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"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.
Sunnyside Customer Journey to Better Health w/ Corey Boehs
Today, Cory Boehs shares his success story using Sunnyside. His incredible health transformation and significant money savings are sure to inspire current Sunnyside users and those considering a more mindful approach to their drinking. Tune in to hear about his journey from drinking more than he wanted, to achieving remarkable health improvements and setting future goals for a healthier lifestyle.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
26:0806/06/2024
Change for Growth, Not Because of Problems w/ Amanda Kuda
Today, we're joined by Amanda Kuda, author of 'Unbottled Potential,' a book dedicated to helping women transform their relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Amanda shares her journey into "elective sobriety", discusses the challenges she faced and breakthroughs she achieved, and offers key strategies from her book. We'll also explore her insights on mindful drinking, navigating social dynamics without alcohol, and how choosing sobriety can become a superpower. Tune in to learn how to transform your life and improve your relationship to alcohol. While Sunnyside generally focuses on alcohol moderation and mindfulness, on our podcast we want to explore a diverse set of views and perspectives. We support all paths when it comes to alcohol. Only you can decide if mindfulness, moderation, or sobriety is right for you.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
35:1030/05/2024
The Mammal Brain Code to Happiness w/ Loretta Breuning
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Loretta Breuning as we dive into the intricacies of the mammal brain and its profound impact on our emotions and behaviors. Breuning unravels the roles of key neurotransmitters—dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin—in driving our actions and shaping our happiness. She challenges the popular narrative that happiness comes effortlessly and emphasizes the importance of understanding our biological foundations to build healthier habits and achieve true happiness. Explore the fascinating intersection of biology and politics in shaping our beliefs and gain practical advice for cultivating happy skills.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
50:2423/05/2024
From Mommy Wine Culture to Soberish Success w/ Katie Nessel
Today’s guest is Katie Nessel, known as SoberishMom. Katie shares her journey of navigating the mommy wine culture and finding a balanced, soberish lifestyle. She’ll discuss the pivotal moments that led her to reassess her relationship with alcohol, tips for starting a moderation journey, and why traveling soberish is her secret weapon to fun. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to change their drinking habits.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
01:10:1416/05/2024
A Sommelier's Wine Hacks & Mindful Drinking! w/ Matthew Kaner
In this episode, sommelier Matthew Kaner reveals how travel and mindful drinking elevate the wine experience. He reveals emerging trends like orange wine, emphasizes the value of context and personal connections, and shares his journey in the industry. Tune in to discover insider tips, wine travel stories, and his excitement for the industry's future!Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
53:4709/05/2024
Bright Days, Clear Nights, Better Sleep - w/James Swanwick
In this episode, join former ESPN anchor James Swanwick as he shares his personal experiences with alcohol, his adventures in Hollywood, and memorable moments at the Playboy Mansion that led to a big change. We cover effective strategies for socializing without alcohol, learn about the benefits of blue light blocking glasses, and debunk common myths about alcohol and sleep.Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
01:08:2402/05/2024
Deep Dive into Mindful Drinking w/ Sunnyside Co-founder Ian Andersen
Today is a different kind of episode. I’m joined by a good friend and colleague, Ian Andersen, one of the co-founder’s of Sunnyside. Today, we take a deep dive into the story behind Sunnyside’s approach to mindful drinking without pressuring anyone to quit—and why this method is effective for 96% of our members. Ian and I will also share our personal journeys with alcohol, highlighting the challenges and wins that have brought us where we are today. Join us for an in-depth conversation about the world of mindful drinking and what lies ahead for Sunnyside. Let’s dive in!Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.
01:06:1025/04/2024
Negotiate Alcohol Peer Pressure with FBI Tactics (with Chris Voss)
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.
51:0517/04/2024
Harm Reduction in Alcohol Health with Expert Dr. Andrew Tatarsky
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.
01:12:1109/04/2024
The Woman Changing How the World Sees Non-Alcoholic Drinks with Victoria Watters
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.
56:1404/04/2024
Master Alcohol Moderation with These Simple Steps (with Nir Eyal)
Nir Eyal is a master of habit change, and has actually inspired the Sunnyside product through and through. The habit loops that you’re forming by using Sunnyside are tied directly to the work that Nir has done. In fact, we’re proud to call Nir an investor and advisor to Sunnyside.In this conversation, Nir discusses his inspiration for writing books on psychology, technology, and business, particularly focusing on the intersection of behavior and product design.He shares his personal experience with addiction and the role of pain in driving addictive behaviors. Nir emphasizes the importance of understanding discomfort and developing skills to cope with it, rather than relying on labels or external factors.He also discusses the concept of mindful drinking and the importance of aligning actions with personal values and intentions. In this conversation, Nir Eyal discusses his personal experience managing alcohol consumption during COVID-19 and the importance of authenticity and values in making decisions. He also highlights the role of technology, specifically the Sunnyside app, in changing unhealthy habits.The Hook Model is introduced as a framework for habit formation, and the importance of community support is emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on measuring success and engagement, as well as Nir’s future projects and ventures.Want to cut on your drinking with no pressure to quit? Start a free 15-day trial of Sunnyside at https://www.sunnyside.co.
56:5927/03/2024
Alcohol, Psychedelics, and a 4500-Mile Sahara Run with Charlie Engle
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
01:21:3421/03/2024
Finding Balance: A Path to Mindful Drinking with Alice Ferris
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
40:0814/03/2024
No and Low-Alcohol Mixology with Derek Brown
In this conversation, Derek Brown shares his journey from being a bartender to becoming a mindful drinker. He discusses his personal experiences with alcohol use disorder and the decision to seek help and make positive changes in his life. Derek explains the concept of mindful drinking and how it can be a beneficial approach for individuals who want to reduce or quit drinking. He also provides insights into creating no and low alcohol cocktails, emphasizing the importance of intensity of flavor, piquancy, texture, and length in crafting these beverages. The conversation highlights the growing trend of mindful drinking in the industry and the availability of non-alcoholic options for socializing and enjoying drinks without alcohol. The conversation explores the topics of controlling alcohol consumption, the availability of non-alcoholic options in bars and restaurants, the future of bars, and functional ingredients. Derek Brown emphasizes the importance of having control over one's drinking habits and how mindful drinking and apps can help. He also discusses the growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages and the need for bars and restaurants to offer options for those who don't drink alcohol. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of bars and the potential inclusion of functional ingredients.Takeaways-Having control over one's drinking habits is essential, and mindful drinking and apps can help in achieving that.-Bars and restaurants should expand their menus to include non-alcoholic options to cater to the growing demand.-The future of bars is likely to include a variety of mood-altering options, such as infused psilocybin or cannabis.-Bars are constantly evolving, and the inclusion of non-alcoholic options and functional ingredients is part of that evolution.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:09From Bartender to Mindful Drinker09:17Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder16:22Choosing a Path of Recovery18:25The Inner Conflict and Moving Forward21:36The Concept of Mindful Drinking25:56The Rise of Mindful Drinking in the Industry28:26The Importance of Mindful Drinking During the Holidays31:46Creating No and Low Alcohol Cocktails38:46The Spectrum of Non-Alcoholic Drinks44:10Controlling Alcohol Consumption45:10Non-Alcoholic Options in Bars and Restaurants47:32The Future of Bars and Functional Ingredients50:03Connect with Derek Brown
51:0716/02/2024
Neurohacking Your Brain's Potential with Toby Passman
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
01:01:0516/02/2024
A Mindful Drinking Journey with Don Peasley
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
58:1315/02/2024