Journey to the Sunnyside - podcast cover

Journey to the Sunnyside

Sunnysidesunnyside.co
Journey to the Sunnyside" is a top 2% podcast, reaching over 400,000 listeners every week. It’s your guide to exploring mindful living with alcohol—whether you're cutting back, moderating, or thinking about quitting. While Sunnyside helps you reduce your drinking, this podcast goes further, diving into topics like mindful drinking, sober curiosity, moderation, and full sobriety. Through real stories, expert insights, and science-backed strategies, we help you find what actually works for your journey. Hosted by Mike Hardenbrook, a #1 best-selling author and neuroscience enthusiast, the show is dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with alcohol—without shame, judgment, or rigid rules. This podcast is brought to you by Sunnyside, the leading platform for mindful drinking. Want to take the next step in your journey? Head over to sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial. Disclaimer: The views expressed in our episodes do not necessarily represent those of Sunnyside. We’re committed to sharing diverse perspectives on health and wellness. If you’re concerned about your drinking, please consult a medical professional. Sunnyside, this podcast, and its guests are not necessarily medical providers and the content is not medical advice. We do not endorse drinking in any amount.
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Episodes

How to Eat to Change How You Drink w/ Dr. Brooke Scheller

Have you ever wondered how changing your diet could impact your relationship with alcohol? Today, we're joined by Dr. Scheller, an expert in nutrition. Together we'll explore how nutrition plays a pivotal role in overcoming alcohol challenges, the importance of gut health, and the benefits of personalized nutrition plans. Dr. Scheller will share practical tips, success stories, and insights from her book. Stay tuned—this is one conversation you won't want to miss! Want to drink less with no pres...

Aug 08, 202458 minEp. 28

10-Minute Mondays: 3 Craving-Crushing Techniques

Welcome to another 10-Minute Monday! Today, we’re diving into “3 Craving-Crushing Techniques.” I’ll share practical strategies to help you manage and overcome alcohol cravings. These techniques are easy to implement and can be done almost anywhere at any time, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. Cravings can be powerful, but with the right tools, you can take control and make healthier choices. If you find these tips helpful, please leave a review or email me at mike@sunnyside.co with your ...

Aug 05, 202412 minEp. 27

Alcohol Health Monitoring for Women w/ Katie Garry

Welcome to today's episode titled "Alcohol Health Monitoring for Women." I'm excited to have Katie Garry, founder of Seek, joining us. Seek is revolutionizing how women monitor their health in relation to alcohol. We'll dive into the founding story of Seek, the unique focus on women's health, key research findings, and practical strategies for lasting change. Stay tuned as we explore how Seek and Sunnyside complement each other in promoting healthier habits. Want to drink less with no pressure t...

Aug 01, 202435 minEp. 26

10-Minute Mondays: Mental Resilience for Cutting Back on Alcohol

Welcome to another 10-Minute Monday! Today, we’re tackling “Mental Resilience for Cutting Back on Alcohol.” We’ll explore how building mental resilience can transform your drinking habits. From mindfulness to positive thinking, I’ll share practical techniques to help you cut back or quit drinking. Did you know that according to a study in the journal Neuron, about 40% to 95% of human behavior consists of habits? This shows how much our brains rely on automatic responses and the programming we gi...

Jul 29, 202412 minEp. 25

Chat with a Therapist: Talking to Kids About Alcohol w/ Merrilee Burke, LMFT

In this 30-minute discussion, therapist Merrilee Burke shares effective strategies for discussing alcohol with children coming of age. If you enjoy this episode, please leave a review or email your feedback to mike@sunnyside.co. We'd love to hear your thoughts!! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co 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 Sign-...

Jul 25, 202435 minEp. 24

10-Minute Mondays: One Shocking Perk of Cutting Back on Alcohol - w/ Mike Hardenbrook

Introducing a new format we're excited to try: 10-Minute Mondays! In this brief, 10-minute episode, we'll dive into a compelling topic to kickstart your week. If you enjoy this format, please leave a review or email your feedback to mike@sunnyside.co. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3 Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https:...

Jul 22, 202413 minEp. 23

7 Factors That Sabotage Your Efforts to Drink Less

In this episode, we'll cover the hidden factors that may be undermining your efforts to cut back on drinking. Drawing from my research and writing for "No Willpower Required: A Neuroscience Approach to Change Your Habits with alcohol,' my personal experiences with alcohol, and insightful conversations with guests on "Journey to the Sunnyside," we explore these challenges in depth. Please note: If you're concerned about your drinking, consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice a...

Jul 18, 202419 minEp. 22

Epic Nights, Early Mornings: The Art of Mindful Drinking w/ Camille Vidal

In this episode, we welcome Camille Vidal, founder of La Maison Wellness, to explore the world of mindful drinking. Camille shares her journey from a globally recognized bartender to a mindfulness teacher, and how she integrates mindful drinking into her lifestyle. We'll discuss her philosophy of "Epic nights and early mornings," her impactful teaching concepts like 'remove, reduce, replace,' and practical tips for enjoying alcohol-free options. Join us to learn how to live better through mindfu...

