Best Alcohol Reduction Podcasts (2025)

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The Spirit Behind the Spirit 9:50

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37m ago9:50

9:50

Why do we call it “holiday spirit” — and why is alcohol always part of the picture? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores how alcohol became emotionally linked to celebration, warmth, and connection during the holidays — and how that language quietly shapes the way we drink. You’ll learn: • Where the phrase “holiday spirit” actually comes from…

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RE 567: Dolce Vita: The Good Life 48:23

3h ago48:23

48:23

Today we have Jenn. She is 52 years old, from Washington, DC and she took their last drink on September 3rd, 2023. This episode is brought to you by: Café RE – the social app for sober people Join us for our Dry January course Restore at 8pm eastern time on January 1st. This is the first of 13 sessions throughout the month, and this course is all a…

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302: Alcohol & Damp January: The Research on Moderate Drinking – Jennifer Tujague 46:29

1d ago46:29

46:29

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/302 The health risks of heavy drinking are well-established. But what about the health risks of light to moderate drinking? More people, especially the Gen Z population, are leaning toward moderation of alcohol intake rather than going completely dry, shifting the popular "Dry …

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It’s Christmas! Why Does Today Feel Different? 11:19

5d ago11:19

11:19

In this Christmas Day episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology and biology behind why today hits differently — from nostalgia and rituals to stress release, memory wiring, and why drinking patterns shift so easily on December 25th. You’ll learn: • Why Christmas amplifies emotions, both positive and bittersweet • How rituals, scents, foo…

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Joe Sealey: Cocaine Addiction, Alcohol and Recovery Behind the Real Housewives Of Cheshire 1:01:46

23h ago1:01:46

1:01:46

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Joe Sealey joins us to discuss cocaine addiction, alcohol misuse, grief, and recovery. Known to millions as a cast member on The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Joe shares the story that existed long before the cameras - the career-ending injury that ended his football dream, the sudd…

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Shannon survived Meth addiction, satanic gang stalking, and spiritual warfare through the transformational power of Jesus Christ. 56:07

24h ago56:07

56:07

Send us a text If you want to witness the transformative power of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, this one is for you. Shannon Stevens’ addiction began long before drugs entered her life. Childhood sexual abuse, the violent murder of her grandmother, and years of living in fear left her nervous system locked in survival. By 12, drugs and alcoho…

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Does Christmas Nostalgia Make Alcohol Hit Harder? 9:57

7d ago9:57

9:57

Why does alcohol feel stronger during the holidays — even when you drink the same amount? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook uncovers how nostalgia, stress, cold weather, disrupted routines, and old emotional memories all combine to make December drinking hit way harder than your usual sip. You’ll learn: • Why holiday nostalgia supercharges your emo…

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RE 566: You’re Not Too Far Gone 59:51

5d ago59:51

59:51

Today we have Kristine. She is 34 years old from Toronto Canada, and she took her last drink on May 19th, 2025. This episode is brought to you by: Café RE – the social app for sober people Café RE is now a registered 501c3 nonprofit. Please visit the website or email [email protected] if you are interested in making a yearend donation. Join…

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RE 566: You're Not Too Far Gone 59:52

3d ago59:52

59:52

Today we have Kristine. She is 34 years old from Toronto Canada, and she took her last drink on May 19th, 2025. This episode is brought to you by: Café RE – the social app for sober people Café RE is now a registered 501c3 nonprofit. Please visit the website or email [email protected] if you are interested in making a yearend donation. Join…

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What Are You Really Trying to Feel This Holiday? 9:41

12d ago9:41

9:41

The holidays come with lights, music, traditions — and for a lot of people, an automatic reach for a drink. But what if that festive pour isn’t about celebration at all… but about feeling something you’re missing? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the emotional psychology behind holiday drinking, including: Why stress, nostalgia, loneli…

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301: Hidden Hunger: Closing the Gap for Healthy Growth in Children – Dr. Caree Cotwright 39:40

14d ago39:40

39:40

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/301 This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Danimals. Dr. Caree Cotwright is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted. Many kids don't consume the proper amount of nutrients that are vital f…

