The Badass Counseling Show
Sven Erlandson, a keynote speaker and bestselling author, hosts a raw and aggressive mental health podcast. He offers no-BS live counseling sessions and rapid-fire Q&A, tackling issues from trauma to self-worth. The show is ranked in the Top 10 for Mental Health/Fitness podcasts.
Episodes
When The Cheater Blames You
Anya is angry and bitter about her divorce, which occurred after she discovered her husband had been cheating for years. He blames her for his actions, which affect their 3 children as well. All the pain inflicted by someone who chooses to cheat comes into sharp focus as Anya comes to understand there is never any justification for cheating. Sven points the way to truth and, in Anya's own wor
Q&A: Self-Sabotage, Narc Parents, and More
More questions and answers as Sven takes on all topics of love, life, and authenticity. Listen in for insight and advice! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
But Mom Had It Rough
Sven counsels Sunny, who at 52 feels like an emotionless, chaotic disaster. She's quick to take care of others but doesn't know why she has no relationship with her neglectful mother who "...never had it easy." And why does she keep defending her? Sven goes to work as Sunny begins to understand the truth that sets her free. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Givers & Takers, and More
Sven is in top form as he fields questions in real time as they come in from his followers on social media. Looking for the right way to end a relationship? Challenges with parents, whether dead, alive, or ill? Wondering about dating as a single parent? Listen in for advice on all these issues, and much more. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Broken Is Not Forever
Mila comes to Sven seeking peace and forgiveness. When she discovered that her husband was molesting her daughter, she immediately left him. But now with mixed feelings of love and hate, and wondering about the effects on all her children, she's not sure how to go on. Sven carefully and forcefully works Mila through her feelings, and brings the path to healing. Explicit content.Send us Fan Ma
Q&A: Breakups, Boundaries, and More
It's Sven again on social media live, taking provocative questions from his followers. Please listen in to this recorded session! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Not Guilty!
It would be hard to find a darker description of one's life than that provided by Cricket, a widower who Sven counsels with compassion and good humor. Although Cricket's wife died decades ago, his guilt remains that he was somehow responsible - which he wasn't. Listen in to this uplifting counseling session! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Love, Poetry, and More
Sven takes to social media again to field unpredictable questions from his followers. This time: Does love exist like in songs? Why do people bully? How can I help my son? What if my partner says they just want to be friends? And many more issues of life and love. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
I Am Not Worthless!
Axel has done a lot of work to heal from a terribly abusive childhood, but still struggles with self-confidence and the effect of his trauma on his children. Why does he still feel worthless? Lynette also joins the show, describing a disheartening lack of parental support from childhood through graduate school. Now totally dissatisfied with her life and feeling worthless, she also turns to Sven f
Q&A: I Won't Grow Up! and More
Sven's online followers keep hurling fastball questions, and Sven knocks 'em out of the park. Unpredictable topics, insightful answers. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
When Your Wife Takes Her Life
In this difficult counseling session, Sven works with Tucker, who lost his wife to suicide a few years ago. Dealing with this crushing loss for himself and his children, and the effects on his new marriage, Tucker finds comfort in Sven's insight and guidance. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: When "Just Joking" Hurts, and More
Listeners ofter ask if Sven knows the questions in advance, and the answer is "No!" We never know what to expect, and Sven is always on the ready to provide compassion, insight, and healing. Listen in! Explicit content,Send us Fan Mail
Only Mom Has The Key
...and Dad didn't protect Claudio, who feels he was robbed of joy and safety in childhood because of his mom. At 37, he still can't get her voice out of his head, and it's filled with ridicule and rejection. But she has the key to his happiness if she would just atone! Which she never will. And where was dad in all of this? Sven goes to work to help Claudio let go and move on. Expli
Q&A: Single Parents, Cheater's "Friends," and More