Jul 10, 202448 minEp. 21

Staying Social with Sunnyside w/ Susan Tenby

Susan Tenby an outgoing Sunnyside customer who has found a way to maintain her social life while being mindful about her drinking. In this episode, we'll dive into Susan's journey, her strategies for mindful drinking, and how she continues to enjoy activities like trivia nights without overindulging. Let’s get started! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.

Jul 04, 202421 minEp. 20

Myth-Busting: Top 5 Myths about Alcohol Moderation w/ Mike Hardenbrook

Drawing from my own experiences and insights from my book, we’ll debunk common myths such as "Questioning My Drinking Means I Have a Problem" and "Cutting Back Requires Tons of Willpower." We’ll explore the realities of socializing without alcohol, the importance of flexible planning, and how to handle potential judgment from friends. Whether you’re considering cutting back or just curious about a healthier relationship with alcohol, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories...

Jun 27, 202424 minEp. 19

Can Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Help You Drink Less? w/ Dr. Sam Zand

Today, we're thrilled to have an esteemed guest with us, Dr. Sam Zand, a Johns Hopkins trained psychiatrist who teaches holistic psychiatry and psychedelic medicine at UNLV and several other universities. His innovative approach combines emerging neuroplastic therapies like Psychedelic Therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with traditional therapeutic interventions and holistic modifications, all aimed at helping individuals become the best versions of themselves. In this episode, ...

Jun 20, 202439 minEp. 18

A Therapist's Approach to Mindful Drinking w/ Merrilee Burke

Today, we're thrilled to have Merrilee Burke, a distinguished therapist specializing in mindful drinking and moderation. Merrilee brings a wealth of experience from her practice, focusing on holistic and practical approaches to help individuals transform their relationship with alcohol. In this episode, we dive deep into her therapeutic techniques and explore how they can support your journey toward mindful drinking. Tune in as we uncover valuable insights and actionable strategies from Merrilee...

Jun 13, 202433 minEp. 17

Sunnyside Customer Journey to Better Health w/ Corey Boehs

Today, Cory Boehs shares his success story using Sunnyside. His incredible health transformation and significant money savings are sure to inspire current Sunnyside users and those considering a more mindful approach to their drinking. Tune in to hear about his journey from drinking more than he wanted, to achieving remarkable health improvements and setting future goals for a healthier lifestyle. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial....

Jun 06, 202426 minEp. 16

Change for Growth, Not Because of Problems w/ Amanda Kuda

Today, we're joined by Amanda Kuda, author of 'Unbottled Potential,' a book dedicated to helping women transform their relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Amanda shares her journey into "elective sobriety", discusses the challenges she faced and breakthroughs she achieved, and offers key strategies from her book. We'll also explore her insights on mindful drinking, navigating social dynamics without alcohol, and how choosing sobriety can become a superpower. Tune in to learn how to trans...

May 30, 202435 minEp. 15

The Mammal Brain Code to Happiness w/ Loretta Breuning

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Loretta Breuning as we dive into the intricacies of the mammal brain and its profound impact on our emotions and behaviors. Breuning unravels the roles of key neurotransmitters—dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin—in driving our actions and shaping our happiness. She challenges the popular narrative that happiness comes effortlessly and emphasizes the importance of understanding our biological foundations to build healthier habits and achiev...

May 23, 202450 minEp. 14

From Mommy Wine Culture to Soberish Success w/ Katie Nessel

Today’s guest is Katie Nessel, known as SoberishMom. Katie shares her journey of navigating the mommy wine culture and finding a balanced, soberish lifestyle. She’ll discuss the pivotal moments that led her to reassess her relationship with alcohol, tips for starting a moderation journey, and why traveling soberish is her secret weapon to fun. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to change their drinking habits. Want to drink less with no pressure to qu...

May 16, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 13

A Sommelier's Wine Hacks & Mindful Drinking! w/ Matthew Kaner

In this episode, sommelier Matthew Kaner reveals how travel and mindful drinking elevate the wine experience. He reveals emerging trends like orange wine, emphasizes the value of context and personal connections, and shares his journey in the industry. Tune in to discover insider tips, wine travel stories, and his excitement for the industry's future! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.

May 09, 202454 minEp. 12

Bright Days, Clear Nights, Better Sleep - w/James Swanwick

In this episode, join former ESPN anchor James Swanwick as he shares his personal experiences with alcohol, his adventures in Hollywood, and memorable moments at the Playboy Mansion that led to a big change. We cover effective strategies for socializing without alcohol, learn about the benefits of blue light blocking glasses, and debunk common myths about alcohol and sleep. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial....

