Leaving CrazyTown

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 TakeawaysDefensiveness blocks connection—even when your intentions are goodValidating someone’s feelings doesn’t mean agreeing with their storyTelling yourself a story isn’t the same as telling the truthClear, direct communication prevents resentment from leaking sidewaysHealing codependency starts with emotional responsibility, not blameKey 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 distinctionNotable Resources & LinksDr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co CrazyWebsite: https://drsarahmichaud.com/Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTubeIf 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.TakeawaysCodependency 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[07:30] — How childhood conditioning shows up in adult relationships[08:30] — Why awareness — not perfection — marks healingNotable Resources / Guest LinksDr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co CrazyFollow on YouTube: @leavingcrazytownIf this episode hit home, share it with a friend who answers questions based on fear instead of preference. And don’t forget to subscribe and review — it helps more people leave CrazyTown.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 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.TakeawaysChildhood 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 boundariesNotable Resources or Guest LinksPaul Gilmartin – The Mental Illness Happy HourDr. Sarah Michaud – Author of Co CrazyWebsite: 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.TakeawaysAsk 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 toolsNotable Resources & LinksDr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy: https://drsarahmichaud.com/Follow Leaving CrazyTown on YouTube: @leavingcrazytownShare 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 TakewaysCodependency isn’t care — it’s control in disguise. We rationalize, rescue, and lose ourselves believing we’re helping.Love addiction mimics substance addiction. That chemical “high” of early romance can hijack logic and keep us stuck in fantasy.Denial runs deep. Whether it’s alcohol, love, or someone else’s chaos — our minds will justify anything to avoid loss.Recovery is responsibility. Owning “my part” doesn’t mean taking all the blame — it means claiming my healing.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 truthAmyiz Harrison “Eat, Pray, Love” and related worksWomen, Sex, and Addiction by Charlotte KaslCo Crazy by Dr. Sarah MichaudAl-Anon & SLAA resourcesLet Them Theory by Mel Robbins (contrast discussed)Resources & MentionsAmy Liz Harrison “Eat, Pray, Love” and related worksWomen, Sex, and Addiction by Charlotte KaslCo Crazy by Dr. Sarah MichaudAl-Anon & SLAA resourcesLet 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