Listen in for advice on a wide variety of intriguing topics including: dating extreme takers, boundaries, being vulnerable, helping your troubled kids, awareness of optics, and much more. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Frozen Anger, Unleashed
Brittany's life of hell has left her in a mess. She feels lost, stuck, paralyzed, and fears making the wrong decisions. An unhappy 35-year marriage and a miserable childhood have left her with no joy and no hope. Sven goes to work to unleash her emotions, with uplifting results. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Mourning & Maintaining Relationships, and More
Always ready with an insightful answer to unpredictable questions, Sven takes on a new batch of the issues and life challenges of his online followers. Please listen in! Explicit content. Send us Fan Mail
Six Seven At Age 6 & 7
Bernie remembers hating herself as early as age 6 or 7. She survived a violent childhood and abusive marriage, only to turn to her parents after her divorce for help with her 2-year-old daughter. When that situation turned horribly worse, she became determined to make it on her own. Now sober for 5 years, she seeks healing from Sven to ensure she doesn't pass her pain down to her daughter. Ex
Q&A: Faith, Fear, Flushing
You've got questions, Sven's got answers. More interesting topics and insightful responses in this Lightning Round. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Father, Figure
Sven counsels Kaden, who is having trouble adjusting to being a new father at age 22. At the same time, he questions if he should even stay in his marriage. Kaden feels disconnected from everyone, and wonders if he should just run away. Confronting the question of what makes a good father, Kaden gets good insight and guidance from Sven. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: My 8-Year-Old Won't Listen, and More
As listeners throw hardball (and softball) questions at Sven, he's at the ready to knock them out of the park. For insight and understanding into a wide variety of complicated personal issues, please listen in. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Protection Introspection
Sven counsels Poppy, who has experienced severely abusive relationships. She has sought protection all her life with little success, and now discovers she is protecting those who have hurt her. Her mother has recently passed, and now her father ignores her in front of her son. Wondering if she herself is the problem, she turns to Sven for guidance. And gets it. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Healing, Finding "Me," and More
More unpredictable questions for Sven as he goes live on social media to provide insight and guidance on all matters of life and love. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Robbed of Childhood
Pepper comes to Sven for counseling about finding love when her experiences have been filled with betrayal and cheating. She wants to be showered with love, but doesn't trust it. Sven probes Pepper's thoughts and fears - her adult children and her mother figure prominently - to help her find her way. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Stay For the Kids? and More
More probing questions and answers with Sven as he handles unpredictable topics from his social media followers. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
When Love is Sad, Angry, and Lonely
Sven counsels Raven, who feels unworthy of love. She finds herself in a second difficult marriage, this time with a husband who only shares his emotions with another. Raven is in love with him, but struggles with boundaries and knows something has to change - for herself, and her children. Sven takes her through the roots of her feelings, fears, and all her possibilities. Explicit content.Send us
Q&A: Jealousy, Positive Attention, and More
Sven takes to social media live to take unpredictable questions from his followers. Lots of great ideas to consider here, so please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Porn, Pictures, Prevarication
Sven counsels LaCroix, whose marriage is in trouble because of his online emotional infidelity. Feeling deceitful, and denigrated by his wife, LaCroix wants to change and seeks guidance from Sven who, as always, has insightful and life-changing answers. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Dating, Authenticity, and More
Can't stop the questions from coming in live to Sven, recorded here for the podcast, as he deals with a variety of topics on all aspects of life and love. Please listen in for great insight and advice. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Exes, Hexes...and Kids
Sven counsels two different women, Taka and Bonnie. Taka says, "I'm frozen" and is unsure how to handle the 50/50 custody arrangement for her young son. She fears his time with her ex, a controlling and manipulative father. Bonnie is farther along in her healing and has done a lot of work to get past two failed marriages for which she mistakenly blames herself. Yet she emerges as a
Q&A: Exes, Trust, and More
You never know what questions might come up as Sven goes live on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. In this recorded session, topics include missing your ex when you're engaged to someone else, how to trust enough to have a new relationship, and partners who use your journal against you. Tons of good advice here on life and love, so please listen in! Explicit content. Send us Fan Mail
Living With the Greatest Losses
In this counseling episode, each guest has suffered an enormous loss: one of a parent at a young age, and one of a child. Sal wants to be relieved of the burden of losing his father and having to live with a manipulative mother who refuses to acknowledge the pain she has caused him. Pierce just wants to wake up each day without the crushing weight of being the mother of a murdered son. Very differ
Q&A: Narc Boyfriends, Resentment, Apathy, and More
Sven takes to live social media again, taking questions on all matters of life and love. Easy to find inspiration and guidance here, so please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Horses For Courses
...One literally, and one metaphorically. In this counseling episode with two different guests, Zia wants to train horses professionally and has had experience since being a teenager. But her family relentlessly denigrates her and she severely doubts herself, to the point that she spent time in a psychiatric hospital. Katie grew up in chaos, feeling neglected and unsafe. Neither felt loved as a ch
Q&A: Going Slow in Relationships, and More
Sven takes on all comers live on social media in this illuminating recorded Lightning Round. You've got questions, Sven has answers. Take a listen! Explicit content,Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Anger, Betrayal, and More
More insight and inspiration from Sven as he fields questions live from listeners on social media. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Boyfriend or Grandson: Choose
In this counseling session, Annalisa faces a difficult choice: Her adult son tells her if she doesn't end her relationship with her boyfriend, she will never see her grandson. Sven guides her to understand being controlled, and how to take charge of her own life. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Broken Parents, Religion, and More
Listen in to this recorded session as Sven goes live on social media to tackle unpredictable and challenging questions. Need advice on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Come on in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Guilt and Shame x2
In this counseling episode, Sven works with 2 different people who are facing major life changes. Bev takes care of everyone - except herself. She feels unloved and unwanted, and longs to find love. Mostly, though, she needed a mom. Bo Rabbit suffers with a bad marriage to an addict and has separated to work on himself. He's now ready to take action, but what about the kids? And is it all his
Q&A: Careers, Coercion, Cheating, and More
Looking for relationship advice? Journaling help? Need to manage grief? These are some of the topics in this recorded Lightning Round, with Sven taking questions online from TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook Live. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Imbalance of Love
Boundaries and relationship equality figure in to this impactful counseling episode. Struggling after two abusive marriages, Marcie thinks she would be okay if she became a nun. She feels guilty about leaving the marriages, despite having given much love with little in return. Sven probes for the roots of Marcie's pain and guilt, and provides welcome relief. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Parents vs. Children, and More
In this recorded session, Sven fields live online questions covering many aspects of parents' relationships with their children, and vice-versa. Other issues about exes and the need for acceptance are discussed, too. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
The Protector, Age 2
It's hard to imagine more serious childhood trauma than that experienced by Roddy, a man who's adept at expressing his feelings but fears love, success, and effectively interacting with others. Sven hears his tragic story and goes to work with compassion and deep insight. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Feelings, Healings, Cheatings and More
Sven goes to work on his social media followers' questions once again, with insightful responses on parenting, relationships, personal healing, and much more. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Nix Dick Pix!
Edith wonders if she was wrong to take back her husband, who had an affair with a much younger co-worker. (There was photographic evidence.) Divorce? What about the kids? Edith blames herself for her husband's cheating - giving Sven an opening to guide her to clarity and truth. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Relationship Accountability, and More
In another recorded session, Sven takes unpredictable questions live on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Many questions on cheating and other relationship issues, extreme takers, and more, including Sven's deeply empathetic response to a woman who lost her son at 34 weeks. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Extreme Trauma, Extreme Healing
In this international counseling session, meet Sybil, whose agonizing childhood trauma continues to affect her life. She's done a lot of healing work, but still struggles with guilt and regret for not leaving an abusive marriage sooner, and the effect it had on her children. Sven helps Sybil to move forward in peace and new understanding. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Choosing Cheating, Alienation, and More
In another recorded Lightning Round, Sven goes live on social media to entertain whatever issues come his way. Unpredictable questions, insightful answers await. Please listen in. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
How To Change A Narc
Are you an extreme taker and want to change? Maybe you know one. In this counseling episode, Dunlap knows his failing and desperately wants to stop his destructive behavior. He fears losing his devoted wife and blended family. Sven goes to work to help Dunlap change, and the results are impactful. Please listen in to this remarkable counseling session. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Cheaters, Bullies, and More
In another unpredictable recorded session, Sven takes whatever questions his listeners on live social media throw at him. There's always a ton of insight and good advice, so please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Safe
Who's the bigger pig, Mom or Dad? Tally has 100% hate for both, with good reason. She doesn't spare herself, having felt hate for herself as early as age 7. Tally's story includes molestation (abetted by her mother), failed relationships, and a suicidal depression. She's doing the healing work with some success, and turns to Sven for greater progress and deeper understanding. E
Q&A: Infidelity, Grief, Dating, and More
Questions continue to fly in from TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, and Sven is always at the ready. Need some insightful advice about healing? Please listen in to this Lightning Round. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Sold Into Pedophilia
In this counseling session, Susu comes to realize that her mother facilitated the abuse she suffered as a child from her stepfather. As an adult, Susu doesn't know who she is and what she wants from life. With the burden of a gut-wrenching backstory, she seeks grace and purpose. Sven probes for the truth and her hidden feelings, and helps Susu face her fears and learn how to move on. Explicit
Q&A: Takers, Forgiveness, Sparks, and More
Lots of back-and-forth with Sven, Rob, and the social media crowd in this recorded Lightning Round. Relationships, forgiveness, healing, mattering, and even nail polish figure in to this session. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Why Did I Stay?
Come in to the counseling room with Sven and Maddie, who after two failed marriages (that never felt good) wonders if she can ever have a relationship with what she calls a "normal man." Made to feel unlovable as a child and now having trouble negotiating adulthood, Maddie turns to Sven for understanding and guidance. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Speaking in Questions, and More
Unpredictable questions get fed to Sven live from social media in this recorded Lightning Round. Lots of insight, lots of supportive thoughts. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
I Just Wanted Love
Here is an inspiring counseling session with Becker, whose anger about his dad leaving when he was 5 has affected his whole life. Now in his 50s and on the verge of divorce, he's doing the healing work that paves the way to a better, lighter life. Sven helps him find his way. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Cheating, Texting, Shame, and More
Sven takes on a variety of topics in this recorded Lightning Round including: How to heal from a miscarriage, how to understand journaling, how to develop self-esteem, what to do when your partner accuses you of cheating, and much more. Please listen in! Explicit content. Send us Fan Mail
Finding Your "I"
Ever feel like you're in a constant cycle of neglect and control, with little sense of self? In this counseling episode, Tek feels as if she's lost her authenticity. She fears losing her relationship with her dad as she wrestles with the decision to cut off her abusive mom. Her parents' access to Tek's children figures in. Tek wants to set boundaries but isn't sure how, an
Q&A: Secrets, Lies, Abandonment, and More
In this Lightning Round, Sven answers questions including: How not to feel abandoned when your kids move away, how best to control anger, why is my bf ghosting me, and what to do when your partner is caught in lies. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
You're the Problem
Ever feel like your worth is based on what you do, not who you are? Listen in as Sven counsels Sammi, who feels invisible in her marriage and doesn't know how to move forward. Made to feel like she was "too much" as a child, she believes she was - and still is - the problem. Sven forcefully yet compassionately leads her out of her self-criticism and on to better days. Explicit conte
Q&A: Exes, Dating, Trauma, and More
Listen in as Sven takes questions from his followers on social media. Topics include fear of dating, thinking through trauma, getting over your ex, and helping your child to have more empathy. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Nobody To Depend On