May 02, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 11

Deep Dive into Mindful Drinking w/ Sunnyside Co-founder Ian Andersen

Today is a different kind of episode. I’m joined by a good friend and colleague, Ian Andersen, one of the co-founder’s of Sunnyside. Today, we take a deep dive into the story behind Sunnyside’s approach to mindful drinking without pressuring anyone to quit—and why this method is effective for 96% of our members. Ian and I will also share our personal journeys with alcohol, highlighting the challenges and wins that have brought us where we are today. Join us for an in-depth conversation about the...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 10

Negotiate Alcohol Peer Pressure with FBI Tactics (with Chris Voss)

Today, we’re excited to welcome Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author of 'Never Split the Difference.' In this episode, Chris reveals how his high-stakes negotiation techniques can be effectively used to handle peer pressure related to alcohol. He’ll break down these strategies that you can use to confidently navigate discussions with friends, family, and even yourself. Tune in to learn how to turn challenging conversations into positive and supportive interactions. Wa...

Apr 17, 202451 minEp. 9

Harm Reduction in Alcohol Health with Expert Dr. Andrew Tatarsky

In this episode, we explore harm reduction with Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, a visionary in addiction treatment with over 40 years of experience. As the architect of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP), Dr. Tatarsky combines relational psychoanalysis, CBT, and mindfulness within a harm reduction framework. This approach meets individuals wherever they are in their journey to change, emphasizing personalized, compassionate care. Join us for an in-depth discussion as we explore how harm reduct...

Apr 09, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 8

The Woman Changing How the World Sees Non-Alcoholic Drinks with Victoria Watters

For many of us mindful drinkers, non-alcoholic drinks have become not just part of our strategy to cut down on alcohol, but a full-blown hobby that we share with our friends. NA brands and options have been skyrocketing in popularity, and Victoria Watters has made it a point to stay at the forefront of this movement. In our latest episode of Journey to the Sunnyside we sit down to talk to her about the NA movement and more. Victoria if the founder of Dry Atlas, a media company focused on alcohol...

Apr 04, 202456 minEp. 7

Master Alcohol Moderation with These Simple Steps (with Nir Eyal)

Nir Eyal is a master of habit change, and has actually inspired the Sunnyside product through and through. The habit loops that you’re forming by using Sunnyside are tied directly to the work that Nir has done. In fact, we’re proud to call Nir an investor and advisor to Sunnyside. In this conversation, Nir discusses his inspiration for writing books on psychology, technology, and business, particularly focusing on the intersection of behavior and product design. He shares his personal experience...

Mar 27, 202457 minEp. 6

Alcohol, Psychedelics, and a 4500-Mile Sahara Run with Charlie Engle

In a heart-to-heart, Mike and Charlie discuss Charlie’s fight against addiction, his evolving stance on alcohol, and the role of community and awareness in recovery. They explore the promise of psychedelic therapies for profound healing and the importance of sharing recovery stories with intention. Key topics include the exploration of non-traditional treatments like psilocybin for alcohol dependency and mental health, emphasizing its potential over conventional SSRIs. They critique the influenc...

Mar 21, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 5

Finding Balance: A Path to Mindful Drinking with Alice Ferris

Alice Ferris, a fundraising consultant, shares her mindful drinking journey and the impact it has had on her health and well-being. She discusses the importance of being intentional about drinking and finding a balance that works for her. Alice emphasizes the role of planning and accountability in her journey, using the Sunnyside app to set goals and track her progress. She also highlights the benefits of improved sleep and the support of a social network in achieving her goals. Overall, Alice's...

Mar 14, 202440 minEp. 4

No and Low-Alcohol Mixology with Derek Brown

In this conversation, Derek Brown shares his journey from being a bartender to becoming a mindful drinker. He discusses his personal experiences with alcohol use disorder and the decision to seek help and make positive changes in his life. Derek explains the concept of mindful drinking and how it can be a beneficial approach for individuals who want to reduce or quit drinking. He also provides insights into creating no and low alcohol cocktails, emphasizing the importance of intensity of flavor,...

Feb 16, 202451 minEp. 3

Neurohacking Your Brain's Potential with Toby Passman

In this conversation, Toby Passman, a board-certified neurophysiology trainer, discusses the concepts of neurohacking and biohacking. He shares his personal journey into the field and explains how neurofeedback and neurostimulation can be used to improve cognitive functioning and mental health. Toby also highlights the importance of neuroplasticity in habit change and discusses the effects of alcohol on the brain. He provides insights into the benefits of red wine and emphasizes the need for min...

Feb 16, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 2

A Mindful Drinking Journey with Don Peasley

Don Peasley shares his journey of mindful drinking and the decision to make a change in his relationship with alcohol. He discusses the benefits he has experienced, such as improved health, better sleep, and increased clarity. Don emphasizes the importance of sustainability and consistency in mindful drinking, rather than relying on short-term challenges like Dry January. He also highlights the planning feature of the Sunnyside app as a helpful tool in setting and sticking to drinking goals. Don...

Feb 15, 202458 minEp. 1
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