Not an Alcoholic. Not Sober. Truly Free. Here’s How w/ Colleen Freeland
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 think, how you regulate your emotions, and how you build a life you don’t need to numb from In this episode, we get into the mindset shifts that finally break the cycle, the most damaging beliefs to unlearn, and the powerful new truths that actually make change last. If you’ve ever felt stuck in that same old loop, this conversation will give you a whole new way to look at it.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.com/joinsunnyside/- 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.
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What Your 4th of July Really Revealed About Your Drinking
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.--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.com/joinsunnyside/- 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.
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Why Your Sleep Gets Worse Before It Gets Better
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.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.com/joinsunnyside/- 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.
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12:56
Why Overthinking Makes You Drink (and How to Break the Loop)
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.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.com/joinsunnyside/- 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.
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What We Wish We Knew Before Trying to Moderate w/ Merrilee Burke, LMFT
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.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.com/joinsunnyside/- 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.
Journey to the Sunnyside" is a top 2% podcast, reaching over 400,000 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.
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