Lion Counseling Podcast

🎙️ You’re Solving The Wrong Problem | Leadership Under Pressure #81One of the most practical ideas Mark Odland heard at Echelon Front Muster was this:Clarity before depth.Before you go deep into solving a problem, you first have to be clear about what problem you are actually solving.It sounds obvious… but most high-performing men skip right past it.They feel pressure.They feel frustration.They feel failure.And they immediately move into action mode.But when a man misdiagnoses the problem, his strength becomes his weakness.He solves the wrong problem faster.In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark explores why so many successful men stay stuck—not because they lack discipline or intelligence, but because they are trying to solve the wrong issue.Mark breaks down:✅ Why high-performing men often misdiagnose the real problem✅ The hidden difference between discipline issues and deeper emotional patterns✅ Why productivity systems cannot solve shame, trauma, anxiety, or avoidance✅ How stress and nervous system activation distort self-assessment✅ Why recurring relationship and leadership problems are often symptoms, not root causes✅ The importance of slowing down enough to ask: “What is actually happening here?”✅ Why clarity is often more important than intensityThis episode is not about becoming passive or endlessly analyzing yourself.It’s about learning how to identify the real issue underneath the visible issue—so your effort actually leads somewhere.Because if you go deep into the wrong problem…you can work extremely hard and never truly move forward.🎙️ 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.

🎙️ Episode 80: Burnout or Depression? How to Tell the Difference (Most People Get This Wrong)Many people say they're "burned out." But what if burnout isn't actually the whole story?In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Zack Carter analyzes a real-world example to explain the important differences between burnout and depression. While the two often overlap, they aren't the same—and understanding the difference can help you find the right path forward.In this episode we discuss:     * The six major causes of burnout     * How depression can look different from burnout     * Signs that your struggles may be affecting more than just work     * Practical ways to address burnout     * When it's time to seek professional help     * If you've been feeling exhausted, unmotivated, emotionally numb, or overwhelmed, this conversation may help you better understand what you're experiencing.📅 Book a Free Clarity Call:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/📖 Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/🌐 Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ Have you ever mistaken depression for burnout—or burnout for depression? Let us know your experience in the comments below.#Burnout #Depression #MentalHealth #Therapy #EMDR #Stress #SelfImprovement #MentalHealthAwareness #LionCounseling #Psychology

🎙️ Why You Keep Repeating the Same Mistake | Leadership Under Pressure #79One of the most practical leadership tools emphasized at Echelon Front Muster is the debrief:Review what happened.Own your mistakes.Identify lessons.Improve the next iteration.It’s a powerful framework.But what happens when a man keeps identifying the same pattern… and still repeats it?In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark Odland explores the critical difference between analyzing a reaction… and actually resolving the deeper pattern driving it. Mark breaks down:✅ Why debriefing alone doesn’t always create lasting change✅ The difference between intellectual insight and nervous system change✅ Why high-performing men often repeat patterns they already understand✅ How shame, criticism, uncertainty, and perceived disrespect trigger automatic reactions✅ Why the body often reacts before leadership principles come online✅ How trauma-informed work and EMDR help address deeper emotional conditioning✅ Why insight without processing can leave men stuck in the same cyclesThis episode is not about endlessly talking about feelings.It’s about understanding why certain reactions keep happening automatically under pressure—even when a man genuinely wants to change.Because reviewing the pattern is important.But resolving what drives the pattern is where real change begins.🎙️ 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.

The Trauma Reset | EMDR Intensives for High-Achieving MenHigh achievers often know how to push through pain—but that doesn't mean the pain is gone.Many of the men I work with are disciplined, successful leaders, business owners, executives, athletes, pastors, and professionals. They've built impressive lives, yet still struggle with burnout, emotional numbness, recurring relationship patterns, anxiety, or a persistent feeling that something beneath the surface has never fully healed.The problem usually isn't a lack of discipline.It's that certain experiences, stress, or trauma were never fully processed.In this video, I explain The Trauma Reset—my EMDR Intensive program designed to help motivated men address the root causes of emotional distress in a focused, accelerated format. While weekly therapy is an excellent fit for many people, an intensive allows us to accomplish months of therapeutic work in just a few days for those who are ready.As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, I've spent years helping clients and training therapists in evidence-based trauma treatment. If you desire, I'm also happy to integrate your Christian faith into the healing process.If you've been successful on the outside but still feel stuck on the inside, this may be the next step you've been looking for.Book a Clarity Call with Mark:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/Get Mark's FREE eBook:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/Learn More About Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About Mark OdlandMark Odland, MA, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Lion Counseling. He specializes in helping high-achieving men heal unresolved trauma, overcome emotional barriers, strengthen leadership, and build healthier relationships through evidence-based therapy integrated with Christian faith when desired.

