Lion Counseling Podcast

Lion Counseling Podcast
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The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the Lions they were created to be. It exists to help men obtain success, purpose, happiness, and peace in their career and personal lives. The podcast is hosted by the founder of Lion Counseling, Mark Odland (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified EMDR Therapist), and Zack Carter (Counselor and Coach with Lion Counseling). In their podcasts, they address a variety of topics relevant to men, including: mental health, relationships, masculinity, faith, success, business, and self-improvement.

  1. 17h ago

    Michael Clary Challenges John Piper & Tim Keller: Is the Church Too Passive?

    🎙️ Michael Clary Challenges John Piper & Tim Keller: Is the Church Too Passive? | Lion Counseling Podcast Episode 100 Has modern Christianity become too passive? Michael Clary, pastor and author of the provocative book Loser Theology, believes many evangelical churches have confused humility with weakness—and he's not afraid to challenge influential Christian leaders like John Piper and the late Timothy Keller. In this milestone 100th episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland sits down with Michael Clary for a candid and sometimes confrontational discussion about masculinity, feminism, biblical leadership, Christian counseling, political ideology, and the future of the American church. Clary argues that even conservative evangelical Christianity has absorbed cultural assumptions that discourage men from being strong, decisive, and courageous. He also challenges Tim Keller's approach to evangelism, suggesting that efforts to make Christianity more approachable can become excuses for avoiding uncomfortable biblical truths. But how far should a pastor go in confronting the culture? In one of the episode's most provocative exchanges, Mark pushes back on Clary's unapologetic approach, asking whether preaching forcefully on controversial moral issues might drive potential converts away before they have an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ. Clary responds with a passionate defense of his approach, including pointed criticism of the Democratic Party and modern progressivism, arguing that much of the political left has become offended by reality itself. In this episode, we explore: ✅ Loser Theology: Why Clary believes modern Christianity has confused passivity with godliness. ✅ John Piper & Tim Keller: Clary's critique of influential conservative evangelical leaders and their approaches to masculinity and ministry. ✅ The Feminization of the Church: Has modern Christian culture discouraged men from exercising biblical leadership? ✅ Masculinity & Marriage: Why some successful Christian men feel confident in business but powerless in their homes and churches. ✅ Christian Counseling vs. Pastoral Care: Can empathy and emotional healing coexist with biblical truth, confrontation, and accountability? ✅ Tim Keller's Evangelism Strategy: Is contextualizing the gospel for secular audiences wise missionary practice—or a dangerous compromise? ✅ A Church Split: How Clary lost approximately half his congregation after changing his approach to preaching, and why he believes his church emerged stronger. ✅ Christianity & Politics: Clary's controversial assessment of Democrats, progressive ideology, and the growing cultural divide. ✅ Boldness vs. Compassion: Can pastors speak uncompromising biblical truth without unnecessarily alienating the very people they're trying to reach? THE BIG QUESTION: Is the church becoming too concerned with being liked—or can an overly confrontational approach undermine its mission to reach the lost? Whether you agree with Michael Clary, disagree with him, or find yourself somewhere in the middle, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about Christian leadership, cultural engagement, and what it means to speak the truth in love. Join the conversation: Do you agree with Clary's criticism of modern evangelical Christianity? Was Tim Keller's approach to evangelism wise—or too accommodating? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. 📚 Michael Clary's Book — Loser Theology:https://losertheology.com/ 🦁 About the Lion Counseling Podcast Hosted by Mark Odland, MA, LMFT, Certified EMDR Therapist and Christian counselor, the Lion Counseling Podcast explores psychology, masculinity, mental health, marriage, theology, leadership, and Christian faith. Through thoughtful interviews and candid conversations with influential thinkers, pastors, authors, and mental health professionals, we challenge men to break free from the patterns holding them back and become the men they were created to be. 📞 Schedule a Free Clarity Call:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/ 📘 Get Our Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/ 📚 Recommended Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/ 🌐 Learn More About Lion Counseling, including Concierge Intensives:https://escapethecagenow.com/ 👍 If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about Christianity, masculinity, and personal growth, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode. Click here to watch a video of this episode.’ Click here to view the episode transcript.’ #MichaelClary #LoserTheology #TimKeller #JohnPiper #ChristianMasculinity #LionCounselingPodcast #BiblicalManhood #ChristianLeadership

    Michael Clary Challenges John Piper & Tim Keller: Is the Church Too Passive?

