Best Mike Hardenbrook Podcasts (2025)

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

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3d 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

3d 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

4d 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

5d 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

6d 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

10d 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

10d 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

11d 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

12d 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

13d 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

17d 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

17d 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

18d 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

19d 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

20d 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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The Subconscious Solution: How Hypnotherapy Can Transform Your Habits w/ Ethan Reis 43:43

24d 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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What Have You Missed Because You Were Drinking? 9:43

24d 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

25d 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

27d 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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Why Do Airports Make Us Drink So Early? 9:49

1M 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 Lie We Tell Ourselves About ‘Moderate’ Drinking w/ Molly Watts 34:11

1M 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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The Sleep Myth Behind the Nightcap 10:33

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…

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

1M 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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What Is Somatic EMDR? How Trauma Gets Trapped in the Body w/ Sonal Kalra 33:28

1M ago33:28

33:28

In Part 2, I’m joined again by Sonal Kalra, founder of Connect Meditation and a trauma-informed mindfulness teacher who blends Eastern wisdom with modern neuroscience. She breaks down the basics of somatic healing and EMDR, explaining how trauma and stress live in the body—not just the mind. We talk about how the nervous system can stay stuck in su…

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Mindfulness for People Who Don’t Meditate w/ Sonal Kalra 27:09

2M ago27:09

27:09

Hey, it’s Mike. Today I’m joined by Sonal Kalra—founder of Connect Meditation and a teacher who blends Eastern wisdom with modern science. She grew up with meditation as part of everyday life in India, but it wasn’t until the stress of business school and corporate HR that she realized how powerful it really was. Now she teaches trauma-sensitive mi…

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The Migraine Mystery in Your Glass 10:25

2M 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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Why 3 p.m. Makes Drinking Harder (And How to Fix It) 12:31

2M ago12:31

12:31

Ever notice how cravings seem to sneak up in the late afternoon—right around 3 p.m.? That’s not just you, and it’s not random. It’s your body clock, blood sugar, and hydration all working against you at the same time. In this 10-Minute Monday, Mike breaks down the science behind the afternoon slump, why it makes alcohol more tempting, and the four …

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The Real Science Behind Hangover Hell 11:58

2M 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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How High Performers Can Fuel Energy Without Burning Out w/ Rob Tracz 28:16

2M ago28:16

28:16

In Part 2 of my chat with performance coach Rob Tracz, we go from personal story to practical tools. Rob walks us through his JEEP Framework—how to fuel your body, clean up your inputs, and create an environment that actually supports your goals. We get into energy, resilience, alcohol, and why trying to “power through” usually backfires. If you’re…

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The Wake Up Call That Changed Everything for Rob Tracz 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

Rob Tracz is a performance coach to founders, athletes, and high achievers—but he wasn’t always living in alignment. At one point, he was doing 17 client sessions a day, 7 days a week, using alcohol just to shut his brain off. His health was slipping, relationships crumbling, and the hustle culture he thought was helping… was actually hiding what r…

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The Strong Myth, Men, and Alcohol 10:50

2M ago10:50

10:50

Many men are taught that strength means staying quiet and handling stress alone. But silence often pushes stress toward drinking and distance at home. In this episode, Mike shares his personal story, explains what the research shows about how men and women cope differently, and offers practical ways couples can support each other without judgment—b…

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Can Alcohol Change Your Sense of Time? 10:13

2M 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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Cortisol, Sleep, and Drinking Smarter in Midlife w/ Dr. Christine Boev 27:12

2M ago27:12

27:12

Alright, we’re back with doctor Christine Boev—former ICU nurse and the founder of Master Menopause. If you haven’t heard Part One, we broke down what actually shifts after 35—hormones, workouts, body comp—and how to support yourself or your partner through it. In this second half, we start with Christine’s mic-drop moment: ‘alcohol is fertilizer f…

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The Surprising Link Between Music and Alcohol 8:28

2M 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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After 35: Hormone Changes, Smarter Training, and HRT Basics w/ Dr. Christine Boev 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

Today I’m excited to have Doctor Christine Boev on the show. She comes out of critical care nursing, went on to a PhD, taught as a nursing professor, and now coaches women through her program Master Menopause. In Part One we’re keeping it practical: what really shifts after 35, which symptoms are common vs. not, why chasing fat burn with stressy wo…

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Does Alcohol Actually Make You More Creative? 8:40

2M 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 …

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4 Mindset Resets to Win the Next 30 Minutes 9:09

2M ago9:09

9:09

Slipped a little over Labor Day? Or maybe you stayed strong and want to ride that momentum into the week? In this episode, Mike shares 4 mindset resets that help you stop looping in shame, bounce back faster, shrink the challenge into something doable, and use the weekend as information instead of a verdict. Backed by neuroscience and delivered in …

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The 5 Pillars of Crafting Mocktails w/ Lila Volkas 22:45

2M ago22:45

22:45

In part two, I’m back with Lila Volkas — Certified Nutrition Consultant and co-creator of Mocktail School. She’s taught Fortune 500 companies how to replace happy hour with wellness-focused mocktail classes. Today, she shares her five-pillar framework for building alcohol-free drinks that actually rival cocktails. You’ll learn how to add complexity…

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Would You Still Drink If It Wasn’t Cool? 10:02

2M ago10:02

10:02

Would you still drink if it didn’t come with the image? The vibe? The “cool factor”? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol’s popularity has more to do with marketing than biology — and why many of us are drinking for identity, not enjoyment. You’ll learn: How alcohol became the default symbol of adulthood, rebellion, and connect…

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Why Companies Are Replacing Happy Hour with Mocktails w/ Lila Volkas 23:31

2M ago23:31

23:31

Lila Volkas, Certified Nutrition Consultant and co-creator of Mocktail School, is helping Fortune 500 companies swap beer taps for mocktail classes. After cutting out alcohol for her own health, she saw how flat the non-alcoholic world was—and built a better way. In this episode, she shares her journey, why companies are rethinking drinking culture…

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Are Non-Alcohol Drinks Really Healthier? 11:56

2M ago11:56

11:56

Non-alcoholic beer is trending hard — but is it actually healthier, or just beer in disguise? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the science and hype behind the non-alcoholic beer boom, exploring: What “non-alcoholic” really means (spoiler: it’s not always 0.0%) Why NA beer doesn’t wreck your sleep like regular booze — but still isn’t a w…

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Why Boredom Makes You Want to Drink (And What to Do Instead) 11:46

2M ago11:46

11:46

Ever notice how some of your strongest drinking urges hit when absolutely nothing is wrong? You're not stressed or celebrating, just existing on a Friday night, and somehow your brain decides that unstimulated time requires alcohol. In this episode, I get personal about my own boredom drinking patterns and share the science behind why boredom feels…

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Gut Health, Hormones & Everyday Energy w/ Karin Adoni 24:34

2M ago24:34

24:34

In Part Two of my conversation with Karin Adoni, nutritionist and author, we dive into real-life strategies for supporting gut health and balancing hormones. Karin shares simple swaps to reduce toxins, boost energy, and feel better day to day. We close with a rapid-fire round of her best tips for sleep, cravings, and mindful living. Want to drink l…

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The Alcohol-Work Trap 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

Ever feel like you “deserve” that glass of wine after a long day? You’re not alone — but what if that after-work ritual is doing more harm than good? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the psychological and biological trap of using alcohol as a reward, including: How alcohol hijacks your brain’s dopamine and cortisol systems Why drinking …