Why You Keep Fighting About Money, Intimacy, and Chores (and how to stop it)

🎙️ Episode 4 – “Why You Keep Fighting About Money, Intimacy, and Chores (and how to stop it)"In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) tackle one of the most common issues couples face: relationship conflict.Whether you’re married, dating, or engaged, this conversation dives into real-world strategies for improving communication, deescalating arguments, and building deeper emotional connection. From fights about sex, money, and chores, to everyday misunderstandings, Mark and Zack break down the patterns that keep couples stuck—and how to break free from them.🔍 In This Episode:How to avoid the most common relationship fights before they startWhat your partner really needs when they’re upset (hint: not a solution)Why the emotion wheel is a game-changer for emotional awarenessA simple method to de-escalate arguments using reflections of thought and emotionHow to use the “slow startup” technique for difficult conversationsThe difference between criticism vs. expressing needs positivelyThe power of empathy and validation in building connectionWhy timing and tone are just as important as the words you sayHow to ask open-ended questions that invite teamwork instead of conflictFaith-based insights on humility, self-awareness, and showing up well for your spouse or partner💬 Zack and Mark share lessons from their work as therapists, coaches, and husbands—along with practical tips you can start using today to build stronger, more emotionally intelligent relationships.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 the team at Lion Counseling, we focus on mental health, marriage, masculinity, faith, and self-improvement from a grounded, real-world perspective.👉 Want to strengthen your relationship? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule couples counseling or life coaching with Mark or Zack.📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.💬 What’s one communication skill you’ve learned that’s helped your relationship? Let us know in the comments.Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript. #RelationshipAdvice #MarriageHelp #ChristianMarriage #MensMentalHealth #CouplesTherapy #AvoidFights #BetterCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence #PodcastForMen #FaithAndRelationships #SlowStartup #ValidateEmotions #ConflictResolution #LionCounseling #EscapeTheCage