Best Mike Hardenbrook Podcasts (2025)

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When Celebration Becomes a Coping Mechanism 9:07

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1d 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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The Top 5 Myths Mindful Drinkers Still Believe 9:24

1d ago9:24

9:24

Even when you’re drinking less and feeling better, certain beliefs can quietly make the whole process feel harder than it needs to be. In this episode, we break down five common myths that influence how you interpret cravings, off-nights, progress, and your own capacity for change. Once you see these myths clearly, the entire journey feels lighter …

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When One Drink Starts Feeling Like Three 9:49

6d 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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Is Your Gut Driving Your Cravings? 12:17

7d ago12:17

12:17

In this episode, Mike explores a surprising angle on cravings: the role your gut plays in when and why they show up. Drawing on new research about the gut–brain axis, he explains how alcohol, stress, blood sugar swings, and even sleep can influence the signals your gut sends to your brain — and how those signals can feel like cravings. You’ll learn…

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Why Your Brain Confuses Rest with Relief 9:23

9d 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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Your Post-Thanksgiving Reset Starts Here 10:23

10d ago10:23

10:23

Thanksgiving shakes up your routines, your sleep, your stress, and your drinking rhythm — even when you’ve been doing the work. In this episode, we break down what the weekend actually revealed about your habits, why it felt harder or easier than expected, and how to use that insight to steady yourself for December. This is your post-Thanksgiving r…

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The Thanksgiving Pairing We Never Questioned 9:47

10d 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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7 Strategies to Stay on Track and Still Enjoy Thanksgiving 10:28

15d ago10:28

10:28

It sounds cheesy, but at this time of year here at Sunnyside we're always incredibly grateful for you, our Sunnyside members. You bring us inspiration through your success stories and the effort you put into bettering yourselves. And you make us better at what we do. Sunnyside is our life's work, and we're proud to be on this journey with you. In t…

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

16d 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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10 Cognitive Distortions That Tell You “You’re Not Getting Better” 11:03

17d ago11:03

11:03

You can stick to your plan most of the week, make better choices, feel more aware—and still wake up after one off night and think, “Nothing’s changing. I knew I’d end up right back here.” That moment has less to do with the drinking, and more to do with the thoughts that rush in after. In psychology, these are called cognitive distortions—mental ha…

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

21d 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 Four Pillars of Letting Go Without Going All-or-Nothing w/ Jeanette Hu 33:42

21d ago33:42

33:42

When most people hear the word sobriety, they think labels, meetings, or giving something up. For Jeanette Hu, it meant something very different. She spent years drinking daily— and when she tried to change, she didn’t fully connect with the traditional path. So she became a psychotherapist and started studying belief, identity, and the emotional r…

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The Rise of the “Low-Key” Buzz 9:49

23d 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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The Emotional Levels Behind Why You Drink 11:03

24d ago11:03

11:03

We all drink for different reasons — stress, relief, habit, escape, connection — but underneath those behaviors is something deeper: the emotional level we’re operating from. Today, I’m using the framework from Power vs. Force by Dr. David Hawkins to break down why we drink from shame, anxiety, anger, desire, and pride… and why we feel worse afterw…

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Real Stories from Sunnyside Med - Using Medication to Quiet the Voice w/Ian Andersen 54:03

28d ago54:03

54:03

Today we're continuing the conversation around Sunnyside Med - I’m joined again by co-founder Ian Andersen to talk about what’s new, his own personal experience taking medication, and what members are actually seeing in the real world. We get honest about what the typical experience looks like — the wins, the challenges, and even the side effects —…

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Gen Z’s Quiet Rebellion Against Booze 9:57

28d 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

30d 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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The False Summit: When One Is Never Enough — Part 1 12:28

1M ago12:28

12:28

I used to say, “I don’t want a beer — I want a six-pack.” It always got a laugh, but underneath that joke was something real: one never felt like enough. In this episode, I unpack why we keep chasing that next drink even after the good feeling has already arrived—and how learning to spot that moment can completely shift your relationship with alcoh…

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The Hidden Ways Alcohol Weakens Your Immune System 10:54

1M 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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How One Mom Cut Her Drinking in Half with Sunnyside w/ Ada Avdic 51:37

1M ago51:37

51:37

Today I’m talking with Ada Avdic — a full-time content creator, mom, and beauty expert who thought she didn’t really drink all that much. But once she started tracking with Sunnyside, she realized she was drinking more than she thought — and that small changes could make a big difference. In this episode, Ada shares how she cut her drinking in half…

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

1M 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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9 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Without Losing Control 10:51

1M ago10:51

10:51

The holidays can test even the strongest intentions — parties, family, travel, and constant pressure to drink or “let loose.” In this 10-Minute Monday, Mike shares 9 ways to stay balanced, protect your peace, and actually enjoy the season. You’ll learn how to plan ahead, handle tough moments, and start the new year proud of how you showed up — clea…

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How Parents Can Show Up When Alcohol Enters the Picture w/ Joanna Lilley 23:52

1M ago23:52

23:52

Once you understand what drinking looks like through a young person’s eyes, the next question is… what can you actually do as a parent? These years can feel like walking a tightrope — you want to guide and protect them, but you also don’t want to push them away. In this episode, I talk with therapeutic consultant Joanna Lilly about how parents can …

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The Tiny Habits That Quietly Add Up 11:22

1M 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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Why Teens Really Start Drinking w/ Joanna Lilley 31:25

1M ago31:25

31:25

For most young people, their first drink isn’t about getting drunk — it’s about feeling like they belong. When we see it through that lens, the whole conversation changes. In this episode, I talk with therapeutic consultant Joanna Lilly about what’s really driving early drinking — identity, belonging, and pressure to fit in. We talk about how exper…

