🎙️ 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:
📚 Read Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
🦁 Lion Gear Merch Store:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, the Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. We talk masculinity, trauma, identity, faith, relationships, and purpose—with humor, truth, and grit.
🆕 New episodes drop every Tuesday.
👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for more
🎙️ Episode 33 – Steel in the Soul: A Conversation with Stephen Mansfield
This is a Lion Legacy Conversation — a long-form interview highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and faith of remarkable men.
In this powerful episode, Mark Odland sits down with Stephen Mansfield, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and founder of the Great Man movement. Together, they explore fatherhood, masculine identity, suffering, trauma, heritage, and the responsibility every man has to shape his own story — not through victimhood, but through agency, gratitude, and legacy.
Whether you were raised by mighty warriors or grew up without a father figure, this episode will challenge you to mine your valleys, reframe your memories, and rise up as the man you were created to be.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Why "we choose how we remember our lives" might be the most powerful mental shift a man can make
How Stephen’s moment of being honored as a father in the Middle East changed his life
What it means to build a “Band of Brothers” in a culture of isolation
The danger of soft masculinity in an age of comfort and ease
How heritage, ancestry, and masculinity are deeply connected — and why you need to know your story
The rise of faith-driven manhood in the next generation — and why there’s hope
Why modern men are often deformed, not by trauma, but by comfort and passivity
How to lead your family, friends, and community with courage and character
What to do with the wounds of the past — and how to reclaim your strength from them
A hilarious challenge: What’s the manliest way to eat an Oreo?
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Ready for the Next Step?
Schedule a FREE 30-minute consult with Mark or Zack to see if counseling or coaching is the right next move:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
📚 Explore Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
🦁 Shop Lion Counseling Merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
💬 Drop a Comment Below:
What part of Stephen’s story inspired you most? How do you want to reshape your own?
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
🎙️ New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ Episode 33 – Real Therapy Isn’t Comfortable: Why You Need to Face the Pain
What if the true path to healing isn’t found in comfort—but in courage?
In this powerful episode, Mark Odland and Zack Carter unpack what therapy is really about—and why the popularized version of “feel-good therapy” often misses the mark for men. Using imagery from samurai sword-forging and field-tested coaching insights, they challenge men to face emotional pain head-on—not to suffer, but to transform.
Whether you’re skeptical of therapy or already in it, this episode will reframe how you think about emotional growth, masculine strength, and healing that actually sticks.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🎧 Prefer to listen to the audio?
Check out the podcast here: https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm
👉 Ready for the next step?
SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.
📚 Explore Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
🛍️ Shop Lion Counseling Merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
Hosted by Certified EMDR Therapist Mark Odland and Counselor/Coach Zack Carter, The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. We tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, leadership, identity, marriage, and faith—with courage, clarity, and just enough humor to keep it honest. New episodes every Tuesday.
🎙️ 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 men
The problem with compassion without challenge
How systems theory can minimize personal agency
When secular counseling contradicts your faith
The difference between feminizing therapy and honoring male strengths
What good therapy looks like for high-achieving men
How to find a therapist who actually gets you
If you've ever felt frustrated by therapy, this episode will help you reframe the experience—and equip you to find the right guide for your journey.
👉 SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION with Mark or a Lion Counseling team member:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
📚 Check out Mark’s books for deeper healing and growth:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
🛡️ Shop Lion-themed merch designed to inspire and represent the values of strength, courage, and healing:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, a Certified EMDR Therapist and Christian counselor, this podcast blends psychology, faith, trauma healing, and practical tools for men who want more out of life.
🎙️ Episode 31 – How to Create a Career (Even If You’re Stuck)
Forget “finding your dream job.” What if your dream career doesn't exist yet… because you're meant to build it?
In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark and Zack explore what it means to create meaningful work in a world that often pressures men to “figure it all out” by 25. They break down the difference between a job and a career, how to reframe all-or-nothing thinking, and why your past experiences (even the weird ones) might be more connected than you think.
Whether you're 22 or 42, stuck or starting over, this conversation will help you think differently about your future. You’ll learn:
✅ How to map out a career from scratch
✅ Why your skills and passions matter (even if they seem unrelated)
✅ Why you should stop waiting and start experimenting
✅ What to do when your plan doesn’t go according to plan
✅ The 3-step method to clarify your next move
✅ How to align your work with your values, family, and faith
This is practical, encouraging guidance for men who want to lead their lives with purpose — not just chase the next paycheck.