🎙️ Why Leaders Misread Their Impact | Leadership Under Pressure #77One of the hardest truths about leadership is this: You are not judged only by your intentions.You are judged by your impact.At Echelon Front Muster, there was a strong emphasis on how leaders are perceived and how their actions affect the people around them. But what happens when a man believes he’s showing up one way… while the people closest to him experience something completely different? In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark Odland explores the dangerous gap between intention and impact—and why high-performing men are especially vulnerable to missing it.Mark breaks down:✅ Why successful leaders often misread how they affect others✅ How intensity can sometimes be anxiety in disguise✅ Why “holding the standard” can be experienced as criticism or pressure✅ How emotional shutdown can masquerade as composure✅ Why success can hide relational damage for years✅ The hidden impact of tone, nervous system activation, facial expression, and emotional presence✅ Why wives, kids, and teams often experience a man differently than he intendsThis episode is not about becoming passive or emotionally fragile.It’s about becoming aware enough to understand what you are actually bringing into the room.Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish.It’s about what happens to the people under your influence.And for many high-performing men, that deeper awareness is where the real work begins.🎙️ 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.

🎙️ Counselors Destroy Child Therapists 😂 - Episode 76What happens when licensed therapists critique... child therapists?In this episode, Zack surprises Mark with a series of hilarious videos featuring young children giving couples relationship advice. Some of their recommendations are surprisingly thoughtful. Others go completely off the rails.As therapists, they break down each "therapy session," discussing what these young counselors instinctively get right, where they accidentally make classic rookie mistakes, and what they reveal about how good counseling actually works.Along the way, they score each child therapist on listening skills, rapport, emotional awareness, and the quality of their advice before deciding which one we'd actually hire (and which ones might need a little more supervision).It's one of our funniest episodes—but beneath the laughs are real lessons about communication, relationships, and what makes therapy effective.In this episode:✅ Do therapists give advice too quickly?✅ Why listening is usually more important than solving✅ The surprising wisdom children sometimes possess✅ Common mistakes beginning therapists make✅ Marriage, conflict, chores, jealousy, family tension, and more✅ Our final rankings of each child therapistWho do YOU think gave the best advice? Let us know in the comments!📞 Book a Clarity Call with Mark or Zack:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/📘 Get Mark's FREE E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/🌐 Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About Lion CounselingLion Counseling exists to help people understand how trauma, relationships, and emotional patterns influence everyday life. Through conversations like these—and through professional counseling—we hope to make psychology practical, engaging, and accessible.If you're looking for counseling, EMDR therapy, or simply want to learn more about how the mind works, we'd love to connect.#TherapistReacts #CouplesTherapy #MarriageAdvice #Counseling #Therapy #Psychology #Funny #Reaction #RelationshipAdvice #EMDR #MentalHealth #LicensedTherapist #LionCounseling #Podcast

🎙️ Why Ownership Breaks Down Under Pressure | Leadership Under Pressure #75One of the most valuable parts of the Echelon Front framework is that they don’t just teach ownership. They also talk about why people resist it.Fear.Ego.Overwhelm.Blame.Avoidance.Defensiveness.Those are real barriers—and if you’ve led people for any length of time, you’ve seen them everywhere.But what happens when those same barriers are operating inside YOU?In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark Odland explores why many high-performing men deeply believe in ownership intellectually… yet still become defensive, reactive, avoidant, or emotionally shut down under pressure.Mark breaks down:✅ Why fear, shame, and overwhelm are often nervous system responses—not just “bad attitudes”✅ How old survival patterns quietly distort leadership under stress✅ Why criticism and conflict can feel threatening even to successful men✅ The hidden emotional barriers behind defensiveness and avoidance✅ Why many men feel “stuck” even though they already know the right principles✅ The difference between understanding ownership and actually living it out in real timeThis episode is not about making excuses.It’s about identifying the internal barriers that keep high-performing men from living out the values they already believe in.Because you cannot defeat a hidden enemy by pretending it is not there.And for many men, the real battle is not intellectual.It’s internal.🎙️ 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.