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Reductions in Social Security Disability Benefits 22:25

8d ago22:25

22:25

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 43 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Reductions in Social Security Disability Benefits." Many people assume t…

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When “Festive” Turns Into “Too Much” 9:28

14d ago9:28

9:28

Why do holiday parties always push you past the limits you swear you set for yourself? You show up thinking you’ll have one drink… and suddenly you’re three deep, holding a cookie, accepting champagne you don’t remember agreeing to, and wondering how you got here. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the real reasons holiday gatherings lea…

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RE 565: Showing Up 45:53

15d ago45:53

45:53

Today we have Nathan. He is 45 years old from Harrisburg, VA and took his last drink on January 24th, 2023. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Café RE – the social app for sober people Get your 2026 started off poison free and join us for our Dry January course Restore at 8pm eastern time on Janu…

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RE 565: Everything 45:54

11d ago45:54

45:54

Today we have Nathan. He is 45 years old from Harrisburg, VA and took his last drink on January 24th, 2023. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Café RE – the social app for sober people Get your 2026 started off poison free and join us for our Dry January course Restore at 8pm eastern time on Janu…

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In conversation with Nathan Joseph 49:06

11d ago49:06

49:06

Send us a text In this episode I speak to Nathan Joseph, an online fitness coach and author of The LCA method recipe book. Nathan discusses his own personal journey through battling mental health issues, and how alcohol has played both positive and negative roles in his life. In Nathan's experience, alcohol use has been a big part of his social lif…

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Struggling to Stop Drinking? What Michelle Heaton Learned About Recovery 9:15

13d ago9:15

9:15

In the first episode of Believe in People Extra, our new spin off miniseries, Michelle Heaton speaks openly about what it feels like to want to stop drinking and not be able to. She explains the medical dangers she didn’t understand, the shame that kept her stuck, and why addiction isn’t about a lack of willpower. Michelle shares the moment that ch…

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Why Does December Make Every Drink Feel ‘earned’? 9:55

19d ago9:55

9:55

Why does December make every drink feel “earned”? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology behind holiday drinking — why stress, nostalgia, expectations, and end-of-year pressure make alcohol feel like a reward, even when your body’s already running on fumes. You’ll learn: How December stress tricks your brain into craving “rewa…

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Inside the Social Security Disability System: Scams, Delays, and How to Protect Your Claim 26:26

15d ago26:26

26:26

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 42 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Inside the Social Security Disability System: Scams, Delays, and How to …

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When Celebration Becomes a Coping Mechanism 9:07

21d ago9:07

9:07

Is your holiday toast actually… stress in disguise? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks why so many people reach for “just one drink” during the holidays — not to celebrate, but to cope. We dive into the hidden stressors behind festive drinking, including: Why holiday pressure makes alcohol feel like instant relief How cortisol, exhaustion, a…

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Revived after a fatal overdose, Ellie found new life in recovery and turned her pain into purpose. 42:04

17d ago42:04

42:04

Send us a text Ellie’s life unraveled fast — from early abuse and family chaos to substance use and a deadly overdose that left her without a heartbeat for several minutes. Revived after six hits of Narcan, she woke up with a second chance and a mission: to live. In this raw and powerful story, Ellie shares how addiction nearly killed her and how r…

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RE 564: Hot and Cold 45:48

23d ago45:48

45:48

Today we have Yeimy. She’s 30 years old, from Rhode Island and took her last drink of alcohol on January 19th, 2025. This episode is brought to you by: Café RE – the social app for sober people Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored January 1st, 2026 is the official release date for Paul’s new book Dolce Vita and he’d love to have you…

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Alcohol, Relapse, Women’s Recovery Spaces & Breaking Generational Patterns 1:12:58

20d ago1:12:58

1:12:58

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Patti reflects on a lifetime shaped by silence, trauma, and survival. Growing up in a dysfunctional home in 1970s San Francisco - marked by alcoholism, emotional neglect, and parents who barely spoke - she began using alcohol and drugs at just 13 to escape overwhelming pain. By 16 …

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When One Drink Starts Feeling Like Three 9:49

