My Conversation with Dr. John Delony, the Unicorn
Have you ever seen a unicorn at a rodeo? Well, I did, and it was a sight to see. But not quite what you’re imagining.
The unicorn sighting occurred at a cattle ranch just north of Dallas Texas… the location of the surprise opening reception for Dave Ramsey’s 2024 EntreLeadership Summit. Great food, a cigar station, an open bar, and a real rodeo, all under the big blue sky.
Then I saw him, the unicorn himself, Dr. John Delony. Yes, that guy… the famous podcaster, author, and mental health expert. I call John a “unicorn” because he’s truly one in a million. Very few have the education, experience, compassion, and charisma to do what he does.
As we talked, John was genuinely excited to hear that I was a Certified EMDR therapist. He mentioned that EMDR actually just came up at work, and he commended me for doing the tough clinical work on the frontlines. He was happy to hear that my wife Rachel and I were enjoying his podcast, and I complimented him on his unique gift for pulling wisdom together from so many sources and making it understandable. I also shared that I appreciated his willingness to be bold with callers, yet still check out his assumptions in case he missed the mark.
John conveyed his gratitude for all this and admitted that he’s certainly made mistakes, and acknowledges this on his show. I then expressed admiration for his willingness to be vulnerable with callers. In my experience, those in leadership often don’t admit their mistakes because it makes them feel weak. But when they take the risk, it actually builds trust and makes them more relatable.
Finally, I asked John if he was enjoying his podcast, and he responded with an emphatic “yes!!” And with an endearing smile, expressed that he still feels like he’s running some kind of “scam” because it’s all too good to be true.
Could it be that great John Delony still has a sliver of the “imposter syndrome” so many of us therapists suffer from? That despite our success, we’re still some kind of fake or fraud?
I could have talked to John for hours, but we eventually had to wrap things up. Thankfully I got a good selfie with the guy! My only regret is that as a surfer I didn’t think to do the hang loose sign like he did!
Some of the celebrities I’ve met disappoint when you meet them face to face. I’m happy to say that John wasn’t one of them. I’m grateful for the man, wish him all the best, and am inspired by his story. It’s amazing to see a fellow clinician’s journey take him to such wonderful and unexpected places. His story is an inspiration for me and the clients I serve.
Can we all be unicorns? Maybe not like John Delony. But through hard work, faith, taking risks, following timeless principles, and having the courage to heal our old traumas, we too can maximize whatever potential we’ve been given with God’s help.
If not a unicorn, what animal are you?? Perhaps you’re something even better. Maybe you’re a LION. Find out more at https://escapethecagenow.com/
Mark Odland – MA, LMFT, MDIV