🎙️ Does Shame Change People? | Therapists React to Caleb HammerMillions of people watch Caleb Hammer because he says what everyone else is thinking. He's blunt. He's confrontational. And for many viewers, it's incredibly satisfying to watch.But does being harsh actually help people change?In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, therapists Mark Odland and Zack Carter react to several viral Caleb Hammer clips and explore the psychology behind shame, accountability, behavior change, and personal growth.Along the way, they discuss:✅ Why criticism often creates defensiveness✅ The difference between guilt and shame✅ Whether public confrontation actually works✅ Why some people change while others double down✅ The psychology behind interventions and addiction recovery✅ Reward vs punishment in relationships and parenting✅ When tough love helps—and when it hurts✅ How therapists challenge people without shaming themThis isn't a critique of Caleb Hammer.In many ways, he's highlighting real problems and encouraging people to take responsibility for their lives.The bigger question is:What actually creates lasting change?📞 Book a Clarity Call with Markhttps://escapethecagenow.com/contact/📘 Get Mark's Free E-Bookhttps://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Mark's Books & Resourceshttps://escapethecagenow.com/books/Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About Lion CounselingLion Counseling exists to help high-achieving men break free from the patterns that keep them stuck.Mark Odland, MA, LMFT is a Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and former pastor who works with leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and other high-performing men who are ready to stop managing symptoms and start doing the deeper work.#leadership #psychology #calebhammer #selfimprovement #mentalhealth #therapy #relationships #personaldevelopment #accountability #motivation

🎙️ Why Leaders React Instead of Think | Leadership Under Pressure #73At Echelon Front Muster, Mark Odland was struck by the simplicity and power of the Leadership Loop: Detach. Assess. Decide. Act.It’s a powerful framework for leadership under pressure.But what happens when a man thinks he’s detached… while he’s actually emotionally activated?In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark explores how fear, ego, resentment, shame, anxiety, and old conditioning can quietly distort judgment under stress—without a man even realizing it.Mark breaks down:✅ The Leadership Loop taught at Echelon Front Muster✅ Why many men mistake emotional reactivity for leadership✅ How trauma and conditioning distort perception under pressure✅ Why urgency, certainty, and righteous anger can sometimes be emotional distortion✅ How fear changes what leaders notice, assume, and react to✅ The difference between true detachment and self-protection✅ Why some men repeatedly make decisions they later regretThis episode is not about becoming passive, emotionless, or overly cautious.It’s about learning how to create enough internal space to actually think clearly under pressure.Because leadership is not just about stepping back physically.Real leadership requires the ability to detach internally.And for many high-performing men, that is a trained capacity.🎙️ 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.

🎙️ Andrew Tate Says Depression Isn't Real. A Therapist Responds. | Lion Counseling Podcast #72Andrew Tate says depression isn’t real.He says what’s useful matters more than what’s true.And he says men become weak when they spend too much time at home with their families.But is he completely wrong?In this episode, Mark and Zack react to Andrew Tate’s interview with a psychotherapist and break down the psychology beneath his worldview: mental toughness, trauma, denial, father wounds, success, attachment, masculinity, and the hidden cost of building your entire identity around winning.✅ Why Andrew Tate’s message resonates with so many young men✅ The difference between mental toughness and denial✅ Why “I don’t believe in depression” can be both powerful and dangerous✅ How trauma can hide underneath extreme confidence✅ Why high-achieving men often avoid the parts of themselves that need healing✅ The difference between therapy and emotional substitutes✅ Why father wounds shape a man’s view of strength, success, and legacy✅ What avoidant attachment can look like in powerful men✅ Why being a provider is not the same thing as being present✅ How Christian men can think clearly about ambition, masculinity, and the soul🎙️ Book a Clarity Call with Mark or Zack:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/🎧 Listen Audio-Only:https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm/📘 Get Mark’s Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Mark’s Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/🌐 Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About the Lion Counseling PodcastThe Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break free from trauma, anxiety, addiction, marriage struggles, and the patterns that keep them stuck. Hosted by Mark Odland, MA, LMFT, and Zack Carter, the show explores trauma, EMDR therapy, faith, masculinity, leadership, relationships, and personal growth.What do you think: is Andrew Tate exposing weakness in modern therapy, or is he confusing denial with strength?#AndrewTate #Therapy #Masculinity #MensMentalHealth #Trauma #FatherWounds #AttachmentTheory #ChristianCounseling #EMDR #LionCounselingPodcast

