

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

Jan 1, 2026 • 15min
My Top 5 Resources for Dry (or Dryish) January
If you’re starting Dry January or Dry(ish) January today, this episode is about support, not pressure. We talk about how to approach the month with kindness instead of correction, what to expect in those first couple of weeks, why an off night doesn’t undo progress, and how to set yourself up with tools that actually help once January is underway. We walk through practical support like the Dry(ish) January Challenge with Sunnyside, medical and physical support options, urge surfing, and motivating resources that make this feel doable in real life. This episode builds on Monday’s conversation about planning ahead, but it stands on its own as a grounded way to start the year feeling clear, steady, and supported.My Top 5 Resources for Dry (or Dryish) January1. Dry(ish) January Challenge with Sunnyside Join the free challenge, choose your goal, track your drinks, and earn rewards.https://get.sunnyside.co/january2. Sunnyside Med Medical support designed to help when cravings feel bigger than intentions. https://www.joinsunnysidemed.com/3. Cloud9 – Daily Restore (Sunnyside Edition) Physical support for sleep, nervous system recovery, and liver health during alcohol reduction. https://trycloud9.com/products/daily-restore-sunnyside4. Urge Surfing (Behavioral Psychology Tool) Clinical overview: 👉 https://ssihi.uci.edu/news-and-media/blog/urge-surfing-in-the-new-year-resolving-to-ride-the-waves-of-change/5. SoberishMom on Instagram Motivating, real-life support that makes Dry(ish) Jan👉 https://www.instagram.com/soberishmom/--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.

Dec 29, 2025 • 13min
9 Things to Decide Before January Starts
January 1 is symbolic, not magical. In this episode, we walk through nine decisions to make before January starts if you want change to actually stick. We cover why waiting for the calendar flip often backfires, how the “get it out of your system” mindset keeps patterns in place, and why planning for stress, fatigue, and social pressure matters more than motivation. Whether you’re considering Dry January, Dryish January, or just drinking differently in the new year, this episode shows how starting earlier can turn January into a real starting point instead of another reset.--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.

Dec 26, 2025 • 32min
How to Do Dry(ish) January Without the Rebound w/ Katie Nessel
Dry January doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. In this episode, Katie Nessel from Soberish Mom and I talk through what Dry(ish) January really looks like in real life, why flexibility works better than white-knuckling, and where people tend to get stuck when they try to force change. We unpack the difference between Dry and Dry(ish), why slip-ups don’t undo progress, and how the Sunnyside challenge supports planning, awareness, and community without pressure. We close with how to think about success in January and how to carry that momentum forward instead of rebounding in February.--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.

Dec 24, 2025 • 42min
Why Drinking Less Feels Different This Year W/ Katie Nessel
In this engaging conversation, Katie Nessel, creator of Soberish Mom and advocate for mindful drinking, shares her journey from overwhelmed mom to a voice of change. She discusses the evolving landscape of mindful drinking, the pressures moms face, and the importance of community. Katie highlights the rise of non-alcoholic options and the cultural shift towards healthier choices. They explore how humor can normalize moderation and provide practical tips for navigating social situations without alcohol.

Dec 22, 2025 • 15min
Dry January: Tips For Going All In
If you’re thinking about going all-in on Dry January—or weighing whether Dry or Dry(ish) makes more sense—this episode helps you think it through calmly and realistically. We talk about what a full break actually gives you, how focusing on what you want to gain makes the month easier, why slip-ups don’t undo progress, and how January can set you up for a more intentional February—whether you stay dry, drink less, or adjust along the way.--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.

Dec 18, 2025 • 41min
The ABC Method for Cravings and Stress Drinking w/ Rachel Lundberg
Today’s guest is Rachel Lundberg. Rachel has spent more than three decades working with movement, yoga, and nervous system regulation, and she’s the founder of Thrive Yoga and Wellness, where she helps people feel more at home in their bodies and less reactive in their habits. Her work sits at the intersection of alignment, breath, and awareness — the stuff that actually determines whether a craving passes or takes over. In this episode, we unpack her ABC method for cravings and stress drinking, what nervous system regulation really looks like in everyday life, and a few simple tools you can use in the moment to slow things down and make a more conscious choice before you pour.--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.

Dec 15, 2025 • 11min
7 Subtle Ways Drinking Changes as Life Changes
We don’t drink the same way in every season of life — and that’s not random. In this episode, Mike explores seven subtle signs that your drinking may be reflecting something deeper, drawing from Wayne Dyer’s Seven Faces of Intention. This isn’t about cutting back or fixing anything. It’s about noticing how stress, pressure, self-talk, pace, and internal alignment shape the role alcohol plays. If drinking sometimes feels heavier — or just different than it used to — this episode offers a thoughtful lens for understanding why.--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.

Dec 11, 2025 • 27min
How Malcolm Cut his Drinking by 75% with Sunnyside Med
What happens when someone discovers that medication, structure, and real support can work together? In this conversation, Malcolm shares how Sunnyside Med helped him go from drinking 15–20 drinks a day to a consistent 4–5 — a 75% reduction in just six weeks. He talks openly about grief, shame, emotional patterns, and why previous attempts at change didn’t stick. You’ll hear how naltrexone, community, coaching calls, and daily tracking gave him the tools he’d been missing for years. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of stopping and starting, Malcolm’s story shows what’s possible when biology and behavior are addressed together.If this story resonates, remember you're not alone. Sunnyside Med is a modern, science-backed program to help you drink less or quit through a personalized combination of medication, coaching, community, and more. Learn more at https://www.joinsunnysidemed.com. --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.

Dec 9, 2025 • 9min
The Top 5 Myths Mindful Drinkers Still Believe
Even when you’re drinking less and feeling better, certain beliefs can quietly make the whole process feel harder than it needs to be. In this episode, we break down five common myths that influence how you interpret cravings, off-nights, progress, and your own capacity for change. Once you see these myths clearly, the entire journey feels lighter and a lot more human.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of the Sunnyside digital app.--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.

Dec 4, 2025 • 12min
Is Your Gut Driving Your Cravings?
In this episode, Mike explores a surprising angle on cravings: the role your gut plays in when and why they show up. Drawing on new research about the gut–brain axis, he explains how alcohol, stress, blood sugar swings, and even sleep can influence the signals your gut sends to your brain — and how those signals can feel like cravings. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to support your gut, steady your mood, and make cravings easier to manage without relying on willpower or perfection.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Visit https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial of the Sunnyside digital app.--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.


