The Alcohol Reset

Why does alcohol make you pee so much? It’s more than just a party joke — there’s real science behind it. Alcohol messes with your body’s ability to hold onto water, drains essential minerals, and can leave you feeling dehydrated, foggy, or restless the next day.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what’s actually happening when you drink:How alcohol blocks the hormone that regulates urinationWhy you’re losing more water than you take inThe role of key electrolytes like magnesium — and what happens when they’re goneWhat “breaking the seal” really means (and why it keeps happening)Simple strategies to stay hydrated, sleep better, and feel more balanced the next day🎧 Tune in now to learn what alcohol is doing to your hydration — and what you can do to take better care of your body while still enjoying your night out.

Think you're fine after a drink? Think again.Most people don’t realize alcohol takes about 20 minutes to fully kick in—and that delay could be the reason you end up drinking more than you planned.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind the 20-minute rule and why it matters for anyone who drinks:How alcohol is absorbed—and why you don’t feel it right awayWhat’s really happening in your brain after each drinkWhy drinking too fast can lead to overconsumption, blackouts, and hangoversSimple tips to pace yourself and stay in control🎧 Tune in now to learn how long alcohol really takes to affect you—and how this one rule could change the way you drink.

Still craving that drink—even when you’re trying to cut back? It might not be about willpower at all. New science shows that nutrient deficiencies could be fueling your alcohol cravings from the inside out.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what your body might be missing:The top nutrient deficiencies linked to alcohol cravingsHow B1, B6, magnesium, and zinc play a role in mood, stress, and impulse controlWhy alcohol drains your body of key nutrients—and how to replenish themCommon signs your cravings might be deficiency-relatedScience-backed nutrition strategies to regain balance and reduce urges🎧 Tune in now to learn how your biology could be driving your cravings—and how to support your body from the inside out.

Is your drink putting your brain at risk? New research reveals that heavy drinking can significantly increase your chances of developing brain damage associated with dementia.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your cognitive health:The connection between heavy alcohol consumption and brain lesionsHow drinking impacts memory, focus, and decision-makingThe cumulative effects of alcohol on brain health over timeWho is most at risk for alcohol-related cognitive declineSimple strategies to protect your brain and maintain mental clarity🎧 Tune in now to discover the truth about alcohol and your brain—and learn how to safeguard your cognitive health for the future!

Is that drink really helping your mood? While alcohol may seem like a quick way to unwind, it can have lasting effects on your mental health.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your well-being:How alcohol acts as a depressant and impacts moodThe connection between drinking and anxiety or depressionThe role of L-Theanine in supporting mental healthPractical strategies for maintaining mental wellness while drinkingWhat you need to know to make informed choices🎧 Tune in now to discover the truth about alcohol and your mental health—and how to navigate social situations with confidence!

Wondering how your drinking habits affect your aging? The truth might surprise you.While a drink or two can be a social delight, alcohol has significant impacts on your skin, brain, and overall health as you age.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the connection between alcohol consumption and the aging process, including:How alcohol accelerates skin aging and collagen breakdownThe role of oxidative stress and free radicals in cellular agingWhy heavy drinking can lead to cognitive decline and increase dementia riskThe importance of liver health and detoxification as we ageHow N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) can help combat the effects of alcohol on aging🎧 Tune in now to discover how to enjoy your favorite drinks while still aging gracefully!

Ever wondered why drinking can lead to unexpected weight gain? It’s not just about the calories—alcohol affects metabolism, appetite, and fat storage in ways you might not realize.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind alcohol and weight gain, including:How alcohol slows down fat burning and disrupts metabolismWhy drinking makes you hungrier and leads to overeatingThe surprising role of insulin resistance and long-term weight changesHow Milk Thistle and L-Theanine can support liver health and weight managementSimple strategies to enjoy drinking without packing on extra pounds🎧 Tune in now to learn the truth about alcohol and weight gain—and how to make smarter choices for your health.

