Leaving CrazyTown

Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen

Welcome to Leaving CrazyTown, a Podcast and 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. 3d ago

    Why Safety Is the Sexiest Thing You Never Knew You Needed

    Why do you automatically move to the side when a man walks toward you?   In this raw Boozeless Book Club episode, Dr. Sarah join guest Anne Marie to unpack Florence Given's Women Don't Owe You Pretty — a cultural wake-up call about codependency, consent, and the systems that keep women fighting each other instead of the patriarchy. From why sobriety unlocks the capacity to see oppression clearly, to the devastating realization that asking for what you need still feels revolutionary, this conversation digs into the connection between people-pleasing, safety, and self-abandonment.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Sobriety creates the cognitive space to recognize and challenge oppressive systems you couldn't see before The lack of safety women navigate daily — from walking to parking lots to doctor's offices — is normalized trauma Internal bias against other women and mom-shaming culture are intentional tools of division Medical systems often dismiss, minimize, or assault women — especially those in marginalized bodies Consent isn't just about sex — it's about reclaiming agency in every area of life The real work isn't just setting boundaries — it's unlearning the belief that your needs are less important than anyone else's comfort   NOTABLE QUOTE "After years of being objectified, nothing feels sexier than feeling safe." — Florence Given   GUEST BIO Anne Marie is a recovery coach, course creator, and advocate for women navigating sobriety and chronic illness. She brings deeply personal insight into medical trauma, body liberation, and the overlooked intersections of addiction and patriarchal systems.   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 a unique blend of humor, honesty, and clinical insight, this show tackles the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and boundary disasters — while offering practical tools, powerful storytelling, and a roadmap for emotional freedom. Weekly episodes on YouTube (@leavingcrazytown) and all major podcast platforms.

  2. Aug 12

    Diagnoses: Help or Hindrance?

    How does a mental health diagnosis shape your life?   Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud invite fellow therapist and recovery expert Beth Lacey to dissect the world of mental health diagnoses. They explore the DSM's history, debate its strengths and pitfalls, and share personal insights on navigating labels in recovery.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Mental health diagnoses can offer clarity and support for those struggling. Over-diagnosis risks pathologizing normal human emotions. Diagnoses may be misused, leading to stigma or as excuses.   NOTABLE QUOTE "Diagnoses can be used as weapons." — Beth Lacey   GUEST BIO Beth Lacey is a retired licensed social worker with 35 years in mental health, specializing in chronic concerns, trauma, and recovery. She brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience as a woman in recovery. Connect with Us: Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/ Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay 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 a unique blend of humor, honesty, and clinical insight, this show tackles the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and boundary disasters — while offering practical tools, powerful storytelling, and a roadmap for emotional freedom. Weekly episodes on YouTube (@leavingcrazytown) and all major podcast platforms.

  3. Jul 21

    14 Contact Lenses in Her Eye: A Wake-Up Call About Medical Gaslighting

    Have you ever felt dismissed by a doctor who couldn't figure out what was wrong with you? Amy Liz Harrison and Dr. Sarah Michaud dive deep into the shocking reality of medical bias against women through their Boozeless Book Club discussion of "Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men." Amy shares her harrowing two-year journey with eye issues that multiple specialists couldn't solve — until her husband asked one simple question that changed everything. What they found will leave you speechless: 14 contact lenses wedged behind her eye that no doctor bothered to check for. This raw conversation exposes how women's pain gets dismissed, symptoms get minimized, and how the entire medical system remains built around male-centered care. From heart attack symptoms that present differently in women to the disturbing practice of labeling difficult cases as "whiny women," this episode reveals why advocating for yourself isn't just important — it's potentially life-saving. KEY TAKEAWAYS Women receive less accurate diagnoses and less effective treatment because medical systems are designed around male bodies and symptoms Heart attack symptoms in women often present as shortness of breath and chest pressure rather than the classic chest pain taught in textbooks Medical research historically excludes women due to hormone complications, then applies male-based results to female patients Doctors may dismiss unexplained symptoms as psychological rather than admit they don't know the answer Women must learn to advocate fiercely for themselves while managing cultural conditioning to be accommodating and non-confrontational Trusting your instincts about your body is crucial — if something feels wrong, keep pushing for answers Setting boundaries with medical professionals isn't being difficult, it's being responsible for your own health   NOTABLE QUOTE "The bottom line is being female in a medical setting can mean receiving less accurate diagnosis, less effective treatment, and less attentive care because the entire system has been based on male centered care. This isn't just inconvenient, it's life threatening." — Dr. Sarah Michaud 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 a unique blend of humor, honesty, and clinical insight, this show tackles the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and boundary disasters — while offering practical tools, powerful storytelling, and a roadmap for emotional freedom. Weekly episodes on YouTube (@leavingcrazytown) and all major podcast platforms.

