesymbolicworld.com

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we explore real topics like trauma, masculinity, anxiety, identity, purpose, and spiritual growth—blending faith, psychology, and personal transformation.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Want help overcoming trauma or rediscovering meaning? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to book a free consultation.

➡️ What part of this conversation with Jonathan Pageau resonated with you most?

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) explain trauma in a clear, practical, and non-intimidating way. If you've experienced stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm that feels hard to shake, this episode offers helpful insights and next steps.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• What trauma is and how it impacts the brain and nervous system
• The difference between PTSD and complex trauma (CPTSD)
• How past experiences may still influence your thoughts, behavior, or mood
• The role of EMDR therapy in emotional recovery
• What “post-traumatic growth” looks like—and how to move toward it
• Signs you might be coping through avoidance or distraction
• Safe, practical ways to begin processing past experiences
• How to know if therapy could be a helpful next step

💬 Whether you're a high-functioning man with hidden stress, or someone working through past challenges, this episode can help you understand what's going on—and what healing could look like.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Licensed Therapist & EMDR Specialist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, the show explores mental health, resilience, identity, faith, and personal growth in a thoughtful and honest way.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’

👉 Want to learn more or get support? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com for counseling and coaching options.

➡️ What’s one step you've taken to start healing from the past?

In this raw and honest episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) open up about their personal experiences with burnout—and what they learned through the process. Whether you're a business owner, husband, leader, or just a guy trying to hold it all together, this episode will help you understand why you’re running on fumes… even when life looks “successful” on paper.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

The real symptoms of burnout and how they differ from depression
What it means when you're successful but numb
Why you might feel angry, exhausted, or apathetic without knowing why
The 6 root causes of burnout: Workload, Control, Reward, Community, Fairness, and Values
How even faith-driven men with great families can burn out
Why resentment, over-functioning, and people-pleasing drain your strength
How to know when you’ve hit your emotional breaking point
The critical difference between “self-care” and selfishness
Why burnout is a warning sign—not a life sentence—and what to do about it
Real-life strategies you can use this week to reclaim peace and motivation
💥 If you’re tired, bitter, or just not feeling like yourself—this episode is for you.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we explore issues like masculinity, trauma, anxiety, relationships, leadership, faith, identity, and emotional health—with truth, clarity, and courage.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Want help navigating burnout or life transitions? Book a free consultation at www.escapethecagenow.com

Whether you’re a man struggling with addiction, questioning your purpose, or just trying to find your footing in a chaotic world, this episode is for you.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

How Aaron went from singing on stage with P.O.D. to nearly losing his life in addiction
The journey from jail and rehab to leading worship for tens of thousands
Why manhood is about sacrifice, not ego—and what it means to lay down your life for others
The danger of putting too much emotional pressure on your wife—and why men need mentors and brotherhood
The role of music in Aaron’s healing, and how creativity connects us to God
The struggle with pride and success—and how to keep your gifts grounded in purpose
Why your legacy starts now—not later
A profound one-minute legacy exercise that will challenge you to reframe how you're living today
How to live 1% better each day, even if you're starting from rock bottom
💥 If you feel like your life is too messy or too far gone, Aaron’s story will remind you that God’s not done with you yet.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist, LMFT) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) explore one of life’s biggest questions: How can I be truly happy? Whether you're killing it at work but feeling empty inside, or just trying to shake off stress and find peace, this episode will give you the clarity—and the tools—you need.

Drawing from positive psychology, biblical wisdom, and decades of experience helping men grow, Mark and Zack break down what happiness actually is, and how to build a life that’s both fulfilling and meaningful.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

The 3 key ingredients of happiness: Pleasure, Engagement, and Meaning
Why happiness is a choice—and how to start making it daily
How to “practice” happiness through simple, repeatable habits
The danger of waiting for success to feel joy—and why happiness comes first
The brain science behind how Tetris, gratitude, and acts of kindness can change your outlook
How to reframe negative thinking and stop training your mind to see the worst
Why relationships are the single biggest predictor of long-term happiness
What to do if you’re feeling isolated, stuck, or alone
How spirituality and legacy shape a meaningful life
And Zack’s favorite practical tip: Do something today that makes you feel alive
💥 This isn’t just theory—it’s a call to action. You were made for more than grinding your way through life. You were made to enjoy it.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we blend faith, psychology, and practical wisdom to tackle real issues like mental health, masculinity, purpose, addiction, marriage, and success.

👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to connect with Mark or Zack for coaching or counseling.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
📲 Found this helpful? Subscribe, hit the bell, and comment below:
➡️ What’s one thing you’re doing today to increase your happiness?

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist & LMFT) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach for Men) dive headfirst into one of the most common issues men face—but rarely talk about: anxiety.

Whether it shows up as stress, overthinking, irritability, or a pit in your stomach, this episode breaks down what anxiety really is, why it's not always the enemy, and how you can take back control using real-world strategies backed by psychology and faith.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: