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 harder
• How alcohol hijacks decision-making, making that “one drink” harder to resist
• The paradox of choice—why too many options wear you down
• How cravings intensify when mental energy is low
• Practical 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 category
• Why traditional labels don’t always fit and can make change harder
• The science behind why it’s tough to cut back, even without addiction
• Real-life examples of in-between drinkers and their challenges
• How 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.