Does alcohol really mess with your gut health? Absolutely.Drinking can cause gut issues, including imbalances in bacteria, inflammation, and a weakened gut lining. Research shows that alcohol disrupts digestion and can trigger bloating, fatigue, and cravings for unhealthy foods.  In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into what this means for your gut health: How alcohol kills good gut bacteria and promotes harmful strainsThe impact of alcohol on gut barrier function and leaky gut syndromeWhy chronic inflammation from alcohol can lead to digestive problemsThe role of Dihydromyricetin (DHM) in supporting gut and liver healthSimple, actionable tips to promote gut healing—whether you drink occasionally or often🎧 Tune in now to discover how alcohol affects your gut—and what you can do to keep it healthy!

Does milk thistle really help your liver handle alcohol? Science says it might. Your liver works hard to process alcohol, but excess drinking can cause inflammation and damage. Milk thistle, a centuries-old remedy, may help protect liver cells, reduce inflammation, and support regeneration. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your liver health:How alcohol affects your liver and why it struggles to keep upThe science behind milk thistle’s active ingredient, silymarinWhat research says about milk thistle’s ability to protect and heal the liverCan the liver recover? How lifestyle changes can support long-term healthSimple, practical ways to care for your liver—whether you drink occasionally or often🎧 Tune in now to learn how milk thistle could be your liver’s best ally!

Ever wonder why alcohol feels like it gives you energy and motivation, only to leave you feeling unmotivated later? There’s a scientific reason for that.Alcohol tricks your brain with short-term dopamine boosts but drains long-term motivation, focus, and drive—making it harder to find pleasure in daily life. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down:How alcohol spikes dopamine—but also depletes it over timeWhy drinking can kill motivation and make everyday tasks feel harderThe science behind dopamine imbalances and alcohol dependenceHow nutrients like NAC and Vitamin B1 play a role in dopamine recovery🎧 Tune in now to understand the real impact of alcohol on your motivation—and what you can do to support your brain.

You swear you’re cutting back—but then, out of nowhere, the craving hits. Why? It’s not just habit or willpower—your brain and body are wired to want it. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind why cravings happen and how to manage them, including: How alcohol rewires your brain, making cravings feel automaticThe role of glutamate and habit formation in alcohol-seeking behaviorWhy GABA imbalances create stress and anxiety that fuel cravingsHow blood sugar crashes mimic withdrawal, making you reach for a drinkNutrient deficiencies that can increase alcohol cravings—and what to do about them 🎧 Cravings aren’t random. Tap in to learn how to take back control. 

Is alcohol messing with your skin? Let’s find out!You might enjoy a drink to unwind, but alcohol can lead to dehydration, inflammation, and accelerated aging, complicating your skin health.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your skin:How alcohol causes dryness and rednessThe connection between drinking and skin conditionsThe benefits of Vitamin B6 and Dihydromyricetin (DHM) for skin healthSimple tips to protect your skin while enjoying a drinkWhat you need to know to keep your skin glowing🎧 Tune in now to discover how alcohol affects your skin—and what you can do to keep it healthy!

Is alcohol really bad for your health? Let's find out!You might think a glass of wine is good for your heart, but alcohol can also cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, making it more complicated. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your heart health:How alcohol affects blood pressure and cholesterol levelsThe link between drinking and heart rhythm disordersThe role of Vitamin B6 and Magnesium in supporting heart functionEasy strategies to drink responsibly while protecting your heartWhat you need to know to keep your heart healthy🎧 Tune in now to discover the truth about alcohol and your heart—and how you can make informed

Think alcohol helps you sleep? Think again. You might feel like alcohol helps you fall asleep faster, but in reality, it’s disrupting your sleep quality, leaving you exhausted and unfocused. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down:How alcohol messes with your REM sleep and deep restWhy you wake up feeling groggy, even after a full night’s sleepThe science behind alcohol-induced sleep fragmentationThe role of Vitamin B6 and L-Theanine in supporting restful sleepSimple ways to drink smarter and wake up refreshed🎧 Tune in now to find out if alcohol is secretly sabotaging your sleep—and what you can do about it.

