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 Controller: Emotionally cold and rigid, they maintain control through high expectations and detachment.

- The Passive Controller: These martyrs control by passivity and make others feel guilty for their own needs.

- The Angry Controller: Volatile and authoritarian, they use fear to dominate their environment.

Listener Challenge:

This week, whenever you feel the urge to control something or someone, ask yourself, "What am I afraid of?" Reflect on this question with compassion and share your findings with us on social media using #CrazyTownPodcast.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

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 time.

- Patience: Understand the importance of being patient and allowing life to unfold naturally without forcing solutions.

- Acceptance: Discover how accepting circumstances without resistance can lead to personal growth and transformation.

Quotes:

"The crane takes shape one fold at a time, just like recovery happens one day at a time." – Finn

"Acceptance doesn't mean you have to like it; it just means you recognize it and let it be." – Sarah

Listener Challenge:

This week, practice letting go of control in one area of your life and observe the changes that unfold. Share your experience with us on social media using

Odaat Apparel – Stylish and comfortable apparel inspired by the recovery journey. Check them out for quality clothing that carries a message of hope and resilience.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

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-Soothing Techniques: Explore self-soothing strategies such as repetitive movements, physical exercise, and mantras to help manage emotional discomfort.

- Process Over Panic: Recognize the need to take a measured approach when addressing issues in relationships, avoiding rash decisions, and giving yourself grace.

Quotes:

"It's not the feelings that will kill you. It's what you're going to do to quell the feelings that'll kill you." – Dr. Michaud

"The freedom is in the truth and the reality." – Dr. Michaud

Listener Challenge:

This week, focus on identifying and naming your emotions as they arise. Share your experience with self-soothing techniques on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

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 and how to identify this connection.

- Repression vs. Expression: Understand the dangers of repressing anger and the importance of finding safe ways to express it.

- Codependent Rage: See how codependency often leads to misplaced anger and learn ways to redirect it appropriately.

- Personal Responsibility: The importance of recognizing your feelings and taking responsibility for your reactions.

Quotes:

"Feel the anger, but don’t act in anger." – Finn

"Often, it’s easier to be angry at ourselves than to direct it towards the right person." – Sarah

Listener Challenge:

This week, try to identify moments when you feel angry and take a pause to explore if fear is underlying your anger. Share your insights with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss the concept of being 'hijacked' by past trauma and its impact on our current reactions. We share personal experiences and strategies to recognize, manage, and heal from these hijacking moments.

Key Takeaways:

- Trauma Hijack: Understand how past traumas can take over in the present, making you feel unsafe and disconnected.

- Activation Awareness: Learn the difference between feeling activated and being fully hijacked by trauma.

- Self-Compassion: Explore the importance of being kind to yourself and recognizing that the reactions are rooted in old wounds.

- Strategies for Healing: Discover methods to regain safety and process old traumas, such as seeking a safe environment, expressing vulnerability, and therapeutic writing.

Quotes:

"When you're hijacked by trauma, you're no longer centered and in that peaceful place that we all like to be." – Finn

"You can't go back to yesterday with today's knowledge. So you can't blame yourself for where you were at." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

Reflect on a recent moment when you felt hijacked by past trauma. Write down the experience and identify the underlying old wound. Share your insights with us on social media using #HealingHijacks.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore the concept of "Making Up Stories" in our daily interactions and how these fabricated narratives can affect our relationships. We provide practical tools to identify and counteract these stories for a healthier mindset and improved communication.

Key Takeaways:

- Fantasyland Delusion: Understand how our past experiences shape the stories we create in our heads.

- Reality Check: Learn the skill of reality checking to confront and clarify the assumptions we make about others.

- Managing Fear: Recognize how fear can drive us to fabricate stories and ways to address it.

Hosts:

Finn and Sarah, experienced life coaches specializing in emotional and mental wellness.

Quotes:

"Most of our thoughts are not real; start double-checking the facts." – Sarah

"A healthy relationship begins with clear and honest communication." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, practice the reality check technique by questioning one story you’ve made up in your head and seeking clarity from the person involved. Share your experience using the hashtag #ClearMindPodcast.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore techniques to help you voice your needs and set boundaries, crucial steps in healing from codependency. From managing difficult conversations with parents to embracing the discomfort that comes with change, we provide strategies to help you move forward with assertiveness and minimize guilt.

Key Takeaways:

- Setting Boundaries: Understand the importance of establishing limits and communicating them clearly with others.

- Overcoming Discomfort: Learn why feeling uncomfortable is a natural part of change and how to navigate through it.

- Speaking Up: Discover practical tools and phrases to help you express your needs and emotions confidently.

Quotes:

"Speaking up, saying what you need, what you think, what you want is the quintessential component to healing from codependency." – Sarah

"When I say no, it's because the answer is no for me; it's not about the other person at all." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, practice saying no in a situation where you usually find it difficult. Share your experience and what you learned on social media using #AssertiveLiving.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore how to identify bait in conversations, its impact on our reactions, and the best ways to respond. From understanding unintentional bait to mastering the art of non-reaction, we share insights on maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships.

Key Takeaways:

- Recognizing Bait: Learn to identify when someone is inadvertently or intentionally trying to provoke a reaction.

- Non-Reactive Techniques: Discover strategies, such as pausing and letting statements die on the branch, to avoid taking the bait.

- Asking Clarifying Questions: Understand how using the Columbo technique can help neutralize bait without escalating the situation.

Hosts:

Finn and Sarah

Quotes:

"Bait is when you get hooked by something, and usually, you know you're getting hooked when you have some type of intense reaction in your body." – Sarah

"It's okay for other people to have feelings and take responsibility for themselves." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, practice identifying moments of bait in your interactions and make a conscious effort to pause and not react. Share your experiences and strategies with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com