Journey to the Sunnyside

Today I’m joined by someone whose work I deeply respect and who’s become a trusted voice in the alcohol and mental health space—Merrilee Burke. Merrilee is a licensed therapist based in California. She returns to the show for an insightful conversation about how our drinking habits are often tied to identity, shame, and outdated definitions of “problem drinking.” We unpack what we both wish we knew when we first started trying to moderate, why trial and error is actually a sign of progress, and how to define your own goals without labels or rock bottom. Whether you’re exploring mindful drinking or simply trying to figure out what feels right for you, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom from someone who helps people do this work every day.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.

Discover the transformative power of aligning your drinking habits with your personal values. A listener shares how asking one insightful question reshaped her relationship with alcohol. This discussion emphasizes mindfulness over mere counting, combining reflection with tracking for lasting habits. Learn why understanding your motivations can lead to healthier choices and a more fulfilling experience, all while enjoying the journey.

Derek Brown was named one of the best bartenders in America, author of Mindful Mixology, and now a leading voice in the mindful drinking movement. In this episode, we talk about what changed when he stepped away from alcohol, how the culture around drinking has evolved since the 2000s, and why NA drinks are finally being taken seriously. Derek shares what he’s seeing inside the industry, what makes a great booze-free cocktail, and what’s coming next. Whether you're cutting back or just curious, this one’s packed with insight 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.

Want to cut back without overthinking it? In this episode, Mike breaks down how habit stacking works and how to use it to drink less—by linking new routines to things you already do, like getting home from work or finishing dinner. Backed by behavioral science and real-life examples, you’ll learn simple, proven ways to make drinking less feel automatic.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.

In this episode, I walk through 13 lesser-known strategies people are using to drink less. I’ll share how each one works, what the science says, and my own honest take after trying many of them myself. Some were surprisingly powerful. Others? Not so much.If you’re looking for new tools to experiment with on your mindful drinking journey, this one’s for you.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.

Think 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 start strong.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.

In 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 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.

Cutting 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 change—without cheesy advice or shame. Whether it’s building a new ritual, spending your “reward money,” or simply rewiring with better sleep, this episode will help you see boredom not as the enemy—but as the beginning of something better.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.

After 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 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.

You already know drinking less can help you sleep better and feel more energized—but there’s so much more beneath the surface. In this solo episode, Mike shares five surprising benefits of cutting back that most people don’t realize until they experience them. These aren’t the typical talking points. They’re the deeper shifts—the ones that make you feel more present, more aligned, and more like yourself again. Whether you’re just starting to take a break or you've been rethinking your habits for a while, this episode will help you connect the dots between drinking less and actually living better. And chances are, at least one of these will hit home in a way you didn’t expect.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.