Does alcohol actually shrink your brain? Science says yes.Even small amounts of alcohol can shrink brain volume, impacting memory, decision-making, and learning. New research shows even moderate drinking may speed up cognitive decline. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what this means for your brain health:What brain scans reveal about alcohol and brain shrinkageHow alcohol affects memory, focus, and long-term cognitive healthThe role of inflammation, dehydration, and nutrient deficiencies in brain volume lossCan the brain recover? What studies say about reversing the damageSimple ways to support brain health—whether you drink occasionally or often🎧 Tune in now to learn how alcohol affects your brain—and what you can do to protect it.

Ever wanted to drink less without quitting entirely? Sunnyside is proving that small, sustainable changes can lead to major results.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the science-backed approach that helped over 350,000 people reduce their alcohol intake by 33% in just 12 weeks, without rigid rules or guilt. You'll learn:How Sunnyside’s real-time text coaching keeps you accountable without pressureWhy small habit shifts are more effective than all-or-nothing approachesThe top motivations for cutting back (it’s not just health)How Sunnyside meets you where you are, whether you want to moderate or quitWhy this approach works better than traditional sobriety programsTune in now to discover how Sunnyside is revolutionizing mindful drinking and making habit change easier than ever.

Ever feel like your body is working against you when cutting back on alcohol? There’s a biochemical reason for that.In this episode, Dr. Robin Terranella breaks down:How alcohol disrupts homeostasis, making it harder to quitThe key nutrient deficiencies caused by drinking—and how to replenish themWhy poor sleep, anxiety, and fatigue are common after drinking (even if it’s just on weekends)How to restore balance in your body, so cutting back feels easierThe science behind cravings—and what you can do to reduce them🎧 Tune in now to learn how to support your body and make alcohol less of a struggle.

Ever felt drunk without drinking much? Dr. Jason Kilmer’s research proves it’s possible.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into Dr. Kilmer’s groundbreaking study that reveals:How people got buzzed—without any alcohol at allWhy your expectations shape your drinking experience more than you thinkThe real reason alcohol makes you “more social” (hint: it’s not the booze)How subtle factors like bubbles, ice, and glass size change how you drinkThe surprising ways this research can help you cut back or take a break🎧 Tune in now to learn how your brain—not just your drink—determines your night out.

For years, I was stuck in the cycle—drinking, quitting, slipping, and feeling like I was failing. I thought willpower was the answer, but I learned the hard way that biology plays a huge role in changing drinking habits. In this episode, I’m sharing my full journey—from being a social drinker to a nightly drinker, to finally breaking free from the cycle.I’ll talk about the shame, the setbacks, and the surprising realizations that changed everything for me. We’ll also dive into the missing piece no one talks about when it comes to quitting or cutting back: biology. I’ll explain why I created Cloud9, what I’ve learned about alcohol’s impact on the brain and body, and how mindful drinking is about progress, not perfection.Whether you're looking to quit, cut back, or just rethink your relationship with alcohol, this episode is for you.

Ever start the day feeling strong, only to cave by evening? Decision fatigue might be the culprit.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down:Why your brain’s fuel (glucose) depletes throughout the day, making self-control harderHow alcohol hijacks decision-making, making that “one drink” harder to resistThe paradox of choice—why too many options wear you downHow cravings intensify when mental energy is lowPractical strategies to reduce decision fatigue and make cutting back easier🎧 Tune in now to learn why resisting alcohol isn’t about willpower—it’s about understanding how your brain actually works.

Not everyone fits neatly into the categories of “moderate drinker” or “alcoholic.” There’s a huge gray area in between—what Mike Hardenbrook calls "in-between drinking."In this episode, Mike breaks down:What in-between drinking is and why so many people fall into this categoryWhy traditional labels don’t always fit and can make change harderThe science behind why it’s tough to cut back, even without addictionReal-life examples of in-between drinkers and their challengesHow to take control of your drinking habits without extremes🎧 Tune in now to rethink your relationship with alcohol and learn how small shifts can lead to lasting change.

