Best Reduce Alcohol Intake Podcasts (2026)

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

7d 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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Does Christmas Nostalgia Make Alcohol Hit Harder? 9:57

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

14d 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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When “Festive” Turns Into “Too Much” 9:28

16d 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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Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Diagnostic Pathway and Criteria 32:11

12d ago32:11

32:11

I recently did a couple of Instagram carousels about postural tachycardia syndrome or dysautonomia signs and symptoms I see in clients - and the response was absolutely overwhelming, unlike anything I have experienced before (and I’ve had my Instagram for about 12 or so years!). The post has been viewed over 120,000 times and has been saved around …

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

21d 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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When Celebration Becomes a Coping Mechanism 9:07

23d 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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Study Spotlight: What Is the Research on Dairy and Endometriosis? 29:34

19d ago29:34

29:34

We’re continuing with our Study Spotlight Series on ‘Dietary Modifications and Supplement Use for Endometriosis’, and today we’re looking at dairy. Affiliate Partnerships DITTO - DITTO is a clinically studied PMS and PMDD supplement with 10 ingredients that target both the mental and physical challenges that come along with the menstrual cycle, dev…

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When One Drink Starts Feeling Like Three 9:49

28d 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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Why Your Brain Confuses Rest with Relief 9:23

30d 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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Study Spotlight: Peppermint for Endometriosis Pain - Can It Help and Why? 28:05

1M ago28:05

28:05

Today we’re continuing our Study Spotlight Series on the study: Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain. And today, we’re looking at the effects of peppermint supplementation. So first, let’s look at what this study found, that out of those who tried peppermint supplementation, roughly 26% experienced a reduction in pain. Aff…

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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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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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Evidence-Based Nutrients for PMS, PMDD, Endo Pain and ADHD, and the Gap Between Nutrition Research and Medicine with Alice van der Schoot of Ditto 1:05:29

1M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Alice van der Schoot is a PhD nutrition scientist with a background in neuroscience. Her work brings together both fields to explore how nutrition can impact underlying mechanisms of PMS, PMDD, and period pain to reduce symptoms - from neurotransmitter function, to pain processing and inflammation. Recognising that valuable research often remains h…

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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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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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Study Spotlight: Can Lowering Gluten Intake Improve Pain and Quality of Life with Endometriosis? 34:05

1M ago34:05

34:05

Today we’re continuing with our Study Spotlight Series on the study Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain. Affiliate Partnerships DITTO - DITTO is a clinically studied PMS and PMDD supplement with 10 ingredients that target both the mental and physical challenges that come along with the menstrual cycle, developed by a PhD …

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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 …

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When Your Body Notices Before You Do 10:41

2M ago10:41

10:41

What really happens when your drinking habits shift — whether you’re cutting back, drinking more, or trying to find a middle ground? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what actually changes inside your body and brain when your drinking pattern does. You’ll learn: Why your sleep, emotions, and focus feel different when you drink more or l…

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Study Spotlight: Can Magnesium Reduce Endometriosis Pain and How? 20:09

2M ago20:09

20:09

Today we’re continuing with our Study Spotlight Series looking at the study: Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain, and if you need a recap on this study overall, go to episode 365. But today, we’re looking at supplements and specifically, magnesium. Show Notes: Affiliate Partnerships DITTO - DITTO is a clinically studied P…

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The Hidden Ways Alcohol Weakens Your Immune System 10:54

2M ago10:54

10:54

Ever notice you get sick more often after a night out? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol quietly weakens your immune system — even if you’re not drinking heavily. From disrupting gut health to draining your antioxidants, alcohol impacts far more than your hangovers. You’ll learn: 🧬 How alcohol affects your immune cells and i…

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The Myth of “Safe” Drinking — What Science Says Now 10:32

2M ago10:32

10:32

Is a little really harmless? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the newest research challenging the idea of “safe” or “moderate” drinking — and what mild alcohol use actually does to your brain and body over time. You’ll learn: 🍷 What the latest studies say about “no safe level” of alcohol 🧠 How even small amounts impact sleep, mood, hor…

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Study Spotlight: Can Reducing Alcohol Really Improve Your Endometriosis Pain, and Why? 12:41

2M ago12:41

12:41

In this episode, I am continuing our Study Spotlight Series on the study: Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain. Today we’re looking at the dietary changes findings, and we’re starting with alcohol. Show Notes: This episode is sponsored by Mira, your at-home hormone testing device. Use this link and code 2DJESS20 to get 20%…

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The Tiny Habits That Quietly Add Up 11:22

2M ago11:22

11:22

Ever feel like your drinking habits are “fine” — because they’re small? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the psychology and science of micro-habits around alcohol — the ones that seem harmless but quietly shape your energy, focus, and mood over time. You’ll learn: 🍷 Why those nightly or “occasional” drinks influence your brain and sleep mo…

