Best Mike Hardenbrook Podcasts (2025)

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

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1d 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

5h 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

2d 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

4d 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

4d 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

8d 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

8d 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

10d 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

10d 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

12d 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

16d 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

16d 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

17d 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

17d 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

18d 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

23d 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

23d 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

24d 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

25d 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

25d 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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Would You Still Drink If It Wasn’t Cool? 10:02

30d 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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The 5 Pillars of Crafting Mocktails w/ Lila Volkas 22:45

30d 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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Why Companies Are Replacing Happy Hour with Mocktails w/ Lila Volkas 23:31

1M 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

30d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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 …

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From Eating Disorders to Empowered Nutrition w/ Karin Adoni 22:53

1M ago22:53

22:53

This week I’m joined by Karin Adoni, clinical nutritionist, founder of EMII Supplements, and author of three books on clean living. In Part One, Karin shares her powerful journey through eating disorders, how she rebuilt her health, and why food — much like alcohol — can become a way to cope or control. Her story offers deep insights into mindfulne…

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“Everyone Drinks Like This” — The Normalization That Keeps You Stuck 8:45

1M ago8:45

8:45

We’ve all heard it: “Everyone drinks like this.” But… do they? And more importantly—should we? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the myth of “normal” drinking and how that phrase has quietly normalized behaviors that might actually be hurting us more than helping. From gray area drinking to social pressure, we explore how culture, neuro…

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Feeling Stuck? Zoom Out to See Your Real Progress 9:37

1M ago9:37

9:37

In this episode, we zoom out—on the past 30 days, the summer, and even the year so far—to see the real changes you’ve made. Progress isn’t always obvious day to day, but when you step back, the picture looks very different. You’ll learn why your brain is wired to miss small wins, what the science says about tracking change over time, and how Sunnys…

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Goals & Growth W/ Mark Victor Hansen 33:35

1M ago33:35

33:35

Welcome back to Part Two of my conversation with my friend Mark Victor Hansen—co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of over a billion books sold worldwide, including his latest, Ask! The Bridge From Your Dreams to Your Destiny, and classics like One Minute Millionaire and The Power of Focus. In Part One, we explored his early inspirati…

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How to Build a Night Routine Without Wine 8:15

1M ago8:15

8:15

It’s the myth we’ve all heard (or lived): “A glass of wine helps me sleep.” But what if that glass is actually wrecking your rest? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the sneaky truth about alcohol and sleep. Spoiler: that cozy buzz might knock you out fast, but it’s also ruining your REM, messing with your stress hormones, and leaving yo…

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons & Mindful Change W/ Mark Victor Hansen 33:03

1M ago33:03

33:03

I’m honored today to sit down with my friend Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of dozens of life-changing books—altogether, he’s sold over one billion copies worldwide. His newest release, Ask! The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny, dives into how life’s most powerful transformations often begin with a bet…

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Can One Month Off Alcohol Really Change Your Health? 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

Thinking about hitting 'pause' on alcohol for a month, but wondering if it's really worth it? Can 30 days actually move the needle on your health, energy, and mental clarity? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the incredible transformation your body and mind undergo during a 30-day "Alcohol Reset": What really happens to your sleep, skin…

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Burn the Mental Clutter and Move On 7:36

2M ago7:36

7:36

If your head feels crowded this Monday—maybe with weekend regrets, to-do list stress, or just that heavy “where do I start?” feeling—this 10-minute reset is for you. We’ll clear the noise, release what’s weighing you down, and choose one small action you can influence today. Backed by research on expressive writing and behavior change, this quick e…

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The Secret to a Healthy Liver After Parties 7:37

2M ago7:37

7:37

Had one of those weekends where the drinks kept flowing and the snacks didn’t stop? That Monday fog, the bloat, the weird fatigue—that’s your liver waving a white flag. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into what really happens to your liver after a big night out and how to bounce back without going full detox mode. From how alcohol and junk …

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The New Way to Help People Change w/ Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, PhD 38:58

2M ago38:58

38:58

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Dr. Andrew Tatarsky. If you missed part one, we unpacked the roots of the abstinence-only model and why it often fails to support the majority of people seeking help for substance use. Today, we pick up with Andrew’s personal turning point — the moment he began questioning that system from the inside…

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Rethinking Recovery: Where the System Fails w/ Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, PhD 23:01

2M ago23:01

23:01

Ever since our first interview, I’ve come to deeply respect today’s guest — and I’m grateful to now call him a close friend. Dr. Andrew Tatarsky is a clinical psychologist, author, and one of the pioneers of harm reduction psychotherapy — a model that’s helped thousands of people build a better relationship with substances, even if abstinence isn’t…

