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 ground.

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

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.

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-achieving women cut their drinking by 80% without labels or lifelong abstinence. We break down why cravings and urges can feel so overpowering, how your nervous system actually wires you to keep reaching for a drink, and why chasing relief is the wrong goal. We also get into what emotional sobriety really looks like in practice, and Colleen shares a couple of simple tools you can try tonight to start calming your system and breaking the old pattern for good.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.