

Journey to the Sunnyside
Sunnyside
Journey to the Sunnyside is a top 1% podcast, reaching over 500,000 listeners every week. It’s 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, diving into topics like mindful drinking, sober curiosity, moderation, and full sobriety. Through real stories, expert insights, and science-backed strategies, we help you find what actually works for your journey.
Hosted by Mike Hardenbrook, a #1 best-selling author and neuroscience enthusiast, the show is dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with alcohol—without shame, judgment, or rigid rules.
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 episodes do not necessarily represent those of Sunnyside. We’re committed to sharing diverse perspectives on health and wellness. If you’re concerned about your drinking, please consult a medical professional. Sunnyside, this podcast, and its guests are not necessarily medical providers and the content is not medical advice. We do not endorse drinking in any amount.
While Sunnyside helps you reduce your drinking, this podcast goes further, diving into topics like mindful drinking, sober curiosity, moderation, and full sobriety. Through real stories, expert insights, and science-backed strategies, we help you find what actually works for your journey.
Hosted by Mike Hardenbrook, a #1 best-selling author and neuroscience enthusiast, the show is dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with alcohol—without shame, judgment, or rigid rules.
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 episodes do not necessarily represent those of Sunnyside. We’re committed to sharing diverse perspectives on health and wellness. If you’re concerned about your drinking, please consult a medical professional. Sunnyside, this podcast, and its guests are not necessarily medical providers and the content is not medical advice. We do not endorse drinking in any amount.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2025 • 11min
Could a Daily Pill Help You Drink Less? Let's Chat About Naltrexone
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:What naltrexone does in your brainWhy it’s not about quitting, but changing your relationship with alcoholAnd how it fits into our newest offering at Sunnyside — Sunnyside MedThis is the first time we’re offering medical support alongside behavior change. And while naltrexone isn’t a magic pill, when combined with planning, tracking, and coaching, it can be a powerful tool for making moderation easier and more sustainable.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to drink tonight”… and then poured one anyway, this might be worth exploring.You can learn more at https://www.joinsunnysidemed.com. Sunnyside Med provides access to naltrexone via a compounded medication (Naltrexone 50mg + B6 5mg). As always, none of this is medical advice — just information to help you stay curious on your path.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.

Oct 23, 2025 • 24min
Behind the Zero Proof Boom w/ Sean Goldsmith
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 retailers in the country — with more than 500 SKUs, national distribution, and their own brands. We get into early grind stories, raising capital at the right moment, how they decide which products make the cut, and why 93% of their customers still drink alcohol. This is a great look at what it takes to build a brand inside a movement. Let’s dive in.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 22, 2025 • 25min
Why NA Drinks Are Winning the Culture War w/ Sean Goldsmith
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, I sat down with Sean Goldsmith, co-founder of The Zero Proof — one of the biggest players in the non-alcoholic beverage space. We get into how this movement grew from a niche to a cultural wave, why retailers and distributors are jumping in, and why NA drinks are becoming their own category — not just a replacement. Let’s get into it.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 20, 2025 • 11min
What You’re Feeling Isn’t Just a Hangover
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 Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 16, 2025 • 31min
The Wild Years, the Wake-Up, and Finding Balance w/ Martin Silva
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 shifted. Along the way, we share personal stories and dig into what it really looks like to build balance without giving up the moments that matter.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 15, 2025 • 35min
The Dark Side of ‘Healthy’: Why This Fitness Pro Walked Away from Extremes w/ Martin Silva
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 world looks like, and the turning point that changed everything. We also explore how those lessons go far beyond the gym and what they can teach anyone who’s ready to break free from all-or-nothing thinkingWant to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 13, 2025 • 20min
I Quit Drinking… and Found a New Problem
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: discovering insulin resistance, unexpected sugar cravings, and how those subtle shifts can quietly hold you back from feeling your best. If you’ve ever noticed your sweet tooth ramping up or your energy dipping after a few weeks off alcohol, this one’s for you. We’ll unpack why sugar often fills the gap alcohol leaves behind—and how to get your body and brain truly thriving again.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 9, 2025 • 44min
The Subconscious Solution: How Hypnotherapy Can Transform Your Habits w/ Ethan Reis
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 science behind hypnosis, the truth about suggestibility, and how working beneath the surface can help you ease cravings, reduce stress, and build a healthier relationship with alcohol—and yourself.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 6, 2025 • 12min
Using Alcohol for Pain Relief? Here’s What You Should Know
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 lasting relief.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.

Oct 2, 2025 • 34min
The Lie We Tell Ourselves About ‘Moderate’ Drinking w/ Molly Watts
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 shares how she broke free from the lies that kept her stuck, what the science really says about alcohol and anxiety, and how she built a peaceful, mindful relationship with drinking. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking it’s not that bad, this conversation will hit home.Molly also offers group and one-on-one coaching. As a long-time partner and supporter of Sunnyside, we align closely with her approach and mission, and highly recommend her if you're looking for more personal help on your journey.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside.--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.