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Feel Better Fast: The 10-Minute Reset That Works 8:42

2M ago8:42

8:42

Start your week with a reset that actually sticks. In just 10 minutes, you’ll move through a powerful science-backed flow: a quick gratitude shift, a habit win to anchor progress, a guided intention to move you forward, and a simple breath technique proven to calm your nervous system fast. No fluff. No pressure. Just a mental tune-up you can come b…

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How We’re Building Sunnyside w/ Steve Lloyd 28:42

2M ago28:42

28:42

Today we’re pulling back the curtain so you can meet one of the key people behind what we’re building at Sunnyside. Steve Lloyd is our Chief Product and Technology Officer—and before joining us, he spent a decade helping grow Strava into one of the world’s most loved fitness platforms. In this episode, you’ll hear what brought Steve to Sunnyside, w…

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Can Drinking Make You More Anxious Over Time? 8:01

2M ago8:01

8:01

Can drinking actually cause anxiety — not just help it? Turns out, the answer is way more complicated than we think. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the tangled relationship between alcohol and anxiety — and why your evening glass of wine might be quietly messing with your mental health. Backed by new research and real-world insight, this…

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When Success Isn’t Enough: ADHD, Alcohol, and a Wake‑Up Call w/ Rick Culleton 48:15

2M ago48:15

48:15

Rick Culleton is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and CEO who’s built multiple multimillion-dollar companies over the past four decades. But behind the success was a daily drinking habit—used not to party, but to manage stress, anxiety, and undiagnosed ADHD. Rick drank for nearly 40 years, all while running high-growth businesses and appearing to…

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Feeling Like Moderation Is Hard? You’re Not Alone 12:05

2M ago12:05

12:05

If you’ve ever wondered why moderating your drinking feels harder than you expected, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong. Mike explains the surprising mental load that comes with moderation, why it’s not a failure to need a break, and how to find the right path for your season of life. A must-listen for anyone navigating the middle gro…

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Emotional Sobriety, Cravings, and Nervous System Repair w/ Colleen Freeland 34:51

2M ago34:51

34:51

Most people try to change their drinking by focusing on the alcohol itself. But if you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck reacting the same way over and over, there’s a reason — and it’s not just in your head. It’s in your body. In this episode, I’m joined again by Colleen Freeland, a master life coach and addiction recovery specialist who helps high-a…

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How Alcohol Interferes with Your Goals (Without You Noticing) 9:39

2M ago9:39

9:39

Feel like your goals keep stalling—but can’t figure out why? That evening drink might be playing a bigger role than you think. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the sneaky ways alcohol can slow your momentum, including: • How drinking messes with motivation, routines, and follow-through • Why even “just a couple” can derail your next-da…

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Reset Your Dopamine: 5 Simple Steps to Reduce Cravings 12:14

2M ago12:14

12:14

Why is it so hard to stop at one drink — or to stop reaching for your phone, your fridge, or another quick fix? In this episode, we’ll explore how your brain’s dopamine system drives cravings and what you can do to reset it. You’ll learn five practical steps to feel calmer, more satisfied, and less pulled toward habits that don’t actually serve you…

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Not an Alcoholic. Not Sober. Truly Free. Here’s How w/ Colleen Freeland 27:41

3M ago27:41

27:41

Today we’re talking with Colleen Freeland. She’s a master life coach and addiction recovery specialist who helps high-achieving women cut their drinking by 80% without labeling themselves or committing to a lifetime of sobriety. I align so much with her work — because just like we teach here, it’s not really about the alcohol. It’s about how you th…

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What Your 4th of July Really Revealed About Your Drinking 12:43

3M ago12:43

12:43

Big weekends like the 4th aren’t just about fireworks — they reveal how your drinking habits really show up under pressure. In this episode, Mike breaks down why your brain acted the way it did, how to learn from it without guilt, and why celebrating your wins matters just as much as fixing slip-ups. Perfect for anyone moderating or taking a break,…

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Why Your Sleep Gets Worse Before It Gets Better 12:56

3M ago12:56

12:56

Everyone knows alcohol messes with sleep — but nobody really talks about what happens when you actually start drinking less. Because here’s the weird part: your sleep might actually get worse before it gets better. So today, I’ll break down why that happens, how long it really takes your brain and body to reset, and what you can do in the meantime …

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When Drinking Becomes a Personality Trait 7:23

3M ago7:23

7:23

“Party girl.” “Wine guy.” “Shot o’clock.” When did drinking become a personality? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores how alcohol can shift from a casual habit to a core part of your identity — and what that means for your brain, behavior, and sense of self. Backed by science and real stories, this episode breaks down the cultural, psycholog…