Best Mike Hardenbrook Podcasts (2025)

1
From Eating Disorders to Empowered Nutrition w/ Karin Adoni 22:53

22h ago22:53

22:53

This week I’m joined by Karin Adoni, clinical nutritionist, founder of EMII Supplements, and author of three books on clean living. In Part One, Karin shares her powerful journey through eating disorders, how she rebuilt her health, and why food — much like alcohol — can become a way to cope or control. Her story offers deep insights into mindfulne…

1
“Everyone Drinks Like This” — The Normalization That Keeps You Stuck 8:45

1d ago8:45

8:45

We’ve all heard it: “Everyone drinks like this.” But… do they? And more importantly—should we? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the myth of “normal” drinking and how that phrase has quietly normalized behaviors that might actually be hurting us more than helping. From gray area drinking to social pressure, we explore how culture, neuro…

1
Feeling Stuck? Zoom Out to See Your Real Progress 9:37

3d ago9:37

9:37

In this episode, we zoom out—on the past 30 days, the summer, and even the year so far—to see the real changes you’ve made. Progress isn’t always obvious day to day, but when you step back, the picture looks very different. You’ll learn why your brain is wired to miss small wins, what the science says about tracking change over time, and how Sunnys…

1
How to Build a Night Routine Without Wine 8:15

7d ago8:15

8:15

It’s the myth we’ve all heard (or lived): “A glass of wine helps me sleep.” But what if that glass is actually wrecking your rest? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the sneaky truth about alcohol and sleep. Spoiler: that cozy buzz might knock you out fast, but it’s also ruining your REM, messing with your stress hormones, and leaving yo…

1
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Goals & Growth W/ Mark Victor Hansen 33:35

7d ago33:35

33:35

Welcome back to Part Two of my conversation with my friend Mark Victor Hansen—co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of over a billion books sold worldwide, including his latest, Ask! The Bridge From Your Dreams to Your Destiny, and classics like One Minute Millionaire and The Power of Focus. In Part One, we explored his early inspirati…

1
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons & Mindful Change W/ Mark Victor Hansen 33:03

8d ago33:03

33:03

I’m honored today to sit down with my friend Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of dozens of life-changing books—altogether, he’s sold over one billion copies worldwide. His newest release, Ask! The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny, dives into how life’s most powerful transformations often begin with a bet…

1
Can One Month Off Alcohol Really Change Your Health? 9:21

9d ago9:21

9:21

Thinking about hitting 'pause' on alcohol for a month, but wondering if it's really worth it? Can 30 days actually move the needle on your health, energy, and mental clarity? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the incredible transformation your body and mind undergo during a 30-day "Alcohol Reset": What really happens to your sleep, skin…

1
Burn the Mental Clutter and Move On 7:36

10d ago7:36

7:36

If your head feels crowded this Monday—maybe with weekend regrets, to-do list stress, or just that heavy “where do I start?” feeling—this 10-minute reset is for you. We’ll clear the noise, release what’s weighing you down, and choose one small action you can influence today. Backed by research on expressive writing and behavior change, this quick e…

1
The Secret to a Healthy Liver After Parties 7:37

14d ago7:37

7:37

Had one of those weekends where the drinks kept flowing and the snacks didn’t stop? That Monday fog, the bloat, the weird fatigue—that’s your liver waving a white flag. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into what really happens to your liver after a big night out and how to bounce back without going full detox mode. From how alcohol and junk …

1
The New Way to Help People Change w/ Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, PhD 38:58

14d ago38:58

38:58

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Dr. Andrew Tatarsky. If you missed part one, we unpacked the roots of the abstinence-only model and why it often fails to support the majority of people seeking help for substance use. Today, we pick up with Andrew’s personal turning point — the moment he began questioning that system from the inside…

1
Rethinking Recovery: Where the System Fails w/ Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, PhD 23:01

15d ago23:01

23:01

Ever since our first interview, I’ve come to deeply respect today’s guest — and I’m grateful to now call him a close friend. Dr. Andrew Tatarsky is a clinical psychologist, author, and one of the pioneers of harm reduction psychotherapy — a model that’s helped thousands of people build a better relationship with substances, even if abstinence isn’t…

