Journey to the Sunnyside

Today, we’re excited to welcome Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author of 'Never Split the Difference.' In this episode, Chris reveals how his high-stakes negotiation techniques can be effectively used to handle peer pressure related to alcohol. He’ll break down these strategies that you can use to confidently navigate discussions with friends, family, and even yourself. Tune in to learn how to turn challenging conversations into positive and supportive interactions. Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.

In this episode, we explore harm reduction with Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, a visionary in addiction treatment with over 40 years of experience. As the architect of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP), Dr. Tatarsky combines relational psychoanalysis, CBT, and mindfulness within a harm reduction framework. This approach meets individuals wherever they are in their journey to change, emphasizing personalized, compassionate care. Join us for an in-depth discussion as we explore how harm reduction supports people in discovering their paths to positive change. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the field's most influential figures!Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial. 

For many of us mindful drinkers, non-alcoholic drinks have become not just part of our strategy to cut down on alcohol, but a full-blown hobby that we share with our friends. NA brands and options have been skyrocketing in popularity, and Victoria Watters has made it a point to stay at the forefront of this movement. In our latest episode of Journey to the Sunnyside we sit down to talk to her about the NA movement and more.Victoria if the founder of Dry Atlas, a media company focused on alcohol alternatives. She’s one-half of the duo who opened America’s first booze-free bottle shop. At https://www.dryatlas.com and through their great newsletter, they deliver non-alc insights, news, and recommendations to over five million people annually.In this episode Victoria shares her personal journey with alcohol and the passion that led her to explore the world of non-alcoholic options. We explore how the big alcohol companies are having an impact on non-alcoholic options, and their importance in helping normalize the conversation.And for all our mindful drinkers out there, Victoria helps explain the different types of non-alcoholic drinks, including spirits, wines, beers, and ready-to-drink mocktails, as well as how things like bitters help to define and enchance the flavors of these beverages.Sunnyside is the #1 alcohol moderation platform, helping people drink less with no pressure to quit. Get your free 15-day trial at https://www.sunnyside.co.

Nir Eyal, a master of habit change, discusses addiction, pain, and coping skills. He emphasizes mindful drinking and aligning actions with personal values. The conversation covers managing alcohol consumption, the Hook Model for habit formation, and the role of technology in changing habits.

In a heart-to-heart, Mike and Charlie discuss Charlie’s fight against addiction, his evolving stance on alcohol, and the role of community and awareness in recovery. They explore the promise of psychedelic therapies for profound healing and the importance of sharing recovery stories with intention.Key topics include the exploration of non-traditional treatments like psilocybin for alcohol dependency and mental health, emphasizing its potential over conventional SSRIs.They critique the influence of pharmaceutical giants on treatment options, advocating for a variety of healing paths.The conversation underscores individual recovery journeys, the significance of gratitude and self-compassion, and the therapeutic power of nature and outdoor activities.Charlie’s upcoming adventure is highlighted as a metaphor for life’s journey and choosing happiness amidst adversity.Takeaways:Reflect on behaviors' benefits rather than labeling oneself.Recovery thrives on community support and conscious drinking choices.Psychedelic therapies, with proper guidance, can offer significant healing.Sharing experiences should inspire and be grounded in personal truth.Research backs psilocybin's effectiveness for mental health and addiction.The big pharma’s sway can limit access to alternative treatments.Personal growth in recovery involves gratitude, kindness to oneself, and connecting with nature.Chapters00:00Introduction and Catching Up03:00Charlie's Journey with Addiction and Recovery13:59Charlie's Evolving View on Alcohol and Addiction33:25The Importance of Community and Mindful Drinking42:02Exploring Psychedelic Therapies46:04Sharing Experiences Responsibly47:15Promising Studies on Medicines for Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health48:14Comparing the Effectiveness of Psilocybin and SSRIs for Depression49:34The Benefits of Psilocybin Compared to SSRIs51:00The Influence of Big Pharma and Lobbyists on Mental Health Treatments52:22The Potential Impact of Alternative Treatments on Veterans' Lives53:44The Availability of Different Solutions for Changing Alcohol Relationships55:36The Importance of Individual Paths and Gratitude in Recovery56:47The Significance of One Day at a Time and Avoiding Shame in Recovery58:39The Importance of Giving Yourself Grace and Starting Again01:01:14The Power of Nature and Outdoor Activities in Healing01:09:30The Need for Personalized Solutions and a Variety of Resources01:16:38Charlie's Epic Adventure: From the Lowest to the Highest Point on Earth01:22:32Choosing Happiness and Joy in the Face of Hardship

Alice Ferris, a fundraising consultant, shares her mindful drinking journey and the impact it has had on her health and well-being. She discusses the importance of being intentional about drinking and finding a balance that works for her. Alice emphasizes the role of planning and accountability in her journey, using the Sunnyside app to set goals and track her progress. She also highlights the benefits of improved sleep and the support of a social network in achieving her goals. Overall, Alice's story showcases the power of mindfulness and moderation in creating a healthier relationship with alcohol.TakeawaysBeing mindful about drinking involves being intentional and finding a balance that works for you.Planning and accountability are key to successfully managing drinking habits.Mindful drinking can lead to improved sleep and overall well-being.Having a supportive social network can help in achieving your goals.Chapters00:00Introduction and Technical Difficulties03:11Alice's Background and Passion for Fundraising05:29Alice's Mindful Drinking Journey08:19The Impact of Mindful Drinking on Health and Weight12:03Being Mindful at Social Events16:51Giving Yourself Grace and Avoiding Extremes20:53The Ritual and Process of Mindful Drinking25:56Using the Sunnyside App for Flexible Planning28:16Successfully Managing Drinking at Social Events35:48Improved Sleep as a Benefit of Mindful Drinking39:05The Importance of Accountability and Support41:42Conclusion and Contact Information

