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.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

10-Minute Mondays: Breaking Through Plateaus and Reigniting Growth

Feeling stuck or uninspired on your mindful drinking journey? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re tackling the all-too-common experience of plateaus—those moments where progress feels stagnant and goals seem less exciting. We’ll explore why plateaus happen, the importance of revisiting your 'why,' and how to assess if it’s time to update your goals. Plus, I’ll share practical tips to shake things up, find new excitement, and push yourself toward growth in a way that feels right for you. Whe...

Jan 20, 20258 minEp. 88

Anticipating Challenges When Sober Curious w/ Hilary Sheinbaum

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s crucial for anyone on a mindful drinking or dry journey: anticipating challenges and building resilience. Our guest, Hilary Sheinbaum, author of Going Dry: A Workbook and The Dry Challenge, is here to share her expertise on navigating the obstacles that can come up when drinking less, like social pressures, cravings, or just staying motivated over time. With her experience as a journalist and advocate for the sober-...

Jan 16, 202521 minEp. 87

Setting the Right Goals for Your Drinking Journey w/ Hilary Sheinbaum

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today we’re joined by Hilary Sheinbaum, the author of Going Dry: A Workbook and The Dry Challenge. She’s the founder of GoingDry.co and an advocate for the sober-curious movement since 2017. Hilary has been helping people explore what it means to live with less alcohol. Today, we’re talking about setting the right goals for your drinking journey—whether it’s going completely dry, cutting back, or finding a balance that works for you. Let’s dive in and he...

Jan 15, 202527 minEp. 86

10-Minute Mondays: Understanding the Surgeon General’s New Alcohol Warning

Hey everyone, today we’re diving into the Surgeon General’s call for updated alcohol warning labels. We’ll explore the science, the studies, and what this could mean for your habits and the future of drinking. 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.instag...

Jan 13, 20257 minEp. 85

Turning Rock Bottom into a Movement w/ Carl Radke of Summer House

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! If you caught part one of our conversation with Carl Radke, you already know his story is one of resilience and reinvention. In this episode, Carl takes us deeper—into the moment he realized he had to make a change, his road to sobriety, and how he’s turning his personal growth into something bigger with SoftBar, an alcohol-free social space that’s breaking new ground. We’re talking about what it takes to walk away from alcohol, why so many people are se...

Jan 09, 202543 minEp. 84

Reality TV, Fame, and Drinking Culture w/ Carl Radke of Summer House

Hey there, and welcome to another episode of Journey to the Sunnyside! Today’s guest has a story that hits close to home for so many of us. You might know Carl Radke from Bravo’s Summer House, but his journey with alcohol goes way beyond what you saw on screen. From his early drinking days in college and fraternity life to how alcohol played into his role as a reality TV personality, Carl’s story is raw, real, and relatable. In this episode, we’re diving into the first chapter of Carl’s journey—...

Jan 08, 202519 minEp. 83

10-Minute Mondays: Navigating Cognitive Dissonance and Mindful Drinking

Ever felt that tug-of-war between what you want and what you do ? That’s cognitive dissonance, and it’s something we all face when cutting back or taking a break from drinking. But here’s the thing—it’s not a bad sign. It means you’re questioning old patterns and creating space for real change. In this episode, we’ll unpack what cognitive dissonance is, why it shows up, and how to handle it without feeling like you’re spinning your wheels. You’ll learn how to recognize the conflict, reconnect wi...

Jan 06, 20257 minEp. 82

How Bill Shufelt Built a Non-Alcoholic Movement with Athletic Brewing pt. 2

Welcome back to part two of our conversation with Bill Shufelt , the co-founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing Company . Last time, we unpacked Bill’s personal journey and how it inspired the creation of Athletic Brewing. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the big picture—what it’s like to scale a company in a competitive market, the trends driving the explosive growth of non-alcoholic beverages, and Athletic’s plans for the future. This is where the vision meets the hustle—let’s get into it. Wan...

Jan 03, 202535 minEp. 81

How Bill Shufelt Built a Non-Alcoholic Movement with Athletic Brewing pt. 1

Today, we’re kicking off part one of a two-part series with Bill Shufelt, the co-founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing Company. Bill’s story is nothing short of inspiring—a personal decision to live a healthier life led to creating a company that’s completely redefining non-alcoholic beer. In this episode, we’ll dive into Bill’s journey, how it sparked the idea for Athletic Brewing ( https://athleticbrewing.com ), and what it took to turn a garage brewing operation into the #1 non-alcoholic beer b...

Jan 02, 202521 minEp. 80

10-Minute Mondays: Is Alcohol Part of Your Identity?

Have you ever wondered if alcohol is tied to how you see yourself? Maybe it’s part of being the life of the party, feeling fun, or finding a way to relax. In this episode, I explore how alcohol can shape our identity and why stepping back—whether it’s cutting back or taking a break—can feel like such a big shift. I’ll share why those qualities you value most, like being fun or outgoing, are already within you, and how rediscovering them without alcohol can lead to a more authentic, confident ver...