🔗 Need help mapping your next step?
Book a free consult with us: https://escapethecagenow.com
📚 Check out Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
👕 Shop Lion Counseling Merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.
🎧 About the Lion Counseling Podcast
Hosted by therapist Mark Odland and counselor-coach Zack Carter, the Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. We combine evidence-based strategies from EMDR, CBT, and neuroscience with timeless wisdom from faith, family, and masculine leadership. Each week we tackle the topics men care about most — from anxiety and purpose to marriage, legacy, and resilience — all with clarity, compassion, and zero fluff.
New episodes every Tuesday.
🎙️ Episode 30 – What I Learned from Dr. John Deloney (and How It Can Help You Build a Non-Anxious Life)
👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
In this solo episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland shares the unexpected story of meeting Dr. John Deloney at a Texas cattle ranch during the EntreLeadership Summit—and how that brief but powerful encounter inspired a deeper reflection on anxiety, integrity, and the daily choices that shape our emotional resilience.
But this isn’t just a story—it’s a practical guide for any man who feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. Using Deloney’s “6 Daily Choices” framework, Mark breaks down how to move from anxiety to action, from fear to freedom—layering his own experience as a certified EMDR therapist and coach for high-performing Christian men.
🔥 Whether you’re a fan of Deloney, battling burnout, or just trying to find your footing again—this episode will challenge and equip you to build a life of peace, purpose, and presence.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why anxiety isn’t the fire—it’s the alarm
The 6 Daily Choices that shape a non-anxious life
How to make these choices tactical and actionable
Why vulnerability (done wisely) builds trust, not weakness
How Christian faith, CBT, EMDR, and nervous system science all align
Why mindfulness isn’t “soft”—it’s strategic
How to get to the root of anxiety instead of just managing symptoms
✍️ “You don’t have to feel fearless to act like a lion. Just choose one small, courageous step today.”
📖 Resources Mentioned:
Building a Non-Anxious Life by Dr. John Deloney
Mark’s coaching and counseling: https://escapethecagenow.com
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, anxiety, identity, legacy, and faith—with clarity, grit, and grace.
🎙️ Episode 29 – Forgiveness: Why It Feels Impossible (And How to Actually Do It)
Forgiveness sounds good in theory—until you’re the one who’s been hurt.
In this powerful episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor and Coach) unpack the emotional, relational, and spiritual dynamics that make forgiveness so difficult—and show you how to actually walk it out without pretending the pain didn’t matter. Whether you’ve been betrayed by a friend, deeply hurt by a family member, or struggling to forgive yourself, this episode offers both clarity and hope.
👉 Want help healing the pain behind the anger?
Schedule a free 1-on-1 consult at:
📲 https://escapethecagenow.com/call
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
📩 Want more free tools for Christian men?
Join our email list at escapethecagenow.com
Get practical, faith-filled content every week.
📲 Like, Comment, and Subscribe
We read every comment. Tell us:
➡️ What’s helped you forgive someone who hurt you?
➡️ Do you agree forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation?
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach), we explore trauma, relationships, masculinity, faith, and personal transformation.
🎙️ Episode 28 – Grieving Charlie Kirk: A Christian Counseling Perspective on Tragedy and Healing
In this special episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter respond to the tragic and violent death of Charlie Kirk from a Christian counseling perspective. As husbands, fathers, and mental health professionals, they unpack the emotional weight of this national trauma and guide listeners through the 4 Tasks of Mourning by J. William Worden.
Whether you were a follower of Charlie’s work or are simply shaken by the wave of violence and grief in our world, this episode will help you process the pain with honesty, faith, and emotional clarity. Mark and Zack draw from both EMDR and CBT approaches—blended with Christian values—to offer a grounded path toward healing.
🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Why grief can hit us even if we didn’t know someone personally
How to accept the reality of loss when it feels surreal
Why processing emotions like anger, sadness, and fear is essential—and biblical
How to adjust to a world without a voice we once relied on
What it means to honor someone’s legacy without being consumed by pain
How Christian men can respond with strength and grace, not vengeance
🙏 This conversation is filled with empathy, truth, and practical strategies to help men navigate both personal and cultural grief in a spiritually grounded way.
👉 Need support or someone to talk to?
Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Mark or Zack at:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free from what’s holding them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, this show tackles real issues—trauma, faith, masculinity, marriage, grief, addiction, and legacy—with clarity, honesty, and courage.
🎙️ Episode 27 – Procrastination: Why You Do It (And How to Make It Work for You)
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I keep putting this off?”—this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) break down the 3 types of procrastination—and explain why your brain might actually be working for you, not against you.
You’ll learn:
✅ Why procrastination is often biologically wired
✅ The difference between idealistic, avoidance, and operational procrastination
✅ How perfectionism, fear, and vague goals are sabotaging your momentum
✅ Practical strategies to make progress (even if you feel stuck)
From elite performers and entrepreneurs to men trying to stay ahead of anxiety and burnout, this episode gives you the tactical mindset shift you need to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward—on your own terms.
👉 Feeling stuck? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack to explore if counseling or coaching is a good fit:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we talk about real issues—anxiety, procrastination, trauma, marriage, addiction, legacy—with practical tools, Christian faith, and real-world humor.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
💪 Need help? Visit https://escapethecagenow.com
📲 Like, comment, and subscribe to help more men find freedom.
🎙️ Episode 26 – Should You Tell Your Wife About Your Secret Struggle?
If you’re stuck in a cycle of secrecy and guilt—and wondering whether to open up to your wife—this episode is for you.
Zach Carter and Mark Odland explore the deeper emotional and relational impact of hidden struggles, especially screen-based habits that damage trust and intimacy. They unpack when (and how) to have the hard conversation—and how truth, grace, and strategy can lead to real healing.
👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zach at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
📢 Whether you're married, dating, or single—this episode speaks directly to men who want to break free, rebuild trust, and walk in integrity.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zach Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, identity, relationships, purpose, and faith—with honesty and courage.
🎙️ Episode 25 – Tactical Parenting for Dads: How Whole-Brain Discipline Builds Strong Kids
Are you a dad trying to raise strong, resilient kids—but sometimes feel lost when it comes to handling your child’s emotions, meltdowns, or mood swings?
In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, break down the practical, brain-based parenting tools that every dad needs to know.
Inspired by the work of Dr. Daniel Siegel, this conversation explores how to engage your child's full brain—left and right, upstairs and downstairs—to foster emotional regulation, resilience, and strong father-child connection. Whether you’re dealing with tantrums, sibling fights, or just want to be more intentional as a parent, this episode will equip you with a step-by-step framework to help your kids thrive.
👉 Want to take it further? SCHEDULE A FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
to explore counseling or coaching.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Whether you're raising toddlers or teens, this episode will help you become the kind of dad your kids need: emotionally present, logically wise, and spiritually grounded.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland and Zack Carter, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, faith, leadership, marriage, addiction, and parenting—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
👉 Learn more or get help: https://escapethecagenow.com
🎙️ Episode 24 – How to Reduce Screen Time (Without Hating Your Life)
👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.
In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) explore how to take back your time and attention from endless scrolling, dopamine overload, and screen addiction. Using humor, real talk, and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, they break down how to replace screen time with purpose-driven habits that actually make your life better.
This isn’t about guilt-tripping you for binging YouTube. It’s about giving you a simple, realistic path out of mental fog and into a life that feels energized, focused, and meaningful.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Whether you’re crushing it at work but feel off at home, or you’re tired of living behind a screen and want to get your edge back, this episode will give you the tools and motivation to move forward—without shame, without fluff, and without wasting your time.
💥 Your first step? Identify the easiest wellness domain to improve (physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, etc.), and start with the smallest win you can commit to this week.
🎯 Small wins. Daily reps. Long-term growth. That’s how lions are built.
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, anxiety, relationships, purpose, faith, and personal development—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.
➡️ Which area of the wellness wheel are YOU working on first?
🎙️ Episode 23 – Why You Know What to Do, But Still Don’t Do It: The Real Reason Men Stay Stuck with Food and Fitness
If you've ever told yourself, "I know what to do... I just don’t do it", this episode is for you.
In this brutally honest and practical episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) go beyond nutrition advice and fitness hacks. They explore the emotional and psychological barriers that sabotage your efforts to eat better, work out consistently, and stay disciplined.
Whether your weakness is midnight cheese and crackers, weekend binges, or post-stress drive-thru rituals—there’s likely something deeper going on. And it's not just about willpower.
