Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside ! Today, we’re diving into a topic that goes deep—healing the inner child for a healthier, more connected you. Our guest Stefanos Sifandos, is a transformational coach, speaker, and advocate for conscious relationships and personal healing. Stefanos has worked with everyone from elite soldiers to world champion athletes, guiding them toward growth and transformation. But he’s not just talking the talk; he’s walked the path himself, facing and transforming...
Nov 06, 2024•24 min•Ep. 58
In this quick 10-Minute Monday, we’re breaking down how breathwork can be a secret weapon for staying on track with mindful drinking. I’ll walk you through three dead-simple breathing techniques you can do anywhere, whether you’re at work, home, or feeling those social pressures, to keep cravings and stress in check. We’re also going to hit on why breathwork isn’t just a quick fix; the long-term health benefits are legit. Think better focus, improved sleep, and a stronger immune system. Tune in ...
Nov 04, 2024•13 min•Ep. 57
Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside . If you've been following along, you'll know that we're deep in this incredible journey of Darren Prince. In part one, we heard about his rise in the world of celebrity agents, representing legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Hulk Hogan in the late Muhammad Ali, as well as working with icons like Smokin' Joe Frazier Chevy chase, and David Goggins. We also touched on some of his personal battles he faced along the way. Now in part two, we're diving in...
Oct 31, 2024•35 min•Ep. 56
Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside ! Today, we’re shaking things up. Usually, we dive into strategies and tips to help you live a more balanced life, but sometimes a story comes along that offers lessons far beyond the tactical. Today, we’ve got one of those stories. I’m excited to welcome Darren Prince, a Sports and Celebrity agent who Represents legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Hulk Hogan, Chevy Chase, David Goggins and many others. Also worked with the late Muhammad Ali, Smokin J...
Oct 29, 2024•29 min•Ep. 55
Ever caught yourself saying, ‘I deserve this drink,’ or ‘Just one won’t hurt’? Those small excuses can add up over time, chipping away at the goals we set for ourselves. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into a fresh way to handle those moments—whether it’s after a long day, at a holiday party, or on vacation. Instead of feeling guilty or forcing ourselves to stick to strict rules, we’ll talk about how a little curiosity and intention can make all the difference. Tune in to learn simple shifts that...
Oct 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 54
Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today we’re continuing our conversation with Cecily Mak, the creator of the ClearLife Movement. In our last episode, Cecily shared her personal journey and gave us a look at how she views habits versus addiction. Today, we’re diving deeper into her Eight Awarenesses framework, which helps people transform their habits—whether it’s alcohol or any other behavior. Cecily is a co-founding general partner at Wisdom Ventures a fund committed to consciously har...
Oct 24, 2024•41 min•Ep. 53
Welcome to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today we’ve got an exciting episode for you. I’m joined by Cecily Mak—a writer, podcast host, co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, and a mom of two. Cecily’s journey into mindful living and personal transformation led her to create the ClearLife Movement. ClearLife is all about living without “dimmers”—those habits or behaviors that dull our experience and keep us from being fully present. We’re going to dive into Cecily’s personal story, her take on alcohol as a h...
Oct 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 52
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on boredom. Instead of seeing it as a negative, we’ll talk about how it can actually be one of your best tools for growth, especially when you’re cutting back on drinking. I’m sharing 7 simple, actionable ways to turn those boring moments into opportunities to realign with your goals, try new things, and keep building momentum. Whether you’re tackling new challenges or just making better use of your time, these tips will help you turn boredom into progr...
Oct 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 51
Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside ! Today, we’re diving into a really interesting topic—alcohol. Specifically, Is cutting out alcohol completely necessary for a healthy lifestyle? And who better to explore this with than Mark Sisson. Mark is the founder of Primal Kitchen , a best-selling author, and the creator of Mark’s Daily Apple . He’s been a pioneer in the health and fitness world for decades, inspiring millions to live healthier, more balanced lives. Mark is known for maintaining pe...
Oct 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 50
Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside . Today, I’ve got a true legend with us—Mark Sisson. Mark is the founder of Primal Kitchen and Peluvia, author of several best-selling books on health and fitness, and the mastermind behind Mark’s Daily Apple , one of the most respected resources in the health and wellness space. If you’re interested in living a life full of energy, balance, and purpose, you won’t want to miss this episode. Mark’s going to share his unique philosophy on how to live with v...
