

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

Oct 7, 2024 • 18min
What’s Really Happening When You Mix Alcohol and Medication? w/ Phil Cowley
Hey, welcome to Journey to the Sunnyside! I’m your host, Mike Hardenbrook, and today we’re digging into a critical topic: what happens when you mix alcohol with medications. Whether you’re taking over-the-counter or prescription drugs, alcohol can have serious effects on how they work.Joining me is Phil Cowley, a pharmacist with over 20 years of experience. Phil’s not only a pro at breaking down complex health topics, but he’s also become a social media influencer. His Instagram, with over 600k followers, is packed with fun, easy-to-understand health information that helps people manage their health in an approachable way. Today, Phil’s going to help us uncover the risks of mixing alcohol with your meds and give you some practical tips to stay safe.Alright, let’s dive into it with Phil Cowley, the Owner and Pharmacist at Cache Valley Pharmacy.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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Oct 3, 2024 • 46min
Sunnyside Cuts Drinking by 33%, New Study Confirms w/ Sunnyside CEO Nick Allen
Hey everyone, welcome back to Journey to the Sunnyside! Today’s episode is packed with some really exciting news. We’re diving into the results of a third-party study that analyzed over 46,000 Sunnyside members and their self-reported drinking habits. The focus? How real-time, adaptive text messages are helping people change their drinking habits around alcohol.And I’m thrilled to have Nick Allen, Sunnyside’s Co-Founder and CEO, joining me today. Nick’s going to break down the key findings, especially how effective this approach has been for mid-aged women.So, if you’re curious about how behavioral science is making a real difference in building healthier drinking habits—and you want to hear some inspiring stories of how Sunnyside is helping people make lasting changes—then stick around. Trust me, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 8min
Face-off: Sober vs. Sober(ish) October
Why wait until January to make a change? In this episode, we dive into the differences between Sober and Sober(ish) October and how each approach could set you up for success before the holidays hit. Tune in to discover how a small shift in your October plans could have a big impact.Here's the link to join Sober(ish) October https://get.sunnyside.co/october?utm_source=podcastWant 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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 26, 2024 • 18min
The Doctor-Approved Method to Cut Back on Drinking w/ Dr. Hrishikesh Belani
Joining me again is Dr. Hrishikesh Belani, medical advisor for Sunnyside.co, and an expert in alcohol use disorders. Dr. Belani’s worked with countless people looking to reduce their drinking without feeling overwhelmed. Today, he’s going to share some simple strategies that you can start using right away to cut back on alcohol in a way that fits your lifestyle.Let’s jump in with Dr. Hrishikesh Belani!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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 25, 2024 • 24min
The Critical Alcohol Facts Doctors Want You to Know w/ Dr. Hrishikesh Belani
I’m excited to be joined by Dr. Hrishikesh Belani. He’s not only the Primary Care Director of LA County Health Services but also an Assistant Professor at UCLA and a medical advisor for Sunnyside. Dr. Belani’s expertise covers everything from alcohol use disorders to mindful drinking, and today he’s here to shed light on the health risks that often fly under the radar.Let’s get right into it with Dr. Hrishikesh Belani!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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 23, 2024 • 15min
10-Minute Mondays: How Alcohol Hijacks Your Dopamine
In this 10-Minute Monday episode, we’re breaking down how alcohol manipulates one of the most important chemicals in your brain—dopamine. Ever wondered why you crave that next drink? Today, we’ll uncover why alcohol tricks your brain, what happens when you stop drinking, and how to naturally restore your dopamine levels. Curious about taking back control? This is the episode you won’t want to miss!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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 19, 2024 • 47min
Inside the Sober Curious Movement w/ Olivia Noceda
In this episode, we’re diving into the sober curious movement with Olivia Noceda, who’s been alcohol-free for nearly 3 years and has built an incredible community of over 470K followers. Known for her creative non-alcoholic drink recipes and authentic storytelling, Olivia has become a major voice in the movement, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. We talk about why she chose to quit drinking, how she’s helped normalize sober curiosity, and the cultural shifts that are making this movement explode. Tune in for tips, insights, and inspiration.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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 16, 2024 • 11min
10-Minute Mondays: The Secret to Staying Motivated (And Making It Fun)
In this 10-minute Monday, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked keys to staying motivated—celebrating your wins. It’s not just about big milestones; even small victories can build momentum, keep you consistent, and make this journey way more fun. I’ll break down how positive reinforcement taps into your brain’s dopamine system and why rewarding yourself makes all the difference. If you’re ready to make mindful drinking easier and actually enjoyable, this episode is packed with simple, actionable tips to help you stay on track.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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 12, 2024 • 45min
The Link Between Fitness, Wellness, and Habit Change w/Jesse Carrajat
In this episode, we’re joined by USMC veteran Jesse Carrajat, founder of Altum Fitness and host of the Sober Strength podcast. Jesse opens up about his journey from military service and corporate life to building a mission-driven wellness platform. We explore how fitness and mental wellness work together to create sustainable habits, improve emotional resilience, and redefine what 'sober strength' truly means. Whether you're looking to cut back on alcohol or simply build a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, Jesse shares actionable strategies to help you achieve lasting change. Tune in to discover how small, consistent steps in fitness and mindset can lead to big transformations.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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.

Sep 9, 2024 • 12min
10-Minute Mondays: 5 Steps to Bounce Back from Slip-Ups (Guilt-Free)
In this episode, "5 Steps to Bounce Back from Slip-Ups Guilt-Free," I'll cover the practical ways you can recover from those inevitable moments when your alcohol moderation plan doesn’t go as intended. Slip-ups happen, and instead of letting them drag you down, you'll learn how to approach them with grace, curiosity, and a problem-solving mindset.I’ll guide you through five simple steps to help you understand the emotional and physical side effects of a slip-up, how to reframe setbacks as part of your growth, and key strategies for breaking the loop that often leads to overindulgence. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the mindset you need to handle slip-ups without feeling guilty and get back on track with confidence.If you're looking to stay in control and maintain your progress while being kind to yourself, this episode is 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.comjoinsunnyside/- 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.


