In this episode of Leaving CrazyTown, Finn and Dr. Sarah break down a deceptively simple but life-changing concept: there is nothing to defend. Through humor, real-life role-play, and honest reflection, they explore how defensiveness, ghosting, and emotional shutdown sabotage connection—and how validation, curiosity, and clarity create safety instead. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, reactive, or stuck in communication loops, this conversation offers a grounded path out of CrazyTown and into emotional freedom.Key Takeaways

• Defensiveness blocks connection—even when your intentions are good

• Validating someone’s feelings doesn’t mean agreeing with their story

• Telling yourself a story isn’t the same as telling the truth

• Clear, direct communication prevents resentment from leaking sideways

• Healing codependency starts with emotional responsibility, not blame

Key Timestamps

• [00:01] — Introducing “There Is Nothing to Defend”

• [00:02] — What defensiveness actually sounds like in real life

• [00:04] — Ghosting, shutdowns, and passive aggression explained

• [00:05] — Sharing feelings without blame

• [00:06] — Validation vs. agreement: the crucial distinction

Notable Resources & Links

• Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

• Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube

If this episode hit home, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone who’s tired of defending themselves just to feel understood.

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Each episode dives deep into the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up—we’re leaving CrazyTown.

In this raw, relatable episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah unpack two deceptively simple moments that sent them spiraling onto the “crazy train.” What begins as a casual invite — coffee or walk? — becomes a full-blown internal crisis about likability, expectations, and imagined judgments. Together, they reveal how codependency sneaks into everyday interactions, why old fears get activated, and how to pause long enough to choose clarity over chaos. Expect laughter, truth bombs, and practical tools for stepping off the train and back into your life.

Takeaways

• Codependency often shows up in micro-moments, not just big relational crises.
• If a simple question feels hard to answer, you may be basing your response on imagined reactions, not your actual preference.
• Old stories (like fear of being “lazy,” “difficult,” or “high maintenance”) often drive our present-day behavior.
• Pausing before responding is a powerful tool for reclaiming agency and reducing reactivity.
• Progress isn’t perfection — noticing the pattern is the breakthrough.

Key Timestamps

• [00:00] — Welcome to Leaving CrazyTown

• [01:00] — Finn & Sarah confess: We briefly hopped back on the crazytrain

• [02:00] — The “coffee or walk?” question that triggered a codependent spiral

• [04:00] — Imagined judgments, old fears, and why simple choices feel impossible

In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, Dr. Sarah sits down with The Mental Illness Happy Hour host Paul Gilmartin for an honest look at trauma, recovery, intimacy, and the long-term impact of childhood wounds. Paul shares how early emotional experiences shaped his patterns in adulthood—and how compassion, boundaries, and accountability became the tools that changed everything. Together, Paul and Sarah explore the messy, courageous work of healing from codependency, breaking survival-mode behaviors, and learning to build relationships rooted in honesty, repair, and self-respect.

Takeaways

• Childhood emotional wounds often shape adult patterns more deeply than we realize.

• Healing requires honesty, humility, and a willingness to take responsibility for our part.

• Boundaries are essential—not just with others but with ourselves.

• Intimacy becomes possible when shame decreases and self-awareness increases.

• Repairing ruptures in relationships builds trust and strengthens connection.

Key Timestamps

• [00:01:00] Listening to hundreds of stories: how Paul protects his emotional battery

• [00:05:00] Early recovery and uncovering deeper issues beneath addiction

• [00:09:00] Learning boundaries, accountability, and the meaning of true intimacy

• [00:14:00] Communication without blame: why timing and tone matter

• [00:18:00] Childhood wounds, emotional responsibility & recognizing patterns

• [00:36:00] Why Paul still loves doing the work—and the stories that keep him going

• [00:42:00] Universal tools: finding language for your needs and setting respectful boundaries

Notable Resources or Guest Links

• Paul Gilmartin – The Mental Illness Happy Hour

• Dr. Sarah Michaud – Author of Co Crazy

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

• Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube

=Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co Crazy Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If you loved this conversation, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with a friend ready to reclaim their voice and leave confusion behind.

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Each episode dives deep into the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up—we’re leaving CrazyTown.

The holidays can feel like a warm hug… or a codependent meltdown waiting to happen. In this episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah break down the five biggest shifts that help codependents survive (and seriously enjoy) the holiday season. From asking for what you actually want, to ditching rituals that don’t serve you anymore, to saying “no” without the spiral — these tools help you stop overgiving, overspending, and overextending so you can create a holiday grounded in sanity and joy.