Oct 16, 2024•28 min•Ep. 49
In this 10-minute episode of Sunnyside’s Monday series, we dive into the concept of "intermittent sobriety," a growing trend reshaping how we view alcohol. While it's not about quitting completely, it offers a perspective on creating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. We'll explore the cultural shifts behind this movement, why it’s gaining popularity, and how it reflects changing social norms, especially among younger generations. Tune in to learn how intermittent sobriety aligns with mindful...
Oct 14, 2024•9 min•Ep. 48
Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside ! Today we’re exploring a topic that resonates with so many people: why alcohol is so hard to cut back on or quit altogether. While it may seem like just a habit, there’s actually a lot happening in your brain that makes change feel so difficult. Joining me is Phil Cowley, a pharmacist with over 20 years of experience who’s known for simplifying complex health topics so that anyone can understand. Today, he’s going to help us break down the science behind...
Oct 10, 2024•18 min•Ep. 47
Hey, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! The other day, Phil Cowley and I talked about how alcohol affects your medications, and today we’re tackling another big issue: how alcohol might be ruining your sleep. If you’ve ever had a few drinks and thought it was helping you sleep, only to wake up tired, this episode is for you. Phil is back to explain how alcohol disrupts your sleep cycles and how you can make some simple changes to get better rest. Let’s get into it with Phil Cowley, the Ow...
Oct 09, 2024•17 min•Ep. 46
Hey, welcome to Journey to the Sunnyside! I’m your host, Mike Hardenbrook, and today we’re digging into a critical topic: what happens when you mix alcohol with medications. Whether you’re taking over-the-counter or prescription drugs, alcohol can have serious effects on how they work. Joining me is Phil Cowley, a pharmacist with over 20 years of experience. Phil’s not only a pro at breaking down complex health topics, but he’s also become a social media influencer. His Instagram, with over 600k...
Oct 07, 2024•18 min•Ep. 45
Hey everyone, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today’s episode is packed with some really exciting news. We’re diving into the results of a third-party study that analyzed over 46,000 Sunnyside members and their self-reported drinking habits. The focus? How real-time, adaptive text messages are helping people change their drinking habits around alcohol. And I’m thrilled to have Nick Allen, Sunnyside’s Co-Founder and CEO, joining me today. Nick’s going to break down the key findings, esp...
Oct 03, 2024•46 min•Ep. 44
Why wait until January to make a change? In this episode, we dive into the differences between Sober and Sober(ish) October and how each approach could set you up for success before the holidays hit. Tune in to discover how a small shift in your October plans could have a big impact. Here's the link to join Sober(ish) October https://get.sunnyside.co/october?utm_source=podcast Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey...
Sep 30, 2024•8 min•Ep. 43
Joining me again is Dr. Hrishikesh Belani, medical advisor for Sunnyside.co, and an expert in alcohol use disorders. Dr. Belani’s worked with countless people looking to reduce their drinking without feeling overwhelmed. Today, he’s going to share some simple strategies that you can start using right away to cut back on alcohol in a way that fits your lifestyle. Let’s jump in with Dr. Hrishikesh Belani! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day ...
Sep 26, 2024•18 min•Ep. 42
I’m excited to be joined by Dr. Hrishikesh Belani. He’s not only the Primary Care Director of LA County Health Services but also an Assistant Professor at UCLA and a medical advisor for Sunnyside. Dr. Belani’s expertise covers everything from alcohol use disorders to mindful drinking, and today he’s here to shed light on the health risks that often fly under the radar. Let’s get right into it with Dr. Hrishikesh Belani! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq f...
Sep 25, 2024•24 min•Ep. 41
In this 10-Minute Monday episode, we’re breaking down how alcohol manipulates one of the most important chemicals in your brain—dopamine. Ever wondered why you crave that next drink? Today, we’ll uncover why alcohol tricks your brain, what happens when you stop drinking, and how to naturally restore your dopamine levels. Curious about taking back control? This is the episode you won’t want to miss! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial...