🎙️ Why Communication Breaks Down Under Pressure | Leadership Under Pressure #71One of the most practical leadership ideas Mark Odland heard at Echelon Front Muster was the importance of communication clarity:It’s not enough to say something.A leader has to make sure the message was actually received.But what happens when you think you’re communicating clearly… and the people around you experience something completely different? In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark breaks down why communication failures are often not just about words—but about nervous systems, emotional pressure, tone, presence, and self-awareness.Mark explores:✅ Why “I explained it clearly” often isn’t enough✅ The communication concept of “readback” taught at Echelon Front Muster✅ Why high-performing men often struggle in marriage despite being effective leaders✅ How tone, facial expression, body language, and emotional state shape communication✅ Why men under stress often sound harsher or more dismissive than they realize✅ The dangerous gap between intention and impact✅ How nervous system activation changes communication under pressureThis episode is not about becoming passive or walking on eggshells.It’s about learning how to communicate with clarity, steadiness, strength, and emotional awareness—so the people you lead and the people you love actually experience you the way you intend.Because communication is not only what you said.Communication is what the other person experienced.🎙️ 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.

🎙️ Why Therapy Fails So Many Men | Lion Counseling Podcast #70The therapeutic mindset has become one of the dominant forces in modern culture.We're told to process our feelings.We're told to heal our inner child.We're told to prioritize self-care.But according to some critics, the result isn't a healthier society—it's a more anxious, fragile, and divided one.In this episode, Mark Odland and Zack Carter react to a viral conversation between Megyn Kelly and therapist Jonathan Alpert about the state of modern therapy. As therapists themselves, they explore where the criticism is justified, where it misses the mark, and what high-achieving men need to know before stepping into a counseling office.They discuss:✅ Is therapy creating victim mentality?✅ Why everyone suddenly seems to be a “narcissist”✅ The dangers of over-diagnosis and self-diagnosis✅ Validation vs. accountability in counseling✅ Why resilience still matters✅ CBT, EMDR, and coaching—when each is most effective✅ How good therapy differs from bad therapy✅ What high-performing men should look for in a counselorMark and Zack argue that while some therapy can reinforce avoidance and fragility, great therapy helps people confront reality, heal deeply, build resilience, and move forward with courage.🎙️ Book a Clarity Call with Mark:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/🎧 Listen Audio-Only:https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm/📘 Get Mark’s Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Mark’s Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/🌐 Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/#LionCounselingPodcast #Therapy #MensMentalHealth #EMDR #CBT #ChristianCounseling #Resilience #HighAchievingMen #MentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #Masculinity #Leadership #Anxiety #PersonalGrowth #TherapistReaction

🎙️ Detached… or Emotionally Gone? | Leadership Under Pressure #69At Echelon Front Muster, one of the leadership principles that stood out to Mark Odland was detachment:The ability to step back, create space, assess clearly, and make good decisions under pressure.It’s a powerful skill.But what happens when “detachment” turns into emotional shutdown?In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership and masculinity:The difference between healthy detachment… and emotional disconnection.Mark explores:✅ Why many high-performing men mistake shutdown for discipline✅ How emotional numbness can quietly damage marriage, leadership, and trust✅ Why some men learned to “go cold” as a survival strategy✅ The hidden cost of emotional absence in relationships and teams✅ How trauma and conditioning shape reactions under pressure✅ What true emotional steadiness actually looks likeThis is not about becoming soft, passive, or emotionally fragile.It’s about learning how to stay calm without shutting down… engaged without becoming reactive… and present without being controlled by emotion.Because real detachment is not numbness.Real detachment is calm and engaged at the same time.🎙️ 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.

