🎙️ Episode 5 – Why You Struggle to Make Friends (And How to Fix It)

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach for Men) tackle a silent epidemic many men face today: loneliness and the struggle to build lasting friendships.

If you've ever found yourself wondering why it's so hard to make friends as an adult—or why your relationships feel shallow or disconnected—this episode is for you. Using a practical and memorable acronym called the NICE Formula, Mark and Zack break down the core skills needed to create meaningful bonds in a world that often leaves men isolated.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why men struggle to form friendships in adulthood (and why it’s not your fault)
• The impact of technology and modern culture on real human connection
• The psychology behind why remembering someone’s name really matters
• How to be more intentional in connecting with people in everyday life
• The NICE Formula: A simple strategy to start, grow, and maintain friendships
• Tips from How to Win Friends and Influence People that still work today
• How to overcome social anxiety and become more confident in group settings
• Why deep friendships are essential to mental health, success, and purpose

💬 Mark and Zack share practical steps rooted in counseling, coaching, and real-life experience to help you build the kind of friendships that sharpen, support, and strengthen you.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast is here to help men escape the cages that hold them back—whether emotional, relational, or spiritual—and become the lions they were created to be. Topics include mental health, masculinity, faith, relationships, purpose, and personal growth.

👉 Want to improve your relationships or get unstuck? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule counseling or life coaching with Mark or Zack.

📲 Make sure to subscribe, hit the bell, and give this video a like if you found it helpful.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s been your biggest challenge when it comes to making friends?

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

#MensMentalHealth #MakingFriends #LonelinessInMen #FriendshipTips #ChristianMen #EmotionalHealth #SelfImprovementForMen #SocialSkills #HowToMakeFriends #PodcastForMen #LionCounseling #EscapeTheCage #HowToWinFriends #NICEFormula

🎙️ Episode 4 – How to Stop Fighting with Your Significant Other

In this episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) tackle one of the most common issues couples face: relationship conflict.

Whether you’re married, dating, or engaged, this conversation dives into real-world strategies for improving communication, deescalating arguments, and building deeper emotional connection. From fights about sex, money, and chores, to everyday misunderstandings, Mark and Zack break down the patterns that keep couples stuck—and how to break free from them.

🔍 In This Episode:

• How to avoid the most common relationship fights before they start
• What your partner really needs when they’re upset (hint: not a solution)
• Why the emotion wheel is a game-changer for emotional awareness
• A simple method to de-escalate arguments using reflections of thought and emotion
• How to use the “slow startup” technique for difficult conversations
• The difference between criticism vs. expressing needs positively
• The power of empathy and validation in building connection
• Why timing and tone are just as important as the words you say
• How to ask open-ended questions that invite teamwork instead of conflict
• Faith-based insights on humility, self-awareness, and showing up well for your spouse or partner

💬 Zack and Mark share lessons from their work as therapists, coaches, and husbands—along with practical tips you can start using today to build stronger, more emotionally intelligent relationships.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by the team at Lion Counseling, we focus on mental health, marriage, masculinity, faith, and self-improvement from a grounded, real-world perspective.

👉 Want to strengthen your relationship? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to schedule couples counseling or life coaching with Mark or Zack.

📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💬 What’s one communication skill you’ve learned that’s helped your relationship? Let us know in the comments.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

#RelationshipAdvice #MarriageHelp #ChristianMarriage #MensMentalHealth #CouplesTherapy #AvoidFights #BetterCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence #PodcastForMen #FaithAndRelationships #SlowStartup #ValidateEmotions #ConflictResolution #LionCounseling #EscapeTheCage

🎙️ Episode 3 – Jesus, John Wick, and the Truth About Being a Man

In this powerful episode of The Lion Counseling Podcast, Mark Odland (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist) and Zack Carter (Counselor & Coach) take on the complex topic of manhood—what it really means, how it’s misunderstood, and how to find the balance between strength and emotional sensitivity. From assertiveness strategies and emotional intelligence, to role models like Jesus and John Wick, this conversation breaks down the barriers many men face around identity, relationships, and personal growth.

🔍 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why balancing authenticity and professionalism matters in men’s communication
• The truth about "nice guys" vs. "tough guys"—and why neither extreme works
• How to embrace both the grizzly bear and teddy bear sides of masculinity
• The difference between being nice and being truthful, loving, and grounded
• Strategies for healthy assertiveness and how to speak your truth without being aggressive
• The importance of emotional intelligence in becoming a complete man
• How trauma, childhood wounds, and people-pleasing affect masculine identity
• Insights from EMDR therapy, jiu-jitsu, and real-life challenges men face today
• Creative ideas for future content—like analyzing characters in movies and TV shows through a psychological lens

💥 If you’re a man who’s ever struggled with feeling like you’re “too much” or “not enough,” this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and practical tools to help you lead with confidence, courage, and purpose.

About the Show:
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men escape the cages that hold them back and become the lions they were created to be. Hosted by the team at Lion Counseling, we explore topics like faith, masculinity, mental health, business, relationships, self-improvement, and emotional healing. No fluff. No shame. Just real talk to help real men grow.

👉 Ready to level up your life? Visit www.escapethecagenow.com to book counseling or coaching with Mark or Zack.

📲 Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

💬 What’s your take on modern masculinity? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
Click here to view the episode transcript.

#MensMentalHealth #Masculinity #ChristianMen #Assertiveness #Manhood #SelfImprovement #EMDRTherapy #PodcastForMen #JesusAndJohnWick #NiceGuysFinishLast #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #FaithAndManhood #LionCounseling #EscapeTheCage #StrongAndKind