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.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

Join Finn and Sarah in this insightful episode of "Leaving Crazy Town" as they navigate the complex world of codependency, even when they consider themselves experts. Through personal anecdotes, they unpack the ease with which our minds can rationalize codependent behaviors, especially when dating or interacting with others. Discover their humorous and enlightening take on how quickly things can spiral when boundaries are not communicated clearly.

What You’ll Learn:

• How past traumas can trigger codependent behaviors even in recovery.

• The importance of speaking your truth to maintain clarity in relationships.

• Strategies to overcome fear and discomfort when advocating for your needs.

• The consequences of not speaking up and how to effectively repair relationships afterwards.

Listener Challenge: Reflect on any personal instances where you compromised your needs due to fear of judgment or rejection. Practice speaking your truth in a small way this week and notice the results.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this lively episode of Crazy Town with Finn and Sarah, we dive into the intricate world of communication differences, pondering whether these are rooted in gender, personality, or individual needs. Finn and Sarah discuss their personal experiences, shedding light on how these differences play out in their relationships and invite listeners to reflect on their own communication styles.

What You’ll Learn:

• The potential influence of gender on communication styles.

• How individual needs shape our communication methods and preferences.

• Ways to identify and articulate your communication needs in relationships.

Listener Challenge:
Ask someone in your life a yes or no question and observe if they answer directly or provide detailed processing. Reflect on whether this aligns with gender, personality, or circumstance.

Connect with Us:
Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

(Note: The episode is filled with humor and personal anecdotes that highlight the complexities of human interaction. Tune in for fascinating insights and some laughs along the way!)

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, Finn and Sarah dive into the intricate world of codependency and character defects. Through candid conversations, the hosts share personal experiences from the week, exploring how these aspects influenced their lives and relationships. From navigating the aftermath of back surgery to managing emotional triggers on a trip, Finn and Sarah offer insights on self-awareness and growth.

What You’ll Learn:

• How codependency can manifest in everyday situations and ways to address it.

• The distinction between making decisions out of fear versus conscious compromise in relationships.

• Tips for recognizing and managing character defects in stressful situations.

Listener Challenge: Reflect on a recent situation where you might have acted out of codependency or character defects, and identify one step you can take to address it.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this episode of "Leaving Crazy Town," hosts Sarah and Finn delve into the intricacies of managing conflicts within friendships, using their own recent disagreement as a case study. Listen as they explore the dynamics of activation, response, and repair in relationships, and share insights on how to handle misunderstandings through effective communication and self-awareness.

What You’ll Learn:

• Strategies for processing emotions and responses during conflicts.

• The importance of recognizing and respecting different approaches and communication styles.

• Techniques for pausing and gaining clarity before responding to inflammatory messages.

Listener Challenge: Identify a recent conflict in your own life and apply the pause-and-reflect method discussed in the episode to resolve the situation.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this episode, we dive into New Year's reflections with Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud as they explore personal growth strategies for the coming year. Sarah highlights the importance of embracing discomfort, pushing physical boundaries, and cultivating gratitude, all while sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that illuminate her journey. From navigating new relationships to enhancing physical resilience, Sarah's insights offer a comprehensive guide to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable and finding gratitude in life's challenges.

What You’ll Learn:

• How embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and a healthier mindset.

• The benefits of pushing beyond physical limits for improved mental and physical health.

• The transformative power of gratitude and its role in reshaping difficult relationships and challenging life events.

Listener Challenge: Identify someone in your life who challenges you and write down ten things you are grateful for about them. Reframe this relationship by focusing on the positive impacts they've had on your life.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, hosts Finn and Sarah dive into the ever-important topic of asking for what you need. They explore the complexities of understanding personal needs, the challenge of voicing them, and the social dynamics that can make it daunting. Join them as they share insights and personal anecdotes about how relationships offer a mirror for self-discovery and the art of expressing needs effectively.

What You’ll Learn:

• The contrast between self-reliance and asking for help.

• Why identifying personal needs can be challenging for those focused on others.

• How to discern and articulate your needs within a relationship.

• The importance of asking for what you need without expecting others to mind-read.

• Strategies for effective communication to ensure needs are met.

Listener Challenge: Reflect on a need you have and practice articulating it clearly to someone who can help fulfill it.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

Join Finn and Sarah in this special New Year episode as they explore setting intentions for 2025, with a focus on self-love and breaking away from old patterns. Sarah shares her personal journey of embracing herself by stopping comparisons and letting go of self-criticism, while Finn ties these themes into the broader context of overcoming codependency and changing one's mindset for a fulfilling life.

What You’ll Learn:

• A refreshing perspective on setting New Year's goals centered on self-acceptance.

• Practical ways to focus on loving oneself, inspired by real-life examples.

• The impact of shedding old thought patterns and focusing on personal happiness.

Listener Challenge:
Think of one achievable self-care goal for 2025 that centers around loving and accepting yourself.

Connect with Us:
Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown