🎙️ Episode 43 | Are We Catastrophizing the Rise of AI? A Christian Counseling Perspective
AI is advancing fast—and for many men, it’s triggering anxiety about jobs, purpose, meaning, and the future of humanity itself. Are we headed for paradise… or a Terminator-style nightmare?
In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter tackle the fear-driven thinkingsurrounding AI, using a viral Joe Rogan & Elon Musk clip as a springboard. From a Christian counseling perspective, they unpack why our brains catastrophize, how to think more clearly about worst-case scenarios, and where real hope and meaning come from—especially during the Christmas season.
This is an honest, thoughtful, and occasionally humorous conversation about fear, faith, and how to stay grounded in an uncertain world.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
📘 Get Mark’s free book: Escape the Cage – A Path of Deep Healing for Men
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
📞 Thinking about counseling or coaching?
Book a free consult with Mark or Zack:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
🦁 Lion Counseling Merch
Wear the message. Support the mission.
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/store/
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
💬 Question for you:
What worries you most about AI—and which fear do you think your brain might be exaggerating?
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the men they were created to be. Hosted by licensed Christian counselors, each episode blends psychology, faith, and real-world insight to help men lead with clarity, courage, and emotional maturity.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ Episode 42 | The “Let Them” Theory Might Be Hurting Your Relationships
The “Let Them” theory—popularized by Mel Robbins—sounds freeing: stop trying to control people and just let them be who they are. But is it wisdom… or a subtle way to avoid conflict, accountability, and emotional repair?
In this episode, Christian counselors Mark Odland (EMDR therapist) and Zack Carter analyze the Let Them theory using real video clips, clinical experience, and a faith-informed psychological lens. We break down when this idea truly brings peace—and when it quietly sabotages intimacy, healing, and leadership in men’s lives.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
This conversation is especially relevant for men navigating marriage tension, people‑pleasing, burnout, avoidance of conflict, or faith‑based questions about boundaries and responsibility.
📘 Get Mark’s free book: Escape the Cage – A Path of Deep Healing for Men
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
📞 Thinking about counseling or coaching?
Book a free consult with Mark or Zack:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
🦁 Lion Counseling Merch
Wear the message. Support the mission.
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/store/
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the men they were created to be. Hosted by licensed Christian counselors, each episode blends psychology, faith, and real‑world insight to help men lead with clarity, strength, and emotional maturity.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ Why You Relapse: The 3 Hidden Reasons Men Fall Back Into Porn
Most men think relapse is random — or worse, that it means they’re “broken,” “bad,” or “addicted forever.” In this short, power-packed teaching, counselor and coach Zack Carter breaks down the real reasons high-achieving Christian men keep turning back to pornography, even when life is going well.
Zack explains the three forces that drive relapse — Relief, Reward, and Response — and shows how emotional triggers, environmental cues, and even positive events can quietly pull you back into old patterns. More importantly, he gives you a clear, actionable plan to replace porn with meaningful habits that build strength, purpose, and momentum.
If you’ve been stuck in shame or confusion around relapse, this is five minutes that will finally give you clarity.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why most relapses aren’t caused by weakness — but by predictable patterns
How negative emotions like stress, loneliness, and boredom trigger urges
How positive emotions like excitement, success, and celebration can also lead to relapse
Why your environment (rooms, sounds, routines) trains your brain to expect porn
How Pavlov’s experiment explains your own automatic urges
A simple exercise to build a weekly “replacement plan” that actually works
The exact strategy Zack uses with clients to break Saturday-night patterns
How to shift from coping with life to living the life you actually want
📘 Free Book for Men Who Want to Grow
Get Mark’s free book “7 Traps That Keep Christian Men Stuck”
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast
📚 Mark’s Books
Escape the Cage and Lion Devotions
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books
Lion Counseling Merch
Faith-forward, strength-focused apparel for men
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/merch
📞 Want help breaking free for good?
Book a free 20-minute consult with our team:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
💬 Comment below:
Which healthy activities help you replace urges with real purpose?
Share one thing you’ll add to your schedule this week.
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men overcome anxiety, anger, trauma, porn use, burnout, and relationship struggles using EMDR-informed counseling, practical psychology, and biblical wisdom. Each episode blends honest conversations, evidence-based strategies, and Christ-centered insight to help you rise, heal, and lead with strength. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ Jonathan Pageau: Wallowing Is Pride — How Guilt, Shame & Memory Lead to Transformation
In this rare and powerful short-form conversation, Orthodox icon carver and symbolic thinker Jonathan Pageau unpacks the hidden pride inside our guilt, the spiritual dangers of wallowing, and how biblical memory is the path to true humility and healing.
Therapist Mark Odland (EMDR specialist and host of the Lion Counseling Podcast) shares symbolic stories—from drowning lifeguards to the thief on the cross—to reveal how men get stuck in shame and what it actually means to be remembered by God.