Takeaways

• Ask for what you want — clarity prevents resentment.
• Set a spending limit early to avoid overgiving and January shame.
• “No” is an option — and a powerful one.
• Update or ditch family rituals that drain you.
• If you’re not having fun, you're probably abandoning yourself.

Key Timestamps

• [00:42] Why holidays activate codependency more than anything else

• [02:20] Tip #1: Asking for what you want (without guilt)

• [04:47] Tip #2: Stopping overspending & overgiving

• [07:05] Tip #3: Learning to say no

• [11:36] Tip #4: Ditching old rituals & building new ones

• [13:45] Tip #5: Fun, humor, and joy as recovery tools

Notable Resources & Links

• Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

• Follow Leaving CrazyTown on YouTube: @leavingcrazytown

Share this episode with a friend who needs permission to enjoy their holidays without losing themselves.

Notable Resources Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co Crazy Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If you loved this conversation, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with a friend ready to reclaim their voice and leave confusion behind.

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Each episode dives deep into the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up—we’re leaving CrazyTown.

In this Leaving CrazyTown x Eternally Amy crossover, Dr. Sarah Michaud joins Amy Liz Harrison for a Boozeless Book Club deep dive into Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” aftermath and the complex layers of love addiction, codependency, and emotional recovery.Together, they unpack how relationships can become the new addiction — and how self-awareness, radical honesty, and recovery tools can pull us back from the brink. It’s a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about obsession, boundaries, and learning to let go with love.

Key Takeways

1. Codependency isn’t care — it’s control in disguise. We rationalize, rescue, and lose ourselves believing we’re helping.

2. Love addiction mimics substance addiction. That chemical “high” of early romance can hijack logic and keep us stuck in fantasy.

3. Denial runs deep. Whether it’s alcohol, love, or someone else’s chaos — our minds will justify anything to avoid loss.

4. Recovery is responsibility. Owning “my part” doesn’t mean taking all the blame — it means claiming my healing.

5. Letting go isn’t abandonment. It’s choosing freedom over fantasy, truth over chaos, and peace over control.

Key Timestamps

• [00:02:10] The reality of codependency: it’s not just about addicts

• [00:06:45] Love addiction and that early “high”

• [00:12:00] Denial, rationalization, and the bitters metaphor

• [00:22:30] The trap of self-abandonment in relationships

• [00:33:00] Boundaries, separation, and self-responsibility

• [00:46:00] Recovery tools from the Big Book that still hold true

• [00:52:00] Owning your part, making the call, and telling the truth

  Amyiz Harrison “Eat, Pray, Love” and related works

• Women, Sex, and Addiction by Charlotte Kasl

• Co Crazy by Dr. Sarah Michaud

• Al-Anon & SLAA resources

• Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (contrast discussed)

Resources & Mentions

• Amy Liz Harrison “Eat, Pray, Love” and related works

• Women, Sex, and Addiction by Charlotte Kasl

• Co Crazy by Dr. Sarah Michaud

• Al-Anon & SLAA resources

• Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (contrast discussed)

If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s learning to love without losing themselves. 🧠 Subscribe, rate, and review Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown wherever you listen — and join the conversation on YouTube @leavingcrazytown.

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Each episode dives deep into the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope. If you loved this conversation, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with a friend ready to reclaim their voice and leave confusion behind. 🔗 Website: drsarahmichaud.com | YouTube: @leavingcrazytown

This week, Finn and Dr. Sarah welcome writer and recovery advocate Jason Mayo, author of In Case of Emergency: Break Childhood and founder of Sober Not Subtle. In this honest and often hilarious conversation, Jason opens up about the hidden trauma of childhood divorce, the messy intersection of mental health and sobriety, and the art of starting over without self-destructing. Together they unpack perfectionism, parenting, depression, and why “connection is the opposite of addiction.”

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma isn’t just tragedy — it’s the quiet disconnection that shapes how we love and cope.

• “I’m not a bad person getting good; I’m a sick person getting well.”

• Mental health and recovery aren’t separate stories — they’re one healing arc.

• Boundaries are love in action: “No” is a full sentence.

• Connection and purpose are the antidotes to isolation and burnout.

Timestamps:

[00:01:00] Jason’s recovery story — from emotional bottom to connection.

[00:06:00] Marriage in sobriety and rebuilding trust after addiction.