You’ll discover:
Why food is emotionally fused with comfort, control, and celebration
The real reason David Goggins-style motivation often backfires
How your early life experiences secretly shape your eating habits today
The role of thoughts like “I deserve this” and “I need this” in keeping you stuck
How CBT and EMDR-informed strategies can break the shame-spiral
The difference between healthy goals and toxic perfectionism
Why stewardship of your body can be a powerful act of faith
💡 Stick around to the end for a practical mindset shift and journaling exercise to finally escape the all-or-nothing trap and build real, lasting change.
👉 Ready to stop self-sabotaging and start showing up for your body, mind, and faith? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. We tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, marriage, purpose, and faith—with clarity, courage, and zero fluff.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
🎙️ Episode 22 – How to Break the Cycle of Low Motivation and Negative Thinking
This is a Lion Tactics episode — short, practical, and actionable content to help men heal and grow.
👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.
In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) break down the 3 destructive thought patterns that fuel depression in men — and how to overcome them.
Whether you're feeling stuck, emotionally numb, or you're watching someone you care about spiral, this episode offers real hope and a path forward. They explain how depression distorts how we see ourselves, our lives, and the world around us—and how small mindset shifts can lead to big breakthroughs.
🧠 You’ll Learn:
💡 If you’ve ever felt hopeless, numb, or like you’ve lost your fire — you're not broken. Depression is real, but it is also treatable. And at Lion Counseling, we don’t pathologize you. We listen, equip you, and help you move from where you are to where you want to be—without needing to slap a diagnosis on it.
👊 You don’t need to stay stuck. Start today with a single small step.
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach), we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.
🎙️ Episode 21 – Jordan Peterson, Burnout, and the Power of Radical Ownership
This is a Lion Reflection – a personal monologue where I share the hard-earned lessons, challenges, and insights that have shaped my journey as a therapist, leader, and man of faith.
👉 Want support from a therapist who gets it? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
In this episode, I share the powerful story of meeting Dr. Jordan Peterson—a man whose work has impacted millions, including many of you. I’ll walk you through what I learned in our private conversation about burnout, resentment, pride, and how radical personal responsibility might be the key to becoming the man God created you to be.
Whether you're a therapist, entrepreneur, leader, or just trying to hold everything together as a husband and father, the lessons in this episode will challenge and equip you to take ownership of your life, set healthy boundaries, and protect your integrity.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
📖 Plus: I close the episode by reading my original poem, “Crossing the Jordan,” written in honor of Dr. Peterson’s work.
🔥 This reflection isn’t about fandom. It’s about formation. Take what’s useful and put it into practice.
—
👉 Ready to make a change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule your free consultation for coaching or counseling.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
🎙️ Episode 20 – Shipwreck, Survival, and Second Chances: The Story of Nick Rahn
This is a Lion Legacy Conversation – a long-form interview highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and faith of remarkable men.
👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.
In this gripping episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland sits down with Air Force veteran, adventurer, and mental health advocate Nick Rahn, founder of Warrior’s Next Adventure. From a near-death moment in the Boundary Waters to being shipwrecked in the Atlantic Ocean, Nick's journey is one of raw pain, gritty survival, and unexpected redemption.
Nick shares how a misfire changed the direction of his life, opening the door to purpose, brotherhood, and global adventure. He opens up about childhood trauma, military stress, relational breakdowns, and what it really takes to rebuild from the bottom.
Through MMA, mountain climbing, helping fellow veterans, and a high-seas rescue that can only be described as miraculous, Nick shows us that it’s possible to rewrite the ending—even after everything seems lost.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
💥 If you’ve ever felt broken, stuck, or like the world would be better without you—this episode is your reminder that your story isn’t over.
Learn more about Nick’s nonprofit: https://warriorsnextadventure.com
Watch the PBS documentary: Defying Death on the Atlantic
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.
👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.
🎙️ Episode 19 – The ABCs of Anxiety: How to Understand and Overcome Fear
What if your anxiety was actually trying to help you—but your brain just got stuck in the wrong loop?
In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark and Zack break down the ABCs of anxiety—Alarm, Belief, and Coping—and share how you can take back control from the chaos in your head. You’ll learn the real neuroscience behind stress, why your coping strategies might not be working, and what to do instead.