What you’ll learn in this short episode:
• Why wallowing in shame is actually pride in disguise
• How Satan operates as “the accuser” in our inner dialogue
• The symbolic meaning of Jonah in the belly of the whale
• Why confession is humiliating—but necessary
• The spiritual power of memory vs. dismemberment
• What EMDR therapy has in common with ancient Christian practice
• How healing changes the symbolic image at the root of trauma
If you’re a fan of Pageau’s Symbolic World, interested in the intersection of psychology and faith, or just want to stop spiraling in shame—this is a must-watch.
📘 FREE BOOK: Escape the Cage – A Path of Deep Healing for Men
Get the first 3 chapters of Mark’s book for free at:
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast
🧠 Learn more about EMDR therapy:
https://escapethecagenow.com/emdr-therapy-for-men/
📞 Book a free consult with Mark:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by certified EMDR therapist Mark Odland, each episode blends faith, psychology, symbolism, and grit to help men face the hard truths, heal past wounds, and live a legacy. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ Episode 39 – When God Feels Silent: The Dark Night of the Soul
Have you ever prayed and felt absolutely nothing? Have you been hit with doubts, spiritual confusion, or the terrifying sense that God has gone silent? In this raw and honest episode, Mark Odland shares his personal story of walking through the “dark night of the soul”—a season where faith felt distant, prayer felt empty, and life’s pain stripped away every illusion of certainty.
Whether you’re a Christian man battling burnout, grief, doubt, or emotional numbness, this episode will help you understand what the dark night truly is, why it happens, and how God uses it to refine you into a stronger, more grounded man.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
📘 FREE BOOK for Christian Men
Get my book “Escape the Cage: A Path of Deep Healing for Men” FREE →
https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
🎧 Prefer Audio-Only? Listen Here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast
📚 Mark’s Books
Explore Mark’s trauma-focused and faith-integrated books →
https://escapethecagenow.com/books
🛒 Lion Counseling Merch
Get Lion Counseling shirts, hoodies, and more →
https://escapethecagenow.com/merch
📞 Book a Free Consult
If you’re a high-achieving Christian man ready to break cycles of anxiety, doubt, trauma, or burnout, book a free consult:
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast is dedicated to helping Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions God created them to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT and certified EMDR therapist, each episode blends biblical wisdom, psychological insight, and real-life tools to build stronger men, stronger families, and stronger faith. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ Episode 38 – The 3 Types of Men: Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs
In this short but powerful episode, Mark and Zack break down a timeless framework for understanding masculinity — and challenge you to examine what kind of man you really are.
Are you a sheep who avoids conflict and responsibility? A wolf who uses strength for selfish gain? Or a sheepdog, dangerous but disciplined — a protector, provider, and man of virtue?
Drawing from movies, stories, and real client experiences, we explore how men move through these three stages and what it takes to step into your calling as a virtuous man.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
• The 3 levels of masculinity and what defines each one
• How culture confuses strength with virtue
• Why being “nice” isn’t the same as being good
• What every man must face to become who he’s meant to be
• How to take the first step on your own hero’s journey
FREE BOOK
If today’s episode hit home, I want to give you something special.
My new book "Escape the Cage” is now live, and I’m giving away a free digital copy of the first 3 chapters.
👉 Get your free copy here: https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
🎧 Prefer audio-only? Listen here:
https://escapethecagenow.com/podcast
📘 Mark’s Books
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
👕 Lion Counseling Merch
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
📞 Book a Free Consult
https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (certified EMDR therapist) and Zack Carter (counselor + coach), this show blends faith, psychology, grit, and humor to help men win the battle within. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ Episode 37 – The EMDR Gauntlet: 3 Days That Can Change Your Life
What if you could complete 3 months of deep trauma therapy in just 3 days? This short episode is different. It’s not just another interview or conversation—it's a direct invitation... an invitation from the world-leader in helping high-achieving Christian men heal from trauma.
In this rare, 5-minute solo episode, Mark Odland (Certified EMDR Therapist and founder of Lion Counseling) introduces a powerful new service
The EMDR Gauntlet, a life-altering 3-day intensive for high-performing men who are ready to finally deal with what’s holding them back.
If you're a successful man—an executive, athlete, entrepreneur, or elite professional—who’s done everything right but still feels the burnout, anxiety, or disconnection creeping in, this episode is for you.
You’ll learn:
This is not executive coaching. This is not talk therapy. This is emotional surgery. And it might be exactly what you need.
🎧 Prefer audio only? Listen to the podcast here:
[Insert link to Spotify/Apple/etc.]
🧠 Book a free consult or apply for the EMDR Gauntlet:
https://escapethecagenow.com
📘 Read Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
🦁 Explore Lion Counseling merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast:
The Lion Counseling Podcast is for high-achieving Christian men ready to break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT and Certified EMDR Therapist, each episode blends psychology, faith, and bold truth to help men lead with clarity, courage, and connection. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ 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 Books
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
👕 Lion Counseling Merch
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com
📞 Book a free consult
https://escapethecagenow.com
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by Mark Odland (certified EMDR therapist) and Zach Carter (counselor + coach), this show blends faith, psychology, grit, and humor to help men win the battle within. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
🎙️ 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?