Feeling more anxious after drinking? There’s a reason for that.Alcohol may feel like it calms the nervous system, but behind the scenes, it disrupts brain chemistry, leading to rebound anxiety, sleep issues, and even more stress over time.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the neuroscience of alcohol and anxiety, including:How alcohol alters GABA, glutamate, and dopamine—and why that leads to anxietyThe rebound effect: Why drinking to relax often makes stress worseThe role of neurotransmitter depletion and how alcohol changes your brain over timeWhy even moderate drinking can trigger the cycle of “hangxiety”🎧 Tune in now to learn the science behind alcohol and anxiety—and what you can do to break the cycle.

Feeling sluggish after drinking? It’s not just in your head.Alcohol depletes thiamine (Vitamin B1)—a key nutrient for energy, brain function, and metabolism. Even moderate drinking can lead to subclinical deficiencies, causing brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down:How alcohol depletes thiamine through gut damage, diuretic effects, and increased demandWhy most thiamine supplements don’t absorb well—and what actually worksThe science behind TTFD, a superior form of thiamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier for better cognitive supportHow Cloud9 includes TTFD in Daily Restore and Rise & Unwind AM/PM to help replenish what alcohol depletes🎧 Tune in to learn how upgrading your thiamine intake can boost energy, mental clarity, and long-term brain health.

Struggling with alcohol cravings? It’s not just about willpower.There’s a biological reason why cutting back on alcohol feels so hard, and it has everything to do with how alcohol affects your brain chemistry and cravings. One supplement that’s been gaining attention? N-acetylcysteine (NAC).In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the latest research on NAC, including a 2024 clinical trial showing how NAC helped people with Alcohol Use Disorder naturally reduce their drinking. He breaks down how NAC works in the brain, how it helps rebalance the reward system, and why it may be a game-changer for those looking to drink less.Mike also shares how Dr. Terranella has seen NAC’s benefits firsthand in his practice and why Cloud9 includes NAC in its formulas to support people who want to take control of their drinking—without relying on willpower alone.🎧 Tune in now to learn how NAC could make cutting back on alcohol easier.

Mindful drinking and moderation aren’t the same—so which one actually works?Most people trying to drink less think they need to rely on willpower or strict rules to succeed. But the truth is, moderation can feel like a battle, while mindful drinking offers a much better path to long-term change.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down why moderation often backfires, how mindful drinking rewires your habits, and simple shifts to make cutting back easier. Whether you’re trying to feel better, sleep deeper, or just take control, this episode will help you reset your relationship with alcohol—without guilt or extremes.In this episode, we’ll cover:The key differences between mindful drinking and moderationWhy moderation often leads to over-drinkingHow mindful drinking helps you drink less without struggleThe dopamine trap that keeps you stuck in drinking habitsWhy willpower doesn’t work (and what actually does)Simple mindset shifts to make cutting back easierHow to start changing your habits without feeling deprivedIf you’re looking for extra support, check out Cloud9—makers of Daily Restore, a once-a-day supplement to protect your body from alcohol’s effects, and Rise & Unwind AM/PM, a 24-hour system designed to curb cravings, stabilize mood, and improve sleep when cutting back or taking a break.Go to trycloud9.com and use the code PODCAST to save 15% on your next order.🎧 Tune in now to learn why moderation is hard—and how mindful drinking makes it easier.

Most people think drinking less is about self-control—setting rules, using willpower, and making better choices. But what if I told you your body is working against you?Alcohol doesn’t just create habits—it changes your brain chemistry and depletes key nutrients that regulate your mood, sleep, and cravings. Many people don’t realize they experience mini withdrawals between drinks, leading to anxiety, low energy, and the urge for another drink—not just out of habit, but because their body is searching for balance.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook shares the real biological reasons why cutting back feels so hard, the critical role of B1, GABA, and nutrient depletion, and how understanding what’s happening in your body can make change so much easier. He also shares his personal story of working with Dr. Terranella, the discoveries that changed his relationship with alcohol, and why he’s on a mission to help others avoid the struggle of figuring it out alone.You’ll walk away from this episode with:A new understanding of why your body craves alcoholThe science behind mini withdrawals and why they happen—even for moderate drinkersWhy nutrient depletion plays a bigger role than willpowerThe key biological factors that can make cutting back easier🎧 Tune in now to learn why alcohol cravings aren’t just mental—and what you can do about it.