Journey to the Sunnyside | Mindful Drinking & Alcohol Health

In this episode, I walk through 13 lesser-known strategies people are using to drink less. I’ll share how each one works, what the science says, and my own honest take after trying many of them myself. Some were surprisingly powerful. Others? Not so much. If you’re looking for new tools to experiment with on your mindful drinking journey, this one’s for you. Want to drink less with no pressure to...

Think tracking your drinks is too simple to make a difference? Think again. In this episode, Mike breaks down the neuroscience behind why logging your alcohol intake is one of the most powerful ways to take control of your habits—without guilt, pressure, or perfection. You’ll learn how tracking interrupts the habit loop, builds self-awareness, and helps rewire your brain for long-term change. Plus...

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Andersen, cofounder of Sunnyside, to unpack a question that’s more common than you think: “Do I deserve to drink?” We talk openly about our own experiences — how alcohol became tied to celebration, stress relief, even a sense of identity — and why that mindset can be both comforting and dangerous. We explore what it really means to earn a drink, how to recogniz...

Cutting back on alcohol can feel like the right move—until boredom hits. Suddenly, that space where drinking used to live feels…empty. But here’s the truth: boredom isn’t a problem. It’s a signal that your brain is ready for something new. In this episode of Journey to the Sunnyside , Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol fills more than time—it fills gaps like stress, transition, connection, a...

After four decades of drinking, Charlie didn’t think he’d ever stop—until a health scare changed everything. At 71, he turned to Sunnyside as a way to start exploring a new path. Just two weeks in, he decided to quit entirely. One year later, Charlie is not only alcohol-free—he’s thriving. In this episode, he shares what finally made it click, why Sunnyside’s support still matters even after quitt...

You already know drinking less can help you sleep better and feel more energized—but there’s so much more beneath the surface. In this solo episode, Mike shares five surprising benefits of cutting back that most people don’t realize until they experience them. These aren’t the typical talking points. They’re the deeper shifts—the ones that make you feel more present, more aligned, and more like yo...

Jordan Carroll never hit a rock bottom—but alcohol was quietly holding him back. In this episode, the Remote Job Coach and global entrepreneur opens up about life in the “grey area,” where drinking wasn’t a daily habit but still left damage he couldn’t ignore. We talk about what led him to take a full year off alcohol (and why he thinks everyone should), how quitting helped him confront deeper com...

Summer is here, and with it, the familiar pressure to drink. In this episode of Journey to the Sunnyside , Mike shares a strategic approach to mindful drinking that helps you stay in control, set clear boundaries, and enjoy the season on your terms. Whether you’re trying Dry July or simply want to make intentional choices at summer BBQs and beach trips, Mike walks you through how to identify your...

Today’s episode is a little different — but it hits right at the heart of what this show is all about: small steps, no pressure, and building a life you actually feel good in. I'm talking with Bryan Driscoll, author of the goodness game! At 18, Bryan was on the verge of being homeless — until a stranger pulled over and offered him food and shelter. He’s created a movement around a simple framework...

If you’ve ever wondered what life might feel like without alcohol—even just for a while—this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why taking 90 days off can be one of the most powerful resets you can give your brain and body. I’ll share what actually happens during each phase, why 30 days often isn’t enough to create lasting change, and how to set yourself up to succeed (without needing to be per...

Heather Lowe, founder of Ditched the Drink, joins us to unpack a quiet truth: many high-achieving women are rethinking their relationship with alcohol—not because they’ve hit rock bottom, but because they’re ready for something more. In this episode, Heather shares her own story of success, stress, and self-discovery, and the mindset shifts that helped her walk away from drinking without shame or...

Most people don’t fail at changing their drinking because they’re weak — they fail because they’ve been given the wrong approach. In this episode, I share the mindset shift that changed everything for me. It’s not about labels, shame, or quitting forever. It’s about finding a path that’s actually sustainable — one that works with how real behavior change happens. You’ll hear how this plays out ins...

In Part 1, Dr. Samantha Harte shared the personal story behind her shift from physical therapist to emotional healing guide—after losing her sister and realizing that true recovery requires more than just treating the body. In this episode, she dives into how lasting transformation begins: by breaking emotional patterns, reframing trauma, and reconnecting with the part of ourselves we’ve long igno...

When Samantha Harte lost her sister to addiction, she made a vow: she would help others heal not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Today, Dr. Samantha Harte — licensed physical therapist, trauma-informed expert, and author of Breaking the Circuit — is a leading voice on emotional resilience, self-compassion, and breaking the deep-rooted patterns that keep us stuck. In this powerful...

New research is changing how we think about mindfulness—and how much it really takes to see results. In this episode, we dive into why just 10 minutes a day can rewire your brain, improve your mood, and even shape your long-term health. Plus, how small, consistent shifts connect to the bigger goals you're working toward. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq fo...

Think binge drinking means blacking out? Not quite. In this episode, we unpack the real definitions of moderate, binge, and high-intensity drinking—why the lines are easier to cross than you think, and what it means for your health (without the guilt). Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast:...

Wondering if you should quit drinking or just cut back? You’re not the only one. In this episode, we explore why the goal you choose doesn’t have to be forever—and how giving yourself room to adjust might be the key to actually moving forward. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://b...

You’re doing fine. Life looks good on paper. But something about your drinking still feels... off. That’s what I call high-functioning, low-satisfaction—when alcohol isn’t wrecking anything, but it’s quietly getting in the way of feeling like yourself. In this episode, we talk about what it means to live in the middle, why this space is so common, and how to start moving forward—without needing pe...

A recent Pew Research Center study found that 57% of drinkers in the U.S. believe their alcohol use doesn’t increase their risk of serious health problems —and only 15% say it’s caused any personal or social issues. But science tells a different story. In this episode, we break down the data, explore the psychology behind why so many people minimize the risks, and talk about what this means for mi...

You’re already on the path—tracking, planning, and drinking more mindfully. But what’s a good goal? How much is too much? In this episode, we reverse-engineer your ideal drinking habits based on your personal goals—whether it’s health, focus, energy, or showing up better in relationships. You’ll get clear on what “improving” actually looks like for you , and walk away with one step to take this we...

What if every Monday was more than just the start of a new week — what if it was a mirror? In this episode, we explore how to use the “Monday Mirror” to reset your identity, whether you’re picking yourself back up after a tough weekend or riding high on the momentum of progress. You’ll learn why your habits are casting votes for the kind of person you’re becoming, how to shift gears without guilt,...

Today’s episode is a little different than some of our others—but I promise, it’s one you’ll want to stick around for. If you’ve ever dealt with brain fog, low energy, mood swings, or you’ve just found yourself wondering why don’t I feel like myself lately —this one’s for you. We’re talking with Thoryn Stephens, a biotech exec turned data scientist turned longevity pioneer. He’s the founder of Bra...

Dry days can feel off—like you’re missing a part of yourself. Maybe you feel less social, less relaxed, or just not fully “you.” In this episode, we explore what’s really behind that feeling, and how to reconnect with the version of yourself you think alcohol brings out. You’ll walk away with a simple mindset shift and one actionable step to try this week—no pressure, just curiosity. Want to drink...

We’ve all made excuses to drink — “I deserve it,” “It’s just one,” “It’s the weekend,” “Everyone else is.” We also make excuses not to change — especially when life feels busy, stressful, or uncertain. In this episode, we flip that habit on its head. You’ll learn a simple mindset shift that helps you spot better reasons, take back control, and use April as your edge. Want to drink less with no pre...

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 ways to build real self-respect while working on your relationship with alcohol. These aren’t about willpower or perfection — they’re about shifting your energy, your mindset, and the way you see yourself. Inspired by Wayne Dyer’s The Power of Intention , this is a more grounded, self-compassionate approach to change. I’ll walk you through practical steps that have...