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That “One More” You Keep Justifying 7:51

2M ago7:51

7:51

Ever wonder what that “one more drink” really costs? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science and psychology behind the most common phrase in drinking culture — “just one more.” You’ll learn: 🍷 How even one extra drink affects your sleep, hormones, and focus the next day 🧠 Why your brain keeps rewarding that decision (and how to re…

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Easy Interstitial Cystitis Trigger Food Swaps to Bring Joy and Flavour Back to Meals 14:07

2M ago14:07

14:07

This episode was inspired by a recent Substack of mine. I have a section in my Substack called ‘What I’m eating lately’ and it’s just a section where I share healthy meal ideas that support us with endo and our many chronic illnesses. I shared how I had started using whole seeds instead of spices for my interstitial cystitis, and I got a really pos…

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The Moment “Normal” Became Too Much 10:56

2M ago10:56

10:56

When did your “normal” drinking start to feel… not so normal anymore? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives deep into that subtle but powerful shift — the moment when alcohol stops feeling like a treat and starts feeling like a habit. You’ll learn: 🥂 Why “normal drinking” slowly creeps into dependency without you realizing it 🧠 How tolerance, str…

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The Psychology Behind “Letting Loose” 9:28

2M ago9:28

9:28

Why do we say we’re “letting loose” when what we’re really doing is trying to escape? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology behind our favorite drinking phrase — and why society has turned “escape” into something we disguise as “fun.” You’ll learn: How “letting loose” became our modern code word for stress relief What’s happenin…

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Using the Mira to Understand How Your Hormones Are Affecting Your ADHD, MCAS, POTS, PMDD and H-EDS Symptoms Across Your Cycle 14:45

3M ago14:45

14:45

Okay, so we are travelling tomorrow and so I thought I’d just be doing a replay today because of time, but something happened with a client yesterday that I was so excited about, I really wanted to share. Now, I am going to be doing more about this in the future, so this isn’t going to be a deep dive episode as I just don’t have the time for that t…

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When Did ‘Normal Drinking’ Start Feeling Like Too Much? 10:49

3M ago10:49

10:49

When did your “normal” drinking start to feel… not so normal? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how casual, everyday drinking quietly evolves from a harmless ritual into something that leaves you foggy, anxious, and wondering what changed. You’ll learn: How habit loops and tolerance make “just one” feel necessary Why emotional numbing h…

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Would You Still Drink If No One Else Did? 9:46

3M ago9:46

9:46

In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks one of the most uncomfortable questions about alcohol — do we drink because we want to, or because everyone else does? You’ll learn: Why social conformity and dopamine make group drinking feel so rewarding How alcohol becomes a stand-in for confidence, connection, and belonging Why ingredients like Ashwagan…

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Study Spotlight: Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain Series - Is Serrapeptase Worth the Hype? 17:08

3M ago17:08

17:08

Today we’re continuing with our Study Spotlight series on the study entitled ‘Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain’. If you’re new to the series and want to understand what this study was about, the strengths and weaknesses and my overall thoughts on the study, go to episode 365, and the link to that is in the show notes. …

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What Have You Missed Because You Were Drinking? 9:43

3M ago9:43

9:43

🎧 How many memories, moments, or opportunities have slipped by while you were drinking? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the quiet cost of alcohol — the birthdays half-remembered, the mornings lost to hangovers, and the life experiences dulled by the buzz. You’ll learn: How alcohol interferes with memory formation and emotional depth Wh…

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Why Do We Drink More When We’re Busy? 9:52

3M ago9:52

9:52

By Mike Hardenbrook & Cloud9

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Study Spotlight: Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain 26:15

3M ago26:15

26:15

Today we’re starting a new series and that’s looking into a major new endometriosis study, and doing a deep dive into the dietary changes and supplements it analysed and individually investigating each of them, so that we have a broader understanding of each of these tools. I won’t necessarily be doing one episode on the series every week, as there…

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Why Do Airports Make Us Drink So Early? 9:49

3M ago9:49

9:49

🎧 Ever wonder why airports make it feel totally normal to order a mimosa at 7AM? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology, biology, and culture behind the airport drinking phenomenon, including: Why airports feel “outside of time” — and how that tricks your brain How stress, social proof, and clever marketing push early cocktail…

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The Sleep Myth Behind the Nightcap 10:33

3M ago10:33

10:33

🎧 A glass of wine to help you sleep? It’s an old idea — and one that still lingers in culture, medicine, and even casual advice. But here’s the truth: the “nightcap” might help you fall asleep faster, but it actually wrecks your sleep quality. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the history and science behind the so-called nightcap, including…

