Journey to the Sunnyside | Mindful Drinking & Alcohol Health

Latest Episodes:

How to Turn Excuses Into Wins Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

We’ve all made excuses to drink — “I deserve it,” “It’s just one,” “It’s the weekend,” “Everyone else is.” We also make excuses not to change — especially when life feels busy, stressful, or uncertain. In this episode, we flip that habit on its head. You’ll learn a simple mindset shift that helps you spot better reasons, take back control, and use April as your edge.

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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Listen to Journey to the Sunnyside Podcast: https://bit.ly/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

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CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/
- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnyside

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.

10 Ways to Build Self-Respect on Your Mindful Drinking Journey Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 ways to build real self-respect while working on your relationship with alcohol. These aren’t about willpower or perfection — they’re about shifting your energy, your mindset, and the way you see yourself. Inspired by Wayne Dyer’s The Power of Intention, this is a more grounded, self-compassionate approach to change. I’ll walk you through practical steps that have helped me personally, especially on days when I’ve felt stuck or disconnected. If you’re cutting back, taking a break, or just trying to drink more mindfully, these tools will help you feel more aligned, confident, and in control — without the pressure to get it all right.

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/4bxCqT3
Subscribe to Sunnyside’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3zuoID4

RELATED ARTICLES FROM THE SUNNYSIDE BLOG:

CONNECT WITH SUNNYSIDE:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsunnyside/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinsunnyside/
- Twitter: https://x.com/joinsunnyside
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsunnyside

10-Minute Mondays: Do You Really Have an Addictive Personality? Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

You’ve probably asked yourself that question—or heard someone else say it like it’s a fact. But what if that belief is actually blocking your progress? In this episode, we unpack why labels like “alcoholic” or “addictive personality” might be doing more harm than good, and offer a new way to think about change that’s more honest, more doable, and a lot more freeing

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How Does Alcohol Really Affect Your Mental Health? w/ Jason Kilmer Mar 20, 2025

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We all know alcohol and mental health are connected, but what does the science actually say? Dr. Jason Kilmer, a leading researcher from the University of Washington, joins us to break down how alcohol impacts anxiety, depression, sleep, and emotional regulation. We discuss why drinking to "take the edge off" often backfires, how alcohol myopia alters decision-making, and the surprising link between alcohol use and suicide prevention.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about facts. Whether you’re looking to cut back, better understand your habits, or simply learn more about alcohol’s effect on the brain, this conversation is packed with science-backed insights and practical takeaways.

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10-Minute Mondays: How to Hack the "Alcohol Effect" Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In last week’s conversation with Dr. Jason Kilmer, we uncovered something shocking—most of what we think alcohol does for us isn’t actually caused by alcohol itself. We like to believe that drinking makes us more confident, social, and relaxed, but Jason’s research proves that our brains create these effects based on expectation, not the drink itself.
In this 10-Minute Monday, I’m breaking down Jason’s groundbreaking experiment where participants acted drunk even when they weren’t drinking, simply because they believed they had alcohol. Meanwhile, those who actually drank but didn’t think they had alcohol showed none of the typical social effects—no increased confidence, no extra energy, no party vibes. This experiment is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their drinking.
So, what does this mean for you as a Sunnyside member? It means you have more influence over your experience than you ever realized. Today, I’ll be breaking down exactly how this “alcohol effect” works, the key takeaways from my conversation with Jason, and—most importantly—how you can use this knowledge to drink smarter and feel more in control. Let’s dive in.

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This Mind-Blowing Study Fooled Drinkers—What It Means for You w/ Jason Kilmer Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Why do you drink more in certain situations—even when you don’t plan to? What if I told you it has nothing to do with alcohol itself? Dr. Jason Kilmer has spent over 20 years researching the psychology of drinking behaviors at the University of Washington, where he’s helped develop groundbreaking interventions funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). His work focuses on how our expectations, social environments, and even the way a drink is served can completely alter how much we consume.

In today’s episode, we break down his wildly eye-opening research, including a shocking experiment where people got drunk—without drinking. We dive into the hidden psychological triggers that make us drink more than we realize, the powerful role of perception in shaping drinking habits, and how simple factors like glass size, carbonation, and even the presence of ice can change consumption patterns. Jason shares what really makes alcohol “social” and why most of the effects people chase aren’t coming from the alcohol itself. If you’re trying to cut back, moderate, or better understand your drinking habits, this conversation will completely change the way you think about alcohol.

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What Your Kids Really Think About Your Drinking (And Why It Matters) Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Do your kids notice when you drink? And if they do, what message are they taking away from it? In this episode, I break down a Parents magazine article on parental drinking habits and share my own perspective as a dad of three. We’ll dive into how kids perceive alcohol, what research says about its influence, and simple ways to model intentional drinking. Whether you’re a casual drinker or just curious about the topic, this episode will give you something to think about. Tune in for an honest, no-judgment conversation on what our kids are really learning from us.

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How to Stop Self-Sabotaging (For Good) w/ Carrie Lupoli Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like you're making progress, only to backslide into old habits? That’s self-sabotage, and it’s not just about willpower—it’s wired into how our brains work. But here’s the good news: you can break the cycle.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Carrie Lupoli, a certified nutritionist, behavioral expert, and award-winning educator who has helped thousands of people rewire their mindset and transform their health. She’s built her career on disrupting the diet industry and teaching people how to break free from unhealthy cycles—without deprivation or guilt.

We’re unpacking why self-sabotage happens, the sneaky triggers that keep you stuck, and the simple strategies to finally break free. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with drinking less, eating better, or sticking to your goals, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it.

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How to Drink Less Around Friends Without Making It a Big Deal Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Today, I’m answering a listener question about something a lot of people struggle with—how to drink less around friends without making it weird or awkward. Cutting back can feel great, but what happens when your social life still revolves around alcohol? You don’t want to make it a big deal, but you also don’t want to feel pressured or have to explain yourself all night.

In this episode, I’ll break down exactly how to navigate drinking less in social settings while keeping things natural and comfortable. You’ll learn why friends sometimes push back when you change your habits, how to casually bring it up without over-explaining, and what to say if someone teases or pressures you. Plus, I’ll share a simple mindset shift that makes social settings easier—so you can focus on having a good time instead of worrying about what’s in your glass.

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10 Minute Mondays: Is Overthinking Alcohol a Red Flag? What It Really Means Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like alcohol is taking up way too much space in your head—even when you’re cutting back or sticking to your goals? You’re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the big question: Is overthinking alcohol a red flag? I’ll break down why this happens, what it actually means, and how to shift your focus so it’s no longer running the show. If you’ve ever worried that thinking about alcohol too much means you’re on the brink of slipping back, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it.

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