Leaving CrazyTown

Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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Welcome to Leaving CrazyTown, a YouTube channel by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen. They help navigate life's ups and downs, including codependency. With personal experiences and mental health expertise, they offer insights and strategies to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement. This podcast is for anyone seeking guidance to improve mental health and well-being. Join Leaving CrazyTown and start your journey to a happier, healthier life.

  1. 2D AGO

    “I’m Fine” Is a Lie: Why Asking for Help Feels So Hard

    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.

    15 min

  2. FEB 3

    Clear Communication, Fewer Resentments: A Holiday Survival Review

    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.

    13 min

  3. JAN 27

    Ironman, Cancer and Courage: Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds Story

    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 training08:00 – “I did Ironman with cancer”14:00 – Fitness vs. health: an important distinction23:00 – Vulnerability, masculinity, and male friendships37:00 – Rest, burnout, and rethinking productivity41:00 – Legacy, meaning, and what truly mattersNotable 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

    42 min

  4. JAN 20

    The Bravest Move in Recovery: Addressing Hurt Without Blame

    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.

    14 min

  5. JAN 13

    Stop Trying to Fix People: Why Advice Kills Intimacy in Relationships

    Episode Description If you’ve ever rushed in with advice when someone you love was hurting—or felt shut down when you just wanted to be heard—this episode is for you. Finn and Dr. Sarah break down one of the most common (and damaging) traits of codependency: the need to fix other people’s feelings. Through real-life stories, honest reflection, and practical tools, they explain why fixing kills intimacy, what it creates instead, and how learning to listen can transform your relationships. Key Takeaways Trying to fix someone’s feelings often makes them feel unseen and alone Most people don’t want solutions—they want validation and presence Fixing is usually about managing your discomfort, not helping them Asking “Do you want support or feedback?” can change everything Listening builds intimacy; fixing creates resentment Key Timestamps [01:00] — The core codependency trait: trying to fix people [02:00] — Finn’s story: when advice shut down connection [04:00] — Why validation matters more than solutions [07:00] — Asking what someone needs instead of assuming [08:30] — Fixing as emotional self-protection [10:00] — How fixing creates distance and resentment Notable Resources Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy Leaving CrazyTown Podcast on YouTube Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/ If this episode hit home, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone who’s tired of feeling unheard. 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 relationship patterns, emotional recovery, and reclaiming your voice—with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up—we’re leaving CrazyTown.

    12 min

  6. JAN 6

    Emotional Sobriety: Why Quitting Drinking Isn’t Enough

    What happens when you quit drinking—but life still feels unbearable? In this raw, deeply validating conversation, Dr. Sarah Michaud sits down with sobriety coach, author, and creator of the Soberful podcast with Veronica Valli, to unpack the missing link in recovery: emotional sobriety. From early addiction and fear-driven coping to codependent relationships and subconscious attachment wounds, Veronica shares why so many people get sober yet still feel stuck—and what actually creates lasting freedom. This episode is for anyone who’s sober, sober-curious, or emotionally exhausted from repeating the same relationship patterns and wondering, “Why am I still hurting?” Key Takeaways Why sobriety without emotional recovery can feel worse over time How fear—not alcohol—is often the real addiction The connection between codependency, attachment wounds, and relapse Why movement and the body are non-negotiable in healing What “emotional sobriety” actually looks like in real life Key Timestamps [00:02:00] Veronica’s early drinking and fear-based coping [00:06:00] The moment she realized fear—not alcohol—was the root [00:08:30] Emotional sobriety vs. white-knuckling recovery [00:11:30] Why relationships stay chaotic even after getting sober [00:14:30] The five pillars of emotional sobriety [00:18:00] Why movement and the body matter more than we thinkNotable Resources & Guest Links Veronica Valli — Sobriety Coach & Author Book: Soberful Podcast & YouTube: Soberful If this episode resonated, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone who’s sober but still struggling. 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.

    46 min

  7. 2025-12-30

    Nothing to Defend: The Communication Shift That Heals Codependency

    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.

    14 min

  8. 2025-12-23

    How People-Pleasing Hijacks Your Choices (and How to Take Them Back)

    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 [07:30] — How childhood conditioning shows up in adult relationships[08:30] — Why awareness — not perfection — marks healing Notable Resources / Guest Links Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co Crazy Follow on YouTube: @leavingcrazytown If 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.

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Leaving CrazyTown, a YouTube channel by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen. They help navigate life's ups and downs, including codependency. With personal experiences and mental health expertise, they offer insights and strategies to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement. This podcast is for anyone seeking guidance to improve mental health and well-being. Join Leaving CrazyTown and start your journey to a happier, healthier life.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen
  • Show Website
    Leaving CrazyTown

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