Dec 30, 20247 minEp. 79

Why 75 Million Are Participating in Dry or Dryish January w/ Sunnyside Co-Founder Ian Andersen

Hey, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today, I’m hanging out with Ian Andersen, co-founder of Sunnyside, and we’re talking about something big—why over 75 million people are jumping into Dry or Dryish January this year. We’ll dig into what’s driving this movement, some surprising stats, and why taking a break from alcohol—even if it’s just cutting back—can have a massive impact. Ian’s also sharing how Sunnyside’s Dryish January Challenge makes it easier than ever to reset without all th...

Dec 26, 202438 minEp. 78

10-Minute Mondays: Reflect, Reset, and Set Intentions for Mindful Drinking

As we step into the new year, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the past year—the wins, the challenges, and everything in between. In this episode, I’ll share how self-compassion and curiosity can help us learn from our mistakes, set realistic goals, and create a plan for long-term mindful drinking and personal improvement. Whether you’re looking to drink more mindfully, set ambitious goals, or simply approach the new year with a fresh mindset, this is about celebrating progress, not perfection....

Dec 23, 20247 minEp. 77

Breaking the Cycle of Family Trauma and Emotional Triggers w/ Susan Keller

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside ! Today, we’re picking up where we left off with Susan Keller, author of Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip . In the last episode, we dove into her personal journey with mindful drinking, and today we’re taking it a step further. We’re going to dig into the emotional side of things—how family trauma and emotional triggers play a role in drinking habits, not just for Susan but also for her protagonist, Annie Marks. For those of you who are new here...

Dec 19, 202423 minEp. 76

Mindful Drinking and the Power of Small Changes w/ Susan Keller

Hey there and welcome back to journey to the sunny side. I'm your host Mike Hardenbrook. We're excited to bring you a heartfelt conversation with Susan Keller. She's the author of Mostly Sober: A love story and a road trip. Susan's journey with mindful drinking as well as the personal experiences that shaped her book, offer a lot of depth in wisdom. Now, quick note, before we dive in this episode is a little different than our usual actionable style, Susan brings a wealth of life experiences and...

Dec 18, 202424 minEp. 75

10-Minute Mondays: Sleep, Alcohol, and Breaking the Cycle

Have you ever leaned on alcohol to help you sleep, only to wake up feeling groggy—or worse, tossing and turning all night when you don’t drink? I’ve been there, and in this 10-Minute Monday episode, I’m sharing my personal story of breaking that cycle. I’ll explain why alcohol disrupts your sleep and share practical tips to help you enjoy a couple of drinks mindfully without sacrificing rest. From setting cutoff times to creating a sleep-friendly environment, I’ll give you the tools to reclaim y...

Dec 16, 202410 minEp. 74

Navigating Mom Health, Alcohol, and Stigmas w/ Haley Roos

Welcome to part two of our conversation with Haley Roos. Haley is a fat-loss coach, wellness advocate, and the creator of Redefined Mamma. After experiencing the life-altering challenges of postpartum insomnia, she took charge of her health and redefined what wellness looks like for moms. Now, she’s helping women across the globe prioritize their health and happiness, while breaking down the stigmas around postpartum struggles and alcohol. In this segment, we’ll explore her personal journey, how...

Dec 12, 202430 minEp. 73

Haley’s Journey to Healthier Habits with Sunnyside w/ Hailey Roos

Today, I’m excited to welcome Haley Roos to the Sunnyside Podcast. Haley is a certified fat-loss coach and the founder of Redefined Mamma, where she’s made it her mission to help busy moms create sustainable habits, prioritize their health, and feel confident in their bodies. She’s also a dedicated Sunnyside member, using the app as part of her own journey toward mindful health. In this segment, we’ll talk about her experience with Sunnyside, the changes she’s seen, and how she’s inspiring other...

Dec 11, 202426 minEp. 72

10-Minute Mondays: Handling Holiday Drinking Triggers

The holidays can be a minefield of drinking triggers, from stress to social pressure and everything in between. In this 10-minute episode, I’m talking about how to recognize those triggers and take back control so you can enjoy the season on your terms. Whether it’s navigating parties, family gatherings, or holiday traditions, I’ve got tips to help you stay mindful and in charge. Let’s make this holiday season a time to celebrate—not a time for regrets. Want to drink less with no pressure to qui...

Dec 09, 20249 minEp. 71

Creating Alcohol-Free Spaces w/ Sam Bail

Welcome back to another episode of Journey to the Sunnyside! Today, we’re digging into alcohol-free spaces. I’m joined by Sam Bail, the founder of Third Place Bar, who’s been leading the charge in New York City by creating these really cool, alcohol-free events where people can connect without the pressure to drink. Sam’s got some amazing insights on what it takes to build these kinds of spaces, the challenges she faced, and even tips for how you can get started if this is something you’re inter...

Dec 05, 202424 minEp. 70

From Drinking as a Chore to Freedom w/ Sam Bail

Hey everyone, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today, we’ve got Sam Bail, founder of Third Place Bar, here with us. Sam’s journey is all about how drinking started to feel less like fun, and how she found the freedom to step away from it. We’ll talk about the pivotal moments that led her to rethink her relationship with alcohol, how her friends and family reacted, and what it’s been like to embrace a mindful, alcohol-free lifestyle. Whether you’re cutting back or thinking about going al...

