Rick Culleton is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and CEO who’s built multiple multimillion-dollar companies over the past four decades. But behind the success was a daily drinking habit—used not to party, but to manage stress, anxiety, and undiagnosed ADHD. Rick drank for nearly 40 years, all while running high-growth businesses and appearing to have it all together. When health markers forced him to take a hard look at his habits, he made the decision to stop drinking—and everything changed....
Jul 24, 2025•48 min•Ep. 149
If you’ve ever wondered why moderating your drinking feels harder than you expected, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong. Mike explains the surprising mental load that comes with moderation, why it’s not a failure to need a break, and how to find the right path for your season of life. A must-listen for anyone navigating the middle ground. 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...
Jul 21, 2025•12 min•Ep. 148
Most people try to change their drinking by focusing on the alcohol itself. But if you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck reacting the same way over and over, there’s a reason — and it’s not just in your head. It’s in your body. In this episode, I’m joined again by Colleen Freeland, a master life coach and addiction recovery specialist who helps high-achieving women cut their drinking by 80% without labels or lifelong abstinence. We break down why cravings and urges can feel so overpowering, how you...
Jul 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 147
Why is it so hard to stop at one drink — or to stop reaching for your phone, your fridge, or another quick fix? In this episode, we’ll explore how your brain’s dopamine system drives cravings and what you can do to reset it. You’ll learn five practical steps to feel calmer, more satisfied, and less pulled toward habits that don’t actually serve you. 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: h...
Jul 14, 2025•12 min•Ep. 146
Today we’re talking with Colleen Freeland. She’s a master life coach and addiction recovery specialist who helps high-achieving women cut their drinking by 80% without labeling themselves or committing to a lifetime of sobriety. I align so much with her work — because just like we teach here, it’s not really about the alcohol. It’s about how you think, how you regulate your emotions, and how you build a life you don’t need to numb from In this episode, we get into the mindset shifts that finally...
Jul 10, 2025•28 min•Ep. 145
Big weekends like the 4th aren’t just about fireworks — they reveal how your drinking habits really show up under pressure. In this episode, Mike breaks down why your brain acted the way it did, how to learn from it without guilt , and why celebrating your wins matters just as much as fixing slip-ups. Perfect for anyone moderating or taking a break, and looking to make the rest of summer easier. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -...
Jul 07, 2025•13 min•Ep. 144
Everyone knows alcohol messes with sleep — but nobody really talks about what happens when you actually start drinking less. Because here’s the weird part: your sleep might actually get worse before it gets better. So today, I’ll break down why that happens, how long it really takes your brain and body to reset, and what you can do in the meantime — whether you’re moderating or taking a full break. I’ve got some fresh science, practical tips, and hopefully a bit of encouragement for you too. Let...
Jul 03, 2025•13 min•Ep. 143
Quick question: how often do you catch yourself replaying the same mistake or worrying about something that hasn’t even happened yet? That mental loop isn’t harmless. It actually keeps your body on edge and quietly drives you to reach for the easiest way to shut it off — which for a lot of people is another drink. Today we’re breaking down why your brain does this, how it keeps you stuck, and exactly how to break the cycle. Let’s get into it. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to ht...
Jun 30, 2025•13 min•Ep. 142
Today I’m joined by someone whose work I deeply respect and who’s become a trusted voice in the alcohol and mental health space—Merrilee Burke. Merrilee is a licensed therapist based in California. She returns to the show for an insightful conversation about how our drinking habits are often tied to identity, shame, and outdated definitions of “problem drinking.” We unpack what we both wish we knew when we first started trying to moderate, why trial and error is actually a sign of progress, and ...
Jun 26, 2025•45 min•Ep. 141
Tracking your drinks matters — it’s a core part of how Sunnyside helps you stay mindful. But if you’ve ever had a “dry day” and still felt off… this episode explains why. Mike shares a story from a listener who realized the biggest shift didn’t come from how many drinks she had — but from asking one powerful question: “Is this aligned with my values?” In this quick, science-backed episode, you’ll learn how to pair counting with reflection to build habits that actually stick — and feel good doing...
Jun 23, 2025•6 min•Ep. 140
Derek Brown was named one of the best bartenders in America, author of Mindful Mixology, and now a leading voice in the mindful drinking movement. In this episode, we talk about what changed when he stepped away from alcohol, how the culture around drinking has evolved since the 2000s, and why NA drinks are finally being taken seriously. Derek shares what he’s seeing inside the industry, what makes a great booze-free cocktail, and what’s coming next. Whether you're cutting back or just curious, ...
Jun 19, 2025•53 min•Ep. 139
Want to cut back without overthinking it? In this episode, Mike breaks down how habit stacking works and how to use it to drink less—by linking new routines to things you already do, like getting home from work or finishing dinner. Backed by behavioral science and real-life examples, you’ll learn simple, proven ways to make drinking less feel automatic. 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 Podcas...
Jun 16, 2025•10 min•Ep. 138
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 quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside P...
Jun 12, 2025•15 min•Ep. 137
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, hear how real Sunnyside members are using this simple practice to drink less, feel better, and sta...
Jun 10, 2025•10 min•Ep. 136
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 recognize the deeper beliefs behind it, and how to shift the narrative if it’s no longer serving you. Want t...
Jun 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 135
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, and reward. So when you take it out, you’ve got to replace the ingredient , not just the habit. Mike ...
Jun 02, 2025•10 min•Ep. 134
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 quitting, and what he’s learned about change, identity, and living with clarity. Want to drink less with ...
May 29, 2025•34 min•Ep. 133
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 yourself again. Whether you’re just starting to take a break or you've been rethinking your habits for...
May 27, 2025•12 min•Ep. 132
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 compulsions, and how he rebuilt his identity from the inside out. Jordan shares tools he used to break ...
May 22, 2025•44 min•Ep. 131
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 pressure points, plan your responses, and track your progress throughout the summer. Tune in for pra...
May 19, 2025•10 min•Ep. 130
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 to help people find their own way to give, to connect, and to feel better doing it. This lines up w...
May 15, 2025•45 min•Ep. 129
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 perfect). You don’t have to label it. You don’t have to commit forever. But if you’re curious, this is ...
May 12, 2025•15 min•Ep. 128
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 labels. Whether you're sober-curious, cutting back, or just wondering if there's another way—this co...
May 08, 2025•54 min•Ep. 127
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 inside the Sunnyside experience, plus insights from leading experts like Dr. Jason Kilmer and Dr. Andre...
May 05, 2025•10 min•Ep. 126
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 ignored. She also explains how her modern take on the 12 Steps can help anyone—whether or not they relat...
May 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 125
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 episode, Samantha shares how she evolved from a traditional 12-Step background to creating a modern...
Apr 30, 2025•25 min•Ep. 124
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 for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3 Subscri...
Apr 29, 2025•9 min•Ep. 123
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: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3 Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4 CONNECT WITH...
Apr 24, 2025•11 min•Ep. 122
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://bit.ly/4bxCqT3 Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4 CONNECT WITH SUNNYSID...
Apr 21, 2025•8 min•Ep. 121
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 perfection to begin. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a ...
Apr 17, 2025•9 min•Ep. 120