🎙️ Episode 64 – Oleg Taktarov | UFC Pioneer, Hollywood, Masculinity, and the Cost of StrengthIn this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland sits down with UFC 6 tournament champion, actor, and UFC pioneer Oleg Taktarov for a deep conversation about masculinity, mindset, identity, suffering, and the psychology of strength.Far beyond a typical MMA interview, Mark interviews Oleg from his home in Russia. In this wide-ranging conversation, he reflects on growing up in a secret Soviet city during the Cold War, the influence of his parents and teachers, the mentality of the early UFC era, Hollywood, fame, loneliness, personal attacks, the strange experience of becoming a celebrity while still trying to understand yourself, and the unique mentality that made his opponents emotionally submit long before they actually tapped.0:00 Introducing UFC Hall of Famer and Hollywood Actor, Oleg Tactarov3:54 What shapes a man’s destiny… nature vs. nurture7:00 The power of teaching and listening 10:00 Memories from childhood in the Soviet Union15:37 Oleg’s journey of creativity both in the cage and on the movie screen21:05 The learned ability to read the room and discern people’s true intentions23:14 Celebrity as a threat to peace of mind and creativity26:40 The painful impact of being misunderstood in Hollywood 30:09 A ten-year-long recurring nightmare of being stuck in Russia33:30 The favorite character that Oleg has played as an actor36:35 Oleg’s autobiographical, sarcastic book40:53 Firsthand experience of how the power of words can hurt others42:10 How the Dagestani “hyenas” attacked the “old lion” 49:03 UFC early days and how different rules prevented defeating Dan Severn51:14 Reflections on defeating Tank Abbott and the role of fear in fighting53:35 Mental preparation for fightingTogether, Mark and Oleg explore:✅ The psychology of early UFC fighters✅ Genetics vs environment in shaping a man✅ Soviet culture and masculinity✅ Martial arts philosophy and discipline✅ Fear, instinct, and competition✅ Fame, public criticism, and identity✅ Hollywood and life after fighting✅ Why true fighters don’t carry hatred toward opponents✅ The emotional cost of strength and success✅ What it means to be a man in the modern worldOleg also shares stories from the early UFC days, reflections on acting and writing, insights into his legendary fights, and behind-the-scenes thoughts on life in Hollywood.📘 Get Mark’s Free Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Mark’s Books & Merch:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/📞 Book a Clarity Call with Mark:https://escapethecagenow.com/call/💬 Comment below:What part of Oleg’s story or philosophy stood out to you the most?About the Lion Counseling Podcast:The Lion Counseling Podcast explores psychology, masculinity, trauma, relationships, faith, discipline, and the deeper struggles high-performing men face in modern life. Hosted by licensed therapist Mark Odland, the podcast features conversations with athletes, fighters, creators, leaders, and men who have endured adversity and grown through it.New episodes drop every Tuesday.

🎙️ Why High-Performing Men Get Defensive | Leadership Under Pressure #67One of the most powerful ideas taught by Jocko Willink and Echelon Front is Extreme Ownership.Take responsibility.Own your mistakes.Stop blaming other people.Lead yourself first.And Mark Odland agrees with it.But what happens when a man genuinely believes in ownership… yet still becomes defensive, avoidant, reactive, or emotionally shut down under pressure?In this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark explores why high-performing men often hit a wall when trying to live out the principles they intellectually agree with.This usually isn’t a motivation problem.It’s a conditioning problem.Mark breaks down:✅ Why understanding ownership doesn’t automatically change reactions✅ How shame, fear, and past conditioning can override values under pressure✅ Why criticism and conflict can trigger defensive nervous system responses✅ The difference between explanation and excuse✅ Why many successful men stay stuck despite “knowing better”✅ How trauma-informed work and EMDR help remove internal interferenceThis is not about making excuses.It’s about understanding why your reactions override your values in real time—and learning how to change that.Because real ownership is not just saying:“This is on me.”Real ownership is becoming the kind of man who can stay steady enough to own it in the moment.🎙️ 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.