Sep 23, 2024•15 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, we’re diving into the sober curious movement with Olivia Noceda, who’s been alcohol-free for nearly 3 years and has built an incredible community of over 470K followers. Known for her creative non-alcoholic drink recipes and authentic storytelling, Olivia has become a major voice in the movement, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. We talk about why she chose to quit drinking, how she’s helped normalize sober curiosity, and the cultural shifts that are making this movement...
Sep 19, 2024•47 min•Ep. 39
In this 10-minute Monday, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked keys to staying motivated—celebrating your wins. It’s not just about big milestones; even small victories can build momentum, keep you consistent, and make this journey way more fun. I’ll break down how positive reinforcement taps into your brain’s dopamine system and why rewarding yourself makes all the difference. If you’re ready to make mindful drinking easier and actually enjoyable, this episode is packed with simple, act...
Sep 16, 2024•11 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, we’re joined by USMC veteran Jesse Carrajat, founder of Altum Fitness and host of the Sober Strength podcast. Jesse opens up about his journey from military service and corporate life to building a mission-driven wellness platform. We explore how fitness and mental wellness work together to create sustainable habits, improve emotional resilience, and redefine what 'sober strength' truly means. Whether you're looking to cut back on alcohol or simply build a healthier, more balanc...
Sep 12, 2024•45 min•Ep. 37
In this episode, "5 Steps to Bounce Back from Slip-Ups Guilt-Free," I'll cover the practical ways you can recover from those inevitable moments when your alcohol moderation plan doesn’t go as intended. Slip-ups happen, and instead of letting them drag you down, you'll learn how to approach them with grace, curiosity, and a problem-solving mindset. I’ll guide you through five simple steps to help you understand the emotional and physical side effects of a slip-up, how to reframe setbacks as part ...
Sep 09, 2024•12 min•Ep. 36
Today, we’re diving into a movement that's shaking up how we think about socializing—alcohol-free events, communities, and bars. With more people exploring sobriety or mindful drinking, these spaces are on the rise. We’re joined by Rachel Hechtman, founder of Sober in Central Park and a key player in the NYC non-alcoholic scene. We’ll explore her story, the importance of mindset and community, and why alcohol-free socializing might just be the next big trend. Want to drink less with no pressure ...
Sep 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 35
In today's 10-minute episode, we're diving into something I like to call "chasing the buzz." Ever find yourself going out for just one drink, only to wake up the next day wondering what happened? Yeah, we've all been there. It's easy to keep chasing that good feeling once it starts, but here's the kicker: there's a point where it just doesn't get any better. I'll break down the science behind why that euphoric buzz peaks at a certain BAC and why anything beyond that is all downhill, bringing mor...
Sep 03, 2024•11 min•Ep. 34
We've got an awesome episode of Journey to the Sunnyside lined up for you today. We're sitting down with Casie Stewart, and let me tell you, her story is pretty mind-blowing. So, Casie's been using Sunnyside for about 700 days now – that's almost two years! – and the changes she's seen are seriously impressive. We're talking better health, a whole new mindset, and just... feeling happier overall. Casie's going to take us through her journey, from being that person who was always out and about, d...
Aug 29, 2024•32 min•Ep. 33
On this week's 10-Minute Mondays, I guide you through a powerful exercise to visualize the long-term impact of your daily habits and inspire positive change in your relationship with alcohol. 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 SUNNYSIDE: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnys...
Aug 26, 2024•9 min•Ep. 32
Today, we're joined by the well-known influencer Deb Podlogar, aka Mocktail Mom. Deb shares her personal journey of breaking up with Chardonnay, along with her passion for making delicious mocktails. Whether you're curious about moderation or just want to be inspired by Deb's story, this episode is packed with insights and enthusiasm! Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3 S...
Aug 22, 2024•35 min•Ep. 31
Today, I’m joined by Dezi Abeyta, a high-performance coach, podcast host, registered dietitian, and a prominent contributor to Men's Health. Dezi, who has worked with leading brands like Red Bull, shares insights from his 150-day journey of tracking alcohol, offering valuable lessons on mindful drinking and how it can transform your life. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCq...
Aug 15, 2024•48 min•Ep. 30
On this week's 10-Minute Mondays, I'm sharing four simple steps to gain your partner's support as you change your relationship with alcohol—no pressure, no expectations, just practical advice to help you on your journey. 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-up for Sunnyside, the #1 alcohol moderatio...
Aug 12, 2024•10 min•Ep. 29
