
Journey to the Sunnyside
"Journey to the Sunnyside" is your guide to exploring mindful living with alcohol, whether you're cutting back, moderating, or thinking about quitting. While Sunnyside helps you reduce your drinking, this podcast goes further, covering everything from mindful drinking and moderation to sober curiosity and full sobriety. Through real stories, expert advice, and practical strategies, we’re here to help you find what works best for your journey.
Mike Hardenbrook is a #1 best-selling author and neuroscience enthusiast, dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with alcohol.
This podcast is brought to you by Sunnyside, the leading platform for mindful drinking. Want to take the next step in your journey? Head over to sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in our podcast episodes do not necessarily represent those of Sunnyside. We're determined to bring diverse views of health and wellness to our audience. If you are concerned with your drinking, please seek the advice of a medical professional. Sunnyside, this podcast, and its guests are not necessarily medical professionals and the content shouldn't be viewed as medical advice. In addition, we never endorse drinking in any amount.
Latest episodes

Apr 14, 2025 • 8min
Why So Many Drinkers Still Say ‘It’s Fine’ (Even When It’s Not)
A recent Pew Research Center study found that 57% of drinkers in the U.S. believe their alcohol use doesn’t increase their risk of serious health problems—and only 15% say it’s caused any personal or social issues. But science tells a different story. In this episode, we break down the data, explore the psychology behind why so many people minimize the risks, and talk about what this means for mindful drinkers. If you’ve ever felt alone in your decision to cut back, this is your reminder that you’re ahead of the curve—and exactly where you should be.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Apr 10, 2025 • 10min
How Much Can You Drink and Still Be Improving?
You’re already on the path—tracking, planning, and drinking more mindfully. But what’s a good goal? How much is too much? In this episode, we reverse-engineer your ideal drinking habits based on your personal goals—whether it’s health, focus, energy, or showing up better in relationships. You’ll get clear on what “improving” actually looks like for you, and walk away with one step to take this week that aligns with where you want to go.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Apr 7, 2025 • 9min
10-Min Mondays: The Monday Mirror: Who Are You Showing Up As Today?
What if every Monday was more than just the start of a new week — what if it was a mirror?In this episode, we explore how to use the “Monday Mirror” to reset your identity, whether you’re picking yourself back up after a tough weekend or riding high on the momentum of progress. You’ll learn why your habits are casting votes for the kind of person you’re becoming, how to shift gears without guilt, and how to reinforce success with intention instead of pressure.No matter where you're at today — slipping, soaring, or somewhere in between — this episode will give you a grounded way to step into the week with clarity, confidence, and purpose.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Apr 3, 2025 • 40min
Protecting Your Brain As You Age w/ Thoryn Stephens
Today’s episode is a little different than some of our others—but I promise, it’s one you’ll want to stick around for. If you’ve ever dealt with brain fog, low energy, mood swings, or you’ve just found yourself wondering why don’t I feel like myself lately—this one’s for you. We’re talking with Thoryn Stephens, a biotech exec turned data scientist turned longevity pioneer. He’s the founder of Brain One, a company that’s helping people improve their brain fitness with small, measurable changes—and it’s all grounded in science. He’s worked in molecular biology, built AI-driven health platforms, and now he’s leading a movement around personalized protocols to help people protect their brain long before problems show up. If you’re in your 40s or 50s and want to stay ahead of things like memory loss, mood dips, or mental fatigue… you're going to take away a lot from this oneWant 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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Mar 31, 2025 • 9min
10-Minute Mondays: Who Are You Without the Buzz?
Dry days can feel off—like you’re missing a part of yourself. Maybe you feel less social, less relaxed, or just not fully “you.” In this episode, we explore what’s really behind that feeling, and how to reconnect with the version of yourself you think alcohol brings out. You’ll walk away with a simple mindset shift and one actionable step to try this week—no pressure, just curiosity.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Mar 27, 2025 • 7min
How to Turn Excuses Into Wins
We’ve all made excuses to drink — “I deserve it,” “It’s just one,” “It’s the weekend,” “Everyone else is.” We also make excuses not to change — especially when life feels busy, stressful, or uncertain. In this episode, we flip that habit on its head. You’ll learn a simple mindset shift that helps you spot better reasons, take back control, and use April as your edge.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Mar 26, 2025 • 9min
10 Ways to Build Self-Respect on Your Mindful Drinking Journey
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 ways to build real self-respect while working on your relationship with alcohol. These aren’t about willpower or perfection — they’re about shifting your energy, your mindset, and the way you see yourself. Inspired by Wayne Dyer’s The Power of Intention, this is a more grounded, self-compassionate approach to change. I’ll walk you through practical steps that have helped me personally, especially on days when I’ve felt stuck or disconnected. If you’re cutting back, taking a break, or just trying to drink more mindfully, these tools will help you feel more aligned, confident, and in control — without the pressure to get it all right.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Mar 24, 2025 • 7min
10-Minute Mondays: Do You Really Have an Addictive Personality?
You’ve probably asked yourself that question—or heard someone else say it like it’s a fact. But what if that belief is actually blocking your progress? In this episode, we unpack why labels like “alcoholic” or “addictive personality” might be doing more harm than good, and offer a new way to think about change that’s more honest, more doable, and a lot more freeingWant 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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Mar 20, 2025 • 31min
How Does Alcohol Really Affect Your Mental Health? w/ Jason Kilmer
We all know alcohol and mental health are connected, but what does the science actually say? Dr. Jason Kilmer, a leading researcher from the University of Washington, joins us to break down how alcohol impacts anxiety, depression, sleep, and emotional regulation. We discuss why drinking to "take the edge off" often backfires, how alcohol myopia alters decision-making, and the surprising link between alcohol use and suicide prevention.This isn’t about fear—it’s about facts. Whether you’re looking to cut back, better understand your habits, or simply learn more about alcohol’s effect on the brain, this conversation is packed with science-backed insights and practical takeaways.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.

Mar 17, 2025 • 10min
10-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 showed none of the typical social effects—no increased confidence, no extra energy, no party vibes. This experiment is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their drinking.So, what does this mean for you as a Sunnyside member? It means you have more influence over your experience than you ever realized. Today, I’ll be breaking down exactly how this “alcohol effect” works, the key takeaways from my conversation with Jason, and—most importantly—how you can use this knowledge to drink smarter and feel more in control. Let’s dive in.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: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnysideABOUT SUNNYSIDE: Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation app that helps you drink less without any shame, guilt, or pressure to quit. Optimize your alcohol habits to achieve benefits like sleeping better, losing weight, feeling more energy, and saving money. We know that an all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work for everyone, so we focus on helping you set your own goals, celebrate small wins, and build a lasting system of accountability. As a result, 96.7% of our members see a big drop in their drinking after 90 days.Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and the views of the guests may not represent the views of Sunnyside. If you’re concerned about your health or alcohol use, please consider seeking advice from a doctor.
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