EPISODE · Apr 28, 2026 · 1H 9M
When Mental Illness Turns Deadly — A Family Tragedy and the Warning Signs We Missed
from Leaving CrazyTown · host Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen
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 mental health system that failed them. Alex's older brother Zach struggled with addiction, mental illness, and escalating behavior that culminated in murder and arson. This is a raw conversation about codependency, boundaries, community, and what happens when love isn't enough to save someone.Key TakeawaysMental illness often looks like addiction — and both get missed until it's too lateFamilies can enable and protect out of love — and still end up in dangerCalling 9-1-1 creates a record — and can be the difference between intervention and tragedyGrief isn't linear — it spirals, and everyone processes it differentlyCommunity, therapy, and sharing your story are essential for survival after traumaGuest BioAlex Konicke is the author of Evil Among Us, a memoir about love, loss, mental health, and survival. After losing his mother in a family tragedy involving mental illness and violence, Alex became an advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of boundaries in crisis situations. He lives with his wife and stepchildren and continues to share his story to help others facing similar pain.Resources and LinksBook: Evil Among Us by Alex Konicke — available on AmazonWebsite: alexkonicke.comConnect with Alex on Facebook and InstagramNotable Quote"Just because someone is crazy doesn't mean they're dumb — and just because you love them doesn't mean you're safe."— Alex KonickeConnect With UsDr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co CrazyFollow @leavingcrazytown on YouTubeWebsite: https://drsarahmichaud.comIf you loved this conversation, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown — and share it with a friend ready to reclaim their voice and leave confusion behind.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.
What this episode covers
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 mental health system that failed them. Alex's older brother Zach struggled with addiction, mental illness, and escalating behavior that culminated in murder and arson. This is a raw conversation about codependency, boundaries, community, and what happens when love isn't enough to save someone.Key TakeawaysMental illness often looks like addiction — and both get missed until it's too lateFamilies can enable and protect out of love — and still end up in dangerCalling 9-1-1 creates a record — and can be the difference between intervention and tragedyGrief isn't linear — it spirals, and everyone processes it differentlyCommunity, therapy, and sharing your story are essential for survival after traumaGuest BioAlex Konicke is the author of Evil Among Us, a memoir about love, loss, mental health, and survival. After losing his mother in a family tragedy involving mental illness and violence, Alex became an advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of boundaries in crisis situations. He lives with his wife and stepchildren and continues to share his story to help others facing similar pain.Resources and LinksBook: Evil Among Us by Alex Konicke — available on AmazonWebsite: alexkonicke.comConnect with Alex on Facebook and InstagramNotable Quote"Just because someone is crazy doesn't mean they're dumb — and just because you love them doesn't mean you're safe."— Alex KonickeConnect With UsDr. Sarah Michaud, Author of Co CrazyFollow @leavingcrazytown on YouTubeWebsite: https://drsarahmichaud.comIf you loved this conversation, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown — and share it with a friend ready to reclaim their voice and leave confusion behind.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.
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When Mental Illness Turns Deadly — A Family Tragedy and the Warning Signs We Missed
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