🎙️ 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.

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