Why do holiday parties always push you past the limits you swear you set for yourself? You show up thinking you’ll have one drink… and suddenly you’re three deep, holding a cookie, accepting champagne you don’t remember agreeing to, and wondering how you got here.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the real reasons holiday gatherings lead to over-indulging — from social pressure and end-of-year burnout to nostalgia, stress chemistry, and the “free drinks” effect that shuts off your self-control.You’ll learn:• The psychology behind why holiday environments make us drink more • The biological reasons your limits feel weaker in December • How sugar, stress, and sleep deprivation amplify your cravings • Why hangovers hit harder during the holiday season • Simple, science-backed strategies to enjoy the party without paying for it the next day • How nutrients like Vitamin B12 and NAC (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) can support mood, energy, and recovery during peak drinking season🎧 Hit play to finally understand why holiday parties push you past your limits — and how to stay in control without missing the fun.
Why does December make every drink feel “earned”?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology behind holiday drinking — why stress, nostalgia, expectations, and end-of-year pressure make alcohol feel like a reward, even when your body’s already running on fumes. You’ll learn:How December stress tricks your brain into craving “reward” drinksWhy holiday culture normalizes daily or heavier drinkingHow exhaustion, cortisol, and emotional overload amplify cravingsWhat’s really going on when you feel like you “deserve” a drinkHow ingredients like Ashwagandha and L-Theanine (found in Daily Restore) can support stress and help your brain unwind — without leaning on alcohol🎧 Tap play to understand why December drinking feels so justified — and how to break the cycle while still enjoying the season.
Is your holiday toast actually… stress in disguise?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks why so many people reach for “just one drink” during the holidays — not to celebrate, but to cope. We dive into the hidden stressors behind festive drinking, including:Why holiday pressure makes alcohol feel like instant relief How cortisol, exhaustion, and social expectations push you toward a glass The emotional and biological reasons your first sip feels so calming Signs your drinking is actually stress-driven — not joy-driven Healthier ways to unwind that don’t leave you anxious the next day How ingredients like Ashwagandha and L-Theanine (found in Daily Restore) support stress, mood, and nervous system balance during high-pressure seasons🎧 Tap play to explore why your holiday toast might be covering stress — and how to support yourself with healthier, more intentional rituals.
Ever notice how one drink suddenly feels like three? You’re not imagining it, your body’s just changed the rules.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down why your casual drink hits harder than it used to, and what that says about your health, metabolism, and recovery. You’ll learn:How aging, stress, hormones, and hydration affect alcohol toleranceWhy your liver’s “processing speed” naturally slows over timeHow lifestyle changes — even healthy ones — can make you more sensitive to alcoholWhat nutrients like Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) can do to support liver health, energy, and recovery🎧 Tap play to learn why your favorite drink suddenly feels stronger — and how to help your body keep up without giving up what you enjoy.
Ever pour yourself a “relaxing” drink at night — only to wake up groggy, anxious, or staring at the ceiling at 3 AM? You’re not alone.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks why your brain mistakes alcohol for rest, and what’s really happening when you pour that nightcap instead of actually sleeping. You’ll learn:How alcohol mimics calm but sabotages real restWhy your brain craves a drink after stress (and how to break that loop)The difference between passing out and true recovery sleepScience-backed ways to unwind — no buzz requiredHow ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) help your body relax naturally, reduce cortisol, and support quality sleep🎧 Tap play to learn why your late-night pour isn’t helping you rest — and how to finally get the calm your body’s been asking for.
Why does turkey dinner almost always come with wine — and why do we never question it?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the psychology, tradition, and subtle conditioning behind one of the most automatic holiday rituals we all participate in without thinking. You’ll learn: How family tradition and social norms hardwire alcohol into holiday meals Why your brain expects wine with turkey (hint: nostalgia + dopamine) The real science behind why holiday drinks hit harder than usual How stress, blood sugar, and heavy meals make “just one” feel like three Practical ways to enjoy the season without the next-day fog How ingredients like Vitamin B1 + NAC (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) help support energy, clarity, and recovery during heavy holiday routinesThe Thanksgiving Pairing We Never Questioned🎧 Tap play to uncover why wine shows up at every holiday dinner — and how to enjoy the season with more intention, energy, and control.
