Faith, Fear, and Freedom: What “Wake Up” Reveals About Recovery

In this Boozeless Book Club episode, Dr. Sarah Michaud and Amy Liz Harrison dive deep into Wake Up by Jen Hatmaker—a book that challenges rigid belief systems, recovery dogma, and fear-based spirituality. Together, they unpack what happens when programs meant to heal start replacing one form of control with another, especially for women navigating sobriety, faith, and codependency. This is an honest, nuanced conversation about reclaiming discernment, self-trust, and emotional freedom—without throwing out what truly works.

Key Takeaways

Rigid recovery rules often mirror the same power dynamics we’re trying to heal from
Women in recovery frequently need self-trust—not ego reduction
Fear-based spirituality undermines emotional sobriety
Both accountability and personal agency can coexist
Thinking for yourself is not a relapse—it’s growth

Key Timestamps

[02:10] Why this book felt “meaty” and activating

[07:45] Trading one dogma for another in recovery

[14:30] Fear-based faith, shame, and loss of self

[22:10] When “look at your part” becomes self-blame

[30:40] Holding nuance without burning bridges

Notable Resources

Wake Up — Jen Hatmaker
Dr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co Crazy
https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If this episode stirred something in you, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone learning to trust themselves again.

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. Each episode dives deep into the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up—we’re leaving CrazyTown.

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(99)

Stop Owning Other People's Crap — A Codependency Reset

Ever build a whole case for why you're the outsider — then realize you're the one who put yourself there?In this Boozeless Book Club crossover, Amy Liz Harrison and Dr. Sarah Michaud dig into Cheryl S...

23 Juni 37min

Why You Keep Waiting for Happiness to Arrive

Ever catch yourself thinking everything will be perfect when you get married, find your people, or reach that next milestone?In this raw conversation, Finn and Dr. Sarah tackle the codependent habit o...

9 Juni 13min

The Truth About Why Good Boundaries Disappear in Relationships

Ever notice how all your relationship wisdom goes out the window the moment you're actually in one?Finn and Dr. Sarah get brutally honest about their current relationships and the codependent patterns...

2 Juni 13min

How to Travel Sober Without Losing Your Mind or Your Wallet

Ever wonder if you can actually have fun traveling without drinking your way through every destination?Teresa Bergen joins Dr. Sarah Michaud to share her incredible journey from drinking rubbing alcoh...

26 Maj 33min

The Grief Recovery Handbook Breakdown: Healing Loss You Didn't Know You Had

Do you realize you're still carrying grief from 20 years ago?Sarah, Amy Liz Harrison, and Erin Lane break down The Grief Recovery Handbook by John James and Russell Friedman in this vulnerable Boozele...

19 Maj 47min

Codependency with Goldfish

In this episode, Sarah shares how the death of her 20-year-old goldfish Joe triggered a full codependency relapse as she obsessed over whether his tank mate Jeff was lonely. Finn and Sarah dive into h...

12 Maj 11min

Codependency and Anger: Even in Dogs

Ever wonder why your pet seems cranky despite all your care?In this eye-opening episode, Sarah and Finn respond to a letter from Bentley, a dog struggling with his codependent owner's over-helping beh...

5 Maj 8min

When Mental Illness Turns Deadly — A Family Tragedy and the Warning Signs We Missed

Do you stay when someone you love is spiraling — or do you walk away?Sarah and Finn sit down with Alex Konicke, author of Evil Among Us, to talk about a family tragedy no one saw coming — and the ment...

28 Apr 1h 9min