  4. Jul 14

    From Rock Bottom to Redemption

    Are you chasing perfectionism at the cost of your well-being? Justin Kinney shares his gripping journey from rock bottom to redemption, revealing the struggles of perfectionism and the path to recovery. Explore the double life of high achievement and addiction as Justin speaks on reclaiming control and rebuilding life with purpose. KEY TAKEAWAYS Discover the destructive cycle of perfectionism and addiction. Unlock the potential of stoicism in transforming your outlook. Learn how discipline can be a tool for lasting recovery. NOTABLE QUOTE "Redemption of life is not built in emotional breakthroughs. It's built in repeated obedience to small disciplined decisions." — Justin Kinney GUEST BIO Justin Kinney is the author of "From Rock Bottom to Redemption," a compelling narrative on overcoming addiction and rebuilding life through discipline and faith. A dedicated coach and teacher, Justin's recovery journey inspires others to break free from the chains of perfectionism and addiction. Get the book: From Rock Bottom to Redemption: 365 Daily Lessons for Rebuilding Your Life through Discipline, Faith, and Purposehttps://a.co/d/0331MQOj Connect with Us: Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/ 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 a unique blend of humor, honesty, and clinical insight, this show tackles the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and boundary disasters — while offering practical tools, powerful storytelling, and a roadmap for emotional freedom. Weekly episodes on YouTube (@leavingcrazytown) and all major podcast platforms.

  5. Jun 30

    How to Stop Obsessing Over Someone Else's Behavior

    Do you spend more time thinking about what they're doing than thinking about yourself?   In this solo episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud read a letter from Gary — a goldfish swimming literal circles in his tank while his dad drinks himself into the couch every night. It sounds funny until you realize you've been Gary. This episode breaks down the core of codependency: obsessing over someone else's behavior until there's nothing left of your own life, and what to actually do instead.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Obsessing over someone else's behavior — their drinking, their moods, their choices — is the core of codependency, not a side effect Recognizing you can't control it is step one, but most people skip it and keep trying to fix anyway Shifting focus to your own needs, feelings, and self-care is not selfish — it is the recovery There is a real difference between worrying about what someone else is doing and identifying behaviors that are directly affecting you and require a boundary A boundary is not about controlling what they do — it is about expressing what you need and what you will do if things don't change You cannot carry the worry and expect it to help them — offloading it to something outside yourself, whether that is a higher power, a shelf, or a little spoon, actually works   NOTABLE QUOTE "You're not expressing what you want your dad to do, but what you're expressing is what you need to do for yourself — and that's what really impacts the people we love." — Dr. Sarah Michaud Connect with Us: Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/   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 a unique blend of humor, honesty, and clinical insight, this show tackles the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and boundary disasters — while offering practical tools, powerful storytelling, and a roadmap for emotional freedom. Weekly episodes on YouTube (@leavingcrazytown) and all major podcast platforms.

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to Leaving CrazyTown, a Podcast and 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.

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