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 Strayed's Brave Enough and what it stirs up in recovery: loneliness we're ashamed to admit, the hard conversations we avoid, and the grief of the life that didn't happen. They trade real stories about taking things personally, holding the people we love hostage to old wounds, and what it actually takes to face the truth.

Key Takeaways

• You're often the one casting yourself as the outsider — and naming the loneliness out loud is where connection starts.

• When someone's petty, distant, or weird, their behavior is usually about them, not your worth.

• Old wounds will rewrite a neutral conversation into "I'm not worth it" — the work is catching it and not making your person pay for the past.

• Being brave enough means having the hard conversation, especially with the people closest to you.

• Some grief doesn't get fixed; it gets walked through. You let time pass, you keep moving, and one day you realize you're okay.

Resources & Links

• Dr. Sarah Michaud's Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com

• Get Sarah's Book "Co Crazy": https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736720430

Subscribe & Share

If this episode resonated, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone who needs permission to find their own way.

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.

*This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're struggling, please seek support from a licensed professional.