🎙️ Episode 66 - The Two Toxic Family Patterns Destroying Relationships | Enmeshment vs DisengagementWhy 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:EnmeshmentDisengagementInterdependenceUsing 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 responsibilityGet 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Why Discipline Breaks Down Under Pressure | Leadership Under Pressure #65Jocko Willink is right: discipline creates freedom. Structure matters. Standards matter. Doing what you say you’re going to do changes your life.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 pressureThis 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.

🎙️ Episode 65 – UFC Hall of Famer Mark “The Hammer” Coleman on Addiction, Redemption, Faith & Fighting BackUFC 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 peaceThis 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Discipline Works… Until It Doesn’t | Leadership Under Pressure #63Most 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 alongThis 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.

🎙️ Episode 62 – Why High-Achieving Men Quietly Fall Apart (The “Drift” No One Talks About)Most men don’t crash… they drift.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 insteadvPractical steps to take control of your life, marriage, and mindset this week📖 Get Larry’s Book + BonusesCheck 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 61: From Anxiety to Alignment — How to Stop Grinding and Start Receiving (with Jerrid Sebesta)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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 60: Why Your Anxiety Isn’t Getting Better (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 59 – Jonathan Pageau: You’re Not Seeing Yourself ClearlyWhat 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 decisionsWhy distorted self-perception can lead to anxiety, burnout, and addictionJonathan Pageau’s critique of the self-esteem movementThe difference between pride-based suffering and trauma-based sufferingHow childhood experiences can “freeze” negative beliefs and identityWhy truth alone isn’t always enough to heal traumaHow faith, repentance, and psychological healing can work togetherA 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.

🎙️ Episode 58: Sam Guzman | When Being a Good Man Isn’t EnoughHe 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 homeYou “know the right things” but still feel stuckYou’re trying to be strong… but something feels offThis 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.comhttps://innerspacecounseling.careAbout the Lion Counseling PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 57: Ben "The Baker” Neumann | One Fight from the UFC… Then Everything ChangedWhat 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 67 – Why Your Sex Life Feels Stuck (And How to Fix It Without Trying Harder)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.

🎙️ Episode 56: Dan Severn | The Mindset That Built a ChampionMost 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 regretTIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction to Dan “The Beast” Severn3:36 How Dan Severn got his Work Ethic and his Nickname10:17 Dan Severn’s Thoughts on Modern Wrestling (Pins over Points)12:20 Why Dan has no Regrets13:58 The Benefits of Being Part of a Large Family17:00 How “Grandpa Dan” is Building Alpha Grandchildren18:30 The Power of “Sweat Equity”22:33 The Importance of Mindset for Achieving Greatness26:00 A Motivation worth Fighting For31:06 Balancing Family Life with Competition40:34 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 PodcastThe 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.’

🎙️ Episode 54: Don’t Let Your Life Become a Bad Country Song | How Strong Fathers Aim Too LowSome 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 BookDownload your free copy here:👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Mark’s BooksExplore 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 53: She Says You’re Emotionally Abusive… But Are You?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 controlThis 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 BookDownload your free copy here:👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Mark’s BooksExplore 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 52 – Story, Symbol, and Meaning: Another Legacy Highlight with Jonathan PageauIn 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 meaningThe collapse of religious authority and narrative coherenceHow symbolism isn’t abstraction—it’s structure for the soulWhy humans are wired for meaning, not just informationThe surprising overlap between trauma therapy and symbolic thinkingIf 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: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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 51 – Stop Being the Emotional Punching Bag | Boundaries Aren’t PunishmentWhat 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 BookStart your deeper healing journey here:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/📚 Mark’s Bookshttps://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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 50 – The Inner Critic Behind High Achievement—and Why Success Can Feel Lonely | A Lion Legacy Conversation with Matt AndersonWhat 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 criticThe difference between an “achievement story” and a real life storyHow comparison and performance can quietly lead to isolationWhy acceptance doesn’t kill ambition—but actually purifies itHow healing happens in relationship, not in isolationWhat it means to stop competing and start contributingThis 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.comBook: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Super-Human-Critic-Heroic-ebook/dp/B0FSYBGP64Ted 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 49 – A Therapist Reacts to Ted Lasso Getting TherapyWhat 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 defensiveWhat Ted Lasso gets surprisingly right about the therapeutic processHow a skilled therapist builds trust without becoming a doormatWhy confronting the truth often hurts before it healsHow relationships with our fathers quietly shape adult identityWhy therapy can be a “release valve” for men under pressureWhere Hollywood therapy crosses ethical or clinical lines🎁 Free Book + Weekly Tools for MenGet 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 ConsultCurious 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 48 – Finding Meaning in Suffering: A Legacy Highlight with Jonathan PageauWhat 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 traumaWhy every loss contains the seed of new creationThe difference between humility and wallowing in shameHow suffering can become a spiritual opportunityThe 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 PodcastWe 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!

