Shows
Journey to the SunnysideThis One Question Will Change the Way You DrinkTracking your drinks matters — it’s a core part of how Sunnyside helps you stay mindful. But if you’ve ever had a “dry day” and still felt off… this episode explains why. Mike shares a story from a listener who realized the biggest shift didn’t come from how many drinks she had — but from asking one powerful question: “Is this aligned with my values?” In this quick, science-backed episode, you’ll learn how to pair counting with reflection to build habits that actually stick — and feel good doing it. Because when your why is clear, the numbers start to take care of the...2025-06-2306 min
Journey to the SunnysideThe Science Behind Tracking Your DrinksThink tracking your drinks is too simple to make a difference? Think again. In this episode, Mike breaks down the neuroscience behind why logging your alcohol intake is one of the most powerful ways to take control of your habits—without guilt, pressure, or perfection. You’ll learn how tracking interrupts the habit loop, builds self-awareness, and helps rewire your brain for long-term change. Plus, hear how real Sunnyside members are using this simple practice to drink less, feel better, and stay consistent. Whether you’re cutting back, taking a break, or just curious—this episode gives you the tools to...2025-06-1010 min
Journey to the SunnysideDo I Deserve to Drink? Unpacking the Reward Loop w/ Ian AndersenIn this episode, I sit down with Ian Andersen, cofounder of Sunnyside, to unpack a question that’s more common than you think: “Do I deserve to drink?” We talk openly about our own experiences — how alcohol became tied to celebration, stress relief, even a sense of identity — and why that mindset can be both comforting and dangerous. We explore what it really means to earn a drink, how to recognize the deeper beliefs behind it, and how to shift the narrative if it’s no longer serving you.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go...2025-06-0523 min
Journey to the Sunnyside10 Things to Do When You’re Bored from Drinking LessCutting back on alcohol can feel like the right move—until boredom hits. Suddenly, that space where drinking used to live feels…empty. But here’s the truth: boredom isn’t a problem. It’s a signal that your brain is ready for something new. In this episode of Journey to the Sunnyside, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol fills more than time—it fills gaps like stress, transition, connection, and reward. So when you take it out, you’ve got to replace the ingredient, not just the habit. Mike shares 10 creative, neuroscience-backed ways to transform boredom into a spark for chan...2025-06-0209 min
Journey to the SunnysideHow Sunnyside Helped Charlie Break a 40-Year Drinking Habit at 71After four decades of drinking, Charlie didn’t think he’d ever stop—until a health scare changed everything. At 71, he turned to Sunnyside as a way to start exploring a new path. Just two weeks in, he decided to quit entirely. One year later, Charlie is not only alcohol-free—he’s thriving. In this episode, he shares what finally made it click, why Sunnyside’s support still matters even after quitting, and what he’s learned about change, identity, and living with clarity.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for...2025-05-2933 min
Journey to the SunnysideMindful Drinking This Summer: A Strategy for Clarity and ControlSummer is here, and with it, the familiar pressure to drink. In this episode of Journey to the Sunnyside, Mike shares a strategic approach to mindful drinking that helps you stay in control, set clear boundaries, and enjoy the season on your terms. Whether you’re trying Dry July or simply want to make intentional choices at summer BBQs and beach trips, Mike walks you through how to identify your pressure points, plan your responses, and track your progress throughout the summer. Tune in for practical, actionable strategies that will help you create a summer experience that’s clear, pres...2025-05-1910 min
Journey to the SunnysideIf You’ve Tried and Failed Before, Start HereMost people don’t fail at changing their drinking because they’re weak — they fail because they’ve been given the wrong approach. In this episode, I share the mindset shift that changed everything for me. It’s not about labels, shame, or quitting forever. It’s about finding a path that’s actually sustainable — one that works with how real behavior change happens. You’ll hear how this plays out inside the Sunnyside experience, plus insights from leading experts like Dr. Jason Kilmer and Dr. Andrew Tatarsky on why this approach is helping more people feel better, faster. If other methods h...2025-05-0509 min
Journey to the Sunnyside10-Minute Mondays: How to Hack the "Alcohol Effect"In last week’s conversation with Dr. Jason Kilmer, we uncovered something shocking—most of what we think alcohol does for us isn’t actually caused by alcohol itself. We like to believe that drinking makes us more confident, social, and relaxed, but Jason’s research proves that our brains create these effects based on expectation, not the drink itself.In this 10-Minute Monday, I’m breaking down Jason’s groundbreaking experiment where participants acted drunk even when they weren’t drinking, simply because they believed they had alcohol. Meanwhile, those who actually drank but didn’t think they had alcohol...2025-03-1710 min
Journey to the SunnysideThis Mind-Blowing Study Fooled Drinkers—What It Means for You w/ Jason KilmerWhy do you drink more in certain situations—even when you don’t plan to? What if I told you it has nothing to do with alcohol itself? Dr. Jason Kilmer has spent over 20 years researching the psychology of drinking behaviors at the University of Washington, where he’s helped develop groundbreaking interventions funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). His work focuses on how our expectations, social environments, and even the way a drink is served can completely alter how much we consume.In today’...2025-03-1343 min