1
Feel Better Fast: The 10-Minute Reset That Works 8:42

17d ago8:42

8:42

Start your week with a reset that actually sticks. In just 10 minutes, you’ll move through a powerful science-backed flow: a quick gratitude shift, a habit win to anchor progress, a guided intention to move you forward, and a simple breath technique proven to calm your nervous system fast. No fluff. No pressure. Just a mental tune-up you can come b…

1
How We’re Building Sunnyside w/ Steve Lloyd 28:42

21d ago28:42

28:42

Today we’re pulling back the curtain so you can meet one of the key people behind what we’re building at Sunnyside. Steve Lloyd is our Chief Product and Technology Officer—and before joining us, he spent a decade helping grow Strava into one of the world’s most loved fitness platforms. In this episode, you’ll hear what brought Steve to Sunnyside, w…

1
Can Drinking Make You More Anxious Over Time? 8:01

22d ago8:01

8:01

Can drinking actually cause anxiety — not just help it? Turns out, the answer is way more complicated than we think. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the tangled relationship between alcohol and anxiety — and why your evening glass of wine might be quietly messing with your mental health. Backed by new research and real-world insight, this…

1
When Success Isn’t Enough: ADHD, Alcohol, and a Wake‑Up Call w/ Rick Culleton 48:15

28d ago48:15

48:15

Rick Culleton is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and CEO who’s built multiple multimillion-dollar companies over the past four decades. But behind the success was a daily drinking habit—used not to party, but to manage stress, anxiety, and undiagnosed ADHD. Rick drank for nearly 40 years, all while running high-growth businesses and appearing to…

1
Feeling Like Moderation Is Hard? You’re Not Alone 12:05

1M ago12:05

12:05

If you’ve ever wondered why moderating your drinking feels harder than you expected, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong. Mike explains the surprising mental load that comes with moderation, why it’s not a failure to need a break, and how to find the right path for your season of life. A must-listen for anyone navigating the middle gro…

1
Emotional Sobriety, Cravings, and Nervous System Repair w/ Colleen Freeland 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

Most people try to change their drinking by focusing on the alcohol itself. But if you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck reacting the same way over and over, there’s a reason — and it’s not just in your head. It’s in your body. In this episode, I’m joined again by Colleen Freeland, a master life coach and addiction recovery specialist who helps high-a…

1
How Alcohol Interferes with Your Goals (Without You Noticing) 9:39

1M ago9:39

9:39

Feel like your goals keep stalling—but can’t figure out why? That evening drink might be playing a bigger role than you think. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the sneaky ways alcohol can slow your momentum, including: • How drinking messes with motivation, routines, and follow-through • Why even “just a couple” can derail your next-da…

1
Reset Your Dopamine: 5 Simple Steps to Reduce Cravings 12:14

1M ago12:14

12:14

Why is it so hard to stop at one drink — or to stop reaching for your phone, your fridge, or another quick fix? In this episode, we’ll explore how your brain’s dopamine system drives cravings and what you can do to reset it. You’ll learn five practical steps to feel calmer, more satisfied, and less pulled toward habits that don’t actually serve you…

1
Not an Alcoholic. Not Sober. Truly Free. Here’s How w/ Colleen Freeland 27:41

1M ago27:41

27:41

Today we’re talking with Colleen Freeland. She’s a master life coach and addiction recovery specialist who helps high-achieving women cut their drinking by 80% without labeling themselves or committing to a lifetime of sobriety. I align so much with her work — because just like we teach here, it’s not really about the alcohol. It’s about how you th…

1
What Your 4th of July Really Revealed About Your Drinking 12:43

1M ago12:43

12:43

Big weekends like the 4th aren’t just about fireworks — they reveal how your drinking habits really show up under pressure. In this episode, Mike breaks down why your brain acted the way it did, how to learn from it without guilt, and why celebrating your wins matters just as much as fixing slip-ups. Perfect for anyone moderating or taking a break,…