[00:13:00] The “three C’s” of marriage — a hilarious family lesson.

[00:15:00] The ACEs test and realizing childhood divorce as trauma.

[00:18:00] What trauma really is — and why it never fully disappears.

[00:25:00] Mental health crisis and what real support looks like.

[00:31:00] How sharing pain turns into purpose.

[00:35:00] Why men struggle to talk about emotions — and how to start.

[00:41:00] Recovery, community, and the healing power of connection.

[00:44:00] Jason’s top two recovery tools: boundaries and purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

• In Case of Emergency: Break Childhood by Jason Mayo

• SoberNotSubtle.com

• Co-Crazy by Dr. Sarah Michaud

• Gabor Maté – The Myth of Normal

• Peter Levine – Waking the Tiger

• Dr. Sarah Michaud, PsyD — Author of Co Crazy

• Leaving CrazyTown YouTube Channel

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If this conversation hit home, share it with a friend in recovery who’s learning to set boundaries or find their voice.

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Each episode dives deep into dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope.Subscribe, rate, and review—and share with a friend who’s ready to leave CrazyTown.

Shame spirals: we all know them, we all hate them, and most of us try to outrun them. In this raw, revealing, and hilariously honest conversation, Finn and Dr. Sarah break down what a shame spiral really is, where these intense emotional reactions come from, and why they often have deep roots in childhood patterns. Using Sarah’s real-life moment of “F-bomb shame” as a jumping-off point, the duo explores how old wounds get activated, why our reactions can feel so outsized, and what it takes to recover with compassion, clarity, and grounded truth.Takeaways

• Shame spirals often signal past trauma or early developmental wounds.

• Overreactions usually mean the present moment has touched an old story.

• Self-compassion is the antidote to shame—not self-punishment.“Pull the lens back”: most shame triggers aren’t life-altering in reality

• Healing requires understanding, kindness, and choosing not to re-abuse yourself.

• [01:00] – Recognizing hidden vs. overt shame

• [02:00] – The “speaking regret” shame spiral

• [03:00] – Sarah’s F-bomb video story & activation

• [06:00] – Childhood memories that amplify present shame

• [10:00] – Tools: pulling back the lens, practicing self-compassion

• [12:00] – Finn’s shame around talking too much in groups

• [15:00] – Trauma origins of shame patterns

• Leaving CrazyTown YouTube Channel

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

Subscribe, rate, and review Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown.Share this episode with someone who spirals into shame and needs real-talk tools to get out.

Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud. With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of clinical insight, they tackle the chaos of dysfunctional relationships and offer real tools for healing. Subscribe wherever you listen and follow @LeavingCrazyTown on social media for more real-talk recovery content.

When we don’t know how to ask for what we need, we manipulate, avoid, or overextend. In this powerful and painfully relatable episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah unpack how fear of rejection fuels codependent behaviors—and how to finally break the cycle. From “polite lying” to people-pleasing to emotional seduction, they explore what drives us to control outcomes instead of asking directly for what we want. The truth? Authentic connection only happens when we stop trying to manage other people’s feelings and start telling the truth about our own.

Takeaways

• Fear of rejection is the root of many manipulative and codependent behaviors.

• You can’t build trust when your words and energy don’t match—people feel the fear underneath.

• Saying “no” to a request isn’t rejection of you; it’s just a no to that thing.

• Authentic requests lead to authentic relationships. Manipulation always breeds distance.

• Recovery means tolerating discomfort, setting clear boundaries, and staying in your own hula hoop.

Key Timestamps

• [00:01:00] Childhood patterns that teach us to manipulate instead of ask

• [00:03:00] Fear of rejection and why we avoid hearing “no”

• [00:06:00] How manipulation erodes trust and safety in relationships

• [00:08:00] The energy of fear—why people feel dishonesty before they hear it

• [00:12:00] Taking risks: why direct requests are a practice in courage and recovery

If you loved this episode, subscribe and leave a review—it helps others find the show. And share it with that friend who always says “I’m fine” but clearly isn’t.

Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. This isn’t your average recovery show—it’s part laughter, part therapy, and all truth. Subscribe wherever you listen and join us as we break out of CrazyTown—one honest conversation at a time.

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Dr. Sarah sits down with Jamie H from Tennessee — a recovering alcoholic who turned his pain into purpose by helping women rebuild their lives through sober living. From childhood trauma and abuse to relapse, surrender, and radical forgiveness, Jamie shares how accepting responsibility for his healing set him free. His story is raw, redemptive, and full of hope — proof that no matter how dark it gets, recovery offers a way through.