🎙️ Episode 47: Why EMDR Therapy Works – Trauma, Anger, and the Brain Explained: EMDR Lesson #2Why 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 dishesUsing 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 pastHow anger, numbness, and addiction function as survival strategiesWhat the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model says about traumaWhy the truth often gets stuck in the head but never reaches the heartHow EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess trauma at its rootWhy many couples fight about surface issues while deeper wounds drive the conflictThe 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 conversationWhich example resonated more with you—the veteran, the couple, or both? Comment below.About the Lion Counseling PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 46 – Why You’re Not Motivated (And What Actually Works)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 goalsWhy starting “too big” kills motivation before it startsThe 25% Rule for building momentum (even when you feel stuck)How forgetting—not laziness—derails most goalsWhy “shoulds” drain motivation and what to replace them withA powerful values-based framework for sustainable motivationHow 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 BooksEscape the CageTaming the TigerAvailable 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 45 – How Trauma Shapes the Brain (And How Healing Is Possible) - Part 1We 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 timeKey findings from the ACE Study and why they still matter todayWhy emotional pain can show up later as health, relationship, or life difficultiesHow the brain’s natural healing system works — and what happens when it’s overwhelmedWhat EMDR therapy is, where it came from, and why it’s so widely researchedHow “triggered” reactions are often linked to stored memories, not present dangerWhy time alone doesn’t always resolve emotional woundsA hopeful framework for understanding healing without shame or blame📘 Free Book for Men Who Want to GrowGet Mark’s free book “Escape the Cage”👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast📚 Mark’s BooksEscape 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 PodcastThe 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.

Pageau - Why Your Grandmother’s Love is More Real Than Your TraumaIn 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 EMDRHow life-giving memories rise to the surface once the nervous system calmsWhy replacing a traumatic memory with a loving one isn’t “faking it”—it’s aligning with what’s objectively more realJonathan Pageau’s perspective on the purpose of masculine strengthWhy mastery, ambition, and drive only become healthy when framed as an offeringThe true role of a man as builder, protector, and servant to God, family, and community📘 Free Book for MenGet 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 & ResourcesTaming 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 43 | Are We Catastrophizing the Rise of AI? A Christian Counseling PerspectiveAI 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 menHow to use CBT to walk yourself through worst-case, best-case, and most-likely scenariosWhat “catastrophizing” actually is—and why your brain does itHow faith provides grounding when technology creates uncertaintyA surprisingly effective strategy called “Thank Your Brain” (ACT-based)Why your brain is not the enemy—even when it feels like it isHow 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 MerchWear 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 42 | The “Let Them” Theory Might Be Hurting Your RelationshipsThe “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 backfiresWhy acceptance without agency can create resentment instead of peaceHow trauma, attachment style, and personality affect whether this advice worksThe difference between letting go and giving upHow the Serenity Prayer offers a wiser framework than “Let Them” aloneWhy some high‑achieving men already "let things go"—and pay a hidden costThis 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 MerchWear the message. Support the mission.👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/store/About the Lion Counseling PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Why You Relapse: The 3 Hidden Reasons Men Fall Back Into PornMost 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 patternsHow negative emotions like stress, loneliness, and boredom trigger urgesHow positive emotions like excitement, success, and celebration can also lead to relapseWhy your environment (rooms, sounds, routines) trains your brain to expect pornHow Pavlov’s experiment explains your own automatic urgesA simple exercise to build a weekly “replacement plan” that actually worksThe exact strategy Zack uses with clients to break Saturday-night patternsHow to shift from coping with life to living the life you actually want📘 Free Book for Men Who Want to GrowGet 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 BooksEscape the Cage and Lion Devotions👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/booksLion Counseling MerchFaith-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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Jonathan Pageau: Wallowing Is Pride — How Guilt, Shame & Memory Lead to TransformationIn 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 traumaIf 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 MenGet 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 39 – When God Feels Silent: The Dark Night of the SoulHave 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’tWhy even faithful Christian men can feel spiritual numbness or silenceHow grief, trauma, burnout, and father wounds can distort your view of GodWhy wrestling with God is biblical, masculine, and necessaryHow lament, honesty, and intellectual humility can strengthen your faithTools for reconnecting with God when prayer feels emptyWhy doubt does not mean you’re losing your faith—and may mean you’re growingHow God can use your darkest season to reveal purpose, calling, and strength📘 FREE BOOK for Christian MenGet 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 BooksExplore Mark’s trauma-focused and faith-integrated books →https://escapethecagenow.com/books🛒 Lion Counseling MerchGet Lion Counseling shirts, hoodies, and more →https://escapethecagenow.com/merch📞 Book a Free ConsultIf 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 38 – The 3 Types of Men: Sheep, Wolves, and SheepdogsIn 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 journeyFREE BOOKIf 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 Bookshttps://escapethecagenow.com/books/👕 Lion Counseling Merchhttps://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com📞 Book a Free Consulthttps://escapethecagenow.com/call/Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About the Lion Counseling PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 37 – The EMDR Gauntlet: 3 Days That Can Change Your LifeWhat 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 serviceThe 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 performersHow trauma, stress, and emotional blocks sabotage your work and relationshipsWhy this in-person intensive in Duluth, MN could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting forThis 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.comClick 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.

