Journey to the Sunnyside | Mindful Drinking & Alcohol Health

Latest Episodes:

What Your 4th of July Really Revealed About Your Drinking Jul 07, 2025

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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, and looking to make the rest of summer easier.

Want to drink less with no pressure to quit? Go to https://ctbk.co/4doo5dq for a free 15-day trial.
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ABOUT 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.

Why Your Sleep Gets Worse Before It Gets Better Jul 03, 2025

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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 — whether you’re moderating or taking a full break. I’ve got some fresh science, practical tips, and hopefully a bit of encouragement for you too. Let’s get into it.

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Why Overthinking Makes You Drink (and How to Break the Loop) Jun 30, 2025

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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 brain does this, how it keeps you stuck, and exactly how to break the cycle. Let’s get into it.

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What We Wish We Knew Before Trying to Moderate w/ Merrilee Burke, LMFT Jun 26, 2025

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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.

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This One Question Will Change the Way You Drink Jun 23, 2025

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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 values?” In this quick, science-backed episode, you’ll learn how to pair counting with reflection to build habits that actually stick — and feel good doing it. Because when your why is clear, the numbers start to take care of themselves.

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What Happens When a World-Class Bartender Stops Drinking w/ Derek Brown Jun 19, 2025

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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.

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4 Ways to Use Habit Stacking to Drink Less Jun 16, 2025

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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.

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13 Uncommon Ways to Drink Less (And My Verdict) Jun 12, 2025

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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.

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The Science Behind Tracking Your Drinks Jun 10, 2025

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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.

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Do I Deserve to Drink? Unpacking the Reward Loop w/ Ian Andersen Jun 05, 2025

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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.

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