Leaving CrazyTown

Do you even know who you are anymore?

It's Sarah's and Finn's anniversary month — time in recovery — and they're reflecting on three major ways they've changed since the using days. From self-reliance to honesty to actually feeling their feelings, this episode gets real about what shifts when you start doing the work. No perfect recovery stories here — just two people noticing what's different, what's better, and what still needs work.

Key Takeaways

• Self-reliance used to mean controlling everything and everyone — now it means trusting something bigger than yourself
• Avoiding feelings isn't the same as managing them — recovery teaches you to sit with discomfort instead of escaping it
• You can't have real relationships if nobody actually knows you — honesty and boundaries make connection possible
• Taking responsibility doesn't mean blaming yourself for everything — it means owning your actions and choices
• Recovery isn't about perfection — it's about catching yourself, repairing, and trying again

Notable Quote

"I was willing to take responsibility, but I was blind to the truth of what was actually going on." — Finn

Connect With Us

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.

*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're struggling, please seek support from a licensed professional.

Can you imagine having sex without booze… or does that thought make you want to crawl out of your skin?

In this episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah get honest about sober sex — what it looked like in addiction versus what it requires in recovery. From detachment, low standards, and seeking validation to body image fears, rejection anxiety, and learning discernment, they unpack the uncomfortable shift from numb hookups to real intimacy.

They explore how addiction blurred choice, how early sobriety brings a flood of insecurity, and why staying in your body is both terrifying and transformative. Because sober sex isn’t about performance — it’s about presence.

And presence requires vulnerability.

Takeaways

• In addiction, sex is often about validation, fear, and proving worth — not connection
• Sober sex brings up body image issues and rejection fears that substances once numbed
• Discernment is a recovery skill — you get to choose who you’re intimate with
• Casual relationships can activate codependent patterns if you ignore your own truth• Real intimacy requires vulnerability, honesty, and embracing discomfort
• Fun and play are possible in sober sex — it doesn’t have to be heavy or performative
  

Notable ResourcesDr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co CrazyFollow @leavingcrazytown on YouTubeWebsite: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If this conversation resonated, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown — and share it with someone navigating intimacy in 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. 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 Boozeless Book Club episode, Dr. Sarah Michaud and Amy Liz Harrison dive deep into Wake Up by Jen Hatmaker—a book that challenges rigid belief systems, recovery dogma, and fear-based spirituality. Together, they unpack what happens when programs meant to heal start replacing one form of control with another, especially for women navigating sobriety, faith, and codependency. This is an honest, nuanced conversation about reclaiming discernment, self-trust, and emotional freedom—without throwing out what truly works.

Key Takeaways

• Rigid recovery rules often mirror the same power dynamics we’re trying to heal from

• Women in recovery frequently need self-trust—not ego reduction

• Fear-based spirituality undermines emotional sobriety

• Both accountability and personal agency can coexist

• Thinking for yourself is not a relapse—it’s growth

Key Timestamps

[02:10] Why this book felt “meaty” and activating

[07:45] Trading one dogma for another in recovery

[14:30] Fear-based faith, shame, and loss of self

[22:10] When “look at your part” becomes self-blame

[30:40] Holding nuance without burning bridges

Notable Resources

• Wake Up — Jen Hatmaker

• Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co Crazy

• https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If this episode stirred something in you, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone learning to trust themselves again.

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.

Is it love… or is it codependency dressed up as romance?

In this Valentine’s Day episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah break down the real differences between healthy love and codependent attachment. Drawing from their own relationships (yes, they’re both in love right now), they unpack the subtle ways we confuse control, people-pleasing, emotional blame, and conflict avoidance with “being loving.”

From emotional regulation and over-offering to relentless self-sacrifice and white lies, this episode gives you three clear distinctions between love and codependency—plus the hard truths that deepen intimacy instead of destroying it.

Because real love doesn’t require you to disappear.And it definitely doesn’t require you to manage someone else’s emotions.

Takeaways

• Love means regulating your own emotions instead of blaming your partner

• Codependency often shows up as fixing, over-managing, or forcing help

• Asking once and trusting the answer builds respect and intimacy

• Self-sacrifice without boundaries leads to resentment and rage

• Honest, difficult conversations create deeper connection than conflict avoidance ever will

Notable Resources

Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co CrazyFollow @leavingcrazytown on YouTubeWebsite: 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.

What does subtle codependency actually look like in real life? In this kickoff episode of CrazyTown Confessions, Finn and Dr. Sarah pull back the curtain on their own sneaky patterns—manipulation disguised as care, irritation masked as concern, and the quiet control tactics that slip in when we’re trying to soothe ourselves.

From storm anxiety and “helpful suggestions” to shoulder injuries, insurance battles, and unspoken resentment, this episode shows how codependency often hides in the smallest moments. With humor, humility, and hard-earned insight, Finn and Sarah model what it looks like to catch yourself in the act—and choose something healthier instead.

Because recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness… and doing it differently next time.

Takeaways

• Codependency is often subtle and self-soothing, not dramatic or obvious

• Manipulation can hide inside “care” and good intentions

• Irritation is often a sign of unspoken fear or unmet needs

• Awareness is the first step toward changing behavior

• Recovery means taking responsibility for your emotional experience—not outsourcing it

Notable Resources

Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co CrazyFollow @leavingcrazytown on YouTubeWebsite: 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.

Episode Description

What happens when you’ve done “everything right” in recovery — and it still isn’t enough? In this deeply honest conversation,  Dr. Sarah sits down with author Patti Clark to explore long-term sobriety, relapse after 13 years, emotional bottoms, motherhood shame, loneliness, and the quiet moments that can pull us back into addiction. Patti shares the raw truth behind her relapse, the power of connection, and why recovery is about becoming whole — not perfect.