🎙️ If You Had One Year Left… Would You Still Work This Much?In this episode, we explore how contemplating death can clarify your priorities and help you fix your work-life balance before it’s too late.From young entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, most men struggle with knowing when to hustle and when to rest. This conversation blends humor, personal stories, and practical wisdom to help you redefine success, realign your values, and avoid burnout.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 Bookshttps://escapethecagenow.com/books/👕 Lion Counseling Merchhttps://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com📞 Book a free consulthttps://escapethecagenow.comClick here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About the Lion Counseling PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 35 – Why Your Relationships Keep Falling Apart (Attachment Styles Explained)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 itHow anxious attachment shows up in dating, marriage, parenting, and even sexThe surprisingly boring truth about secure attachment—and why it worksReal-life examples from pop culture and media (Batman, Donkey, John Wick, Superman!)How childhood wounds show up in adult relationships—and how to heal them5 practical steps to move from avoidant or anxious to secureHow to stop sabotaging connection and start building trustWhat 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.comClick 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

🎙️ Episode 33 – Steel in the Soul: A Conversation with Stephen MansfieldThis 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 makeHow Stephen’s moment of being honored as a father in the Middle East changed his lifeWhat it means to build a “Band of Brothers” in a culture of isolationThe danger of soft masculinity in an age of comfort and easeHow heritage, ancestry, and masculinity are deeply connected — and why you need to know your storyThe rise of faith-driven manhood in the next generation — and why there’s hopeWhy modern men are often deformed, not by trauma, but by comfort and passivityHow to lead your family, friends, and community with courage and characterWhat to do with the wounds of the past — and how to reclaim your strength from themA 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 PodcastThe 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.

🎙️ Episode 33 – Real Therapy Isn’t Comfortable: Why You Need to Face the PainWhat 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 changeHow emotional pain can be a forge, not a flawThe dangers of “therapeutic comfort culture” for menHow to name your pain so you can face itWhy pacing matters: avoiding overwhelm in healingThe difference between sympathy, empathy, and accountabilityWhy healing without challenge never lastsBiblical and symbolic metaphors for forging strength through painHow 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.comClick here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About the Lion Counseling PodcastHosted 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.

🎙️ Episode 32 – Should Men Be Skeptical of Therapy?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 menThe problem with compassion without challengeHow systems theory can minimize personal agencyWhen secular counseling contradicts your faithThe difference between feminizing therapy and honoring male strengthsWhat good therapy looks like for high-achieving menHow to find a therapist who actually gets youIf 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.comClick 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.