Sven counsels Teliqua, whose life has been a constant struggle, most recently in a contentious divorce that has gone on for 2 years. Her young children are caught in the middle, and she feels she has no one to turn to. Through tears, Teliqua looks to Sven to help her heal and move on with confidence. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Cheaters, Careers, ChatGPT Therapy, and More
Listen in to this recorded session as Sven fields live questions from his followers on social media. Lots of good insight and advice on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Divorce Averse
Moshie's wife treats him badly, with constant criticism even in front of the kids. He feels the need to stay in the marriage for the children, but what is the best path for him? Sven dives in and helps Moshie confront the truth. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Forgiveness, Fear, Fathers, and More
Sven takes more questions live from social media in this recorded session, on topics including: How to manage a breakup when you work together; travel anxiety; fathers who won't listen; overwhelming emotions; and much more. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Defending While Detesting
In this counseling session, Vida returns to talk with Sven after her first appearance 2 years ago (Episode 6-15). She has made progress and found some success, but still has serious doubts about her self-worth. Can Sven disavow Vida of her feelings of being unlovable since childhood? Please listen in and see. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Confidence, Estrangement, and More
More insightful and illuminating responses to Sven's followers' questions, recorded as they come at him live on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Raised With Wrath
Gemini knew she didn't matter to her husband - but she stayed for the kids, and because her mom and dad liked him. Now divorced and feeling sadness, guilt, and confusion, she turns to Sven for guidance. Complicating the picture: her abusive parents were disappointed with her since birth, and still consider her ex as part of the family. Please listen in to this informative and insightful couns
Q&A: Forgiveness, Trust, and More
Listen in as Sven fields unpredictable questions from his followers on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Tons of good insight and advice here on life and love. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Never Satisfied - But Why?
Sven counsels Heike, who has always struggled with romantic relationships, never feeling satisfied. When she feels her needs are not being met she makes excuses to stay in her relationships, even if it means cheating - with no remorse. Sven probes Heike's memories of childhood to find the patterns and fears that conspire to hold her back. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: True Narcs, Name Calling, and More
Sven's on fire in this recorded Lightning Round, as his followers' questions really get him passionate about healing wounded souls in his own unique way. Listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Success Story
Ever wonder what happens with Sven's guests after their appearance on the show? In this episode, Sakura returns following her appearance in Episode 11-1 from 1/16/25. After that show she did intense work on herself, improved her situation immensely, and comes back to update her story. As Sven discovers, a few issues remain, but Sakura is justifiably proud of her great progress. Explicit conte
Q&A: Know-It-Alls, Cheaters, Narcs, and More
Lightning Round time again, with Sven at his best while fielding questions live from social media to create another insightful episode. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Hopeless At Age 9
Lennie's mother always told him he was a mistake, which makes for a hard way to start in life. He has removed himself from his toxic family, but feels abandoned and alone. Can he heal and get a fresh start? Sven helps Lennie to understand his feelings and fill the emptiness. Listen for a stunning conclusion. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Q&A: Happiness, Pain, and Healing
In this Lightning Round, Sven tackles tough issues from his followers including: Advice for a new parent, food addiction, fear of success, alienating kids after divorce, grieving the end of a relationship, and much more. Please listen in! Explicit content. Send us Fan Mail
Worthless POS!
Two guests come to Sven for counseling, one worthless, one POS... So say the voices inside them. After divorce, Rizzo feels lost and misses the protection and understanding of someone who cares. From his earliest days through his marriage, he got the message that he was worthless. Camilla is happily divorced but afraid of starting a new relationship. Her childhood message was "You're a p
Q&A: BioMom Narc, Resentment, and More
In this Lightning Round, Sven fields several questions about dealing with parents, alive and dead. He also explains why on some topics he won't comment. Please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
Dark Side of the White Knight
Finn was trained to serve others, and now feels caught in a seemingly impossible situation - supporting his autistic son from a previous marriage, while understanding his present wife's resentment and salvaging his marriage, all the time being true to himself. Sven peels off the layers of Finn's feelings, and guides him toward better understanding, and hope. Explicit content.Send us Fan
Q&A: Depression, Therapy, Kids, and More
Sven answers questions as they come in from Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. For insight and advice on great ways to soothe your soul, please listen in! Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
One Hell of a Past
It's another insightful counseling session with some universal truths. As an infant, Doc's mother literally discarded her, leaving her with a cruel woman she didn't know. With an unbelievably horrendous past and always feeling like a burden, Doc seeks understanding and help from Sven, who quickly unlocks her path forward. Explicit content.Send us Fan Mail
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