That first drink of the season always feels innocent — a small toast to the holidays, a well-earned break. But is it really just “one drink”?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology and biology behind the first sip of the season — why it feels so rewarding in the moment and why it can quietly set the tone for your entire holiday routine. You’ll learn:The science of how your brain remembers “holiday buzz” and craves it againWhy dopamine, cortisol, and sleep cycles clash after that first glassHow to create new rituals of relief that don’t involve pouring a drinkSmart ways to support your liver, brain, and mood — including ingredients like Milk Thistle and L-Tyrosine (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) that help you recover faster and stay balanced even when the drinks start flowing🎧 Tap play to discover how to enjoy your holidays consciously — with celebration, not regret, leading the way.
The holidays haven’t even started — but your wine glass already has.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the pre-holiday pour: why so many people start drinking more before the actual celebrations begin, and what that reveals about stress, anticipation, and how we try to “prepare” for joy. You’ll learn:The psychology behind pre-holiday drinking — from reward behavior to social pressureHow stress hormones and dopamine make early drinking feel justified (but backfire fast)The real physical toll of “starting early” on sleep, immunity, and mental healthPractical ways to decompress without draining your energy — plus how nutrients like Vitamin B12 and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in Cloud9’s Daily Restore support mood, liver health, and recovery during the busiest season of the year🎧 Tap play to learn why we drink before the holidays even start — and how to make this season feel lighter, calmer, and actually restorative.
Low-alcohol drinks are everywhere — from canned spritzers to “mindful” cocktails — but when did less become the new cool?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how low-alcohol went from niche to mainstream, and what it reveals about how we balance health, culture, and social life today. You’ll learn:Why millennials and Gen Z are driving the low-ABV revolutionThe science of moderation — how even small reductions can benefit your brain, liver, and sleepWhether these “light” drinks are actually healthier, or just better marketedHow nutrients like Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) — both found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore — can support energy, liver detox, and mental clarity as you cut back🎧 Tap play to uncover how the low-alcohol trend is reshaping drinking culture — and what it means for your health, habits, and hangovers.
Gen Z and millennials are rewriting the rules — and alcohol is no longer the main character.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores why younger generations are drinking less than ever, and what that says about culture, mental health, and connection today. You’ll learn:The surprising social, psychological, and economic reasons behind the “less booze, more balance” trendHow the rise of mental health awareness and wellness culture is changing drinking habitsWhy skipping alcohol isn’t about missing out — it’s about gaining clarity, energy, and presenceHow nutrients like Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) can help your body feel sharper, calmer, and more focused as you drink less🎧 Tap play to learn why the next generation isn’t just drinking differently — they’re redefining what “fun” and “freedom” really mean.
What really happens when your drinking habits shift — whether you’re cutting back, drinking more, or trying to find a middle ground?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what actually changes inside your body and brain when your drinking pattern does. You’ll learn:Why your sleep, emotions, and focus feel different when you drink more or lessHow your brain chemistry and liver adjust during “recalibration mode”Why cutting back can feel worse before it feels better (and why that’s a good sign)The real science behind why your body reacts faster than your mind when habits shiftPlus, Mike shares how key nutrients like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Vitamin B1 (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) support your liver, energy, and brain clarity while you adapt — helping your system recover smarter, not harder.🎧 Tap play to understand what your body’s been trying to tell you — and how to make every phase of change feel a little easier.
Ever notice you get sick more often after a night out?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol quietly weakens your immune system — even if you’re not drinking heavily. From disrupting gut health to draining your antioxidants, alcohol impacts far more than your hangovers.You’ll learn: 🧬 How alcohol affects your immune cells and inflammation levels 🥱 Why you might feel tired, sluggish, or “off” after drinking 💪 How your gut health and liver work together to protect your immunity 💊 The science behind ingredients like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Vitamin B12, found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore, that help your body recover and rebuild balance🎧 Tap play to uncover how alcohol affects your immune defense — and how to keep your system strong while still enjoying life on your terms.
Is a little really harmless?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the newest research challenging the idea of “safe” or “moderate” drinking — and what mild alcohol use actually does to your brain and body over time.You’ll learn: 🍷 What the latest studies say about “no safe level” of alcohol 🧠 How even small amounts impact sleep, mood, hormones, and long-term health 🔥 Why the myth of “a glass of wine a day” is finally being debunked 💊 How nutrients like Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) and Vitamin B12 — found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore — can help support energy, mood, and recovery as you cut back🎧 Tap play to hear what the science really says about mild drinking — and how to protect your health while still living your life on your terms.