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Navigating ADHD and Chronic Illness in the Workplace and Still Reaching Your Career and Business Goals with Natalia Kasnakidis of The Limitless Collective 1:14:00

3M ago1:14:00

1:14:00

In this week’s episode we are continuing on the ADHD and endometriosis theme, and I have another guest for you - this time, one you may recognise from the show previously; Natalia Kasnakidis. Natalia is an award-winning Career & Performance Coach, Speaker and women’s health advocate – recently recognised by Management Today as one the UK’s 35 Women…

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The Science Behind Alcohol and Anger 9:52

3M ago9:52

9:52

🎧 Why do some people get funnier, sleepier, or more social after a few drinks — while others get angry, loud, or even aggressive? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the science behind alcohol and aggression, including: How alcohol lowers inhibitions and weakens impulse control Why brain chemistry, hormones, and even stress levels can fuel ag…

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Memory Blackouts & Hangover Flashbacks Explained 11:28

3M ago11:28

11:28

🎧 Why does alcohol sometimes wipe your memory clean — while also making you relive embarrassing flashbacks on repeat? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol rewires your brain’s memory system, including: Why blackouts happen (and why you might not remember anything) The science behind “hangxiety flashbacks” the morning after How …

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REPLAY: How Hormones Impact ADHD and the Link Between ADHD, EDS, Dysautonomia and Pain Syndromes with Adele Wimsett 48:59

3M ago48:59

48:59

Following on from last week’s episode about ADHD and menopause, I am resharing my interview with Adele Wimsett, who is talking to us about ADHD and the connection with endometriosis. In this episode we discuss: What ADHD is Why it presents differently in females and cyclical people and what this means for diagnosis How hormones affect ADHD traits W…

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Why Your “Drunk Voice” Sounds So Different 10:57

3M ago10:57

10:57

🎧 Ever noticed your voice sounds totally different after a few drinks? Louder, raspier, maybe even a little slurred? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of your “drunk voice,” including: How alcohol relaxes vocal muscles and changes pitch Why dehydration makes your voice sound hoarse and shaky The brain effects that make you s…

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The Migraine Mystery in Your Glass 10:25

4M ago10:25

10:25

🎧 Why do some drinks give you a migraine while others don’t? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the surprising science of alcohol-triggered migraines — and what might be hiding in your glass. From red wine headaches to tequila troubles, we’ll explore the compounds, brain chemistry, and lifestyle factors that make certain drinks worse tha…

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ADHD and Perimenopause in Endometriosis Patients with Dr Helen Wall 1:16:35

4M ago1:16:35

1:16:35

Dr Helen Wall is an NHS doctor, who runs a menopause clinic and is passionate about spreading awareness of ADHD in women, especially in perimenopause. She is a resident doctor on the BBC and a columnist for Woman Magazine. With those of us with endo more likely to have ADHD, and symptoms worsening during perimenopause, I invited Dr Helen onto the s…

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The Real Science Behind Hangover Hell 11:58

4M ago11:58

11:58

🎧 Ever wonder why some nights leave you totally wrecked, while others barely touch you — even if you drank the same amount? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the real science behind hangovers, including: Why darker drinks like whiskey and red wine tend to cause harsher hangovers than vodka or gin The role of congeners, sugar, and dehydratio…

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Can Alcohol Change Your Sense of Time? 10:13

4M ago10:13

10:13

🎧 Ever gone out for “just one drink” and suddenly the whole night disappears? Or wake up the next morning and feel like time is crawling at half speed? That’s not just your imagination — alcohol literally changes how your brain perceives time. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of alcohol and time perception, including: How a…

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New Research on Seed Cycling for PMS and Menstrual Pain 13:45

4M ago13:45

13:45

Seed cycling. You might have heard of it, you might have tried it, you might have had your doctor dismiss it or you may think it’s just another wellness trend. But admittedly, whilst it’s trendy, it’s not just hype. Show notes Flax studies https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/77/5/1215/2649961?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false https://p…

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The Surprising Link Between Music and Alcohol 8:28

4M ago8:28

8:28

🎧 Ever notice how a drink tastes better when the right song is playing? That’s not just the vibe — it’s neuroscience. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks how music literally changes the way alcohol tastes and feels, including: Why fast beats make you sip quicker while slow music makes drinks feel smoother How pitch, tempo, and volume shape yo…

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Does Alcohol Actually Make You More Creative? 8:40

4M ago8:40

8:40

🎧 Does alcohol really unlock creativity — or is that just a myth we love to romanticize? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook digs into the science (and the hype) behind alcohol and creativity, including: Why that first drink can feel like it frees your ideas — and why it’s mostly just lowered inhibitions How alcohol actually slows memory, focus, and …