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.