In this candid episode of Codependency Recovery: Leaving CrazyTown, Finn and Dr. Sarah dig into one powerful question: Are you happy? Together, they explore how denial, fear, and codependency often keep us stuck in jobs, marriages, and patterns that quietly drain our joy. Through raw personal stories and clinical insights, they reveal why acknowledging unhappiness is the first step toward change—and how to take small, courageous steps toward true freedom.

Takeaways

• Why denial is one of the biggest roadblocks to happiness

• How to evaluate different “arenas” of your life with honesty

• The cost of staying silent in jobs and relationships

• Why acknowledging unhappiness is powerful—even without immediate change

• How fear and codependency keep us stuck, and how to begin breaking free

Key Timestamps

• [00:01:00] The big question: Are you happy?

• [00:03:00] The “life pie” tool for evaluating different areas of happiness

• [00:06:00] Finn’s story: hating his job—and finding a way to thrive

• [00:09:00] Marriage, denial, and the cost of staying stuck

• [00:12:00] The freedom in honesty: why awareness is the turning point

Notable Resources

• Dr. Sarah Michaud, author of Co Crazy
  Watch full episodes on YouTube: @leavingcrazytown

  If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might be stuck in their own CrazyTown—and don’t forget to subscribe for more raw recovery talk.

  Come for the truth bombs, stay for the laughter, and leave with a renewed sense of agency. Subscribe and review the podcast, watch on YouTube @leavingcrazytown, and share episodes with a friend who’s ready to leave CrazyTown.

Dr. Sarah welcomes Lori McCarthy, Executive Director at Herren Wellness, for an honest look at modern addiction treatment and the codependency patterns that shape families. From calling residents “guests” to integrating AA, SMART, DBT, CBT, Refuge, and IFS, Lori explains why flexible, community-based care matters—and how grief, parenting, and humility keep us growing. Hear why “connection is the answer,” how COVID reshaped admissions, and the single mindset she urges families to adopt: be willing to try.

Takeaways:

• Connection and community drive outcomes; guests hold each other accountable and staff work as one team.

• Herren Wellness blends modalities (AA, SMART, Refuge, DBT/CBT, IFS) to keep learning active and individualized.

• Post-COVID shifts: first college students, then dads, then moms—prevention slots don’t require “meeting criteria.”

• Codependency is universal; relationship skills are lifelong work.

• “Be willing to try” is the doorway for families and guests alike.

Key Timestamps (approx.):

• 00:00 – Meet Lori McCarthy & the Herren Wellness origin story

• 05:00 – Today’s clients: anxiety, loneliness, and the social media effect

• 09:00 – Program design: structure + interactive learning; AA/SMART/IFS/Refuge/DBT/CBT

• 12:00 – Why they say “guest” (dignity, safety, wellness, family welcome)

• 26:00 – COVID cohort waves; prevention without diagnostic thresholds

• 38:00 – Adding a Codependency group + book box on the way

• • 43:00 – Grief and gratitude can coexist in recovery and parenting

  
  

  Notable Resources or Guest Links:

  • Herren Wellness (treatment center founded with Chris Herren)

  • SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, AA/NA, IFS (context from episode)

  • Family support: twice-weekly Zoom groups at Herren Wellness (mentioned by Lori)
    

  If this helped you, share it with one person who needs hope today and subscribe for weekly tools on codependency recovery.

  Leaving CrazyTown with Dr. Sarah Michaud explores how we heal codependency and build real connection—in recovery, in families, and in ourselves.

In this raw and relatable episode, Finn and Sarah unpack the sneaky ways codependency shows up as manipulation—even when we think we’re just being “nice.” From passive food suggestions to emotional baiting and over-gifting, they break down three classic behaviors that masquerade as care but actually come from fear, control, or discomfort with directness.

Key Takeaways:

• Manipulation often hides behind passivity, politeness, or “helping.”

• Asking someone what they want when you’re hungry is not the same as expressing your own need.

• Emotional baiting ("I might get kicked out...") can trigger codependent rescuing.

• Over-gifting or “fixing” someone’s problem without consent undermines intimacy.

• True kindness is direct, respectful, and leaves space for choice.

Key Timestamps:

[00:01:00] – Why codependents struggle to state their needs directly

[00:05:00] – Food, frustration, and the fallout of passive manipulation

[00:08:00] – Emotional baiting and the illusion of connection

[00:12:00] – Gift-giving and fixing: when “help” becomes control

Notable Resources:

Dr. Sarah Michaud’s book Co Crazy

Follow Finn and Sarah on YouTube: @LeavingCrazyTown

Friendly CTA:

🎧 Subscribe, review, and send this episode to a friend still stuck in “nice mode.”