26d ago9:49

9:49

Ever notice how one drink suddenly feels like three? You’re not imagining it, your body’s just changed the rules. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down why your casual drink hits harder than it used to, and what that says about your health, metabolism, and recovery. You’ll learn: How aging, stress, hormones, and hydration affect alcohol tol…

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Social Security Myths: Fraud, Immigrants, and Inmates - What’s Really Going On 19:03

23d ago19:03

19:03

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 41 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Social Security Myths: Fraud, Immigrants, and Inmates - What’s Really Go…

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300: GLP-1 Meds and Then What? Turning Weight Loss into Lifelong Wellness – Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava 50:16

28d ago50:16

50:16

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/300 This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & OIKOS. Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted. This episode explores strategies for maintaining weight loss and over…

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Why Your Brain Confuses Rest with Relief 9:23

28d ago9:23

9:23

Ever pour yourself a “relaxing” drink at night — only to wake up groggy, anxious, or staring at the ceiling at 3 AM? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks why your brain mistakes alcohol for rest, and what’s really happening when you pour that nightcap instead of actually sleeping. You’ll learn: How alcohol mimics calm but sab…

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RE 563: You’re Not Alone 56:48

30d ago56:48

56:48

Today we have Jack. He’s 39 years old from Phoenix, AZ and took his last drink of alcohol on June 23rd, 2025. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Sober Link – sign up and claim your $100 enrollment bonus Registration for Recovery Elevator’s Dry January course Restore opens today. We are meeting 13…

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RE 563: You're Not Alone 56:48

25d ago56:48

56:48

Today we have Jack. He's 39 years old from Phoenix, AZ and took his last drink of alcohol on June 23rd, 2025. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Sober Link - sign up and claim your $100 enrollment bonus Registration for Recovery Elevator's Dry January course Restore opens today. We are meeting 13…

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After surviving years of domestic violence, addiction, and a near-fatal gunshot, Chelsea Brown built Warriors Way Forward — a movement to reform how police and systems respond to survivors. 1:11:08

1M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Send us a text When Chelsea Brown’s partner was diagnosed with schizophrenia and later took his own life, her world collapsed overnight. Within weeks, she went from a stay-at-home hockey mom to sleeping in trap houses, using meth, and running for her life. What followed was years of violence, addiction, and survival — including being shot in the he…

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The Thanksgiving Pairing We Never Questioned 9:47

1M ago9:47

9:47

Why does turkey dinner almost always come with wine — and why do we never question it? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology, tradition, and subtle conditioning behind one of the most automatic holiday rituals we all participate in without thinking. You’ll learn: How family tradition and social norms hardwire alcohol into hol…

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The Role of the State Agency Doctor and Why You Might Want to Get an Independent Medical Exam 27:03

1M ago27:03

27:03

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 40 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "The Role of the State Agency Doctor and Why You Might Want to Get an Ind…

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Will You Regret This Season’s First Drink? 11:16

1M ago11:16

11:16

That first drink of the season always feels innocent — a small toast to the holidays, a well-earned break. But is it really just “one drink”? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology and biology behind the first sip of the season — why it feels so rewarding in the moment and why it can quietly set the tone for your entire holiday r…

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RE 562: A Shooting Star 48:12

1M ago48:12

48:12

Today we have Emily. She is 43 years old from Sacramento, CA and took her last drink on December 20th, 2024. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Exact Nature – code RE20 saves 20% off your order Registration for Recovery Elevator’s Dry January course Restore opens on December 1st. We are meeting 1…

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RE 562: A Shooting Star 48:13

1M ago48:13

48:13

Today we have Emily. She is 43 years old from Sacramento, CA and took her last drink on December 20th, 2024. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Exact Nature – code RE20 saves 20% off your order Registration for Recovery Elevator's Dry January course Restore opens on December 1st. We are meeting 1…

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Trauma, False Accusation, Alcohol Recovery and Rebuilding Life After Collapse 1:23:05

1M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, we conclude our two-part conversation with Andy Woodward, who reflects on the long-term psychological effects of childhood trauma and how those experiences shaped his later struggles with alcohol use, anxiety and identity. Andy shares how a false rape accusation in 2015 became a de…