  2. Oct 20

    Steve Harvey Says Married Couples Need 4 Bank Accounts — Do Therapists Agree?

    🎙️ Episode 98: Steve Harvey Says Married Couples Need 4 Bank Accounts — Do Therapists Agree? Should married couples combine their finances or keep separate bank accounts? Steve Harvey says every married couple should have FOUR bank accounts—but is that really the best approach for a healthy marriage? In Episode 98 of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter react to Steve Harvey's financial advice for married couples, exploring what joint bank accounts, separate finances, and financial independence reveal about trust, communication, and commitment in marriage. Steve Harvey recommends four accounts: one for household expenses, one for shared savings, and two individual spending accounts. While his approach offers some practical advantages, Mark and Zack explore whether separating money can unintentionally create division in a marriage—and when financial boundaries might actually strengthen a relationship. Drawing on their experience counseling couples, they also compare Harvey's advice with Dave Ramsey's philosophy of combining finances and discuss why the healthiest financial arrangement may depend on the couple. In this episode, you'll learn:** ✅ Why Steve Harvey believes every married couple should have four bank accounts. ✅ The advantages and disadvantages of joint versus separate bank accounts in marriage. ✅ How financial independence can coexist with trust, transparency, and teamwork. ✅ Why separate finances sometimes reveal deeper issues of control, resentment, or mistrust. ✅ When financial safeguards may be necessary because of overspending, addiction, or irresponsible money management. ✅ How Dave Ramsey's approach to marital finances compares with Steve Harvey's four-account system. ✅ Why financial disagreements are often about much more than money—including values, priorities, security, and respect. ✅ How Christian principles of marriage, generosity, and mutual commitment can influence financial decisions. **What do YOU think?** Should married couples combine all their money, maintain separate bank accounts, or use Steve Harvey's four-account system? Let us know in the comments! About the Lion Counseling Podcast** 📞 **Schedule a Free Clarity Call:**https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/ 📘 **Get Our Free E-Book:**https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/ 📚 **Recommended 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. Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, the Lion Counseling Podcast explores psychology, mental health, relationships, masculinity, personal growth, and Christian faith. Through candid conversations and reactions to influential thinkers, we help men break free from the patterns holding them back and become the men they were created to be. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone navigating marriage, money, or relationship challenges. #SteveHarvey #MarriageAdvice #JointBankAccount #MarriageCounseling #LionCounselingPodcast #CouplesTherapy #MarriageAndMoney #ChristianMarriage

    Steve Harvey Says Married Couples Need 4 Bank Accounts — Do Therapists Agree?