Ever feel like your drinking habits are “fine” — because they’re small?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the psychology and science of micro-habits around alcohol — the ones that seem harmless but quietly shape your energy, focus, and mood over time.You’ll learn: 🍷 Why those nightly or “occasional” drinks influence your brain and sleep more than you think 🧠 How tiny routines — not binge nights — are what really build dependence 🌿 The science behind how your body adjusts (and what to do about it) 💊 How ingredients like Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) — found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore — can help replenish focus, energy, and detox pathways while you build better habits🎧 Tap play to explore how small choices around alcohol add up — and how to take back control, one mindful moment at a time.
Ever wonder what that “one more drink” really costs?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science and psychology behind the most common phrase in drinking culture — “just one more.”You’ll learn: 🍷 How even one extra drink affects your sleep, hormones, and focus the next day 🧠 Why your brain keeps rewarding that decision (and how to retrain it) 💤 The real connection between alcohol, stress, and recovery 🌿 How nutrients like Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) and Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) — both found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore — help your body bounce back, restore energy, and support mental clarity after drinking🎧 Tap play to learn how that “one more” adds up — and how to start choosing balance without losing the fun.
When did your “normal” drinking start to feel… not so normal anymore?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives deep into that subtle but powerful shift — the moment when alcohol stops feeling like a treat and starts feeling like a habit.You’ll learn: 🥂 Why “normal drinking” slowly creeps into dependency without you realizing it 🧠 How tolerance, stress, and sleep disruption make even a few drinks hit harder 💬 Why media and culture keep moving the goalpost on what “moderation” means 🌿 How nutrients like Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) — both found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore — support mental clarity, detox, and balance for anyone drinking less or recovering smarter🎧 Tap play to explore how “normal” drinking quietly became too much — and how you can redefine balance on your own terms.
Why do we say we’re “letting loose” when what we’re really doing is trying to escape?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology behind our favorite drinking phrase — and why society has turned “escape” into something we disguise as “fun.”You’ll learn: How “letting loose” became our modern code word for stress relief What’s happening in your brain when you drink to unwind — and why the calm never lasts The difference between healthy release and emotional numbing How ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) help you relax, balance mood, and actually let go without losing control 🎧 Tap play to discover what “letting loose” really means — and how to find freedom without the hangover.
When did your “normal” drinking start to feel… not so normal?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how casual, everyday drinking quietly evolves from a harmless ritual into something that leaves you foggy, anxious, and wondering what changed.You’ll learn: How habit loops and tolerance make “just one” feel necessary Why emotional numbing happens long before addiction ever does The turning point when alcohol stops helping and starts hijacking your calm How ingredients like NAC and Vitamin B1 (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) support clarity, detox, and recovery from the subtle toll of daily drinks🎧 Tap play to explore when “normal” became too much — and how to take back your energy, focus, and peace one night at a time.
In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks one of the most uncomfortable questions about alcohol — do we drink because we want to, or because everyone else does?You’ll learn: Why social conformity and dopamine make group drinking feel so rewarding How alcohol becomes a stand-in for confidence, connection, and belonging Why ingredients like Ashwagandha and L-Tyrosine (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) can help reduce stress and boost motivation — without needing a buzz How to rebuild your social life, identity, and energy on your own terms🎧 Tap play to explore the psychology of drinking — and what happens when you take peer pressure out of the picture.
🎧 How many memories, moments, or opportunities have slipped by while you were drinking?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives into the quiet cost of alcohol — the birthdays half-remembered, the mornings lost to hangovers, and the life experiences dulled by the buzz.You’ll learn: How alcohol interferes with memory formation and emotional depth Why drinking can make you “present” in the moment but absent from your memories The hidden impact of alcohol on creativity, relationships, and focus How nutrients like NAC and Vitamin B12 (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) can help restore clarity, energy, and brain health — especially if you’re drinking less🎧 Tap play to uncover what alcohol might be quietly taking — and how to get your energy, focus, and real moments back.
Adele Watson
Love this . I drink alot of AF and made me think of it in a different way