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Boston Twopercent's meth addiction took him to the edge of death — and straight into a supernatural battle. His story reveals the dark side of meth, the power of faith, and the miracle of survival. 39:04

1M ago39:04

39:04

Send us a text When Boston was deep in meth psychosis, he believed he was opening a portal to the demonic. Covered in self-inflicted wounds, living in trap houses surrounded by violence, he thought there was no coming back. But what he experienced next changed everything. Boston’s story bridges addiction, faith, and the supernatural. From years of …

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Childhood Trauma, Football Abuse and the Silence That Hid a Predator 1:19:21

1M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, we begin the first of a powerful two-part conversation with Andy Woodward, the former professional footballer whose bravery exposed one of the biggest safeguarding scandals in British sporting history. Andy was the first to go public with his experience of childhood sexual abuse at…

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The “Pre-Holiday Pour”: Why We Start Early 9:48

1M ago9:48

9:48

The holidays haven’t even started — but your wine glass already has. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the pre-holiday pour: why so many people start drinking more before the actual celebrations begin, and what that reveals about stress, anticipation, and how we try to “prepare” for joy. You’ll learn: The psychology behind pre-holiday drink…

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299: Food, Culture, and Care: Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduction & Management – Constance Brown-Riggs 35:07

1M ago35:07

35:07

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/299 This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Light + Fit. Constance Brown-Riggs is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted. This episode explores how culturally relevant, patient-centered nu…

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Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Social Security Disability Claims 21:13

1M ago21:13

21:13

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 39 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Social Security Disability Claims." Most p…

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The Rise of the “Low-Key” Buzz 9:49

1M ago9:49

9:49

Low-alcohol drinks are everywhere — from canned spritzers to “mindful” cocktails — but when did less become the new cool? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how low-alcohol went from niche to mainstream, and what it reveals about how we balance health, culture, and social life today. You’ll learn: Why millennials and Gen Z are driving th…

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RE 561: It’s The Journey, Not the Destination 1:09:04

1M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

Today we have Kevin. He is 48 years old and lives in Napa Valley, CA. He took his last drink on September 22nd, 2025. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Exact Nature – code RE20 saves 20% off your order 71% of Europeans are drinking less alcohol and the future generations are opting out in genera…

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298: Support Gut Health & Holistic Wellbeing with Science-Based Strategies – Dr. Hannah Holscher 59:12

1M ago59:12

59:12

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/298 This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Activia. Dr. Hannah Holscher is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted. Gut health and the gut microbiome play an important role in overall well…

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RE 561: It's The Journey, Not the Destination 1:09:05

1M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Today we have Kevin. He is 48 years old and lives in Napa Valley, CA. He took his last drink on September 22nd, 2025. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help – 10% off of your first month #sponsored Exact Nature – code RE20 saves 20% off your order 71% of Europeans are drinking less alcohol and the future generations are opting out in genera…

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After years of addiction, violence, and survival, Arend Pechawis found healing through honesty and self-reflection. From gunpoint to gratitude — this is his story of transformation. 46:33

2M ago46:33

46:33

Send us a text When Arend was pistol-whipped during a drug deal gone wrong, it wasn’t the first time he’d stared down a gun. But it was one of the moments that forced him to look at what his life had become. Raised by a single mother in a home marked by violence and survival, Arend grew up watching abuse, bouncing between cities, and learning early…

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Racism, Culture, Trauma and Addiction Recovery as a British-Pakistani Muslim 1:10:32

1M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, we are privileged to sit down with Taz, whose life story spans racism, identity conflict, culture, trauma, addiction, and the long path to redemption. Born in Britain to Pakistani parents, Taz grew up between cultures – navigating violence, racism, and confusion around faith, mascu…

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Gen Z’s Quiet Rebellion Against Booze 9:57

2M ago9:57

9:57

Gen Z and millennials are rewriting the rules — and alcohol is no longer the main character. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores why younger generations are drinking less than ever, and what that says about culture, mental health, and connection today. You’ll learn: The surprising social, psychological, and economic reasons behind the “less …