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.