Dec 04, 202432 minEp. 69

10-Minute Mondays: Breaking the All-or-Nothing Holiday Mindset

The holidays bring so many celebrations, temptations, and pressures—whether it’s to indulge, stay completely dry, or stick perfectly to your goals. In this episode, I’m sharing why the all-or-nothing mindset doesn’t work for everyone and how you can find a balanced approach to holiday drinking. I’ll talk about how I’ve seen this play out, share simple strategies to plan ahead, and show you how to enjoy the season while staying mindful and setting yourself up for a strong January. Want to drink l...

Dec 02, 20248 minEp. 68

Enjoy the Holidays Without Setting Back Your Health Goals w/ Carrie Lupoli

Hey there, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! This podcast is all about mindful living—whether that’s how we approach alcohol, food, or life in general. Today’s episode is going to show just how much overlap there really is between how we think about food and our mindset with alcohol. I’m joined by Carrie Lupoli, a certified nutritionist, award-winning behavior specialist, and founder of Disruptive Nutrition. Carrie has been featured on the TODAY Show, ABC, NBC, Fox, and more for her uniq...

Nov 27, 202447 minEp. 67

10-Minute Mondays: A Simple List to Help Change Your Drinking Habits

In this 10-minute episode, I’m revealing a simple yet powerful tool that can make changing your drinking habits so much easier. If you’ve ever felt like sticking to your goals is harder than it should be, this might be the missing piece. Tune in to learn how one small shift in your approach can clear the path to success and help you build habits that last. Let’s dive in! 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 th...

Nov 25, 20249 minEp. 66

The Truth About Willpower and Drinking w/ Rachel Hart

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside ! I’m your host, Mike Hardenbrook, and today we’re tackling a myth that a lot of us have believed for way too long—relying on willpower to cut back on drinking. We’ve been told that willpower is the key to drinking less, but my guest today is going to turn that idea on its head. I’m excited to have Rachel Hart with us— coach, author, and host of the Take a Break podcast. Rachel’s helped thousands of people shift their relationship with alcohol without rel...

Nov 21, 202428 minEp. 65

Find Your Drinking Archetype for Lasting Change w/ Rachel Hart

Hey there, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! I’m Mike Hardenbrook, and today we’re diving into a topic that hits home for so many mindful drinkers—understanding a more personalized plan for our own habits. I’m super excited to be joined by Rachel Hart, coach, author, and host of the Take a Break podcast. Rachel’s all about helping people change their relationship with alcohol—without relying on willpower or feeling deprived. She’s developed a framework for understanding different drink a...

Nov 20, 202429 minEp. 64

10-Minute Mondays: Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

In this episode, we’re diving into why comparing your drinking habits to others doesn’t tell the full story. The truth is, you never know what’s really going on behind the scenes, and those comparisons can stop you from focusing on what truly matters—your own progress. Let’s talk about breaking free from the comparison trap and making mindful drinking a personal, empowering journey. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial. -- Listen to J...

Nov 18, 20249 minEp. 63

Why it’s Never Too Late to Redefine Your Life pt. 2 w/ Julie Ciardi

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside. Today., we're picking up the conversation with Julie Ciardi. She's going to continue sharing her journey from what could have been a midlife crisis to what she calls a midlife creation. We'll dive into how she navigated this transition, and if you're feeling stuck and needing a new direction but don't know where to start, this episode is going to give you insights and practical steps on where to begin. So let's dive in with Julie. Want to drink less with...

Nov 14, 202429 minEp. 62

Why it’s Never Too Late to Redefine Your Life pt. 1 w/ Julie Ciardi

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside . Today's episode is for anyone who feels stuck or disconnected from their purpose. Whether you're over 50 or even in your forties and starting to question where you're headed, my guest today, Julie Ciardi, is a former Fortune 50 executive who now helps people in mid-life redefine their lives, create new identities, and align with what truly fulfills them. Today, she shares her journey for what could have been a midlife crisis to what she now calls a midl...

Nov 13, 202426 minEp. 61

10-Minute Tuesday: How to Strengthen New Habit Pathways

In this 10-Minute Monday (Tuesday Edition), learn how to create and reinforce new habits by building stronger pathways in the brain. Discover quick, practical tips to make new routines stick and make lasting change easier. Perfect for kick-starting your week! 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 CONNE...

Nov 12, 20248 minEp. 60

Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage w/ Stefanos Sifandos

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside ! Today, we’re diving into breaking free from self-sabotaging patterns with Stefanos Sifandos. Stefanos is the real deal—he’s worked with top-level athletes, CEOs, and high performers around the world, helping them transform their lives through conscious empowerment. He’s guided thousands in areas like emotional healing and self-mastery, and today he’s here to help us recognize those self-sabotaging patterns that hold us back—and, more importantly, to sho...

Nov 07, 202434 minEp. 59
Hosted on Transistor
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android