Journey to the SunnysideWhat Your Kids Really Think About Your Drinking (And Why It Matters)Do your kids notice when you drink? And if they do, what message are they taking away from it? In this episode, I break down a Parents magazine article on parental drinking habits and share my own perspective as a dad of three. We’ll dive into how kids perceive alcohol, what research says about its influence, and simple ways to model intentional drinking. Whether you’re a casual drinker or just curious about the topic, this episode will give you something to think about. Tune in for an honest, no-judgment conversation on what our kids are really learning from...2025-03-1009 min
Journey to the SunnysideHow to Stop Self-Sabotaging (For Good) w/ Carrie LupoliEver feel like you're making progress, only to backslide into old habits? That’s self-sabotage, and it’s not just about willpower—it’s wired into how our brains work. But here’s the good news: you can break the cycle.In this episode, I’m sitting down with Carrie Lupoli, a certified nutritionist, behavioral expert, and award-winning educator who has helped thousands of people rewire their mindset and transform their health. She’s built her career on disrupting the diet industry and teaching people how to break free from unhealthy cycles—without deprivation or guilt.We’re unpackin...2025-03-0638 min
Journey to the SunnysideHow to Drink Less Around Friends Without Making It a Big DealToday, I’m answering a listener question about something a lot of people struggle with—how to drink less around friends without making it weird or awkward. Cutting back can feel great, but what happens when your social life still revolves around alcohol? You don’t want to make it a big deal, but you also don’t want to feel pressured or have to explain yourself all night.In this episode, I’ll break down exactly how to navigate drinking less in social settings while keeping things natural and comfortable. You’ll learn why friends sometimes pu...2025-03-0514 min
Journey to the Sunnyside10 Minute Mondays: Is Overthinking Alcohol a Red Flag? What It Really MeansEver feel like alcohol is taking up way too much space in your head—even when you’re cutting back or sticking to your goals? You’re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the big question: Is overthinking alcohol a red flag? I’ll break down why this happens, what it actually means, and how to shift your focus so it’s no longer running the show. If you’ve ever worried that thinking about alcohol too much means you’re on the brink of slipping back, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it.Want to drink...2025-03-0310 min
Journey to the SunnysideA Journey from Alcohol Struggles to Pro Bodybuilder w/ Anne Marie ChakerAnne Marie Chaker spent 27 years as a journalist at The Wall Street Journal, but behind the success, she was struggling. After a series of personal losses, alcohol became her way to cope—until a chance encounter in a hotel gym changed everything. In this episode, she shares how strength training helped her break free from extremes, transform her mindset, and rebuild her life. We also dive into insights from her upcoming book, LIFT, where she challenges the “skinny ideal” and explores why building strength is the real key to confidence and longevity. If you’ve ever struggled with moderation, fitness...2025-02-2734 min
Journey to the Sunnyside10-Minute Mondays: Why Motivation Won’t Save You (And What Actually Works)Motivation gets you started, but it won’t keep you going. That’s why so many people start cutting back on alcohol, feel amazing at first, and then suddenly hit a wall. So what do you do when the excitement wears off and old habits creep back in? In this episode, we’ll break down why motivation fades (it’s not your fault), the science behind it, and five powerful strategies to stay on track—without relying on willpower. If you’ve ever thought Why is this getting harder?, this one’s for you. Want to drink less with...2025-02-2411 min
Journey to the SunnysideThe Dark Side of Discipline: Why You’re Focused on the Wrong Thing w/ Craig BallantyneMost of us have been told that success comes down to grinding harder, waking up at 5 AM, and pushing through with sheer willpower. But what if I told you that might actually be holding you back?Today, I’ve got Craig Ballantyne on the show. If you don’t know Craig, he’s the guy who’s helped over 250 entrepreneurs become millionaires—not by doing more, but by focusing on the right things. He’s the author of The Perfect Day Formula, Unstoppable, and his brand-new book The Dark Side of Discipline, where he completely flips the script on wh...2025-02-2049 min
Journey to the Sunnyside7 Scientific Reasons You Feel Guilty After Drinking (And How to Fix It)Ever wake up feeling guilty after drinking, even if nothing really happened? That regret isn’t random—it’s the result of what alcohol does to your brain. This episode breaks down the neuroscience, psychology, and brain chemistry behind why drinking can leave you feeling anxious and self-critical the next day. Plus, I’ll share practical ways to break the guilt cycle so you can move forward without the unnecessary regret.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.--Listen to Journ...2025-02-1711 min
Journey to the SunnysideWhy You Keep Making Drinking Decisions You Regret (And How to Stop)Ever told yourself you’d only have one drink—only to wake up regretting it? Or started the week determined to cut back, only to throw that plan out the window by Friday? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down why your brain keeps tricking you into making drinking decisions you regret and, more importantly, how to break the cycle. We’ll explore how different “versions” of you—morning-you, evening-you, social-you—battle over your choices, why decision fatigue and emotional triggers make it harder to follow through, and how social settings influence what and how much you drink. Bu...2025-02-1310 min