Oh, and yes—Zack tells a hilarious story about being so scared by a ghost movie that he threw his covers in the closet. 😂
Whether you’re stressed at work, overwhelmed at home, or stuck in your own head, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to face fear with courage and strategy.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
👉 Ready for the next step?
Schedule a FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack to see if you’re a good fit to work together:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
🎙️ Episode 18 – 5 Mindsets That Are Killing Your Wealth (and How to Fix Them)
Are your money habits sabotaging your future? This episode is for high-performing men who are crushing it at work and at home—but quietly struggling with finances behind the scenes.
In this practical and honest conversation, Mark and Zack explore five toxic thought patterns that hold men back from building wealth—and what you can do to break free.
👉 Ready for the next step?
SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• Why “it’s the economy’s fault” is a mindset trap—and what to do instead
• The hidden cost of saying “I’m just not good with money”
• How all-or-nothing thinking paralyzes your financial progress
• Why waiting to “make more money” before saving is a losing game
• How budgeting doesn’t have to kill your joy—and might even increase it
• The psychology behind self-sabotage, procrastination, and financial guilt
• How to take your first small, realistic step toward financial peace today
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.
💡 Your Challenge This Week:
Identify the negative money belief holding you back—and write out the advice you’d give a close friend if he believed the same thing.
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, finances, marriage, purpose, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
🎙️ Episode 17 – Breakdancing, Brotherhood, and Becoming a Son: The Michael Swalley Story
This is a Lion Legacy Conversation — a long-form interview highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and faith of remarkable men.
👉 Ready for the next step? SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/ to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.
In this compelling episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland sits down with Michael Swalley — breakdancer, missionary, husband, father of four, and founder of Break Free Ministries. From small-town Minnesota to underground hip-hop communities across the globe, Michael’s journey is one of pain, purpose, and pursuit. With vulnerability and strength, he shares how fatherlessness, faith, and movement collided to spark a global ministry reaching men through creativity and community.
Whether you're a man haunted by the past or searching for deeper purpose, this episode will challenge how you see manhood — and sonship.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
Michael’s story of losing his father to suicide and finding his identity as a beloved son of God
Why men today are hungry to be seen, known, and mentored — even in unlikely places
How a Japanese exchange student named Ace was the first convert in a movement now spanning four continents
Why emotional honesty with your wife may be one of the most courageous steps a man can take
How movement, creativity, and brotherhood unlock healing in ways words can’t always reach
What breakdancing under a bridge in Hungary taught him about community and calling
A redefinition of masculinity that blends responsibility with tenderness, and sonship with strength
How the “check engine light” of your soul can become a roadmap to deep healing and purpose
Why legacy isn’t just about what you do — but about how deeply you receive the love of your Father in heaven
💥 If you’ve ever felt like you had to perform to be loved — or wondered if your story could really be redeemed — this episode will speak to your soul.
Learn more about Michael’s work at https://breakfree2024.com or follow @breakfreeministries on Instagram.
About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, Counselor & Coach, we tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, identity, purpose, marriage, and faith—with honesty, clarity, and courage.
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
👉 Ready for change? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule a free consultation for coaching or counseling.
➡️ What part of Michael’s story resonated most with you?
🎙️ Episode 16 - Star Trek and the Circle Method: A Game-Changing Roadmap for Sobriety & Breaking Bad Habits
In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Licensed Therapist & EMDR specialist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) reveal a practical, battle-tested roadmap to help men break free from addiction, compulsive habits, and self-sabotaging patterns.
Using a simple yet powerful visual framework known as "The Circle Sheet"—borrowed from 12-step traditions and infused with a healthy dose of Star Trek wisdom—Zack walks you through how to create your own personal sobriety plan. Whether you’re battling porn addiction, over-drinking, procrastination, emotional reactivity, or something else, this episode gives you tools that are simple, actionable, and grounded in both science and experience.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
Zack also shares his own method for integrating the "Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)" into your recovery game plan—helping you identify the 2 most effective actions that keep you mentally and emotionally strong.
Oh, and yes… there’s plenty of nerdy Star Trek humor, Photon Torpedoes, and a spontaneous side mission to Comic Con.
🧠 Who This Is For:
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
🔗 Ready to Escape the Cage?
Book a free 30-minute consultation or learn more about therapy and coaching for men at:
👉 https://www.escapethecagenow.com