  3. Oct 13

    Mark Manson’s 3 Rules for Life — Do Therapists Agree? Lion Counseling Podcast

    Mark Manson’s 3 Rules for Life — Do Therapists Agree? Lion Counseling Podcast: Episode #97 Are Mark Manson’s 3 rules for life really enough to live a meaningful, fulfilling life? Bestselling author Mark Manson, known for The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*, argues that radical responsibility, emotional acceptance, and personal growth are the keys to living well. But do these principles hold up under the scrutiny of two professional therapists? In Episode 97 of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter react to Mark Manson’s three rules for life, exploring where psychology, personal responsibility, trauma recovery, relationships, and Christian faith intersect. While they agree with much of Manson’s philosophy, they also challenge the idea that we are always responsible for our emotional reactions—and explore why taking too much responsibility can sometimes be just as damaging as taking too little. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why radical responsibility can be empowering—and when it becomes unhealthy self-blame. ✅ The critical difference between being responsible for your life and being at fault for what happened to you. ✅ How childhood trauma, family systems, and adverse childhood experiences shape our choices and behaviors. ✅ Why there may be no such thing as a bad emotion—and how to develop the emotional skills many men were never taught. ✅ How understanding anger, fear, sadness, and vulnerability can strengthen your marriage and relationships. ✅ Why high-achieving men sometimes struggle with emotional awareness despite excelling in their careers. ✅ How pursuing personal growth, serving others, and living according to your values connects with the Christian understanding of a meaningful life. What do YOU think? Are Mark Manson’s three rules enough to live a good life? Which rule resonates most with you—and is there one you would challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments! 📞 Schedule a Free Clarity Call:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/ 📘 Get Our Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/ 📚 Recommended 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 the Lion Counseling Podcast Hosted by Mark Odland, LMFT, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Zack Carter, the Lion Counseling Podcast explores psychology, mental health, relationships, masculinity, personal growth, and Christian faith. Through candid conversations and reactions to influential thinkers, we help men break free from the patterns holding them back and become the men they were created to be. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who wants to grow personally, emotionally, and spiritually. #MarkManson #3RulesForLife #PersonalGrowth #MensMentalHealth #LionCounselingPodcast #ChristianCounseling #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfImprovement

    Mark Manson’s 3 Rules for Life — Do Therapists Agree? Lion Counseling Podcast

  4. Sep 23

    The Hidden Cost of Success for Business Owners

    🎙️ The Hidden Cost of Success for Business Owners: Lion Counseling Podcast Episode 92 You’ve built something meaningful. People depend on you. You’ve learned how to carry responsibility, make difficult decisions, and keep moving forward—even when the pressure is high. But what happens when that pressure starts changing you? In Episode 92 of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified EMDR Therapist, speaks directly to business owners, entrepreneurs, and other high-achieving men who carry the weight of leadership every day. From the outside, things may look strong. The business is growing. You’re providing for your family. You’re getting things done. But underneath the surface, decision fatigue, accumulated stress, unresolved experiences, and the constant weight of responsibility can begin affecting how you think, lead, and relate to the people closest to you. At Lion Counseling, we work specifically with men navigating these kinds of pressures.For some men, trauma-focused therapy such as EMDR can help address deeper unresolved experiences and accumulated stress that continue to shape how they respond under pressure. For others, the work may focus more on habits, patterns, stress responses, and behaviors that need to change for leadership to remain sustainable. The goal is not to force every man into the same approach. It’s to understand what is actually happening beneath the surface and determine the right path forward. This episode explores: ✅ The hidden cost of carrying significant leadership responsibility✅ How decision fatigue and chronic pressure can affect your relationships✅ Why successful men can struggle even when life looks good from the outside✅ How unresolved experiences can influence your reactions under stress✅ When trauma-focused work such as EMDR may be appropriate✅ Why sustainable leadership requires more than simply pushing harder✅ How Lion Counseling works with business owners and high-achieving menIf you’re building something meaningful but beginning to feel the weight of it—or you want to address the problem before you reach burnout—the next step is a Clarity Call. 📞 Schedule a Clarity Call:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/ 🎧 Listen to Audio Only:https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm/ 📘 Get the Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/ 📚 Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/ Learn More About Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/ About the Lion Counseling PodcastThe Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break free from the patterns holding them back and become the men they were created to be. Mark Odland and Zack Carter explore psychology, faith, relationships, leadership, trauma, anxiety, personal growth, and the challenges men face in becoming stronger husbands, fathers, leaders, and friends.New episodes every Tuesday.