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That “One More” You Keep Justifying 7:51

1M 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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Could a Daily Pill Help You Drink Less? Let's Chat About Naltrexone 11:20

1M ago11:20

11:20

Today I’m sharing something that more people should know about… but most still don’t. It’s called naltrexone — a prescription medication that can actually help reduce how rewarding alcohol feels. That “buzz” or dopamine spike? This blunts it, making it easier to drink less without relying on willpower alone. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: …

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Behind the Zero Proof Boom w/ Sean Goldsmith 23:56

2M ago23:56

23:56

Welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! If you listened to Part One, we talked about the cultural shift behind the rise of NA drinks. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the business side. Sean Goldsmith, co-founder of The Zero Proof, shares how he went from blogging about the movement to running one of the largest online NA retail…

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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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Why NA Drinks Are Winning the Culture War w/ Sean Goldsmith 24:41

2M ago24:41

24:41

Hey everyone, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside. Today’s conversation is a fun one — because it’s not just about drinking less, it’s about what’s happening around us. Gallup just reported record-low drinking rates in the U.S., and you can feel this cultural shift everywhere — from grocery aisles to restaurant menus. To unpack what’s going on…

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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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What You’re Feeling Isn’t Just a Hangover 11:29

2M ago11:29

11:29

Light anxiety. Brain fog. Cravings. It’s not random — it’s your nervous system recalibrating after alcohol. In this episode, Mike breaks down how mini withdrawals work, why they quietly fuel drinking habits, and how to reset your baseline. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnysid…

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

2M 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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The Wild Years, the Wake-Up, and Finding Balance w/ Martin Silva 30:37

2M ago30:37

30:37

In this episode, Martin Silva returns for a conversation on how his relationship with alcohol and health has evolved over the years. Martin is a transformation and performance coach with more than 20 years in the fitness world. We talk about the wild early days, how drinking fit into that chapter, and what changed as his goals and priorities shifte…

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The Dark Side of ‘Healthy’: Why This Fitness Pro Walked Away from Extremes w/ Martin Silva 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

Today I’m joined by Martin Silva — a transformation and performance coach with more than 20 years in the health and fitness world. He’s a former pro physique competitor who knows firsthand how easy it is to cross the line from healthy habits into obsession. In this episode, we talk about his early years in fitness, what the extreme side of that wor…

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

2M 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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I Quit Drinking… and Found a New Problem 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

When you cut back or quit drinking, it’s easy to assume everything will automatically fall into place—better energy, clearer sleep, sharper focus. And for many of us, that does happen. But sometimes, something sneaky slips in through the back door. In this episode, Mike shares his personal story of what happened nearly a year after quitting alcohol…

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

2M 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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The Subconscious Solution: How Hypnotherapy Can Transform Your Habits w/ Ethan Reis 43:43

2M ago43:43

43:43

You’ve probably heard that 95% of what we do is driven by the subconscious. So what happens when you learn how to work with it—on purpose? In this episode, Mike sits down with hypnotherapist Ethan Reis to unpack how hypnotherapy helps rewire the brain, calm the nervous system, and make lasting behavior change actually stick. They explore the scienc…

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

2M ago9:52

9:52

By Mike Hardenbrook & Cloud9

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Using Alcohol for Pain Relief? Here’s What You Should Know 11:47

2M ago11:47

11:47

If you’ve been reaching for a drink to take the edge off back pain, sore joints, or help you sleep through the night, you’re not alone. For many, alcohol feels like the only thing that works. But new research shows it may actually worsen pain over time. In this 10-Minute Monday, we unpack what’s really happening in your body—and better ways to find…

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The Lie We Tell Ourselves About ‘Moderate’ Drinking w/ Molly Watts 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

We love to tell ourselves stories about alcohol: I only drink wine, so it’s fine. I need a drink to relax. At least I’m not like them. For Molly Watts — author, coach, and host of The Alcohol Minimalist podcast — those stories fueled decades of daily drinking, even while she told herself she was just a “moderate” drinker. In this episode, Molly sha…

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

2M 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

2M 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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Is Naltrexone right for you? Learn all about Sunnyside Med w/ Nick Allen , CEO of Sunnyside 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

Today I am sitting down with Nick Allen, CEO of Sunnyside, for an important conversation about a new direction in alcohol health. For years, medication has been seen as a last resort for people at rock bottom, but what we're seeing now is that it can play a role much earlier as both a preventative step and a corrective tool, helping people build a …

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The Five Pillars That Help You Drink Less w/ Erica Mallery 20:35

3M ago20:35

20:35

We’re back with Erica Mallery, founder of Shameover and a coach who helps women transform their relationship with alcohol. In this second part of our conversation, Erica shares her five pillars for lasting change. You’ll learn how each step builds awareness, rewires habits, and helps you gain confidence in your choices. Erica also explains why harm…

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The Science Behind Alcohol and Anger 9:52

2M 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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The Subtle Signs It’s Time to Reevaluate Drinking w/ Erica Mallery 29:25

3M ago29:25

29:25

Today’s guest is Erica Mallery, founder of Shameover and a coach who helps women transform their relationship with alcohol. In this first part of our conversation, Erica shares the subtle signs that told her it was time to make a change — including the unforgettable moment when her toddler handed her a wine glass. You’ll learn why waiting for rock …

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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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4 Hidden Costs of Drinking Beyond the Hangover 11:32

3M ago11:32

11:32

Most of us only think about drinking in terms of the night itself or the morning-after regret. But alcohol carries costs that sneak into the spaces between—affecting your patience, your relationships, your creativity, and even your sense of connection. In this episode, I unpack four overlooked ways alcohol leaves its mark long after the glass is em…