Journey to the SunnysideYou’ll Never Watch Super Bowl Beer Ads the Same Way Again (Top 5 Breakdown)Super Bowl Sunday and beer ads go hand in hand—but have you ever thought about why? In this episode, we’re taking a fun, eye-opening look at the top 5 beer commercials from this year’s Super Bowl. From celebrity cameos to humor and nostalgia, these ads do more than just entertain—they shape how we think about beer, socializing, and even the game itself. I’ll break down the clever psychology behind these ads, why they work so well, and how they reinforce drinking culture in ways we don’t always notice. Plus, one ad this year totally flipped the...2025-02-1212 min
Journey to the Sunnyside10-Minute Mondays: The #1 Fear After Cutting Back (And How to Beat It)Maybe you’ve taken a break, cut back, and you’re feeling great. But then the doubt creeps in: Can I really trust myself around alcohol? What if I slip and end up right back where I started? In this episode, we break down why that fear happens, how your brain is wired for habits, and three simple steps to rebuild self-trust so you can make confident choices without fear, guilt, or second-guessing.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.--L...2025-02-1011 min
Journey to the SunnysideHow Fitness and Mindset Can Redefine Your Relationship with Alcohol w/ Maggie JensonMaggie Jenson’s approach to alcohol reduction focuses on wellness, fitness, and mindset—without strict rules or cold-turkey restrictions. In this conversation, she explains why traditional recovery methods didn’t resonate with her, how movement and nutrition played a key role in her transformation, and what helped her reshape her habits in a way that finally felt sustainable. If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol or want to take a new approach, this episode will give you a fresh perspectiveWant to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a...2025-02-0620 min
Journey to the SunnysideFrom Trauma to Transformation: Breaking Free and Taking Back ControlMaggie Jenson, Behavior Change Specialist and founder of Magnify Progressive Wellness, joins us to share her deeply personal journey—growing up with an alcoholic mother, experiencing trauma, and how it shaped her relationship with alcohol. She opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to reframe her past, break free from generational patterns, and ultimately find purpose in helping others. This is a raw and insightful conversation about mindset shifts, overcoming regret, and how trauma, when reframed, can become a source of strength.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co...2025-02-0529 min
Journey to the Sunnyside10-Minute Mondays: Stop Cravings and Self-Sabotage in 3 Simple StepsMaybe you crushed Dry or Dry-ish January, or maybe it didn’t go as planned. Either way, February is a fresh start. When stress hits or cravings creep in, it’s easy to slip back into old habits—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this 10-Minute Monday, I’m sharing a simple but powerful strategy to stop cravings and self-sabotage in their tracks and realign with your best self—whether you're keeping the momentum going or ready for a reset. Tune in now and set yourself up for success.Want to drink less with no pres...2025-02-0310 min
Journey to the SunnysideWomen, Cancer, Alcohol, and the Power of Rebuilding w/ Rosamund DeanWelcome to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today, we’re diving into an incredibly powerful conversation with Rosamund Dean. In 2021, Rosamund faced a life-changing diagnosis that reshaped her perspective, her identity, and her path forward. In this episode, she’s sharing what it was really like to go through such a profound experience—and what it takes to rebuild your body, mind, and life afterward. If you’ve ever wondered what true resilience looks like or how to find strength in the toughest moments, you won’t want to miss this one.Want to drink less with no pressure t...2025-01-3020 min
Journey to the SunnysideMindful Strategies for Gray Area Drinkers w/ Rosamund DeanWelcome to Journey to the Sunnyside! If you’ve ever felt stuck between overindulging and going completely sober, this one’s for you. Today, I’m joined by Rosamund Dean, journalist and mom who literally wrote the book on mindful drinking—Mindful Drinking: How Cutting Down Can Change Your Life. Rosamund was way ahead of the curve when she published this book back in 2017, and her insights are more relevant than ever. In this episode, we’re diving into her personal journey, what inspired her to make a change, and how mindful drinking transformed her life. Plus, she’ll share action...2025-01-2924 min
Journey to the Sunnyside10-Minute Mondays: What’s Next After Dry(ish) January?Dry or Dryish January is coming to an end—so how did it go? In this week’s 10-Minute Monday, we reflect on your January experience, evaluate what worked (and what didn’t), and explore what that means as we head into February. Learn how to celebrate your wins, turn slip-ups into growth opportunities, and create a plan to carry your momentum forward. Let’s make this more than just one month—it’s the start of something bigger.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day...2025-01-2708 min
Journey to the SunnysideLessons from Men’s Work: Vulnerability and Growth for Everyone w/ Taylor JacobsonTaylor Jacobson and I explore the transformative power of building community and creating supportive spaces for personal growth. While rooted in men’s work, the lessons Taylor shares—about vulnerability, connection, and breaking through limiting beliefs—are universal. This episode is packed with insights on how fostering meaningful relationships can lead to powerful breakthroughs for anyone.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.--Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel...2025-01-2319 min