    The Hidden Cost of Success for Business Owners

  5. Sep 8

    Can’t Stay Consistent? Lower the Bar

    🎙️ Can’t Stay Consistent? Lower the Bar: Lion Counseling Podcast Episode 96 If you struggle to stay consistent with working out—or almost any difficult habit—the answer might not be more motivation or discipline. It might be lowering the bar. In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter react to a Reddit post arguing that when you’re struggling with consistency, you should lower your standards for the workout rather than giving up altogether. For high-achieving men, that can be surprisingly difficult. When you’re used to pushing hard, taking ownership, and refusing to make excuses, doing less can feel like failure. But sometimes the pursuit of the “perfect” workout is exactly what keeps you from doing anything at all. Mark and Zack explore the balance between discipline and realistic expectations, why starting small can create momentum, and how to push yourself without going so hard that you burn out, quit, or get injured. They also share what they’re learning from their own current challenges—with Zack training for a marathon and Mark preparing for a five-hour GORUCK event with 30+ pounds on his back. And somewhere along the way, Mark reveals his unfortunate new call sign: “Cushion.” ✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why all-or-nothing thinking destroys consistency✅ Why lowering the bar isn’t necessarily making an excuse✅ How small habits can grow into serious discipline✅ Why success at work doesn’t always translate into fitness✅ How to find the balance between intensity and sustainability✅ Why avoiding injury is part of playing the long game✅ How Zack is approaching marathon training✅ How Mark is progressively training for a GORUCK event✅ Why sometimes you need to embrace being part lion, part cushion If you keep waiting until you have enough time, energy, motivation, or the perfect plan to get started, this episode is a reminder that imperfect action can beat perfect intentions. Click here to view the episode transcript.’ 📞 Schedule a Clarity Call:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/ 📘 Get the Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/ 📚 Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/ Learn More About Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/ 💬 What works better for you—setting an ambitious goal that forces you to rise to the occasion, or starting small and building momentum? Let us know in the comments. About the Lion Counseling Podcast The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break free from the patterns holding them back and become the men they were created to be. Mark Odland and Zack Carter explore psychology, faith, relationships, leadership, trauma, anxiety, personal growth, and the challenges men face in becoming stronger husbands, fathers, leaders, and friends. New episodes every Tuesday. #LionCounseling #Discipline #Consistency #Motivation #MensMentalHealth #SelfImprovement #FitnessMotivation #AtomicHabits

    Can’t Stay Consistent? Lower the Bar

  6. Sep 3

    Decisive… or Just Reactive?

    🎙️ Decisive… or Just Reactive? | Leadership Under Pressure #95Jocko Willink and Echelon Front teach the importance of decisive action. Leaders must move.Men must take initiative.Passivity destroys families, teams, businesses, and mission.But in this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark Odland explores a critical distinction many high-performing men miss:Decisive action is not the same thing as emotional reactivity. Mark breaks down:✅ The difference between grounded leadership and reactive action✅ Why movement is not always leadership✅ How anxiety, anger, and fear often masquerade as decisiveness✅ The hidden danger of “action addiction” in high performers✅ Why reactive leadership quietly damages marriages, parenting, and teams✅ How fight responses, overfunctioning, and workaholism can become trauma-driven behaviors✅ Why slowing down is sometimes the strongest tactical move a man can make  This episode is not about becoming passive or weak.It’s about learning how to act from clarity instead of activation. Because:speed is not wisdomintensity is not strengthmovement is not leadershipAnd many men who pride themselves on being “men of action” are unknowingly reacting from anxiety, shame, fear, or unresolved internal pressure. At Lion Counseling, Mark works with high-performing men who want cleaner action, stronger leadership, and grounded decision-making under pressure.Sometimes the most important question is not:“What should I do?”But:“What is driving me right now?” 🎙️ 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.

    Decisive… or Just Reactive?