Expert mixologist Derek Brown shares his journey from bartender to mindful drinker, discussing mindful drinking, creating no/low alcohol cocktails, and the future of bars. Topics include controlling alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic options, functional ingredients, and the importance of apps in achieving drinking goals.

In this conversation, Toby Passman, a board-certified neurophysiology trainer, discusses the concepts of neurohacking and biohacking. He shares his personal journey into the field and explains how neurofeedback and neurostimulation can be used to improve cognitive functioning and mental health. Toby also highlights the importance of neuroplasticity in habit change and discusses the effects of alcohol on the brain. He provides insights into the benefits of red wine and emphasizes the need for mindfulness in our everyday habits. In this conversation, Toby and Mike discuss addiction, the brain, and the transformative power of psychedelics. They explore how addiction can hijack the brain's reward system and the role of the prefrontal cortex in curbing addictive behaviors. Toby shares his personal experience with psychedelics and how it helped him overcome social anxiety. They also discuss the future of brain health and the importance of making brain-enhancing tools accessible to everyone.Takeaways- Neurohacking and biohacking involve using techniques like neurofeedback and neurostimulation to improve cognitive functioning and mental health.- Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and rewire itself, and it plays a crucial role in habit change and personal growth.- Alcohol can have short-term sedative effects on the brain by increasing GABA and decreasing glutamate levels, but it can also lead to rebound effects and neurotoxicity- Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol, which has been associated with longevity, but the amount found in wine is too small to provide significant health benefits.- Being mindful of our habits and understanding the science behind them can help us make informed choices and promote overall well-being. - - --  -   --- Addiction can involve substances like alcohol, but it can also extend to other behaviors that provide a dopamine release, such as sex and gambling.- The brain's reward system can become hijacked by addictive substances or behaviors, leading to a focus on seeking more of the pleasurable experience.- Psychedelics can have transformative effects on individuals, helping them process and release negative emotions and overcome social anxiety.- The future of brain health lies in making brain-enhancing tools, such as neurofeedback training, accessible to a wider audience.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background05:30Understanding Neurohacking and Biohacking08:59Toby's Personal Journey into Neurohacking19:35Working with Clients and Achieving Results29:37Neuroplasticity and Habit Change45:56Effects of Alcohol on the Brain51:52Benefits of Red Wine53:11Addiction and the Brain56:16The Transformative Power of MDMA01:05:17The Future of Brain Health

Don Peasley shares his journey of mindful drinking and the decision to make a change in his relationship with alcohol. He discusses the benefits he has experienced, such as improved health, better sleep, and increased clarity. Don emphasizes the importance of sustainability and consistency in mindful drinking, rather than relying on short-term challenges like Dry January. He also highlights the planning feature of the Sunnyside app as a helpful tool in setting and sticking to drinking goals. Don encourages others to make the choice to change and take control of their relationship with alcohol. In this conversation, Don Peasley shares his journey of personal growth and transformation, particularly with his relationship with alcohol. He emphasizes the importance of accountability and support in making positive changes. Don also discusses the significance of setting goals and making plans to achieve them. He expresses his commitment to maintaining his health and wellness and his determination to never go back to his old habits. Don highlights the importance of continued growth and improvement, as well as the challenges and rewards of being a caregiver. He also mentions his desire to write a book and help others going through similar experiences. Overall, Don's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of taking action.Takeaways- Mindful drinking involves making conscious decisions about when and how much to drink.- Sustainability and consistency are key in maintaining a mindful drinking practice.- The benefits of mindful drinking can include improved health, better sleep, and increased clarity.- The planning feature of the Sunnyside app can help in setting and sticking to drinking goals.- Making the choice to change and take control of your relationship with alcohol is empowering. Accountability and support are crucial in making positive changes and achieving personal growth.- Setting goals and making plans can help in staying focused and motivated.- Commitment to health and wellness requires making conscious choices and being mindful of one's actions.- Continued growth and improvement are essential for maintaining a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.- Being a caregiver can be challenging, but it can also lead to personal growth and the development of superhero-like qualities.- Writing a book can be a way to share knowledge and experiences to help others.- Taking action is key to making positive changes and finding discipline.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background06:19Making the Decision to Change11:39Benefits of Mindful Drinking18:26Dry-ish January and Sustainable Change28:13Favorite Feature of Sunnyside App36:08Benefits of Mindful Drinking42:52Getting Started with Mindful Drinking45:17Accountability and Support46:32Setting Goals and Making Plans49:27Commitment to Health and Wellness50:01No Going Back52:59Continued Growth and Improvement56:25Caregiving and Finding Strength57:58Writing a Book and Giving Back58:09Taking Action and Finding Discipline