Takeaways

• Why relapse often begins long before the drink

• How loneliness can become an emotional bottom

• The hidden shame many mothers carry in addiction and recovery

• Why connection — not discipline — sustains sobriety

• How creativity and writing can support emotional healing

Key Timestamps

• 01:00 Patti’s recovery origin story and family alcoholism

• 11:00Loneliness, disconnection, and leaving meetings

• 13:00Relapsing after 13 years sober

• 18:00Motherhood, shame, and hidden drinking

• 24:00Emotional bottoms and forgiveness

• 37:00Writing The Recovery Road Trip and “now what?” recovery

Notable Resources & Guest Links

• The Recovery Road Trip by Patti Clark

• Website: https://pattyclark.org

• TikTok: @recoveringwoman

• Instagram/Facebook: Patti Clark, Author

If this episode resonated, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown — and share it with someone navigating recovery, relapse, or emotional burnout.

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.

How often do you say “I’m fine” when you’re anything but? In this episode of Leaving CrazyTown, Finn and Dr. Sarah unpack the many meanings behind those two deceptively simple words—and why asking for help can feel harder than suffering in silence. With humor, honesty, and lived recovery wisdom, they explore what makes some requests easy, others terrifying, and how emotional pain often hides behind self-sufficiency. This conversation is for anyone learning how to name their needs without shame and step out of survival mode.

Key Takeaways

• “I’m fine” is often a protective shield—not the truth

• Asking for help feels easier when it benefits others, not ourselves

• Illness and emotional pain trigger deep autonomy and boundary issues

• Recovery trains us to ask for help—but only in specific lanes

• Emotional honesty requires safety, timing, and trust

Key Timestamps

• [00:01] What “I’m fine” really stands for

• [00:03] Why service-based asks feel safer

• [00:05] Illness, isolation, and control

• [00:07] Emotional pain and selective vulnerability

• [00:09] The recovery paradox: trained to ask, still afraid

Notable Resources

• Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

• Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube

If this episode hit close to home, subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who’s tired of pretending they’re fine.

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 have a way of turning up the volume on codependency — expectations, guilt, fear of disappointing others, and the pressure to “just make it work.” In this honest holiday wrap-up, Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud review what actually helped, what didn’t, and how clear communication became the difference between resentment and relief. From navigating COVID plans to managing adult kids’ expectations, this episode offers real-life examples of boundaries in action — imperfect, human, and effective.Takeaways

• Clear communication prevents resentment — even when it feels uncomfortable

• Being honest about what you want doesn’t make you selfish

• Boundaries work best when you release the need to control others’ reactions

• Avoiding discomfort creates long-term emotional “ick”

• Holidays don’t require self-abandonment to be meaningful

Key Timestamps

• [00:01:00] Why being “wishy-washy” fuels codependency

• [00:02:30] Navigating COVID, family expectations, and guilt

• [00:04:00] Saying what you want without managing others’ feelings

• [00:06:30] Holiday spirals and parental guilt

• [00:07:30] Choosing clarity over emotional chaos

Notable Resources

• Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy

• Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If this episode resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s still unpacking their holiday “stuff.”

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.

Episode Description

What happens when peak physical endurance collides with life-altering diagnosis? In this powerful episode of Leaving CrazyTown, Dr. Sarah Michaud sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds—nonprofit CEO, Ironman triathlete, and two-time cancer survivor—to unpack what it really means to do hard things. Jeffrey shares how endurance training prepared him for cancer treatment, how vulnerability reshaped his relationships, and why strength isn’t about avoiding fear—it’s about learning to run alongside it. This is an honest, grounded conversation about mortality, resilience, masculinity, and choosing presence over panic.

Key Takeaways

• Why fitness is not the same as health

• How endurance training builds emotional grit—not just physical stamina

• The hidden cost (and gift) of vulnerability, especially for men

• What cancer teaches us about priorities, presence, and legacy

• Why letting people help you is sometimes a gift to them

Key Timestamps

• 02:00 – From a spontaneous 5K to Ironman training
• 08:00 – “I did Ironman with cancer”
• 14:00 – Fitness vs. health: an important distinction
• 23:00 – Vulnerability, masculinity, and male friendships
• 37:00 – Rest, burnout, and rethinking productivity
• 41:00 – Legacy, meaning, and what truly matters

Notable Resources & Links

• Book: Every Mile Matters by Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds

• Website: EveryMileMatters.com

• Author Site: JeffreyReynolds.com

If this episode resonated, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone facing something hard.

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

What if the fastest way out of resentment, anxiety, and emotional spirals was the one thing most of us avoid? In this episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah break down why speaking directly to the person who upset you is one of the most powerful tools in codependency recovery. With real-life stories, humor, and practical guidance, they show how confronting discomfort leads to clarity, intimacy, and emotional freedom—and why avoiding the conversation costs you far more in the long run.

Takeaways

• Making up stories in your head creates resentment, not safety

• Avoidance is a core codependency pattern that keeps you stuck

• Speaking directly builds intimacy—even when it feels risky

• Preparation matters: regulate before you communicate

• Short-term discomfort creates long-term emotional freedom

Key Timestamps

[00:01] Why we avoid the person who upset us

[00:03] The danger of making up stories in your head

[00:05] Deciding if a relationship is worth addressing

[00:07] How to prepare emotionally before the conversation

[00:10] Speaking without blame or defensiveness

[00:12] Choosing courage over gossip and resentment

Notable Resources

• Dr. Sarah Michaud – Author of Co Crazy

• Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If this episode hit home, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone who’s been stuck rehearsing conversations instead of having them.

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.