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.

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 anxiety
• The rebound effect: Why drinking to relax often makes stress worse
• The role of neurotransmitter depletion and how alcohol changes your brain over time
• Why 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 demand
• Why most thiamine supplements don’t absorb well—and what actually works
• The science behind TTFD, a superior form of thiamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier for better cognitive support
• How 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 moderation
• Why moderation often leads to over-drinking
• How mindful drinking helps you drink less without struggle
• The dopamine trap that keeps you stuck in drinking habits
• Why willpower doesn’t work (and what actually does)
• Simple mindset shifts to make cutting back easier
• How to start changing your habits without feeling deprived

If 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.