  7. Sep 2

    Think You’re Boring? You’re Probably Doing This Wrong

    🎙️ Think You’re Boring? You’re Probably Doing This Wrong: Lion Counseling Podcast Episode 94 Think you’re boring? You may be thinking about what makes someone interesting completely wrong. In this episode of the Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland and Zack Carter react to a Reddit post making a surprisingly powerful argument: people don’t care nearly as much about how interesting you are as they care about how you make them feel. From social anxiety and awkward conversations to one-sided friendships and the lost art of listening, Mark and Zack break down what actually makes someone enjoyable to be around—and why genuine curiosity may be one of the most valuable social skills you can develop. They also push back on the idea that being interesting doesn’t matter at all. There’s something to be said for taking risks, pursuing meaningful goals, challenging yourself, and actually living a life that gives you something worth talking about. In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why trying to impress people can actually make you less likable✅ Why asking good questions is such a powerful social skill✅ How focusing on other people can reduce social anxiety✅ Why so many people have become terrible listeners✅ How smartphones are changing the way we interact✅ How to recognize one-sided friendships✅ Why genuine curiosity has to be authentic—not manipulative✅ Why living an interesting life still matters If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re boring, struggled to make friends, or walked away from a conversation wondering, “Did they even like me?” this episode offers a different way to think about connection. 📞 Schedule a Clarity Call:https://escapethecagenow.com/contact/ 📘 Get the Free E-Book:https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/ 📚 Books & Resources:https://escapethecagenow.com/books/ Learn More About Lion Counseling:https://escapethecagenow.com/ 💬 What do you think makes someone interesting? Is it the life they’ve lived—or how they make other people feel? Let us know in the comments. Click here to view the episode transcript.’ About the Lion Counseling Podcast The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving men break free from the patterns holding them back and become the men they were created to be. Mark Odland and Zack Carter explore psychology, faith, relationships, leadership, trauma, anxiety, personal growth, and the challenges men face in becoming stronger husbands, fathers, leaders, and friends. New episodes every Tuesday. #LionCounseling #SocialSkills #Friendship #SocialAnxiety #MensMentalHealth #Relationships #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth

    Think You’re Boring? You’re Probably Doing This Wrong

  8. Aug 27

    When High Standards Become Fear

    🎙️ When High Standards Become Fear | Leadership Under Pressure #93Jocko Willink and Echelon Front teach the importance of standards, discipline, ownership, and execution. And they’re right. Low standards destroy:marriagesleadershiphealthfinancesteamscharacter But in this episode of Leadership Under Pressure, Mark Odland explores the hidden danger many high-performing men never notice: Sometimes what looks like “high standards” is actually fear in disguise. Mark breaks down:✅ The difference between healthy standards and fear-based standards✅ Why some men pursue excellence while secretly running from shame✅ How perfectionism quietly damages marriages, parenting, and leadership✅ Why fear-based standards create pressure instead of strength✅ The hidden connection between criticism, anxiety, and emotional distance✅ How unresolved shame contaminates leadership and relationships✅ Why some successful men can never fully relax, celebrate, or feel satisfied  This episode is not about lowering standards.It’s about purifying them.Because standards rooted in:purposemissionloveresponsibilitycreate strength. But standards rooted in:fearshameanxietyconditional wortheventually create exhaustion and distance. At Lion Counseling, Mark works with high-performing men who appear successful externally—but who internally feel driven by pressure, fear of failure, and the inability to ever feel “enough.”Sometimes the goal is not lower standards.Sometimes the goal is healing what’s driving them. 🎙️ 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.

    When High Standards Become Fear
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the Lions they were created to be. It exists to help men obtain success, purpose, happiness, and peace in their career and personal lives. The podcast is hosted by the founder of Lion Counseling, Mark Odland (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified EMDR Therapist), and Zack Carter (Counselor and Coach with Lion Counseling). In their podcasts, they address a variety of topics relevant to men, including: mental health, relationships, masculinity, faith, success, business, and self-improvement.

Information

  • Creator
    Lion Counseling Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Lion Counseling Podcast
  • Show Website
    Lion Counseling Podcast

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