Leaving CrazyTown

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’l...

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 physi...

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 ex...

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 fulfilli...

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, hosts Finn and Amanda delve into the complex world of grief. They discuss the different forms grief can take, beyond just the loss of a loved one, such as job loss, physical changes, or a major life transition like retirement. With their personal stories and expert insights, Finn and Amanda offer understanding and guidance on acknowledging and processing grie...

In this episode of "Leaving Crazytown with Finn and Sarah," we embark on a spontaneous Q&A session where Finn and Sarah challenge each other with surprise questions. Finn delves into his pet peeves and biggest fears, while Sarah shares surprising insights from her recent dating experiences. Amidst laughter and introspection, the hosts explore personal growth, relationship dynamics, a...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah dive deep into the complexities of speaking up in relationships. As Finn shares personal experiences from a new relationship, they discuss the challenges of overcoming old habits and the importance of communicating your needs and boundaries clearly. Sarah offers expert insights into how we often convince ourselves we don't care to avoid conflict and how to effective...

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, Finn and Sarah dive into the complex dynamics of giving and receiving, especially through the lens of codependency. They explore the motivations behind why we give gifts, how we handle receiving them, and the often uncomfortable feelings that can arise during these exchanges. With the holidays approaching, this discussion couldn’t be more timely. Finn and Sar...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah tackle the common sentiment "I hate the holidays" and explore why this mindset isn't helpful. They discuss the origins of these feelings, including childhood experiences and grief, and offer strategies for shifting to a more positive outlook. By sharing personal stories and effective tips, they help listeners create new traditions and enjoy the holiday season withou...

In this episode of "Leaving Crazy Town," Finn and Sarah explore how past traumas subtly interfere with our present lives, often without us recognizing it. Through personal anecdotes and therapeutic insights, they uncover the signs of living with past activations and the journey towards self-soothing and freedom from old wounds. What You’ll Learn: Understanding the concept of being "activated" by p...

In this episode, we explore the importance of physical boundaries and how recognizing and respecting them can impact our well-being. From understanding personal space to handling unexpected touch, we share actionable insights on asserting your boundaries and responding effectively. Key Takeaways: Recognizing Violation: Understand how emotional responses can signal when your boundaries have been cr...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the various ways control manifests in relationships and personal behavior. From manipulation to passive aggressiveness, they provide insights and examples to help listeners identify and address controlling tendencies. Key Takeaways: Manipulate People: Understand how subtle manipulation can affect relationships. Anger as Control: Learn how expressing anger ca...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah tackle the challenges of Thanksgiving, whether you choose to attend family gatherings or spend the holiday on your own. They discuss strategies to navigate potentially stressful situations and share ideas for enjoying the day in your own way. Key Takeaways: Setting Time Limits: "If you're at a family event from 12 to 6, you can plan to leave at 4. You don't have to...

In this episode, we explore different approaches to handling Thanksgiving, whether you're spending it with family or choosing to spend it alone. From setting boundaries to creating new traditions, we discuss strategies to help you make the most out of the holiday season. Key Takeaways: Set Time Limits: Establish a clear plan for how long you'll stay at family events to manage your comfort and boun...

In this episode, we discuss the concept of freedom in the context of codependency recovery. Learn how to identify your needs, set boundaries, and achieve a sense of liberation akin to wild mustangs running free. Key Takeaways: Importance of Freedom: Understanding that recovery from codependency is about gaining personal freedom and self-expression. Self-Identification: The first step to freedom is...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah discuss how to navigate the complexities of Thanksgiving while maintaining personal boundaries and meeting your own needs. From accepting multiple invitations to setting realistic expectations, they offer strategies for a stress-free holiday season. Key Takeaways: Invitations: Understand the importance of knowing who you're dealing with and setting your priorities e...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the importance of respecting boundaries set by others, even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient. Learn about the challenges and strategies for honoring boundaries, and the consequences of overstepping them. Key Takeaways: - Boundary Setting vs. Boundary Respecting: Understand the difference between setting boundaries and the equally important task of...

In this episode, we discuss how embracing personal expression can significantly aid in recovering from codependency. By exploring the connection between self-expression and overcoming codependency, we share practical steps to start expressing your true self more freely. Key Takeaways: - The Importance of Self-Expression: Understand how expressing your true self is crucial for recovering from codep...

In this episode, we explore the fine line between unreasonable and unrealistic expectations and how they can affect our relationships and personal peace. Discover practical advice on managing your expectations and fostering healthier interactions. Key Takeaways: - Clear Communication: Understand the importance of expressing your needs and expectations clearly to avoid misunderstandings. - Personal...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the sensitive topic of sexual shame, discussing its origins, the impact of keeping secrets, and the importance of self-forgiveness. They offer insights into how sharing your experiences within a safe environment can help alleviate the weight of shame. Key Takeaways: - Self-Forgiveness: Understand the importance of forgiving yourself for past actions and deve...

In this episode, we explore the core behavior of codependency with a focus on the fear of hurting others' feelings. We discuss how allowing others to experience their emotions can actually strengthen relationships and build self-esteem. Key Takeaways: - Codependency and Distorted Beliefs: Understand how the fear of hurting others' feelings can lead to dishonesty and lack of intimacy in rel...

In this episode, Sarah explores the different types of controllers and how the need for control stems from growing up in chaotic environments. She breaks down four distinct controller types and offers insights on how to manage our own controlling behavior. Key Takeaways: - The Sweet Controller: Often polite and codependent, this type makes others feel guilty to maintain control. - The Distant Cont...

In this episode, we explore the powerful symbolism of the origami crane and how it relates to recovery and sobriety. Join us as we discuss the process of letting life unfold one day at a time, emphasizing patience, acceptance, and the power of small daily steps. Key Takeaways: - Symbolism: Learn about the origami crane as a symbol of hope, peace, and resilience, representing recovery one fold at a...

In this episode, we tackle the complexities of identifying and managing emotions in early sobriety. Dr. Michaud shares practical advice for tolerating uncomfortable feelings and addressing relationship challenges during recovery. Key Takeaways: - Identifying Feelings: Understand the importance of recognizing and naming basic emotions like sad, mad, happy, and scared to ease anxiety. - Self-Soothin...

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the complexities of anger, especially within codependent and addictive relationships. They discuss strategies for recognizing, understanding, and managing anger in healthier ways. Key Takeaways: - Middle Ground with Anger: Learn about the extremes of anger response and how to find a balanced approach. - Fear and Anger: Discover how fear often underlies anger...