Codependency Recovery: 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. Come for the truth bombs, stay for the laughter, and leave with a renewed sense of agency.

Are you genuinely nice—or is your “niceness” a codependent disguise? In this kick-off episode, Finn and Dr. Sarah dive into the blurry line between kindness and codependency. With relatable stories, raw honesty, and a healthy dose of humor, they explore how saying “yes” when you want to say “no” might actually be self-betrayal, not generosity. Get ready to smash the illusion of “niceness” and learn what it really means to show up for yourself.

Takeaways:

• Codependency often masquerades as being “a really nice person.”

• Saying yes when you want to say no leads to resentment and emotional suppression.

• Pausing before agreeing to something is a powerful recovery tool.

• Being “nice” to others at your own expense isn’t true kindness.

You can be kind and have boundaries—honesty is part of real connection.

Key Timestamps:

[00:01:00] — Is it kindness… or codependency?

[00:03:00] — Why saying “yes” can create resentment [00:04:00] — The power of pausing before responding [00:07:00] — Dr. Sarah’s hilarious (and painful) gift basket story

[00:10:00] — Being nice to yourself = telling the truth

Notable Resources or Guest Links:

• Co Crazy by Dr. Sarah Michaud

• Follow Finn and Sarah on YouTube: @leavingcrazytown

  Subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to stop people-pleasing and start truth-telling.

  
  Codependency Recovery: 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 humor, honesty, and clinical insight, they offer grounded guidance and compassionate camaraderie for anyone ready to reclaim their sanity and self-worth.
  

In this episode of "Leaving Crazy Town," Finn and Sarah delve into the complex terrain of honesty in relationships. They discuss how unspoken truths can manifest in behaviors and thoughts, often leading to misunderstandings and loss of connection. With personal anecdotes and candid insights, they explore the significance of expressing one's truth to foster intimacy and avoid the silent build-up of unresolved issues.

What You’ll Learn:

• The subtle ways we avoid speaking our truth in relationships.

• The impact of not addressing our true feelings and needs.

• Strategies for clear communication to nurture deeper connections and avoid misunderstandings.

Listener Challenge: Identify one truth you’ve been hesitant to share with someone close to you. Consider the possible consequences of remaining silent and take the courageous step to express it this week.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, Finn and Sarah delve into the concept of hidden anger and how it can impact your life and relationships. They share personal experiences and insights on identifying hidden anger and offer strategies to manage and process it effectively. This episode is packed with practical advice for achieving a more peaceful and grounded life by understanding and addressing your hidden emotions.

What You’ll Learn:

• How hidden anger manifests in our daily lives and behaviors.

• The connection between anxiety and repressed anger.

• Strategies for recognizing and processing hidden anger to improve personal peace and relationships.

Listener Challenge: Identify one sign of hidden anger from this episode and take steps to address it by journaling, talking to a friend, or practicing mindfulness.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, Finn and Sarah dive into the concept of "fear bombs" and how they impact our daily lives. They discuss the prevalence of fear-driven media, especially during times of crisis like COVID, and explore strategies to maintain peace and stability amidst chaos. Finn and Sarah share personal experiences and tips for managing fear and staying grounded during turbulent times.

What You’ll Learn:

• The impact of media's sensationalism on personal fear levels.

• How to differentiate between speculation and reality in fearful situations.

• Strategies to maintain inner peace and well-being amidst external chaos.

• The importance of focusing on oneself to reduce codependency and societal fear.

• Practical steps to transform negative thoughts into gratitude and positivity.

Listener Challenge: Identify one fear-driven message you frequently encounter and apply a strategy discussed in the episode to manage it, whether it's limiting media consumption, practicing gratitude, or focusing on personal well-being.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

Join Finn and Sarah in this insightful episode of "Leaving Crazy Town" as they navigate the complex world of codependency, even when they consider themselves experts. Through personal anecdotes, they unpack the ease with which our minds can rationalize codependent behaviors, especially when dating or interacting with others. Discover their humorous and enlightening take on how quickly things can spiral when boundaries are not communicated clearly.

What You’ll Learn:

• How past traumas can trigger codependent behaviors even in recovery.

• The importance of speaking your truth to maintain clarity in relationships.

• Strategies to overcome fear and discomfort when advocating for your needs.

• The consequences of not speaking up and how to effectively repair relationships afterwards.

Listener Challenge: Reflect on any personal instances where you compromised your needs due to fear of judgment or rejection. Practice speaking your truth in a small way this week and notice the results.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown