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

In this lively episode of Crazy Town with Finn and Sarah, we dive into the intricate world of communication differences, pondering whether these are rooted in gender, personality, or individual needs. Finn and Sarah discuss their personal experiences, shedding light on how these differences play out in their relationships and invite listeners to reflect on their own communication styles.

What You’ll Learn:

• The potential influence of gender on communication styles.

• How individual needs shape our communication methods and preferences.

• Ways to identify and articulate your communication needs in relationships.

Listener Challenge:
Ask someone in your life a yes or no question and observe if they answer directly or provide detailed processing. Reflect on whether this aligns with gender, personality, or circumstance.

Connect with Us:
Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown

(Note: The episode is filled with humor and personal anecdotes that highlight the complexities of human interaction. Tune in for fascinating insights and some laughs along the way!)

In this episode of Leaving Crazy Town, Finn and Sarah dive into the intricate world of codependency and character defects. Through candid conversations, the hosts share personal experiences from the week, exploring how these aspects influenced their lives and relationships. From navigating the aftermath of back surgery to managing emotional triggers on a trip, Finn and Sarah offer insights on self-awareness and growth.

What You’ll Learn:

• How codependency can manifest in everyday situations and ways to address it.

• The distinction between making decisions out of fear versus conscious compromise in relationships.

• Tips for recognizing and managing character defects in stressful situations.

Listener Challenge: Reflect on a recent situation where you might have acted out of codependency or character defects, and identify one step you can take to address it.

Connect with Us: Follow us on YouTube @leavingcrazytown