Takeaways

• Forgiveness isn’t weakness — it’s freedom.

• “As long as I don’t drink or drug, I have a chance to get to the other side.”

• Recovery begins with accepting the truth of who we are

• The hardest words in healing: “It’s me, not them.”

• Pain from the past can be transformed through surrender and service.

Key Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome from Dr. Sarah — setting up today’s conversation

[02:00] Jamie’s first surrender and relapse story

[05:00] Accepting addiction as a mental illness

[09:00] The cost of denial — relapse and loss

[11:00] Jamie’s childhood trauma and family history

[16:00] Betrayal, forgiveness, and seeing through new “spiritual glasses”

[20:00] Letting go of resentment and reclaiming power [27:00] Jamie’s top tips for staying sober — no matter what

Notable Resources or Guest Links

• Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co Crazy

• Jamie H’s Women’s Sober Living Community (Tennessee)

• Follow @LeavingCrazyTown on YouTube

CTA If this story moved you, share it with someone who’s ready to let go of resentment and find freedom in forgiveness. Subscribe, rate, and review — your support helps others discover hope beyond codependency.

Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown is the raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud — two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Come for the truth bombs, stay for the laughter, and leave with a renewed sense of agency.

In this episode of Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown, Finn and Dr. Sarah get real about how communication breaks down when codependency takes the wheel. From the habitual “I don’t care” to the evasive “it’s complicated,” they unpack the language patterns that keep us disconnected from our true feelings. Through personal stories, humor, and practical insights, they reveal how to move from confusion to clarity—and why speaking your truth is a radical act of recovery.

Takeaways

• Common codependent phrases like “I don’t care,” “I don’t know,” and “it’s complicated” often mask fear or avoidance.

• Communication clarity begins with self-awareness—notice what you’re really feeling before responding.

• Detachment from emotions is normal in early recovery; reconnecting takes intention and patience.

Ever find yourself trapped in a spiral of overexplaining when you really just want to say no? In this raw and hilarious episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah unpack what they call “The Codependent No” — those long, apologetic responses that avoid clarity, create confusion, and leave everyone frustrated. From miscommunication marathons to guilt-driven maybes, they reveal why saying no clearly is one of the most powerful recovery tools there is. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and finally free yourself from the need to please.

Takeaways

• “No” is a complete sentence — clarity is kindness.

• Overexplaining often creates more disconnection, not less.

• Feeling guilty when you say no? That’s codependency talking.

• Practice saying no with safe people and tolerating discomfort.

• Saying yes when you mean no leads to resentment, anxiety, and burnout.

Key Timestamps

• [00:00] – The “Codependent No”: what it is and why we all do it

• [02:00] – “I’d rather not” and other clear communication tools

• [05:00] – Overexplaining, miscommunication, and frustration

• [08:00] – Guilt, boundaries, and the false responsibility trap

• [11:00] – Practicing honest no’s with safe people

• [12:00] – The consequences of saying yes when you mean no

Notable Resources & Guest Links

• Dr. Sarah Michaud, PsyD – Author of Co Crazy: One Psychologist’s Recovery from Codependency and Addiction

• Leaving CrazyTown YouTube Channel – Watch full episodes here

Andrea Ashley, host of The Adult Child Podcast, joins  Dr. Sarah Michaud for a no-filter conversation about the messy middle of recovery—the part where you’re learning to stop saving everyone else and finally start saving yourself. From unraveling childhood patterns to setting adult boundaries that stick, Andrea shares how she turned her pain into purpose and built a platform for fellow Adult Children ready to get real about healing. Expect laughter, raw truth, and practical tools for leaving CrazyTown behind.

Takeaways

• Healing starts with awareness—and the courage to see your story differently.

• Codependency recovery is about identity reclamation, not perfection.

• Boundaries are an act of self-love, not punishment.

Finn and Sarah get real (and really funny) about health anxiety—the mental habit of turning every ache into catastrophe—and share how recovery tools like reality-checking, perspective, and self-compassion can break the spiral. You’ll hear outrageous mind-movies, why our brains escalate to “late-stage everything,” and simple practices to build a looser, friendlier relationship with your thoughts. 

Takeaways 

• Thoughts are not facts; feelings are not emergencies—build space before reacting. 

• The mind loves worst-case stories (“late stage everything”); humor shrinks their power. 

• Reality-check: get clarity with a call or simple test before catastrophizing. 

• Past losses/trauma can prime health anxiety; name the trigger to lower intensity. 

• Self-permission helps: if you do overreact (ER calls, extra vet visits), meet it with compassion and learn. 

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 — Welcome & “I thought it was an aneurysm” opener. 

• 02:00 — Why the brain jumps to late-stage diagnoses. 

• 04:05 — The dog-at-the-vet spiral (and the bill). 

• 05:10 — The “black spot” baby story: a washcloth cure. 

• 08:00 — Panic calls after family loss—when trauma fuels alarms. 

• 11:10 — Tools: clarity calls, humor, and perspective practice. 

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might be stuck in their own CrazyTown—and don’t forget to subscribe for more raw recovery talk.

Come for the truth bombs, stay for the laughter, and leave with a renewed sense of agency. Subscribe and review the podcast, watch on YouTube @leavingcrazytown, and share episodes with a friend who’s ready to leave CrazyTown.

In this candid episode of Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown, Finn and Dr. Sarah dig into one powerful question: Are you happy? Together, they explore how denial, fear, and codependency often keep us stuck in jobs, marriages, and patterns that quietly drain our joy. Through raw personal stories and clinical insights, they reveal why acknowledging unhappiness is the first step toward change—and how to take small, courageous steps toward true freedom.

Takeaways

• Why denial is one of the biggest roadblocks to happiness

• How to evaluate different “arenas” of your life with honesty

• The cost of staying silent in jobs and relationships

• Why acknowledging unhappiness is powerful—even without immediate change

• How fear and codependency keep us stuck, and how to begin breaking free

Key Timestamps

• [00:01:00] The big question: Are you happy?

• [00:03:00] The “life pie” tool for evaluating different areas of happiness

• [00:06:00] Finn’s story: hating his job—and finding a way to thrive

• [00:09:00] Marriage, denial, and the cost of staying stuck

• [00:12:00] The freedom in honesty: why awareness is the turning point

Notable Resources

Dr. Sarah welcomes Lori McCarthy, Executive Director at Herren Wellness, for an honest look at modern addiction treatment and the codependency patterns that shape families. From calling residents “guests” to integrating AA, SMART, DBT, CBT, Refuge, and IFS, Lori explains why flexible, community-based care matters—and how grief, parenting, and humility keep us growing. Hear why “connection is the answer,” how COVID reshaped admissions, and the single mindset she urges families to adopt: be willing to try.     

Takeaways:

• Connection and community drive outcomes; guests hold each other accountable and staff work as one team. 

• Herren Wellness blends modalities (AA, SMART, Refuge, DBT/CBT, IFS) to keep learning active and individualized. 

• Post-COVID shifts: first college students, then dads, then moms—prevention slots don’t require “meeting criteria.” 

• Codependency is universal; relationship skills are lifelong work. 

• “Be willing to try” is the doorway for families and guests alike. 

Key Timestamps (approx.):

• 00:00 – Meet Lori McCarthy & the Herren Wellness origin story

• 05:00 – Today’s clients: anxiety, loneliness, and the social media effect 

• 09:00 – Program design: structure + interactive learning; AA/SMART/IFS/Refuge/DBT/CBT 

• 12:00 – Why they say “guest” (dignity, safety, wellness, family welcome)

• 26:00 – COVID cohort waves; prevention without diagnostic thresholds

• 38:00 – Adding a Codependency group + book box on the way 

• • 43:00 – Grief and gratitude can coexist in recovery and parenting 

  
  

  Notable Resources or Guest Links:

  • Herren Wellness (treatment center founded with Chris Herren)

  • SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, AA/NA, IFS (context from episode) 

  • Family support: twice-weekly Zoom groups at Herren Wellness (mentioned by Lori)
    

  If this helped you, share it with one person who needs hope today and subscribe for weekly tools on codependency recovery.

  Leaving CrazyTown with Dr. Sarah Michaud explores how we heal codependency and build real connection—in recovery, in families, and in ourselves.

In this raw and relatable episode, Finn and Sarah unpack the sneaky ways codependency shows up as manipulation—even when we think we’re just being “nice.” From passive food suggestions to emotional baiting and over-gifting, they break down three classic behaviors that masquerade as care but actually come from fear, control, or discomfort with directness.

Key Takeaways:

• Manipulation often hides behind passivity, politeness, or “helping.”