1
Why Your Sleep Gets Worse Before It Gets Better 12:56

2M ago12:56

12:56

Everyone knows alcohol messes with sleep — but nobody really talks about what happens when you actually start drinking less. Because here’s the weird part: your sleep might actually get worse before it gets better. So today, I’ll break down why that happens, how long it really takes your brain and body to reset, and what you can do in the meantime …

1
When Drinking Becomes a Personality Trait 7:23

2M ago7:23

7:23

“Party girl.” “Wine guy.” “Shot o’clock.” When did drinking become a personality? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores how alcohol can shift from a casual habit to a core part of your identity — and what that means for your brain, behavior, and sense of self. Backed by science and real stories, this episode breaks down the cultural, psycholog…

1
Why Overthinking Makes You Drink (and How to Break the Loop) 12:47

2M ago12:47

12:47

Quick question: how often do you catch yourself replaying the same mistake or worrying about something that hasn’t even happened yet? That mental loop isn’t harmless. It actually keeps your body on edge and quietly drives you to reach for the easiest way to shut it off — which for a lot of people is another drink. Today we’re breaking down why your…

1
Your Gut After Booze: 48 Hours of Recovery 7:46

2M ago7:46

7:46

Bloated, moody, foggy — and it’s already been two days since that wild night out? Your gut might still be in recovery mode. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind what happens in your gut 24 to 48 hours after drinking. From disrupted microbiomes to “hangxiety” and digestive chaos, you’ll learn why your gut takes a bigger h…

1
What We Wish We Knew Before Trying to Moderate w/ Merrilee Burke, LMFT 44:41

2M ago44:41

44:41

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 “pro…

1
Drinking the Night Before a Big Meeting: Smart or Risky? 9:17

2M ago9:17

9:17

That one glass of wine the night before your big meeting might feel like a stress reliever… but your brain might not agree by morning. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what alcohol really does to your sleep, focus, and confidence before a big day: Why even light drinking disrupts REM sleep and mental clarity How alcohol affects your me…

1
This One Question Will Change the Way You Drink 6:02

2M ago6:02

6:02

Tracking your drinks matters — it’s a core part of how Sunnyside helps you stay mindful. But if you’ve ever had a “dry day” and still felt off… this episode explains why. Mike shares a story from a listener who realized the biggest shift didn’t come from how many drinks she had — but from asking one powerful question: “Is this aligned with my value…

1
What Happens When a World-Class Bartender Stops Drinking w/ Derek Brown 52:58

2M ago52:58

52:58

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 shar…

1
Drinking and Dating in Your 30s? Listen to This! 9:03

2M ago9:03

9:03

Dating in your 30s is supposed to be wiser, more grounded — but somehow, it still revolves around drinks. From wine-fueled first dates to “liquid courage” before awkward small talk, alcohol is the unofficial plus-one nobody asked for. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the hidden ways alcohol messes with your dating life — from how it change…

1
4 Ways to Use Habit Stacking to Drink Less 10:19

2M ago10:19

10:19

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 autom…

1
How Alcohol Changes Your Skin, Hair, and Nails 9:44

2M ago9:44

9:44

From stubborn breakouts to thinning hair and brittle nails, alcohol might be doing more to your appearance than you think — and not in a good way. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how drinking impacts your outer glow and what really happens when you cut back: Why alcohol dehydrates your skin and speeds up aging The surprising link betw…

1
13 Uncommon Ways to Drink Less (And My Verdict) 15:14

2M ago15:14

15:14

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’…

1
The Drinking Persona vs. The Real You 8:07

2M ago8:07

8:07

Ever feel like a different person after a few drinks? You’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology and neuroscience behind the “drinking persona”—why it shows up, how it shapes your behavior, and what it reveals about the real you underneath. We’ll cover: What alcohol myopia is (…

1
The Science Behind Tracking Your Drinks 10:29

2M ago10:29

10:29

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 …

1
The Hidden Link Between PMS, Hormones, and Alcohol 8:04

3M ago8:04

8:04

Ever wonder why your PMS symptoms feel worse after a few drinks — or why that glass of wine hits different before your period? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the surprising ways alcohol messes with your hormones, from intensifying PMS to disrupting estrogen balance and making stress feel even worse. You’ll learn: How alcohol impacts …

1
Do I Deserve to Drink? Unpacking the Reward Loop w/ Ian Andersen 23:41

3M ago23:41

23:41

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 wha…

1
Why You Crave Booze When You’re Stressed 8:43

3M ago8:43

8:43

Ever feel like stress sends you straight to the fridge for a drink? You’re not alone — and it’s not about willpower. It’s brain wiring. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the real science behind why stress makes us crave alcohol — and how to break the cycle without going full monk mode. You’ll learn: What cortisol and GABA have to do with st…

1
10 Things to Do When You’re Bored from Drinking Less 9:53

3M ago9:53

9:53

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 …

1
The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster You Didn’t See Coming 9:52

3M ago9:52

9:52

Ever feel shaky, anxious, or wiped out after just one or two drinks? That’s not random — it’s your blood sugar taking a wild ride. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the hidden link between alcohol and blood sugar chaos, including: • Why even moderate drinking can cause spikes, crashes, and cravings • How blood sugar swings affect mood, …

1
Can You Drink and Still Be “Healthy”? 8:09

3M ago8:09

8:09

Can you really drink and still be “healthy”? Or is that just what wellness culture wants you to believe? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the science and nuance behind alcohol’s place in a healthy lifestyle, including: What alcohol actually does to your brain, sleep, hormones, and metabolism Why “moderation” isn’t always as safe or harmles…

1
The Truth About “Flush” Reactions to Alcohol 9:29

3M ago9:29

9:29

Ever wonder why your face turns red after just one drink? That post-sip glow isn’t just awkward — it’s a sign your body processes alcohol differently. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the truth about alcohol flush reactions, including: What causes your skin to flush and heart to race after drinking Why this reaction is linked to geneti…

1
How Sunnyside Helped Charlie Break a 40-Year Drinking Habit at 71 33:54

3M ago33:54

33:54

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 …

1
Why Alcohol Affects Men and Women So Differently 9:06

3M ago9:06

9:06

Why does alcohol hit some people harder than others — even when they drink the same amount? The answer isn’t just “tolerance” — it’s biology. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of how alcohol affects men and women differently, including: How body composition and enzyme levels change alcohol absorption The role of hormones in …

1
Can Your Liver Bounce Back? 8:58

3M ago8:58

8:58

Your liver does a lot — from filtering toxins to keeping your body balanced — but how much damage does drinking really do? And more importantly, can it recover? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of liver health, including: What alcohol actually does to your liver over time Which kinds of damage are reversible (and which aren…

1
5 Benefits of Drinking Less You Probably Haven’t Thought About 11:45

3M ago11:45

11:45

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…

1
The Internet Is Your New Sober Buddy 10:42

3M ago10:42

10:42

Trying to drink less, but don’t vibe with traditional programs? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not without support. From Reddit threads to TikTok comments, online communities are redefining what it means to change your relationship with alcohol. These digital spaces are honest, judgment-free, and full of people just like you — figuring it…

1
How Companies Are Adapting to Changing Preferences 7:42

3M ago7:42

7:42

Not drinking used to feel like an awkward conversation. Now? It’s a billion-dollar industry. From zero-proof bars to functional drinks packed with wellness benefits, the sober-curious movement is changing everything — and businesses are scrambling to keep up. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the rise of the “sober economy,” including: …

1
Social Media's Role in Promoting Sober Lifestyles 10:33

3M ago10:33

10:33

From colorful mocktails to sober glow-up stories, social media is rewriting the rules around alcohol — and making mindful drinking (or skipping it altogether) more normal than ever. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how platforms like Instagram and YouTube are helping people explore a life with less alcohol: The rise of “sober-curious” …

1
How a Break from Alcohol Redefined Fun, Identity, and Purpose w/ Jordan Carroll 43:46

3M ago43:46

43:46

Jordan Carroll never hit a rock bottom—but alcohol was quietly holding him back. In this episode, the Remote Job Coach and global entrepreneur opens up about life in the “grey area,” where drinking wasn’t a daily habit but still left damage he couldn’t ignore. We talk about what led him to take a full year off alcohol (and why he thinks everyone sh…

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