• Asking someone what they want when you’re hungry is not the same as expressing your own need.

• Emotional baiting ("I might get kicked out...") can trigger codependent rescuing.

• Over-gifting or “fixing” someone’s problem without consent undermines intimacy.

• True kindness is direct, respectful, and leaves space for choice.

Key Timestamps:

[00:01:00] – Why codependents struggle to state their needs directly

[00:05:00] – Food, frustration, and the fallout of passive manipulation

[00:08:00] – Emotional baiting and the illusion of connection

[00:12:00] – Gift-giving and fixing: when “help” becomes control

Notable Resources:

Dr. Sarah Michaud’s book Co Crazy

Follow Finn and Sarah on YouTube: @LeavingCrazyTown

Friendly CTA:

🎧 Subscribe, review, and send this episode to a friend still stuck in “nice mode.”

Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Come for the truth bombs, stay for the laughter, and leave with a renewed sense of agency.

Are you genuinely nice—or is your “niceness” a codependent disguise? In this kick-off episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah dive into the blurry line between kindness and codependency. With relatable stories, raw honesty, and a healthy dose of humor, they explore how saying “yes” when you want to say “no” might actually be self-betrayal, not generosity. Get ready to smash the illusion of “niceness” and learn what it really means to show up for yourself.

Takeaways:

• Codependency often masquerades as being “a really nice person.”

• Saying yes when you want to say no leads to resentment and emotional suppression.

• Pausing before agreeing to something is a powerful recovery tool.

• Being “nice” to others at your own expense isn’t true kindness.

You can be kind and have boundaries—honesty is part of real connection.

Key Timestamps:

[00:01:00] — Is it kindness… or codependency?

[00:03:00] — Why saying “yes” can create resentment [00:04:00] — The power of pausing before responding [00:07:00] — Dr. Sarah’s hilarious (and painful) gift basket story

[00:10:00] — Being nice to yourself = telling the truth

Notable Resources or Guest Links:

Follow Finn and Sarah on YouTube: @leavingcrazytown

Subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to stop people-pleasing and start truth-telling.

Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. With humor, honesty, and clinical insight, they offer grounded guidance and compassionate camaraderie for anyone ready to reclaim their sanity and self-worth.

In this episode of "Leaving Crazy Town," Finn and Sarah delve into the complex terrain of honesty in relationships. They discuss how unspoken truths can manifest in behaviors and thoughts, often leading to misunderstandings and loss of connection. With personal anecdotes and candid insights, they explore the significance of expressing one's truth to foster intimacy and avoid the silent build-up of unresolved issues.

What You’ll Learn:

• The subtle ways we avoid speaking our truth in relationships.

• The impact of not addressing our true feelings and needs.

• Strategies for clear communication to nurture deeper connections and avoid misunderstandings.

Listener Challenge: Identify one truth you’ve been hesitant to share with someone close to you. Consider the possible consequences of remaining silent and take the courageous step to express it this week.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, Finn and Sarah delve into the concept of hidden anger and how it can impact your life and relationships. They share personal experiences and insights on identifying hidden anger and offer strategies to manage and process it effectively. This episode is packed with practical advice for achieving a more peaceful and grounded life by understanding and addressing your hidden emotions.

What You’ll Learn:

• How hidden anger manifests in our daily lives and behaviors.

• The connection between anxiety and repressed anger.

• Strategies for recognizing and processing hidden anger to improve personal peace and relationships.

Listener Challenge: Identify one sign of hidden anger from this episode and take steps to address it by journaling, talking to a friend, or practicing mindfulness.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, Finn and Sarah dive into the concept of "fear bombs" and how they impact our daily lives. They discuss the prevalence of fear-driven media, especially during times of crisis like COVID, and explore strategies to maintain peace and stability amidst chaos. Finn and Sarah share personal experiences and tips for managing fear and staying grounded during turbulent times.

What You’ll Learn:

• The impact of media's sensationalism on personal fear levels.

• How to differentiate between speculation and reality in fearful situations.

• Strategies to maintain inner peace and well-being amidst external chaos.

• The importance of focusing on oneself to reduce codependency and societal fear.

• Practical steps to transform negative thoughts into gratitude and positivity.

Listener Challenge: Identify one fear-driven message you frequently encounter and apply a strategy discussed in the episode to manage it, whether it's limiting media consumption, practicing gratitude, or focusing on personal well-being.

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